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When you choose what’s worth fighting for … expect a war.

Highly-educated millennial, David Harper, is adrift. He is also the pastor’s son. Or he was, until his father dropped dead in the pulpit. When David learns his widowed mother is in danger of losing the roof over her head,he surprises everyone, most of all himself, and steps in to fill his father’s shoes. David knows it won’t be easy to dynamite the small congregation into the twenty-first century, but he wasn’t prepared for the tough little blonde who threatens to blow his plans apart.

Fast-paced humor. Tear-jerking candor. Heart-melting romance.

Return to the small Texas town of Mt. Hope and once again enjoy the humor of Romantic Times Top Pick author Lynne Gentry.

Buy Shoes To Fill and start laughing today.

Books in the Mt. Hope Adventures Series:
#1 Walking Shoes
#2 Shoes to Fill
#3 Dancing Shoes
#4 Baby Shoes

If you love small towns and quirky characters, check out Lynne Gentry's new Women of Fossil Ridge series:
#1 Flying Fossils

Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2020

399 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

About the author

Lynne Gentry

36 books208 followers
This girl who grew up on a Kansas dairy farm never wanted to be a writer, but she has always been a storyteller. Her mother called it "Selling wind in a bag." Lynne started out writing plays and skits. Then in a moment of sheer insanity, she decided to take a stab at writing full-length novels. Reinventing Leona was her first and it is no longer in print. The Carthage Chronicles are her time travel/sci-fi series. The Mt. Hope Southern Adventures series starting with WALKING SHOES and The Women of Fossil Ridge series starting with FLYING FOSSILS are her contemporary romantic comedy series. And GHOST HEART and PORT OF ORIGIN are part of her Agents of Mercy Medical Thriller series.

Lynne can milk a cow, drive a tractor, organize a banquet, prepare a kid for that first professional acting audition, or sit across the table and enjoy a cup of coffee with you.

She loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.

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5 stars
355 (60%)
4 stars
164 (27%)
3 stars
64 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,411 reviews184 followers
November 27, 2022
I actually read this book a few years ago and realized that I hadn't left a review on Goodreads. I just finished the audible version and absolutely loved revisiting the characters from a small town in Texas. This is the second book in the series and features David who is overcoming grief of his pastor dad. And his calling on his life. There are some fun and zany moments as well as very sweet and heartwarming ones too. The narration is done by the author and she was fantastic. She really brought the characters to life.

*I was given a copy of the audio narration by the author and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,411 reviews184 followers
Want to read
November 27, 2022
This is the second book in the Walking Shoes series by Lynne Gentry. This book features David the pastor's son. He struggles with God's calling on his life and filling his father's shoes as pastor. He also is falling for a blonde nurse. This book continues where Walking Shoes left off. This series is so good. I can't wait for the third book to come out. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves a good belly laugh!! I was given this book by the author and was under no obligation to leave a review.
Profile Image for Courtney Clark.
711 reviews114 followers
April 8, 2017
While this book could be read on its own, I think it would be better enjoyed in sequence as the second book in the series to fully understand the obstacles already undertaken by the characters.

This story is just the right combination of drama and humor, continuing themes of healing and hope that began in book 1. The quirky humor and pop culture references (like Hallmark movies and Quigley Down Under! :) ) offsets the serious themes at the heart of the story. These characters' lives show how God can take something awful and make something good come of it --- all because it brings Him glory along the way.

David, in particular, grows tremendously during this story. With help from both his biological and church family, he starts to see past his own grief to realize other people are hurting --some still in their own grief, others dealing with many sources of pain. And, on the romance side of things, Amy (the "tough little blonde") is so complementary to him; from sharing a caring heart to understanding grief and the crazy community they live in.

Speaking of the community, the secondary characters in this story are special. They establish a sense of "home" within the story and serve to show what a heart for people David has. Leona, David's mom, shares a little perspective in this book, too, because her story is not over yet (bring on book 3!).

There was one comical device used near the end of the story that I thought was a little overdone to the point of being less realistic, but it served its purpose to upset a certain situation and bring about clarity to the characters. Other than that, I enjoyed this glimpse of small town Texas living and identified with the struggles of the characters. I particularly liked how David's family is portrayed as giving him a legacy of faith but he still has to discern his own calling.

Thank you to the author and publisher, Travel Light Press, for the complimentary review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Anne Rightler.
1,974 reviews35 followers
November 7, 2022
Shoes to Fill by Lynne Gentry is the second book in the Mt. Hope Southern Adventures and is delightful. Even though the book could be a stand-alone story, I think the reader will find even more enjoyment by having read the first book, Walking Shoes. The story of a pastor's family continues as this book focuses on the son who has returned to Mt. Hope to make sure his mom doesn't get evicted from the parsonage. There is lots of humor, joy, family, and romance as David finds his way back into the community. The characters were lovable and relatable. It had been a little while since I listened to the first book (and with many books in between!) I did not realize Shoes to Fill was the next in the series. I was pleasantly surprised when I began to realize this was about the Harper family and their struggles with parishioners, and knowing where they fit in their new reality with the death of Pastor Harper. The audiobook is read by the author and I enjoyed that...an author knows just how to speak the essence of her characters. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Heidi Morrell.
1,384 reviews19 followers
November 27, 2023
Fantastic Contemporary Christian fiction series

This was a fantastic continuation of a Christian Contemporary series. Book #2 continues with just as much humor and heartwarming characters as the first book. I'm looking forward to the next installment! I was provided with a copy of this book by the author as a result of a book giveaway, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
1,836 reviews12 followers
June 15, 2019
I would considere Leona a saint in many ways though she really isn't. She's a woman continuing to struggle with the loss of her beloved husband & not be the minister's wife in the church anymore. It's really good how the son decides to step into his father's shoes in the pulpit. The struggles they all have is very real in real life in many small churchs. Wonder what happens in the next book?
387 reviews
March 20, 2022
I love MT Hope..

