A Brand-New Series from New York Times Best Selling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.What happens when making an elderly Amish couple very happy means going along with a lie that gets bigger by the day? Michelle Taylor is not who her new family in Lancaster County believes her to be. The Lapps were looking for their long-lost granddaughter when they met Michelle and she assumed the identity of Sara … assumed the identity of Sara Murray. Once homeless and hopeless, Michelle has come to love her new Amish friends and even considers the idea of romance among them.
Finding an old blue jar in the barn that is filled with slips of paper containing thoughts, quotes, and prayers by an unknown author becomes a boost to Michelle’s budding faith— but also convicting. How can she tell the truth without hurting the ones she has truly come to love?
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Michelle’s life will truly change when she meets the Lapps. Ezekiel is a wonderful person who is trying to decide what to do with his life. Sara wants to meet her grandparents. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
This book was really sweet but very slow. It didn’t really grab me and hold my attention. But it focused a lot on giving second chances, forgiveness and showing that even if you’re not related by blood, you can still be family. It handled the whole deception part really good too. I loved the little notes Michelle found in the jar, they added a nice aspect to the story. The book also felt like it went in circles quite a bit, with the same thought pattern. It wasn’t till the very end that Michelle started to grow. So while I didn’t particularly enjoy this one I do think if you’re looking for a cute, sweet read you’d like it. And the ending! Makes you eager to read the next one.
I received this book free from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
I loved this book . For a young woman with a terrible childhood and adult life that included family and friends with drugs , alcohol , and domestic violence .She planned a escape to anywhere but where she was . At the bus terminal she ran into a Amish couple who were there to meet their adult granddaughter for the first time . They assumed that she was their granddaughter so she lied and played along . For months she pretended and grew to love the Amish couple as they grew to love her . But as we all know lies lead to more lies , broken promises and hurt feelings .
Just when I think Wanda can’t write a better story, here comes The Hope Jar! This is the first book in a new series and a great way for people to become acquainted with the Amish and their way of life.
What made me a little bit sad was this whole premise of this book was based on lies. Yet Wanda was able to put into the story how conflicted we can feel when we lie! I hope their is resolution and forgiveness in the next book!This was a great read however! I could not put it down! I can’t wait to see what and where Michelle goes from here on!
I have to admit I received a complimentary copy of this book but I was satisfied enough that I would buy it! And I did!! Many copies that I then donated!
The Hope Jar, by Wanda Brunstetter, is Book One of The Prayer Jar series. Set mostly amid the bucolic countryside of Pennsylvania Amish country, it is a story of family, forgiveness and spiritual discovery. The story opens with two young women, each facing life altering circumstances. Because of a split second decision borne of desperation, both of their lives are changed. Michelle Taylor is running from danger, and finds herself a victim of mistaken identity. In a matter of seconds, she makes a decision that will affect not only her life, but the lives of many around her. Likewise, Sara Murray finds herself at a crossroads in her life, after suffering a loss. While these two young women are from different worlds, those worlds are about to collide. Before she knows what is happening, Michelle Taylor finds herself embroiled in one lie after another. To make matters worse, she finds herself genuinely growing to care for those closest to her, who have no idea of the secret she is hiding. When she finds random canning jars filled with pieces of paper containing Bible verses and prayers written on them, Michelle’s interest is piqued, and she begins to experience a spiritual awakening, even while struggling to find a solution to the dilemma she now finds herself in. Readers who find themselves at every level of spiritual growth – from those simply questioning the existence of God to more seasoned Christians, will likewise benefit spiritually as they walk alongside Michelle on her spiritual journey. Things get more complicated when Michelle finds herself attracted (and the object of attraction) to two very different men. With time running out, and her secret about to be exposed, Michelle makes the decision to leave her new life, and everyone she has come to care for, behind. When her deception is discovered, those left behind must deal with feelings of confusion, hurt and some degree of anger. Can Michelle ever go back to the life she has grown to love, and the people she considers her family? Ms. Brunstetter shows us, once again, that family doesn’t always mean blood, and the love of our Heavenly Father is available to all; and that second chances and forgiveness are available to those who seek them. This story ended with cliffhangers that will undoubtedly be resolved in the coming books in the series.
