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.

This is very easy book to read.
Michelle is down on her luck. No money. No house. She is at a bus station when the Lapps mistaken her for their grand daughter Sara. Michelle takes the opportunity of free food and board at the Lapps by pretending to be Sara.
While at the Lapp's farm, she forms friendship, learns about the Amish lifestyle, learns about God. And finds love.
However, for me this was not a satisfying read. For one, I was more concerned with Sara the real grand daughter who very much wants to find her family after the death of her mother. So I found myself caring more about a secondary character than the protagonist. And I didn't enjoy all the info on Amish life. Maybe because I already knew the basics about the Amish and had read a number of Amish fiction. Was not particularly fond of the writing too.
So this a 3 star rating for me because I think there are other people who might enjoy this.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an opportunity to read this in return for an honest review.

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.

Wanda E. Brunstetter is a One-Click author for me no matter what it is I know I want to read it. The Hope Jar was a little different then her normal books, and it was kinda a nice breath of fresh air.
Michelle Taylor has a past and not everyone truly knows what that past is until one day a old jar is found with scrapes of papers with notes on them, when secrets are revealed faith is all they have to go by. Loved the twits and turns and the emotions with this book.

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.