Amish Charm Bakery Maryann's Hope, (Paperback)

This has to be the best story I have read by this author. She takes us on an emotional journey where decisions are made that show compassion, love and sacrifice . You must grab a box of tissue before starting this book. I loved the time period and how the author makes the characters come to life. Maryann is someone I immediately liked. She has a heart so big that you can feel her love for life and family. Her past relationship was difficult, but a blessing came from it. Her daughter is precious and makes her life almost complete. Maryann is ready to settle down again and she has found a man who loves her unconditionally. I couldnt wait to see where this relationship would go. Andrew is everything you would want for your daughter in a husband. He is kind, hardworking and head over heels in love with Maryann and her daughter. I was excited to see these two find each other. It was definitely a match that God ordained. I loved how the author illustrated how these two characters loved their families and would do anything to help them. Little do they know that their faith and trust would soon be tested. It was interesting to read about Maryanns mother. Her illness is unlike anything the doctor has seen. In this time period they didnt have technology to do scans or tests that could help provide a diagnosis. I had a few thoughts about what may be wrong and I wanted to see where the author would take this part of the story. As her mothers illness starts to become worse, it is evident that Maryann will have to make a difficult decision that may cost her the love of her life. I admired Maryann for not being angry about what she knows she must do. It can be hard when you have a loved one who is very ill. They come to depend on you for care. I have been in Maryanns situation twice. I dont regret my decision and am thankful that God allowed me to make amends with my mom before she passed and that I was able to care for her and my brother when he became ill. I was blessed to lead my brother to Christ right before he passed away. Andrew has a similar situation that will find him taking care of a loved one also. It may seem at times that you are in a place where nothing is going right. As Andrew learns, there is a reason for everything. I liked the part where Maryann finds out that Andrew has been hiding a secret. She feels like she cant trust him anymore. Oh but the beauty of walking through forgiveness is a sweet joy when Maryann gets a Word from God in church. Have you ever felt like the message the pastor is delivering is just for you? Isnt God wonderful to discipline us with mercy and grace? I loved the story and the lessons on trust, forgiveness, family and miracles. The author in this story reminds us to never give up and to allow God to direct your path. There is someone at the end of the book that I hope will make an appearance in their own story. His presence sets the tone for reconciliation and the value of family.

This is the fourth book in the Amish Charm Bakery series but I never felt left in the dark as I read Maryann's Hope. Young widow Maryann Harding is back in Charm, Ohio with her adorable little girl and very busy helping care for her mother and also work at the Amish Charm Bakery. Getting to know Andrew Wittmer and accepting his marriage proposal only adds to her contentment until he considers leaving Charm to start a business in Millersburg. Is it right for Maryann to leave when her mother needs her? Is Andrew keeping something from her? Has Maryann's hope for love and happiness been taken away? Maryann's Hope has everything that we've come to expect in good Amish fiction. Loving family connections, strong beliefs in God, and good Amish cooking. As I read about Maryann's job at the bakery I could almost smell the fragrant aromas and taste the delicious foods so it was a special treat to find four of Maryann's delicious recipes included in the back of the book! Author Molly Jebber shares a tale of family, friends, and a sweet romance in this enjoyable second chance story that is set in 1913. I recommend this book to all who enjoy Amish fiction. I voluntarily accepted an advanced reader copy from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.