Ever since Aden saved Christina’s life when they were young, they have had a special bond. But even as their friendship grew, they became more secretive as to their feelings for each other. Complications arose when Aden’s parents were killed in an accident. Now feeling obligated to her parents when they took him in to raise as one of their own, how can they say that the feelings they have for each other aren’t the brotherly-sisterly ones everyone assumes they have? They barely acknowledge what they feel, even to themselves. Sigh. The road to young love is not easy, especially when they hide their feelings. It’s easy to figure out how the story will end, but what finally spurs them to action is quite entertaining when it finally happens. A charming tale with delightful – if somewhat shy characters - and a quick read. ( )

Funny Story: I started reading this as soon as I received it. Then we moved and I misplaced it. Isn’t that just the way these things always happen…

Fortunately Litfuse is an AWESOME company and they understand that their reviewers are only human. So we got it all worked out and I was able to finish the book.

I’m glad of that because I’m not one of those who will pretend to read the books I am entrusted with and ad-lib a review.



However, this review is going to be a little different than my norm.


I’m struggling here and I’m working really hard to sound as positive as possible.

I cannot help the feelings that this book evoked in me and I hope Shelley understands that this is only my opinion and does not hold it against me… too much anyway. And it is very possible that I’m totally off-base with this opinion but this is part of my job as a reviewer so I’m going ahead with it.

I get the feeling here that perhaps Shelley had so many people begging her to go back to Sugarcreek that she got tired of hearing it and she gave in and agreed to write more in that series. When I read Hopeful, I had the feeling that she had left the theme that held true in the original series, plus there were a few things that I didn’t care for in the story, but the book was well written so I didn’t think much of it then.

However, looking back I think that either she is moving so far away from the Amish in the other books that she’s writing that it is tainting this series… or she had a good plot for Hopeful but she ran out of ideas for Thankful and since she was under contract, she had to figure something out.


Again, it’s only my opinion.

The good part about it is this… Shelley, being such a good writer, took two plots that were a little weak and still managed to pull out a good book. Her characters are just as deep as they always are. The story moves along nicely and the outcome will satisfy her fans, I’m sure.

It’s just not a personal favorite of mine.

But don’t take my word for it. Read it for yourself. Then make up your own mind.

Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for an honest opinion! ( )

Thankful: Return to Sugarcreek, Book Two was sent a little while ago to review. I was excited because I had read the first book in the series "Hopeful". This book was no disappointment from the first book in the series. It is a story line that completely stands alone from the first, so anyone can pick this up and read it without reading the first book. This book has companion characters from the first but nothing direct. Christine has long had a crush on a childhood family friend whom she hopes will notice she has grown into a young women. She works hard as a waitress to try show her strength and responsibility until he claims to be with a English women. She is devastated and resorts to healing old wounds to provoke his feelings. This is an easy read and great for a beginners. Simple values and great moral stories. ( )

I feel in love with some of these characters in the first book in this series Hopeful, and Thankful the second book, does not disappoint. We are reunited with Judith and Ben and their desire to have a child, and how their lives become full of joy.
The main characters in this book are Christina Kempf and Aden Reese; these two have been raised together as brother and sister. Now how can that go further and they fall in love? When you are raised as siblings and under strict religious circumstances, how can they come together in any other way?
I so enjoyed this return visit and the author has done a wonderful job making me feel like a part of the community. We also have a side story of Jan who is the owner of the Sugarcreek Inn, where Christina works. She is at a crossroads in her life, and we get to enjoy some the things that come wrapped in roses to her.
I never wanted this to end, but am so happy that the third book in this series, Joyful, which is scheduled for release in September. Don’t miss this wonderful read, am so glad I was blessed to have read it!

I received this book through Edelwiss, and the publisher Avon Inspire, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )