The Hope Jar by Wanda E Brunstetter is the most delightful Amish novel and the first book in The Prayer Jar series. I cannot wait for subsequent books.
The novel shows the dilemma for the young Amish - they wonder if the Englisch way of life is better. Rumschpringe is a trying time for both parents and youngsters.
How far would you go to escape your life? How many lies would you tell? What happens if you build your new life on a foundation of lies?
There is an awakening to God in the novel. He seemed so far away. Sometimes we feel unworthy of God's love but His grace covers us all. A series of divine appointments can light a fire in our soul.
A wonderful warm atmosphere greets both the reader and the characters. The Amish are community based and minded. They throw open their hearts and homes.
Everyone can have a new beginning. We can consign the past to the past and move forwards.
The Hope Jar was such a wonderful read. I immersed myself in it and read it in just one sitting. The characters took up residence in my heart. Role on book two.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

A new series by well-loved author, Wanda Brunstetter, gives us a new cast of characters to love.

We meet the Lapp family who continue to grieve over their daughter, Rhoda, who left the Amish faith for the English world.

Meanwhile, Rhoda has passed away and left a letter for her daughter, Sara, telling her about the grandparents Sara had never met. The Lapps go to the bus station to pick up Sara and develop a loving relationship with her. We learn that the person they thought was their granddaughter, Sara, is in fact Michelle, who is running from her abusive boyfriend. While Michelle, “Sara” is at their home, she discovers a jar that is filled with scriptures and prayers. These soon speak to her heart and help her as she tries to find her way for the future. When the real Sara appears on the scene, and truth is revealed, each person has to deal with shock, forgiveness and grace.

Other characters in the book also are striving to find their way for the future regarding their religion, life work, and love. There are many ways that future plots could go.
The book ends leaving you waiting to see how each person’s future will finalize. I look forward to future books in this series and highly recommend it for those who love to read Amish books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Hope Jar by Wanda Brunstetter is a story of family, love forgiveness and hope.
Sara Murray’s mother has passed away at the age 43. Sara finds a letter her mother wrote to her tucked into Bible and it contains the address of the grandparents she never knew who live in Pennsylvania while Sara is in New Jersey. It turns out that Sara’s mother, Rhoda, ran away from home and never contacted her parents again. Sara decides to write to them and ask to visit during her summer break in July. Sara’s grandparents, Mary Ruth and Willis arrive at the bus station to pick her up on the wrong date as the letter got wet and ink smeared. They see Michelle, who looks like Rhoda, and assume she is the granddaughter they are looking for. Michelle is escaping an abusive past and does not correct the couple but goes on home with them. How long will she be able to deceive them? Will they be able to offer Michelle forgiveness? How will God change her heart and her life as she adapts to life on the farm? What will happen when the real Sara shows up?
I enjoyed this book a lot as I do all of Wanda Brunstetter’s books. She is an excellent writer who is able to draw the reader into the story. I could feel Michelle’s pain as she struggles with having a safe place to live and family while also realizing it is all based on a lie. It felt good to see Mary Ruth and Willis healing and finding happiness and help with their granddaughter yet we know it will hurt them in the end as she is an imposter. It was hard to hate Michelle for her deception as you, the reader, know the background she came from and can see her grow on the farm with the love of her pretend grandparents. I give this book 5 of 5 stars. It tears at your emotions and shows how God can work in mysterious ways.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Sarah Murray finds out that she has grandparents whom her deceased mother never spoke off. She decided to contact them with the hope of connecting with them and finding out more about her mother's childhood and hopefully more about her real father.

Michelle Taylor has had a tumultuous childhood that led to separation from her siblings when they were placed in foster care. Eager for a fresh start, she heads to Pennslyvania. Upon arrival, an elderly couple mistakes her as their granddaughter, Sarah Murray. Michelle usurps her identity hoping that she can have the kind of family that she never had. But what will happen when the real Sarah comes to visit?

