Book Review: Hopeful by Shelley Shepard Gray
Book 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?
I personally know the ache of getting attention from a boy so they can get to know your friend. Shelley did a great job making Miriam a heroine we can relate to. Miriam isn’t a natural beauty. She’s had her eyes on Junior forever and his attention has her family all excited. Thing is, Junior wants to get to know her friend Mary Kathryn, not Miriam.
This is a sweet story where true friendship and love are explored against the backdrop of Sugarcreek, Ohio. I wanted a bit more of Sugarcreek, but that’s me being selfish because I don’t live too far from the area and I love reading about it.
Mary Kathryn has her own story as well, and the ending is full of suspense.
Overall,reading about Miriam’s heart and how excited her parents are for her and Junior’s affections is heartbreaking to read, but impossible to put down. I hope you’ll give Hopeful a chance.
To purchase Hopeful, click here.
I received a copy of Hopeful from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
