The comforting aroma of fresh baked-and-buttered bread. The hearty spice of cinnamon-oatmeal bars and hot coffee. In 1912 Ohio, The Amish Charm Bakery is the sweet sustaining center of a faith-abiding town built on peace, forgiveness—and ever-surprising love . . . Ellie Graber couldn’t be happier working at Amish Charm—and making good on a precious chance to reunite with her Amish community. … to reunite with her Amish community. Grief over her mother’s death made her rebel and try the Englischer world, but now she’s home to start again. And quiet, thoughtful Joel Wenger is one of the few willing to understand her as their unexpected friendship develops into something much more . . .
But no matter how hard Ellie tries, Joel’s mother resolutely refuses to approve of her—much less accept her as a potential daughter-in-law. And as painful misunderstandings and a beautiful rival for Joel’s affections threaten to separate the couple for good, can they bridge the gap between distrust and faith to secure a lifetime of love?
Praise for Molly Jebber’s Keepsake Pocket Quilt novels
“Endearing characters and a delightful story make this a keeper for fans of Amish romance.” —Emma Miller
“Jebber is a talented author who always gives readers what they have come to expect from her books.” —RT Book Reviews
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Ellie’s Redemption by Molly Jebber deals with several matters within the Amish community in Charm, Ohio, in 1921. One she gives emphasis to is gossip. There are several verses in the Bible warning against gossiping (or talebearing). A few of those include:
Leviticus 19:16a King James Version (KJV) Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people…
Proverbs 11:13 (KJV) A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Proverbs 20:19 (KJV) He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Ellie Graber struggles against feelings of inadequacies and self-worth. Ellie must stand strong when gossiping causes the mother of her friend, Joel Wenger, to not give them a chance. She portrays an attitude of forgiveness and kindness, even though others are not so kind to her.
The story is sweet and simple with many obstacles that need to be overcome. The main characters are easy to relate to, and they all grow in faith, forgiveness and understanding as a result of the problems they each face.
I love when the author includes a recipe, and there is one for oatmeal cookies in the book!
Ellie’s Redemption is Book 2 of The Amish Charm Bakery Series. Because I was sometimes confused, I feel I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read the first story.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
Ellie’s Redemption is the second novel in An Amish Charm Bakery series. I like Molly Jebber’s writing style. It is conversational which makes the book easy to get into and to read. Historical events are included in the story which adds realism plus helps capture the time period. Charm, Ohio is a quaint small-town with a large Amish population. Ellie works at The Amish Charm Bakery along with her two friends and her stepmother, Liza who owns it. The characters are relatable with their feelings and the issues they face. The story proceeds at a gentle pace as Ellie and Joel get to know each other and overcome obstacles in the path to a happy life. Forgiveness of others and oneself, redemption, acceptance, and the harmful effects of gossip are featured in the story. I do suggest reading Liza’s Second Chance prior to beginning Ellie’s Redemption. I did find some details repeated throughout the book and a predictability to the story. My favorite quote was “God never leaves us nor forsakes us”. I am giving Ellie’s Redemption 3 out of 5 stars. Ellie’s Redemption is a sweet, heartwarming Amish romance.
Ellie’s Redemption is the second installment from Molly Jebber’s Amish Charm Bakery series. This Amish historical takes a reader back in time to 1912 Ohio. Ellie Graber comes back to her Amish community after leaving following the death of her mother. She is excited to with her community again. Especially, when she starts a friendship with Joel. Only his mother is not too fond of Ellie, causing drama between two friends. Will Ellie be able to change Joel’s mother’s mind? What will Ellie have to do to save her and Joel’s relationship?
I enjoyed Ellie’s Redemption and thought it was a pretty good read. I instantly felt connected to Ellie from page one. I wanted to root for her and was hoping all would end well for her. I just had to find out what would happen with her and Joel next.
I am giving Ellie’s Redemption four and a half stars. I look forward into what will happen next in the third installment of the Amish Charm Bakery series. I highly recommend Ellie’s Redemption for those who enjoy a good, well written, sweet and clean Amish story.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The author has set this second book in this series again in Charm Ohio as was the first, and we are in the early part of the twentieth century, and we are again given facts coming from the headlines, which I loved.
We are reunited with characters that we met in the first book, and have moved on with their lives, but this book does offer new beginnings for a few characters.
The main theme here is forgiveness and this time it is other people who really need to live their faith, a cornerstone of Amish religion, and being a Christian.
We have a young couple in love, but his Mom is holding on to hurts and taking it out on his girl, will they be able to bring her around? Answers are here, and they may really surprise you.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is book two in the Amish Charm Bakery Novels and I would describe it as CHARMING. You will become immersed in the lives of Ellie and the characters from Charm, Ohio in 1912. I love the historical aspect and details that are interspersed. This book brings to the forefront what a person deals with after making poor choices and trying to redeem themselves after repentance. A great reminder that gossip and making quick judgements is not good, as we never know what someone has been through. A perfect example of how having Faith and living unto the Lord can change us and others around us. Hurry and pick up a copy to cozy under a blanket, sip a cup of hot tea, and settle in for an enjoyable evening.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
What do you get when you make a mistake, repeat that mistake, then come home to ask forgiveness…a reputation! That’s the problem Ellie Graber is having with the Amish ‘grapevine’ in her Charm, Ohio community. She is trying hard to reconnect with her Amish roots after venturing into the Englisch world after her mother’s death but some in the community don’t believe her repentance is genuine. When Ellie meets Joel Wenger, there is a connection, but she puts off telling him about her past. When Joel discovers the truth about Ellie from his mother, he harshly judges her, too! Misunderstandings and distrust separate Ellie and Joel but is their love for each other strong enough to bridge the divide? You’ll find lots of charming characters and a story that promotes forgiveness. A good lesson for everyone!
Ellie’s Redemption is an engaging and heartening book. Author Molly Jebber wrote a storyline with challenges, twists and turns. This book is awesome, but it is eye-opening through some objections. I strongly encourage everyone to read Ellie’s Redemption. It’s An Amish Charm Bakery Novel written by the fantastic Author Molly Jebber.
I received a copy from the publisher, but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
In true fashion of Molly Jebber, Ellie’s Redemption, is another uniquely woven Amish story that kept me turning pages to the very end. This story of love, forgiveness, God’s grace, and second chances, tells of a girl who left the Amish community a few years back, and although she returned and is now committed completely to the Amish way of life, her reputation had been tarnished and the local gossips are making it their business to punish her for past sins.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters in it. They were well developed and easy to relate to. I hated so much to see how quickly people were to judge Ellie and the way it threatened her happiness. I was glad to see that in the end, peace was made, and Ellie chose to forgive each one that had done her wrong.
While this is the second book in the Amish Charm Bakery Series, it can be read as a stand alone book. I do recommend reading the first book just to better understand a few things in this book.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author, but was not required to give to positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
Author Molly Jebber always writes sweet, almost gentle stories that have lessons to learn. This one is no different. Jebber shows us that gossiping and judging people is not a Godly trait and always has ramifications. But we also see that there is forgiveness, both from God and hopefully form the person we wronged. Not at all preachy, I think much can be learned from this story.
The characters in Ellie’s Redemption are relatable. Like us they have strengths and weaknesses. They have opportunities to follow what they know to be right, or to make mistakes. And both happen, giving grace and mercy an opportunity to shine.
My only “complaint”, and it really isn’t a complaint but a preference, is that Jebber’s writing style is a little formal for me. However I still enjoyed this book and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys a charming Amish story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Molly Jebber takes readers back to the year 1912 in Ellie’s Redemption, a delightful and warm hearted turn of the century Amish Romance. I was snatched up into the story from chapter one and on through to the end of the book. Forgiveness and love weaves its way through the pages as the characters interact with each other.
The story takes place in Charm Ohio. A new Amish family has moved into the community. Ellie Graber, who works at the Charm Bakery becomes interested in their son Joel. Judging by the way he’s always watching Ellie and smiling at her, the feeling is quite mutual. But Mrs Wenger, Joel’s mother, has other ideas about who her son should spend his time with.
This woman goes out of her way to be rude to Ellie, who gives it every effort to be respectful to Mrs Wenger. She encourages Joel to see other women and indeed tries to be a matchmaker arranging opportunities for her son to spend time with these girls against his will. Why is Mrs Wenger so dead set against Ellie Graber and Joel being a courting couple?
I enjoyed this story because I’m fascinated with historical romance. I loved that the author took readers back to Massillon Ohio and some of the characters from The Keepsake Pocket Quilt series interacted with characters from Ellie’s Redemption. There where some tense moments as readers experienced an unpredictable turn in the story .
I highly recommend this book to all who have read Lisa’s Second Chance , the first book of the Amish Charm Bakery series. All readers of Amish Fiction would love both books in this series.
I was given a copy of this book from the author. I was not asked to write a review but choose to do so. I have been truthful on my opinion of the book.
ELLIE’S REDEMPTION by Molly Jebber is the second book in the Amish Charm Bakery series.
ELLIE’S REDEMPTION is the story of Ellie Graber and Joel Wenger. Ellie Graber had a troubled past – one very unusual for an Amish girl. After the death of her Mother, she rebelled against her Dad and against the church running away not once but twice. She did eventually return and asked for forgiveness beginning a new life in the Amish community. Ellie is very happy living with her Dad – Jacob, stepmother- Liza, and little brother – Peter, and working with Liza and Hannah at The Amish Charm Bakery. (This part of the story is told in detail in the first book of this series – “Liza’s Second Chance”. There are highlights of this story in this book so you won’t be lost if you haven’t read the first book at all.)
Joel Wenger along with his parents moved to Charm, Ohio after his sister ran off to married an Englischer leaving her Amish upbringing and family behind. Joel is protective of his parents not wanting them to go through another ordeal like that ever again but his mamm’s attitude and behavior makes very difficult at times.
When Ellie and Joel first met, they were immediately drawn to each other. Although Ellie’s folks opened their home and hearts to Joel, Joel’s mother was not receptive to any form courtship between the two. She had listened to gossip. After losing her daughter to the English world, she refused to lose her son to a woman who keeps running off to their world as well. Elllie knows that in the Amish community that family means everything and she refuses to be the thorn in Joel’s relationship with him parents.
Will secrets keep them apart? Ellie knows she must come clean to him about her past, but keeps putting it off hoping he may develop feelings for her making him more receptive to what she has to tell him after he sees how she is now. Joel knows he needs to tell Ellie about his sister, but keeps putting it off. He also hopes that once she knows that she will be more sympathetic towards his mother’s reactions. Putting it off until later didn’t make telling their stories any easier – instead it made it worse. It lead to their separation which was hard on them both. The heart keeps tugging, but the mind keeps trying to give them reason to be apart.
Is the key to their happiness Joel’s long lost sister, Maryann? Can Joel, Ellie and Jabob, Ellie’s Dad, find her in time and safely bring her back to the Charm Amish community. They find out that her husband had been murdered for gambling debts and she has a little baby girl named Betsy. Taking her back home to the Charm Amish community renews the family unit like the prodigal child coming home. When Naomi finds out that it was Ellie that insisted they go after her and talking to Maryann herself, she realizes how very wrong she has been. She is extremely sorrowful for how horrible she had treated Ellie.
Molly Jebber’s book ELLIE’S REDEMPTION is an amazing story of love, devotion, family, forgiveness, faith, family and the power of prayer. You will feel all your emotions while reading this book – joy at the news of a little boppli in the future for Jacob and Liza, laughter at the antics of Snuggles and Cinnamon as well as the honest words of youth, sadness of the separation of Joel and Ellie, hope for a possible future with Hannah and Timothy, elation that past transgressions can be forgiven opening up the chance for a second chance, anger at the way folks accept gossip as gospel, and last but surely not least faith knowing that through faith all things are possible. Forgiveness is a main thread throughout this book – both in giving and accepting it. I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a well written story, one that will keep you turning the pages hoping for a happily ever after. You won’t be disappointed!
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I thoroughly enjoyed a visit back to Charm, Ohio and the Amish Charm Bakery. This is Ellie’s story, one in which the Amish kind of show who they really are. The Amish are taught very early own that forgiveness is a must because God commands us to forgive. But that still doesn’t stop the Amish gossip line to go full force, as it did with Ellie. Since she came back from her time in the English world, Ellie has done everything right as far as Amish standards, but the people still look down on her. They don’t want their kids to have anything with her and whatever happens, no one wants their son to show Ellie any kindness. And when Joel Wenger did just that, tongues started flapping. And Joel’s mother was NOT a happy mamm. In fact, she has her own daughter-in-law-to-be picked out, but Joel balked on her. This is a story you will need to read to get in on all of the drama of this Amish community at this point in their lives.
Molly Jebber writes another sweet, heartwarming Amish romance that will give you several hours of enjoyment. The characters were realistic and I felt they developed well as the story progressed. Though I enjoyed the story, this is not my favorite book from this author, it didn’t seem to flow as well as the other books I’ve read from Ms. Jebber. But I did like that she deals with struggles in the lives of her characters, just as we all struggle. And she does stress forgiveness, because that’s what God wants from His children. Even though sometimes it takes a while, as it did in Ellie’s case. All in all this is a nice book to have in your ‘to read’ list. And I look forward to the next book in this series. It’s just too bad we can’t taste all of those amazing bake goods coming from that bakery!
A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
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Many of us have done something in our lives that we regret and hope we can undo the harm caused by it. We want to be accepted, forgiven and loved. The author has written a character that exemplifies what it feels like to make a mistake and be treated harshly. I could relate to Ellie in her pain and desperate hope that people in her community will forgive her. It is not easy for her as some members in the town still judge her and gossip about her.
I loved how the author gave us a character that takes us through her walk of finding freedom from her past. It is a beautifully written story that made tears run down my eyes. Ellie can’t undo the past, but she can be an example to others of how God forgives us.
Joel is a good character and Ellie is hopeful that their friendship will turn into something more. The dynamics of his family is similar to Ellie’s in the sense that they have both suffered loss. Joel has heard rumors about what Ellie did when she left the Amish but he has ignored it until the day Ellie tells him about her past. The ache in Ellie’s heart was powerful when Joel reacts unexpectedly after listening to her confess about her past. There is a strong element of judgment in the story and a great lesson about forgiveness.
There is a character in the book that really stood out to me. This character is so hurt by a loss, that she seems to not want to forgive Ellie for her mistakes because it hits close to home. I understood her grief and loved reading how she needed to work through her bitterness. The author did an excellent job of showing how loss can make us become bitter and have a hard time opening up to others. I loved this character because she was relatable and realistic.
I have come to expect the best quality of writing and development of characters from this author. She once again has not let me down. This is one of her best stories about forgiveness and many of us can relate to Ellie; not because she is Amish but because we know the pain of rejection and being judged for our past. I loved the story and how the author allows us a glimpse into the Amish world. I loved reading about the bakery and all the delicious breads and pastries they made for customers. The ending is eloquently written and reminds readers how forgiveness heals a broken and bitter heart.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I love reading Amish Fiction, especially since we spent several years living in central Pennsylvania, where we frequently saw Amish families and even went to local Amish farms and an Amish store to buy produce and goods. Moreover, I love reading books by Molly Jebber. So when the opportunity came up to review Ellie’s Redemption, I was thrilled to read it. This is the second book in the series, An Amish Charm Bakery series.
Ellie’s Redemption is the story of an Amish young lady who made some poor choices after her mother died. These choices followed her, even after she repented and returned to the Amish community.
Joel Wenger is an Amish man who wants to believe Ellie has changed. But his parents and others in the community make that difficult to do. Of course, his family had experienced first hand the tragedy of having his sister walk away from the Amish way of life. So it is somewhat understandable how they felt.
This book will take you through a variety of emotions, feelings, and thoughts. It kept my interest from start to finish. So if you want to read a wonderful, uplifting, and inspiring book, check this out for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
another great book from Molly Jebber, Received the book on Thursday, started reading it yesterday, kept me up to 5am, could not put it down. Great story line. Can’t wait to get to the end, but then I will have to wait for your next book to come out. Interesting characters, they both are hiding something, will they open up to each other, only time and my continuing to read this book will tell. I hope so.
Ellie’s Redemption is an engaging and heartwarming with a solid Christian message woven into the story. This book set in the early 1900’s in Charm, OH is a continuation of the characters I fell in love with in Liza’s Second Chance. Ellie’s return to her Amish roots left others with doubt about her commitment to the Amish faith, even though God, the church and most of the community had forgiven her. Ellie’s sweet and compassionate spirit is to be admired throughout the story, although there were moments of wanting to lash out at the gossip.