I received a copy of this book free of charge from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest and unbiased review of this book.
The Hope Jar
The Hope Jar is the first book in an exciting new 3 book series by Wanda Brunstetter. This book is very much out of the ordinary for Wanda Brunstetter, in that it contains both English and Amish as its main characters, and it had me hooked right off.
The characters and story line were both easy to get into and I literally didn’t want to put it down.
Feeling desperate, out of options, and running from an abusive boyfriend, Michelle Taylor is quick to assume the identity of another person when she is mistaken for the granddaughter of an elderly Amish couple. She only planned to stay for a few weeks, a month at the most, but when she finds love, acceptance, and peace with her “new family”, how can she leave and what will happen when this family she has come to care so much about finds out the truth?
I loved that this book was not only an Amish/Contemporary romance, but it also had an element of suspense in it as well as a cliffhanger. I give this book 5 stars and can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
As I began reading how a young woman allowed an older couple to believe that she was the granddaughter that they never knew existed I immediately judged Michelle Taylor. She was being deceitful and lying to them time after time and and we all know that this is wrong! But as I continued to read I began to understand why she found it so hard to be honest with them. Michelle had been subjected to the abuse of her natural parents, forced to live with foster parents and then, she had suffered abuse from the man who was supposed to love her. All that she had ever known was hardship and neglect and suddenly, a fine and loving couple assumed that she was the child of a daughter who had run away from home and disappeared so many years ago
and they were eager to accept her! Yes, Michelle was definitely wrong but I could begin to understand why she allowed her charade to continue as she pretended to be Sara Murphy!
This new book is the first book of a new series by Wanda E. Brunstetter and I like that she has used the characters of a young English woman and an older Amish couple to help readers better understand some of the beliefs and customs of the Amish people. Michelle is naturally curious about the Amish lifestyle and both Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp are happy to answer her questions. She also has the opportunity to question Ezekiel King, the young Amish man who finds her English lifestyle so fascinating. He is struggling to make his final decision to either join the Amish church or leave to live his life as an “Englisher”. There are several other characters, both Amish and English, who play an important part of this story but my favorite “character” is actually a blue canning jar filled with slips of paper. Michelle finds it hidden in the Lapp barn and it contains the thoughts and prayers of someone who once struggled to make the right decision. These thoughts and prayers have a great influence on this young woman who is also struggling to do the right thing. Should she confess her deceit and hurt these people she has come to love or does she continue to pretend to be their long-lost granddaughter?
The Hope Jar is the first book in the The Prayer Jars series and I am anxious to see how Michelle Taylor and Sara Murphy’s stories will continue. I feel that the Lapps have enough love for both a real granddaughter and the young woman who pretended to be their granddaughter so I will be eager to read more in the The Forgiving Jar, the second book in this series.
Wanda E. Brunstetter has written a book filled with deceit, lies and hopelessness but it is also full of understanding, compassion, forgiveness, faith and love. I recommend it to all who enjoy Christian fiction and stories that feature the Amish lifestyle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Wanda Brunstetter is known for her simpler writing style that can tell a story with depth and faith like no other. She is proof that fancy does not equal better. Wanda’s books are the perfect place to start with Amish fiction, while she uses Pennsylvania Duetch throughout she also does so in a way that you easily learn their meanings and uses with little questioning. Her older books however, have less of that simpler feel to them. They are both equally as good and she’s always a go to for me when I just need a good book I can sink into. I had thought that perhaps, having read the synopsis, this book might be a blend of the old and new. It was sorta. I really enjoyed ‘The Hope Jar’ and can’t wait to see where the series takes me but. . .there were a few hiccups for me.
