Hopeful by Louise Bay is the second book about a group of friends from university. While having never read the first book, Faithful, it wasn't necessary to really enjoy this book. 
 Hopeful focuses on the story of Joel and Ava. Ava feels constantly unworthy of the attentions Joel shows her and all through their budding friendship is oblivious to his attraction while her attraction to him is growing exponentially. 
 Told in a constant back and forth from Past to Present (present being 8 years after university) this story is mostly bittersweet and angst filled with a happy ever after. 
 Joel is hot - Ava is beautiful - both of them are smart, hard working individuals with major heat between them. 
 There's a lot of story and a lot of background and the whole thing was engaging and enticing throughout.