The pleasing warmth of fresh-baked maple cookies . . . the sweet, buttery flakiness of a raspberry jam pastry. In 1913 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is beloved by locals and visiting Englischer alike. And its understanding community always provides help, healing—and new chances for love . . . Secrets devastated Maryann Harding’s marriage to an Englischer—and took away her untrustworthy husband. … Englischer—and took away her untrustworthy husband. Now the young Amish widow has found contentment cooking up treats at the bakery, raising her little girl, and comforting her ailing mother. And when Andrew Wittmer asks her to marry him, Maryann is over the moon with happiness that she and the kind furniture maker will put down roots in her hometown . . .
Until Andrew’s uncle becomes ill, and Andrew must permanently take over his store in a town hours away. Though she would go anywhere to be Andrew’s fraa, Maryann can’t abandon her mother—or the family that depends on her so much. And when she discovers Andrew harbors secrets of his own, Maryann’s hard-won trust is shaken. Now, can she risk difficult choices and take a leap of faith into the loving, joyful future she longs for most?
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Maryann’s Hope is a fantastic read. It kept my attention and I did not want to put it down. I recommend reading this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
Beautiful heartwarming historical Amish Romance that didn’t disappoint this reader. Book four of Author Molly Jebber’s An Amish Charm Bakery series. I have grown to love the characters of this series. One thing I really enjoy about this series is that it takes place in Charm Ohio. I’ve been to this lovely little Amish town and it has a special place in my heart. I loved the two main characters Maryann Harding and Andrew Wittmer . They were well suited for each other but Maryann had a lot of hurts to overcome because of her first marriage and Andrew was so patient with her.
There were other situations in both Andrew’s and Maryann’s life that threatened to keep them apart. Both had family obligations that they felt they couldn’t walk away from. Andrew’s situation took him away from Charm to another town three hours away by buggy. In those days three hours was a lot of miles . Today it wouldn’t be a problem. Things sure didn’t look promising for them to be able to get married. There didn’t seem to be an answer for them. Maybe it wasn’t God’s will after all that they should marry.
I would recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and Historical Fiction. As I mentioned earlier this is the fourth book in this series. It would be beneficial to read the books in order so that you would know about the history of the Charm Bakery and and the role each character played in the series.
I borrowed a copy of this book from the local library. A review wasn’t requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I’ve grown to love Molly Jebber’s Amish stories, and Maryann’s Hope is another awesome read. I love Maryann and Andrew. Their friendship quickly turned courtship just fit the two, and they got along so well. Even though Andrew has said he may have to move elsewhere to open his furniture store, Maryann just knows he will open it in their little community for her and Betsy. There is no way she can leave her mom and dad, especially after she’s just been back home to them a short while. But then life happens and Andrew is called away to run his uncles furniture store. Can this really be happening? How will Maryann handle this situation?
After reading other genre’s for a while, I love settling in with a good, fun Amish story. I love the calm Amish lifestyle and though they do have unsettling problems, it’s still calming to read. I love the characters I have already met as well as new characters introduced in this story. Ms. Jebber always writes her characters lives to be so realistic, it’s like meeting old and new friends alike. I loved little Betsy and had many fun laughs with this adorable little one. And the bakery, this place had me wanting to eat sweets, especially baked goods the entire time I was reading. I could even smell the sweet bakery as I was reading about the ladies baking all of the good food. I plan to try some of the recipes in the back of the book. That custard pie sounds like my grandma’s old recipe. As you can tell. I love everything about this book. I’m looking forward to the next book by Molly Jebber to come out. If you love Amish fiction, this is a must for you! And if you just love a sweet clean read, this is the pick for you. I give Maryann’s Hope 5 Stars all the way.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The fourth book in the Amish Charm Bakery series, Maryann’s Hope was heartwarming. It’s always delightful to visit the town of Charm, to meet new people, and visit with old friends.
A story of second chances, author Molly Jebber has developed wonderful characters in Andrew and Maryann. But as we know, love isn’t always easy and in this case it is full of doubts and sacrifices. The author adds several historical pieces of information, as well as tackling the subject of mental illness. It’s done gently and isn’t heavy. Jebber also writes about trusting God and believing He has the best plan for our lives.
A delightful story of second chances, I highly recommend Maryann’s Hope.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Maryann is still reeling from the heartbreak of her husband’s murder and his lies that are suspect in his murder. She decides to leave the Englisher world and return home, back to her roots, with her little girl in tow. She is not only dealing with the fall out of her marriage, but also with the mental illness of her mother, who is quite suffocating towards her. Her own father and brother want her to stick around as well due to the nature of her mother. Needless to say Maryann has a lot she is dealing with, so hope of true love and happiness in Andrew Wittmer makes her both happy and wary.
Andrew really likes Maryann and wants to maker her his wife. She is open and honest and he already loves her young daughter and hopes to have many more children of his own as well. But even though Maryann has been very open with him, Andrew has not told her everything. In fact he has kept some pretty big things a secret. And now that she is back home, she really doesn’t want to leave again even though Andrew must.
These two have a lot to conquer and overcome as many distressing things come to light. Do they just quit and say it is not worth it, or with forgiveness and love and understanding do they move on? The Amish lifestyle almost seems timeless as this book is set in 1913 right at the brink of the Great War. Their lifestyles never seem to change no matter what the outside world is doing.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
MARYANN’S HOPE by Molly Jebber is the fourth book in the The Amish Charm Bakery Book series. It’s the delightful written and inspirational story of Maryann Harding and Andrew Wittmer during the early 1900’s in Charm, Ohio.
When Maryann’s first marriage to an Englischer ended with the murder of her husband, she returned not only to her hometown of Charm but to her Amish faith. Even before his death, Maryann’s marriage had been filled with secrets, distrust and heartache. She’s wasn’t sure she could ever trust her heart to another man – until she met Andrew. There seemed to be an immediate connection to this man who gained not only her families respect but also admiration from her daughter.
Forgiven by her church and family, Maryann and her adorable little girl, Betsy, are welcomed back to Charm with open arms. Due to her Mom’s medical conditions and her strong attachment to Maryann, she’s able to accomplish what others in the family had not – peace. She loves her job at the bakery and enjoys having those she loves around her. She is contend. After she falls for Andrew, she wonders if that is enough. She also knows she can’t abandon her family again. Her mother’s health and dependency on her just won’t allow it. Family responsibility is strong in the Amish faith and she can’t – won’t turn her back on them again.
Andrew knows from the moment he saw her that she was the one he wanted to make his fraa. He’s over the moon when MaryAnn, after a short time of courting, agrees to marry him. Andrew has always dreamed of opening his own furniture store someday. In fact, he’s been saving up to do just that, but with a furniture store in their small town already, will it mean moving away from Charm? He’s contacted by his Uncle, who live three hours away by buggy, about needing his help due to his failing health to run his furniture store. The pull of family obligations and love for the couple that have showed him nothing but love, especially after the death of his parents, he knows he must go. On arrival, he’s told that if he will helps now and agrees to help his Aunt after his passing that the store is his. Andrew wonders if it’s his dreams coming true. But will Maryann agree to move away from her family again? Will he be forces to choose between family obligations with a job he loves or having Maryann as his fraa?
Will family obligations keep this loving couple apart? Can Maryann chance leaving all she knows behind and find happiness when the man she thought she knew hasn’t truthful to her? After all omission is as good as lying isn’t it? Can Andrew afford to pass up on the opportunity of life time of owning his own furniture store making a living of doing what he loves to do? Is love enough or will being pulled in all directions make your heart fill like it’s at a taffy pulling party?
MARYANN’S HOPE is a story of faith, love and family that will tug at your heart and have you turning pages as this wonderful story masterfully unfolds as written by Molly Jebber. I’m sure, like me, that you would be pulling for their wedding to take place, fall in love with little Betsy and love the devotion to family and faith shown within the pages.
Loved this installment in The Amish Charm Bakery series, but it can most definitely be read as a standalone. However, after reading MARYANN’S HOPE, you will be searching out the other books or anxiously awaiting book number five like I am. Within the story of Maryann and Andrew, there are many other wonderful characters – friends and relatives – that I am hoping to see their stories explored in future installments. Highly recommend this book, this series and this author to anyone that loves the Amish genre, inspirational stories, sweet and clean romances, or just a wonderful story to read. It gets my highest rating of 5+ stars!
Maryann’s Hope brings to light the idea of trust. When her first husband betrays her and then is taken away, the young widow is content to bake and raise her daughter. When her mother begins to ail, Maryann becomes her caretaker as well. Over the moon when Andrew Wittmer asks for her hand in marriage, Maryann thinks her life can only get better, However, fate intervenes, Andrew must take over his uncle’s store several towns away. While Maryann wants to be his wife, she doesn’t want to leave all that she knows. Betrayal rears its ugly head when Maryann finds out that Andrew has some secrets of his own. Will they overcome trust and make a future together? I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
I enjoyed reading books about the Amish and definitely enjoy readings ones by Molly Jebber. Maryann’s Hope proved to be one I definitely enjoyed reading. Maryann and her daughter live with Maryann’s parents, and they are surrounded by family and friends. When Andrew asks her to marry him, and they plan on staying in Charm, the story takes a happy turn. But with two deaths and some other unexpected events, this book kept me reading to see how the story would turn out.
The characters and storyline created a book I could not put down. I loved the setting of the early 1900s. With a bakery and a town like Charm, I found the characters and plot to be engaging, especially with how the family comes first. So check out this book for yourself.
The characters and storyline created a book I could not put down. I loved the setting of the early 1900s. Family takes priority in this book and faith. So check it out for yourself.
Maryanne has experienced the English world after she left her family and her faith for an English boy she loved. Or thought she loved. Together they had some good times and she has a sweet little daughter to show for it. But he died and he lied to her and devastated her. She’s not sure that she can trust again.
Little by little she falls in love with Andrew and feels she can trust him. But when his past comes to visit(literally) and she knew nothing about it she’s not sure she really knows him or can ever trust him again.
I’ve loved this Amish Charm Bakery series. The characters are fun and interwoven. It’s definitely a series you should read in order though so you know who all the supporting characters are as several have had their own books already.
Maryanne must decide if secrets kept because they have nothing to do with the present and are painful really are the same as secrets withheld because of guilt. Can she trust another man with her heart?
And then, of course, there is her mother who was hospitalized with mental health issues when she left the first time. Can she leave her again if her future husband requires her to move? Maybe she’s just meant to be single.
I loved the discussions on trust and secrets. I also loved going back to the bakery and getting to know another character better. I can’t wait to delve deeper into other girls once the next book comes out!
This is definitely a book I recommend as well as the whole series. A great read.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through 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.
Maryann’s Hope is the fourth book in Molly Jebber’s Amish Charm Bakery series. Reading the others will definitely fill in more of the background but readers will find Maryann’s Hope captivating on its own. Widowed Maryann and her daughter have returned to her Amish roots in Charm, Ohio. Having abandoned her family in the past she is rebuilding relationships with them. All seems well as a new romance begins with Andrew, and then the struggles arise. Will they ever be able to start a life together? Illness, changes in career, secrets from the past seem bent on complicating and even ending their marriage plans. Would their faith in God be strong enough to overcome the challenges? The characters are likable and realistic, with their strong points and their flaws and foibles. I loved the friendship of the young women at the bakery as they worked together and cared for each other. The plot flows quickly with twists and turns that keep the reader’s interest. The author has infused the pages with heart-warming emotion and romance. Threaded throughout the book is also a strong faith in God and a belief that He is a God who will give guidance and courage to make the right decisions in life. It is a story that readers who enjoy Amish stories and sweet romances won’t want to miss.
The author has included a glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch/German words used in the story as well as a list of several recipes of baked goods mentioned in the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
Maryann and Andrew were a couple who had a lot of hard choices to make. I was impressed with the devotion both of them showed for their family, even when their hearts felt like they were breaking.
This novel had lots of interesting characters and even though I had not read any of the other books in this series, I did not have any trouble reading this story as a stand alone novel. It was interesting to note that there were quite a few older people in this story who were dealing with sicknesses that were causing them to waste away, yet their families didn’t know what was ailing them. I wondered whether it was because this story occurred in the early 1900’s or if it was the Amish decision to not seek a lot of medical help. Perhaps it was a combination of both.
I personally struggled with connecting to the two main characters. It seemed as if I was simply reading about their situations and being told about the decisions that they had to make, rather than feeling it along with them. This might simply be my preference for a certain writing style or a style that I am not used to. Regardless, it was still an interesting story to read.
(3.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is the fourth book in the Amish Charm Bakery series but I never felt left in the dark as I read Maryann’s Hope. Young widow Maryann Harding is back in Charm, Ohio with her adorable little girl and very busy helping care for her mother and work at the Amish Charm Bakery. Getting to know Andrew Wittmer and accepting his marriage proposal only adds to her contentment until he considers leaving Charm to start a business in Millersburg. Is it right for Maryann to leave when her mother needs her? Is Andrew keeping something from her? Has Maryann’s hope for love and happiness been taken away?
Maryann’s Hope has everything that we’ve come to expect in good Amish fiction. Loving family connections, strong beliefs in God, and good Amish cooking. As I read about Maryann’s job at the bakery I could almost smell the fragrant aromas and taste the delicious foods so it was a special treat to find four of Maryann’s special recipes included in the back of the book! Author Molly Jebber shares a tale of family, friends, and a sweet romance in this enjoyable second chance story that is set in 1913. I recommend this book to all who enjoy Amish fiction.
I voluntarily accepted an advanced reader copy from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Amish books have always had a place in my heart.
This one was filled with love, happy and sad memories, second chances and the whole beauty and uniqueness of the Amish life.
My heart went out of Maryann because of her mistakes but I admired her for making a U turn and doing the right thing by God and her family. I found her family sweet and very protective.
Andrew was a kind and loving man. I loved how he treated Maryann with so much care and love.
They both had their share of life’s obstacles and they got to overcome it together and not apart. True love always wins at the end.
I saw the importance of openess and truth in a relationship.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion
Maryann’s Hope is Book Four in the four book series, The Amish Charm Bakery Series by author Molly Jebber. This is a delightful and heartwarming story that will take you into Amish Country. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Maryann’s Hope had my interest from. the beginning unto the end. I was immediately invested in the story and the characters. Author Jebber has a smooth writing style. Her words flow evenly over the pages and are easily understood. It is evident that she is very familiar with all things Amish. Her characters are authentic and believable.
This is the story of Maryann. She has come back home with her daughter after her husband dies. Maryann’s past has some heartaches, but Andrew has given her a relationship full of trust, love and faith. She is coming out of her shell and learning from live again. They have decided not to keep secrets from each other in their relationship. Secrets damaged their old relationships.
The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns as well as timeless spiritual and life lessons. Exploring grief, forgiveness, family responsibilities, and faith are just a few of the lessons readers will encounter. The problem with keeping secrets is also approached.
I love that author Molly Jebber’s books are filled with love for others and for God. She sprinkles her books with scripture and gives glory to God through her writing. I definitely recommend this book to all lovers of Amish fiction. It gets a 4 out of 5 star review. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these were my honest words.
Maryann’s Hope
Maryann and Andrew both had a lot to deal with in Maryann’s Hope. They wanted to marry but will they be able to? The story kept me guessing until the end, Maryann and Andrew are both very dedicated to their families. She lives in Charm, Ohio and Andrew family is a few hours away. Will Andrew be able to stay in Charm? Also Maryann finds out something about Andrew she didn’t know. Can her and Andrew be able to resolve their issues? I loved how Maryann cared for her mother. I also enjoyed the dogs in the book.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
Maryann’s Hope by Molly Jebber is book four in The Amish Charm Bakery. It can be read as a stand alone as this was the first I have read of the series and was current from the start.
This easy to read Amish romance is set in the early 1900s in a bakery in Charm, Ohio. It centers on Maryann, a widow with a baby who has recently returned to the Amish community that works in the bakery, She is living with her parents and has recently started courting.
The story has typical life dealings with family, illness, and friendship.It also has a good flow, The characters are likeable.. My only minus, it has a slow start.
