Susan's Review of A Match Made In Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Katie Ruth Crewes is one of my favorite characters in Cindy Kirk’s Good Hope series. Katie Ruth is an integral part of her community-she works at the Y, volunteers at the church and is best known for writing the town’s daily e-newsletter. Cindy Kirk pairs the friendly, compassionate Katie Ruth with Pastor Dan Marshall in A Match Made in Good Hope.

Dan Marshall’s structured life has taken several detours this past year. His fiancé broke off their relationship, got married and is having a baby. His parents are pressuring him to take a position closer to home and his pink haired sister, Oaklee, dropped out of college and landed on his doorstep.

Katie Ruth’s good heart coupled with her past, Dan’s struggles with his career path and feelings for Katie Ruth and Oaklee’s unfiltered conversations and advice make this novel a fabulous read! Loved the conversations between Katie Ruth and Oaklee. Katie Ruth shows compassion towards Oaklee when she needs a friend. And Oaklee’s friendship with the town match makers Katherine, Ruby and Gladys was perfect—it took the four of them to get this couple on the right path!

Dan struggled with his faith a bit during the novel. He was passionate about serving his parish but, was tempted to move to a larger congregation for a step up in his career. Dan faced a tough decision did he want more of an administrative role or a leadership role? A secret from Katie Ruth’s past is revealed and Dan’s reaction surprised me—if he truly believed in the power and strength of compassion and forgiveness why couldn’t he forgive Katie Ruth? I liked that Cindy Kirk didn’t make it easy for this couple and challenged them throughout the story.

I liked that the novel took place during Easter which is a time for forgives and rebirth. The themes of forgiveness, faith and trust are woven throughout the story. Oaklee changes when she finds her place in Good Hope; she blossoms during the story as she gains confidence and makes friends in the community. Katie Ruth has suffered and been bullied in the past; her faith and determination got her through the tough times. Dan’s struggles with forgiveness and faith made me realize that he wasn’t perfect; he made mistakes, too.

Loved that Cindy Kirk included many of the past characters in this story- especially the scenes with Eliza, Kyle and Cassie. The storyline choices made for an excellent read and I am glad that I was so immersed in the characters that I couldn’t figure out the ending.

A Match Made in Good hope has all the feels-great characters, emotional, heartfelt story and the perfect setting.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman