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Joyful (Return to Sugarcreek #3)

Shelley Shepard Gray (Goodreads Author)

4.2 · Rating details · 385 Ratings · 76 Reviews

Return to Sugarcreek with bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray for a heartwarming story of second chances with a young Amish couple

Randall Beiler will sacrifice anything to take care of his younger siblings and the family farm, even if it means forsaking love. But when his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job cleaning and cooking for the family, Randall is furious ...more

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Paperback, 234 pages

Published September 2nd 2014 by Avon Inspire (first published August 14th 2014)

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Feb 07, 2014 Cathy Cermele rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Get settled in your favorite reading spot with Joyful, the third book in the Return to Sugarcreek series by Shelley Shephard Gray.

I've always known what a gifted author Shelley is, but she has written a beautiful and touching story about the Beiler family,the Grabers and other beloved characters that we've met at The Sugarcreek Inn.
Her unique character development and attention to detail is incredible and draws you in from the first page.

This author has the ability to make you feel the emotions ...more

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Aug 04, 2014 Lorraine rated it it was amazing

In this third book of The RETURN TO SUGARCREEK series we are taken back to the Beiler family, raising themselves and caring for the family farm since the death of their parents; Elizabeth Nolt whose mother moved to Pennsylvania with her new husband leaving Elizabeth and her grandmother alone; and Ben and Judith Knox and their foster baby James whose birth mother Kendra is in prison, is later diagnosed with cancer and dies there.

You can’t help but feel a part of the ups and downs of Randall and E ...more

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Jul 30, 2014 Wilani Wahl rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Another great hit by Shelley Shepard Gray. This book is a page turner and heart stirring. The importance of family, and trust in God are important themes in this book. I must admit there were times I wanted to knock some sense into one of the characters, but in the end he straightened out without my interference. I do love a book where I become invested in the characters. The book has its very tender and tear jerker moments which is a good thing. Thank you, Shelley, for another great book.

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Dec 31, 2014 Carole Jarvis rated it really liked it

Shelves: amish, romance

Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://tinyurl.com/q3bkjsf

I have enjoyed all three books in the Return to Sugarcreek series. These aren't complex or dramatic stories, but just plain good reads with a cozy feel. Shelley has an easy style of writing and the ability to make me become invested in the character's lives. I also enjoy how she brings back previous characters and interweaves multiple storylines.

The main story revolves around the sweet romance between Randall and Elizabeth, a couple who h Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://tinyurl.com/q3bkjsf

I have enjoyed all three books in the Return to Sugarcreek series. These aren't complex or dramatic stories, but just plain good reads with a cozy feel. Shelley has an easy style of writing and the ability to make me become invested in the character's lives. I also enjoy how she brings back previous characters and interweaves multiple storylines.

The main story revolves around the sweet romance between Randall and Elizabeth, a couple who had broken up two years earlier. Randall could be frustrating at times, yet I admired his loyalty and sense of responsibility to family. But his downfall was in believing that he bore the family's burdens alone, and while his motives were right, his actions were misguided - and that's something to which I could relate. One of Elizabeth's strengths is also loyalty, for she was willing to sacrifice her own happiness in order to help others - but she let pride interfere when it came to asking for her mamm's financial help. And in all honesty, I must confess to a little envy when it comes to Elizabeth's remarkable housekeeping, cooking, and organizational skills!

The two other storylines involve the returning characters of Pippa, Hispanic owner of the Sugarcreek Inn who is waiting to be embraced by the community, and Judith. In the way they handled an agonizing situation with baby James, Judith and Ben reminded me that we have to be willing to let go of things that are most precious so God can do His work. I love this old saying that Ben shares with Judith: "Reach up as far as you can. God will reach the rest of the way."

I think one reason I enjoy Amish fiction so much is simply the love and support of "family" - and one moving scene that beautifully exemplifies this is Judith's extended family being present in mass when little James' aunts came to visit. We see spiritual and relational growth throughout the narrative, and, in Shelley's words, all three of these storylines "revolve around the idea of finding joy in unexpected places, as well as the joy that God’s love can bring to a person."

