Hope Chest

This is the last book in the Brides of Lancaster County series … I like to think I’ve befriended so many flawed but hopeful characters in this series … I’ve enjoyed both the complexities and the simplicity of their lives … I know the faith and struggle to follow God’s will will linger in my heart for a long time …<br /><br />Rachel is in love with Silas, a man five years her senior … a man who is madly in love with Anna, Rachel’s older sister … unfortunately, Anna has no feelings toward Silas, and Anna ends up leaving the Amish community to become English and marry her true love, Reuben …<br /><br />Rachel misses her sister terribly, but she sees this as an opportunity to get Silas to fall in love with her instead … several Jane Austen like twists bounce back and forth between Silas and Rachel, as eavesdropping and fear of rejection interfere with the relationship between Rachel and Silas …<br /><br />This book did not have the sparkling dialogue and enamored wit of a Jane Austen book, but it was an enjoyable read … I was really rooting for the main characters to finally fall in love … <br /><br />I’m going to miss the charming romantic innocence of Lancaster County … it was an eye-opening experience learning about Plain culture, kind of an anthropological adventure into the hearts and minds of a faith-based culture that thrives despite the lack of modern conveniences and strict rules about courting, marriage, and parenthood … all of the books in the series are quick, stand-alone reads … and if you embrace the simplicity of the writing style, you will come to know kind characters with a bounty of faith, hope, and joy …

This was a nice read, but kind of had an abrupt ending. I don't know if it was just me, but the last quarter of the book had me in tears so keep your tissues handy.

The Hope Chest is the fourth inspiring story written by Wanda Brunstetter in her Brides of Lancaster series. Wanda has done a remarkable job developing her characters and her story. I love the plain and simple cover that helps draw the reader to the story. This story is filled with love, faith, family, and definitely hope. <br /><br />Rachel Beachy has been in love with Silas Swartley for a very long time but he doesn't know she exist except as Anna Beachy's tomboy sister. Knowing she can't have Silas because he is her sister's boyfriend leaves Rachel heartbroken. When Anna unexpectedly leaves her Amish community and Silas can Rachel grab Silas's attention? Rachel believes in hope and trust that God will work with her. Things aren't always as they seem and hope may not be enough. This is an incredible love story.<br /><br />I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. All opinions are my own. <br /><br />Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter for writing this remarkable story to conclude her series. I recommend all the books in this series.

I love Amish fiction and this one surely did not disappoint me. Wanda Brunstetter sets wonderfully graphic scenes that make you feel like you are right there with her sweet characters. In this story, 2 sisters find themselves in 2 very different life situations but rely on faith and love to keep their families connected. <br /><br />Follow Grace and Anne Beachy as they follow their hearts to be with the men that they love! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning about the Amish ways mixed with sweet romance. Happy Reading!!

Rachel Beachy is in love with her sister Anna's boyfriend. Anna doesn't pay Silas any attention and doesn't act like she cares that he likes her. Rachel has fallen in love with the sweet Silas and doesn't know if she should tell her sister how she feels or not. When Anna tells everyone a secret she has been keeping the Amish community is flipped upside down and so is Rachel and her family. Anna decides to leave her Amish faith behind after secretly getting married. Now forced with the harsh reality of Anna leaving, Rachel now is alone and beginning to think more and more about the man Anna left behind. I enjoyed this book and I thought the characters came together nicely. If yu enjoyed any others from the series then you will not be disappointed.

#4 Brides of Lancaster.<br /> Enjoyed this 4 book series. Rachel Beachy has been in love with Silas for many years. Silas was in love with her older sister Anna. Anna decided to marry Reuban and they leave the Amish life. This book was interesting because it explores how the family feels when a child decides to embrace the English life. It also shows how generations leave legacy's by tying the 4th book with the first in the series.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For thou art my hope, oh God: thou art my trust from my youth. Psalm 71:5

I found the book very well written, I really felt the emotions of the family members, not just the main character Rachel. The scene where she found her father took me right into Rachael's panic. The fact that Anna gave Rachel her hope chest when she left and Rachel didn't open it, showed how much Rachael was convinced Anna would change her mind. I love reading about such a pure why of living, the Amish have a special reverence for living the way we all should. The scene on the back porch with Rachel and Anna caught my heart with theirs. <br />

Brides of Lancaster County is a wonderful series. I have read books 2-4, somehow I missed the first book which I will read. I can not get enough of Wanda. Her books are amazing and can't get enough. This series is a keeper and to be read many times over.

Another great book. I loved the book and am sorry that this is the last of this series. When you finish reading one of Wanda's books you can't wait to start the next. Can't wait to start another series.

Great Book.