Today I'm turning my blog over to Tricia Goyer, with a review of her debut novel "The Memory Jar," which is the 1st book in her Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series!!ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from October 16 - November 7, 2012 | Giveaway ends on November 6, 2012 | Denise's Facebook Author Chat Party is on November 7, 2012]
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 342; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1970 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: October 23, 2012 | Publisher: Zondervan | Obtained: LitFuse Publicity Group"The Memory Jar" [Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series, Book 1] by Tricia Goyer
My Book Summary : For an Amish woman Sarah is unique. She grew up in a small town/Amish community in Montana where her parents never had a problem with her having friendships with English people that they deal with on a daily basis. One thing that Sarah loves to do is bake, however, she is not the typical Amish baker since, even though she knows how to bake bread and other typical Amish baked goods, she LOVES to create/bake cupcakes. Her best friend Patty has encouraged her since she was young to follow her dreams of owning her own bakery. However, that dream seems to get further and further away as the years pass. Especially since, she would need to find a husband that would support her dream and encourage it and not want her to just take care of their home, and with no husband prospects, Sarah is finding that her dreams might be all that they will amount to.
Sarah world was shaken two years ago when her best friend, Patty, dies in a canoeing accident. Since then Sarah has put all her efforts into her baked goodies as a way to get over her loss, yet in the process, she seems to have kept everyone at arms length from her as a way to protect herself.
Therefore, when Jathan comes into her life she doesn't initially see the type of man he is. Nevertheless, on a hiking trip gone array they find they have a lot in common and both really like each other, if only they are able to follow their personal dreams and open their hearts they might just make it.
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars. It's a sweet and endearing romance. About getting over a terrible loss while fulfilling dreams that would give them a better purpose then what is planned for them. An easy read that kept me guessing a lot of the way through, but with memories throughout that had me crying by the end of this novel. I loved reading about the bond between Patty & Sarah it was so sweet and touching while at times it felt as though some of the things that Patty says were as if she was looking into the future. Very special and I recommend having tissues by you when you read the last few chapters.
I liked the gradual romance between Jathan and Sarah. However, even though I know Jathan was only trying to stick to the traditions he grew up with and some that were forced on him, I didn't like some of the choices he made or the way he let his family walk all over him. In addition, I wasn't a fan of how his mother handled things when it came to Sarah towards the end, I understand her point-of-view about to many changes at her bakery, but to try shutting out Sarah from having any contact to Jathan I thought was a little too much. Therefore, if I was being truthful and rating this book on the romance between Jathan and Sarah then I'd have to give this novel 3.5 out of 5 stars. Yet I gave it the score I did because of how much I loved the forever friendship between Sarah and Patty. =0)
Overall, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys Amish novels and contemporary romances.
- On a side note -
I found the brief Amish glossary in the front of the book very helpful! =0)
My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Family Traditions: A Glimpse into Christmas Future - December 2011 | What I Am Not - May 2012
Author's Novel Extras : The Memory Jar--My Amish Novel | How to Make Your Own Memory Jar & Other Crafts | The Memory Jar Promotion | Get to Know Tricia | My Writing
Author's Series Extras : Amish Country Research | Tricia's Amish World | Video Book Club Chats
Author's Book Trailer :
Book Teaser(s) :
Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 1
"Do you want to catch a bachelor?" Jathan asked as he gently set her down.
The question caught her off guard, and her ankle ached as seen as her foot touched down. She stumbled slightly. Sarah grabbed Jathan's arm to steady herself.
"Uh, ne," she answered. "I'm not wanting to catch anyone ... else." She swallowed hard and squeezed his arm. She couldn't believe she'd added that last word, but seeing his face brighten, she continued, "What is the Englisch saying, 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush'?"
Jathan chuckled, his laughter causing her heart to dance. "Well, Sarah, if I'm a bird, I'm a big one. But I don't mind being caught, not one bit." ~ within Chapter 12
"Spreading out light, that's what it's all about," Patty said. And then she finally submitted to a yawn.For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Tricia, then please check out her website.
Sarah covered her mouth with her hand and did the same. "Ja, the world needs more of it, don't you think?"
"Not only the world but our neighbors." Patty stretched. "Sometimes it seems the ones who have the light are the worst at realizing all they hold within. With sharing it." ~ within Chapter 20
About the Author :Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including "Beside Still Waters," "Remembering You," and the mommy memoir, "Blue Like Play Dough." Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
Giveaways!! :
One fortunate winner will receive :
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- Custom-made Memory Jar Kindle Cover
- Amish-made decorative items {Wall hanging, horse/buggy and Amish houses}
- "The Memory Jar" {Be swept away by this captivating series.}
To Enter : Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the "The Memory Jar" Author Chat Facebook Party on November 7. Connect with Tricia for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP TODAY. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!
ALSO -- Be sure to check out LitFuse's other Blog Tour Stops for this novel!!
Find Tricia Goyer :
