Friday, August 10, 2018

 THE HOPE JAR by WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER

In this new series written by a very talented author , she gives us a gripping and emotional story about hope,  forgiveness and acceptance. Have you ever been so desperate to be accepted by someone, that you would do anything? Michelle is in a bad relationship that has become dangerous and needs to find a safe place to go. I felt her fears as her boyfriend threatened her and hurt her. I wanted her to run as fast and as far away as she could.

When Michelle gets off the bus after leaving her abusive boyfriend, she is suddenly mistaken for Sara, the granddaughter of Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp. I thought it was very intriguing that a young woman would take advantage of this sweet elderly couple. Michelle has a chance to start a new life and grabs hold of her false identity. It's lucky for her that Willis and Mary Ruth have never seen their granddaughter before. Maybe she can pull this off and find a new home in Amish country.

I adored Willis and Mary Ruth. They were so excited to meet their granddaughter and hopefully find out what happened to their daughter who left home so long ago. Their broken hearts hopefully will start to mend as they get to know their granddaughter. There is of course one little catch to all this. At some point Sara, the real granddaughter will show up. How long can Michelle keep up this charade? I did feel a sense of relief from Michelle as she settles into her new life.

 When a jar is found with scriptures and prayers, this to me was the turning point in the story. It opened up a broken heart and allowed the person to feel hope and love. Each time the jar was opened, a fresh sprinkle  of redemption came over them. Wouldn't it be nice to find a hidden jar like that? You are at a place in your life where you see no hope, no way out and no one loves you. You are drawn to the jar and there inside is the hope and acceptance you have been looking for.

I loved Michelle the most because I could easily identify with her. I know what it is like to want a place to feel safe and loving people who care for you. Will she be changed as she continues to deceive the people who have opened their hearts and home to her?  I loved how easily Michelle started to draw closer to Willis and Mary Ruth. They are true examples of people who love unconditionally. Will Michelle's secret be found out? Will Michelle find a way to open her heart to God? I was sad for the story to end. There were several questions left unanswered and I hope the author addresses it in another book . The author does an amazing job of allowing the characters to deal with hard issues like domestic abuse and forgiveness. I liked that these subjects were handled with grace and showed readers that there is always hope.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy , and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

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