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romanticread 's review for:

All in by Shelley Shepard Gray
4.0

~Those who are fans of SSG's writing need to be aware this is a different style than her previous Amish romances.  Like with the first story in this series, I think that a lot of people think they know what to expect and then are surprised by a clean but more contemporary romance.  Just a warning :) ~

Like Take a Chance, All In is more than just a romance.  There is the relationship between Ace and Meredith, but we also have Meredith learning to open herself up to others, Ace & Finn developing a better relationship, Finn settling in to a new school, and Finn's interactions with the awkward girl next door.  (I do wish we'd gotten a bit more there.  I think that there was so much opportunity to develop not only their interactions together but also the way they are viewed by other kids.)  It all works together to create a beautiful tapestry capturing small town life.  

I will say that Gray pleasantly surprised me with the ending.  I thought for sure I knew where things were going and the conflict Ace & Meredith would have to face before they could have their HEA ... but I was wrong!  I love a book that doesn't take the obvious angle.  

All In is a lovely, sweet, and believable story of finding love and belonging.  Shelley Shepard Gray is a skilled writer, drawing her readers into the character's lives and making them feel real.  I really hope she continues bringing us stories from Bridgeport.  

**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**