Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray Book Review

Ex-con Seth Zimmerman has spent the last three years making amends by helping the vulnerable in his former Amish community. Lately, this mission includes calling on Tabitha Yoder, whose divorce from her abusive husband has isolated her from the community. Even though she never comes out of her house to talk to him, Seth knows she watches him from the window while he chops wood, clears her driveway, and drops off food.   An uneasy friendship is just starting to take hold between them when small gifts begin to appear at Tabitha's home--gifts that can only be from her ex-husband. Seth might be Tabitha's only hope at maintaining her hard-won freedom from the man whose violent outbursts had almost cost her life. But coming to her rescue might mean he ends up behind bars once again.   Get swept up in this emotional story of two outcasts who may be each other's only hope for happiness and redemption from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray.

My Thoughts:

Another heartfelt book by Shelley Shepard Gray. I had a hard time setting the book down. The story captivated me throughout the book.  As usual with this author, she does a good job dealing with the sensitive topic of domestic abuse, divorce, and a past felon who spent time behind bars. Unforgiven is the first book in a new series, Rumors in Ross County.

I couldn’t help but have heartfelt feelings for the two main characters. Tabitha Yoder and Seth Zimmerman are formerly Amish and live close to their former Amish community but are somewhat outcasts among their family and friends.

Tabitha Yoder escaped an abusive marriage. Her ex-husband was a monster and was both physically and mentally abusive. After a miscarriage, she was able to get away from him and divorce him.  It cost her a lot to leave her abusive husband, including being shunned. She is a fragile spirit and has chosen to live in seclusion.

Seth Zimmerman accidentally killed a man while protecting a woman and he spent time in prison. He wasn’t baptized at the time of the incident. He’s a good man and knows that God has forgiven him. Seth has a good heart. For the last three years, Seth has been helping people in his former Amish community who are vulnerable. He enjoys helping others as needed. Tabitha watches from the window and is grateful for him doing chores without asking her what needs to be done. After two years of not talking to Seth, she wants to thank him for all his help. After her courage to thank him, an uneasy friendship begins.

Gifts start showing up at Tabitha’s door. She learns that the gifts aren’t from Seth. The only other person who would send her gifts would be her ex-husband. The fear begins to grab her. Seth isn’t going to let that monster hurt her anymore. Seth will go back to prison again to protect.

Many good secondary characters and a stray puppy that shows up at Tabitha's place.

Another well-written book that touches on many hard topics. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received this complimentary product through Revell in exchange for my honest thoughts.