THE GIFT OF HOPE by Kristen McKanagh

"Her gift and his love bring them together"

The Gift of Hope

Posted: April 27, 2021

Hope Beiler is determined to gift her sister and her future husband a new bed frame for their wedding, but that might be a problem. The best carpenter in their community is Aaron Kanagy and his family has feuded with hers for years. And Hope has little money to spare. They managed to come up with a deal where she works for his family gift shop and he will have the extra time for working on the bed. Things seem to work but the old animosity rears it's head the THE GIFT OF HOPE may be lost to anger and distrust.

THE GIFT OF HOPE is an intriguing read. Kristen McKanagh (aka Abigail Owen and Kadie Scott) brings fans an alternative style of book to read as she presents her first Amish book. As with anything written by this author, readers are treated to an amazing offering. Though I know only a little of the Amish lifestyle, it was easily pictured in my head as I read THE GIFT OF HOPE. My one complaint, though not a big obstacle, it would have been nice to have a glossary of the German dialect words used throughout this book That said, THE GIFT OF HOPE is an easy to read, very much enjoyable book that looks at another way of life but yet parallels everyday life for many. There is loss, new beginnings, family feuds that were fueled by past grievances and romance in their world just as in the English world.

Hope is a strong woman, who has tried to face the world around her and make the best of it all, though she feels as if the one person she might be able to love, will never return those feelings. Aaron is a complicated man, who just wants to build furniture. But the family gift shop is what he is expected to help run despite everyone knowing where his heart lays - duty is duty. When Hope offers him a way to have time for his woodworking he is more than glad to take it and more than glad to get to know Hope better. But the foolish feud and a misunderstanding might be the end of his hopes.

I must admit to being teary-eyed when Hope ran from the house (you will have to read THE GIFT OF HOPE to find out why) and she comes to Aaron's gift for her. This will tell you the depth of his feelings as nothing else could. It was something she treasured and something he could fix for her. A sweet, sweet moment.

If you want something different and need an escape from the worries of life get your hands on THE GIFT OF HOPE and enjoy.

Book Summary

A cheerful giver is twice blessed in this first novel in an Amish series by Kristen McKanagh.

Hope Beiler needs Aaron Kanagy's help. She is determined to give her sister a beautiful new bed frame as a wedding present, and Aaron is the best carpenter around. Unfortunately, she can't move past something he said when they were younger...and there's unexplained animosity between their fathers that makes interacting difficult.

Aaron wishes he could spend more time honing his woodworking craft, but his parents need help running their gift shop. When Hope approaches him with a solution that will allow them both to achieve their goals, he accepts. As they work together, Aaron finds himself captivated by Hope and an idea forms....

Unfortunately, Hope's already wounded pride means she doesn't give him the answer he expects. At the same time, her father discovers what they've been doing and forbids Hope from seeing the Kanagys anymore. As secrets from the past come to light, will Gotte be able to teach two strong-willed souls--and their families--that pride comes before every fall, but hope helps us rise again?