Maryann's Hope - (Amish Charm Bakery) by Molly Jebber (Paperback)

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.

Maryann's Hope is the fourth book in Molly Jebber's Amish Charm Bakery series. Reading the others will definitely fill in more of the background but readers will find Maryann's Hope captivating on its own. Widowed Maryann and her daughter have returned to her Amish roots in Charm, Ohio. Having abandoned her family in the past she is rebuilding relationships with them. All seems well as a new romance begins with Andrew, and then the struggles arise. Will they ever be able to start a life together? Illness, changes in career, secrets from the past seem bent on complicating and even ending their marriage plans. Would their faith in God be strong enough to overcome the challenges? The characters are likable and realistic, with their strong points and their flaws and foibles. I loved the friendship of the young women at the bakery as they worked together and cared for each other. The plot flows quickly with twists and turns that keep the reader's interest. The author has infused the pages with heart-warming emotion and romance. Threaded throughout the book is also a strong faith in God and a belief that He is a God who will give guidance and courage to make the right decisions in life. It is a story that readers who enjoy Amish stories and sweet romances won't want to miss. The author has included a glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch/German words used in the story as well as a list of several recipes of baked goods mentioned in the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

I enjoyed this story although it was a little slow at times. I wasn’t sure if Maryanne and Andrew would ever get their “happily ever after” with all the family drama and heartache through out the story. I liked reading the Amish way of life in the early 1900s and their language/Amish words were easy to read and understand in this book. I liked all the different set of characters and how their lives and friendship intertwined with Maryanne and Andrew. Maryanne was a great mother, friend and daughter; and I enjoyed reading her story. I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

This is the fourth book in The Amish Charm Bakery series but would work as a stand-alone. The cover drew me in with all the bakery goods as I enjoy baking. I loved that recipes are included at the end and plan to try some of them. I enjoyed revisiting Charm, Ohio in 1913 and catching up with previous characters and meeting new ones. This book deals with illnesses, death, and family obligations. I wish there had been more lighthearted moments to round it out as at times it felt overwhelming to me but I understand the culture and time period were more severe at that time. I felt like Maryann was smothered and made to feel guilty if she wasn’t obedient. Therefore I was happy when she and Andrew found common ground to progress their relationship. All in all a quick read that was enjoyable. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.