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Joyful
(Return to Sugarcreek #3)
by
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
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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Start your review of Joyful (Return to Sugarcreek, #3)
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
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
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
You can’t help but feel a part of the ups and downs of Randall and E ...more
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.
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 ...more
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 ...more
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
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
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
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
This was a great edition to the Sugarcreek novels. Love all the characters. Fast and easy read. Love the romance also.
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
...more
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
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
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 ...more
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 ...more
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
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
The third novel in Return to Sugarcreek, Shelley Shepard Gray’s Joyful is an enjoyable, heartfelt read. Though I have not yet read the previous two books in the series (Hopeful and Thankful), I immediately connected with the characters and invested in their story without feel like I missed too much by not knowing the complete histories of the town. As Joyful follows the stories of three couples (but primarily Randall Beiler and Elizabeth Nolt), Gray tel ...more
The third novel in Return to Sugarcreek, Shelley Shepard Gray’s Joyful is an enjoyable, heartfelt read. Though I have not yet read the previous two books in the series (Hopeful and Thankful), I immediately connected with the characters and invested in their story without feel like I missed too much by not knowing the complete histories of the town. As Joyful follows the stories of three couples (but primarily Randall Beiler and Elizabeth Nolt), Gray tel ...more
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
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
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
Sep 03, 2014
Angela
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorites,
christian-books
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
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
This is the third book in the Sugarcreek Series, not having read the first two, I thought it was a good read, but not my cup of tea. Would I recommend it? No! Not unless you have read the first two. Honestly, I felt like this book was really confusing. The book starts with Elizabeth and Randall who have a broken relationship, but within time Randall has to show Elizabeth how he feels. Meanwhile, there are a series of other side stories going on in this books going with other characters. Pippa i
...more
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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
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.
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.
...more
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.
...more
Apr 10, 2014
Dora Wagner
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
ebook-challenge,
books-read-in-september
This was a great way to end the series. I want to return to Sugarcreek, again, and discover what happens next.
This is the last book in the series, and the story centers around the Beiler family (the large orphaned family of Junior, who married Miriam). Randall Beiler has been courting Elizabeth Nolt for 2 years, but suddenly breaks off their relationship because he needs to take on the responsibility of caring for his family after his married siblings move out on their own. Being the oldest, he feels he should put his life on hold for a while in order to take over where his brother Junior left off. Eliz
...more
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. ...more
It is a nice Amish romance story. I enjoyed the first book in this series the most. ...more
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.
...more
A nice ending to this series.
Great
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Readers also enjoyed
Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New ...more
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New ...more
Other books in the series
Return to Sugarcreek
(3 books)
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