Hiccups are an annoyance but not a deal breaker. One hiccups is purely in editing. I mean here we have Michelle who takes on the identity of Sara, not intentionally really but it’s a think she did. There were instances in the book that the wrong name was used, once very clearly out of place. Not an author issue or really a book issue but one of those things that despite best efforts slipped through editing. One of those things I find amusing more than anything 😀 The next hiccup wasn’t quite so amusing. We learn a lot about Michelle through her journey, who she really is, where she’s from and how she’s gotten here. It’s pretty clear and set and really well set up. And then comes the constant reminders through her own inner dialogue and self-flagellation every single chapter, sometimes more. It started to become redundant and then annoying before escalating to making me not really like her as a person. I mean, I get it, we all do that to ourselves. Whatever it is we can’t let go of or even lie to ourselves about so much that we start to believe it. It’s human nature but it was a bit too much and for me at least, truly did start to make Michelle unlikable. Hiccups.
I didn’t get all the answers I wanted in this book so I’m ever so impatiently grateful for the sequel. Despite hiccups and questionable feelings about Michelle I still fell in love with this story. I feel like I am dealing with real people with real emotions and even real motivations. I do have to say though, I wish the prayer jar had played a bigger role in the story than it did. It did it’s job, it set the stage for what is to come in book two but I wanted more and I wanted answers now. Obviously, patience is not my virtue. I am invested in Willis and Mary Ruth and their real granddaughter (Sara) and their pretend granddaughter (Michelle) and how their lives will intertwine in the future. I’m invested in Ezekiel’s future and even in Brad’s as well. I need to know more about the antique jars filled with prayer slips and Bible verses. There’s just so much I need to know. This book did have hiccups for me, but just hiccups. I can’t wait for the next book, soonish please?
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
I thought this was one of the best books she has written and is a great beginning to a new series. It is a book of how making bad choices can hurt people including yourself, finding forgiveness from others and yourself, and how love can find you in unexpected places. I had empathy for all the characters and wanted to fix their situation. Michelle is a product of her upbringing and struggles to find her way in the world. I loved the addition of the jar of prayers and Bible verses that make an impact on her life . I look forward to reading The Forgiving Jar. I enjoyed this quick read and the recipes included at the end are an added bonus.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Filled with deceit, lies, the guilt of knowing her lies are going to catch up with her, a little romance and some wonderful loving Amish grandparents made this a wonderful, oh so real to life story. Great characters and a story line that had me hoping for an outcome that would be good for everyone! “I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.” My review is voluntary.
This new series by author Wanda Brunstetter is different than any of her other series. Equally as good, I really enjoyed it.
We are given a story line that is not a normal Amish story, and I found that intriguing. With a lot of lying and cover up comes unconditional love. It was great to see how people came to be concerned and caring for the “perpetrator”. (I’m trying not to give anything away here, but still express the warmth and love expressed towards someone who doesn’t merit it.) Undeserved forgiveness is a thread through the story.
Blending both the Amish and English worlds together, much as Brunstetter did in her Amish Cooking Class series, we get a better understanding of Amish life as compared to English life. As always, it’s interesting to learn about another culture.
