Maryann's Hope by Molly Jebber

About the Book

Book: Maryann’s Hope

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Amish Historical Romance

Release Date: January 26, 2021

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…even for a widow faced with an impossible choice between her head and her heart.

Secrets devastated Maryanne 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, Maryanne 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, Maryanne can’t abandon her mother–or the family that depends on her so much. And when she discovers Andrew harbors secrets of his own, Maryanne’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?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Molly Jebber is a best-selling & award-winning Amish Historical Romance author whose books have made the Publisher’s Weekly Best Ten List, media worldwide, and in USA Today. She’s a national speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and keynote and guest lecturer for many groups on writing, publishing, & marketing. She loves God, family, friends she is grateful for her readers.

More from Molly

Hi Readers!

You are the reason I write. Your inspiration and encouragement on social media posts brighten my mood and on those hard days of writing, keeps me going. Thank you!

I’ve been fortunate to have a close family. I hear so often, you can choose your friends but not your family. Maryann in MARYANN’S HOPE loves her mother, but finds her a challenge with her unpredictable moods. When she meets Andrew, they both must make difficult decisions throughout their courtship relating to family and seeking God’s will for their lives. Maryann’s toddler, Betsy, will make you laugh, as well as other children of her friends in the story. The bakery desserts will make your mouth water, and you’ll imagine the aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and warm bread.

The Amish Charm Bakery is where friends come to enjoy a break, share secrets, solve problems, and laugh and cry.

On a personal note, this year has been an exciting one for our family in spite of COVID-19. My daughter, Misty, is getting married, and we love our future son-in-law, Kevin. They are having a small wedding due to the virus, but it hasn’t dampened any of our enthusiasm for this special day. God has blessed all of us with making all the plans go smoothly, and they’ve enjoyed their marriage counseling with Pastor Roger.

Pastor Roger asked them to put their first name in the verses in Corinthians Chapter 13 of the Bible, as an example of how they should feel about each other. Such as Misty is patient, and Misty is kind. I thought about that in my marriage to Ed. He is all those wonderful things to me. But I need to be more patient! So I’m learning along with Misty and Kevin! LOL

I pray that MARYANN’S HOPE will bring you a fun escape into the small Amish town of Charm, Ohio during the period of 1913-1914!

My Thoughts

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 4^th 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.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and an Amish doll.  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.  Good Luck!  Maryann's Hope publishes January 26 and it can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Amish Charm Bakery series here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am reviewing The Transylvania Twist by Angie Fox.  It is the 2nd book in The Monster MASH Trilogy.   I hope that you have a optimistic day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 28

The Avid Reader, January 28

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, January 28

Bigreadersite, January 29

lalkesidelivingsite, January 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

EmpowerMoms, January 31

Lighthouse Academy, February 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Artistic Nobody, February 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, February 2

Reviewingbooksplusmore, February 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 3

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 3

Older & Smarter?, February 4

For Him and My Family, February 4

deb’s Book Review, February 5

Britt Reads Fiction, February 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 6

Batya’s Bits, February 6

She Lives To Read, February 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

Ashley’s Bookshelf, February 7

Connie’s History Classroom, February 8

Simple Harvest Reads, February 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Pause for Tales, February 9

Splashes of Joy, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 10

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Hannah's Courage by Molly Jebber: Recipe, Review and Giveaway!

About the Book

Book:  Hannah’s Courage

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre:  Amish Historical Romance

Release Date: January 28, 2020

A loaf of fragrant cinnamon bread for breakfast . . . a sweet and creamy custard pie for dessert. In 1912 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery has something to delight locals and visiting Englischer alike. And within this warm, welcoming community, there’s always room for love to grow . . .

Hannah Lapp’s life, like a long-cherished recipe, is satisfying just the way it is. She enjoys whipping up desserts at the bakery, tutoring local children, and socializing with dear friends. One of those friends, Timothy Barkman, has made his interest in Hannah clear, but she’s been in no hurry to change her circumstances.

No sooner does she feel ready to grow closer to hard-working, handsome Timothy than Hannah finds she may have waited too long. Charlene Shetler intends to become Timothy’s fraa. It’s little wonder he’s attracted to such a pretty, forthright young woman, but is the newcomer all that she seems? Only when Hannah is willing to confront some difficult truths can she move bravely toward a life of abiding faith and love . . .

Click here* to get your copy!

About the Author

Molly Jebber’s Amish Historical Romance books have been featured on Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Ten Recommended Reads, in USA Today’s HEA, Romantic Times and many other media sites. She’s tours and speaks for Stonecroft Ministries – Women’s Christian Connection, and about Amish history/traditions, writing, marketing, publishing, and her books. She loves God, her family, and friends. She enjoys swimming, golf, reading, and says yes to butterscotch pie and parasailing, but no to coconut and skydiving! Visit http://www.mollyjebber.com for a complete list of her books and speaking events.  You will find Molly on Facebook here.

More From Molly

I related to Hannah in this book where I had to find the courage to make some hard decisions. Maybe you’ve had some hard choices to make and finding the courage to follow through has been difficult for you.

Have you had a bad day where nothing goes right? We’ve all had those. Hannah’s has many days like this, and she is torn about what to do from one problem to the next in her life. She makes some snap decisions, and faces life-altering challenges. You’ll laugh and want to stomp your feet at the twists and turns in this story.  She’s good at giving her friends advice, but has trouble following it. I can relate to this in my life at times. Maybe you can too.   

The Sheriff and Dr. Harrison are still regular customers at the bakery where she whips up mouth-watering desserts. She and her friends cry, laugh, and offer each other advice. I love time with girlfriends, and Hannah’s no different. You’ll relate to her, root for her, want to reach in the book and shake her at times (I’m sure my friends have wanted to do this with me a time or two!), and wonder how what the future holds for her. 

I hope you’ll follow my blog tour (schedule below) and enter for a chance to win the Grand Prize at the end of the tour. The more you enter, the more chances you have of winning!

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. Your Facebook comments help me to get to know you better, and I appreciate it so much!

Here’s a recipe Hannah’s whipped up for you. And there are more in the back of Hannah’s story.

A Cake Recipe from Hannah

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour


• ¾ teaspoon baking soda


• 1 ¾ teaspoons cinnamon


• ½ teaspoon nutmeg


• ½ teaspoon salt


• 1 ¼ cups vegetable oil


• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar


• ½ cup brown sugar


• 3 eggs


• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla


• 3 large apples, peeled and cut into large pieced

Glaze

• 3 tablespoons butter


• 3 tablespoons brown sugar


• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar


• 3 tablespoons heavy cream


• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 pan with butter and coat with 2 tablespoons of flour


2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Sift two additional times and set aside.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine oil and both sugars, and mix until well blended.


4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add vanilla and mix again.


5. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the batter and mix thoroughly. By hand, fold in apples and walnuts and mix until evenly combined.


6. Spoon the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

7. Remove cake from the oven and allow to cool in the bundt pan for 20 minutes.


8. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine all of the glaze ingredients. Bring to a boil and allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute.


9. Remove the cake from the pan, onto a serving plate. Spoon the glaze over the warm cake.


10. Cool for a little longer before serving.

My Thoughts

Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber takes us back to May of 1913 in Charm, Ohio.  Hannah Lapp and Timothy Barkman have grown up together and have become close friends.  The relationship gradually changed, and they began courting.  Whenever Timothy would bring up their future, Hannah would change the subject.  Hannah is not one for change.  Seeing her best friend, Ellie Wenger happy with marriage has Hannah realizing she is ready to tell Timothy how she feels about him.  When Timothy enters Liza’s Amish Charm Bakery where Hannah works, she is delighted to see him until she notices the pretty woman on his arm.  Charlene Shetler is new to town and was quick to latch onto Timothy.  It seems that Hannah has waited too long to tell Timothy how she feels.  Charlene has no qualms about letting Timothy know she likes him and desires a future with him.  Timothy is uncomfortable with Charlene’s forthright manner, but he knows he needs to move on since Hannah does not reciprocate his feelings.  Matters can certainly go awry when we fail to communicate.  

Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber is the third book in The Amish Charm Bakery series.  It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order.  Hannah’s Courage is nicely written, and the story moves along steadily.  The author made me feel like I was visiting Charm and could smell the delectable items that are whipped up at the bakery. I also liked that we get to see things from Hannah and Timothy’s perspective with the alternating chapters.  The characters are realistic.  We get to see them go through their daily lives where they have struggles as well as joyful moments.   The Amish community in Charm is close, and they help those in need.  They have a kindly and caring bishop.  Hannah works at Liza’s Amish Charm Bakery with her friends Ellie and Magdalena.  I like that we get to catch up with Liza and Ellie to see how they are doing.  Maryann and Rachel join the bakery ladies and they are a welcome addition.  The friendship between these ladies is heartwarming.  They are good friends who support each other.  Hannah is a kind woman with a strong faith who dislikes change (I can certainly relate).  I enjoyed seeing Hannah grow as a person and in her faith.  Charlene is a character that you love to dislike (she reminded me of Nellie Olson).  Aaron, Timothy’s brother, is a special individual.  Hannah is a patient teacher who helps Aaron to learn.  She can see the potential in him, and she encourages Aaron.  There is a special moment when Timothy makes a realization about Aaron that I find particularly touching.  I like how the author captured the time period by having the sheriff and the local doctor share the latest news each day.  I especially enjoyed the sheriff’s story (I do not want to say too much and spoil it for you).  Hannah’s Courage is a heartfelt Amish story about love, faith, forgiveness, second chances and courage.  

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away a Molly Jebber grand prize collection that includes a handmade quilt and Amazon card.  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.  Good Luck!  You can purchase a copy of Hannah's Courage here*.  I hope you enjoy reading this inspiring tale.  The other two novels in An Amish Charm Bakery series are Liza's Second Chance and Ellie's Redemption.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I plan on sharing my review of Shall We Dance? by Shelley Shepard Gray tomorrow.  I hope that you have a splendid day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Tour Participants

The Avid Reader, January 30

Genesis 5020, January 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Batya’s Bits, February 1

Quiet Quilter, February 1

She Lives to Read, February 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 2

Bigreadersite , February 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 3

For Him and My Family, February 4

deb’s Book Review, February 4

Inklings and notions, February 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 5

Pause for Tales, February 5

Older & Smarter?, February 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 6

Blossoms and Blessings, February 7

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 7 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 8

Christian Bookaholic, February 8

For the Love of Literature, February 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

SusanLovesBooks, February 10

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 10

Connie’s History Classroom, February 11

SPLASHES of Joy , February 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 12

Vicky Sluiter, February 12

*This post contains affiliate links.

Liza's Second Chance: An Amish Charm Bakery Novel

Welcome!  On January 30 there will be some new cozy mystery releases.  They include Survival of the Fritters by Ginger Bolton and Biscuits and Slashed Browns by Maddie Day.  Molly Jebber is the author of A Keepsake Pocket Quilt series and has novellas in Amish Brides and The Amish Christmas Sleigh.  You can follow Ms. Jebber on Amazon and Facebook.

Liza’s Second Chance by Molly Jebber is the first novel in The Amish Charm Bakery series.  We go back in time to 1912 in Charm, Ohio. Paul Schrock purchased the bakery for Liza (as an investment), and Liza considers the bakery her haven.  Liza was happy to be off in her bakery each day making delectable delights for her customers.  It allowed her to be away from her husband’s criticisms (mental abuse).  Paul projected a different persona to the community.  Liza never told a soul about her miserable marriage.  He has been gone a year, and Liza is happy with her single status.  Then Jacob Graber and his troubled daughter, Ellie arrive in town.  Esther, Liza’s sister, believes Jacob would be the perfect mate for Liza (a matchmaker at heart).  Ellie has a belligerent attitude and ruined Jacob’s last relationship.  Jacob moved them to Charm to give Ellie a chance to start over, but the outside world fascinates her.  Liza aids Jacob and Ellie in adjusting to the new town.  She introduces Ellie to her niece, Hannah hoping they will become friends (and it will help Ellie’s attitude).  Things seem to be improving with Ellie, but then she disappears into the English world with a young man. Why did she take off and where did she go?  While Ellie is away, Jacob and Liza spend time together and grow closer.  Jacob wishes to marry, but Liza is reluctant.  What would happen when Ellie returns?  Will there be a happily ever after for Liza and Jacob?   

Liza’s Second Chance is nicely written and has a nice flow.  I found the book easy to read.  The author incorporated major events from the time-period like the sinking of the Titanic, the Olympics, and Harry Houdini.  I did find a repetition of information.  Details surrounding Liza’s first marriage for example are repeated several times.  Amish words are interjected into the dialogue.  The meaning of them can be discerned from the text.  Christian elements include scripture, accepting God and his plan for a person’s life, forgiveness, power of prayer and having faith.  We get to see the importance of family and friends.  Liza has a close relationship with her family and they are happy to include the Graber family.  I felt that the author could have developed the characters more.  There is a lack of details on the main characters background that could have given them depth.  I did become annoyed with Jacob at times.  Liza wants to allow time for a friendship to develop between herself and Ellie, but Jacob keeps forcing the issue.  His lack of understanding was frustrating for me.  Liza’s Second Chance is a light, sweet Amish romance that will appeal to fans of Amish fiction.  Liza's Second Chance will be released on January 30. 

I hope you find my review helpful to you.  If you like my blog, please consider following it (upper right).  I will return tomorrow with my evaluation of Class Reunions are Murder by Libby Klein (her debut cozy mystery).  I hope you have a smashing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader