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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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!
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.
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 ....)
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!