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.

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 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’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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is better than book 1 of a new series by Wanda Brunstetter, NOTHING! I have read almost every book she has ever written and I am never, ever disappointed. This is a great addition to my library and I look forward to new books in this series.
Thank you Barbour publishing and netgalley for the opportunity to read an arc of this book. the review is my honest opinion! #fanforlife

Wanda Brunstetter has written a book that gave me a little anxiety. Yes, I'll just say it right now, The Hope Jar gave me anxiety. I had to take breaks and come back to it in a couple of hours or a few times I came back in a day. I kept on reading though because I just had to find out how it would all end. Good or bad.

I loved how I felt I was right in the midst of Michele's life. The surrounding descriptions had me right with her in the city, at the bus station, and on the Amish farm. Then her circumstances and choices made me want to advise her on what to do.

It had a good ending but yet I was hoping for a more definite one. A little too much was left up in the air.

Anxiety and all it was a great book.


I was given this book by Netgalley but was not required to give a positive review.

Mary Ruth and Willis Lapp live a simple live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Their daughter, Rhoda, however, left the community many years ago and unbeknownst to Mary Ruth and Willis, Rhoda had a baby.


Sara Murray is grieving her mother, Rhoda at home. Rhoda recently died from an illness and Sara is devastated. While going through her mother's things, she finds a note explaining to Sara that her grandparents, Mary Ruth and Willis live in Lancaster County, grandparents Sara never knew. Sara immediately wants them to know that Rhoda has passed away and hopes for the chance to go and visit to get to know the grandparents she has never met.


Mary Ruth and Willis are thrilled. They go to the bus station when they think Sara will arrive and see a young woman that Mary Ruth is convinced is their Rhoda's daughter. Unfortunately, that woman is Michelle Taylor, a woman who is down on her luck in more ways than one. Seeing the chance of having a place to stay, Michelle jumps at the chance and starts posing as Sara.


How long can this charade go on? Won't the real Sara turn up? Well, I won't get into in where I give anything away, but Michelle starts living a life full of love and laughter. This is something she has never had and she finds in difficult to give it up or come clean to the Lapps. While there, she makes new friends: Ezekiel, a young Amish man, trying to come to terms with his place in the Amish community, Brad, who is driving for the Amish but getting ready to leave for seminary school, and with Lenore, who is actually the real Sara's cousin.


The reason it is called The Hope Jar, is because Michelle finds two jars on the Lapps' property filled with thoughts, scriptures and words of the heart. She doesn't know who wrote them, but she finds comfort in them, even in the middle of her charade.


I liked this book. I am a little biased because I automatically read anything by Wanda Brunstetter. She is my favorite author of Amish fiction. I thought this book was a good story of one of the most important things we can offer one another and that is forgiveness. This is book one of a set, and it is a good thing because there were unanswered questions at the end. This book is due out August 1st, so pick it up then! I think you will enjoy this easy flowing story, but also appreciate the lessons in it.


Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance Reader's Copy. My review and opinions are my own. Will post to Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble and Books A Million after release.

Wanda Brunstetter has a way of writing which tends to draw the reader in. Her characters are well rounded and make the reader want to laugh, cry, and give a shout out to them. This story tells the tale of mistaken identity. When Michelle becomes homeless, she is mistaken by a caring Amish couple who think she is their granddaughter they have never met. Planning to only stay long enough to figure out her next move, Michelle comes to love the Lapps. When an Amish man catches her eye, well how can she tell the truth and risk losing those she has come to love? I do think the ending was a little rushed but otherwise I loved the book and would recommend it. Finding God's love in an unexpected place, Michelle learns to have faith. I received a copy through Netgalley. I review was not required.

A jar filled with notes and Scriptures can be the key to the growing faith of one of the main characters. Mistaken identity, deceit, forgiveness and love all play a big part in this heartwarming story. I enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I loved it because I could get in to from the beginning tell the end! loved the title to it and the characters. Really loved how the ending plays out plus there will be more looking forward to the next book . 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 assumed the identity of Sara Murray. Once homeless and hopeless, Michelle has come to love her new Amish friends and even considered the idea of romance among them. To find out more you'll have to get your copy.

This book was the first in The Prayer Jars series. I really enjoyed the story of two young women, one a women from an unhappy home and an abusive relationship and the other raised by her formerly Amish mother and a step father.