Joyful is a fulfilling conclusion to the series - but, of course, I'd like to return to Sugarcreek and read the stories of other characters. Thank you for a heartwarming and inspirational series, Shelley. Recommended to all fans of Amish fiction.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. ...more

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Aug 22, 2014 Maureen Timerman rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2014

I just finished the third book in Joyful: Return to Sugarcreek, Book Three, I loved the book, but didn’t want the series to end.
This is the story of Elizabeth Nolt and Randall Beiler, and how he breaks her heart. I felt he was really tactless in how he handled the breakup. He sure didn’t seem to have his head screwed on right, as he wasn’t at all thinking, especially seeing what his other members had done previously.
We also have Judith and Ben, who are still caring for little James, and growing ...more

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Jan 02, 2015 Cheryl Baranski rated it it was amazing

Review of “Joyful” By: Shelley Shepard Gray
This book is a breath of fresh air. It is such
a joy to read Joyful. Excellent story, good clean
Christian fiction. I love the Amish faith, devotion
to family and friends.
This is the story of Randall Beiler who is dedicated …
to caring for his younger siblings since he is the oldest at home.
He feels it is his responsibility to care for them and the
family farm.
Elizabeth Nolt lives with her grandmother. Trying to take care of
her the best that she can. With wh ...more

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Sep 08, 2014 Laura rated it really liked it · review of another edition

JOYFUL is the third book in the Return to Sugarcreek series by Ms. Gray. Readers will want to read the first two books in the series: Hopeful and Thankful as these stories don't stand alone. There are three different stories included in this book, but the one between Randall and Elizabeth is the main story.

I enjoyed reading the story, finding out what is happening at the restaurant that was key in previous series, as well as other characters such as Ben and Judith. I also thought Elizabeth and ...more

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May 10, 2014 Virginia Winfield rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was a great edition to the Sugarcreek novels. Love all the characters. Fast and easy read. Love the romance also.

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Sep 07, 2014 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: amish-historical-romance-fiction, chick-literature, christian-fiction, christian-teen-fiction, contemporary-fiction, romance-fiction, young-adult-fiction

For those of us that have come to love and call Sugarcreek our home away from home, best-selling author Shelley Shepard Gray, takes us back in her latest novel Joyful, the third book in the Return to Sugarcreek Series. This has definitely been one of my favorites because I feel like I have come to know each of the couples we deal with in this novel, like they're close family friends. I've had the opportunity to get to know them and the struggles they have had up to the point we are reunited with For those of us that have come to love and call Sugarcreek our home away from home, best-selling author Shelley Shepard Gray, takes us back in her latest novel Joyful, the third book in the Return to Sugarcreek Series. This has definitely been one of my favorites because I feel like I have come to know each of the couples we deal with in this novel, like they're close family friends. I've had the opportunity to get to know them and the struggles they have had up to the point we are reunited with them once again. For me, it's like having a really great television series, that you have to wait for each next episode to air so you can come back again and again to a place you'd love to be a part of.

Randall Beiler and Elizabeth Holt have been seeing one another for the last two years, and Elizabeth is just waiting for the day when he will finally ask her to marry him and join the large Beiler family. Just when she believes that day is finally here, Randall gives her news she wasn't quite expecting. He tells her that he needs to spend more time taking care of his family, now that his older brothers and sisters have gotten married and moved on. Still taking on role of caretaker, mother and father, and older brother leaves him at a disadvantage with the house failing into a state of needing constant cleaning, someone to do all the cooking, and helping to raise nine-year-old Kaylene who feels being left at home with four older brothers is beyond what she can take. So Randall's solution is to call things off with Elizabeth.

