"The Hope Jar"
By Wanda Brunstetter
About the Book:
Genre: Amish Fiction
Release date: August 7, 2018
A Brand-New Series from New York Times Best Selling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.
What happens when making an elderly Amish couple very happy means going along with a lie that gets bigger by the day?
Michelle Taylor is not who her new family in Lancaster County believes her to be. The Lapps were looking for their long-lost granddaughter when they met Michelle and she assumed the identity of Sara Murray. Once homeless and hopeless, Michelle has come to love her new Amish friends and even considers the idea of romance among them.
Finding an old blue jar in the barn that is filled with slips of paper containing thoughts, quotes, and prayers by an unknown author becomes a boost to Michelle’s budding faith— but also convicting. How can she tell the truth without hurting the ones she has truly come to love?
My Thoughts:
This is the first in a new series entitled "The Prayer Jars" by the gifted storyteller, Wanda Brunstetter. I must admit that I do love Wanda's writings, as they always reflect the Amish faith and community with clarity, making them not only realistic, but so believable. This novel brings together the Amish and Englisch world in a unique style that is evident in all of this author's books. It is indeed a story of faith and love, that is not without the difficulties that can occur when relationships develop in unlike worlds.
The characters are so realistically and well described, that the reader immediately becomes drawn into their lives. Lies and deception abound , as these dear ones show us the power of hope and love. Although Michelle deceives this elderly couple, who love her as a granddaughter, she also presents them with hope, resulting in her developing faith in God. The Lapps have encountered more than their share of pain and loss, however still have love to give, that can only be shared by their deep beliefs and power from Above .
The plot moves steadily with just enough twists and turns to keep one totally engrossed. I could not put this book down until I read the last chapter!! As the story develops, Michelle overcomes her many hurts and challenges in life. Although she lives a life of deceit for a time, the good that comes out of it overcomes the evilness that could result. The hope jar that is present throughout the story, truly portrays how lives can be changed in surprising and unbelievable ways.
This book is a real winner, in my opinion! Dealing with sensitive issues, combining two very different lifestyles, the forgiveness and hope that results , are subjects that will remain with me for a very long time.
This is the first in a new series entitled "The Prayer Jars" by the gifted storyteller, Wanda Brunstetter. I must admit that I do love Wanda's writings, as they always reflect the Amish faith and community with clarity, making them not only realistic, but so believable. This novel brings together the Amish and Englisch world in a unique style that is evident in all of this author's books. It is indeed a story of faith and love, that is not without the difficulties that can occur when relationships develop in unlike worlds.
The characters are so realistically and well described, that the reader immediately becomes drawn into their lives. Lies and deception abound , as these dear ones show us the power of hope and love. Although Michelle deceives this elderly couple, who love her as a granddaughter, she also presents them with hope, resulting in her developing faith in God. The Lapps have encountered more than their share of pain and loss, however still have love to give, that can only be shared by their deep beliefs and power from Above .
The plot moves steadily with just enough twists and turns to keep one totally engrossed. I could not put this book down until I read the last chapter!! As the story develops, Michelle overcomes her many hurts and challenges in life. Although she lives a life of deceit for a time, the good that comes out of it overcomes the evilness that could result. The hope jar that is present throughout the story, truly portrays how lives can be changed in surprising and unbelievable ways.
This book is a real winner, in my opinion! Dealing with sensitive issues, combining two very different lifestyles, the forgiveness and hope that results , are subjects that will remain with me for a very long time.
This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author:
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren
Make your own Prayer Jar!
Want to make your own prayer jar to pass along to future generations? CLICK HERE to download a printable template you can use to write your sentiments on. Simply cut out each strip of paper when you’re finished and put them in the jar of your choice.
Blog Stops
Janices book reviews, August 14
Among the Reads, August 14
The Avid Reader, August 14
Reflections From My Bookshelves, August 15
Just Commonly, August 15
Genesis 5020, August 16
Mary Hake, August 16
Bigreadersite, August 16
Lighthouse Academy, August 17
Seasons of Opportunities, August 17
Christian Bookaholic, August 18
Luv’N Lambert Life, August 18
Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, August 19
Blossoms and Blessings, August 19
Splashes of Joy, August 20
SusanLovesBooks, August 20
Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 21
Because I said so — adventures in parenting, August 21
Two Points of Interest, August 22
Southern Gal Loves to Read, August 22
Cafinated Reads, August 23
Quiet quilter, August 23
Have A Wonderful Day, August 24
Carpe Diem, August 24
A Baker’s Perspective, August 25
Bibliophile Reviews, August 25
proud to be an autism mom, August 26
Texas Book-aholic, August 26
Reader’s Cozy Corner, August 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 27
Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 27
Giveaway!! Enter to win!!
To celebrate her tour, Wanda is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon Gift Card, jar-shaped notepad, and a copy of The Hope Jar (with an autographed book plate inside).
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d40a/the-hope-jar-celebration-tour-giveaway
I enjoyed The Hope Jar too! I'm looking forward to book two!
ReplyDeleteLove wanda's Books.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun story!
ReplyDeleteNice review. I enjoy her books too!
ReplyDelete