As Michelle steps into the role of Sara, somewhat unplanned, her life fills with one lie after another as she keeps the "real" Sara from contacting her grandparents. It's a pretty interesting book and I will be looking forward to the next book in the series!

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

The Hope Jar by Wanda Brunstetter is the first of a new series.

When Michelle Taylor is mistaken at a bus station for an elderly Amish couples granddaughter, what could go wrong if she plays along for a few days. She finds out what a family's love can be.
Having been raised in foster care and then getting involved in an abusive relationship she has never known what having caring friends and family are like. Once she moves in and starts the charade of being “Sara” she gets to feel love and compassion and sees what a family loves can be.
Not only is she drawn into farm life, she also sees what a kind and caring relationship can be when both an Amish neighbor and an Englisher takes an interest in her.
While working on the farm she comes across a Mason jar with prayers and scriptures. Who wrote these was it the recently deceased daughter of the Amish couple or the grandmother, Mary Ruth? She has never been a believer in prayer but is drawn into the writings in the jar.
When she realizes the real granddaughter is coming to meet her grand parents she comes clean to her Amish suitor and flees the farm.
This is a great story with a nice flow and wonderful characters. You will be drawn into the story and will not want to put it down.
The ending sets you up for the next book in the series. I am looking forward to the next chapter in Michelle, the Lapps and Sara's story already.
I was given an ARC by Netgalley for an hones review.

Wanda E Brunstetter has done it again!! In this new series, we return to the Amish countryside of Lancaster County with a young woman pretending to be an elderly Amish couple's long lost granddaughter that they weren't even aware of. In this guise, she finds love and caring people which is something she had never truly had before. But when the real granddaughter comes, she has to shed her masquerade and tell the truth, not just to the couple but to an Amish man who has fallen for her. Will they still accept her and forgive her deception? You must read for yourself to find out. I have been a long time fan of this author's, especially when I moved from one state to another and struggled with my faith during such a move. This book reminded me of the power of love and forgiveness. Please read this story. You won't regret it.

This was a very different story of Amish life. It was sometimes hard because I related to Sara Murray in her loss of her mother, since I lost mine seven months ago. But I also understood Michelle Taylor and why she did what she did. I can't imagine how heartbreaking her life had been growing up and why she was so desperate to change it. The Lapps were the ones that mistook her for their granddaughter and Michelle went along with it to hide away with free room and board. She worked hard helping the Lapps but she also was deceptive, to them and to their real granddaughter Sarah.
Finding a blue canning jar hidden on a shelf in the barn with slips of paper containing prayers and scripture that Michelle began reading slowly seemed to work on her heart.
This was a sweet story with lessons in life for several of the characters. I enjoyed getting to know all of them. Since this was book one of The Prayer Jars, I'm sure I'll learn more as the story continues in The Forgiving Jar coming out in Feb 2019. I'm anxious to find out the identity of the author of the notes found in the jars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher but was not required to write a review.

Sara's mother dies and while going through her things finds that she has grandparents in Lancaster County, PA. She decides to write to them and plans a visit asking them to pick her up at the bus station in Philadelphia.

Michelle is in an abusive relationship and her rent is due and she is almost out of money. She decides to run away. The next morning she arrives at the station to purchase a ticket to anywhere far away from Philadelphia. She notices an Amish couple staring at her... they think she is their granddaughter Sara. Michelle goes along with the ruse and home with the Lapps. Michelle will be safe there for a while.

Michelle finds old canning jars in the barn and the basement. They have pieces of paper with writing on them placed in the jars. They have a Bible verse and a prayer on each one. Michelle wonders who put them there and why. Bible verses and the prayers are making Michelle think, " Does God really care about people, will he care about me? No one has ever cared about me."

There is much more to come in this book of deception, rejection, yearning, and love. Read the book to see how it turns out. You just might feel loved or know someone that needs your loving support.

The Hope Jar, is a pleasurable read. Wanda once again has kept the reader engaged with the story, wondering just how will it turn out. Through the lives of two very generous and trusting farmers Mary Ruth and Willis, we see subtle hints of hope in their eyes despite the unexpected knock backs they received as they tried their best to show love to their "grand daughter". While Mary Ruth and Willis deal with mistrust, deception and forgiveness in a very godly way, Wanda also brings us inside the life of Michelle who is has no where to go and spontanously jumps at an opportunity that she's never known in her life. Mary Ruth and Will, although very forgiving, become cautious with their trust.

Wanda has also involved a few of the neighbours in this story to build on the issues that often accompany youth such as deciding if one will believe as their parents do. We also see the pull of independence and other general themes of honesty, patience and allowing God to work in all situations even though it may look very grim flow through the book.

The Hope Jar is the first book from The Prayer Jars series. I thought this book was great. I was not sure about Michelle at first but she grew on me. I started wanting to root for her too see the love of God. There are a few twists I did not see coming towards the end. Which I like a story that is not predictable.
I give The Hope Jar five plus stars. It is a beautiful story of hope, faith, inspiration, and the power of forgiveness.
Highly recommended.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

As I turned the final page on this book there was a letdown, I was really enjoying this quick read, and wanted more!
There are a lot of unanswered questions here, and am glad that there is another book to come!
I loved the concept of this story, really a bit different, and yet I could see how it happened. The author seemed to answer some questions, but were they really how all turned out? I really wanted to know more about their real granddaughter, and yet in my heart I wanted the best for the imposter, she needed a break, and maybe God put her in the right place?
An Amish story that will keep you page-turning to the end.

I received this book through Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

Wanda Brunstetter has once again brought you into her world with The Hope Jar. What seems to be Michelle’s misdirection’s is truly a map into finding her place in life. Throughout one can see how one person’s actions are able to drive those around them. Thank You Netgalley for this ARC.

Desperate times lead to desperate measures taken. At least they do in the case of Michelle. Facing homelessness and having an abusive boyfriend she flees her situation not quite knowing where she's going or where she'll eventually end up. At the transportation station she is mistaken for an elderly Amish couple's granddaughter. She tries to tell them at first it's not her that's the granddaughter but the grandmother is persistent and she can barely get a word in edgewise. Eventually figuring she'll go along with it for just a short while after all what can be worse than her current situation. She grows to love her new Amish "family" and the members of the community. Her conscience really bothers her when she has to do things to prevent the grandparents real granddaughter from coming around. She hates deceiving the sweet older couple who have taken her in.She is even in a love triangle with two men interested in her, An Englisher and an Amish man. She doesn't pursue either though feeling undeserving of both even though she does enjoy their company. Her life starts to unravel after an injury and her conscience tells her to tell someone the truth. What will happen when she leaves and the real granddaughter shows up at the grandparents house? I can't wait to read the next book in this series. This book was exceptionally great!
Pub Date 01 Aug 2018
Thank you to Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have always enjoyed Ms. Brunstetter's books. In The Hope Jar, she gives us a new twist. It is a story of sweet Amish grandparents and an English granddaughter.

I loved the way we got to see both worlds. We see what it would be like to be dropped down in Lancaster County, with no prior knowledge. On the side of the Amish grandparents, there big surprise is a granddaughter. The child of there daughter that ran away at the age of 18.

When they received a letter from Sara the granddaughter, they had made plans to meet her at the bus station. Due to a mistaken identity, they bring home Michelle Taylor instead. I wasn't too sure I would like Michelle, especially when she continued to lie. At the begging she was desperate to get out of town. She had no family, no place to live, no money and she was running from an abusive boyfriend. She saw an opportunity and toke advantage of it. She finally had someone who cared for her. Someone who didn't abuse her or want something from her. It got harder and harder to tell the truth. She didn't want to hurt the Lapps, but that is just what she did.

I loved the way Michelle found the blue Mason jar in the barn with the prayers and Bible scriptures. My mom told me her mother, my grandmother, would hide dollar bills in a Mason jar in their barn. She buried them in the corner for safe keeping.

Wanda Brunstetter has such a way of creating characters that just pop off her pages. Michele was someone we could relate to, even if we have not been in her position before. As in all of her books, Ms. Brunstetter brings Christian values throughout her story. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this book are my own.

The Hope Jar by Wanda E Brunstetter is one of her best so far. I am excited to see a new series is on the horizon for this beloved author.

When I opened the story I connected immediately with Sara. She was so devastated after the death of her mother that she was honestly surprised at her stepfather's kindness when he allowed he to go through her mother's things. I felt as though she was going to leave right away and meet her long lost relatives. Time and interesting circumstances intervened.

When Michelle was introduced I wondered just what role she would play in the story. Her life never seemed to right and when she seized the opportunity to take advantage of a simple act of mistaken identity the story took off. The path she chose and the role she played in the lives of Willis and Mary Ruth's lives was amazing. She assumed the role of Sara as though she was born to it.

