A loaf of fragrant cinnamon bread for breakfast . . . a sweet and creamy custard pie for dessert. In 1912 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery has something to delight locals and visiting Englischer alike. And within this warm, welcoming community, there’s always room for love to grow . . . Hannah Lapp’s life, like a long-cherished recipe, is satisfying just the way it is. She enjoys whipping up … way it is. She enjoys whipping up desserts at the bakery, tutoring local children, and socializing with dear friends. One of those friends, Timothy Barkman, has made his interest in Hannah clear, but she’s been in no hurry to change her circumstances.
No sooner does she feel ready to grow closer to hard-working, handsome Timothy than Hannah finds she may have waited too long. Charlene Shetler intends to become Timothy’s fraa. It’s little wonder he’s attracted to such a pretty, forthright young woman, but is the newcomer all that she seems? Only when Hannah is willing to confront some difficult truths can she move bravely toward a life of abiding faith and love . . .
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My Thoughts on Hannah’s Courage:
This was such a good book. Very quick read for me. I sat down with the baby to nurse her and she ended up napping which led me to being able to read the whole book! She did wake up a few times and it was the longest nap she’s probably ever taken but I was very grateful for it! I always love some good uninterrupted reading time.
Hannah is a cautious girl who doesn’t like change. She likes her life the way it is and though she’s been offered opportunities to change before she’s too happy with the way things are to move on.
But now the man she’s realized she’s in love with, the man she’s had on a string for quite some time may have decided he’s done waiting. When a new girl moves to town and decides that Timothy is now her man things might get a bit messy.
Instead of fighting though Hannah decides to resign herself to watch from the sidelines. After all, it’s her own fault. She waited too long. Even though she was set to tell Timothy how she felt when she hears his family say that he now has a special friend and it’s not her she’s determined to move on with her life.
Working at the bakery has been her joy and she would hate to give it up, but when opportunity beckons will she finally answer the call? Will she have the courage to do what’s right? Can she win Timothy back?
Great read and I highly recommend it. It’s a fun Amish fiction romance book with a minor plot that keeps it from being too sickly sweet. DO know though that you’re probably going to want some baked goods after reading!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Hannah and Timothy had loved each other for a long time. But Hannah was content working in the bakery with her friends, and she hated change. So she keeps putting Timothy off when he tries to pursue her. It’s when a new family moves to Charm, with a young lady around Hannah’s age, nonetheless, that Hannah realizes she may be too late to tell Timothy her true feelings for him. Where will this leave Hannah?
I always look forward to reading a Molly Jebber book, because I know it is a story I will love and enjoy. Hannah’s Courage was a refreshing new read for me. I love the Amish Charm Bakery and the ladies who work there day to day baking the most delicious sounding foods. But most of all, I enjoy the relationship and fellowship of these sweet ladies. I learn a lot from the advice they give to each other. This is a workplace I would love to work. They all get along so well, and one doesn’t try to get ahead of another. And I enjoy the talk about their men, or the lack thereof. Though I was wishing Hannah wouldn’t have been so strong willed, and let one of her friends talk to Timothy, since she wouldn’t tell him how she feels!
And then there is Timothy’s brother, Aaron. Hannah and Aaron have such a sweet relationship. And Aaron is doing so well in school as Hannah tutors him. But Hannah is about to make a decision that will shake everyone up. And there is so much more to this story I would love to comment on, like Charlene Shetler, but you really need to read this beautiful book to enjoy the story more. And I don’t like giving away too many clues! I encourage you to pick up a copy of Hannah’s Courage today!!
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Author Molly Jebber has written a sweet series with the Amish Charm Bakery, and Hannah’s Courage, book 3, is a great fit.
You will enjoy the characters, well except for Charlene, and find yourself cheering for Timothy and Hannah. Both of them learn tough lessons that help them to grow beyond hurts and distrust. Hannah’s friends are the type of friends we all want, so that was heartwarming to read about. Jebber also includes a wonderful young man who has special needs and you will love him.
If you enjoy Amish fiction I can highly recommend Hannah’s Courage!
I received a complimentary copy but was not required to leave a review. My thoughts are my own.
A tender Amish romance between Hannah Lapp and Timothy Barkman takes readers to Charm Ohio in the year of 1913. . The two had grown up together and been the best of friends. As Timothy reached adulthood he wanted to begin courting Hannah but she holds back because she feared change. She enjoyed working in the Charm Bakery with her friends. She loved Timothy but she wasn’t ready to commit to dating and possible marriage in the future.
Timothy wasn’t sure where he stood with Hannah. She seemed to think of him as a friend only. Discouraged he decided to go on with his life. A new Amish girl in the community showed interest in him. She was very forward and made no secret of how she felt about Timothy. About that time Hannah had decided she would like to be courted by Timothy. Learning he was seeing Charlene Shetler, Hannah realized her mistake in not agreeing to let Timothy court her. To make matters worse Charlene was very rude to Hannah and saw her as a threat to her and Timothy’s relationship . Hannah’s world has fallen apart and she knows somehow she must get beyond this and move forward in her life. Things are not as they seem and Charlene is not the person Timothy believes her to be.
I love these historical romances. Automobiles were just becoming popular. I have been to Charm Ohio and loved reading about the town in its earlier years. Molly Jebber has the gift of bringing her stories to life and her readers are taken back in time as they turn the pages. This reader was drawn in from the beginning.
All readers who enjoy Historical Romance , Amish Fiction and Christian Fiction will enjoy this book. The author did not disappoint this reader and I highly recommend it to anyone.
I received a copy of Hannah’s Courage from the Author. Thank you! I was not asked to write a review. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own!
Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber takes us back to May of 1913 in Charm, Ohio. Hannah Lapp and Timothy Barkman have grown up together and have become close friends. The relationship gradually changed, and they began courting. Whenever Timothy would bring up their future, Hannah would change the subject. Hannah is not one for change. Seeing her best friend, Ellie Wenger happy with marriage has Hannah realizing she is ready to tell Timothy how she feels about him. When Timothy enters Liza’s Amish Charm Bakery where Hannah works, she is delighted to see him until she notices the pretty woman on his arm. Charlene Shetler is new to town and was quick to latch onto Timothy. It seems that Hannah has waited too long to tell Timothy how she feels. Charlene has no qualms about letting Timothy know she likes him and desires a future with him. Timothy is uncomfortable with Charlene’s forthright manner, but he knows he needs to move on since Hannah does not reciprocate his feelings. Matters can certainly go awry when we fail to communicate. Hannah’s Courage is the third book in The Amish Charm Bakery series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order. Hannah’s Courage is nicely written, and the story moves along steadily. The author made me feel like I was visiting Charm and could smell the delectable items that are whipped up at the bakery. I also liked that we get to see things from Hannah and Timothy’s perspective with the alternating chapters. The characters are realistic. We get to see them go through their daily lives where they have struggles as well as joyful moments. The Amish community in Charm is close, and they help those in need. They have a kindly and caring bishop. Hannah works at Liza’s Amish Charm Bakery with her friends Ellie and Magdalena. I like that we get to catch up with Liza and Ellie to see how they are doing. Maryann and Rachel join the bakery ladies and they are a welcome addition. The friendship between these ladies is heartwarming. They are good friends who support each other. Hannah is a kind woman with a strong faith who dislikes change (I can certainly relate). I enjoyed seeing Hannah grow as a person and in her faith. Charlene is a character that you love to dislike (she reminded me of Nellie Olson). Aaron, Timothy’s brother, is a special individual. Hannah is a patient teacher who helps Aaron to learn. She can see the potential in him, and she encourages Aaron. There is a special moment when Timothy makes a realization about Aaron that I find particularly touching. I like how the author captured the time period by having the sheriff and the local doctor share the latest news each day. I especially enjoyed the sheriff’s story (I do not want to say too much and spoil it for you). Hannah’s Courage is a heartfelt Amish story about love, faith, forgiveness, second chances and courage.
Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber is the third book in the Amish Charm Bakery series, and can easily be read as a standalone. Set in the charming little town of Charm, Ohio, it follows Hannah, who works at Charm Bakery with her friends, Ellie, Magdalena, Maryann, and Rachel. Hannah is a likable character. She’s kind, caring, and always ready to help anyone in need. She doesn’t like change and is content with her life just the way it is, working at the bakery and spending time with her friends and family. She loves and cares deeply for Timothy and would love to be his wife, just not yet. When Hannah finally feels ready to grow closer to Timothy, she is heartbroken to discover that Timothy has moved on and is now courting Charlene, a pretty girl who has just moved to town. Hannah knows that it’s her fault that Timothy got tired of waiting around for her, so with the support of her friends and family and her faith in God, she decides to move on with her life. But when Hannah learns that Charlene is not who she appears to be, will she tell Timothy the truth? And will she ever find the courage to tell him that she’s in love with him?
Hannah’s Courage is a heartwarming historical Amish romance about love, faith, and courage. Readers will fall in love with the wonderful cast of characters and the quaint little town of Charm, Ohio. The author’s writing style makes you feel like you’re right there in Charm, working at the bakery with the girls, and you could almost smell all the delicious pastries being whipped up in the kitchen. It was easy to root for Hannah and Timothy, they were both relatable characters, dealing with real issues. I could definitely relate to Hannah’s fear of change and really felt for her when she realized that she waited too long to share her feelings with Timothy. And I really felt for Timothy when he resigned himself to the fact that Hannah might never love him, and that his hope of of starting a life with her might never come true. I really admired Hannah’s faith in God and enjoyed her friendship with the girls. This is a wonderful story with a lovely message woven into it. I will definitely be reading future books in this series.
I received an ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Let me start off that just because I have this book 3 stars does not mean it is terrible. It is a good read but I felt like it should be marketed as a young adult series. I personally feel it reads very simply and it distracts from the story.
I have read all three books in the series and will continue to read more if there are to be more. The storyline is interesting and I am invested in the characters.
As with the other two, I feel things move very quickly and everything is resolved very easily. This series is a great book to read and relax. It is a clean romance safe for the teenager in your life.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
HANNAH’S COURAGE by Molly Jebber is the third book in the Amish Charm Bakery series. It’s another amazing segment in the continuing story of Hannah Lapp and the great friends she works side by side with at the Amish Charm Bakery in Ohio in the year of 1812. Although part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone book since it’s a great story within itself.
The story opens with Hannah Lapp learning that her decisions, or lack thereof, are things she will have to learn to live with or work around. About the time she is finally ready to let Timothy Barkman know she is ready to get serious, after dragging her feet forever to commit, and consider a relationship with him, he’s given up on her ever taking him serious and started seeing the new girl in town, Charlene Shetler, who seems smitten with him and doesn’t care who knows it.
Feeling she’s lost her chance, she keeps her declaration of love to herself and wishes them well. However, knowing she loves Timothy and always will, she can’t bare living in the same town with him and seeing them happily together everywhere she goes. Not one that welcomes change, she prays for a solution to her problem. She takes strength in God’s promise that life may not be easy, but that he will not forsake us. When a sudden opening for a school teacher in Mt. Hope is posted and it’s within easy traveling distance to still be able to visit her family, Hannah considers the opportunity to try a job she always wanted to do. After all, she’s been extremely successful in our tutoring of Timothy’s brother, Aaron, who has bloomed under her instructions. When Agnes, the person she would have to contact for the position, shows up unexpectedly in town and then the bishop gives his approval and he recommends her for the post, she feels it’s an answer to her prayers.
Although the Kauffman family made her stay pleasant and welcomed her into their family, Hannah finds that teaching to a group of children of different ages and learning abilities isn’t near as gratifying as teaching one on one. Plus she realizes that she missed her family and friends at the bakery as well as the baking itself. However, how can she disappoint the people who had been so nice to her? At the same time, Timothy finds Charlene’s brazen, non-Amish attitude more than he can put up with. The initial thrill of having a woman find him attractive and seeking him out soon loses its first appeal. He also realizes that he’s not over Hannah yet – and may never be. Just as he’s about to break it off, Charlene’s grandmother dies. How can he be the one to break her heart even more?
Can Hannah and Timothy find ways to make peace in their lives? Will that path have them finding their way back to each other? Can Charlene hold on to Timothy with an accusation that shocks everyone? Will bad weather causing a terrible accident put a wedge between Hannah and Timothy or draw them closer together? Will the community be attending one wedding or two? Will Aaron have his declaration that Hannah would become his real sister become a fact?
Molly Jebber has done it again! She has written a story that holds your interest and turning pages to see how she will weave inspiration and love into the pages. With hope, prayer and belief in God, we see a couple whose childhood friendship has turned to adult love who experience the good and bad in life taking the ups and downs together. They learn to communicate in order to build a relationship built on respect, dedication, honesty, and most definitely on faith. Lessons we could all learn from. I most wholeheartedly recommend HANNAH’S CHOICE to anyone that loves a great well-written Christian story. You will be wanting to check out more book by this author. I know I can’t wait for the next book in this series as well as other books by Molly Jebber.
Love this Amish series, such a simple life with real life trials and tribulations.
