Disclosure: I received this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.
Welcome to the blog tour for Hopeful, the first book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s new series, Return to Sugarcreek.  

The bittersweet story in Hopeful reminded me about all those quips my grandmother told me during my pimply teenage years.  What’s on the inside is what matters.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Man looks at the outward appearance; God looks at the heart.  Although those sayings might be true in utopia, they really offer no consolation to a homely girl, even in an Amish community.  After being overlooked by all the eligible men in her town, Miriam was less than content to become the town spinster.  Who can blame her?

Hopeful left me with a bad aftertaste.  I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Miriam as it seemed that she was pushed to the side by everyone, including her parents.  She was talented, sweet, and intelligent.  A devoted friend, she volunteered her time and energy to those around her.  Honestly, I felt like she got the raw end of the deal in this book and settled for less than she deserved.  To be blunt, the book didn’t end the way I wanted.  And we all know that I like to get my way!!

There was an awkward side story going on with a couple who suffered a miscarriage; it didn’t really blend with the rest of the book very well.   I thought that the Ben/Judith issue could have been its own separate book.   Shelley Shepard Gray writes in such a way that I felt familiar with the characters even though this was my first book by this author.  Their heartaches and personalities seemed real to me.  In the end, just like with people, that’s what matters in a good book.

Critics have already given their thumbs up for Hopeful: “Lovable characters and a good story, full of romance and suspense . . . a must read.” (Library Journal)

Enter to win one of FIVE copies of the book. 

Five winners will receive:

• Hopeful by Shelley Shepard Gray

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 23rd. All winners will be announced February 24th at Shelley’s blog.

Enter today and be sure to visit Shelley’s blog on the 24th to see if YOU won one of the books!