This book had much more depth than I expected! Sarah had a wonderful childhood with best friend Patty, but they were separated as young adults when Patty was killed in an accident. Sarah has been grieving the loss deeply, and it has affected all aspects of her life. The book begins two years later, when Sarah has started to make an effort socially, and find friendship and romance where she doesn't expect it. Flashbacks to scenes from growing up with Patty show how much influence her friend had on her and the provenance of the objects in her memory jar (which she has been collecting for several years, not just since Patty's death as stated in the synopsis). I really felt for Jathan, who has dreams of his own but feels conflicted by the commandment to honor his parents who want to run his life in a direction he doesn't want to go. Sarah gives him the courage to pursue his career in business and expand his mother's bakery, and it's a new adventure for her as well. It was easy to connect with the emotions of the characters as they experienced ups and downs, obstacles and triumphs. Definitely recommend for fans of Amish fiction!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Tricia Goyer is an outstanding writer. She dives into stories with a unique flair, combining faith and real life in an amazing way. Since reading her books we have become writing friends. While I don't always like Amish fiction, her books are different than most. They show the humanity and real life issues which impact all of us. I keep all of her books on my "read again" pile.

This is the story of Sarah Shetler and her healing and finding a new life. As a little girl her family moved from Kentucky to Montana, where she is befriended by Patty. Patty and Sarah share so much of their youth together and create so many memories.
When we begin this book there has been a tragic accident and Sarah's Dear friend Patty has been killed. For Sarah, Patty was that perfect "almost Sister" type friend. They shared so many memories...as we travel through the book we are given glimpses into there happy moments. They each had a memory jar...little tokens of a special memory. How awesome...we all carry these precious thoughts, but to touch something that brings us back to those moments. Wonderful!
I feel Sarah's pain and how hard it must have been for her to find peace and feel those happy times now that her friend is gone. Along come Jathan, he has come to search his heart, and spend time in the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana. Every year bachelors come to go hunting in the mountains.
When they find an attraction to one another, Sarah lets down her guard and starts sharing Patty with him. He also lets her know his Mam owns a Bakery! Sarah's passion is making incredible cupcakes....I want her recipes! YUM!
When Jathan is called back home after is Daed had had a stroke will it be the end for them?
This is a story of finding oneself, and peace at our decisions, and following what is God's plan.
This is the first book in this series, and am anxious to read more of this heart warming stories!

I received this book through Litfuse Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

Sarah Shelter dreams of owning her own bakery one day. She dreams of finding love and starting a family. She shares her dreams with her best friend Patty, but when tragedy hits close to home. Sarah stops dreaming and distances herself from others. After two years, she has met countless bachelors that visit her area for extended hunting trips, but this set of bachelors is different. A series of events causes one in particular to stand out to her. Jathan Shrock is running from his family's expectations when he meets Sarah. The two each have a lot to work through in order to make a long term relationship work.

The Memory Jar is more than just a sweet romance. I am a character-driven reader, and the character development is the greatest strength in this book. Events and relationships teach and carry both the hero and the heroine toward the growth they each need. Their flaws and struggles are real, and true change is made. This is what life is about: the Lord molding and making us into His Image, fitting us where He knows best. It was wonderful to see this process in this book. I would definitely recommend it!