Now heartbroken, Elizabeth struggles to figure out a way to help pay her bills taking care of her grandmother since her mother has moved away to begin her own life. She had originally planned to send money, but each month is seems like she is sending less and less, leaving Elizabeth with no choice but to find a way to supplement their income while still caring for her ailing grandmother who needs constant care. She had hoped that being married to Randall would solve things for them, knowing he could support not only them, but allowing her grandmother to move in with them, but that is not going to happen anytime soon. But will one unskilled bachelor be able to handle taking care of a house, cooking, cleaning and raising his siblings without any help, or will Randall realize he has simply bitten off more than he can chew?

I received Joyful by Shelly Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire, a division of Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I absolutely LOVED where Shelley took her characters in this novel. As the title suggests, each of them will be forced into a situation in which they will have to find the joy in life once again, instead of dwelling on worries and things beyond our control at times. Too often we find ourselves taking on more stress and worry wondering what will happen, instead of simply enjoying what we have right in front of us, that we miss the joyful moments, of learning what it means to care for those we love, to help out our friends and family when they need it the most, and learn to appreciate what we have instead of wanting more that may never come. It causes the reader to reflect on those joyful moments in their own life, they may be missing simply worrying about tomorrow instead of enjoying today and one that I believe can cause us to change how we view our lives and see more joy instead of worry. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars. A reader's discussion guide is included as well as a sneak peek into Shelley's next novel Snowfall. ...more

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Sep 05, 2014 Debbie Epperson added it

Book Description

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 ...more

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Sep 11, 2014 Jalynn Patterson rated it it was amazing

About the Book:

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 f About the Book:

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:

All was right in Elizabeth Nolt's life, the man of her dreams was about to propose---any day or so she thought. It was strange to see Randall Beiler, her love in such a determined mood. She thought to herself, this is the day he will do it, the moment she longed for. She had waited so long, two years in fact for this moment. But soon after Randall sat Elizabeth down and then started to explain, she soon realized he wasn't there to propose. He broke off their relationship, Elizabeth was crushed, but what she didn't consider was that Randall was too.

It wasn't long until all the changes in the Beiler household caused a few of them to cry out for help. And that help came in the way of Elizabeth Nolt. Elizabeth started working at Randall's home to help with the cooking, cleaning and with his youngest sister Kaylene. She thought she had control of her feelings enough to manage sparse contact with Randall. But to her dismay her feelings are very out of control and Randall seems to be having the same trouble as well.

Joyful, number 3 in the Return to Sugarcreek series is definitely my favorite!The dynamic between Elizabeth and Randall is engaging and perfect. They are definitely at a crossroads.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity. ...more

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Sep 30, 2014 Heather rated it it was amazing

It was a rainy day yesterday and I picked up three different books in hopes for an escape, and struck out. So I turned to Shelley Shepard Gray...bingo! Once again, her Return to Sugar Creek series was the ticket to a clean, sweet diversion. The third installment picks up three different story lines and follows the theme of second chances, tender mercies from a loving God. There's the couple who has broken up, the young couple who has miscarried and is looking to adopt, and a divorced restaurant ...more

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Dec 01, 2013 Tina Watson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2014-release-yr, 2014-read

What a great ending to the series, Return to Sugarcreek, with Joyful: Return to Sugarcreek, Book Three! I love Shelley Shepard Gray's writings, easy reading. She uses just the right words to give you that right amount of detail to place you right there beside the characters as you are reading her story.

Randall Beiler steps up to raise his younger siblings and to keep the Beiler farm going, but he felt is was best to call off his two-year courtship with Elizabeth Nolt.
After a few months time, th ...more

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Aug 07, 2014 Kristi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: amish-fiction, my-kindle-books

Set aside plenty of time to read Joyful. Once you start reading you won't want to stop until you've reached the end! This, the third and final book in the Return to Sugarcreek series, is a fast paced read that will keep you interested from beginning to end.

