Cover Image: The Forgiving Jar

The Forgiving Jar

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Member Reviews

My favorite part of this book was the continuation of Michelle's story. I actually enjoyed this part of her story even more than I enjoyed the first book. I felt like this was the resolution for her I craved in the first book. And I certainly enjoyed her story more than I enjoyed Sara's in this book. Sara came across as whiny, entitled, and unforgiving. I have no idea what Brad saw in her, but she definitely improved when she became a Christian. My favorite part was the gesture she made toward Michelle at the very end, but I won't give anything away. This book resolved everything I was hoping for from the first book except one thing which I'm looking forward to finding out in the final book of this series.

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I enjoyed this second book in the series. Sara is the featured character in the book as she comes to live with her Amish grandparents, Mary Ruth and Willis King. Michelle is questioning her future. Sara is living with challenges from her past. Both she and Michelle are searching in the mysterious jar with the messages of encouragement and Bible verses. Ezekiel and Brad are important characters in the story after being possible love interests for Michelle in the first book.
I like how the author handles the friction between the girls and the living ways of the older Amish couple. The two young women grow in maturity and faith as the story progresses. I am pleased with how the book ended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of this book. I really hope that the series continues. I want to know what happens with cousin Lenore. This is a very good story about the power of being an unforgiving person and how things change when forgiveness is chosen.

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Book two in the series. This book was terrific. I highly recommend! If you love clean Christian reading and the amish you will love this book!

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I fell in love with this series and The Forgiving Jar is one of those books that will live a long time in my memory. Sara and Michelle were wonderfully crafted characters and the significance of the jar really brought the story home. Forgiveness is hard, and it's something that many people struggle with. Seeing that in this story, the struggles and reality of what the characters faced brought the story full circle.
I can't imagine the betrayal Sara felt and the raw way the emotions were expressed felt gratifying in their realness.
I received a copy of this book from NegGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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The Forgiving Jar
(Prayer Jars, book 2)
by Wanda Brunstetter

The Forgiving Jar is a delightful book to read; with a wonderful story filled with hope, compassion, love, the value of family and an unwavering faith which encouraged others. A story that has many emotional moments that will make the readers cry; but readers will enjoy watching the overflowing of emotions, the slow path of acknowledgments, and the hard choice of forgiveness, keeping the readers intrigued and turning the pages. While this is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand-alone; but it is beneficial to read each book in this amazing series.

Characters that are well-developed, working very well in the story, and readers can relate with each of the characters lives. Characters that communicate their real thoughts, good or evil; deal with the consequences of their choices, changing and growing, as they sort out their problems with the help of the prayer jars.

Ms. Brunstetter gives her readers a beautiful well written story with scenes that lure her readers in, and capture everyone’s heart. Ms. Brunstetter references her first book in this magnificent emotional and rememberable series. The jars are very significant in each of Ms. Brunstetters stories, jar of Bible verses hidden in a different place with just what is needed in each.

I love reading Ms. Brunstetter’s books, filled with up-lifting scriptures. Once Again Ms. Brunstetter has written an excellent book, The Forgiving Jar. I recommend and look forward to the next in the series, even purchased a copy to share with friends. I was under no obligation to post a review or to give a 5-star rating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary pre-published copy of The Forgiving Jar from Barbour Publishing; thank you. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

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Whoops I’ve done it again!
Book 2 without reading book 1

I strongly suggest you read book 1

I think the previous book lays down foundation for what happens in this one.

The authors books I used to read everyone that came out, eagerly awaiting each one.

I veered away from this genre, I don’t know why, but coming back has been refreshing.

A lovely story, love, redemption and a lot we could learn from this.

My only one fault is that it was a bit too preachy for me.

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A series of mini reviews: After the ending of the first book I was hesitant to try this one and from the first chapter I found that I don't want read the rest since it isn't the book for me.

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I didn't catch the first book of the series before I read this so I was a bit confused as to who everyone was. However, I did enjoy the book and it made me want to go back and read from the beginning as well as wait eagerly for the third installment.

The Ezekiel/Michelle love story was portrayed very sweetly and in a nice manner. I hope the third book is about Sara so I can learn more about her. There was a bit of suspense in there and everything was tied up with a nice bow and a happy ending.

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I can't thank Netgalley, Wanda the Author, and the publisher for letting me read The Forgiving Jar for my honest review. It was so much more than I expected in book two. Still so many things to look forward to in book three I can't wait to read what will happen next.

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I love Amish fiction and this book didn’t fail to disappoint. A lot of love, twists, and surprises led to a satisfying end.

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Enjoyed this book. Kept me interested all the way through. Would recommend to a fellow reader. Love the cover.

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What would you do if you learned someone has been impersonating you? Sara Murray has to find out when she first meets her Amish grandparents in Lancaster County and discovers someone else has been living with them and posing as Sara. Struggling, Sara finds an old canning jar hidden in the barn that is full of encouraging prayers. Can Sara forgive the past and start to build new relationships?

I enjoyed reading this book. We all need reminded of forgiving others AND ourselves.

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I would have loved to be able to read the whole book, not just the partial I was sent through Netgalley. Which seems to happen often. Wanda Brunstetter always writes such sweet books about the Amish and I enjoy them very much. Some are funny, they are all sweet and heartwarming and this one is no different. It's a lovely read. You will enjoy it so pick it up and read!
Sara Murray had never met her mother’s parents and was surprised to learn after her death that they were Amish living in Pennsylvania. When she is finally able to make the trip to meet them, she is shocked to learn someone else has been living with them and pretending to be Sara. Sara can’t understand how quickly her grandparents are willing to forgive the imposter.

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Oh how I love a Wanda Brunstetter story! She had my emotions all over the place. Once I started reading THE FORGIVING JAR it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Michelle after living the big lie she had everyone believing! Would Sara ever get over her anger for Michelle? What an awesome story. All of Wanda’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again.

Once you start reading THE FORGIVING JAR it will be very hard to put down! Wanda sure knows how to put a new twist on Amish fiction. Michelle was pretending to be the long lost grand daughter of Mary Ruth and Willis Lapp. After she comes clean, the Lapps forgive her but their “real” grand daughter, Sara can’t seem to get past her anger. To Sara, Michelle is and will always be an imposter and she has no desire to forgive her. Michelle is really trying to show Sara how sorry she is and how she has changed but Sara isn’t having any of it! THE FORGIVING JAR is filled with faith, forgiveness, second chances, love, as well as hurt and anger.

THE FORGIVING JAR is without a doubt one of the best Amish books I’ve read in 2019 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. When Sara finds the prayer jar in the basement I found myself thinking of those prayers over and over again! Wanda Brunstetter is such a wonderful and heart tugging author and she had me laughing and crying on the very same page. I am now going to read all of her previous books that I have somehow missed and she is now an auto buy author for me! THE FORGIVING JAR is the second book in the Prayer Jar series and I can’t wait to read the third book, The Healing Jar which comes out in August. Grab your copy today and get on the couch!

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I was given this book by Net Galley. I love this author and this series. Well written and has a great message. This is my true opinion..

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The Forgiving Jar is the second book in The Prayer Jar Series, by Wanda E. Brunstetter. If you are already an author fan, this is why we love her writing. If Wanda is new to you, you will not be disappointed This book can easily be read as a standalone, but once you meet her characters, you will surely want more. I read the third book first, then this book, and will surely soon be reading the first.

This story covers the emotional spectrum from abandonment, deceit, and loss to friendship, trust, and love. The overall theme, of course being Forgiveness, relates to every character in some way. We quickly come to realize, no person is flawless, and therefore in need of forgiving or being forgiven. It is with the help of faith and family that these relatable characters learn to forgive, others and themselves. They are able to accept the past, both good and bad, make positive changes, and look to the future all while following the word of the Lord.

ARC provided by Net Galley and Barbour Publishing for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

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This is the second book in The Prayer Jars series. I recommend you read the first book before this one as it sets the stage for the continuing story. Michelle and Sara, have lived vastly different lives, not only from one another, but also from the Amish community where they are both living in this story. After getting to know Michelle in the first book, I really like her, but Sara is another story. She is spiteful, unforgiving, judgmental and not very easy to like. Both Sara and Michelle are living with Sara's grandparents in their Amish Community, associating in church, work, and social events with the Amish they see and envy the peace that they have. Michelle is ready to be part of the community permanently, has fallen in love with an Amish man and is taking classes to become baptized. Sara is sure that Michelle is after something and this seems to harden her heart towards her. You will need to read this story to see what happens to both of these ladies as well as how the Prayer Jars help them out.

I will say that I did not enjoy this book as much as The Hope Jar. This one was more "preachy" and harder to get involved in, however it was still a very enjoyable read. I had a hard time connecting to the character of Sara. Having said that, there are sweet romances in this story and they had a bumpy road at times. There is also some sadness surrounding Sara's life. The main theme in this story is the need for and the act of forgiveness. Realizing that forgiveness is not just for others, but for our own redemption, to clear hate from our hearts. Wanda Brunstetter writes books that are clean, gentle stories filled with Christian beliefs where flawed characters are given the opportunity to believe and sort out their lives. This is another winner that her readers will enjoy.

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Since I finished reading book one in this series last year, I have been anxiously awaiting to see what would happen between Sara and Michelle if they were to meet. Plus, see how their futures shaped out. I really wasn't sure what would happen, and formulated many different scenarios in my mind. Let me just say the plan Ms. Brunstetter had was much better then any I imagined!

I will say this - Sara was very whiny and immature throughout a good portion of the book. And while it bothered me, I'm actually glad Brunstetter wrote it this way. I think had Sara's character been written any other way, her character growth and progression wouldn't have held the same meaning. Sara's journey was my favorite. Yes, Michelle had a lot of growth too, but Sara's was easier to connect with for me. I could see myself reacting exactly as she did throughout much of the book, and then scolded myself for thinking it! But that's what good books do - they make you think.

Forgiveness is such a difficult topic to read about, think about, and put into practice. Anytime I see that is going to be a big theme in a book, I almost cringe a little bit because I know it's going to get to me, and it did here too. Yes, it's a hard pill to swallow - but it's so worth it, as shown in several characters in this book.

Amish fiction fans will love this book. It's classic Brunstetter, easy to read and fun. The scirptures mentioned were great reminders, and ones that should be highlighted in all of our bibles. That another great thing about Brunstetter - she easily weaves the scriptures into her stories! And while it may seem like it should be easy to do in an Amish book, it really isn't. But Brunstetter makes it look that way :)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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My Review

This is a continuation of the first book in the series. It begins exactly where The Hope Jar ended so it is better to read these books in order.

Sara Murray wants to get to know her grandparents, but Michelle, who falsely claimed Willis and Mary Ruth Ladd as her own grandparents, makes things difficult. Sara seems to have to compete for her rightful place as the real granddaughter.

Sara struggles with hurt and bitterness, but mostly unforgiveness. She doesn't think she can ever forgive Michelle for gaining entrance into the lives of her family. Helping her grandmother with baking, she replaces the used canning jars on the shelf only to discover a jar filled with strips of paper. Written upon those papers are Scriptures that, if taken to heart, will change Sara's life.

Wanda E. Brunstetter is an excellent writer who stays true to God's Word. Her stories place God at the center and the lives of her characters are affected by the godly beliefs of those around them. You can't help but finish one of her books and desire a closer walk with the Lord.

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What would you do if you found out that somebody has been impersonating you? Sara Murray had never met her mother's parents and was surprised to learn, after her death, that they were Amish and lived in Pennsylvania. When she's finally able to make the trip to meet them, she's shocked to learn that someone else has been living with them and pretending to be her. She can't understand how easily her grandparents forgive the imposter. Sara is so sick of secrets and lies but they seem to follow her. She meets Brad Fuller when he visits her grandparents during Christmas and they hit it off quickly. She likes him a lot, but even he seems to pull away from her and she questions whether or not he's been fully honest with her. Sara finds an old canning jar that's full of prayers of encouragement. Can Sara find a way to forgive the past and move on with her life?

This was such a wonderful, sweet story of forgiveness and mercy. I really loved how sweet Sara's grandparents are and enjoyed seeing how Michelle has grown in her faith. And, Ezekiel is such a perfect match for her. I really enjoy reading the Amish novels and this one, in particular, is a sweet, easy read.

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