Maryann's Hope

Molly Jebber

Jan 2021 · The Amish Charm Bakery Book 4 · Zebra Books

About this ebook

The pleasing warmth of fresh-baked maple cookies . . . the sweet, buttery flakiness of a raspberry jam pastry. In 1913 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is beloved by locals and visiting Englischer alike. And its understanding community always provides help, healing—and new chances for love . . .
 
Secrets devastated Maryann Harding’s marriage to an Englischer—and took away her untrustworthy husband. Now the young Amish widow has found contentment cooking up treats at the bakery, raising her little girl, and comforting her ailing mother. And when Andrew Wittmer asks her to marry him, Maryann is over the moon with happiness that she and the kind furniture maker will put down roots in her hometown . . .
 
Until Andrew’s uncle becomes ill, and Andrew must permanently take over his store in a town hours away. Though she would go anywhere to be Andrew's fraa, Maryann can't abandon her mother—or the family that depends on her so much. And when she discovers Andrew harbors secrets of his own, Maryann's hard-won trust is shaken. Now, can she risk difficult choices and take a leap of faith into the loving, joyful future she longs for most?
 

Ratings and reviews

Maryann’s Hope by Molly Jebber takes us back to 1913 in Charm, Ohio where Maryann Harding and Andrew Wittmer have begun courting. Maryann never thought she would find a man who would overlook her past. When Andrew proposes, Maryann is thrilled to accept. Andrew is a good man who loves her, adores her daughter, and openly communicates with her. She is glad they will be living in Charm because her mother could not handle it if they left town. Wedding plans have barely begun when Andrew receives a letter from his uncle who lives about ten miles away (over three hours away by buggy). His uncle is ill and would like Andrew to take over the furniture store. It is a dream come true for Andrew who has dreamed of having a store where he could sell the furniture he makes. But Andrew wonders how this will affect his relationship with Maryann. Andrew also worries about the secret he has yet to share with Maryann. She shared her secrets with him, but he held back despite knowing how important trust is to Maryann. Is there a chance for these star-crossed lovers? Maryann’s Hope is the 4th novel in The Amish Charm Bakery series. Each book in the series can be read on its own. We do, though, get to catch up with the characters from the other three books. I thought Maryann’s Hope was well-written with realistic characters. I like how the author incorporates historical events and interesting facts (with the sheriff and local doctor). The author delves into the topic of mental illness and how it affects a family. I thought it was handled nicely. Second chances, destructiveness of secrets, and importance of trust are the themes present throughout the book. Open communication is important for a couple. Keeping information from a partner can be damaging to a relationship. I like how the author handled these issues. Christian elements are nicely incorporated into the story. The importance of trusting God and knowing that he has a path laid out for each of us. Maryann’s Hope is a gently paced story that I enjoyed reading. I appreciated the epilogue at the end. Maryann’s Hope is a sweet Amish novel with tasty treats, stressful secrets, trouble trusting, a mentally ill mother, fine furniture, and romantic misfortunes.

About the author

Molly Jebber’s award-winning books have been featured on Publishers Weekly’s Best Ten Recommended Reads, in USA Today’s HEA, RT Book Reviews and many other media sites. You’ll also find her on RWA’s Honor Roll. She tours and speaks about Amish history/traditions, writing, marketing, publishing, and about her books. She loves God, her family, friends. She enjoys swimming, golf, reading, and says yes to butterscotch pie and parasailing, but no to coconut and skydiving! Visit www.mollyjebber.com for a complete list of her books and speaking events.