These well developed characters will win your heart. I had to make time to finish the book because I wanted to see what happened next. Wanda E Brunstetter delivers on a regular basis and for those interested in Amish fiction, this book gives a good idea of how the simple life may not be as simple as one thinks. I look forward to the next book in the Prayer Jars series so I can re-visit this Amish church district to see what happens next. I have a feeling there more stories out there! I recommend this with 5 stars!

The Hope Jar by much-loved author Wanda Brunstetter is the first book in her new series, The Prayer Jars. If the rest of the books in the series are as good as the first, this reader can't wait to read the next one. I loved the characters --strong, resilient, and realistic with a depth to their emotions, strengths, and foibles that readers will connect well with. Mary Ruth and Willis Lapp, trusting and compassionate. Michelle, deceitful and yet with a difficult life to contend with. Sara, grieving and desperate to find the family she never knew existed. The Hope Jar is a beautifully captivating story of an unexpected family, mistaken identity, loss, finding faith, and a little romance too. When I was getting close to the end of the book I wondered how the author was going to resolve some of the issues and relationships in the few pages I had left to read. Well, she didn't. She left a bit of a cliffhanger and I have to wait to read The Forgiving Jar! You won't want to miss this sweet Amish romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

My first opinion of Michelle Taylor was less than favorable to be honest. I thought about her character as the story unfolded and I completely changed my mind about her when I remembered she had escaped an abusive relationship. I understood her need to leave a bad situation, but I was sad that she would resort to misleading the elderly Amish couple that mistook her for the granddaughter they had never met.

The situation they found themselves in was almost beneficial to the three characters. It gave Michelle the sense of belonging that she needed and it gave the Lapps someone to care for and dote on. I don’t excuse what she did, but it brought some happiness to the older couple. As Michelle slips into her role of, Sara Murray (the Lapps real granddaughter) she goes about life on the farm and the Amish community, where she finds what she’s always wanted, love and acceptance.

I think that this is a great start to the author’s new series. There are interesting characters that we meet in the, Hope Jar that piqued my curiosity. The real Sara finally makes it to the farm to meet her grandparents for a short time and I desperately want to know the story of her deceased mother. Ezekiel and Brad are two more characters that I liked very much and can hardly wait to see what the author has planned for them. As for Michelle? I associate that saying, “Home Is Where The Heart Is” to her and think she will make amends for her dishonesty and mistakes she made.

The Hope Jar is well worth the read which I why I recommend it to other readers.

I received a copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

In this new series written by a very talented author , she gives us a gripping and emotional story about hope, forgiveness and acceptance. Have you ever been so desperate to be accepted by someone, that you would do anything? Michelle is in a bad relationship that has become dangerous and needs to find a safe place to go. I felt her fears as her boyfriend threatened her and hurt her. I wanted her to run as fast and as far away as she could.

When Michelle gets off the bus after leaving her abusive boyfriend, she is suddenly mistaken for Sara, the granddaughter of Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp. I thought it was very intriguing that a young woman would take advantage of this sweet elderly couple. Michelle has a chance to start a new life and grabs hold of her false identity. It's lucky for her that Willis and Mary Ruth have never seen their granddaughter before. Maybe she can pull this off and find a new home in Amish country.

I adored Willis and Mary Ruth. They were so excited to meet their granddaughter and hopefully find out what happened to their daughter who left home so long ago. Their broken hearts hopefully will start to mend as they get to know their granddaughter. There is of course one little catch to all this. At some point Sara, the real granddaughter will show up. How long can Michelle keep up this charade? I did feel a sense of relief from Michelle as she settles into her new life.

When a jar is found with scriptures and prayers, this to me was the turning point in the story. It opened up a broken heart and allowed the person to feel hope and love. Each time the jar was opened, a fresh sprinkle of redemption came over them. Wouldn't it be nice to find a hidden jar like that? You are at a place in your life where you see no hope, no way out and no one loves you. You are drawn to the jar and there inside is the hope and acceptance you have been looking for.

I loved Michelle the most because I could easily identify with her. I know what it is like to want a place to feel safe and loving people who care for you. Will she be changed as she continues to deceive the people who have opened their hearts and home to her? I loved how easily Michelle started to draw closer to Willis and Mary Ruth. They are true examples of people who love unconditionally. Will Michelle's secret be found out? Will Michelle find a way to open her heart to God? I was sad for the story to end. There were several questions left unanswered and I hope the author addresses it in another book . The author does an amazing job of allowing the characters to deal with hard issues like domestic abuse and forgiveness. I liked that these subjects were handled with grace and showed readers that there is always hope.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy , and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

I received a copy of this book from the author and Netgalley. The review is my own opinion.

Honestly this book had a slow start for me and I had trouble getting into it for a few chapters. However it turned out to be a very fun read so I am very glad that I stuck it out. Sara Murray, the real Sarah recently found out about her grandparents, the Lapps, after the death of her mother. Michelle, the fake Sarah, has had a difficult life and made some not so great choices including a guy that she needs to get away from. These two separate and independent events collide into a story of forgiveness and discovery that all started with mistaken identity and a lie.
Sarah, writes to her grandparents, the letter gets wet, Michelle is at the right place at the right time and even though she is the wrong person she decides this is the answer to her problem. The genuine love that Michelle develops for the people she meets and her struggle with her deception were believable and relateable. Her joy and growth expressed through her time with the Lapps was wonderful to experience as I read and enjoyed this book.
I loved getting to know the characters in this book and I liked the direction the story took. Michelle, the grandparents, Ezekiel, Brian and Sarah all made this novel what it is. This book is the first in a series and I look forward to the others.

Inspiring is the word I would use to describe this book. There is pain, fear, deceit, love, hope and triumph. This story is beautifully written and wonderfully executed. The Hope Jar weaves the tale of two young women who have experienced tragedy. Sara has lost her mother and Michelle has never really felt like a part of a family at all. Sara’s grandparents, who have been estranged from their deceased daughter, are looking forward to meeting and building a relationship with their granddaughter. When they see Michelle at the bus station, they mistakenly think her to be their Sara. 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. An old blue jar in the barn filled with quotes, thoughts and prayers inspires Michelle to have faith that things are never hopeless. But how will she untangle the web of lies she has spun? How will the family she has come to love handle the betrayal? What has become of the real Sara? This is the first Amish fiction book I have read. It did not disappoint.

Surprising twists

The "Hope Jar", written by New York Times best-selling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, is the first book in a new 3-book series that plays mainly in a moderate Amish community in Strasburg, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where Mary Ruth and Willis Lapps, an older Amish couple, live.
Sara Murray, age 24, just lost her mother, Rhoda, who was only 43 years old and died very suddenly of colon cancer. She does not have a good relationship with her stepfather, Dean, and her step brother, Kenny, who is eight years younger than she is. Only after her mother's death does Sara learn about parts of her heritage, but she still has some open questions and plans to visit her grand-parents as soon as possible.
Michelle Taylor is a former foster child, living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was taken away from her abusive parents, Ginny and Herb, and lost all contact with her brothers Ernie and Jack when all three of them were placed in foster care. Michelle is nearly destitute. She will soon be homeless due to the fact that she has lost her job and that she has next to no money left. She decides to run away from her abusive boyfriend, Jerry.
At the bus station in Philadelphia Michelle is mistaken as the grand-daughter of Mary Ruth and Willis because of her hair color. The elderly couple were unaware of their grand-daughter, Sara Murray, until they recently received a letter informing them of the death of their long-lost daughter Rhoda who ran away when she was eighteen. Michelle assumes the identity of Sara Murray and goes to live with Mary Ruth and Willis who accept her. She wants to be fully loved and find some roots. During her stay with the Lapps her dishonesty starts to bother her and she plans to leave since she know that the true Sara will come due to the fact that she intercepted and occasionally answered her letters. The prayers and notes that she found in two jars, the one in the barn and the other in the cellar, start to work in her heart. She is aware of her unworthiness, but she lacks the courage to confess her deception.

"The Hope Jar" does not answer all the questions of the reader, e.g. "Who is the writer of the prayers and notes found in the jars in the barn and the cellar by Michelle?", "How will the life of Michelle and Sara continue?", or "Will Michelle ever find her brothers Ernie and Jack from who she was separated when they were placed in foster care?" Nevertheless I highly recommend it and am waiting for the next book in the series entitled "The Forgiving Jar" because I really enjoyed this book and its caracters.

This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
#TheHopeJar #NetGalley

Web of Lies

The Hope Jar is the first book in The Prayer Jar series by Wanda E. Brunstetter. It was an interesting read even though I didn’t like how the one character has lied and deceived the people in the book.
Michelle is caught up in a web of lies that she weaves after meeting Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp (her pretend grandparents who are Amish) at the bus station. The grandparents mistook Michelle for the granddaughter Sara whom they have never met. Michelle just lost her job, lived in a rundown apartment and was desperate to get away from an abusive boyfriend when she met Willis and Mary Ruth. With no money and no place to live, she played along and pretended to be their granddaughter and went home with them. Her lies about her life as the daughter of the Lapp’s recently deceased daughter whom they haven’t seen or heard from in twenty plus years just kept getting bigger. In the end Michelle comes clean and told the truth about who she was in a letter the day she left and the real Sara shows up. You need to read the book to find out how it all played out. I cannot wait to read more of this series and find out what happens with the real Sara and if Michelle comes back. Wanda E. Brunstetter is an excellent author and one of my favorites. I highly recommend this book and many of the author’s other books.

I have never been disappointed by a book by Wanda E. Brunstetter and this one is no exception. I really liked Michelle/Sara. I look forward to reading more in this series. I want to know who started the prayer jars. I know what Michelle did was wrong but you had to root for her life to get better. She really was trying to better herself. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

The Hope Jar by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the first novel in The Prayer Jars series. Sara Murray’s mother passed away two weeks ago without revealing the identity of her birth father. Sara is going through her mother’s Bible when she finds a letter telling her about her Amish maternal grandparents. Excited to find out more about her family and potentially her birth father, Sara writes to them about her impending visit. Mary Ruth and Willis Lapp are at the bus station looking for Sara. They notice woman with red hair who resembles their deceased daughter, Rhoda and approach her. Michelle Taylor is looking for a fresh start away from her abusive boyfriend and the Lapp’s provide it. Mary Ruth is so excited to meet her granddaughter that she does not give Michelle, a chance to talk and she soon finds herself off to their home. Michelle quickly settles into life on the Lapp’s farm enjoying the serenity and the lifestyle. She feels guilty for deceiving them, but Michelle does not know how to correct the situation. One day in the barn, Michelle finds a blue mason jar filled with slips of paper. On the slips of paper are quotes, prayers, thoughts and Scripture that speak to Michelle and budding faith. Michelle has come to love the Lapp’s, but what will happen when they discover the truth. Can they forgive her deception?

The Hope Jar is a lovely, fulfilling story. I thought it was well-written with steady pacing which makes the book easy to read (and enjoy). The Hope Jar captured and held my attention. It is an intriguing and thought-provoking novel. The book contains good characters with my favorite being the Lapp’s. They are such sweet, welcoming down-to-earth people. Mary Ruth shares her love, wisdom and faith with her family, friends and the people she encounters on her journey through life. I could feel the Lapp’s heartbreak when they found out that Michelle was deceiving them. While The Hope Jar focuses on Michelle, there are sections with Sara’s story from her point-of-view. I hope we find out more about Sara in the next novel. We get to see Michelle grow throughout the story, though, she still has a way to go (as do we all). At the end of the book, there are still unresolved issues. I like the inclusion of the history of the Amish people. It provides insight into the Amish religion and their way of life. There are discussion questions and recipes at the end of the book. The Hope Jar is a story of faith, hope and love. I look forward to reading The Forgiving Jar when it releases.

This is one of the more intense stories from Wanda Brunstetter that I have read. It really hit my emotions. I don't want to ruin the storyline so I'll just say my feelings were 'hit' with this story. I couldn't believe that a person could live a falsehood and totally immerse herself in someone else's life. Wow! At first I felt a little mixed up as I thought this was going to be Sara's story but it is really about Michelle. The introduction of an Amish and "English" set of male main characters to be possible love interests for Michelle was interesting. This story has a lot going on. The mysterious prayer jars are a good touch and still leave a form of mystery for future books in the series.


Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of this book.

Oh how I love a Wanda Brunstetter story! She had my emotions all over the place. Once I started reading THE HOPE 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! 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 HOPE JAR it will be very hard to put down! Wanda sure knows how to put a new twist on Amish fiction. Michelle pretends to be the long lost grand daughter of Mary Ruth and Willis Lapp. They are at the bus station looking for their grand daughter Sara Murray and mistakenly think Michelle is Sara. Michelle's life is at a dead end and she goes along with the Lapps thinking she will pretend to be Sara for a bit until she can get her life under control. While she is on their farm, she learns what it is like to be truly loved and cared for, something she didn't have growing up. She's never had a real family as she grew up in foster care and no one ever took the time to really get to know her and love her.


THE HOPE JAR is without a doubt one of the best Amish books I've read in 2018 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. When Michelle finds the prayer jar in the barn 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 HOPE JAR is the first book in the Prayer Jar series and I can't wait to read the second book, The Forgiving Jar which comes out in February. Grab your copy today and get on the couch!

Brunstetter is one of a few authors that can write about the Amish world so well. She is able to capture the simplicity of their live while also capturing the complexity of their love for family and faith.
I was a little surprised by how the book played out. Since the book is titled "The Hope Jar" I expected the story to be centered around the protagonist Michelle finding a jar filled with bible quotations. While Michelle does find the jar, it doesn't play as leading of a part in the story as I thought it would.
I was captivated by the predicament Michelle got herself into; she took the place of the Lapps' granddaughter Sara and even goes so far as to burn her letters. Figuring out how Brunstetter would create a happy ending from this scenario kept me reading until the very end.
The only problem I had with the story was the lack of thought concerning the reactions of characters. What I mean by this is that the characters' reactions to certain instances didn't really seem real. When Michelle reads a slip of paper quoting a Biblical passage about trials, she comments on the lines of 'Wow, that person must have been going through something troubling.' Well, duh! Why would they have written it down if they weren't! I think the editors of Brunstetter's books need to do a bit of a better job in making believable characters.
But otherwise, it was exactly what I would have expected from a Brunstetter book.

A winner from one of America's favorite Amish authors, Wanda Brunstetter.

Many years ago the Lapps daughter left her Amish community for the English world. Unbeknownst to them she was pregnant with her daughter, Sara. When Sara's mom passes away she finds a letter in her mom's Bible telling her of her grandparents. As she tries to set up a time to visit them an imposter has taken her place with the Lapps.

The imposter is Michelle, a young woman who is so far down on her luck that she jumps at the chance to pretend to be Sara when the Lapps mistake her for Sara at the bus station.

Can Michelle make amends with the family and community she has come to love before the real Sara comes to visit her grandparents.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book it did take me some time to get through it. Mainly because I would get so frustrated at Michelle stringing the Lapps along. The Lapps are so caring and loving and I know she truly has found herself loving them back. For the first time in her life she has felt true love and felt apart of a real family.

The idea of a hope (prayer) jar sounds like a wonderful concept. I have heard of prayer journals but not hope (prayer) jars. Imagine keeping one and many years from now someone finds it and finds the help and/or strength they need.

I am very interested to see how this series progresses.

I received a complimentary copy from Barbor Publishing Inc. through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I thought The hope Jar was an interesting story. I enjoyed stepping into the world of the Amish and learning more about their culture through the eyes of Michelle. I had trouble keeping my interest partway through but the story did pick up. The characters were interesting to get to know. I’m not sure who I liked best. I liked the message Wanda Brunstettler weaved through this story. The message of forgiveness, second chances and hope. I think readers can learn along with Michelle these important truths.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest review.

A new book by Wanda! I'm ready to enjoy the new series by Wanda Brunstetter.

Michelle had no where to go and when she was mistaken to be the Lapps' granddaughter she went home with them. She knew it was wrong but she rationalized that it was ok. I was surprised as to what length Michelle went to keep her secret.

I was upset that she deceived the Lapps. I felt like shaking her and asking her "What are you thinking"?

The Hope Jar represented Michelle's future. She discovered the jar as she was discovering her growing faith. It did give her hope.

I loved the book. I can't get enough of Wanda Brunstetter's books.

I received this free to review.

Welcome to a new series from an enduring and charming author. I was curious the moment I read the book’s summary. I wondered where it would take me and the characters. It was a complex story, Michelle in so much need of love that even the reader’s heart will hurt for her, and Sara looking for her family after her mother dies. Michelle makes choices that aren’t honest but I do believe she has a good heart and soul. She became Sara and in doing so, lied to those that showed her love.

I was thinking of all my experience working with kids that have a background similar to Michelle’s and as a reader I was able to forgive and want to nurture this character. It was extremely realistic in this character and the entire story, I loved that the Amish community opened Michelle’s eyes and heart in way that she hadn’t experienced before. It was opening for the reader as well, we should learn to forgive and love the way that these characters did.

I was wanting more closure in this story, but I think it will happen through the series and that certainly has me ready to read the rest. I truly believe this book will make us all kinder and more thoughtful

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.

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.

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.