What would happen if you found out someone has been impersonating you?
Sara Murray had never met her mother’s parents and was surprised to learn after her death that they were Amish living in Pennsylvania. When she is finally able to make the trip to meet them, she is shocked to learn someone else has been living with them and pretending to be Sara. Sara can’t understand how quickly her … quickly her grandparents are willing to forgive the imposter.
Secrets and deceit seem to follow Sara, and she is so tired of it. Though soon she meets Brad Fuller who is visiting her grandparents for during Christmas. She likes him a lot, but even he seems to pull away from her, not being totally honest.
Struggling, Sara finds an old canning jar hidden in the barn that is full of encouraging prayers. Can Sara find a way to forgive the past and move on to building new relationships?
This is Book 2 in the brand-new series, The Prayer Jars, from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.
Book 1 — The Hope Jar (August 2018)
Book 3 — The Healing Jar (August 2019)
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The Forgiving Jar begins right where The Hope Jar ended. Michelle Taylor and Ezekiel King are on their way back to Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp’s house . In the previous book Michelle had deceived the Lapps making them believe she was their granddaughter , Sara Murray. Before the truth had been discovered Michelle had fled to another town to escape the consequences of her past actions. Now as they draw closer to the Lapp farm she is riddled with anxiety and doubts as she fears Mary Ruth and Willis will be unwilling to except her apology for all the hurt she has caused in their lives.
Sara Murray unfortunately has lost her job in Newark New Jersey. She has decided to move to Strasburg Pennsylvania to be close to her Amish Grandparents. She hopes to find work there and take the opportunity to get to know them better. Sara’s mother recently died leaving her with a lot of unanswered questions about her past. She had no idea who her biological father was. All these years of growing up with her mother and step father she didn’t know that her mother had grown up Amish. Sara wrestles with unforgiveness towards both her mother and Michelle Taylor , the girl who pretended to be her, all summer long. Arriving at her grandparents she is surprised and not happy to learn she won’t get to have time alone with them. Sara will have to share them with the pretender from last summer.
Once again Wanda Brunstetter captured me from the beginning. I’ve really enjoyed both books in the series. I felt sorry for both girls. Michelle who basically had no family received love and forgiveness from Mary Ruth and Willis. Sara was hurt beyond words that her mother had never told her who her real father was or that she hadn’t introduced her to her loving grandparents. Once again several times in the story this reader was bought to tears. The Forgiving Jar is a warm hearted story where two hurting girls find the love they needed from a wonderful older Amish couple.
All readers of Christian Fiction , Amish Fiction or fans of Wanda Brunstetter will enjoy this book. I would advise that the Hope Jar, book one in the series be read first because this book continues on where book one stopped.
I was given a copy of The Forgiving Jar from the author and publisher. I was not asked to give a positive review . In this review I have shared my honest thoughts and opinions on how I felt about this book.
The Forgiving Jar is the second book in The Prayer Jar series. While The Forgiving Jar could be read as a standalone, I suggest reading The Hope Jar first. It will provide you with Michelle’s complete story and help you understand her motivations. I thought The Forgiving Jar was well-written with gentle pacing. I did find the story to be a little slow in the middle. I was drawn into the story and wanted to find out what would happen with Sara and Michelle. Sara has a hard time grappling with the concept of forgiveness. Her mother kept secrets from her and then Michelle impersonated her. Sara has trust issues and does not understand how her grandparents can easily forgive Michelle for her deception. We get to see how the slips of paper in an old canning jar help Sara understand the importance of forgiveness and being a Christian. The slips in the canning jar were encouraging, inspirational, guiding and thought provoking. With Michelle and Sara living in the same household, it is rife with tension. Mary Ruth talks with Sara about the issue. After that, Mary Ruth prays and leaves the issue in God’s hands. There is romance in the story as Michelle and Ezekiel King draw closer to each other. One of my favorite phrases was “turn your cares into prayers.” I did have trouble with Sara. She has a giant chip on her shoulder plus she is extremely resentful of Michelle. As time goes by, Sara along with Michelle mature. I liked seeing the women evolve, learn from their mistakes and grow in their faith. I look forward to reading The Healing Jar when it comes out. The Forgiving Jar is a sweet, heartwarming story that will touch your heart.
A great story about forgiveness and friendship in Wanda Brunstetter second book in her new series. You want to keep reading to find out what happens to each character. Looking forward to book three in this series.
The Forgiving Jar by Wanda Brunstetter is a wonderful heartfelt book about dealing with bouts of jealousy, and learning to forgive even though it could be the hardest thing that you have to do. She makes the characters seem so real that now that I have finished book 2 in this series I am missing them and can’t wait for the next book! I highly recommend this book to anyone!
This is the second book in the Prayer Jars series and I have enjoyed both of them equally. In my review of the first book, ‘The Hope Jar’, I stated that “I feel that the Lapps have enough love for both a real granddaughter and the young woman who pretended to be their granddaughter” and this second story offers proof that they did. This is wonderful for Michelle Taylor, the young woman who impersonated their granddaughter, because she has finally found love and acceptance. The true granddaughter of Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp is now living with them and she doesn’t understand or appreciate the love and kindness that her grandparents continue to offer Michelle. Much of this book revolves around Sara Murray’s determination to uncover Michelle’s true nature. Now I know that Michelle was clearly wrong in her deception but she has apologized and she has also asked forgiveness from the Lapps and from God. It seems, however, that the harder that Michelle tries, the harder that Sara resists. Sara’s behaviour is often unkind and she is clearly envious; it soon becomes obvious that she herself has issues that need to be resolved. The Lapps are good Amish people and they are uncertain how to reconcile these two young women. Just a short time ago they were completely unaware that they even had a granddaughter and now they have been blessed with two girls to love!
‘The Forgiving Jar’ is centered around the Amish community but there are several “Englishers” who play important roles. There is romance and the possibility of marriage and there is the continued importance of the slips of papers found in hidden canning jars that offer encouragement, prayers, inspiration and the importance of forgiveness. Wanda E. Brunstetter has once again written a story that entertains and inspires and ‘The Forgiving Jar’ is very appropriately named. It shares the message of love and forgiveness and it shows that if we humans seek forgiveness, we must be prepared to offer forgiveness. Readers are also reminded that the ability to trust and to accept change is invaluable in our relationships with each other.
This is an excellent book for fans of Amish books and Christian fiction and I look forward to seeing what the third prayer jar holds and hopefully learning the identity of the person behind these notes!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this in no way influenced my opinions.
I love this series and this author. She never disappoints me. I can’t wait to see what the third book in the series will turn up. I loved the use of the Bible verses throughout the series. These verses help these young women to work out some troubles they are going through. I love Amish fiction. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
The Forgiving Jar is book 2 in the Prayer Jars series by Wanda Brunstetter. While reading this second book I felt as though I was back at home. The characters from book 1 were a huge part of this story as well. I love that! Mrs. Brunstetter does an extraordinary job of building on and growing characters who I thought had already shown their potential. You will see some new faces as well who will tug on your heartstrings. This book is full of friendships, family, and forgiveness of all kinds. I would recommend reading these two books in order for a better reading experience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The Forgiving Jar by Wanda Brunstetter is book 2 in The Prayer Jars series. This is a wonderful series showing life and forgiveness.
Sara and her former imposter, Michelle are both back in Lancaster and living with The Lapps. Sara can not understand how her grandparents could forgive Michelle for all of the lies. This opens the door for her to learn how to forgive and to love.
The setting is great and the characters are relatable and likeable. Though, Sara has a few moments of being self centered .
This is a great story that could be read alone but you will want to read The Hope Jar.
I was given an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
Wonderful book filled with faith, hope, and love…great story of how forgiveness heals the forgiver. Be sure to read The Hope Jar which is the 1st one in this series and look for The Healing Jar coming in August 2019. These are uplifting books with a tremendous message.
The Forgiving Jar is the fabulous addition from Wanda Brunstetter’s The Prayer Jars series. I just loved this book and enjoyed catching up with the characters from the first book of the series. I highly recommend for readers to read The Hope Jar before starting this one. The is a perfect story for anyone struggling to forgive themselves or others. Mrs Brunstetter has the best books for faith and inspiration and this one is no exception.
The Forgiving Jar would be getting one hundred stars if it was possible. I loved it and highly recommend it. It is among my favorites of Amish Fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The Forgiving Jar, book two in Wanda E Brunstetter’s Prayer Jar series is an inspiring story about forgiveness even when all seems hopeless. Faith and a searching heart can overcome even the worst feelings within an unforgiving heart. Had anyone ever assumed my identity I am sure it would take an act of God to help me get over those feelings of hurt, frustration and sense of being violated. Sara was wounded and justly so. As the story went along, however, I felt she was overtaken by her betrayal and wondered if she could get over it.
Her grandparents loved her and were thrilled to finally have her in their home. They also came to love Michelle, the imposter, who through an honest case of mistaken identity, became Sara in their eyes and hearts. Michelle, for her part, in The Hope Jar, had never known the love they showered on her and as time went on, didn’t want to let go of her life as Sara.
Michelle has atoned for her past and tries very hart to be forgiven by Sara, as she has by her new community. If not for a jar filled with scripture, she may not have found the new, peaceful life she lives now.
