His Promise

May 1, 2018

In Gray's next Christmas novel, Grace King is dismayed to find herself pet-sitting next door to John Michael Miller, who once loved and left her sister. But John left because he knew he loved Grace instead, and now, as a fireman, he's worried that suspicious neighborhood blazes threaten her. With a 25,000-copy hardcover and 75,000-copy paperback first printing.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 24, 2018
Gray (Her Fear) invites readers into the normally quiet Amish community of Hart County, Ky., in this cozy yet exciting novel. Nineteen-year-old Grace is the quietest of her large, rollicking family and finds her role in the family as the home and pet sitter perfectly tailored to her disposition. That is, until the holiday season, when she begins sitting for a temperamental, spirited dachshund named Snooze while her own family and friends are away. One snowy night, she discovers that her new next-door neighbor is none other than John Michael, the man who broke her sister Beth’s heart—and captured Grace’s own heart years ago. John Michael, now a volunteer firefighter, regrets that he had to break off his relationship with Beth—but holds the reason secret. With everyone else away, the two reconnect over Snooze’s antics (a dachshund is no match for a brawny firefighter), but when mysterious fires begin popping up near Grace’s home, John Michael dedicates himself to finding who is responsible and proving his commitment to her. Combining the warmth of old friendships, the humor of Grace’s dog-sitting antics, and a hint a mystery surrounding the fires, Gray’s inspirational Christmas mystery will appeal to any fan of Amish fiction.

Starred review from October 15, 2018
If there is one thing Grace King prizes after growing up in a large and boisterous Amish family, it is peace and quiet. So, when Mr. and Mrs. Lee offer Grace the opportunity to stay in their home while she takes care of their dachshund, Snooze, over the Christmas holiday, it seems like the perfect gift for herself. However, Grace quickly discovers that the delights of being left alone with nobody but a persnickety dog for company soon pale. Thus, while out walking Snooze one morning, Grace is thrilled to discover that there are neighbors nearby, but she quickly becomes less excited once she learns that one is none other than John Michael Miller, who five years ago courted and then broke things off with Grace's older sister, Beth. In the latest quietly profound addition to her Amish of Hart County series, including Her Fear? (2018), Gray's writing not only perfectly captures the simple grace of the Amish tradition, but it also beautifully celebrates all the heart and hope of the holiday season.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)