Hopeful

 

About The Book:  Return to Sugarcreek, Book One  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 .

About The Author:  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.

My Thoughts On The Book:  I was thrilled to see a new series by Shelley Shepard Gray and I couldn't wait to meet the characters.  I have to say once I began reading it I could not put it down until it was finished.  If you love Amish fiction this is a really good read. It covers a variety of topics, literacy issues, self worth, kindness, orphans, and it would not be an Amish book without love. This book introduces us to Miriam Zehr and Albert (Junior) Beiler. Miriam wants to start her own family but cannot seem to find her someone special.  She gets so excited when Junior Beiler seeks her out.  Our Amish maedal cannot believe that she has found someone interested in her, only to have her hopes dashed when she finds out he is interested in her new friend. Shelley Gray creates such delightful characters in her books.  These characters are the kind you feel you have known forever.  It is a wonderful book full of Christian values, family, friends and a  strong reminder for us that God is always in control.  I can honestly say that Hopeful is perfect for Amish fans and I cannot wait for the second book in the series to be published. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Re Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.* Thanks guys for allowing me to review this book.