Wanda Brunstetter’s third book in her Prayer Jar trilogy, THE HEALING JAR, finds Lenore Lapp wondering if she’ll even find a love like her cousin Sara has and Michelle, the impostor who became like a granddaughter to Lenore’s grandparents. Lenore moves in with Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp to help Mary Ruth care for Willis after he suffers a stroke. When summer ends, Lenore will go back to her teaching job but would prefer to be home as someone’s wife and a mother.

At church, Lenore meets Jesse Smucker, new to their Amish community. Jesse has moved here from Kentucky with his six-month-old daughter after his wife died, so he could live close to his wife’s family and have help caring for baby Cindy. His aunt is getting up in years, and the baby is more than she can handle. Jesse needs to find someone to keep Cindy while he works. When he learns Lenore is available until school starts back, he asks her to fill that position. Lenore hopes for more than just babysitting. She hopes for a relationship with Jesse, but Jesse doesn’t think he could ever love another woman like his Esther.

After a few weeks, Jesse begins to invite Lenore out socially, but never mentions courting, as is the Amish custom. Lenore’s hopes rise as they become good friends. Then one day Jesse pops the question … “Will you marry me?” Lenore is elated and readily answers with a resounding “Yes!” But are Jesse’s intentions honorable? Does he love Lenore, or would this only be a marriage of convenience?

Wanda Brunstetter has brought us a delightful trilogy set in Pennsylvania Amish country. As she opens THE HEALING JAR, she does a great job of setting the backstory and relationship of the characters, in case readers did not have an opportunity to enjoy the first two books. Lenore is a strong character with a very caring heart. The story line pulls the supporting characters in, updating their status and adding to their stories. They all experience tragedy and loss but put their strong faith in God to see them through. In the end, God is faithful to bring answers to their questions and resolve hurts and hang-ups that have plagued them. THE HEALING JAR is a wonderful story about change, hidden secrets, and healing. Don’t miss any of this series!

Book Summary