Joel and Ellie were attractive to one another from the beginning, but they faced many struggles with their relationship. Each one had secrets of their past, plus Mrs. Wenger had listened to the gossip of others about Ellie and insisted Joel not see her. She was rude to Ellie it seemed at each opportunity. Would an expected turn of events for Joel to redeem his sister from the Englisch world bring Mrs. Wenger back to her compassionate and loving self with family and others?
This story captured by heart from the beginning. The children in the story added so much with their innocence and caring way for others. The courage, strength, and resilient of characters combined with gentleness, forgiveness, love, faith and new beginnings gave way to a magnificent Amish historical story. I look forward to reading the next book in The Amish Charm Bakery series by Molly Jebber. I want to know how the lives of the characters are moving forward. Jebber is one of my favorite authors writing historical Amish stories filled with a message of God’s love and forgiveness for each one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington through NetGalley for the tour with Celebrate Lit. All thoughts expressed are my sincere opinion of this book.
After experiencing the English world for a bit, Ellie has returned to her Amish community and enjoys working with her stepmom in the bakery. Joel and his family have just moved to Charm for a new chance. He is not aware of Ellie’s past and finds himself falling for her. When her past comes to light will Joel be able to forgive her and continue to love her?
As I felt with the first book in the series, I find it hard to review a book that I just liked and not loved. It is not the author’s fault if the book did not speak to me. I have read many reviews where others loved it. My main issue remains the same as I felt the story was rushed. It seemed to jump from one thing to another and ideas were not given a full follow through as I am used to in other Amish novels.
This is Ellie’s story and I’m still not impressed with her behavior. At times she still acted like a brat and I found myself shaking my head in disgust at her.
Will I continue with the series if there are more? I honestly don’t know. I’m leaning towards this series not being my cup of tea.
Please do not use my review as a judge if you want to read the book. Read the book yourself and make your own opinion. What doesn’t speak to me may speak volumes to you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Loved the first book about Liza and this is a continuation about Ellie, her stepdaughter. But it can be read as a stand-alone, so don’t let that hold you back. Ellie works in Liza’s bakery with Liza’s niece Hannah, who happens to be Ellie’s best friend. Ellie left the Amish life twice during her rumspringa, but now is totally committed to her faith. As hard as she tries, she is still looked down upon by many in the community. Fears are that she’ll win people and hearts and then take off again. At least that’s what Joel’s mother thinks. Joel and Ellie take a “shine” to each other but nothing will sway Mrs. Wenger’s mind about her. She is still grieving over the daughter that left and married an Englisher.
This was a quick, enjoyable read for me and I loved the characters. Even though the time period was 1912, it was hardly noticeable because of the simple way the Amish live. My only problem with the book was that I gained 8 pounds while reading! The mention of all the bakery goods they made and sold made my mouth water. I found myself in my kitchen baking, and unfortunately eating the sweets and breads I made.
I’m looking forward to possible continuations of these characters in subsequent novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
Ellie’s Redemption is Molly Jebber’s second book in the Amish Charm Bakery series and is just as delightful as the first, Liza’s Second Chance. This book has many of the same characters, yet Ellie’s Redemption can be read as a stand-alone story. Reading the first will definitely fill more of the background in but this second book of the series is captivating on its own. With family members disapproving, community gossips and other gals trying to make trouble, and events from the past Ellie and Joel’s romance almost seems doomed from the start. Throughout the story, readers will wonder if their future will be together and what is ahead for Ellie and Joel just as the characters themselves are wondering what God is at work doing. They both have secrets they withhold from each other and because of that their relationship is strained to the point of breaking. Love just might not be enough to ensure a future together. The characters in the book are likable and realistic and I especially liked Joel’s father. He is portrayed as a compassionate and non-judgmental person who is slow to speak and gives quiet advice. Ellie’s story of redemption is a wonderful blend of family, great friendships, and faith values. It is a story that lovers of Amish stories and sweet romances won’t want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
Ellie’s Redemption
This is a story of forgiveness, reunion and just a great family atmosphere. I really enjoyed Ellie and Joel story. I am hoping that there will be another book in the series. I loved all the characters.
Joel mother does not want to accept Ellie because she left the Amish a short time. She did come back. Joel sister did the same but has not returned yet. I found myself rooting for Joel mother to change her mind about Ellie. I really found myself involved in the characters.
Also I enjoyed the bakery shop. All the different kind of cookies they made.
I received an advanced copy of the book. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.