July 07, 2026

The Unexpected Caller JustRead Tour {book review and giveaway}

The Amish Widow's Club JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Unexpected Caller
Series: The Amish Widows Club #1
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Genre: Amish Fiction / Contemporary / Romance

She finds sisterhood in the Amish Widows Club--but will she risk loving again?

Leanna Mast never imagined she'd be a widow at forty-one, but it seems God had other plans. After mourning her husband for a year, she realizes it's time to start living again. But her community expects her to remarry, and after living on her own, she's not eager to start cooking and cleaning in another man's home.

When she's invited to join the Amish Widows Club, she discovers a place of belonging she didn't even know she needed. In this group of women who support each other through sharing books, stories, and companionship, Leanna immediately feels welcome. She's sure her life as a widow will bring her the fulfillment she craves . . . until handsome, kind Evan Keim comes calling. As their relationship deepens, her heart becomes involved. But how could she possibly leave the widows club for a dream that might be too good to be true?

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray skillfully draws readers into an endearing and delightful Amish community of friendship during widowhood and a second chance at love.

More in This Series

Excerpt

Had she ever felt about Willis the way Doreen seemed to feel about Mike?

No. No, she had not.

“I’m sorry my dear Mike is gone too,” Doreen said. “He was such a good man.” She shook her head. “But that isn’t why I came over here.”

“I see.” That was a lie, though. She actually didn’t see anything about Doreen’s unplanned visit, her words, or the startling, steady way she looked at her.

After staring at her for a long moment, Doreen pulled out a card. “I came over to give you this, dear.” She held it out, and her gaze warmed. “Here.”

Confused, Leanna accepted the card. Noticed that it was made of fine card stock, with three words written in bold, black script. Amish Widows Club

She ran a finger over the three words.

“What is this?”

“It’s an invitation, dear.”

“To . . . to what?”

Reaching out, Doreen enfolded Leanna’s hands in her own. “I came over to let you know that there are quite a few widows in the area who don’t necessarily want to marry again. They’re tired of being set up with friends of friends and tired of being courted by desperate men in need of home- cooked meals . . . or worse.”

“Worse?”

Instead of explaining, Doreen’s voice gentled. “I have found them to be a wonderful support group. Some are like me, who had a wonderful marriage with the love of their life and don’t want to marry again. Other women weren’t so blessed. Still others have their own private reasons for wanting to remain single. However, we all have something in common.”

“What is that?”

“We yearn for friendships with like-minded ladies. We meet together about once a month in private, at each other’s houses. People think we’re having sewing bees or making food for charity auctions or a host of other things. While we certainly do many good things for other people, we mainly just sit and chat and laugh and support each other.”

“I see.”

Doreen chuckled. “I don’t think you do, dear. But that’s okay. All that matters is that I think you would fit into our group just fine.”

After squeezing Leanna’s hands one more time, Doreen stood up. Carefully arranged the tails of her kapp.Picked up a purse that Leanna hadn’t noticed she’d been carrying. “I think I’ve taken up enough of your time, dear. You take care now.”

That was it? Doreen was just going to . . . leave?

Feeling rather irritated, Leanna picked up the card and hurried to Doreen’s side. “Wait.”

The woman turned on her heel. “Yes?”

“Thank you for the offer, but I don’t believe that—”

“I understand. When you have time, read the directions on the other side of the card. It will tell you what to do, whether you decide to take me up on my invitation or choose to pretend this visit never happened.”

Choose to pretend? “You don’t understand.”

“I’m afraid I do, dear. I’ve been where you are myself.” Doreen turned before opening the front door. “Leanna, whatever you decide to do next is your decision. Pray on it and then move on. No matter what, it is your choice.”

“My choice,” she echoed.

“Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, dear. And no matter what, please know that I hope you find peace. I promise that things will get better. They always do, ain’t so?”

And with that, Doreen turned back around, adjusting her black cape over her navy- colored dress before striding forward.

Mesmerized, Leanna stood by the door and watched her leave, the hem of Doreen’s dress swishing around her ankles as the tails of her white kapp fluttered in the wind.

She never looked back once.

When the woman was out of sight, Leanna quickly closed the door. She walked to stand in front of the fireplace and gave thanks that the fire inside was still burning brightly on this chilly day.

And felt curiously empty.

Ill at ease, she returned to the kitchen, gazed at the stacks of cups and plates in the sink. All that remained of the past two visits. One so very disagreeable. The other so very disconcerting.

Feeling as if she was in a daze, Leanna sat back down in her chair. Took off her shoes. Took a bite of another cookie. She wondered yet again if a peanut butter cookie ever could be special, then decided she didn’t care and put it back down.

She stared at the card on the center of the table. Its crisp, white form lay like a beacon against the dark wood’s surface.

Unable to help herself, Leanna pulled the card toward her and gazed at the front. Amish Widows Club

Finally her curiosity got the best of her.

She flipped.

We’re a group no one intended to join but no one wants to be without.

If you are interested in joining our organization, call the number below. You’ll hear a recording

listing the next meeting location, date, and time.

If you decide not to join us, there’s no hard feelings. You will not be asked again.

At the very bottom was a phone number.

Shelley Shepard Gray, The Unexpected Caller

My Thoughts

The Unexpected Caller is the first book of "The Amish Widows Club" series, and is such a fun, engaging read.

Having experienced unhappy marriage myself, and finding myself single again, I could relate to Leanna and her reluctance to marry again. It's hard to trust again. I loved to see how involved Evan's sons were in urging and encouraging him to pursue Leanna. I also appreciate how Leanna could find friendship and fellowship with other women.

If you enjoy sweet Amish fiction, with a touch of romance, you will definitely want to add this one to your TBR. I'm already looking forward to book two of the series!

I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and finalist for both the Christy and the Carol Awards, 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. Learn more at ShelleyShepardGray.com.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!