Friday, March 3, 2017

"An Uncommon Protector" by Shelley Shepard Gray ... and a GIVEAWAY!


In celebration of her latest release, Shelley has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (US ONLY). To enter, click on the Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends March 10, 2017.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!


A word from Shelley...

Thank you for inviting me to your blog! Here’s a bit about how the Lone Star Heroes Series came to be:

After writing the Chicago Mystery Series (Secrets of Sloane House, Deception on Sable Hill, Whispers in the Reading Room), I was anxious to begin another historical series. However, I wanted to write about something a little closer to home, a western series set in Texas. I lived all over the United States and have lived in southern Ohio for almost twenty years, but I grew up in Houston, and Texas still has my heart.

Anyway, while doing research, I discovered that there was a Confederate Officer POW camp in the middle of Lake Erie. That really intrigued me! I couldn’t imagine how difficult it would have been for those men to be transferred by train to Sandusky then marched across the ice to Johnson’s Island in the winter. A few weeks later, my husband and I drove up to Sandusky and visited a veteran’s home where the whole third floor was a museum about the camp. From there, we made our way to Johnson’s Island and explored the cemetery that is still standing.

My mind kept coming up with stories about the men, so I made up my own band of brothers, led by Captain Devin Monroe. I decided to have these men make a pact to help each other during the war … and then I was off and running!

The first book, The Loyal Heart, took place in Galveston. I loved a lot of things about that book, including how vulnerable the heroine was. For the second book, An Uncommon Protector, I wanted a different tone because my hero in the novel, Thomas Baker, was a rather rough-around-the-edges man. I thought he needed a situation where his impulsiveness and hard edges would come in handy. I also wanted him to have a woman who was as tough and brave in her own way as he was. I was a big fan of Laurel Tracey! I liked how she never took the easy route, even when she was scared to death! I found a lot to admire about her.

I hope everyone will give the book a try and perhaps find something that they like about this couple, too!

The third book in the series, Love Held Captive, comes out in November. Get ready, because it takes place in San Antonio and features two storylines … one with Major Kelly and one featuring Captain Monroe himself.  

Thanks again for inviting me to visit, and I hope y’all enjoy the books! 

My review...

Thomas Baker has had a difficult life. Though he was once a war hero, he is now serving time for an inability to pay off gambling debts. His life is about to change after he is “purchased” by Laurel Tracey to work for her for one year.

Laurel is in over her head. Her parents left Red Roan Ranch to her, and she is determined to keep it running. She lost her father and brother in the war, and her mother and stepfather died soon after. She has step-siblings, but they want her to sell. She hires Thomas to help at the ranch, particularly in relation to the problem she is having with squatters.

Someone is determined to run Laurel off, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. Will Thomas be able to help her save the ranch, or has Laurel made a serious mistake in trusting a criminal?

This is the second book “Lone Star Heroes” series, but it can be read as a standalone. Fans of historical fiction, particularly the Civil War era, will certainly want to check out this book. Laurel is a strong, compassionate heroine who sees the best in others. Thomas is flawed but relatable and has strong character development. Overall, this is a story of love, loss, redemption and how love makes all the difference in the world. There is even a bit of mystery woven throughout.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review. 

About Shelley...

Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish romances for Harper Collins inspirational line, Avon Inspire, and historical romances as Shelley Gray for  Zondervan and Thomas Nelson. Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.  
To date, Shelley has published over fifty novels for a variety of publishers. Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR, as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor's degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master's degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full-time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and is an active member of her church. Shelley is active on Facebook and Twitter.


Readers can find me at: http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/
Or follow me on Twitter @ShelleySGray


a Rafflecopter giveaway

29 comments:

  1. I haven't read any, but my mom loves her books

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    1. I'm sure your mom will enjoy this one, too, Mark. Thanks so much for stopping by, and good luck!

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  2. I have not read any of your books yet. Y

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  3. Replies
    1. Charlene,

      If you haven't checked out any of her books, you are in for a treat. I do hope you look up her books. She has mysteries and Amish-themed ones, as well as historicals.

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog.

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  4. I don't think I have read any of Shelley's books but remember seeing her Chicago series around and thinking they sounded really good. Love a good historical!

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    1. atty, I would recommend the Chicago series if you are a fan of mysteries!

      Shelley has quite a few historicals, and they are all good :)

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

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  5. I'm looking forward to meeting Shelley at CFRR this summer.
    Thanks for the chance to win this book!

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    1. Oh, you're going to love her! I've met her a few times, and she's very sweet.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

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  6. This looks really good! I'm a first time reader, too, but it seems right up my alley! Hope I win! :)

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    1. I'm so glad I can introduce you to a "new" author!

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog.

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  7. I've read several of Shelley's Amish fiction with several more on my ever-growing want to read list, especially the Chicago mystery series :-) I've been excited to see this new one of hers come out! I can't name a favorite as she writes anything well. I enjoy her stories very much.

    Thanks for the author interview, review & giveaway chance Leslie!

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    1. Trixi,

      I love the Chicago mystery series! It is hard to pick just one, as she has so many wonderful books.

      You're very welcome, and good luck!

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  8. Yes, I've read several of Shelley's books, and I love them! Couldn't possibly pick a favorite.

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    1. I agree that she has too many books to pick just one :)

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.

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  9. I have not read her books yet

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    1. Jan,

      I'm so glad I can introduce you to a "new" author! I think you'll really enjoy her books.

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog.

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  10. I read her first series that started with Hidden. It was wonderful!

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    1. Elise,

      Yes! That's a great series.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

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  11. I love The Heart of a Hero series! A Texan's Promise was one of the first few books that led me into the Christian Fiction world. My mother loves the Amish books. We are both looking forward to meeting Shelley when she comes to town for the Reading Fest hosted by our local library!

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    1. Karen,

      That's so wonderful that Shelley introduced you to Christian fiction! Thanks for sharing. I agree with your mom. The Amish books are some of my favorites. I hope you both have a wonderful time meeting Shelley. She's so sweet :)

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog.

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  12. I've read the first two books of Shelley Shepard Gray's Charmed Amish Life series and have the next two sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. I loved both of those books, but the A Son's Vow was my favorite. Crazily enough, I just purchased the first book in this new series (Lone Star Hero's Love Story) just yesterday.

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    1. Terrill,

      I love that series! I was able to visit Charm, OH last year, which really helped bring life to the stories.

      That's great that you have book one. They can be read as standalones, but I always enjoy reading a series in order.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

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  13. I am a fan of Shelley's and have read most of the books she has written! This new series sounds wonderful! I loved her Heart of a Hero series which was also in the western genre.

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    1. Thanks for visiting my blog, Denise. I think I've read most of them, too :)

      This new series is certainly one to check out. Good luck!

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  14. I have read a couple of Shelly's books. Don't have a favorite since I enjoy them all

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    1. Trish,

      I agree that it's hard to pick just one!

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.

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  15. Oh my goodness, that is a hard question...at least for me. I love all her books that I have read. But if I have to choose one, it would have to be: The Secrets of Crittenden County series.

    Thank you for this opportunity to get a free book of hers. I will be seeing Shelley in Ft. Myers at the Reading Festival on 3/18, this will be the 3rd time meeting her. She is so very sweet in person! Can't wait.

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    1. Sorry :( I know it's hard to just pick one! The Secrets of Crittenden County is a great choice.

      You're very welcome. I'm glad you'll be seeing Shelley soon. I've met her a couple times, and I agree that she's super sweet! Enjoy the festival. It sounds like fun :)

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