Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray is a modern Amish story. Much of the plot focuses on the past experiences of the lead characters, Seth Zimmerman and Tabitha Yoder. The author emphasizes the negative things that can happen when people pass unfair judgement on others. This is a classic theme found in many books featuring Amish communities.

The book is really a story of people making hard choices and then living with the consequences. Some of those consequences are fair and others less so. Each character has his or her own path to choose and as the author takes them down these paths, it almost feels as though one can understand or empathize with the characters.

As one might expect, this story does have religious overtones and woven into the tale are themes such as prayer and learning to rely on God. This book is not just a warm and peaceful story about quiet ways of life; it has some intense scenes as well. Settle in and start the journey.

Review of an Advanced Reader Copy provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: Several references to an incident in which a man was forcing himself on a woman and when someone interrupted, the perpetrator was pushed down, hit his head on a rock and died. Many recollections of a man who physically abused his spouse; character grabs another and causes her physical harm.

Sex/Nudity: References to a person attempting to force himself on another person—no details are given and it is not entirely clear if the intent was just kissing or something additional; non-married characters kiss and embrace.

Mature Subject Matter:

Spousal abuse, emotional trauma.

Drug/Alcohol Use:

Reference to teenagers drinking.