While the ending may feel a bit unfinished, hang on. Book 2 in the series will be coming out soon!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The Hope Jar by much-loved author Wanda Brunstetter is the first book in her new series, The Prayer Jars. If the rest of the books in the series are as good as the first, this reader can’t wait to read the next one. I loved the characters –strong, resilient, and realistic with a depth to their emotions, strengths, and foibles that readers will connect well with. Mary Ruth and Willis Lapp, trusting and compassionate. Michelle, deceitful and yet with a difficult life to contend with. Sara, grieving and desperate to find the family she never knew existed. The Hope Jar is a beautifully captivating story of an unexpected family, mistaken identity, loss, finding faith, and a little romance too. When I was getting close to the end of the book I wondered how the author was going to resolve some of the issues and relationships in the few pages I had left to read. Well, she didn’t. She left a bit of a cliffhanger and I have to wait to read The Forgiving Jar! You won’t want to miss this sweet Amish romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The Hope Jar by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the first novel in The Prayer Jars series. Sara Murray’s mother passed away two weeks ago without revealing the identity of her birth father. Sara is going through her mother’s Bible when she finds a letter telling her about her Amish maternal grandparents. Excited to find out more about her family and potentially her birth father, Sara writes to them about her impending visit. Mary Ruth and Willis Lapp are at the bus station looking for Sara. They notice woman with red hair who resembles their deceased daughter, Rhoda and approach her. Michelle Taylor is looking for a fresh start away from her abusive boyfriend and the Lapp’s provide it. Mary Ruth is so excited to meet her granddaughter that she does not give Michelle, a chance to talk and she soon finds herself off to their home. Michelle quickly settles into life on the Lapp’s farm enjoying the serenity and the lifestyle. She feels guilty for deceiving them, but Michelle does not know how to correct the situation. One day in the barn, Michelle finds a blue mason jar filled with slips of paper. On the slips of paper are quotes, prayers, thoughts and Scripture that speak to Michelle and budding faith. Michelle has come to love the Lapp’s, but what will happen when they discover the truth. Can they forgive her deception?
The Hope Jar is a lovely, fulfilling story. I thought it was well-written with steady pacing which makes the book easy to read (and enjoy). The Hope Jar captured and held my attention. It is an intriguing and thought-provoking novel. The book contains good characters with my favorite being the Lapp’s. They are such sweet, welcoming down-to-earth people. Mary Ruth shares her love, wisdom and faith with her family, friends and the people she encounters on her journey through life. I could feel the Lapp’s heartbreak when they found out that Michelle was deceiving them. While The Hope Jar focuses on Michelle, there are sections with Sara’s story from her point-of-view. I hope we find out more about Sara in the next novel. We get to see Michelle grow throughout the story, though, she still has a way to go (as do we all). At the end of the book, there are still unresolved issues. I like the inclusion of the history of the Amish people. It provides insight into the Amish religion and their way of life. There are discussion questions and recipes at the end of the book. The Hope Jar is a story of faith, hope and love. I look forward to reading The Forgiving Jar when it releases.
The Hope Jar by Wanda Brunstetter
The start of a new Amish fiction series
Michelle, through a strange set of circumstances, found herself pretending to be someone she wasn’t. In some ways, it helped her out of a very rough situation, yet it caused her no end of guilt.
The Hope Jar had a very interesting premise – a girl caught up in a snowball of events that afforded her a place to escape her abusive boyfriend. A safe haven where she was loved and cared for. There were some interesting plot elements. I have heard this author’s name for quite some time but had never read any of her books before this. I was intrigued.
Fear is a powerful motivator, whether it is fear of being hurt or of hurting others. I understood Michelle’s motivations for behaving as she did. Ezekiel, on the other hand, seemed very selfish, shallow and immature. I was not a fan of his.
The storytelling was a little dry. The dialog seemed unnatural in parts and it seemed like there was so much explaining of the Amish way of life in the conversations. Yes, I understand that would have been necessary – it was more the execution that was tedious.
I was also disappointed that the consequences of the lies Michelle and Ezekiel told were as insignificant as they were. Not that I wanted anything terrible to happen to them as a result! Yet it felt like they only experienced a little bit of discomfort and because they repented, things were just okay. While I understand and appreciate so much the grace we have received and know that Jesus’ blood has covered all our sins, our actions have consequences and this story missed an opportunity for a good moral lesson.
From looking at other reviews, it appears that most people really loved this book. If you enjoy Amish fiction, it might be worth looking at what others have said and consider reading it.
Read the full review of The Hope Jar by Wanda Brunstetter with a Preview at AmongTheReads.net
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
The Hope Jar is the first book in Wanda Brunstetter’s new series The Prayer Jars.
Sara Murray has just lost her mother and while she is going through her mother’s Bible, she discovers a letter written to Sara telling her t;hat she has grandparent’s , Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp, living in Lancaster County PA . Sara writes to them and tells t;hem that her mother has died and that she would like to meet them.
Michelle Taylor is single and is in an abusive and dangerous relationship. In order to escape, Michelle leaves.
Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp are very anxious to meet their grand daughter, Sara and when they go to the bus station they mistaken Michelle for their grand daughter. Michelle takes advantage of the situation and deceives the Lapps by telling them that she is Sara. Michelle is welcomed into the Lapp’s home andAmish community where she becomes attracted to Ezekiel, a young neighbor’s son, who is Amish and cannot decide if he wants to “be baptized” or not. While Michelle is there she comes across, in the barn some mason jars that contains scriptures and prayers, Michelle becomes very interested in the contents of the jars, and I think her conscience starts to work on her how she is deceiving the Lapps and the members of their Amish community.
How long can Michelle keep of this charade of her’s and how heartbroken will Wills and Mary Ruth be, when they find out that Michelle is not really their grand daughter. What will happen when the real Sara shows up.
The Hope Jar is a story of deception, forgiveness, lies and escaping a bad situation.
I found the characters to be very interesting and I really felt sorry for Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp and all the lies and the deception that Michelle put them through by pretending to be their granddaughter.
I enjoyed reading this book and it did have a lot of twists and I am looking forward to reading the second book in this new series by Wanda Brunstetter
The Hope Jar is the first book from The Prayer Jars series. I thought this book was great. I was not sure about Michelle at first but she grew on me. I started wanting to root for her too see the love of God. There are a few twists I did not see coming towards the end. Which I like a story that is not predictable.
I give The Hope Jar five plus stars. It is a beautiful story of hope, faith, inspiration, and the power of forgiveness.
Highly recommended.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The Hope Jar
I was looking forward to reading this book and it was definitely a very good book. I am looking forward to the continuing story in the next book. I really loved Michelle and how she really took to Amish life. She had a hard life and found the hard working life of the Amish was rewarding.
Sara’s mother had just passed away and she finds a letter from her mom letting her know about her grandparents. Before she got to go see her grandparents Michelle is mistaken for being Sara.
Michelle finds jars with notes in it with verses from the Bible and prayers. I really loved seeing Michelle want to know more about the Bible thru the notes in the jars. There is an mystery of who wrote the notes.
Of course, a lot more to the story, several secondary characters. Loved the grandparents. Then other family members and neighbors. Such an inspiring story.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review.
In this new series written by a very talented author , she gives us a gripping and emotional story about hope, forgiveness and acceptance. Have you ever been so desperate to be accepted by someone, that you would do anything? Michelle is in a bad relationship that has become dangerous and needs to find a safe place to go. I felt her fears as her boyfriend threatened her and hurt her. I wanted her to run as fast and as far away as she could.
When Michelle gets off the bus after leaving her abusive boyfriend, she is suddenly mistaken for Sara, the granddaughter of Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp. I thought it was very intriguing that a young woman would take advantage of this sweet elderly couple. Michelle has a chance to start a new life and grabs hold of her false identity. It’s lucky for her that Willis and Mary Ruth have never seen their granddaughter before. Maybe she can pull this off and find a new home in Amish country.
I adored Willis and Mary Ruth. They were so excited to meet their granddaughter and hopefully find out what happened to their daughter who left home so long ago. Their broken hearts hopefully will start to mend as they get to know their granddaughter. There is of course one little catch to all this. At some point Sara, the real granddaughter will show up. How long can Michelle keep up this charade? I did feel a sense of relief from Michelle as she settles into her new life.
When a jar is found with scriptures and prayers, this to me was the turning point in the story. It opened up a broken heart and allowed the person to feel hope and love. Each time the jar was opened, a fresh sprinkle of redemption came over them. Wouldn’t it be nice to find a hidden jar like that? You are at a place in your life where you see no hope, no way out and no one loves you. You are drawn to the jar and there inside is the hope and acceptance you have been looking for.
