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Hannah Glick married the love of her life, but was widowed too young. Is she ready to risk her heart--and her family--for a new love? Hannah finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Her community offers her love and support after the untimely death of her husband, but an Englisher offers her the chance of a new life after her unexpected tragedy. Wealthy businessman Trey Peterson is surprised by his attraction to the gentle Amish woman who works as a housekeeper in the Lancaster Grand Hotel. They share a common bond of loss and are able to offer each other comfort and support as they journey through their grief. Joshua Glick wants nothing more than to offer his friendship and love to Hannah and her family. Not only is he her late husband's brother and business partner, he has always been in love with Hannah. A Hopeful Heart is filled with surprising twists as Hannah tries to balance her life in the Amish community and her growing love for an outsider.… (more)
User reviews
Characters were so well developed that they became alive on the pages of the book and I felt as if I knew every one of them personally and that they were my friends. The plot line had a surprise or two that kept me guessing if Hannah would remain Amish or marry Trey. The author’s description of the farms with their houses, barns, animals, and buggies were so expertly done that I could clearly picture each one as I read about it.
The emotions of the main characters were so real that I was crying or laughing right along with them and I wanted to give the mother-in-law a good shaking. I really like the way that the author included Dietsch words throughout the story for in my opinion they add authenticity to the story. I really liked that this story was somewhat different than all the other Amish stories that I have read. Usually the problems happen to the community as a whole or to one of the characters but in this book the main character has to decide if she will stay in the Amish community or if she will marry an Englisher. I am sure there are other Amish books that deal with that problem but so far this is the first one I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great Amish story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan as a part of the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Amy Clipston
Book Description: In A Hopeful Heart, the first novel of the new Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series from best-selling author Amy Clipston, Hannah finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Her community offers her love and
Review: I loved the majority of this book. I liked the characters and the setting. The story line was sad at the start. Yet the book was not gloomy overall. I did find it difficult to believe that leaving the Amish life could be so easily resolved and that it would be harder than anyone could imagine. I believed the way Hannah’s mother-in-law treated her especially when Hannah was friendly with an Engilsher. I found much of the book to be realistic. In my own personal opinion I think that Hannah was a selfish about pursuing her own desires since the Amish are raised to be community minded. I felt very mixed by the end of the book and that is really where I still am.
I would like to thank Book Sneeze and Zondervan Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
I enjoyed a lot of things about this book but just a few things to get
past. The speed of following in love just isn't realistic, I know this is a book
of fiction but still.
I enjoy the building relationship between Hannah and Trey, it just needed to
not be so rushed. Enjoyed
goes I the next book.
A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston, © 2013, © 2016
Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel, Book 1
The Grand Hotel in Paradise, Pennsylvania, employs Amish women to be housekeepers for their guest rooms. Widow Hannah Glick co-owns a horse farm business with her brother-in-law,
Hannah has three children. Her twin teenage daughters, Lillian and Amanda, work within their community members. On the alternate days that their mamm is away from home, Lillian cares for their younger brother, Andrew.
Hannah unexpectedly begins talking with an English guest at the hotel who has lost his wife and teenage daughter to an accident. She finds herself at ease sharing her thoughts about loss and life changes she has not voiced to anyone. She is reminded by an older coworker about talking with guests at the hotel. And, by her family...
Families were full of complicated, intertwined relationships that somehow translated into love and support.
--A Hopeful Heart, 69.
Each character is fully developed and although Hannah is the main character, her family and those around them have a complete voice. Do we see our intentions as others see them? Matters of the heart being justified or are others warily looking on?
Conversational, author Amy Clipston reveals each character's heart with their thoughts and interactions together. Hannah has a good listening friend in Ruth, who allows her to speak out loud to hear and process her thoughts. Unsure how it is going to turn out until arriving at the last page will keep you engaged in this first story in this new series.
Trey is now trying to make a dream of his wife’s come true, opening an Amish style Bed and Breakfast, he is now search the Lancaster area for the perfect place. While staying at the Lancaster Grand Hotel he has a chance meeting, or I should say surprise meeting with Hannah Glick.
Hannah is suffering from her own loss of her husband, raising her children, and trying to provide for them. Her brother in law has been by her side, Joshua, as he runs their horse business, and tries to gain Hannah’s love.
We find Hannah attracted to Trey the forbidden, but liking but not loving Joshua, the safe one. If Hannah follows her heart and chooses Trey, she will be shunned and loose everything she has, her home, her community, and maybe her children. Can’t even imagine that kind of decision.
Come along and visit in this Amish Community as we travel along the countryside, and visit in their homes. How would you choose, you will waver, and not see what is in store, and what ever you decide your life is going to change forever, and you know it! The author has placed all of this on your heart, and it is as tough a decision you will ever have to make, which way would you turn, how do you want Hannah to turn? Wow!
I received this book from the publisher Zondervan through Net Galley, and was not required to give a positive review.
Hannah, a Amish widow, finds herself working in the Lancaster Grand Hotel, where she will