I immediately liked the characters from page one. They were so well-written that I felt as if I had known them forever. I especially liked Elizabeth and wanted her to have a happy ending to her story. I liked Randall too even though at times I ...more

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Sep 03, 2014 Angela rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-books, favorites

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Shelley Shepard Gray and her books. Each book that she writes delivers exactly what I hoped for and, and in some cases, didn't even know I wanted. She has the beautiful gift of making you feel like you are right there, in Sugarcreek, with all of these unbelivable and terrific characters.
Joyful is no different. This is the third and final book in the series, and you guessed it; I loved it. I loved the premise of this book, I fell in love with the character ...more

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Aug 02, 2014 Rachel rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelley Shepard Gray has done it again, written another heartfelt Amish romance. When Randall Beiler breaks up with Elizabeth Nolt to take care of his younger siblings, Elizabeth is devastated because she has also lost her father and her mother remarried and moved away. She now cares for and supports her grandmother. When Randall's brother asks Elizabeth to be their housekeeper, she is not sure she can be that close to Randall again, but she needs the money. Shelley is a master at describing the ...more

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Aug 18, 2014 Stacy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Joyful is the third book in Shelley Shepard Gray's beloved Return to Sugarcreek series. From page one you will be caught up into a beautifully woven story with the Beilers, Nolts, Grabers, and the new owner of The Sugarcreek Inn. You can't help but feel what her characters are feeling, through their struggles of growing and trusting in God's will, through their tears as both heartache and happiness filter through their lives, and realizing just how strong a family can be in times of trial. I als ...more

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Sep 10, 2014 Margaret Tidwell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: review-books

Joyful by Shelley Shepard Gray was a great book. This is the third book in the series and I have read the other two as well so I was so glad that I could review this one so I could stay caught up with the characters I have fallen in love with. One thing I loved about this series that she checks in with other characters even though the story isn't about them. In fact my two favorite characters aren't actually main characters in any of the books. I loved the characters in this book because they se ...more

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Aug 19, 2014 Cindy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelley Shepard Gray hits another homerun out of the ballpark with Joyful. After just reading the first few pages, I felt like I was back sitting around the kitchen table with the Beilers and Grabers, sharing their sorrows and joys, and also slapping Randall upside his head a few different times. Shelley's writing makes you feel like part of the family. You feel everything they go thru like you are one of them. You know by the end of this book that the title is spot on. Through all the hurt and ...more

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Aug 04, 2014 Connie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

So many times the path of our lives takes us down roads we would not have chosen to walk. We may not consciously be objecting to what is happening, and indeed may truthfully be saying, "Thy Will, Lord" but unintentionally may be harboring resentment, mistrust or fear.
"Joyful" takes us down these paths with our dear characters. Shelley Shepard Gray has continued the story of some of our favorites from Sugar Creek. It's a beautiful story of forgiveness, second chances and most importantly, joy in ...more

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Aug 05, 2014 Cynthia Fernstaedt rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

As we return to Sugarcreek and the Beiler family, the family is growing up and feeling those pains. In this book, Shelley, brings to life what every family goes through during changes; Amish or not. Be prepared, as a reader to; smile at seeing old friends, overcome as you think "this could be me" and Joyful to see how faith truly makes a difference.

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Aug 04, 2014 Cassy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc

A great addition to the Sugarcreek series! There are multiple plot lines in this book which keep the reader interested. This story really makes you appreciate family. The many emotions throughout the story really make the reader feel close to the characters. I love this about the Sugarcreek series.

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Aug 05, 2014 Ann rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my sister's favorite authors and reading this book I can definitely see why. This story tugs on your heart strings and reminds you that there are still good people in this world. I would recommend this book for all ages.

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Apr 10, 2014 Dora Wagner rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-september, ebook-challenge

This was a great way to end the series. I want to return to Sugarcreek, again, and discover what happens next.