I loved Michelle the most because I could easily identify with her. I know what it is like to want a place to feel safe and loving people who care for you. Will she be changed as she continues to deceive the people who have opened their hearts and home to her? I loved how easily Michelle started to draw closer to Willis and Mary Ruth. They are true examples of people who love unconditionally. Will Michelle’s secret be found out? Will Michelle find a way to open her heart to God? I was sad for the story to end. There were several questions left unanswered and I hope the author addresses it in another book . The author does an amazing job of allowing the characters to deal with hard issues like domestic abuse and forgiveness. I liked that these subjects were handled with grace and showed readers that there is always hope.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy , and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
There is nothing better than picking up a new novel by one of your favorite Amish authors. For me Wanda Brunstetter one of my top three Amish authors; her new series, The Prayer Jar is testament for why she makes it to my top three. The first novel in the series, The Hope Jar, reflects on hope and it’s ability to heal those who feel hope is not for them. The Hope Jar relates how just the tiniest flicker of hope, can soon become a burning flame, bringing life changes that last a lifetime.
Michelle Taylor finds herself seemingly locked in yet another hopeless and abusive relationship. He seemed like a good guy in the beginning, but now he is becoming more possessive and controlling, showing more hair trigger anger with each new day. She needs to get far, far away from him and this dead end town; start life over again, especially after this last encounter with her boyfriend. Grabbing what little belongings she could and a bit of cash she managed to save up, she heads to the bus station. Buying a ticket for as far as her limited amount of funds will allow, Michelle boards the bus.
Sara Murray is grieving following the death of her 43 year old mother a short time ago. Granted the privilege of going through her mother’s things, by her stepfather whom she never really connected, Sara finds a few treasures of her mothers that she decides to keep. While searching for the Bible her mother told her to look for after she died, Sara discovers a letter in the Bible that leaves her with some rather big questions; especially why her mother never told her that her maiden name was Lapp, and that she grew up Amish. Providing her parent’s address, Sara’s mother encourages her to seek out her grandparents, carrying a request for their forgiveness for the pain her leaving caused so many years ago. Stunned, Sara eventually pens a letter to her grandparents introducing herself, along with the plans for a visit. And could they please pick her up at the bus station?
Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp have never given up hope that one day they would see their daughter once again; then the letter arrived. Distressed at learning their daughter died, yet delighted to learn they have a granddaughter they never knew about, and she wants to visit. Having dropped the letter in a puddle, the ink blurring, the Lapps learn that their granddaughter is expected to arrive at the bus station the next day. Willis quickly heads to the phone shed to make arrangements for a driver to take them to Philadelphia to pick this new granddaughter. While waiting in the bus station, Willis and Mary Ruth wonder what their granddaughter might look like for in her letter she did not provide any identifying information. Spying a young women across the way, Mary Ruth believes surely she is their granddaughter for her hair is the same beautiful red hair their long lost daughter had.
Rushing to meet their granddaughter, the Lapps had no way to know that the young woman was not their granddaughter at all, but rather Michelle Taylor running from her bad situation and looking for a place to lay low. In their excitement, the Lapps do not give Michelle a chance to tell them she is not Sara. Then she decides what better way to hide for a time than on an Amish farm; who would think to look for her there?
Arriving at the farm, Michelle soon learns that being on an Amish farm is far more difficult than she had ever dreamed. Yet, too frightened and out of funds, Michelle decides to stay, as Sara. Thus begins a journey of love and hope the likes of which Sara has never experienced, but can it be real? Dare she hope there is something different for her life?
As with each story Wanda Brunstetter writes, I thoroughly enjoyed the read. The only issue I had with the book was that it ended and now I have to wait to read more if this delightful story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions, therein, are solely my own.
The Hope Jar is Book One in The Prayer Jars Series. Even with a complicated story-line dealing with lies and deception, hope and forgiveness are extended, forgiveness oftentimes being the hardest thing to offer. I wasn’t a fan of the character, Michelle Taylor, at all but adored the elderly Amish couple Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp.
I was given a complimentary copy by Barbour Publishing. The opinions are my own.