THE GIFT - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book

Welcome back, Shelley. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

There are three things that probably describe me best- I met my husband when I was 17 and we’ve been married almost 30 years. I have two grown children who I don’t see often enough, and I really like dogs…especially dachshunds.                                                                                                            How did you become interested in writing?         

I actually started writing while I was teaching sixth grade. I started writing for fun. I never, ever thought I would be published. I’m still surprised that other people besides myself like my books.                                                                              

What compelled you to write a book on this subject?

Ever since I spent a weekend in Hart County, Kentucky, and toured Horse Cave (both the cave and the town) I knew I wanted to have a book where my characters spent a good portion of the book inside the cave. I loved incorporating that experience with Christmas in THE GIFT. (I promise, it really does all make sense.)

           

What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?

The Gift refers to unexpected people who come into a person’s life. Some are so special, they become like treasured gifts. I also loved the idea of looking for a glimpse of the Lord’s light during our darkest times.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

My main goal when I write every book is for the reader to find that reading it was time well spent. Beyond that, I suppose a big part of the novel is that all of us are more than we might seem at first glance.

                                                                                   

What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?

There are a lot of very fine Amish authors in my genre. I’m delighted to be part of this group! I think the most unusual thing about THE GIFT is that it is an Amish Romantic Suspense book set at Christmas.           

                                                                                 

How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?

I serve God by sharing His love with others. I think this novel does that, too.

Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?

I like the verse that guided me through the writing of this novel. It’s from 2 Corinthians: We walk by faith, not by sight.

                                                           

When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?

Last year, I decided that I needed to do more things for myself, so I started taking Pilates classes. I now take two classes a week, which has made me much stronger. I also love to take our dogs on walks. My husband and I love to travel, and are always planning another trip. My all-time favorite thing to do is bake. I really do bake too much.                                                                                                                                                                   

As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?

I’ll be hosting a Girlfriend Getaway with author Amy Clipston in June of 2018! It’s up in Sugarcreek, Ohio, and about 8 other authors will be joining us! Please visit my website or Facebook page for more information. I’d love for your followers to consider joining us!

It sounds like fun! Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

My website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter, @ShelleySGray

Thank you, Shelley, for sharing this book with us. An Amish romantic Suspense book sounds interesting, and I love Christmas books. I know my blog readers do, too.

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Gift - Christianbook.com
The Gift: The Amish of Hart County - Amazon paperback
The Gift: The Amish of Hart County - Kindle
The Gift: The Amish of Hart County - Audiobook

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