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Nov 22, 2017 Lacy rated it liked it

Shelves: abc-challenge

In this book, we learn more about Ben and Judith, who are fostering James, and hoping to adopt him. (view spoiler) We are also introduced to Randall Beiler, younger brother of Junior, and his girl, Elizabeth. We also get to know Pippa, the Mexican woman who is taking over the restaurant in Sugarcreek.

It is a nice Amish romance story. I enjoyed the first book in this series the most.

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Nov 13, 2017 Megan Rang rated it it was amazing

A nice ending to this series.

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Feb 28, 2017 Leah rated it it was ok

I found this book too slow and boring. I also felt it was too "modern" for Amish people - but I could be wrong there. I won't be reading anymore from this author or series. She isn't my type.

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Sep 22, 2014 Barbara Shelton rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

When I realized this was the third book in this series, I was surprised that I did not know about the first two in the series. Shelley Shepard Gray is an exceptional writer. Her stories are easy to follow and she eloquently expresses the feelings of the characters whether negative or positive.

It was easy to understand Elizabeth’s confusion as to Randall’s feelings toward her. She had far more maturity than Randall. Randall seemed to be short sighted, which is comprehensible in the way he felt s When I realized this was the third book in this series, I was surprised that I did not know about the first two in the series. Shelley Shepard Gray is an exceptional writer. Her stories are easy to follow and she eloquently expresses the feelings of the characters whether negative or positive.

It was easy to understand Elizabeth’s confusion as to Randall’s feelings toward her. She had far more maturity than Randall. Randall seemed to be short sighted, which is comprehensible in the way he felt so much responsibility for his siblings. He believed he did not have time for romance and dropped Elizabeth without being able to explain with honesty his purpose in doing so. In my estimation, he made thoughtless decisions in many areas as well as being insensitive toward Elizabeth as well as his siblings. Elizabeth put her whole heart into caring for her grandmother. Since her mother had remarried after her father’s death, she seemed to leave Elizabeth to her own devices to earn money enough to care for herself and her grandmother. Randall’s brothers devised a plan to bring Randall and Elizabeth together, hopefully reuniting them and help Elizabeth earn money. Elizabeth’s patience with Randall and willingness to do her finest job is to be marveled. Frankly, I lost patience several times with Randall and wondered what Elizabeth saw in him in the first place.

The two sub-plots were interesting, but I felt a bit frustrated whenever we were drawn away from Elizabeth’s story. Although I could identify with Judith and Ben wanting to adopt James as their own child – I have three adopted children and could never give either of them up – I had empathy for James’s mother as well. Pippa’s story was sweet and not long, but there was more I would have liked to learn about her and Bud’s story. Perhaps Ms. Gray has in mind another story for her in the future.

Overall, I liked this story very much. There are a lot of surprises and definitely much soul searching. Ms. Gray’s imagination proved lively as she added fun and on again, off again chances for romance between Elizabeth and Randall. You will need to read this story for yourself to find out all the answers you want to know. You will fall in love with Elizabeth’s grandmother and her expressions of wisdom. Particularly interesting are the discussion questions at the end of the book. Even though I had not read the first two books in this series – Joyful is a stand-alone story. Is there real joy in the end? That’s for you to find out. I am so thankful that God gives writers such splendid inspirations to write about. You will never be bored with a book written by Shelley Shepard Gray!

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
...more

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Aug 14, 2014 Julia Wilson rated it it was amazing

