Interview with Shelley Shepard Gray: Writing Suspenseful Amish Romance, Redemptive Love, and Finding Courage in Community

Interview with Shelley Shepard Gray: Writing Suspenseful Amish Romance, Redemptive Love, and Finding Courage in Community

Author: Kelly Jo Wilson August 20, 2025 Duration: 50:28

In this heartfelt episode, bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns to chat with Kelly about her latest romantic suspense novel, Unshaken — a thrilling standalone set in the hauntingly quiet Amish community of Crittenden County, Kentucky. Shelley opens up about her creative process, overcoming writer’s block with unexpected help from neighbors, and how her characters wrestle with faith, fear, and redemption. This episode is full of warmth, wisdom, and a beautiful reminder that in Christ, we are all made new. Plus, Unshaken is included in this month’s special giveaway!

Listen to the episode here.

Meet Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray picture

With more than 2 million copies of her books sold, Shelley Shepard Gray has mastered the delicate balance of faith, romance, and suspense that readers have come to expect. In her newest standalone novel, Unshaken, Gray offers a tension-filled, tightly written tale that is sure to thrill fans of both Amish fiction and romantic suspense.

Shelley Shepard Gray is The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books, including Unforgiven and Unforgotten. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and a Carol Award finalist, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Visit Shelley’s Website

Follow Shelley

Bible Verse for Encouragement

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Shelley Shepard Gray’s New Book: Unshaken

He helps her hide until danger has passed. She hopes her cover lasts long enough.

When Stephanie Miller planned her visit to a dollar store in southern Ohio, she was expecting to pick up a few items she couldn’t find in her Amish community. She was not expecting to find herself an innocent bystander as a drug deal went horribly wrong. The sole witness to a murder, now Stephanie is targeted by the gunman.

Hardy Anderson is always ready to help his social worker sister, Bev–which now includes hiding an Amish woman until a killer can be brought to justice. Surely if they dress her in English clothing, Hardy can hide her at the sprawling ranch where he works. But the killer is desperate–and there’s no telling what lengths he will go.

PRAISE FOR UNFORGOTTEN
“Readers won’t be able to resist the propulsive plotting. This begs to be read in one sitting.”Publishers Weekly

“This uplifting story of healing reminds readers that God’s love and grace endures even within one’s trauma and fear.”Booklist

This tension-filled tale is sure to thrill fans of Amish fiction and romantic suspense alike. Acclaimed author threads together themes of protective hero, fish out of water, and confronting trauma.

💞 Tropes in Unshaken

  • Woman in danger
  • Forced proximity
  • Fish out of water
  • Protective hero (military background)
  • Opposites attract
  • Found family
  • Villain with a POV / morally gray antagonist
  • Glamping cabin bonding scene (Love Boat binge)
  • Slow-burn connection
  • Redemption arc

Get your copy today!

Amazon

Baker Book House

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Kelly’s Personal Update

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!

Finding Forevermore Novel

If you missed out on my debut novel Finding Forevermore on Kickstarter, no worries. You’ll have a chance to get the book at a later time once it officially launches across retailers like Amazon.

I’ll share more updates by joining my free email list and you’ll get all kind of goodies! Visit my website here to sign up

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Hosted by Kelly Jo Wilson, The Christian Romance Podcast offers a quiet space for readers who find solace and joy in stories where love and faith intertwine. Each conversation moves beyond a simple book discussion, delving into the personal journeys and creative processes of the authors who craft these narratives. You'll hear about the moments of inspiration, the challenges of weaving spiritual themes authentically into a love story, and the real-life faith that shapes fictional worlds. This podcast is for anyone who appreciates the deeper layers within Christian romance fiction, seeking connection with both the art and the artists behind it. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that explore how compelling relationships are built, both on the page and in the heart, making each episode a reflective look at the genre. Listeners become part of a community that values meaningful storytelling, discovering new voices and cherished favorites through these intimate author interviews. The discussions naturally celebrate the craft of writing while examining how themes of hope, redemption, and grace are expressed through character and plot. Kelly Jo guides each episode with a genuine curiosity, ensuring the conversation remains engaging and substantive for anyone passionate about fiction that nourishes the spirit. Find your next favorite read and a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into every story on this podcast.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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