Review: The Hope Jar by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I'm not sure I have ever picked up a book written by Wanda E. Brunstetter and not thoroughly enjoyed it! The Hope Jar fell right into that category.  After Sara Murray's mother passes away she learned a secret that shocked her to her core.  Her mother had been born Amish and Sara still had Amish grandparents living. She reached out to them in hopes of learning more about her mother.  Michelle Taylor is struggling in her daily life. Dating someone that is not treating her right and she feels she just needs to get away and start fresh.  Mary Ruth and Willis Lapp hadn't heard from their daughter since she left and didn't know whether she was alive or dead.  When they receive a letter from Sara they struggle to deal with the news that their daughter has passed away, but they are blessed to have a granddaughter. Sara has said she'd like to come see them and so they anxiously wait for her arrival at the bus station on the date planned. As they are looking for Sara Mary Ruth sees someone that she instantly knows is Sara. The color of her hair is the same as their daughters.  When they approach Sara she doesn't know what to say. This couple comes to her as if they are family and welcomes her with open arms. After so much time of not feeling safe she is comforted by the warmth and safety she is just offered so she goes with them. There is only one problem she is not Sara, the granddaughter they think.


Two people in such troubled times of their lives and one couple to offer warmth and safety. As Michelle is assumed to be Sara she goes home with the Lapps and feels she will enjoy the safety and comfort offered for a few days and then move on elsewhere. She doesn't expect to feel such a connection with the family.  As we read through the story and figure out why Sara didn't show up that day we see that Michelle becomes more a part of the Lapp family than she ever imagined.  As Michelle finds the jars of scriptures and prayers she starts to feel more of a connection to the family. She wonders who was so troubled and wrote such heartfelt prayers.

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