I was given an ARC by Kensington via NetGalley for an honest review.
This has to be the best story I have read by this author. She takes us on an emotional journey where decisions are made that show compassion, love and sacrifice . You must grab a box of tissue before starting this book. I loved the time period and how the author makes the characters come to life.
Maryann is someone I immediately liked. She has a heart so big that you can feel her love for life and family. Her past relationship was difficult, but a blessing came from it. Her daughter is precious and makes her life almost complete. Maryann is ready to settle down again and she has found a man who loves her unconditionally. I couldn’t wait to see where this relationship would go.
Andrew is everything you would want for your daughter in a husband. He is kind, hardworking and head over heels in love with Maryann and her daughter. I was excited to see these two find each other. It was definitely a match that God ordained. I loved how the author illustrated how these two characters loved their families and would do anything to help them. Little do they know that their faith and trust would soon be tested.
It was interesting to read about Maryann’s mother. Her illness is unlike anything the doctor has seen. In this time period they didn’t have technology to do scans or tests that could help provide a diagnosis. I had a few thoughts about what may be wrong and I wanted to see where the author would take this part of the story. As her mother’s illness starts to become worse, it is evident that Maryann will have to make a difficult decision that may cost her the love of her life. I admired Maryann for not being angry about what she knows she must do. It can be hard when you have a loved one who is very ill. They come to depend on you for care. I have been in Maryann’s situation twice. I don’t regret my decision and am thankful that God allowed me to make amends with my mom before she passed and that I was able to care for her and my brother when he became ill. I was blessed to lead my brother to Christ right before he passed away.
Andrew has a similar situation that will find him taking care of a loved one also. It may seem at times that you are in a place where nothing is going right. As Andrew learns, there is a reason for everything. I liked the part where Maryann finds out that Andrew has been hiding a secret. She feels like she can’t trust him anymore. Oh but the beauty of walking through forgiveness is a sweet joy when Maryann gets a Word from God in church. Have you ever felt like the message the pastor is delivering is just for you? Isn’t God wonderful to discipline us with mercy and grace?
I loved the story and the lessons on trust, forgiveness, family and miracles. The author in this story reminds us to never give up and to allow God to direct your path. There is someone at the end of the book that I hope will make an appearance in their own story. His presence sets the tone for reconciliation and the value of family.
“God always has a plan, but we may not know what it is. Have faith.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I enjoyed this story although it was a little slow at times. I wasn’t sure if Maryanne and Andrew would ever get their “happily ever after” with all the family drama and heartache through out the story.
I liked reading the Amish way of life in the early 1900s and their language/Amish words were easy to read and understand in this book.
I liked all the different set of characters and how their lives and friendship intertwined with Maryanne and Andrew. Maryanne was a great mother, friend and daughter; and I enjoyed reading her story.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
This is the fourth book in The Amish Charm Bakery series but would work as a stand-alone. The cover drew me in with all the bakery goods as I enjoy baking. I loved that recipes are included at the end and plan to try some of them. I enjoyed revisiting Charm, Ohio in 1913 and catching up with previous characters and meeting new ones. This book deals with illnesses, death, and family obligations. I wish there had been more lighthearted moments to round it out as at times it felt overwhelming to me but I understand the culture and time period were more severe at that time. I felt like Maryann was smothered and made to feel guilty if she wasn’t obedient. Therefore I was happy when she and Andrew found common ground to progress their relationship. All in all a quick read that was enjoyable.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I absolutely love visiting the Amish Charm Bakery. Within this bakery there is a lot of love and compassion as well as goodies that can pack on the pounds just by reading about them.
Maryann suffered sadness and grief. Can she afford to put her heart at risk?
Andrew knew what he wanted but somehow he keeps messing it up.
Most of the characters are ones that could be found in earlier books by Molly Jebber. They are like family that I can’t wait to see again.
Trust is not easy after being hurt by someone you love. It’s easy to guard your heart after it has been broken. GOD teaches us about forgiveness. From experience, it would have made sense for me to remain single the rest of my life. Fortunately, I made the choice to love again. If I didn’t take the chance, I wouldn’t be so blessed now.
I received this book to review for free from Celebrate Lit.