I am loving the people of MT Hope! This continues with David's story, along with Leona learning to live without her husband. The unlovable become more loveable. And I won't go into details about the pot brownies being baked in the church. This was funny. You miss a good read if you miss this!
Profile Image for Vicki Carson.
141 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2023
More of the members of the parsonage!

So much goes on behind the scenes of a church! Where two or three are gathered together...a lot of things can happen. Somethings here are humorous, others aren't, read this to find out which is which!

Book 2's done, now on to three because I highly recommend this author!
4 reviews
September 29, 2017
A fun read

I loved this 2nd installment of My Hope southern adventures. I fell in love with these quirky characters in book one and couldn't wait to read more. This book didn't disappoint and I'm looking forward to the next adventure.
Profile Image for Margaret A Register.
197 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2017
Loveable characters

I'm not sure I would want to live in Mt. Hope, but it sure is fun to visit with all the personalities Lynne Gentry cooks up. (A pun, you have to read the book to find out why it will make you smile ....)
Profile Image for Linda Qbq.
11 reviews7 followers
December 18, 2017
I thoroughly enjoy Lynne Gentry's Mt. Hope southern adventures. She has such a fresh, unique, interesting perspective. Her writing is a real joy to read. I find myself laughing along with the story.
Profile Image for Katie Chapman.
549 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2019
Hilarious

The fun and drama continues in this second book in the series. It stands alone but reading book one will make it even better and funnier. Book two reveals the secret of the pastor's wife's arch enemy. You don't want to miss this one.
30 reviews
March 28, 2023
Just as good as the first!

This second installment In this series was heartwarming, and even at times comical. Following Leona, David, and the family in their adventures makes it feel like they are still part of your family! Really enjoyed!
Profile Image for Mary Barrett.
814 reviews11 followers
April 30, 2023
Five stars

Heartbreaking, as well as very humorous. This series reminds me of the church I grew up in. So many personalities! The characters are so realistic it's like being on the front pew and watching the story unfold. I highly recommend this series.
22 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2023
Big shoes that seem to fit

A son of a pastor who has not fully decided what he wants to be gets a push in the right direction. Estranged friends restore bonds of friendship. A Christmas eve service goes to pot. What a story! You will enjoy it.
Profile Image for Joan mooney.
370 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2024
great

Not much to say. It’s just a great read. Real down to earth people, a funny, unique little town. Friendship, envy, anger, admiration. It’s all there with a touch of fantasy. $15 million. Yea, right. It’s a great journey.
1,235 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2024
Very enjoyable book!

David had big shoes to fill. Does he want to do that or continue studying to become a lawyer. Leona, his mother, is trying not to influence him in the way he should go. Alone comes Amy and really complicates things. Very enjoyable story.
163 reviews
September 26, 2017
Mt. Hope delivers

I couldn’t put it down once I started it. Love how the book shows that God is always there. Ready for #3
130 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2017
Fun Book


Being a Pk I thought I saw most everything, but new converts baking pot cookies to serve after Christmas program....NEVER! Hysterical! Some great characters.
Profile Image for Debra Webster.
Author 16 books6 followers
June 24, 2018
The second book in a series. Very Good. The first was laugh out loud funny.
11 reviews
July 1, 2018
Great story

Really enjoyed this book. I am very picky about what I read. There has to be more then a romance.
273 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2019
Loved it...

but I didn’t expect anything less after reading book 1. The Harper family story is amazing and I’m starting book 3 right now!!
11 reviews
July 14, 2019
Shoes too Big?

A young minister wonders if his Dad's shoes are too big to fill but finds with the right woman by his side anything is possible.
1,261 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2021
The continuing story of the Harper family and it was a good, quick read.
Profile Image for Janet Friesner.
940 reviews13 followers
August 12, 2021
Good series

Love this series. I love Christian Fiction. I like the fact that the author show that you can laugh and have good clean fun in your Christian life.💖
Profile Image for velma lou.
313 reviews
April 18, 2022
pure sweetness

What a wonderful story. Can’t wait to read the next book and see what happens. I’m sure it will be full of surprises and shenanigans as the first one
548 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2023
Sweet

Nice second book to continue Leona and family's story. A couple of things seemed far fetched, but overall I enjoyed it and an looking forward to the next episode!
Profile Image for Patty .
271 reviews12 followers
September 23, 2023
So sweet and cute

Loves this second book in the series even more than the first! I will have to search out a copy of book three next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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