A Promise of Hope by Amy Clipston ~ Tracy's Take

Publisher’s Synopsis:

When Sarah Troyer tragically loses her husband Peter, she is left to raise infant twins alone. Overwhelmed and grieving, she lives with her parents in the Amish community of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Sarah is taken completely by surprise when a stranger arrives claiming connections to Peter’s past—Peter had told her he was an orphan with no family. From Luke, she learns her husband hid a secret life, one with ramifications that will change her own.

Sarah’s family, concerned for her and the future of her twins, encourages her to marry again. It should make sense … but Sarah’s heart says no. She feels trapped. Should she marry a man she doesn’t love? Or discover if her growing interest in Luke can be trusted?

What I thought:

I was completed delighted to again visit with the Kauffman family in the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series’ second installment by Amy Clipston. “A Promise of Hope” is yet another fine example of Amy’s engaging and tender style of storytelling.

In this second book, the focus shifts from Rebecca Kauffman to her youngest sister, Sarah Rose. Sarah has already had to endure more than her fair share of heartache and tragedy. Amy’s portrayal of her grief and attempt to rebuild her life is infused with poignancy and counterbalanced with deep faith. The layers of grief that Sarah endures as she learns of her late husband’s past highlight her strength of character. I found Sarah to be an inspiring young woman whose desire to step forward despite the heartbreak in her life brings a hopefulness we often choose to ignore in the reality of our difficulties.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Luke and Sarah begin to blossom. The tender new growth that begins is soon overwhelmed by the revelation of who Luke really is and the secrets he has hidden from Sarah. I found the depiction of their relationship frustratingly real! Both are happier to settle for half truths and assumptions than to actually talk and confront the issues that must be addressed. How true that is for many of us who would rather avoid confrontation at all costs.

Once again, Amy has included a handful of recipes throughout this book and I am looking forward to trying a few of them myself. I can’t wait to see what ‘A Place of Peace’ (book 3) will bring.

With thanks to Zondervan for my review copy

Guest reviewer:~ My friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence

Relz Reviewz Extras

Tracy's review of A Gift of Grace

Character spotlight on Lindsay & Jessica Bedford

Interview with Amy

Visit Amy's website and blog

Buy Amy's book at Amazon or Koorong