Molly Jebber

Many of us have done something in our lives that we regret and hope we can undo the harm caused by it. We want to be accepted, forgiven and loved. The author has written a character that exemplifies what it feels like to make a mistake and be treated harshly. I could relate to Ellie in her pain and desperate hope that people in her community will forgive her. It is not easy for her as some members in the town still judge her and gossip about her.

I loved how the author gave us a character show more that takes us through her walk of finding freedom from her past. It is a beautifully written story that made tears run down my eyes. Ellie can't undo the past, but she can be an example to others of how God forgives us.

Joel is a good character and Ellie is hopeful that their friendship will turn into something more. The dynamics of his family is similar to Ellie's in the sense that they have both suffered loss. Joel has heard rumors about what Ellie did when she left the Amish but he has ignored it until the day Ellie tells him about her past. The ache in Ellie's heart was powerful when Joel reacts unexpectedly after listening to her confess about her past. There is a strong element of judgment in the story and a great lesson about forgiveness.

There is a character in the book that really stood out to me. This character is so hurt by a loss, that she seems to not want to forgive Ellie for her mistakes because it hits close to home. I understood her grief and loved reading how she needed to work through her bitterness. The author did an excellent job of showing how loss can make us become bitter and have a hard time opening up to others. I loved this character because she was relatable and realistic.

I have come to expect the best quality of writing and development of characters from this author. She once again has not let me down. This is one of her best stories about forgiveness and many of us can relate to Ellie; not because she is Amish but because we know the pain of rejection and being judged for our past. I loved the story and how the author allows us a glimpse into the Amish world. I loved reading about the bakery and all the delicious breads and pastries they made for customers. The ending is eloquently written and reminds readers how forgiveness heals a broken and bitter heart.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. show less

What I think you should know:
Magdalena’s Choice is the fifth book in the Amish Charm Bakery series by Molly Jebber. While this book can be a standalone I recommend reading the previous books in the series so that you get the stories and back stories that build up to this book. The story is set in 1914 in an Ohio community where Amish families and English families still lived and worked in close proximity with each other. This book follows Magdalena and Toby who we have met in previous show more books.

What I think about this book:
Jebber once again whisked me away to 1914 Charm, Ohio, a community whose residents have captured my imagination. By the fifth book in a series I feel like I am dropping in on old friends and this book was no exception. Toby’s character captured me before Magdalena’s due to the sacrifices that he has made for his family. I was very excited to see him get his chance at a happy ending. I really appreciate the details that Jebber put into this book and the way that she used some of the supporting characters to show that even though the Amish strive to set themselves apart they still have many struggles that other Christian communities struggle with. This was a wonderful addition to the series, I look forward to reading more about this community in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. show less

Magdelena’s Choice by Molly Jebber is the fifth novel in the An Amish Charm Bakery series. Each book in An Amish Charm Bakery series can be read as a standalone. If you read them in order, it will allow you to become immersed in Charm and the lives of the ladies who work at the bakery. I thought Magdelena’s Choice contained good writing, and the story moved along at a steady pace. I like the characters in the story. I thought they were realistic, and their attitudes suited the time show more period. We get to meet Abram and Annie Hook who have just moved to Charm. Toby and Magdelena befriend the couple. We get to catch up with the characters from the other four novels in the series. I thought this was a clean, sweet Amish romance. I was not a fan of the repetition. Certain details are repeated over and over. I liked the issues raised in Magdelena’s Choice. Sometimes you need to be patient and wait for God’s timing. In the meantime, you must pray and continue to do good works. Charity Beachy was a delight. She is such a precocious child. She certainly knows who she wants to marry when she is old enough. I thought Charity and Peter were adorable together. I like how people supported Magdelena and Toby. It can be hard to be obedient when you want to follow your heart. The delicious items at the bakery will have your mouth watering. You will find yourself craving whoopie pies and snickerdoodles. Magdelena’s Choice is a charming Amish tale with scrumptious pastries, a clever and crafty Charity, an insistent suitor, a forceful father, compassionate mates, and a firm faith. show less

I loved getting to know Rachel better in this last book of the series. We are able to understand her loss better as the author shares how she lost her intended husband. It is mentioned that Rachel has a limp due to the accident which I think has caused her to be a little self conscious. I adore how Rachel is so caring and humble.

The author gives us a story where Rachel finds herself being pursued by two men. I know it was hard for Rachel to make a decision but I was happy with her choice show more and was hoping for a happily ever after. However complications set in when Rachel tells Caleb something that she feels will cause him not to want to marry her. I loved the turmoil that we witness as Rachel is torn about who to marry.

The author shows readers how important it is to rely on your faith and to trust God to show you the right direction for you life. I liked both men and at times I could understand why Rachel had a difficult decision. Nathan wants a mother for his children but does he truly love Rachel? Caleb loves Rachel and the feeling are mutual but Rachel believes he will be unhappy because she can’t give him a family.

This story is filled with emotions that will make you cry as well as give you hope as we follow Rachel on her journey to find happiness. There is one character in the story that really tried my patience. She was very selfish and demanding. Her heart is bitter and jealous as she finds out that her future is in jeopardy. This character teaches us that bitterness causes us to become closed off from feelings of joy. The author does an excellent job of illustrating how envy can become something that pulls you away from God’s plan for your life.

I loved the surprises in the story and how faith plays a big part in showing how we should never give up on happiness. This is a beautiful story about family, love, community and faith as we close out this series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. show less