The Trustworthy One (Walnut Creek Series, The)($9.19Value)

Description

New York Times and USA TOD AY bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns to the charming and evocative Walnut Creek Series with “this sweet Amish love story” ( Woman’s World ) following one broken young woman whose search for peace leads her back to her hometown, where she rediscovers her faith and reconnects with those she loves most. Kendra Troyer always knew she would leave Walnut Creek the first chance she got. When she was accepted into design school, she tried her best not to look back at the four siblings she was abandoning, but ahead to Columbus, where she was determined to stay—far away from her abusive home and far away from Nate Miller, the boy she vowed to despise for the rest of her life. Though she suffered through dark times in Columbus, Kendra found her faith in the Lord again, and years later, when she learned one of her good friends had died, she realized it was time to go home to those she left behind. Back in Walnut Creek, Kendra has a life she never could have imagined: her own design shop, a pretty little house, and a tight-knit group of friends. After she settles down, though, unexpected visitors come knocking and dark memories begin to resurface. Complicating things even further is the ever-present Nate Miller, who now owns the hardware store two doors down and whose very presence stirs in Kendra a fierce need to turn away and hide from her past. But Nate is persistent in setting things right between them. As Kendra tries to come to terms with the anger she holds from her childhood, will she be able to open her heart to forgiveness and find the comfort she has always longed for in Walnut Creek? “Gray’s biblical themes are nuanced and well integrated into the narrative.” ― Publishers Weekly “Hope is found in unexpected places as this sweet Amish love story unfolds.” ― Woman's World A practicing Lutheran, Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than one hundred novels, translated into multiple languages. In her years of researching the Amish community, she depends on her Amish friends for gossip, advice, and cinnamon rolls. She lives in Colorado with her family and writes full time. Chapter One ONE “So, it’s been a little over a year since Andy died,” Katie began to a large group of friends in the gathering room of her bed-and-breakfast. “I’m sorry I didn’t plan something last month, but to be honest, I just couldn’t do it.” “I don’t ever want to gather on the day of Andy’s funeral,” Kendra said. “He would’ve hated that.” TEN YEARS LATER SEPTEMBER “What do you think, Miss Troyer? Will these improvements suit your needs, or would you like us to make some additional changes?” Kendra walked farther into the recently painted and carpeted storefront and ran her hand along the countertop that had just been installed. It was refurbished wood and had been sanded and polished until it shone. It was the final component that she’d needed to complete her vision for Tried and True Furnishings. She intended to sell both vintage and new eclectic pieces of furniture, rugs, and accessories to make any house a home. Just looking at it all, she felt a burst of pride. This place was quite an accomplishment for a girl who’d grown up in a place that was barely two steps up from a shack. “I don’t think anything else will need to be done, Mr. Grayson,” she replied as calmly as possible. She so wanted to sound like a lady. “It looks just as I had hoped. Thank you so much.” Mr. Grayson, who was fond of wearing overalls and flannel shirts no matter what time of the year, stuffed his hands in his back pockets. “So, should I tell Jan to send you the contract?” “Yes. I’m ready to sign a lease.” He grinned. “That’s real good news. I know you’ve been back for a while now, but this feels official. Welcome back to Walnut Creek, Miss Troyer.” “Thank you. I’m glad to be here.” And it really was almost the truth. After they shook hands, Clyde Grayson gathered up his backpack and strode out of the building. Leaving Kendra to stand alone for the first time in her very own shop. It was the culmination of what felt like a lifetime of hard work. After struggling through school for most of her life, things had finally clicked well enough for her to get her GED and eventually apply to a small design school outside of Columbus. Miss Wilson, the volunteer who’d helped her with her coursework, had been her angel. She’d boosted up Kendra’s low self-esteem, encouraged her when everyone else hardly looked her way, and even found additional scholarships and grants for Kendra so she could have free room and board at school. Remembering the day she’d left on the bus for college, Kendra shivered. She’d been so scared to venture out to the big city. Almost as scared as she’d been relieved to leave Walnut Creek. After boarding the bus, she’d stared out the window, not thinking about anything other than the fact that she was about to change h