Hopeful

Return to Sugar Creek, #1

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Review & GIVEAWAY!

 Hope Persists!

Description

In the Amish town of Sugarcreek, love comes in many forms. But will it come at all for Miriam?

Miriam Zehr has worked at the Sugarcreek Inn longer than she cares to admit. The restaurant is a favorite of town residents as well as the many tourists who come to taste the famous Amish fare. Though she always tries to have a smile for every customer, deep down Miriam knows something’s missing: a family of her own.

Miriam has never felt particularly beautiful, especially because she’s always been a bit heavier than other girls her age. When Junior, the man she’s pined for all her life, suddenly seeks her out, she’s thrilled to be noticed . . . until she realizes he’s only asking her to help get the attention of Mary Kathryn Hershberger, her pretty friend.

If Miriam helps Junior court Mary Kathryn, she’ll get to spend a lot of time with him, but she might lose him in the process. Are these few stolen moments worth a lifetime of sacrifice? Is Miriam right to even hope for the life she dreams of?

Purchase a copy and learn more at Shelley’s website, http://www.amazon.com /, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, http://www.christianbook.com/, http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Contact the author at: http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/, 

https://www.facebook.com/ShelleyShepardGray


My Review ~

The characterizations throughout Hopeful represent many personality types, covering a broad spectrum. Miriam is a comforter, saddened by the fact that she is still single, but finds comfort in helping others. Junior is mature beyond his years, having been the father/mother figure for his numerous siblings since both parents died. Mary Kate is a newcomer to the community of Sugarcreek, and harbors secrets from a past tainted relationship. Her past admirer is overbearing and devious. As these characters intermingle throughout this story disappointment and anguish create depression and unhappiness, but hope is what inspires them to continue moving forward. 

The author has revealed a complex set of relationships throughout this book, and has created a realistic depiction of disappointment, heartbreak, compassion and an underlying hope that life will somehow become more satisfying and joyous. Family is an important element throughout, evidenced by a young couple who recently discovered they cannot have children of their own, as well as others seeking companionship and a life shared with someone they can love and honor. The Amish way of life is woven throughout this book, creating a community of people who share the same beliefs and expectations that we've come to respect through these examples. I enjoyed the interactions between the diverse characters in this story, and look forward to the sequels in this series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

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