Thursday, October 2, 2014

Joyful by Shelley Shepard Gray (Review)






  • Series: Return to Sugarcreek
  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Avon Inspire; Original edition (September 2, 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0062204505
  • ISBN-13: 978-0062204509



A young Amish couple gets a second chance at love in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s final book in her Return to Sugarcreek series.

Randall Beiler is doing his best to put his family and the farm’s needs first, even forsaking love. But though he tries, Randall knows he needs help caring for his younger siblings and keeping the house together.

When his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job taking care of the house and cooking for the family, Randall is furious—and guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth’s heart. But when he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet, he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone.

Elizabeth wants to refuse—to stay far away from the man who hurt her—but she needs the money. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that, while she’s older and wiser, her love for Randall still burns strong.

Randal, too, seems to want something more. But does he want Elizabeth because he truly loves her—or because he needs a housekeeper? If Randall sincerely wants something more, he must find a way to show Elizabeth—or risk losing his chance at love forever.

Joyful includes a P.S. section with a letter from the author, discussion questions, and a teaser from her next book.

 My Review:

I enjoyed reading this latest book in the Return to Sugarcreek series.The main focus in this book is the relationship between Elizabeth and Randall. Two other couples have stories featured along side. Judith and Ben Graeber are still struggling with childlessness. They have their foster baby boy,James, but they might be losing him back to his real family. Pippa Reyes from the Amish restaurant is asked out by ex husband's friend and is exploring a relationship with him. Elizabeth and Randall were courting then he broke up with her unexpectedly because he thought he needed too in order to take care of his younger siblings. His brother Levi decides to hire Elizabeth to come cook and clean for them because Randall stinks at it. They all love Elizabeth and are waiting for Randall to get his act together. I liked Elizabeth but never liked Randall. Overall this was a good conclusion to the Sugarcreek series.






Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.

Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news...or become her friend on FaceBook.

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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