The sweet welcome of straight-from-the-oven sugar cookies and hot cocoa. The warm invitation of apple pie and fresh cold milk. In 1912 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is the heart of a close-knit, faith-nourished community, where people can find a refuge, a place to start again—and love that can make their lives new . . . For Liza Schrock, the bakery her late husband bought was an unexpected haven … bought was an unexpected haven from their unhappy arranged marriage. Now she’s perfectly content to cook up mouth-watering delights for her hometown, give to those alone or in trouble—and remain happily unwed. And though she’s willing to give handsome, newly-arrived widower Jacob Graber all the help he desperately needs, she is sure they can stay just friends . . .
But as Liza also tries to aid Jacob’s troubled teenage daughter, she starts caring far too much for his gentle ways and steadfast hopes. And when a wrenching secret she must keep comes between them, can Liza find the faith to risk opening her heart again—and reach for one more chance at real 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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Whenever I find out that one of my favorite authors has a new series coming out, I’m all giddy with excitement. I couldn’t wait to start the first in a very promising series. I commend the author for writing a story about an Amish marriage that was not perfect. Some of us may glamorize the Amish life, but they have problems just like everyone else when it comes to marriage. I’m thankful that the author showed a different side to an Amish marriage that is hardly written about. I know as you read the story you will discover the secret Liza kept from everyone. It’s very typical in a situation like her’s , to hide the truth because of fear. This is one story that has all the elements of a book that draws you in at the beginning and tugs on the heartstrings as you want to hug Liza.
Liza is one tough character. I admire her for wanting to protect her family while hiding something that is emotionally and physically hurtful. I loved her character and wanted to walk beside her and tell her that everything would be ok. I wonder why some people judge others when they haven’t walked in their shoes? It’s a mystery that I will never understand but hope someday we will all work together and help those that are hurting.
I adored Jacob as soon as he was introduced. He has his hands full with his disrespectful daughter Ellie. Maybe things will be better for them in the new town. I loved how they were welcomed in the community and especially by Eliza and her family. The story is full of surprises and sadness at times. My heart went out to Ellie. She is defiant but under that tough exterior is a young girl crying out for acceptance and love. I adore stories about second chances and this one has been written with a few characters praying for just that. Isn’t it nice to know that if we mess up, God is right there to give us another chance? If only we could forgive as quickly as God does, then our loved ones would find happiness sooner. Don’t miss this wonderful story about friendship, forgiveness, patience and second chances.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This was a heart warming story. Liza’s fought her second chance for a long time and her reasons were easy to understand.. Enjoyed how Jacob courted her and got his second chance too. Good story from start to finish!
Molly Jebber takes readers back to the year 1912 in the Amish town of Charm Ohio. Liza Shrock, owner of the Amish Charm Bakery has been widowed for a year now. Paul Shrock, her late husband was well thought of by everyone in the community. Fine outstanding citizen. Generous to a fault. Too bad he wasn’t so nice to his wife Liza.
Jacob Graber and his daughter Ellie are new to the community of Charm. Jacob and Liza soon become attracted to each other despite Ellies rudeness to her. Ellie doesn’t want another woman in her father’s life because she still grieves the loss of her mother who died 3 years ago. Because Liza was unhappy in her marriage to Paul she has decided to never marry again. Will Liza let her attraction for Jacob grow into something more ? Will Ellie ever approve of her father’s feelings for Liza ?
Molly Jebber has the ability to always draw me into her stories. It’s as though I was in Charm Ohio in 1912. I love historical romance because I’m taken back to a simpler time and lifestyle. The story is filled with many different and unexpected happeningsthat kept my interest peaked to the last page.
Readers of Amish Fiction , historical and Christian Fiction will enjoy Liza’s Second Chance. This is the first book of a new series An Amish Charm Bakery. It was very well written and I highly recommend it.
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A pleasant read to curl up with on these snowy days. I enjoyed this first book in the new series. It deals with learning to trust after being hurt and with the loss of a spouse, mother, and friend. The characters are easy to like and it is nice to see Amish portrayed with flawed characteristics. I have to admit it made me hungry for all the goodies they make in the bakery. This is a lighthearted and enjoyable read.
I won a copy of this book. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
LIZA’S SECOND CHANCE by Molly Jebber is the first book in the Amish Charm Bakery series. It’s a story about the Amish way of life of faith, family and community back in the early part of the 20th century in the town of Charm, Ohio.
Liza Schrock is now a young widow and owner of the Charm Bakery. Although her abusive husband from an arranged marriage, Paul, had bought the bakery, she’s always thought of it as “her” place and where she found peace and happiness. It’s where she can share her love of baking with her fellow workers, her sister, Esther, and niece, Hannah, and her customers can reap the bounty of her oven. Her bad marriage left her content to be alone happy with her family, church and her business.
That is until she meet the newcomers to town – the young widow Jacob Graber and his teenage daughter, Ellie. While helping Jacob, as a friend, through some difficult times while his daughter works out the dilemma of testing her wings and living in the English world or to stay in the church, Liza finds her attraction to Jacob to be more and more on her mind. She is sure that Ellie’s resentment of anyone trying to take over her Mom’s place plus the fact that she thinks she is barren, would make anything more than being friends impossible. Jacob is steadfast and determined to prove to her that she is all he needs and wants.
