"Rebecca's Bouquet" Book Review

Rebecca's Bouquet  by Lisa Jones Baker
(Hope Chest of Dreams #1}

Book Description: 
“Written with tenderness and simplicity.” —Joan Wester Anderson, New York Times bestselling author

First in a new series
Three young Amish women, gifted with hand-carved hope chests to hold their treasures and their dreams for the future, find the inspiration they need to help them reconcile love and faith in the most unexpected ways…

The last thing Rebecca Sommer dreamed her plan to wed would bring is a heart-wrenching choice. She thought she and her betrothed, William, would spend the rest of their lives in Illinois’ heartland, raising a family in their close-knit Amish hometown. But when he must travel far out of state to save his ailing father's business, Rebecca braves her relatives' disapproval—and her own fears—to go work by his side. And though she finds herself ever more in love with the dedicated, resourceful man he proves to be, William’s growing interest in English ways may be the one challenge even her steadfast faith can't meet…

William knows he couldn't ask for a more loyal wife-to-be. And the bravery that helps Rebecca tackle every obstacle makes her even more admirable. He simply won't ask her to sacrifice her deepest beliefs, no matter how right they are for each other. But the patience and care that crafted Rebecca's hope chest is somehow showing them there's more than one way prayers can be answered—and hearts brought together forever...

My Review:  Insomnia? or is it just that this book was so good, so compelling and interesting that I simply HAD to stay awake and keep reading to the very last word?  I love finding a book that is draws me in so quickly that I want to read it so badly.   Like Rebecca, I remember being 18 and so in love that I simply couldn't imagine the thought of being away from the man that I loved and planned to marry.  It just feels heartbreaking and unbearable.  
         Loyalty to the father William feels deserted him over 10 years ago leads him to move to Indiana to help his father after he becomes ill and can't operate the cabinet shop he owns and runs.  Rebecca decides that she must go with William and help his father and stepmother as well.  This loyalty and their subsequent move will threaten the life they have planned in their Illinois' Amish community.  Readers will be anxious to read to discover what happens with William and Rebecca.  There will be surprises for readers along the way, for sure and certain.  
     I am rating this book 5 ***** stars. I highly recommend it to readers.  This book would be appropriate for teenagers as well as adults.  There is no sexual content in this romance. 
     I received an ebook of this selection from netgalley and Zebra Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to post a positive review.  

About the Author:


Lisa Jones Baker grew up near a small Amish town in Illinois that she frequented with her family on weekends. She's also a dog lover and a fan of Scottsdale, Arizona, where she spent nearly two decades. Lisa graduated from Illinois State University with a French major, has been to 5 out of 7 continents, and considers her parents the best in the world. Raised in a Christian home, Lisa has always been blessed with love and support.
       Connect with her at her website:   www.lisajonesbaker.com or on facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ljbbooks/  Follow Author Lisa Jones Baker on Facebook.