I just finished reading it. Loved the characters, and the story line. Molly Jenson is a good writer. I couldn’t put the book down.,
This whole series is wonderful. The characters are realistic and so are the situations. I liked the religious references which help to inspire the reader.
Amish village Charm, Ohio, 1913.
It’s hard when the heart suffers because of love: Hannah loves Timothy, but she doesn’t feel ready to wed him.
“I learned a hard lesson about communication and procastination.”
Sometimes the heart suffer also because of colhearted people, that like to say harsh words to others, to disrespect friends and family, to make troubles.
“She’s like a porcupine, and nobody wants to hug one of those.”
Lovely story, wonderful characters, you’ll feel home in Charm and you’ll miss the bakery. I recommend it.
“With God, she believed all things were possible. She had motivation, and maybe it was time she exercised courage.”
Although in the past I have only rarely read Amish stories, in the past year or so they have become a regular addition to my reviewing schedule. The quaintness and slower pace are refreshing in comparison to modern daily life, as are the steadfast devotion to God and the fervent sense of community. At the same time, the ways in which Amish and Englisch lives are alike enhances the reading experience. With this book, in particular, the parallels stand out, and the characters seem very relatable, without the disconnect that sometimes occurs with this genre.
A mixture of sweetness and heartache, “Hannah’s Courage” is book 3 in Molly Jebber’s Amish Charm Bakery series. While it is not necessary to read the first two books in order to understand the story, take into consideration that there are spoilers for the major plotlines. Except for a few scenes that featured motor cars, the fact that this story is set in 1912 did not stay in the forefront of my mind; mostly because of the Amish lifestyle, there is a timelessness that seeps through the pages. The language also has a natural flow to it, and a brief dictionary is included for the Pennsylvania Dutch words that the characters speak. The setting of Charm, Ohio is one I’m familiar with because I have been to and shopped in the Berlin area numerous times over the years.
Endearing characters populate this novel, each with struggles and flaws like the rest of us. Admittedly, though, I did become frustrated with some of them, and the narrative seems as though it could be edited down to avoid drawn-out episodes and drama. The title character was my favorite because I identified with her dislike of change and I also applaud her for the selflessness she demonstrates continuously. Attempting to avoid making the same mistake twice, “She’d rise above her inhibition and nurture the courage she’d found within her” because “He didn’t promise life would be easy. He promised to never forsake her, and she claimed that promise.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
What I think you should know:
Hannah’s Courage is the third book in the Amish Charm Bakery series by Molly Jebber. While this book can be a standalone I recommend reading the first two books of the series so that you get the wonderful stories that preceded this one. It is set in 1913 in a community where Amish families and English families still lived and worked in close proximity with each other. This book focuses on Hannah Lapp who works at the Charm Bakery and what happens when the man she is in love with moves on with his life without her.
What I think about this book:
Hannah’s Courage gave me the excitement of facing new challenges and that pit you got in your stomach the first time you had to see your former sweetheart or biggest crush with someone else. Hannah was such an easy character to relate to, she is happy with her life and doesn’t like change, which is like so many people. I understand why she wanted to see his maturity before she moved forward. Jebber did a wonderful job of making characters who you become invested in and enjoy reading about them. I was surprised at some of the twists in the book, which added to my enjoyment. I loved not only Hannah and Timothy, but all of the other characters in the book. I would happily read many more books about the residents ( Amish and English alike) of Charm.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber is a cute, Amish romance with a love triangle that confounds me.
Hannah Lapp works in a bakery with Ellie and Magdalena, and eventually a few others. The relationships we see there are warm and energizing. If you wouldn’t want to work in Liza’s Bakery, you would at least want to make it a daily stop, like Sheriff Williams and Dr. Harrison. These older mid-life men are fun secondary characters, adding breadth to the story.
No one but Timothy Barkman is going to like Charlene. At first, helping a newcomer to the area, he finds she attaches stronger than a hungry flea. Unfortunately, she’s rude and rotten to the core. (Ellie likes to call Charlene “Miss Nasty.”) Everyone but Timothy can see Charlene’s bad personality, and I’m left thinking, ”Can even a person in love be this blind?!” Charlene fails to consider Timothy’s wishes and requests about her forward behavior.
As a former teacher, the book both delighted and dismayed me. These reactions had to do with Hannah and the course of actions she took. I can’t say more without spoilers.
What unimpressed me? The story moseyed a little slower than I would have liked. I wished the novel would have had a little more substance. Also, I felt like there was one possible loose end that loomed over most of the book and then quietly disappeared.
Why would I want to read more? The relationships in the bakery mentioned earlier. Maryann is a person that enters the book early on. By the end, I am intrigued enough that I will look for the next book by Molly Jebber to read her story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. This does not influence my opinions. I am voluntarily leaving my thoughts, for which I am solely responsible.
Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber is a delightfully warm Amish historical novel that will leave you smiling. It is the third book in the Amish Charm Bakery series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces.
There is a wonderful community feel to the book as the Amish bond over food and company. Homes, hearts and businesses are opened to those in need. Strangers receive warm welcomes.
Friendship is important. We all need friends with whom we can talk and trust them to tell us the truth in love.
The characters are realistically drawn and likable. Their interactions are delightful. There are misunderstandings that create tensions in the reader as we long for them to be resolved.
Young adults in the Amish community have strict rules to abide by. This can cause frustrations when the rules are deliberately flaunted.
Teaching is an important vocation. There is a wonderful relationship between a young boy who has been injured mentally and a young adult who invests time and love to teach him. It reminds the reader of the proverb telling us to train a child in the way and he will not depart from it.
The novel is set in 1913 it is a world on the brink of change. The reader hears about the new invention of the motor car which is resisted by some and embraced by others.
I found Hannah’s Courage a positively delightful read. It warmed my heart and made me smile.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
This is the third book in Jebber’s Amish Charm Bakery series and it is as charming as the series title implies. Hannah’s Courage is set in Charm, Ohio in 1913 and I enjoyed getting to know Hannah, Timothy, their families, and friends. I could understand Hannah’s desire to keep her life the same but I’ve learned that a change in circumstances can often challenge us to achieve even deeper happiness. It is when Hannah asks God for courage that she begins her journey to true happiness.
I truly enjoyed Hannah’s Courage and I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit but I wasn’t obligated to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Please check out my full review on my blog
https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/2020/02/hannahs-courage-by-molly-jebber-review.html
An Amish Charm Bakery Novel, Hannah’s Courage, brings out several “food for thought” ideas, pardon the pun please. Foremost is courage to try new things and follow your dreams. Hannah was born and raised in small town Charm and never ventured outside her small town borders. But chasing a back burner dream may cause her to do that exact thing.
Good communication is another thing that is ignored by Hannah and her long time friend Timothy. How much heartache could have been avoided?
Spending quality time with children and allowing them to pursue their talents no matter how busy you may be. Another lesson taught well in this novel.
Friendship love and romantic love brought a few tears and happy smiles to my face.
Set in 1913 Charm, Ohio, being Amish did not change much in the time frame from today’s Amish other than a few tidbits of history brought out by the locals. The majority of the story was in the local bakery and the close friendship among the women that worked there. It made me hungry a lot though! An added bonus was some of Hannah’s bakery recipes in the back.
You don’t necessarily have to like Amish stories in order to enjoy this story rich in lessons for all of us in today’s world.
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.
I am fascinated by the Amish culture and lifestyle. They have a love for family and trust in God that is strong. Hard work is part of their lives as is good cooking.
Hannah’s Courage is a Christian historical Amish romance by author Molly Jebber. It takes readers into the Amish world in the early 1900’s. Set in Charm, Ohio this is part of The Amish Charm Bakery Series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it would be better to read the earlier novels first.
This is the tale of Hannah. She works at the bakery and tutors Aaron. Timothy is Aaron’s older brother and has been in love with Hannah for along time. Hannah has finally decided to declare her feelings to Timothy when a new girl comes to Charm and sweeps him off of his feet.
The author has incorporated many timeless life and inspirational lessons into this delightful story. She has a lovely writing style that is easy to read. A twist is thrown in to make the story interesting. Her characters are realistic and well rounded. The dialog flows without a hitch. The setting was well researched and defined so that I could imagine everything. I wanted to visit the bakery and chat with the three girls.
In the back after the story, readers are rewarded with recipes. I was thrilled to be able to make some of the treats I had been reading about that sounded so scrumptious. There is even a list of Amish words and their meanings, too.
I definitely recommend this book. It would make a great reading group choice. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my own true words. I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars.
I have loved every book by Molly Jebber that I have ever read. This is one of my favorite series. I am very fond of the characters. I love the bakery and can just smell the items from the descriptions. I also love the use of the friendship quilts in each of these stories. Hannah really did learn a few lessons in this story and so did Timothy. One must speak up or you might be left behind. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.