Hope Chest of Dreams Series by Lisa Jones Baker

A hand-carved hope chest holds a woman’s treasures and dreams in this Amish romance series debut “written with tenderness and simplicity” (Joan Wester Anderson, New York Times –bestselling author).Rebecca Sommer never thought her plan to wed would bring 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... moreA hand-carved hope chest holds a woman’s treasures and dreams in this Amish romance series debut “written with tenderness and simplicity” (Joan Wester Anderson, New York Times –bestselling author).Rebecca Sommer never thought her plan to wed would bring 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 . . .“Baker lays the familiar groundwork of a close-knit Amish community, but the heart of this romance goes far beyond stereotypes . . . The prayers and faith are respectfully illustrated, and Baker emphasizes the conviction required to hold to Amish traditions while surrounded by 21st century conveniences, providing an unusual and welcome level of insight into the characters’ inner lives.”— Publishers Weekly , starred review less

Three young Amish women, each gifted with a hand-carved hope chest, find that one by one, with patience and faith, their most blessed dreams for the future can come true... Annie Mast and Levi Miller were best friends until his father was shunned by the church. Now, ten years later, Levi has returned to Arthur, Illinois, for a brief visit, and he and Annie discover their bond is as strong as ever... moreThree young Amish women, each gifted with a hand-carved hope chest, find that one by one, with patience and faith, their most blessed dreams for the future can come true... Annie Mast and Levi Miller were best friends until his father was shunned by the church. Now, ten years later, Levi has returned to Arthur, Illinois, for a brief visit, and he and Annie discover their bond is as strong as ever. Spending as much time together as possible, Annie finds herself dreaming of a future with Levi. And Levi is soon dreaming of building a home on a beautiful local hillside--to live in with Annie. Yet their longings are unlikely to become reality... Levi is part of the English world, and while Annie cannot see herself there, she knows she must reveal her heart's truth to him. And Levi, strongly reminded of his Amish roots, knows he must heal the bitterness of the past. And together, with love on their side, they just may find their way to an answered prayer... less

Patience, faith--and the hopes and dreams within their hand-carved hope chests--help to bring three young Amish women, one by one, the blessed futures their hearts desire... Rachel Kauffman and Jarred Zimmerman seem to have nothing in common. She's the outgoing youngest of a large, close-knit Amish clan, and longs to raise a brood of her own near those she loves... morePatience, faith--and the hopes and dreams within their hand-carved hope chests--help to bring three young Amish women, one by one, the blessed futures their hearts desire... Rachel Kauffman and Jarred Zimmerman seem to have nothing in common. She's the outgoing youngest of a large, close-knit Amish clan, and longs to raise a brood of her own near those she loves. Estranged from his family by tragedy, Jarred is a young veterinarian who trusts the animals he heals far more than he trusts people. However, when Rachel's beloved horse falls ill, Jarred's struggles to save him show Rachel he's a man who cares deeply. And the respect he feels for her gentle warmhearted ways soon becomes an irresistible bond... When Rachel tries to help Jarred reunite with his parents, it is an unexpected blessing--with one complication. If he takes this chance to put his past to rest, it could separate him and Rachel for good. Now, with prayer, love--and her hope chest's small miracles--Jarred and Rachel must find the courage to reconcile their wishes into a joyous life together. -Written with tenderness and simplicity.- --New York Times bestselling author Joan Wester Anderson, on Rebecca's Bouquet less