Sarah Shelter is not your average Amish woman. With her “fancy” cupcakes and way of speaking her mind, Sarah doesn’t quite fit in among her more traditional Amish neighbors. When eligible bachelor, Jathan Schrock, enters the scene, it seems that Sarah may have finally found her match. Will Sarah ever be able to heal from the terrible loss she experienced two years ago? Will Jathan be able to achieve his dreams and still make his father proud? The Memory Jar, by Tricia Goyer, shows that with a little faith, acceptance, and understanding, anything is possible. Memories can be painful, but they can also teach you about who you are, where you’re from, and most importantly, where to go from here.
Why I liked it…
This is my first experience with Amish fiction. It is far removed from the action and suspense novels I have been reading lately and I must admit, it was a nice break. Tricia Goyer is an amazing author. She really captures your attention with the way she makes you feel like a part of the Amish communities she writes about. Every detail, from Sarah’s white kapp to Jathan’s horse and buggy, is perfectly written. I have never been to an Amish community before, but after reading The Memory Jar, I felt as if I had eaten a cupcake with Sarah and taken a walk through the woods of the West Kootenai with Jathan.
Discussion questions are provided at the end of the book, which makes it perfect for book clubs or even just for personal reflection. I liked the contrast of the Amish communities in Ohio and Montana. They are so different, which is something I did not expect. It reminded me not to judge others based on preconceived notions or stereotypes. Just as Sarah and her family have accepted their Englisch friends, readers will get to know the characters of this book, and will be sad to leave them long after the final page is turned.
Recommendation…
I recommend this book to other women who enjoy a light, inspirational read anytime of the year. I look forward to reading Tricia’s next book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series, The Promise Box, available May 2013.
I won this book from Litfuse Publicity’s Memory Jar Author Chat Party. I was not asked to review it and did so simply because I wanted to.
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