Hopeful

GIVEAWAY

 GRAY, SHELLEY SHEPARD
HOPEFUL

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?

My Review:

Such a touching, sweet love story that pulled at my heart. The title is so appropriate...and doesn't Miriam look hopeful on that front cover? And it's not only Miriam who is hoping for something more -- other characters face seemingly hopeless situations that turn around by the end of the book. I love the way Gray has followed this theme throughout her story. She shares the grittiness of life but softens it with the promise of hope in so many ways. The key though, is in how the characters face their dilemmas. It is their choices that herald in the new season of hope in their lives. A profound truth that I am taking away from this inspiring read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Hopeful please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.  If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March  30 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.