An Amish Surprise

Shelley Shepard Gray

May 2021 · Simon and Schuster · Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

About this audiobook

In the second installment of the “enjoyable and charming” (USA TODAY) Shelley Shepard Gray’s delightful Berlin Bookmobile series, librarian Sarah Anne Miller returns to Berlin to help a childless Amish couple form the family they’ve always prayed for.

Miriam and Calvin Gingerich have been trying for a baby for several years, but the Lord hasn’t seen fit to bless them. Though Calvin claims he’s content with their childless state, Miriam knows he’s not, and when he starts spending more time off their farm, she worries he’s found someone else. But just as she finds herself at her lowest point, she discovers the ultimate surprise. Unable to confide in anyone who might tell Calvin—out of fear she’ll disappoint him with another miscarriage—Miriam turns to bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller—and any books she may have on pregnancy and childbirth.

Calvin has been keeping a secret from his wife, but it’s not another woman. It’s a little boy. One afternoon when visiting Sarah Anne’s bookmobile, he meets Miles, a ten-year-old living with a foster family down the road. But after spending more time with the boy, Calvin learns that his foster family has no plans to adopt him. Calvin feels a connection with Miles and yearns to give the boy a home, but he’s afraid to tell Miriam, knowing she’s devastated they can’t have children of their own.

As weeks pass and Sarah Anne learns that Miles has nearly given up hope of ever finding a real home, she knows it’s time to intervene. It’s going to take some fancy footwork and a whole lot of prayer, but she knows she can help make this struggling couple into a happy family of four.

Ratings and reviews

This sweet Amish story was a poignant one which I feel will certainly touch your heart. I did not have the chance yet to read book 1, so I can say that it is a good stand-alone. The story line was one that was realistic and contemporary. I could feel Miles' pain as he is told his foster parents could no longer have him stay. Feeling rejected and alone, Miles wonders what he could have done to let him stay and why no one has ever wanted to adopt him. His friend, Calvin, has come to be very fond of Miles and Miles hopes that Calvin's home will be his next home, but it is not Miriam's plan and Calvin wants to keep the peace in his still childless family. Lots of feelings and emotions that surround this Amish family. I really enjoyed this book and will plan on reading book 1! The characters were endearing and the story was heartwarming. I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.

About the author

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.