Hopeful: Giveaway, Review, and Spotlight

Welcome to the blog tour for Hopeful, the first book in Shelley Shepard Gray's new series, Return to Sugarcreek. 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!

About 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?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/tacpd

My Review(4/5 stars):

Hopeful was a lovely story, and not your traditional Amish romance. Instead, Hopeful is a story of unrequited love revolving around Miriam, who's always had feelings for Junior. Sadly, Junior is only interested in Mary Kathryn. 

This book flowed beautifully, and was my first by Shelley Shepard Gray. After reading this, though, I certainly plan on reading more. I like a good book that takes me to a different way of living, especially one where the characters are well-developed and I loved every second of I spent with them. The book is not too long, so I finished all in one particularly cold and snowy afternoon with a cup(or three) of tea by my side. I think fans of Amish/Christian fiction will find a new favorite in Hopeful, book one of the Return to Sugarcreek series.