The Hope Jar is easy to read that will be enjoyed by anyone interested in the Amish lifestyle. The dual storylines were enjoyed but the author focused on more on Michelle rather Sarah. This was a bit confusing since it is easily assumed that Sarah is the main protagonist. However, since this is the first book in The Prayer Jar series, we can look forward to both their character development. With themes of identity and second chances, characters will warm the readers' hearts and egg them to re-evaluate their own relationships

Personally, I was invested in the characters and the plot and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

I always expect the best from Wanda Brunstetter and that is what you get with The Hope Jar. Well written with a good plot and great character development. I highly recommend this book.

The Hope Jar by Wanda Brunstetter is book one of a new series, The Prayer Jars. We join Sarah Murray after the death of her mother. She has just found a letter left by her mother explaining a little about her unheard of past. Sarah has grandparents and is excited to finally get a chance to know her mother’s family. She writes the Lapps a letter explaining that she is coming to visit. A mishap causes them to not be able to read the return address and leave them unsure of the date Sarah will arrive.
Michelle Taylor has lived a difficult life, having been taken from her abusive parents and separated from her brothers, she now finds herself in another abusive relationship with her now boyfriend. Impulsively deciding to leave, she finds herself in the bus station at the same times the Lapps are there to pick up Sarah.
A mistaken identity is just what Michelle needs to get away from her life. She lets the Lapps believe she is there granddaughter and joins them on their farm. Michelle has never felt more at home or loved in her life and she easily falls into the role of being Sarah Murray.
Meanwhile, Sarah is left wondering if her grandparents received her letter or even want to meet her.
Without giving away too much more of the book, the only thing I found lacking was learning more about the real Sarah and how her relationship worked out in the long run. We also never found out who wrote the notes in the prayer jar. I am anticipating that these answers will be explained more in the second book in the series.
Brunstetter did a terrific job writing her new novel. Michelle was a very complicated character and even though she lied and deceived not only the Lapps but others in the community, Brunstetter made her a likeable character, one that you grew to love and hope that someone would help her straighten out her life.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from netgalley and Barbour Publishing in return for my honest opinion of the book. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own.

Delightful beginning to a new series “The Prayer Jars” book 1
We meet Sara, having lost her mother at a young age, and the memories of going thru her personal boxes. Still hadn’t found the Bible her mother mentioned before dying, a letter inside for her, why didn’t she tell me instead. A name on back of the letter, she could write them, and see if she could visit, her mother’s parents.
Michelle down and out and wondering where money would come from. She could go visit her foster parents. The new boyfriend had a temper, and that reminded her of parents, before being removed from them.
Waiting to buy a bus ticket, an older couple mistake her as the sender of the letter, would she go home to them. They were Amish knowing they wouldn’t be asking a lot of questions, and give her some time of what to do next. A home she never had, and didn’t want to leave, until knowing the real Sara would be coming. Could she leave, or would they want two young girls to stay, and except the warmth and love of this older couple. A touching story, of a home , and love these two girls needed in their lives.
Given ARC by Net Galley and Barbour for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

Wanda Brunstetter provides another fantastic, realistic life view of Amish life. Sara's mother dies, leaving Sara with a letter telling her how to contact her grandparents for the first time. Sara's grandparents eagerly welcome their unknown 18-yr-old granddaughter, but are taken by a big surprise when the girl they THOUGHT was Sara ends up being someone else entirely. Read how Michelle & Sara's stories intertwine with Sara's grandparents, including romance and introductions to all things Amish! GREAT read!

This new book, The Hope Jar, ( first book in the series by Wanda Brunstetter) may just be one of the best books I have ever read! The series begins with a death and revelation that leads a character named Sara to plan to meet her grandparents she never knew she had. This sets up the ultimate deception when another character named Michelle assumes Sara's identity through miscommunication. Michelle decides to just "be Sara" for a few days to keep her from a dangerous situation. However the lie continues and becomes deeper with time as Michelle learns to love "her grandparents" and life on the farm. For the first time in her life, she feels a part of a family yet she knows she must leave before her lie catches up with her. The ending of book one leaves you up in the air as another situation develops. Excellent writing, wonderful plot, and characters you connect with! I can not wait to read book two!

Wanda Brunstetter is an author I just recently started reading and I have found that I am not disappointed. She offers fresh and enjoyable stories that offer a divine message and inspiration. I really enjoyed The Hope Jar, the beginning of her latest series.
In this story, Michelle Taylor is alone, homeless, and without money or a job. She ran away from an abusive relationship and is not sure where she is headed. When an elderly Amish couple approach her believing her to be the granddaughter they have never met, she takes a chance and goes with them. As days progress to weeks and then months, Michelle is wracked with guilt for lying to her “grandparents” but also afraid to tell the truth. She comes to truly care for them and doesn’t want to hurt them, but every day her deceit is becoming more unbearable. When their true granddaughter is set to arrive, Michelle knows she must make a choice. How can she leave this family she has come to leave? But, even scarier, how can she own up to her lies and stay? Michelle finds a jar with some prayers and Bible verses in it that she clings to as she tries to determine what she should do.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one in the series. I enjoyed meeting the characters and they were quite well developed. I look forward to finding out what happens.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are expressly my own.

This book was a great read. Thank you Net galley for allowing me to read this for my opinion. When Sara Murray's mother dies she learns she has grandparents in Lancaster County.. Michelle Taylor is running to find a better life. Sara rides to her grandparents and asked if she could come to meet them. Things get mixed up and when the Lapps see Michelle at the station they thing it is Sara. Michelle lies and goes along with them. When she finds a jar in the barn with slops of paper with thoughts and quotes she starts to feel bad about her not telling the Lapps the truth. She starts to feel at home here and loves her new Amish friends. When the really Sara comes to Lancaster county Michelle steals money and leaves. This is a beautiful story and can not wait for the rest of the series. This author always draws me into the story.

In “The Hope Jar”, Wanda Brunstetter has written a beautiful story of how a generation of deceit and despair can be turned to hope and a bright future when encountered by love and faith. The characters of Michelle and Sara are compelling. They both desperately need a family. Michelle goes about this in a deceitful way, and Sara’s fears hold her back from her true heritage. However, the heroes of this story are Willis and Mary Ruth. Their examples of true love and grace light the path of forgiveness and redemption for not just Sara and Michelle, but others who have found themselves struggling in their faith. The “hope jar” holds quotes that are encouraging and challenging for those of us readers who might be struggling, too.

Wanda Brunstetter’s many fans will not be disappointed by this sweet story. As always, this story is filled with wonderful characters and a compelling plot.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion about this book.

It was unputdownable. It was different to Wanda's other books but it was a lovely breath of fresh air.. I cannot wait for the rest in the series. It had the usual elements thea we all love with Wanda but this one had added suspense.

I’ve read many stories by Brunstetter, but this may just be my favorite.

After her mother’s death, Sara learns that she has grandparents she’s never met: Willis and Mary Ruth. She hopes to get to know them and writes them to plan a visit as soon as possible.

Michelle needs a change as soon as possible, so she hops on a bus to head out of town. When she gets off in Philadelphia, she is mistaken for Sara by Willis and Mary Ruth. Michelle figures it won’t hurt to play along for a couple days, until she can figure out her plans. However, she doesn’t realize just what she’s about to get herself into or how having a family will make her feel. What will happen when the truth comes out?

This is the first book in a new series, and I can’t wait to read the next one. There are multiple layers to this story and twists that aren’t found in your typical Amish stories. There were some mix-ups with the names, but that will hopefully be fixed in the finished copy (as I read an advanced copy). Brunstetter educates the reader on Amish culture and practices. I would have liked a bit more about the real Sara, but perhaps that will be addressed in the sequel. A couple yummy recipes are included, as well as discussion questions.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to provide a positive review.

Their daughter Rhoda ran off when she was young and they didn't know at the time that she was pregnant. They got a letter from their granddaughter telling them that Rhoda had passed away and she would like to come and meet them. They got a letter saying she was coming in on the bus and when they went to meet her, they didn't know she had cancelled her trip. There was a young woman at the the bus station and they thought she was their granddaughter. She had lived a horrible life, so she didn't say anything and went with them. This story has a lot of hope and quite a bit of sadness in it. I was very surprised at how it ended.

The Hope Jar has become one of my all time favorite stories by Wanda Brunstetter! She is just simply such a talented storyteller!
In the Hope Jar, readers are introduced to Sarah, who learns after her mothers' death, that she has grandparents she was never introduced to- her mothers parents Willis and Mary Ruth. She writes to them and asks to visit so they can become acquainted. However, when her grandparents travel to the bus station in Philadelphia to pick her up, they meet a young woman they believe is her, who decides to follow along and impersonate their granddaughter in order to escape a dangerous relationship.
Back home in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, Willis and Mary Ruth quickly come to feel affection and love for the young woman they believe to be their granddaughter Sarah, who in turn basks in affection she has never before received. She feels truly loved for the first time in her life. In the meantime, the real Sarah is puzzled by the sparse communication she receives from her grandparents, not realizing that they believe they have her with them.

To avoid providing any "spoilers", I will simply say that The Hope Jar is a "must read" for fans of Wanda Brunstetter and of the Amish novel genre. Happy Reading!

I loved this book on so many levels. Michelle has lived a rough life, without experiencing what real love really is. She's never felt at home and part of a family. As a young girl she was separated from her parents and two younger brothers and placed in foster care. While she doesn't deny that her foster parents cared for her, she doesn't feel she belongs with them. So after running away from a domestic violence situation with her boyfriend Jerry, it's not too far of a stretch to understand the longing she might have had in her heart when she is mistaken as the Lapp's granddaughter. Although she initially wanted to say the truth, her heart was desperate for love and acceptance.

I'm aware that different Amish communities are more or less strict depending on their Ordnungs, and I would definitely place the Amish community in this book as fairly liberal compared to other books I've read. I'm not complaining or praising this, but simply stating the fact. In a way I feel that it helped foster the relationship between Michelle and the Lapps and made her feel more welcome.

The more time Michelle spent with the Lapps and around others in the community, the more her dishonesty starts to eat at her. What's interesting though, is that it's not just her lying itself that bothers her, but her feeling of unworthiness. After all of the abuse and abandonment she's faced in her life, she doesn't feel deserving of real love. It's what makes you sympathize with her over her lies instead of hating her for it. I couldn't help but hope that things would work out for her in the end.

But what about the real Sarah Murray? Where does she fit into the story?

This book is the first in a new series, so it definitely leaves you wanting to know more and find out what happens next. I really enjoyed this read, and I'm now anxiously waiting to get my hands on book 2!

The characters in this book have to go through a lot. There is hurt, sadness, forgiveness, confusion, and love. 2 women who are confused about their past and future. 2 men care deeply for one of these women . 1 man who is wanting to serve God and the other wanting to stand on his own and not follow what his father wants. A loving pair of grand parents who had a daughter leave and never come back. They get the news that she has passed away and they will never know answers to questions they have. But they have a granddaughter they knew nothing of. 1 of these women will take the place of the other to save herself from her present situation. During the time she is there the couple shows her more love than she has ever known. She cant stay forever , the real grand daughter will be coming. The jar she finds in the barn and one in the house has papers with prayers and questions. They make her question also.. I hope you will enjoy this read as much as I did. Look forward to the next book.

When the grandparents go to pick pick up the granddaughter they never meet at the bus stop, they pick up a girl who is running from her past and poses as their granddaughter. When the secret is revealed their faith is put to the test. This story is full of twists and turns and you will enjoy every minute of it. Thank you #NetGalley and #Barbour for the complimentary copy of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.

A good Amish story. When Michelle is mistaken for their granddaughter Sara, at the bus station, she goes home with them. Taking over someone else's identity to escape her harsh conditions were one thing. Naturally, she grew to love her fake grandparents and them her, until the real one shows up. Oh, what a tangled web.... I liked the characters, and of course the reader gets to see all the reasons why things happen, but hard not to feel sorry for the ones who think she is the real granddaughter. Enjoyed the story, although felt frustrated by some of the deceptive actions. Would recommend this book and author.