I enjoyed reading The Forgiving Jar by Wanda E Brunstetter, a book filled with complex characters and moments of self reflection. She knows human nature and the power of prayer. If there is a third book in this series, I will definitely read it! This book is for anyone who likes an intriguing cast of characters along with some food for spiritual thought that, although not preachy, hits the mark. I enjoyed both books in this series, please read my review of The Hope Jar as well. I recommend this book with 5 stars!
When you look up Amish fiction, Wanda Brunstetter will be among the top names you find. She writes moving stories set in Amish communities. She pens stunning accounts of the simple, family and Christ-oriented lifestyles of their people. She paints a picture of the lush countryside where many of the people reside. And she gets at the heart of the multifaceted characters and their stories.
The Forgiving Jar is the second in a series of three stories of young women, set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. In each story, these women find jars full of prayers and advice to help them through their journey. Sara finds help from the jar, and from family and friends as she learns forgiveness, and figures out how to move through and past old hurts to the life she wants to have.
I loved the primary and secondary characters. They were real people with real flaws, and quite relatable, and Wanda makes us care for them. It’s easy to get lost in their stories and feel like we’ve made new friends by the end of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
The Forgiving Jar picks up where The Hope Jar ended, however; there’s enough background that it could be read as a standalone. The Lapp’s biological granddaughter, Sara had difficulty accepting that they would allow Michelle, the imposter granddaughter in the Hope Jar, to reside with them after all her deceitfulness and stealing from them. There’s plenty of action, with characters learning to forgive, some having to suffer more heartbreak and losses before they found that God truly loved them. A story that at times was unrealistic (I know its fiction). There are plenty of family regrets for Sara and Michelle that they needed to heal from and find forgiveness. An old jar filled with scriptures, prayers and thoughts that Sara found in the basement, just may be the answer for her when she’s called back to Newark, NJ with her step father’s accident. There is a good faith message in this book and gems individuals can apply to their own lives in learning to forgive others that have hurt them deeply. I look forward to reading The Healing Jar, book three, to see the conclusion to The Prayer Jars series by Brunstetter.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but have expressed my own sincere thoughts.
In book two of The Prayer Jar series, we focus on Sara. Sara is the real granddaughter of Willis and Mary Ruth and the young lady Michelle had been impersonating. Sara is struggling with her faith and with forgiving those she feels has betrayed her throughout her life, including her deceased mom. As she continues to live with her grandparents she finds jealousy rearing its ugly head. Especially when Michelle seems to be getting her life together and the community is forgiving for her sins. Christmas arrives with a friend of her grandparents and Michelle and Sara finds herself liking him as more than a friend. Can Sara find forgiveness in her heart and learn to let jealousy go? Will the prayer jar she finds in her grandparents basement become her saving grace?
I am still reeling from this book. I have not had an Amish book hit me in the feels as this one did in a bit. I still get teary-eyed thinking about it. In book one I was very angry with Michelle impersonating Sara and felt like Sara had a right to be upset and very angry but as book two opened I came to understand Michelle more and realized sometimes when you are at rock bottom you find yourself doing things you never would dream of doing. As for Sara, I could not imagine a parent dying and finding out I had a family I never knew about. I admire Sara for her bravery in contacting and going to live with her grandparents I do not admire her jealousy against Michelle or her feelings against her stepfather. She definitely had a lot of growing up to do in book two. By the end, you will love both Michelle and Sara as if they were a part of your family.
As always with a Wanda Brunstetter book, you will find yourself laughing one moment and in tears the next. I suggest you read book one, The Hope Jar, first. I am eagerly anticipating the third book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing/Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Michelle going to the Lapps, to admit what she had done, pretending to be someone she wasn’t. Eziekel is taking her, and with wisdom to comfort her
that it will be okay, you have nothing to worry about. He had come to Harrisburg to get her, and wouldn’t let her leave.
Sara with the death of her Mother, finding she had been raised Amish.
Grandparents had welcomed her to come. While commitments delayed it, till later to find another woman living as her. She still was living with them until she could find a job. This was upsetting to Sara, how.could they forgive, and
welcome her to stay on. She was even given the bedroom that use to be her Sara’s mother’s.There would be a lot of changes for both of these woman.
Forgiving, and wanting God’s will in their lives. Very surprising ending as we now await the third in this series
The Forgiving Jar is about Sarah. You learn a bit about Sarah in the first book called The Hope Jar? Wanda does a really well job writing Sarah story along with Michelle’s. If you are not a fan of Wanda Brunstetter you will be once you have read on of her books.
The first book is about Michelle Taylor story. This book is about the English granddaughter’s story of the Lapps. How would you feel if someone impersonated you? Well this is how it start in the second book with Sarah coming to stay with her grandparents. When you see the woman you pretended to be you and why she is allowed to stay there? Sarah feel really upset about it.
Will Sarah learn to forgive? We know she finds the Prayer Jars or at least one? She doe not know who wrote them or who they belong to? Michelle happens to find Sarah with one of the Jars and tell her she knew about The Prayer Jars and that there is one in the barn as well.
We also get Brad who come back to visit during his Christmas break. He does not know the real Sarah. He thinks the one he meet was Sarah but doe not know it Michelle Taylor. Michelle has to tell him the truth and ask for forgiveness?
Wanda seem continue Michelle’s story along with adding Sarah’s story. Though this is mostly Sarah story we get to see Michelle live blossom and she how they interact. Will Michelle get to see her brothers Jack and Ernie Taylor? Will Sarah learn to forgive? Will Michelle and Ezekiel get married?
The Forgiving Jar is book two in the Prayer Jar series. Book one, The Hope Jar, is good to read first to fully know what has happened but this one could still be read as a stand-alone.
The main theme of course is forgiveness. Two of the main characters, Michelle and Sarah, both have issues from their pasts that need addressing. It eats at both of them, especially Sarah. She is hard-nosed against Michelle and holds tons of resentment towards her. It makes Sarah a very unpleasant person to be around. Both young women are trying to co-exist in the Lapp household while Sarah makes it difficult for Michelle. Michelle spent four months living with the Lapps pretending to be Sarah, their granddaughter whom they had never met. Michelle took steps to finally ask forgiveness and turn her life around but Sarah was unrelenting although her grandparents accepted Michelle’s acknowledgment. They are both trying to find their way and what is meant for them to do.
The jars the two girls had found were filled with slips of paper that had scripture and wise words written on them. This gave them encouragement and food for thought.
It took me a while to warm up to Sarah. Michelle was quicker to confront her past and make things right. All the characters were written as people I’d like to spend time with, very realistic.
It also involves two young men so yes there is some romance included. The enjoyment I found was in reading and discovering how the relationships between all the characters progressed. I’m looking forward to August when book three is released, The Healing Jar.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
This new book by Wanda Brunstetter is one of her best to date.. Wanda has the wonderful ability to tell a complex story in a simple, straightforward way. As indicated by the title, the theme of this book is forgiveness. Sara is struggling to forgive Michelle for deceiving her grandparents about Michelle’s true identity; Michelle is struggling to forgive her parents of the abusive treatment she received from them. Sara finds an antique jar filled with scriptures and prayers hidden away on a shelf in the basement. Most of the prayers seem to be about forgiving others. As Sara reads the prayers and scriptures, God begins to draw her to Himself. This is a touching story and one that presents forgiveness in a Biblical way.
It’s interesting to see the transformation of both Sara and Michelle’s characters in this book. It’s easy to like Michelle. At first it was much harder for me to like Sara, but I was glad that I kept reading to see Sara’s realization of her need for a Savior.
This is the second in a series about the hidden prayer jars. It would be helpful to have read “The Hope Jar” to get the backstory about both Sara and Michelle, but this book can still be enjoyed on its own. We still don’t know the identity of the author of the hidden prayer jars, but I’M hoping that will be answered in the third book of the series, “The Healing Jar”.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
From: Sally Davison
As I turned the last page I found myself wanting more. I admit it that there were no unanswered areas, all were completed well. But I still wanted more. This all means it is a very good book.
The main characters Michelle and Sara both had some serious faith issues and they both found the Forgiving Jar so comforting and meaningful to help them resolve their emotional problems surrounding unforgiveness.
There’s a bit of romance here and there. For Michelle it was Ezekiel. He was raised in an Amish family and thought he wanted to go “English” but changed his mind and decided to join the Amish church. Michelle listened to her heart for her decision.
For Sara it was Brad. Brad had met Michelle initially in book 1 but her heart was drawn to Ezekiel. Brad, being a seminary student rather far away could only visit occasionally so their attraction to each other took some time to develop.
Both have extremely different situations, both very well explained and shared.
This is book 2 of The Prayer Jars series and it helps to have read book 1 first but not essential since there are flashbacks /that describe it well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
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I really enjoyed this follow up story and to see what was going on with Michelle and Ezekiel. I was not a huge fan of Sarah she seemed very immature for most of the story. Both girls face different trials and both are strong and broken souls looking for healing. I really like how Michelle was finding herself even more in this book. I really Brad came off a little judgey as well. In the end of the book I really enjoyed the over all story and the amount of forgiveness that the girls had to work through and how each one worked through what they faced through different ways and how God was a big part of that. I loved the idea of a prayer jar, it’s a wonderful idea. This book is a good clean read as well as the characters seem very relatable.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion