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Kauffman Amish Bakery #2
A Promise of Hope
Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you’ll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman’s story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams … and secrets. You’ll discover how the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle can clash with the “English” way of life—and the decisions and consequences that follow. Most importantly, you will be encouraged by the hope and faith of these women, and the importance they place on their families. In A Promise of Hope, the second installment in the Kauffman Amish Bakery series, bestselling author Amy Clipston continues to unfold the tensions, loves, and faith of the inhabitants of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, and the family bakery that serves as an anchor point for the series. 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? A Promise of Hope is filled with surprising twists that will grip you to the very last words.
299 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2010
About the author
Amy Clipston
120 books1,991 followersHi! I'm a bestselling author of heartwarming romance and happily ever after.
Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
• The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
• The View from Coral Cove (5/2022)
• On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (10/2022)
• Something Old, Something New (1/2023)
An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)
An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)
An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)
An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)
Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)
Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)
Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)
Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)
Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)
Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)
Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
• The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
• The View from Coral Cove (5/2022)
• On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (10/2022)
• Something Old, Something New (1/2023)
An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)
An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)
An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)
An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)
Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)
Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)
Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)
Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)
Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)
Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
April 13, 2019
The second book in this series does not live up to the debut novel. The main chararacters are not as engaging as they are in the first book, and the storyline is not as gripping. In the first book, Sarah lost her husband Peter in a fire at the furniture shop, and in this book, she discovers that he was not the man she thought he was. The secrets are slowly, ever so slowly, disclosed, and she finally has some closure. The reader will guess how the story will end pretty much from the beginning, and though it is not a bad ending, the way to it was somewhat tedious and plodding. Not a bad read, but not as entertaining as the first book.
June 11, 2021
Great Amish romance
March 17, 2016
These books are absolutely wonderful. It's been a while since I've read the first one, but when you read books like this, you don't forget them.
Amy Clipston has a way of writing that puts you right in the middle of her stories.I could feel Sarah's pain and uncertainties as she explored the husband she found she never really knew. When you read books like this, you start developing opinions of the characters as if they're real people you're getting to know. All of Sarah's family meant well, but they didn't all go about doing things the right way, and there were times when I wanted to wring her brother Timothy's neck, but their father took care of that.
I love Amish fiction, and from the first book in this series, Amy Clipston has become my favorite Amish writer.
Amy Clipston has a way of writing that puts you right in the middle of her stories.I could feel Sarah's pain and uncertainties as she explored the husband she found she never really knew. When you read books like this, you start developing opinions of the characters as if they're real people you're getting to know. All of Sarah's family meant well, but they didn't all go about doing things the right way, and there were times when I wanted to wring her brother Timothy's neck, but their father took care of that.
I love Amish fiction, and from the first book in this series, Amy Clipston has become my favorite Amish writer.
September 8, 2018
I loved this book!! Such a great story!! It was nice that there was recipes in the book!! I love this author's books!! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
May 23, 2023
This was a bit boring compared to the first in the series. Redundant affirmations, comments, and once again miscommunications and prejudices.
July 5, 2021
I wasn't a 100% sure I would get into this book. It started off a tad bit slow but the more I got into it the better it became. We learned about a lot of the repercussions of the fire at the furniture store, and also learned a bit more about the family and the bakery. And we also got some closing to Peter's past.
April 24, 2014
This is the first book of this series that I read and didn't realize it wasn't the beginning of the series since I had ordered both of them from the library at the same time. Although I never suffered the loss of a husband through death, divorce brings about some similar feelings. I really liked this book even though I felt there were some inconsistancies with Amish characteristics.
July 12, 2022
Book 2 in the series. I'm enjoying this series...on to book number 3.
May 1, 2023
A nice Amish story about a young widow who gives birth to twins. I did enjoy it.
February 8, 2017
About this book:
“An Amish widow with newborn twins discovers her deceased husband had disturbing secrets. As she tries to come to grips with the past, she considers a loveless marriage to ensure stability for her young family . . . with her faith in God hanging in the balance.
Sarah Troyer never expected to raise her children on her own, but when her husband dies in a tragic accident, she finds refuge in the home of her parents in the Amish community of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Sarah is taken completely by surprise when a stranger arrives claiming connections to her husband’s past—even though he 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 her children, 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?”
Series: Book #2 (of five) in “Kaufman Amish Bakery” series. (Review of Book #1, “A Gift of Grace”, Here!) (Has two bonus Christmas novella connecting to the series. Review of #1 Here! and Book #2 Here!)
Spiritual Content- Many Prayers & Thanking God; Many Scriptures are quoted, repeated & mentioned; Many talks about God, His plan & having faith; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God (not in the Scriptures though); Many mentions of God, His will & forgiving; Mentions of Bible reading & devotions; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of church; Mentions of blessings & miracles; Mentions of sins & coveting; A couple mentions of hymns.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘oh my word’, a ‘shoot’, and two ‘stupid’s; A bit of sarcasm & eye rolling; Nearly all about liars & lies; Mentions of the fire, Peter’s death & nightmares (up to semi-detailed); A few mentions of gossips & rumors; A couple mentions of divorce.
Sexual Content- a cheek kiss and two boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses; Wanting to Touch & give a forehead kiss; Touches & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Smelling; *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; A mention of hormones; A couple mentions of a girl having the ‘hots’ for a guy; A couple mentions of a woman who died in childbirth; A few mentions of flirting & crushes; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of labor & pain; Mentions of married couples kissing & snuggling in bed; Love, falling in love & the emotions.
*Note: A mention of butting into someone’s business.
-Sarah Troyer
-Luke Troyer
P.O.V. switches between them mostly, but also Elizabeth, Eli & Timothy up to a few times each
283 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Amy Clipston has such a way with words! I could feel Sarah’s pain & sadness, but also her joy and laughter. Another clean book with lots of Spiritual Content by this wonderful author. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“An Amish widow with newborn twins discovers her deceased husband had disturbing secrets. As she tries to come to grips with the past, she considers a loveless marriage to ensure stability for her young family . . . with her faith in God hanging in the balance.
Sarah Troyer never expected to raise her children on her own, but when her husband dies in a tragic accident, she finds refuge in the home of her parents in the Amish community of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Sarah is taken completely by surprise when a stranger arrives claiming connections to her husband’s past—even though he 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 her children, 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?”
Series: Book #2 (of five) in “Kaufman Amish Bakery” series. (Review of Book #1, “A Gift of Grace”, Here!) (Has two bonus Christmas novella connecting to the series. Review of #1 Here! and Book #2 Here!)
Spiritual Content- Many Prayers & Thanking God; Many Scriptures are quoted, repeated & mentioned; Many talks about God, His plan & having faith; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God (not in the Scriptures though); Many mentions of God, His will & forgiving; Mentions of Bible reading & devotions; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of church; Mentions of blessings & miracles; Mentions of sins & coveting; A couple mentions of hymns.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘oh my word’, a ‘shoot’, and two ‘stupid’s; A bit of sarcasm & eye rolling; Nearly all about liars & lies; Mentions of the fire, Peter’s death & nightmares (up to semi-detailed); A few mentions of gossips & rumors; A couple mentions of divorce.
Sexual Content- a cheek kiss and two boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses; Wanting to Touch & give a forehead kiss; Touches & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Smelling; *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; A mention of hormones; A couple mentions of a girl having the ‘hots’ for a guy; A couple mentions of a woman who died in childbirth; A few mentions of flirting & crushes; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of labor & pain; Mentions of married couples kissing & snuggling in bed; Love, falling in love & the emotions.
*Note: A mention of butting into someone’s business.
-Sarah Troyer
-Luke Troyer
P.O.V. switches between them mostly, but also Elizabeth, Eli & Timothy up to a few times each
283 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Amy Clipston has such a way with words! I could feel Sarah’s pain & sadness, but also her joy and laughter. Another clean book with lots of Spiritual Content by this wonderful author. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
July 18, 2019
It's not a winner...
Pros: I like the way this series explores the interactions of Amish and non-Amish. The romance angle kept me guessing: for a good 2/3rds of the book, I couldn't guess whether the female protagonist would end up with A or B. I liked the broad themes of the main character's grief story: love, loss, confusion, sense of betrayal, hurt, healing, hope, etc.
Cons: Some of the conversations are really repetitive - why does the sister/father/mother/whomever have to repeat on the page the entire verbatim conversation to the next person? I just read the same conversation a paragraph ago. We're not even talking about "telephone" changes, just straight up "then she said" dialogue. Judicious use of a phrase like "she relayed everything that she knew, sparing no detail" would have saved 4 pages at least throughout the novel.
The use of scripture/prayer is really heavy-handed and awkward compared to later novels by this author. The mom quotes the same one several times with no new reflection or application to the current situation. She just repeats it. ohkaythen. An "impediment" for 3/4 of the book is airily dismissed when someone is reminded of a convenient bible passage. Scripture is not my thing, but I appreciate that other people like to reflect on such things. That's great, but the author needs to explain how such a character would interpret that into their own life. Even among scripture fans there are multiple ways to apply and interpret a passage. She does this better in later books.
Last - everyone is so patronizing to the young widow. Come on already, she's an adult, quit making decisions for her and having conversations for her that she should be having. I get that she's Amish, but in other parts she is clearly written not to be a doormouse, she just acts like one with her family.
Last quibble - if you're going to pepper full recipes throughout a novel (I'm not sure why that's a thing), at least make the recipes relate. They work in a bakery and there are tons of references whoopie pies, chocolate cake, peanut butter cookies, and crumbly peach pie... but the recipes are completely unrelated.
I'm not sure I can go on with this series. The author's later books aren't perfect, but they are much better. There are novels like a pleasant sugar cookie, but there's too many lumps of unmixed powder in this earlier work.
Pros: I like the way this series explores the interactions of Amish and non-Amish. The romance angle kept me guessing: for a good 2/3rds of the book, I couldn't guess whether the female protagonist would end up with A or B. I liked the broad themes of the main character's grief story: love, loss, confusion, sense of betrayal, hurt, healing, hope, etc.
Cons: Some of the conversations are really repetitive - why does the sister/father/mother/whomever have to repeat on the page the entire verbatim conversation to the next person? I just read the same conversation a paragraph ago. We're not even talking about "telephone" changes, just straight up "then she said" dialogue. Judicious use of a phrase like "she relayed everything that she knew, sparing no detail" would have saved 4 pages at least throughout the novel.
The use of scripture/prayer is really heavy-handed and awkward compared to later novels by this author. The mom quotes the same one several times with no new reflection or application to the current situation. She just repeats it. ohkaythen. An "impediment" for 3/4 of the book is airily dismissed when someone is reminded of a convenient bible passage. Scripture is not my thing, but I appreciate that other people like to reflect on such things. That's great, but the author needs to explain how such a character would interpret that into their own life. Even among scripture fans there are multiple ways to apply and interpret a passage. She does this better in later books.
Last - everyone is so patronizing to the young widow. Come on already, she's an adult, quit making decisions for her and having conversations for her that she should be having. I get that she's Amish, but in other parts she is clearly written not to be a doormouse, she just acts like one with her family.
Last quibble - if you're going to pepper full recipes throughout a novel (I'm not sure why that's a thing), at least make the recipes relate. They work in a bakery and there are tons of references whoopie pies, chocolate cake, peanut butter cookies, and crumbly peach pie... but the recipes are completely unrelated.
I'm not sure I can go on with this series. The author's later books aren't perfect, but they are much better. There are novels like a pleasant sugar cookie, but there's too many lumps of unmixed powder in this earlier work.
April 17, 2010
Title: A PROMISE OF HOPE
Author: Amy Clipston
Publisher: Zondervan
March 2010
ISBN: 978-0-310-28984-5
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Sarah Rose Troyer is mourning the death of her beloved husband, Peter, and expecting a baby. She doesn’t know how she’ll manage to be a single mother, and is even more upset when an ultrasound reveals she’s actually having twins.
Luke Troyer makes his home in Ohio, but when a family friend comes into the shop claiming she hasn’t heard from him in a while, Luke is concerned. He agrees to go to Pennsylvania to search for Peter.
When Luke arrives in Bird-in-Hand he discovers that Peter is dead, but Peter’s extended family is quick to take him in. Luke quickly develops feelings for the very pregnant Sarah Rose, but knows she’s in mourning…plus she is struggling with having discovered that her husband has lied to her all along. What will it take for Sarah ever be able to trust a man again?
A PROMISE OF HOPE is book two in Ms. Clipston’s Kauffman Amish Bakery series by Ms. Clipston, but it easily stands alone. I enjoyed reading the book, but the premise of the story did bother me a bit. Luke lost a lot of respect with me by the way he handled certain situations.
I enjoyed getting to know the close Kauffman family and Luke, and learning about Peter’s secrets, and I’m looking forward to the third book in this series. If you like Amish stories, then A PROMISE OF HOPE is a book that you’ll want to consider. $12.99. 304 pages.
Author: Amy Clipston
Publisher: Zondervan
March 2010
ISBN: 978-0-310-28984-5
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Sarah Rose Troyer is mourning the death of her beloved husband, Peter, and expecting a baby. She doesn’t know how she’ll manage to be a single mother, and is even more upset when an ultrasound reveals she’s actually having twins.
Luke Troyer makes his home in Ohio, but when a family friend comes into the shop claiming she hasn’t heard from him in a while, Luke is concerned. He agrees to go to Pennsylvania to search for Peter.
When Luke arrives in Bird-in-Hand he discovers that Peter is dead, but Peter’s extended family is quick to take him in. Luke quickly develops feelings for the very pregnant Sarah Rose, but knows she’s in mourning…plus she is struggling with having discovered that her husband has lied to her all along. What will it take for Sarah ever be able to trust a man again?
A PROMISE OF HOPE is book two in Ms. Clipston’s Kauffman Amish Bakery series by Ms. Clipston, but it easily stands alone. I enjoyed reading the book, but the premise of the story did bother me a bit. Luke lost a lot of respect with me by the way he handled certain situations.
I enjoyed getting to know the close Kauffman family and Luke, and learning about Peter’s secrets, and I’m looking forward to the third book in this series. If you like Amish stories, then A PROMISE OF HOPE is a book that you’ll want to consider. $12.99. 304 pages.
July 2, 2024
3.5 + As other reviewers had mentioned, possibly not as good at the first one.
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
***
An Amish widow with newborn twins discovers her deceased husband had disturbing secrets. As she tries to come to grips with the past, she considers a loveless marriage to ensure stability for her young family . . . with her faith in God hanging in the balance.
Sarah Troyer never expected to raise her children on her own, but when her husband dies in a tragic accident, she finds refuge in the home of her parents in the Amish community of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Sarah is taken completely by surprise when a stranger arrives claiming connections to her husband’s past—even though he 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 her children, 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?”
##
This story is a heart breaker. Sarah loses her husband in an accidental fire. She is expecting twins at the time.
Her family staunchly stands by her, protecting her and the children when a stranger appears. He looks familiar but Sarah knows she has never seen him before. Then she discovers he from her husband’s home town.
As the story unfolds, there are secrets galore and the stranger David, her brother and her late husband kept or are keeping information from her. When she discovers what it is she has lost her trust, in these men and understandably, is angry and upset.
Sarah is a strong woman, steadfast in her faith yet forgiveness is not easy for her. She takes the information she has, and seeks to determine how accurate it is and to decide what she will do if it is true.
This story is much different than book 1 but just as intense, just different circumstances. You can even feel for Peter and with compassion sense his own anguish over his decisions and why he made them and how to tell his wife about them. His time came before he was able to divulge his secret leaving Sarah to deal with it upon discovery.
###
How she met Peter
She’d met him at a youth gathering when she was nineteen, and she was smitten the moment she laid eyes on his handsome face and gorgeous hazel eyes. Peter was mysterious, explaining only that he’d been raised by an older Amish couple in Ohio after his parents died in an accident, and he had no siblings. He’d sold his adopted parents’ farm to pay off their debts after they died and then moved to Lancaster when he was eighteen to be closer to his adopted father’s brother, who lived in a neighboring Lancaster County town. After moving to Lancaster County, he had mostly kept to himself. Sarah knew nothing more about his background, and she’d never met his uncle before Peter died. But it didn’t matter to her. She’d quickly fallen madly in love with Peter.
Regarding Sarah's attitude:
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
***
An Amish widow with newborn twins discovers her deceased husband had disturbing secrets. As she tries to come to grips with the past, she considers a loveless marriage to ensure stability for her young family . . . with her faith in God hanging in the balance.
Sarah Troyer never expected to raise her children on her own, but when her husband dies in a tragic accident, she finds refuge in the home of her parents in the Amish community of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Sarah is taken completely by surprise when a stranger arrives claiming connections to her husband’s past—even though he 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 her children, 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?”
##
This story is a heart breaker. Sarah loses her husband in an accidental fire. She is expecting twins at the time.
Her family staunchly stands by her, protecting her and the children when a stranger appears. He looks familiar but Sarah knows she has never seen him before. Then she discovers he from her husband’s home town.
As the story unfolds, there are secrets galore and the stranger David, her brother and her late husband kept or are keeping information from her. When she discovers what it is she has lost her trust, in these men and understandably, is angry and upset.
Sarah is a strong woman, steadfast in her faith yet forgiveness is not easy for her. She takes the information she has, and seeks to determine how accurate it is and to decide what she will do if it is true.
This story is much different than book 1 but just as intense, just different circumstances. You can even feel for Peter and with compassion sense his own anguish over his decisions and why he made them and how to tell his wife about them. His time came before he was able to divulge his secret leaving Sarah to deal with it upon discovery.
###
How she met Peter
She’d met him at a youth gathering when she was nineteen, and she was smitten the moment she laid eyes on his handsome face and gorgeous hazel eyes. Peter was mysterious, explaining only that he’d been raised by an older Amish couple in Ohio after his parents died in an accident, and he had no siblings. He’d sold his adopted parents’ farm to pay off their debts after they died and then moved to Lancaster when he was eighteen to be closer to his adopted father’s brother, who lived in a neighboring Lancaster County town. After moving to Lancaster County, he had mostly kept to himself. Sarah knew nothing more about his background, and she’d never met his uncle before Peter died. But it didn’t matter to her. She’d quickly fallen madly in love with Peter.
Regarding Sarah's attitude:
June 17, 2010
This is the second book in the Kauffman Amish Bakery series and the book that made me realise that Clipston is definitely my favourite author of Amish fiction. Beverly Lewis may well have earned a name for herself but I’ve fallen in love with the Kauffman novels. Clipston portrays the Amish as normal people who have the same problems as us “Englishers” and have to rely on God to help them through these struggles. I particularly like the fact that Clipston mentions specific Bible verses through her novels, rather than simply having vague references to characters praying. I really got the feeling that these characters looked to the Lord when they experienced problems. I also loved the sense of community that exists in the Kauffman family. I really envy the togetherness and commitment of Amish communities, which Clipston captures beautifully. I wasn’t completely sure what to think of the storyline initially, as the idea of an Amish husband with a hidden past seemed a bit over-the-top, but it panned out wonderfully and I really felt the emotions of Sarah Rose and Luke. I’ve rather fallen in love with Clipston’s characters and I hope that the epilogue was hinting at a third book in the series about Sarah Rose’s brother Timothy. Another 10/10 from my favourite Amish author!
January 16, 2016
Sarah was married to Peter Troyer and was expecting a child. Her husband worked at the Kauffman and Yodler Furniture store. There as an terrible fire at the furniture store and Peter died in it. Sarah is grieving for her husband and moves back in to her parents home. Her parents are trying to love and support their grieving daughter.She find out later that she is expecting twins and she is still sad for they will not know their dad.
Luke Troyer is shocked to find out that his family member is dead, and that he was still Amish, and that he had a family. Even more dismaying to Luke is the jealousy he feels because Peter had this wonderful family. He finds himself very attracted to Peter's widow, and is sure that is not a good thing, but he just cannot deny that attraction.
A wonderful story of how good can come from the ashes of sorrow and pain. Each book in this series just has you longing for the next one.
Luke Troyer is shocked to find out that his family member is dead, and that he was still Amish, and that he had a family. Even more dismaying to Luke is the jealousy he feels because Peter had this wonderful family. He finds himself very attracted to Peter's widow, and is sure that is not a good thing, but he just cannot deny that attraction.
A wonderful story of how good can come from the ashes of sorrow and pain. Each book in this series just has you longing for the next one.
August 19, 2017
Amy Clipston is master of the bittersweet romance. This one was so sad! I couldn't stand Peter for lying to Sarah. Then after he dies, she tries to figure out all of his secrets, and is shocked by how many he had. I couldn't believe he had a kid with another woman and didn't tell her.
Luke was so sweet and was a much better match for her than Peter. I liked him a lot.
Luke was so sweet and was a much better match for her than Peter. I liked him a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2014
Truly enjoyed this story - the continuation of the kauffmans. Sarah finds she is pregnant with twins shortly after the tragic accident that took her husband's life and she discovers that her husband had secrets.
August 20, 2010
I enjoyed reading this book, shows how the Lord works. You just need to listen!
June 8, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. I love reading Amy's books.
May 25, 2015
loved this one more than the last :) can't wait to read the next one.
May 18, 2016
Good story. Miss the mystery that I've been reading.
July 19, 2015
Book #1 of 3.....Very good story. Again, the book held my interest. I hated to put it down.
December 4, 2019
This story is a heart breaker. Sarah loses her husband in an accidental fire. She is expecting twins at the time.
Her family staunchly stands by her, protecting her and the children when a stranger appears. He looks familiar but Sarah knows she has never seen him before. Then she discovers he from her husband’s home town.
As the story unfolds, there are secrets galore and the stranger David, her brother and her late husband kept or are keeping information from her. When she discovers what it is she has lost her trust, in these men and understandably, is angry and upset.
Sarah is a strong woman, steadfast in her faith yet forgiveness is not easy for her. She takes the information she has, and seeks to determine how accurate it is and to decide what she will do if it is true.
This story is much different than book 1 but just as intense, just different circumstances. You can even feel for Peter and with compassion sense his own anguish over his decisions and why he made them and how to tell his wife about them. His time came before he was able to divulge his secret leaving Sarah to deal with it upon discovery.
With the love and assistance of her family, she can and does. No two books in a series are alike and each should be read as if they are individual event though part of a whole. The author handles the situations well, with skill and compassion.
Her family staunchly stands by her, protecting her and the children when a stranger appears. He looks familiar but Sarah knows she has never seen him before. Then she discovers he from her husband’s home town.
As the story unfolds, there are secrets galore and the stranger David, her brother and her late husband kept or are keeping information from her. When she discovers what it is she has lost her trust, in these men and understandably, is angry and upset.
Sarah is a strong woman, steadfast in her faith yet forgiveness is not easy for her. She takes the information she has, and seeks to determine how accurate it is and to decide what she will do if it is true.
This story is much different than book 1 but just as intense, just different circumstances. You can even feel for Peter and with compassion sense his own anguish over his decisions and why he made them and how to tell his wife about them. His time came before he was able to divulge his secret leaving Sarah to deal with it upon discovery.
With the love and assistance of her family, she can and does. No two books in a series are alike and each should be read as if they are individual event though part of a whole. The author handles the situations well, with skill and compassion.
November 5, 2021
Sarah had a plan for her life. After she married Peter they planned on having several kids and grow old together. When he was killed in a tragic accident shortly after they learned they were pregnant with their first child, Sarah didn't know how she was going to go on. With the support of her family, she learns to move on, and when they discover she's pregnant with twins she starts to question how God could possibly let her raise two children on her own. When Luke appears at their door, and she discovers Peter wasn't who she thought he was and maybe her whole life with him was a lie. Can she accept that people aren't always what they seem and move on with her life into the future God has planned for her?
I had already read the first and third books in this series, which I reviewed earlier this year, so the ending of this book wasn't a surprise to me. I did enjoy the series, which is why I went back and got the other 3 books and will read them next. The books also include really good sounding recipes which is a bonus
I had already read the first and third books in this series, which I reviewed earlier this year, so the ending of this book wasn't a surprise to me. I did enjoy the series, which is why I went back and got the other 3 books and will read them next. The books also include really good sounding recipes which is a bonus
January 24, 2021
The second book in the Kauffman Amish Bakery series is a little more somber in tone. Sarah is struggling after the death of her husband that happened only months ago. She is pregnant and facing life as a single mother, though she has a tight-knit family around her, it's not the same.
Sarah's life is turned upside down yet again when a stranger arrives in town, claiming to be related to her husband. Her husband told her he had no family left.
Sarah is devastated as she tries to unravel the mystery of her husband's past, wondering if the love she thought they shared was even real.
Luke and Sarah grow close but the more secrets that unravel, the more their growing relationship is threatened.
This was a bit of a bitter-sweet read. I loved the chemistry between Sarah and Luke, and I loved how their feelings for each other unraveled slowly and wasn't rushed.
Being Amish fiction, it was a clean read. I highly recommend this series and can't wait to read more of the Kauffman family.
Sarah's life is turned upside down yet again when a stranger arrives in town, claiming to be related to her husband. Her husband told her he had no family left.
Sarah is devastated as she tries to unravel the mystery of her husband's past, wondering if the love she thought they shared was even real.
Luke and Sarah grow close but the more secrets that unravel, the more their growing relationship is threatened.
This was a bit of a bitter-sweet read. I loved the chemistry between Sarah and Luke, and I loved how their feelings for each other unraveled slowly and wasn't rushed.
Being Amish fiction, it was a clean read. I highly recommend this series and can't wait to read more of the Kauffman family.
July 13, 2023
Sarah Rose Troyer just learned she’s expecting a baby, then loses her husband Peter in a terrible accident. Peter had no other living family. She moves back in with her parents, while continuing to work at her mother’s bakery and missing her husband. Her friend Norman Zook, a widower with two daughters, looks in on her occasionally, offering any help he can give during her mourning. A new man in town, Luke Troyer, says he’s related to Peter and wants to help Sarah Rose because her baby is his kin. Sarah Rose is confused that her husband never told her about his living family, but as time goes on, she learns many things about Peter that she didn’t know and wonders if their marriage was a lie. She can’t believe that she will ever love or marry again, in spite of what her mom tells her. Little does she know what lies ahead for her and her children after the heartache.
June 2, 2020
Another simple, fun, and wholesome read. While the concepts are heavy, the execution is simplistic. Previous reviews mentioned the author uses synonyms for “walked” instead of saying, “walked” and some don’t quite fit. It’s true, but not a big deal and I’m happy to replace “schlepped” and “sidled” with “walked” when I read to make the sentence flow better.
These books are edifying though sometimes silly in their simplicity. While the Amish culture is utterly romanticized, sometimes a little fantasy is a nice break from reality.
Also the characters could really tone down the drama if they communicated better. Nonetheless, the main characters are nice and seeing Eli be more than gruff (book 1) is pleasant.
These books are edifying though sometimes silly in their simplicity. While the Amish culture is utterly romanticized, sometimes a little fantasy is a nice break from reality.
Also the characters could really tone down the drama if they communicated better. Nonetheless, the main characters are nice and seeing Eli be more than gruff (book 1) is pleasant.
February 26, 2019
A Promise of Hope is the second book by Amy Clipston in the Kauffman Amish bakery series. Although it is not necessary to read the books in order, I do think it helps to read the first book prior to reading this one. I read book one a month or two before reading book 2. I found that I had all ready forgotten some of the characters and their relationships, because there are a lot of different names to keep track of. By the 3rd chapter or so, I was back on track.
Overall, a light and entertaining read with messages of faith and hope for the future. The pacing was a bit slow at times, but I enjoyed it. I plan to read the next book in the series.
Overall, a light and entertaining read with messages of faith and hope for the future. The pacing was a bit slow at times, but I enjoyed it. I plan to read the next book in the series.
October 2, 2024
The pieces were there for a lovely story of hope and forgiveness, but they didn’t come together cohesively. The story ended up a little tough like bread dough with too much flour (har har)
I found Sarah’s attitude difficult - I know it’s tempting as a human to wallow in pain when betrayed, but the spitefulness in her attitude felt weird coming from a woman who was apparently raised in a home and community where that wasn’t modeled widely.
Timothy was kind of pigheaded the whole book and it was hard to care when he had a bright spot at the end of the book. Too little too late and all that.
I found Sarah’s attitude difficult - I know it’s tempting as a human to wallow in pain when betrayed, but the spitefulness in her attitude felt weird coming from a woman who was apparently raised in a home and community where that wasn’t modeled widely.
Timothy was kind of pigheaded the whole book and it was hard to care when he had a bright spot at the end of the book. Too little too late and all that.
January 17, 2023
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked how we focus on another member of the Kauffman family, this time on Sarah Rose. Sarah’s husband died on a fire in the first book so she’s a young widow who’s also pregnant.
I really liked Sarah’s character, even when she’s hurting and angry she manages to forgive with God’s help and blessing.
I really loved the chemistry between Sarah and Luke. I have to say even the angst was really well written.
I also really loved that we still get to see all of the characters from the previous book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked how we focus on another member of the Kauffman family, this time on Sarah Rose. Sarah’s husband died on a fire in the first book so she’s a young widow who’s also pregnant.
I really liked Sarah’s character, even when she’s hurting and angry she manages to forgive with God’s help and blessing.
I really loved the chemistry between Sarah and Luke. I have to say even the angst was really well written.
I also really loved that we still get to see all of the characters from the previous book.
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