Review: The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Every year, 30-40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides!

Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love and be married. Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

My Review

This book had much more depth than I expected! Sarah had a wonderful childhood with best friend Patty, but they were separated as young adults when Patty was killed in an accident. Sarah has been grieving the loss deeply, and it has affected all aspects of her life. The book begins two years later, when Sarah has started to make an effort socially, and find friendship and romance where she doesn't expect it. Flashbacks to scenes from growing up with Patty show how much influence her friend had on her and the provenance of the objects in her memory jar (which she has been collecting for several years, not just since Patty's death as stated in the synopsis). I really felt for Jathan, who has dreams of his own but feels conflicted by the commandment to honor his parents who want to run his life in a direction he doesn't want to go. Sarah gives him the courage to pursue his career in business and expand his mother's bakery, and it's a new adventure for her as well. It was easy to connect with the emotions of the characters as they experienced ups and downs, obstacles and triumphs. Definitely recommend for fans of Amish fiction!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.