Joyful by Shelley Shepard Gray is the final book in the Return To Sugarcreek series, and I was blessed to receive a copy. Elizabeth and Randall have been sweethearts for years. Elizabeth is expecting a proposal, but is deeply shocked when Randall breaks up with her, as he needs to concentrate on looking after his four younger siblings. Elizabeth also has her grandmother Anna Mae to care for, but she has never threatened their relationship.
One of Randall's younger brothers, fed up of eating nothi Joyful by Shelley Shepard Gray is the final book in the Return To Sugarcreek series, and I was blessed to receive a copy. Elizabeth and Randall have been sweethearts for years. Elizabeth is expecting a proposal, but is deeply shocked when Randall breaks up with her, as he needs to concentrate on looking after his four younger siblings. Elizabeth also has her grandmother Anna Mae to care for, but she has never threatened their relationship.
One of Randall's younger brothers, fed up of eating nothing but fried chicken, asks Elizabeth if she will come and cook, clean and form a female role model for sister 9 year old Kaylene. Randall is furious, the last thing he needs is to be faced with the lovely and gentle Elizabeth every day, reminding him of his disastrous decision. Elizabeth is torn between her bond for the family, and her reluctance to subject her heart to seeing Randall once more. Elizabeth must do what she believes is right, regardless of the state of her heart.
Running alongside are two other family stories: that of newly divorced Pippa and her friendship with Bud, her ex husband's pal. Also that of Ben and Judith, foster parents to baby James. Judith, following a miscarriage, has developed a strong maternal bond with James, whose mother Kendra is serving time in prison. What will happen when Kendra is released? Will Judith have to break her heart and return James to his mother?
Joyful is another wonderful Amish novel from Shelley Shepard Gray. It explores different relationships from various angels. For some of the characters, they are so focused on coping alone, that they refuse to let others in to share their burdens. It is only in times of crisis, that they are forced to hand over control, as they realise that life is a partnership both with God and others.
Other characters are so consumed with love, that they fear life, if the object of that love is removed. They too need to learn to trust God, and hand situations over to Him.
As with previous novels by Shelley Shepard Gray, I was rapidly completely engrossed and caught up in the lives of the characters. It did not matter that I had not read the other two novels in the series, as Joyful can stand alone. However, for the complete stories of the characters, it would be helpful to start reading book one, Hopeful.
Shelley Shepard Gray draws characters that the reader can empathise with, and who are loveable. The Amish families all have strong bonds that do not break easily, as they fix their eyes on Jesus.
As one of my favourite authors, I urge you to pick up a copy of Joyful, and may Shelley Shepard Gray become one of your favourites too.

...more

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Sep 12, 2014 Victor Gentile rated it it was amazing

Shelley Shepard Gray in her new book, “Joyful” Book Three in the Return to Sugarcreek series published by Avon Inspire takes us into the life of Elizabeth Nolt.

From the back cover: Return to Sugarcreek with bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray for a heartwarming story of second chances with a young Amish couple

Randall Beiler will sacrifice anything to take care of his younger siblings and the family farm, even if it means forsaking love. But when his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job Shelley Shepard Gray in her new book, “Joyful” Book Three in the Return to Sugarcreek series published by Avon Inspire takes us into the life of Elizabeth Nolt.

From the back cover: Return to Sugarcreek with bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray for a heartwarming story of second chances with a young Amish couple

Randall Beiler will sacrifice anything to take care of his younger siblings and the family farm, even if it means forsaking love. But when his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job cleaning and cooking for the family, Randall is furious—and feels guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth’s heart. Then he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet and he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone.

Elizabeth wants to refuse but she needs the work. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that her love for Randall still burns strong. And though Randall keeps his distance at first, time and teamwork reveal that something deeper still connects them.

Elizabeth isn’t sure what to think: Does Randall want her because he truly loves her, or because he needs a housekeeper? And if his feelings have changed for sure, Randall must find a way to show Elizabeth what she really means to him or risk losing his partner in life and love forever.

I think “Joyful” is the best book in this series. Ms. Gray, I believe, has woven into the story-line elements of the Biblical book of Ruth and I think that it added tremendously to the plot.I liked the theme of a second chance with the possibility of blowing that as well. Ms. Gray has given us real people in Elizabeth and Randall and watching them grow individually and then together is a real treat. The other characters from the first two books are in play here as well but the primary focus is Elizabeth and Randall. “joyful” is an exceptional story with exceptional characters that you care for and so want them to get together.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ...more

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About Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray

1,415 followers

Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).

I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.

Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink ...more

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