The MEMORY JAR {Seven Brides For Seven Bachelors} by Tricia Goyer

Book Description:  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. 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 Thoughts: I love books that Tricia Goyer pens!  First of all, the reader knows that the story will be interesting and that there will be sweet romance.

I love the quote that is on the page before the preface:  "The Lord God fashioned us for mighty ends, and nothing less than following that for which He made us can heal our restlessness of heart."  -Arthur John (A.J.) Gossip...this quote [in my opinion]  is the "idea" for the whole story.  

Sarah has had a terrible heartbreak and her heart just.can't.take.the.pain so she creates a memory jar to hide the emotions of her heart.

But the young men come!  And wow!  every young woman's dream...young men everywhere...living in the small town of Kootenai, Montana, gaining resident status to hunt in the fall. Now, Sarah has guarded her heart and keeps the memory jar, never allowing her heart to feel emotions.

Then Jathan Schrock shows up in her small community and he begins to not only notice Sarah but they begin to talk.  Sarah is hesitant.  Can her heart actually take on a friend again?  Can God heal her restless heart?  A heart that seems covered in pain?

Well, as one reads this story the pain of a young woman's heart becomes "real."  

And I loved reading about all the neat cupcakes that Sarah baked!  Baking for others seems to bring Sarah joy.

This is a well written Amish story.  A very enjoyable read for those who love Amish and Christian fiction!  Also, makes a wonderful Christmas present!

*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Original edition (October 23, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310335108
• ISBN-13: 978-0310335108