Walnut Creek Series, The: The Protective One (Series #3) (Paperback)

The tragic and untimely death of her old friend has made Elizabeth rethink not only her priorities but her relationship with David, the man her parents have been encouraging her to see. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off with David in an effort to just focus on herself for a while. But when her family becomes upset with her decision, Elizabeth turns to her friends for support. One of her most supporting friends is Will, who has long secretly harbored feelings for her. And when Elizabeth's ex unexpectedly raises some trouble, Will decides to step up to the plate for his long-time friend. Can their friendship survive this difficult time or will it actually change for the better? New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray weaves a moving and unforgettable exploration of love and friendship in this "slow-burning, enjoyable romance [with] a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what's right rather than what's easy" (Publishers Weekly).

The tragic and untimely death of an old friend has made Elizabeth Anne rethink not only her priorities but also her courtship with David, her longtime neighbor and suitor. Though he's Mennonite like herself and has her parents' approval, she feels that a spark is missing. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off wondering if, perhaps, she's the one who's missing a spark.

When her family becomes upset with her decision, E.A. turns to her friends for support. One of them is Will, a man with a good heart who has always been there for her. As the two bond over their shared struggle to navigate a future that everyone else seems to have figured out, they are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other.

But E.A.'s world takes a sudden turn when she realizes that she's not the only one struggling Marta, one of her sewing students, is in desperate need of protection. With the aid of Will and several other friends, E.A. begins a journey that is more difficult and rewarding than she could have ever imagined...one that ultimately enables her to find everything she's been searching for.

"Gray deftly weaves the threads of abuse, friendship, love, and faith into a thought-provoking, emotional story" (Patricia Davids, USA TODAY bestselling author) that is sure to appeal to both new and longtime fans.