Michelle has had a tough life. Now she needs to disappear. The Amish couple at the bus station who seem to think she is their long lost Granddaughter sounds like a perfect solution to her. Sara, their real Granddaughter wants to meet them, but is willing to wait to accommodate their needs, at least she thinks are their needs. This story, from my favorite Amish fiction writer, does not disappoint!

Being gently nudged toward faith by the bible quotes found in an old canning jar. Sara starts to believe there is a different way to live. A better way to live. A fascinating look at expectations, and God's ability to use them for good.

Please read the synopsis, I'm afraid that I won't do it justice if I recap it here.

I am so disappointed in this book. It's mostly my fault that I got this ARC that I just couldn't finish. I chose it based on the author and her previous books that I have read. While she is not my favorite Amish author she is consistent and I'm able to give almost all of her books at least 3.5 stars---until this one.

If the main character -Michelle/Sara wasn't such a thief and liar, wasn't so cold and calculating about what she was doing, then I might have warmed up to her and finished the book.

I understand that there is another book after this one that will be Sara's story, I'll pass.

Wanda Brunstetter is one of those authors that I just know I am going to enjoy. Sometimes knowing how long she has been writing Amish fiction, I wonder how she keeps coming up with new stories that don't sound like the same old story. She keeps surprising me though. This new series is fantastic, and I cannot wait to see what comes next. First of all, I like how you start reading the book and think the story is going to be all about Sara. Surprise! It's actually all about Michelle, and honestly I like that she took this direction. At the end of the day, Michelle just wanted to feel loved and like she was a someone instead of a no one. I can completely relate to that - not at the current stage of my life, but in a previous one. It made reading her journey so much more special knowing that I had emotionally been in her shoes before.

Then you have the actual hope jar. What a fantastic and creative idea! When you are reading Wanda's books, you not only get a beautiful faith element, entertainment and excitement, but you also get a practical idea that you can use in real life. I think every household should have a hope jar! How cool would it be to find a hope jar that your grandparents started? Or great-grandparents? Or to think that your grandchildren could be looking at your writings one day. And even if you don't have kids - you could do a hope jar for a future owner of your home, or to simply lift someone's spirits. The possibilities truly are endless, all because an author had a poetic idea for a story.

I'm always happy to pick up a book by Wanda Brunstetter, but this is a series that makes my smile just a little bit bigger. Fans of Amish Fiction will devour this book as I did. And along the way I think they'll find encouragement, hope, and faith. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This novel tells the story of a young lady who is unintentionally "adopted' by an Amish couple who mistake her for their granddaughter. Michelle carries on with the charade, and comes to love the Amish couple and her new way of life. Things get sticky when the real granddaughter shows up. Another story thread concerns Ezekiel, who struggles with choosing between remaining Amish or turning to life as an Englischer.

I have ready many other books by this author, and found this one to be a disappointment. The title does not seem to fit the story, except in a minor way, and the words "hope jar" are never mentioned in the novel. The plot seemed to drag along, as Michelle agonized over whether to stay with her new "grandparents" or go back to her dismal life in the English world. The final blow was the abrupt ending, which I surmise is a cliffhanger "to be continued" ploy for the reader to buy the next book(s).

I received this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Like all of Wanda Brunstetter's books, The Hope Jar was another hit! The inspiration for the story is an actual jar kept by Wanda's husband through the years which she shares about on her website. This simple jar made for a beautiful story of love and redemption.

Sara Murray's family has passed away and she wishes to see the family that she's never known. So she heads out to find them, only her car breaks down on the path and she is unable to make it to the bus. Later Sara gets the chance to visit her loved ones but in the meantime, fate intervenes.

Michelle Taylor has had a tough life and has no idea how to really escape it and find a better one. Fate comes in when Michelle steps off a bus and is immediately welcomed as the Granddaughter of the Lapps. Michelle knows it's wrong not to speak up but right now she just needs to escape her life, the abuse she's been through and find herself while she's away. She knows she'll have to return to it soon enough.

Michelle makes good friends in the Amish community as she learns their ways. She finds two jars hidden in the shadows of the home which bring her faith and hope that she's never experienced before. The Hope Jars are enough to keep her going and finding her path again.

You'll love the story this book shares as it truly speaks to your heart. The love Michelle finds as the truth becomes clear and revealed is as beautiful as the scene set around her story. This is one you do not want to miss!

This new book by a popular author just doesn’t live up to her usual quality. The premise is good, but so much of the narrative and dialogue presents telling and offering or repeating information, and the story is predictable. The characters don’t come to life on the page and make me care deeply about them. I wonder if she had to rush it to press and didn’t have time to polish the text more. The novel did get more compelling toward its conclusion. I prefer a book that touches the heart and evokes an emotional response. This just didn’t do it for me. The story does make one consider relationships and honesty, though, and could be a good jump-off for discussion. The jar of quotes and prayers offers food for thought. The person who left this has not yet been revealed. I am interested in the rest of the series to see where the story goes. Hopefully, the writing will live up to expectations. All opinions are my own.

The Hope Jar Book One Free Extended Preview by Wanda E.Brunstetter is another masterpiece of a story-teller in grade, each time, to touch the heart of readers in profundity.

The story starts with Sara Murray in Newark, New Jersey. This girl is 25 years and she lost her mother just few weeks ago. Sara doesn't know her mother's grand-parents, or other important members of her family like the name of her dad, because her mother has always kept secret, for herself, this part of her personal story.
Sara grew up, anyway, happily; maybe as it happens often, she didn't accept completely the new companion of her mother, the arrival of a brother, but her life is solid.
Sara found in a special place an important letter, where her mother revealed to her the name and last names of her grand-parents. So...She isn't alone in this world. She sends them a letter immediately. Arranging a visit...

Michelle lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a devastating life. She was abused by her parents when little, she, once abandoned that disgraceful family, tried to going on all alone; at the moment she lost her job and she needs to abandon another time the place where she is living in because she can't pay the rent anymore; her boyfriend, known just a month ago is an abusive guy...
What a messy life.

One day an elderly couple of Amish searching for their grand-daughter meet along their way, Michelle.
"Are you Sara, for case?"

Michelle knows the reputation of Amish like their drastic choices of living without the latest technological devices, in an old-fashioned way and world, but, after all, who cares? Why not to tell to this couple an innocent lie? She doesn't have a place where to stay, she doesn't have, no, better, after all she hasn't never had a family, so why not to do that?
And she answers: yes. Yes, I am Sara.

What a dream to Michelle living for once a peaceful life, in a real bedroom, and in a house where calm, harmony, a simple life is in grade to restore a mind and body in constant stress.

Trust me, when I tell you that the peace, benevolence, good atmosphere, beautiful place, healthy work, presence of God, great food, beautiful companu, good and natural contacts with domestic animals discovered at the family of Sara's grand-parents makes the difference in the life of this girl.

I imagined the little things making the difference in the mind of Michelle, restoring her soul, like also a happy future in the Amish community.

You see, my reader, the terrible past of Michelle inspires great benevolence: of course she told a lie, a lot of lies, a series of unfortunate lies, but Michelle is desperate and these reassuring people are the best choice to her. She is interested to help them in a daily base, baking, cooking, cleaning up the stables of the animals.
I imagine the horror-family where she was born in, and I also try to imagine this girl in an harmonic family; a joy she hasn't never experienced.

And I think that everyone should be happy.

I can't stop to think that maybe in the next book this elderly couple also when they will discover the mountain of lies told by Michelle won't leave her alone but will help her, keeping her safe from the horrors of her past.
After all, Sara, will understand.

Superlative.

Highly, highly recommended!

I thank Netgalley and Barbour for this ebook.

Wanda Brunstetter is one of my all time favorite authors. She has been a staple in Amish Fiction. I was super excited to see a new series and a different type of writing from her. This book deals with real situations. Possible homelessness, abusive relationships, pretending to be someone you are not - but remembering where your faith is rooted. This book is packed full of hope. Wanda always writes her characters so well, that you feel like you know them. I cannot wait until the next book comes out.

I received this book through Netgalley, and Barbour publishing - all thoughts are my own.

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.

Believe it or not, this is the first Wanda E. Brunstetter book that I have read and I will definitely be looking for more to read. This was truly an inspiring story. The Hope Jar weaves the tale of two young women who have experienced tragedy and are at a crossroads in their lives. Sara has lost her mother and does not have much of a relationship with her step-father and half brother, Michelle has never really been part of a family at all. She grew up in the foster system. Sara’s grandparents have been estranged from their deceased daughter and Sara did not even know they existed until after her mother's death. She writes to them and tells them that she would like to come and meet them. They didn't know they had a granddaughter and are looking forward to meeting and building a relationship with her. When they see Michelle at the bus station getting ready to move somewhere, anywhere else, they mistakenly think her to be their granddaughter. Michelle is at a hopeless phase in her life, so she readily pretends to be their granddaughter and returns with them to their Amish farm. When Michelle finds an old blue jar in the barn filled with quotes, thoughts and prayers, they inspire her to have faith that things are never hopeless. But how will she ever tell this family she has grown to love about her lies and betrayal? Will they be able to forgive her? This story is well written and flows easily. I enjoyed the people who lived in this Amish town, they were friendly and accepting to Sara (Michelle). There is pain, fear, deceit, love, hope and triumph all present in this story, but it is beautifully written and wonderfully executed. This is the first book in the Prayer Jar series, and it left us with some unanswered questions which I hope will be answered in the next book. I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Christian or Amish fiction as well as anyone looking for an inspirational story with a Christian overtone. The publisher, Shiloh Run Press, provided me with this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions are my own.

As you all know, I’m huge fan of Wanda Brunstetter. Not one of her books left me disappointed. So, to say I was excited about the start of this new series , is quite the understatement. The more I saw about it on Mrs. Brunstetter’s pages, the more anxious for the release I became. Then when the book arrived, I couldn’t wait to dive into it. And then……well, then I was in awe of Mrs. Brunstetter. Why? Because she has once again managed to take me to the heart of Amish country, to the world I wish I belonged in, and filled my heart with healing and hope.

I loved the characters within the book. They were all chiseled perfectly for their rolls. I loved watching Michelle grown in her relationships, especially her convictions with God after she found the jar. The messages she received, the feelings she felt, all of them quickly spoke to me and became my own feelings.

This book is beautifully written and will have the reader pulled to the center of the story instantly. From start to finish, I smiled, I laughed, I wondered what God would do in Michelle’s life. The messages that Mrs. Brunstetter always manages to weave within the story speak loudly to the soul. I love that in Amish novels. So, if you are looking for a wonderful book to transport you to the heart of Amish country, then grab this book now. You’ll be instantly addicted to the beautiful works of Wanda Brunstetter, if you aren’t already. This 5 star book is definitely a keeper for me, and I can’t wait to start my own hope jar!

Though this story had the potential to be a interesting read, I found the writing style to be lacking in depth and appeal. The author seemed to enjoy writing about the daily activities and habits of the Amish and how the main character viewed their lifestyle. The story was shallow and the ending unsatisfying.

I truly dislike giving poor reviews, but I have to be honest and say I would give this book a 2 out of 5 stars, and likely will not read anything by this author again.

Barbour Publishing furnished me a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

The idea of a Hope Jar, or a Prayer Jar is a pretty neat idea! And Michelle finding it was good because that’s what she needed in her life at the time. I somehow find it unbelievable though how Michelle ended up with this Amish family. That grandparents would take a young lady in under those circumstances. And I was really irritated at Michelle for her actions and attitude. I did feel bad for the Lapps because they fell in love with Michelle.

But I think my heart broke mostly for Sara. She was the one who had to suffer the most. I wish there would have been more about Sara in this story, but hopefully another book will have her story. All in all that was a good story, the characters were realistic, making me feel as though I had met new neighbors. If you love Amish, you will love this story

A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

This story takes us into the lives of an older Amish couple and someone they believe is their granddaughter, as well as their real granddaughter. We also meet some others from the Amish community. This story focuses on the supposed granddaughter and the grandparents as they get to know each other and “Sara” gets to know them and a simpler life. It’s a good story, with likeable characters, though I kept wondering when we’d hear from the real Sara or more about her life. Satisfying conclusion, though I felt it would have been great to be another chapter longer, or a longer ending chapter.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing through Net Galley. No review was required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Hope Jar by Wanda Brunstetter is the first book in The Prayer Jars series. The author is back with a new series and it's a bit different than anything I've ever read from her. The storyline is one that I found unique and interesting and definitely not the usual cookie-cutter type that can often be found in this genre. The storyline is smooth and keeps the reader interested to the last page. It is here where the reader is offered a carrot which draws them to the next book in the series. A jar filled with notes and Scriptures can be the key to the growing faith of one of the main characters.

Inspiring is one word I would use to describe this book. There is also pain, fear, deceit, hope triumph, mistaken identity, forgiveness and love all play a big part in this heartwarming story. This story is beautifully written and wonderfully executed. This book was extremely well thought out, planned and organized, as well as, well written. The author has also added a couple recipes which are used in the story.

I would like to thank Barbour Press, Shiloh Press, Wanda Brunstetter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This Book was supplied to me by Barbour Publishing through Net Galley.

Book Description

A Brand-New Series from New York Times Bestselling 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 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?

My Review

This is one of the best books I have read by Wanda Brunstetter. I would suggest everyone who loves Wanda and Jean Brunstetter’s books to pick this one up.

This book starts out as Sara Murray has to deal with her mother who has just passed away. Rhoda Lapp left the Amish when she was 18 years old and she had a child,Sara Murray. When Rhoda passed away, Sara wants to meet her grandparents (Rhoda’s mamm and daed). Sara writes to her grandparents they decide to meet her at the bus station and they make a mistake. They see Michelle Taylor in line at the bus depot and they think she is their granddaughter, Sara. So, Michelle goes along and puts on the act that she is their granddaughter. She soon realizes that she likes being amish but she can’t take the lie any longer.

So, Michelle leaves and goes back to her evil and ugly life. I don’t know how she could do that, I would love to have my grandma and grandpa back as I would my mom and dad, who I miss so much. One of the amish guys comes to find Michelle and talk to her, and then she realizes she fell for him.

In the meantime, the real Sara Murray shows up at her grandparents house and they can’t believe that they have been lied to by Michelle. When Sara leaves, then Michelle decides to come back. I am not going to say anymore or I will ruin the story for you. If you like Wanda Brunstetter as much as I do, you will have to pickup this book. I loved it, I almost couldn’t put it down. Thank you Wanda for giving us such a GREAT book.

I don’t want to say anything else, or else I will totally ruin the story for you. This book is a GREAT book and a fast read also. I just love Wanda Brunstetter’s books. She is GREAT. I would definitely suggest this book to my family and friends. Thank you Barbour Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give this review.

This is book 1 in The Prayer Jar series. Sara's mother passes away, Sara is going through her mother's belongings. Sara doesn't know anything about her mother's side of the family. She also doesn't know who her father is either. She has her mother's Bible, as she's going through it she finds a piece of paper. It's a note from her mother telling her who her grandparents are. Sara writes to them saying she wants to visit them. She wants to find out when they can pick her up at the bus station.


Michelle Taylor lives in Philadelphia, she's living in an apartment barley making it. She has a boyfriend named Jerry who is abusive to her. Michelle decides she's had enough and she's going to leave Philadelphia. Michelle ends up at the bus station. While she's standing there an Amish couple go to her thinking she is their long lost granddaughter.


This was such a wonderful book. I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for the second book in this series to come out. I highly recommend this book to others. Your going to love it just as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley.

I don’t read a lot of Amish fiction but I always enjoy the inside peek into the Amish way of life. It’s obvious Wanda has done a lot of research and does a great job of painting the picture.

It was hard to be mad at Michelle. Even though she was deceiving all of these people you knew her story and wanted good things for her. But I didn’t like her sneaky way of doing things.

I’m honestly a bit torn with this book. I did like it but I wasn’t fully invested in it. But the overall story was interesting and I liked the characters.


A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

I've always wondered what it might be like as an "Englisher" to live with the Amish and this book gave me a glimpse into the possibility. I'm not sure that I could make it very long without some of the modern conveniences we all take for granted though. I'll be honest in saying that I enjoy going a week or so without my technology gadgets but an entire summer??? That's what Michelle does as she pretends to be the Lapp's granddaughter. Things in the "real world" weren't going well for Michelle, so becoming "Sara" seemed the answer to her problems. There were so many lies to tell to maintain the ruse and that had to become exhausting for her.
This is a fascinating story and one that I really enjoyed. The story ended abruptly for me....leaving me hanging until book two, but that means I'll have to wait patiently....if patience is possible for a real fan of Wanda Brunstetter. ???
I highly recommend this book to lovers of Amish fiction, romance, and Christian fiction. I am giving this book a rating of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Shiloh Run Press in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I am ecstatic for this new series by Wanda Brunstetter. Her books are always hard to put down and enjoyable to read. This book is no exception!

An Amish couple, the Lapps, are expecting to meet their granddaughter, Sara. Instead, Michelle Taylor, who is down on her luck and trying to make things better, meets the Lapps at the train station. The Lapps believe that this is their granddaughter (and Michelle allows them to believe it). Soon, Michelle realizes her mistake but isn't sure how to fix it. Michelle finds a jar in the Lapps barn. This jar contains slips of paper that have prayers and Bible verses on them. She tries to figure out who wrote them (and why) and also reflects on her life and where she is headed. She seeks the advice of Ezekiel, an Amish man that she is falling for, only to find that he's upset that she hasn't been telling the truth. Michelle decides to leave the Lapps home before they find out that she truly isn't their granddaughter. Ezekiel finds where Michelle went to attempts to bring her back "home". Will Ezekiel and Michelle try to repair things between them? Will Michelle get to meet the real Sara? Will things be okay between Michelle and the Lapps? Hopefully book two will answer these questions.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. Opinions express in this review are completely my own.