Along the way, young Peter comes into their lives when his Mother dies. He’s just the pint size bundle of love that everyone needs. Through the eyes of a child, we will all see that God is real and love knows no bounds.
It’s through the trials and life events that are thrown at them that their love shines and grows. It’s a story of faith in God and each other, the value of open communication and knowing that all things happen in God’s time.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a wonderful Amish story, a story that shows what hard work and dedication can achieve, a story of love and devotion and how it’s more of showing it than saying it, and wants a feel good Christian book to read by an author that weaves a colorful tapestry in her story.
I recently just got into reading Amish novels, and I discovered this book, “Liza’s Second Chance” by Molly Jebber. The book ended the way I expected it to, and I loved it. 🙂 In my opinion, Molly is an excellent writer, and I am currently reading one of her other books!! 🙂 Keep up the excellent work, Molly!!!
Liza’s Second Chance by Molly Jebber is the first novel in The Amish Charm Bakery series. We go back in time to 1912 in Charm, Ohio. Paul Schrock purchased the bakery for Liza (as an investment), and Liza considers the bakery her haven. Liza was happy to be off in her bakery each day making delectable delights for her customers. It allowed her to be away from her husband’s criticisms (mental abuse). Paul projected a different persona to the community. Liza never told a soul about her miserable marriage. He has been gone a year, and Liza is happy with her single status. Then Jacob Graber and his troubled daughter, Ellie arrive in town. Esther, Liza’s sister, believes Jacob would be the perfect mate for Liza (a matchmaker at heart). Ellie has a belligerent attitude and ruined Jacob’s last relationship. Jacob moved them to Charm to give Ellie a chance to start over, but the outside world fascinates her. Liza aids Jacob and Ellie in adjusting to the new town. She introduces Ellie to her niece, Hannah hoping they will become friends (and it will help Ellie’s attitude). Things seem to be improving with Ellie, but then she disappears into the English world with a young man. Why did she take off and where did she go? While Ellie is away, Jacob and Liza spend time together and grow closer. Jacob wishes to marry, but Liza is reluctant. What would happen when Ellie returns? Will there be a happily ever after for Liza and Jacob?
Liza’s Second Chance is nicely written and has a nice flow. I found the book easy to read. The author incorporated major events from the time-period like the sinking of the Titanic, the Olympics, and Harry Houdini. I did find a repetition of information. Details surrounding Liza’s first marriage for example are repeated several times. Amish words are interjected into the dialogue. The meaning of them can be discerned from the text. Christian elements include scripture, accepting God and his plan for a person’s life, forgiveness, power of prayer and having faith. We get to see the importance of family and friends. Liza has a close relationship with her family and they are happy to include the Graber family. I felt that the author could have developed the characters more. There is a lack of details on the main characters background that could have given them depth. I did become annoyed with Jacob at times. Liza wants to allow time for a friendship to develop between herself and Ellie, but Jacob keeps forcing the issue. His lack of understanding was frustrating for me. Liza’s Second Chance is a light, sweet Amish romance that will appeal to fans of Amish fiction.
Author Molly Jebber included all personalities in this book. An abused widow, recovering from the situation. A troubled teenager suffering loss. An Amish man who wants his way, regardless of what others want. But you’ll enjoy watching them grow, change, and blossom. We all want second chances!
Jebber brought in many facets of the era, including Houdini and the Sinking of the Titanic. That gave the reader a good time frame for the story. She also did a good job of helping you to see the Amish lifestyle. The closeness and dependence on family, etc. Her descriptions were very thorough.
I did feel the dialogue was a bit stiff; it didn’t seem to flow freely, but that is a style preference. There is nothing wrong with it. In all, it was a good book; an easy read that even included a yummy cookie recipe. If you like Amish stories you’ll enjoy Liza’s Second Chance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
This is the first book by Molly Jebber that I have read. For full disclosure, I have to admit that I don’t read much Amish fiction. I have read more since becoming a part of the Celebrate Lit Tour review team, but it is not my go-to genre of fiction. That being said, this Amish fiction book that takes place in Charm, Ohio in 1912 blends love and faith in the small Amish community that provides second chances with historical happenings of that era. The deeply woven thread of faith and prayer in the storyline is also an added bonus.
Liza is a bakery owner in Charm who suffered through a terrible marriage to a verbally and emotionally abusive man. She is now a widow, enjoying her time with her sister’s family and bakery. Jacob is a widower just moved into Charm with his troubled teenage daughter. Sparks fly between the two, but many issues – past and present – interfere with their budding relationship. Liza is strong and capable but so timid and fearful in a courtship. Jacob is tender, loyal, and caring but sometimes too pushy and stubborn about getting his own way. Then there is Ellie, Jacob’s daughter, who is willful and spiteful, mostly because she’s still hurting from her mother’s death. Although the characters were definitely three-dimensional and layered, I unfortunately couldn’t really connect with any of them.
The storyline was plotted out well, but the book seemed a bit long and repeatedly addressed Liza’s emotional issues with remarriage more often than was needed.
If you enjoy Amish historical fiction, I’m sure you would enjoy this book. I was given a copy of the book by the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.