This is a wonderful Amish story.

There is a large cast of characters. They are very well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. It was great reading about the peaceful way of life on the Amish farm. A few of the characters made some very poor choices and I liked seeing the journey they each had to make to rectify their mistakes. It’s quite a process to face up to how we hurt others and learn to ask for forgiveness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

Any book by Wanda Brunstetter is a great book. This one did not disappoint. I loved the jar idea and am considering making one.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book more than I expected to, and I was especially surprised by how much I related to and liked the girl who was impersonating another person. I loved how experiencing the simple love of an older Amish couple and others in the community transformed her life. This book left me with quite a few questions so I'm looking forward to the second book.

Overall I thought this book was okay. I know I would have enjoyed this book far more a few years ago, but I'm kind of out of Amish fiction right now. I only ended up reading this one because I had gotten the review copy of it from NetGalley several years ago and ended up reading a finished digital copy from my library. Michelle was a likable character even though she was lying the entire time she was with the Lapps you could tell she did feel bad about it but had also started to enjoy the simple life. Ezekiel was a character that was also likable and I would have liked to see more of him and him choosing to either stay or leave the Amish culture. I do think that this book tried to have a lot of different characters at once that at times just felt unnecessary and was just filler because of how the main character Michelle didn't really have a lot going on and couldn't tell the Lapps a lot about her life because she was lying about everything.
I did like the ending of this book and it has officially convinced me that it connects to another series of books by Brunstetter with the first one in that series is the Crow's Call.

I don't think I'll be continuing this series personally. If you like Brunstetter's books and how she writes the Amish life you will still love and enjoy this one.

Another wonderful book by Ms. Brunstetter! The angst by the main character was heart wrenching at times, and thought provoking.

I really enjoyed this. It solidified to me that, reading ebooks (recently) is not a reason for lower ratings, just that the previous books were only okay books. I only rated this one 3.5 stars, because it was just alright. I enjoyed it, but didn’t love it. It is quite repetitive, with Pretend-Sara constantly debating, internally, about if and when she should reveal herself, or what could happen in the same, certain situations. For someone so concerned about it, she definitely lets the charade continue for a long time, with never acting on any direction towards a solution to her situation. Otherwise, it is a very easy and quick read, it captures your attention and holds it pretty well. If one knows much about the Amish already, they may be bored of, or annoyed by, the incessant questioning and explaining of Amish practices…but I didn’t mind it, myself. I don’t feel like Michelle’s character grows much…we see some immediate growth, starting with guilt and learning the Amish way of life, but then she kind of plateaus through most of the book, then has a giant jump of sudden confession. I haven’t read a ton of Amish fiction, but their beliefs and integrities seem to be a bit slack in this novel compared to others I have read, as far as their disciplines for certain things. Though, I’m not sure whether one direction is more accurate than another, or if either are more accurately depicted. I quite enjoyed this though, and am looking forward to reading the next book.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for free, in exchange for an honest review.

Could you go along with a lie if it means making an elderly Amish couple happy?

Michelle Taylor lives in Philadelphia and is needing a way out. At the train station, the Lapps are looking for their long-lost granddaughter when they meet Michelle; assuming she's Sara Murray.

In the Lapps barn, Michelle finds an old blue jar full of slips of paper with thoughts, verses, and prayers by an author unknown. The slips of paper give Michelle hope.

Will Michelle be able to come forward with the truth to those she's come to love without hurting them?

Wanda wrote about one's struggle with life. How it's best to tell the truth from the beginning.
I loved this story and I can't wait for the next book in the series "The Forgiving Jar" to be released.

I received a free copy via NetGalley with only an honest review by me in exchange. This is my review in my own words.

The Hope Jar
by Wanda E. Brunstetter

The Hope Jar is an exceptionally great story that takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster ride; without a doubt one of the best Amish books. The reader will be immediately drawn into the story and will instantly develop an emotional investment with the characters. This is a story that is filled with real life situations; making it easier for the reader to relate too: a mistaken identity, pain, fear, deceit, love, hope and triumphs along with other twists and turns, making it impossible for the reader to put the book down; wanting to know what was going to happen next.

Wanda Brunstetter is such a wonderful author; she knows how to put a new twist on Amish fiction that will tug at the heart of her readers; while leading them on an emotional roller coaster ride, of laughing and crying on the same page. The characters that Ms. Brunstetter has created in the Hope Jar; feel genuine and real, characters that a reader can relate too. The reader will find themselves: cheering for the characters and praying that all the problems will be work out and everyone will be happy once again.

The Hope Jar is the first book in the Prayer Jar series, I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, The Forgiving Jar which came out in February. I loved how Ms. Brunstetter was able to portray the hardworking, loving, and caring ways of the Amish and how the lesson on forgiveness showed a true picture of the Gospel, as well as a second chance. The ending seemed abrupt; which of course, it set up things for a second book. I hope Ms. Brunstetter continues this type of storyline; with more twists and turns, with less focus on the romance. I was gifted a copy of the Hope Jar by the Author and felt compelled to share my honest thoughts and opinion in a review. The Hope Jar, this is truly an inspiring story that is beautifully written and wonderfully executed; but, left us with some unanswered questions which hopefully will be answered in the next book. I highly recommend The Hope Jar and feel that that author and her book; both deserve a rating of 4.5-stars. Well done!!

Genre: Amish fiction, romance.

My rating: 3 and 1/2 stars.

My recommendation: Anyone who likes Amish fiction.

My favorite character/s: Hmm, I liked each of the characters, (more than in the previous book I read by this author.) But I am not sure that I have a favorite character as I didn't connect with them that well.

My thoughts: I decided to give Brunstetter another read since my mom enjoyed her older books and I know a few other people who enjoy her books. This book was better, I enjoyed the plotline, characters, details. I can't say that I am in love with the author's books but I did enjoy this one and will try more from her perhaps an older book that my mom has read and enjoyed. And I should mention that the puppies make me want one of my own.

(I received this book in exchange for my honest review, and I am truly happy to provide it!)

I love the title of Wanda E. Brunstetter's newest novel, The Hope Jar. It's the first book in a new series entitled The Prayer Jars. I dug into this with my love for Amish fiction and for a good story. I finished this one in mere hours, with a good story premise, great characters and a thought out message.

Trying to run from a life that just spirals down, Michelle took one lie too far, yet in the midst found the faith she so desperately needs. It's a story that has so much promise, and so much that I can love and relate on. Yet, there's something that just didn't sit well with me. It took me some time to figure it out, but I realized I prefer stories that brings me into the story, even as a bystander. In The Hope Jar, I felt that the story was told to me versus drawing me in. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and it was a good story. I would say it would've been perfect except for that aspect, plus what I felt was an abrupt ending. It just came, and with so much that there weren't any closure. Book 2 really couldn't come fast enough, since I really do want to find out.

In all, The Hope Jar has all the earmark of Amish Fiction - community, characters, faith and message. The style of storytelling is more of a personal preference, but even the lack of reader-story integration, it was a story I enjoyed and finished.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

What a breath of fresh air. This book was a little different from what I normally read by this author but I enjoyed the twists and turns and developing faith.

The Hope Jar

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Sara grows up with her mother, her stepfather (from age six), and her doted upon half-brother. She has lots of unanswered questions about her biological father. When her mother passes away, Sara learns she has grandparents she has never met. In a letter her deceased mother encourages her to find them.

Michelle was taken away from abusive parents and separated from her brothers as all the children were put in foster care. As a young adult she finds herself unemployed, out of money, and in an abusive relationship with a boyfriend.

Through a misunderstanding, these two girls’ lives cross in Amish country in Pennsylvania. Just how long can Michelle, craving love and family, deceive Sara’s Amish grandparents? She is overridden with guilt. How will Sara feel about this familial triangle of which she should have been a part? Along the way in this interesting story, Michelle and the reader learn a lot about the Amish way of life. There is potential romance with an Amish man who is considering leaving the Amish traditions to become “English” and with a seminary student studying to be a pastor. Unfortunately Michelle’s deception makes it difficult for her to form relationships.

The Hope Jar by Wanda E. Brunstetter has a few problems. The first should have been caught by an editor (and may have been in the edited final version). At one point Michelle, talking to herself, lists her abusers and includes her foster parents. This contradicts all the other references to the foster parents which indicate a fairly normal teenage/parent relationship. The second is the length of time it takes Michelle to leave her newly adopted home. Within the story that period gets a little repetitive although the author does add events to try to move the story along. Thirdly, things are left unresolved for both Michelle and Sara in respect to the Amish community and the grandparents. Those issues, however, will probably be resolved in the next book in the series, The Forgiving Jar, which is due for publication on February 1, 2019. I do like The Hope Jar well enough that I will be reading the next book.

I particularly like the device this book employs—prayer jars. These are old canning jars containing slips of paper that someone has written Bible verses and prayers on. Through reading a few of these at a time, Michelle begins to learn about the Christian faith, the desperate writer of the notes, and the way to healing for her soul.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Barbour Publishing (Shiloh Run Press) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Christian, General Fiction (Adult)

Notes: Although marketed as General Fiction, it is really a book women would prefer. There is romance, but the book is free of sex, profanity, and violence. It is the first book in The Prayer Jars Series.

Publication: August 1, 2018—Barbour Publishing (Shiloh Run Press)

Memorable Lines:

Brad had the gift of discernment, and his intuitions about people were usually correct. His mother often said he would make a good minister because he understood people and could almost see into the windows of their souls. Brad saw his intuitions as a gift from God—one that would help him counsel and minister to people.

It hurt to think that her own flesh-and-blood parents had never cared much about nurturing their children or meeting their needs. Michelle’s mom and dad had so many problems they could barely function at times, much less provide a stable environment for their family.

“I don’t mean to feel bitter, but the hurt in my heart has festered like an embedded splinter. I heard it said once that hurt fertilizes bitterness, making it grow like a weed.”

The author of today's book, The Hope Jar, is Wanda E. Brunstetter.  This book is the first in a three-book series called The Prayer Jars. Back in 2015, I actually met her when she was doing a book signing event at the local Wal-Mart here in Sarasota, Florida.  At that time, I was able to get my mother, Gloria an autographed copy of one of her favorite Amish books. Ever since that meeting in 2015, whenever the opportunity arises to read and review one of Ms. Brunstetter's books, I jump on it because my mother LOVES Amish stories. 

Gloria recently mentioned this book and said she couldn't wait to read it, so when I saw it available on NetGalley through my book blogging relationship with them, I requested it and was approved.  Unfortunately, Gloria recently had eye surgery so she was unable to read this book after all. 



The Hope Jar blends both Amish and contemporary fiction together, unlike many of Ms. Brunstetter's other books, which are strictly Amish fiction.  After I finished reading The Hope Jar,  because it was such a great read, I've already requested the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader copy of the second book in the series, The Forgiving Jar, releasing in February of 2019.  My mom really missed out on this one! I finished this book in just about the time it took one college football game to play on television.  

Mary Ruth and Willis Lapp are at the bus station looking for their long lost granddaughter, Sara Murray.  Michelle is at the bus station and Mary Ruth and Willis mistakenly think Michelle is Sara.  since Michelle's life is at a dead end, she decides to go along with the Lapps thinking and pretends to be their granddaughter just long enough for her to get her life under control

While she is on the Lapps' farm, Michelle learns what it feels like to be truly cared for and loved, which is something she's never had in her life.  Michelle never had a real family, having grown up in foster care, and no one ever took the time to really get to know her and love her.  Michelle blossoms under the Lapps' love and she learns to love the simple life of the Amish.  As she grows in this life, she starts to feel more and more guilty about the deception she is committing by living the life of Sara Murray instead of her own.

I loved Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp, although I did feel like they were a bit naive in never asking Michelle for proof that she was their long lost granddaughter.  Regardless, they really portrayed the Amish that we've come to learn about and love through Ms. Brunstetter's books - hardworking, faithful, loving and caring people.  Their lesson on forgiveness was an example to readers of folks who follow the Word of God.

The Hope Jar had a very good story line and it was truly an inspiring story.  The characters great and readers were provided with a well thought out message.  The Hope Jar have woven the tale of two young women who have experienced tragedy and are at a crossroads in their lives. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing through 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 but chose to since it was a great book! Thank you!

what an amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end
I loved the authors style of writing and will be looking for other books by this author.
I would recommend this book to friends and family

What nerve! To escape an abusive relationship and take time off from her mixed up life, Michelle jumps at the chance to pose as Sara, granddaughter to an older Amish couple. Since they have never met her before, the couple takes her home from the train station in Philadelphia to their Strasburg home. Michelle is conflicted about her deceit; so much so that she intercepts letters from the real Sara and intercedes to slow down the eventual arrival of the real Sara to meet her grandparents.
Overall, Michelle is a likeable character. She jumps right in to help on the farm and begins to appreciate the Amish community and sense of home. Sara, though, does make plans to visit Strasburg and figure out why her grandparents have been so curt and even quiet in their lack of response to her numerous letters.
This was a fun read, though a bit hard to believe.

This is the first book I have read by Wanda E. Brunstetter, and I am certain it will not be my last. First of all, check out that gorgeous cover! I do not typically read a lot of Amish fiction but The Hope Jar captured my attention from the very beginning. I think everyone can find something to connect to in this story. Sara has lost her mother and is looking to make a connection with a family she never knew existed. Michelle never really had a family and is loathe to surrender the Lapps after getting to know them. The never ending human conflict of doing what is right versus going what we want is Michelle's greatest debate. Even though what she did was wrong, I think anyone can understand what drove her to make the decisions that she did. The message of hope came through loud and clear.
I enjoyed having bits of Amish history and preferences scattered throughout the book so that you learn without it being just an information dump. Michelle is naturally curious about her surroundings and it was easy to use those moments to learn. You spend a lot of time inside the characters heads in The Hope Jar which did not exactly take away from the plot, but I did begin to find it tedious after a while when nothing seemed to be happening in the actual world around the people.
I thought the atmosphere and characters were well described without being overwhelming in detail. Michelle's journey will be long, but she made great strides in growth toward being a better person and accepting God's grace.

Hope Jar is an Amish fiction book. It gives the reader a peek into Amish life. The Lapps daughter Rhonda ran away from her Amish land years ago. She wanted her own life but deeply hurt her parents. When the Lapps receive a letter from Sara Murphy saying she is their granddaughter and wants to meet them . They were very eager to meet her. Unfortunately she said her Mom passed away. The Lapps had not seen their daughter in a long , long time and had never met their granddaughter. After writing many letters it was arranged that the Lapps would get to meet their granddaughter . She was supposed to meet them at the train. As a surprise to them, Michelle Taylor shows up to meet them instead. She had a difficult life . She ran away from an abusive boyfriend and as a result was homeless. She was also raised in the foster system. She does not reveal to them that she is not their granddaughter until she was ready to leave their house. She had been there for 2 months The same day Michelle left Sara, the real granddaughter showed up. It is hard for the Lapps to believe that someone like Michelle would deceive them. It did not seem right. Michelle had answered to Sara and acted as if she was her. While she lived with the Lapps Michelle had trouble grasping and believing in God and also the Amish faith. She found some prayer jars in the garage . She found verses in the jars and used them to think about her life over time. Sara ended up enjoying the short visit with her grandparents and agreed to come back for the holidays. What ever becomes of Michelle when she leaves the Amish land and the Lapps? How can she overcome her past?

I heard that Wanda Brunstetter wrote wonderful books portraying the Amish lifestyle. Living in a community where we have Amish neighbors, I am drawn to their simple lifestyle. This is a first read for me by this author. I am so delighted to have had a chance to read this book. Sara, immediately grabs at your heart after loosing her Mother and feeling so alone. Michelle, didn't mean to deceive Mary Ruth and her husband. Yet, now how can she tell them the truth of her real identity and break their hearts. Four lives changed forever by the simple acts of deception, forgiveness and love. I can't wait for the next book in this series!! I received a copy for my honest review.

This is the first in a new series entitled "The Prayer Jars" by the gifted storyteller, Wanda Brunstetter. I must admit that I do love Wanda's writings, as they always reflect the Amish faith and community with clarity, making them not only realistic, but so believable. This novel brings together the Amish and Englisch world in a unique style that is evident in all of this author's books. It is indeed a story of faith and love, that is not without the difficulties that can occur when relationships develop in unlike worlds.

The characters are so realistically and well described, that the reader immediately becomes drawn into their lives. Lies and deception abound , as these dear ones show us the power of hope and love. Although Michelle deceives this elderly couple, who love her as a granddaughter, she also presents them with hope, resulting in her developing faith in God. The Lapps have encountered more than their share of pain and loss, however still have love to give, that can only be shared by their deep beliefs and power from Above .

The plot moves steadily with just enough twists and turns to keep one totally engrossed. I could not put this book down until I read the last chapter!! As the story develops, Michelle overcomes her many hurts and challenges in life. Although she lives a life of deceit for a time, the good that comes out of it overcomes the evilness that could result. The hope jar that is present throughout the story, truly portrays how lives can be changed in surprising and unbelievable ways.

This book is a real winner, in my opinion! Dealing with sensitive issues, combining two very different lifestyles, the forgiveness and hope that results , are subjects that will remain with me for a very long time.

This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

3.5 stars. I thought this was an interesting book! I don't know much about Amish people, so it was cool to learn a bit about their way of living.

This book is about Michelle Taylor. She assumes the identity of Sara Murray, and her grandparents have no idea that she's an imposter. I'm sure switching from Michelle's POV to other people's POV of her (When Michelle came downstairs to eat breakfast, Mary Ruth asker her, "Sara, . . .") was really confusing, but I think Wanda did the character transitions really well.

(SPOILER) I am n o t pleased with Michelle and Ezekiel being together- why not Brad. :/ I did also find the writing simple and the characters rather shallow, hence taking off one and a half stars.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and I definitely want to read The Forgiving Jar, the sequel, at some point.

(also, first NetGalley review! :D)

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