Hope Was Here — Joan Bauer

One new life, coming right up.

Hope's used to thinking on her feet -- she hasn't become a terrific waitress by accident. But when she and her aunt move from New York City to a small town in Wisconsin to run the local diner, she isn't sure she'll fit in. Luckily, she doesn't have much time to brood. G.T., the owner, has decided to run for mayor, and no one in town knows what to think. After all, G.T. has leukemia. And his opponent is the unscrupulous current mayor, who will do or say anything to win the election. Hope knows that G.T. is up against the odds -- but his vision of the future is so vivid and good that she can't help but join the campaign. Because, after all, everyone could use a little hope to get through the tough times. Even Hope herself.