Hannah's Courage

Written by Molly Jebber

Narrated by Stina Nielsen

A loaf of fragrant cinnamon bread for breakfast … a sweet and creamy custard pie for dessert. In 1912 Ohio,
the Amish Charm Bakery has something to delight locals and visiting Englischer alike. And within this warm,
welcoming community, there’s always room for love to grow …

Hannah Lapp’s life, like a long-cherished recipe, is satisfying just the way it is. She enjoys whipping up desserts
at the bakery, tutoring local children, and socializing with dear friends. One of those friends, Timothy Barkman, has
made his interest in Hannah clear, but she’s been in no hurry to change her circumstances.

No sooner does she feel ready to grow closer to hard-working, handsome Timothy than Hannah finds she may
have waited too long. Charlene Shetler intends to become Timothy’s fraa. It’s little wonder he’s attracted to such a
pretty, forthright young woman, but is the newcomer all that she seems? Only when Hannah is willing to confront
some difficult truths can she move bravely toward a life of abiding faith and love …

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980068068

Reviews for Hannah's Courage

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

“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.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have loved every book by Molly Jebber that I have ever read. This is one of my favorite series. I am very fond of the characters. I love the bakery and can just smell the items from the descriptions. I also love the use of the friendship quilts in each of these stories. Hannah really did learn a few lessons in this story and so did Timothy. One must speak up or you might be left behind. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber takes us back to May of 1913 in Charm, Ohio. Hannah Lapp and Timothy Barkman have grown up together and have become close friends. The relationship gradually changed, and they began courting. Whenever Timothy would bring up their future, Hannah would change the subject. Hannah is not one for change. Seeing her best friend, Ellie Wenger happy with marriage has Hannah realizing she is ready to tell Timothy how she feels about him. When Timothy enters Liza’s Amish Charm Bakery where Hannah works, she is delighted to see him until she notices the pretty woman on his arm. Charlene Shetler is new to town and was quick to latch onto Timothy. It seems that Hannah has waited too long to tell Timothy how she feels. Charlene has no qualms about letting Timothy know she likes him and desires a future with him. Timothy is uncomfortable with Charlene’s forthright manner, but he knows he needs to move on since Hannah does not reciprocate his feelings. Matters can certainly go awry when we fail to communicate. Hannah’s Courage is the third book in The Amish Charm Bakery series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order. Hannah’s Courage is nicely written, and the story moves along steadily. The author made me feel like I was visiting Charm and could smell the delectable items that are whipped up at the bakery. I also liked that we get to see things from Hannah and Timothy’s perspective with the alternating chapters. The characters are realistic. We get to see them go through their daily lives where they have struggles as well as joyful moments. The Amish community in Charm is close, and they help those in need. They have a kindly and caring bishop. Hannah works at Liza’s Amish Charm Bakery with her friends Ellie and Magdalena. I like that we get to catch up with Liza and Ellie to see how they are doing. Maryann and Rachel join the bakery ladies and they are a welcome addition. The friendship between these ladies is heartwarming. They are good friends who support each other. Hannah is a kind woman with a strong faith who dislikes change (I can certainly relate). I enjoyed seeing Hannah grow as a person and in her faith. Charlene is a character that you love to dislike (she reminded me of Nellie Olson). Aaron, Timothy’s brother, is a special individual. Hannah is a patient teacher who helps Aaron to learn. She can see the potential in him, and she encourages Aaron. There is a special moment when Timothy makes a realization about Aaron that I find particularly touching. I like how the author captured the time period by having the sheriff and the local doctor share the latest news each day. I especially enjoyed the sheriff’s story (I do not want to say too much and spoil it for you). Hannah’s Courage is a heartfelt Amish story about love, faith, forgiveness, second chances and courage.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have read many books from this author and have enjoyed each one. This story is special because the author has achieved something that at times is hard to accomplish. She has written a story that flows easily, develops her characters in a way that you connect with them and shares a message of God's love in a way that fills you with peace. I am disappointed that the story is over because I wanted to continue visiting with Hannah and Timothy. I am hoping that the author will continue the series with one of the characters from the bakery. Hannah and Timothy have been dear friends forever and it has come to a point where they each have deeper feeling for each other. I loved how the author shared how much of a gentleman Timothy is. He is committed to his faith and the Amish ways. I learned some new things about the Amish which delighted me. I knew that the Bishop has to approve things but I didn't know you had to ask permission to attend an English wedding. Hannah is sweet and hard working. She loves to bake and loves her time working with her friends at the bakery. I want to visit an Amish bakery sometime and sample everything. It was interesting to read how much work they do to supply bakery items for sale. I would not want to get up early in the morning to start baking. The story is a romance but so much more. Have you ever regretted not telling someone how you feel? Hannah will learn a hard lesson when she waits to long to share her feelings for Timothy. I loved the addition of Charlene and it did give Hannah a little shock that Timothy could have feelings for someone else. Charlene is not the most pleasant person to be around and is very pushy. I know she was mean but my heart went out to her. She wanted someone to love her and was willing to lie and say hurtful things to get her way. It will take a journey for Hannah to realize what really makes her happy. Her patience with Timothy's brother is such a beautiful testimony to how selfless Hannah is. Aaron really has come a long way in school since Hannah has devoted her time to teach him one on one. There is so many wonderful parts of the story that I want to share, but I can't spoil any surprises. If you are looking for a story about family and a lesson on courage this is the perfect book to read. The author includes a bit of history about motorcars and other inventions that make the story realistic. Come join Hannah, Timothy and the town as we find love, laughter, friendship and courage to trust God in all things.I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Hannah's Courage by Molly Jebber is an endearing addition to the Amish Charm Bakery series. As a reader with a love for Amish tales and having read the first two books in the series, this book did not disappoint. Hannah and Timothy have been good friends for years but a commitment to marriage was not forthcoming. Would their love for each other endure the changes that are ahead--a conniving interloper and a career move? Would their faith in God be strong enough to overcome the challenges? The characters are likable and realistic, with their strong points and their flaws and foibles. I loved the friendship of the young women at the bakery as they worked together and cared for each other. I also liked the relationship Hannah and Timothy each had with their respective parents. The plot flows quickly with twists and turns that keep the reader's interest. The author has infused the pages with heart-warming emotion and romance. Threaded throughout the book is also a strong faith in God and a belief that He is a God who will give guidance and courage to make the right decisions in life.I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.