For a number of years, I have enjoyed reading books by Molly Jebber and this book is no exception. I love how she develops her characters and storylines. She makes me want to read more so I can get to know the characters, and understand them. Sometimes, it easy to miss what is in front of you until someone else becomes interested. Hannah learns this lesson as well as learning that sometimes stepping out in faith and confronting some difficult truths about one’s self.

If you like reading Amish books, this is one that is worth reading. Timothy is the perfect foil for Hannah. Having lived in Amish country in Pennsylvania, I love reading books about the Amish and their lifestyle. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review. ( )

“With God, she believed all things were possible. She had motivation, and maybe it was time she exercised courage.”

Although in the past I have only rarely read Amish stories, in the past year or so they have become a regular addition to my reviewing schedule. The quaintness and slower pace are refreshing in comparison to modern daily life, as are the steadfast devotion to God and the fervent sense of community. At the same time, the ways in which Amish and Englisch lives are alike enhances the reading experience. With this book, in particular, the parallels stand out, and the characters seem very relatable, without the disconnect that sometimes occurs with this genre.

A mixture of sweetness and heartache, “Hannah’s Courage” is book 3 in Molly Jebber’s Amish Charm Bakery series. While it is not necessary to read the first two books in order to understand the story, take into consideration that there are spoilers for the major plotlines. Except for a few scenes that featured motor cars, the fact that this story is set in 1912 did not stay in the forefront of my mind; mostly because of the Amish lifestyle, there is a timelessness that seeps through the pages. The language also has a natural flow to it, and a brief dictionary is included for the Pennsylvania Dutch words that the characters speak. The setting of Charm, Ohio is one I’m familiar with because I have been to and shopped in the Berlin area numerous times over the years.

Endearing characters populate this novel, each with struggles and flaws like the rest of us. Admittedly, though, I did become frustrated with some of them, and the narrative seems as though it could be edited down to avoid drawn-out episodes and drama. The title character was my favorite because I identified with her dislike of change and I also applaud her for the selflessness she demonstrates continuously. Attempting to avoid making the same mistake twice, “She’d rise above her inhibition and nurture the courage she’d found within her” because “He didn’t promise life would be easy. He promised to never forsake her, and she claimed that promise.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )

What I think you should know:
Hannah’s Courage is the third book in the Amish Charm Bakery series by Molly Jebber. While this book can be a standalone I recommend reading the first two books of the series so that you get the wonderful stories that preceded this one. It is set in 1913 in a community where Amish families and English families still lived and worked in close proximity with each other. This book focuses on Hannah Lapp who works at the Charm Bakery and what happens when the man she is in love with moves on with his life without her.

What I think about this book:
Hannah’s Courage gave me the excitement of facing new challenges and that pit you got in your stomach the first time you had to see your former sweetheart or biggest crush with someone else. Hannah was such an easy character to relate to, she is happy with her life and doesn’t like change, which is like so many people. I understand why she wanted to see his maturity before she moved forward. Jebber did a wonderful job of making characters who you become invested in and enjoy reading about them. I was surprised at some of the twists in the book, which added to my enjoyment. I loved not only Hannah and Timothy, but all of the other characters in the book. I would happily read many more books about the residents ( Amish and English alike) of Charm.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber is a cute, Amish romance with a love triangle that confounds me.
Hannah Lapp works in a bakery with Ellie and Magdalena, and eventually a few others. The relationships we see there are warm and energizing. If you wouldn’t want to work in Liza’s Bakery, you would at least want to make it a daily stop, like Sheriff Williams and Dr. Harrison. These older mid-life men are fun secondary characters, adding breadth to the story.
No one but Timothy Barkman is going to like Charlene. At first, helping a newcomer to the area, he finds she attaches stronger than a hungry flea. Unfortunately, she’s rude and rotten to the core. (Ellie likes to call Charlene “Miss Nasty.”) Everyone but Timothy can see Charlene’s bad personality, and I’m left thinking, ”Can even a person in love be this blind?!” Charlene fails to consider Timothy’s wishes and requests about her forward behavior.
As a former teacher, the book both delighted and dismayed me. These reactions had to do with Hannah and the course of actions she took. I can’t say more without spoilers.
What unimpressed me? The story moseyed a little slower than I would have liked. I wished the novel would have had a little more substance. Also, I felt like there was one possible loose end that loomed over most of the book and then quietly disappeared.
Why would I want to read more? The relationships in the bakery mentioned earlier. Maryann is a person that enters the book early on. By the end, I am intrigued enough that I will look for the next book by Molly Jebber to read her story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. This does not influence my opinions. I am voluntarily leaving my thoughts, for which I am solely responsible. ( )

This is the third book in Jebber's Amish Charm Bakery series and it is as charming as the series title implies. Hannah's Courage is set in Charm, Ohio in 1913 and I enjoyed getting to know Hannah, Timothy, their families, and friends. I could understand Hannah's desire to keep her life the same but I've learned that a change in circumstances can often challenge us to achieve even deeper happiness. It is when Hannah asks God for courage that she begins her journey to true happiness.

I truly enjoyed Hannah's Courage and I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit but I wasn't obligated to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )