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farmfreshlisa's review
5.0
I truly do not think I have ever given an Amish fiction book 5 stars. So this book is a first. But let me tell you. When you are sobbing your eyes out by the end, there is only one rating you can give!
For a first experience reading this author, I am amazed. Not only was this the book the 4th in a series I have never read, but i went against the grain and read it without reading the earlier books. Not my normal.
But this book definitely can stand alone. I know it is supposed to answers to the previous three books. It this one told a story all of its own. And now I REALLY want to go back and read the earlier books.
The story of Mattie and Leroy is one of unconditional love. Really it's an example of Gods love for us. How He loves us when we feel unloveable. Holds us when we are broken. Sends us messages and encouragement even when we are running away. And is there to welcome us back with open arms when we are ready to return.
This was a beautiful story. Simply beautiful.
*diaclaimer: I was given this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way for my review.
For a first experience reading this author, I am amazed. Not only was this the book the 4th in a series I have never read, but i went against the grain and read it without reading the earlier books. Not my normal.
But this book definitely can stand alone. I know it is supposed to answers to the previous three books. It this one told a story all of its own. And now I REALLY want to go back and read the earlier books.
The story of Mattie and Leroy is one of unconditional love. Really it's an example of Gods love for us. How He loves us when we feel unloveable. Holds us when we are broken. Sends us messages and encouragement even when we are running away. And is there to welcome us back with open arms when we are ready to return.
This was a beautiful story. Simply beautiful.
*diaclaimer: I was given this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way for my review.
diamondc's review
5.0
This is book four in the Amish Heirloom series. I've read them all and feel like I know the family. Book four didn't disappoint after reading the sister's stories. In this book you learn about their parent's story and the secret they have been keeping for many years. After one of the other daughters discover a box, Mattie must sit her daughters down and tell them the truth. I couldn't put this book down it was so good. I love reading Amy's books because she makes the characters seem real and allow you to connect. Be prepared to laugh & cry. I recommend reading the first three books first. Sad that this series ended.
meezcarrie's review
4.0
Y’all this is such a beautiful story of love and grace and forgiveness. Keep some tissues and yummy comfort food close at hand because you’ll need copious amounts of both before it’s over.
In this final installment in the Amish Heirloom series, Amy Clipston goes back to the beginning – and brings full circle the heirlooms from the first three books. (It is not necessary to have read the first three to enjoy this one, but you’ll appreciate it on a different level if you’ve been following the Fisher family from the start)
Mattie goes through more in a few short months than any woman – or man for that matter – should have to endure. There were moments on these pages where I ugly-cried with her, for her. Moments where I honestly wanted to look away because her pain was so palpable. But at the same time, I found myself riveted. Because through the sea of tears and heartache stands a love so patient, so full of grace, such a picture of Jesus, that I could not stop reading. Leroy’s steadfastness, even in the face of Mattie’s unimaginable grief, is absolutely exquisite.
Bottom Line: The Beloved Hope Chest is heartwrenching in its grief and heartwarming in its love. For fans of the series, everything from previous books will fall into place so beautifully. For those meeting the Fisher family for the first time, you will fall in love – and immediately want to catch up on the books you missed after you’ve finished this one. It’s a testament to patient love as well as the importance of prayer and perseverance. Most of all, it is a story of hope where none seems to exist, a story that entertains while touching the deepest places of a reader’s heart, and the perfect ending to a beloved series!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
In this final installment in the Amish Heirloom series, Amy Clipston goes back to the beginning – and brings full circle the heirlooms from the first three books. (It is not necessary to have read the first three to enjoy this one, but you’ll appreciate it on a different level if you’ve been following the Fisher family from the start)
Mattie goes through more in a few short months than any woman – or man for that matter – should have to endure. There were moments on these pages where I ugly-cried with her, for her. Moments where I honestly wanted to look away because her pain was so palpable. But at the same time, I found myself riveted. Because through the sea of tears and heartache stands a love so patient, so full of grace, such a picture of Jesus, that I could not stop reading. Leroy’s steadfastness, even in the face of Mattie’s unimaginable grief, is absolutely exquisite.
Bottom Line: The Beloved Hope Chest is heartwrenching in its grief and heartwarming in its love. For fans of the series, everything from previous books will fall into place so beautifully. For those meeting the Fisher family for the first time, you will fall in love – and immediately want to catch up on the books you missed after you’ve finished this one. It’s a testament to patient love as well as the importance of prayer and perseverance. Most of all, it is a story of hope where none seems to exist, a story that entertains while touching the deepest places of a reader’s heart, and the perfect ending to a beloved series!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
hannahjoy91's review
3.0
I'll say right off that this book wasn't my favourite and I will explain myself in a minute.
It was sad to finish this series and I'm sure I will be re-reading it soon because I do love it.
The reason it wasn't my favourite was that towards there is the constant repeated back and forth of "I miss you, Please come back home" and "No, I am not good enough. I can't be the wife you deserve".
This annoyed me because it was repeated so often.
Other than that my only fault with this book was that it was very sad. Sadder than all of the previous books.
I did enjoy it overall though!
I really do recommend this whole series and you MUST read them in order!
It was sad to finish this series and I'm sure I will be re-reading it soon because I do love it.
The reason it wasn't my favourite was that towards there is the constant repeated back and forth of "I miss you, Please come back home" and "No, I am not good enough. I can't be the wife you deserve".
This annoyed me because it was repeated so often.
Other than that my only fault with this book was that it was very sad. Sadder than all of the previous books.
I did enjoy it overall though!
I really do recommend this whole series and you MUST read them in order!
nataliesboooks's review
4.0
SUCH a sweet story with vibes of "Love Comes Softly" (which I also really enjoyed).
I also really liked how all 4 of the books in the series fit together. The recipes, basket, and quilt are all used in Mattie's and Leroy's story and it was interesting to see where each of those items came from.
A really sweet story about finding a second chance at love.
I also really liked how all 4 of the books in the series fit together. The recipes, basket, and quilt are all used in Mattie's and Leroy's story and it was interesting to see where each of those items came from.
A really sweet story about finding a second chance at love.
kristi518's review
5.0
All throughout the Amish Heirloom series readers have been teased with a secret surrounding a blue onesie. In this final installment of the series, we finally get to learn the story surrounding this tiny garment. And what a story it is!
I was so glad to finally be able to read Mattie's story. I think it was perfect that her story was the last of the series. Some of the items mentioned in previous books are in this book and we get to discover the entire history of these items and for me, that was really fun and interesting. Readers really get to know Mattie and Leroy in this book. The characters are well-developed and complex. They have flaws and are realistic. It was so easy to forget they were fictional.
The storyline itself was heart-wrenching and romantic at the same time. It is an emotional read for sure. It was easy to sympathize with Mattie as her story was told and to also feel for Leroy. I found myself still thinking about their story long after I put the book down. The story is told at a perfect pace and there isn't one thing I would change. This story was perfection.
Amy's writing, as usual, is second to none. It is so easy to see that she pours her heart into every story she tells and wants to give readers the best story possible. I love the way she creates characters and describes scenes that just automatically pull me into the story and make me forget I'm reading. I actually feel as if I'm part of the story and am witnessing everything first-hand.
This book is a must-read for fans of the genre or anyone looking for a well-written book. Amy is, in my opinion, the BEST author of Amish fiction and her books are to be not only read but treasured. Thank goodness she shares her wonderful ability with us book lovers. This is a book for the keeper shelf.
I was provided a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
I was so glad to finally be able to read Mattie's story. I think it was perfect that her story was the last of the series. Some of the items mentioned in previous books are in this book and we get to discover the entire history of these items and for me, that was really fun and interesting. Readers really get to know Mattie and Leroy in this book. The characters are well-developed and complex. They have flaws and are realistic. It was so easy to forget they were fictional.
The storyline itself was heart-wrenching and romantic at the same time. It is an emotional read for sure. It was easy to sympathize with Mattie as her story was told and to also feel for Leroy. I found myself still thinking about their story long after I put the book down. The story is told at a perfect pace and there isn't one thing I would change. This story was perfection.
Amy's writing, as usual, is second to none. It is so easy to see that she pours her heart into every story she tells and wants to give readers the best story possible. I love the way she creates characters and describes scenes that just automatically pull me into the story and make me forget I'm reading. I actually feel as if I'm part of the story and am witnessing everything first-hand.
This book is a must-read for fans of the genre or anyone looking for a well-written book. Amy is, in my opinion, the BEST author of Amish fiction and her books are to be not only read but treasured. Thank goodness she shares her wonderful ability with us book lovers. This is a book for the keeper shelf.
I was provided a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
booksforchristiangirls's review
4.0
About this book:
“In the final installment of the Amish Heirloom series, the Fisher sisters learn the mystery behind their parents’ marriage—and about the sibling who has never been spoken of.
Mattie Fisher’s three daughters know that she’s been keeping a secret from them. With each item pulled from the beloved family hope chest, they’ve discovered a new clue about their mother’s past.
But there’s a reason Mattie has been keeping her history hidden, and she’s not sure she’s ready to reopen old wounds. Will dredging up the past change the way her children view her? Or her marriage to their father? And can she handle the pain of revisiting the memories that preceded the last few happy decades?
Mattie’s story is one of grief and learning to love again. But like the best things preserved in a hope chest, it's a story of love and redemption born out of heartache—and it's past time to share it.”
Series: Book #4 in the “Amish Heirloom” series. Review of Book #1 Here! #2 Here! & #3 Here!
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are quoted, mentioned, read, talked & thought about; Prayers & asking God why something happened; Thanking God; Church going; Talks about God, His will & having faith; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mattie thinks God is punishing her when *Spoiler* the baby is stillborn *End of Spoiler*; Many mentions of God & His will; Many mentions of prayers, praying & silent prayers over food; Mentions of reading Scriptures & a devotional; Mentions of church services, church going, hymns, ministers & sermons; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; A few mentions of having faith; A couple mentions of youth groups.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘stupid’; A bit of eye rolling & sarcasm; Passing out, Pain & Sobbing (sadness); A nightmare about someone’s death (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of an abusive husband aiming a gun & someone else being killed (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a woman acting like she’s going to be hit & hollered at by her husband (but he never actually does); Mentions of pain & blood; Mentions of violence; Mentions of envy; A few mentions of lies, lying & liars; A couple mentions of a dog that was hit & killed; A couple mentions of a hunting trip; A couple mentions of divorces; A couple mentions of childhood bullies.
Sexual Content- a hand kiss, five cheek kisses, four forehead/head kisses, four barely-above-not-detailed kisses, two semi-detailed kisses, and a detailed kiss; Wanting to be kissed & kiss someone (up to semi-detailed); Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Touches & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); Noticing, Staring, & Smelling; Remembering touches, embraces & noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of marital intimacy, sharing a bed & a wedding night (very lightly hinted at, not specific; there is one part where they go to a bedroom & the door is shut (no details or mentions of what happens)); Mentions of kisses, touches/touching, smelling, & noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of Leroy’s father who left his wife & sons and went to another state with a woman; Mentions of dating, girlfriends & boyfriends; A few mentions of other married couples kissing; A few mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of flirting; Love, falling in love, being married, & the emotions;
*Note: Labor, Pain & *Spoiler* the baby is stillborn and the after feelings *End of Spoiler* (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of miscarriages; Mentions of changing clothes in front of a spouse & the husband’s boxers (nothing sexual, just uncomfortable); A few mentions of hormones.
-Mattie Fisher, age 56/57 {24/25}
-Leroy Fisher, age 57/58 {26}
P.O.V. switches between them
{Set mostly in 1989}
320 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars
{Add ½ star for older girls who have read the previous books in the series}
Have I mentioned that I’m not a pretty crier? I try not to be jealous of those who are pretty criers, but honestly.
Why in the world am I mentioned about (not) being a pretty crier? Y’all. This book. Oh, my goodness. I try not to get emotionally attached to any characters, but it’s so hard when they’re so well written like Mattie & Leroy in this novel. I really enjoyed the previous books in this series and seeing all the hints of the girls’ parents’ story. Actually reading it, however, I was sniffling and just wanted to hug everyone while inwardly bawling for them! (What can I say? I’m a hugger and an emotional wreck.) I definitely recommend reading this series in order, because I got pretty giddy (through my tears, mind you) seeing the raspberry pie recipe, the courtship basket, and the quilt. Talk about tying everything up with a bow!
Aww, well, Miss Amy Clipston did it again with another great series—I’m so sad it’s over, but I’m so looking forward to meeting & getting to know her new characters!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-beloved-hope-chest-by-amy-clipston.html
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the author for this honest review.
“In the final installment of the Amish Heirloom series, the Fisher sisters learn the mystery behind their parents’ marriage—and about the sibling who has never been spoken of.
Mattie Fisher’s three daughters know that she’s been keeping a secret from them. With each item pulled from the beloved family hope chest, they’ve discovered a new clue about their mother’s past.
But there’s a reason Mattie has been keeping her history hidden, and she’s not sure she’s ready to reopen old wounds. Will dredging up the past change the way her children view her? Or her marriage to their father? And can she handle the pain of revisiting the memories that preceded the last few happy decades?
Mattie’s story is one of grief and learning to love again. But like the best things preserved in a hope chest, it's a story of love and redemption born out of heartache—and it's past time to share it.”
Series: Book #4 in the “Amish Heirloom” series. Review of Book #1 Here! #2 Here! & #3 Here!
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are quoted, mentioned, read, talked & thought about; Prayers & asking God why something happened; Thanking God; Church going; Talks about God, His will & having faith; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mattie thinks God is punishing her when *Spoiler*
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘stupid’; A bit of eye rolling & sarcasm; Passing out, Pain & Sobbing (sadness); A nightmare about someone’s death (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of an abusive husband aiming a gun & someone else being killed (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a woman acting like she’s going to be hit & hollered at by her husband (but he never actually does); Mentions of pain & blood; Mentions of violence; Mentions of envy; A few mentions of lies, lying & liars; A couple mentions of a dog that was hit & killed; A couple mentions of a hunting trip; A couple mentions of divorces; A couple mentions of childhood bullies.
Sexual Content- a hand kiss, five cheek kisses, four forehead/head kisses, four barely-above-not-detailed kisses, two semi-detailed kisses, and a detailed kiss; Wanting to be kissed & kiss someone (up to semi-detailed); Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Touches & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); Noticing, Staring, & Smelling; Remembering touches, embraces & noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of marital intimacy, sharing a bed & a wedding night (very lightly hinted at, not specific; there is one part where they go to a bedroom & the door is shut (no details or mentions of what happens)); Mentions of kisses, touches/touching, smelling, & noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of Leroy’s father who left his wife & sons and went to another state with a woman; Mentions of dating, girlfriends & boyfriends; A few mentions of other married couples kissing; A few mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of flirting; Love, falling in love, being married, & the emotions;
*Note: Labor, Pain & *Spoiler*
-Mattie Fisher, age 56/57 {24/25}
-Leroy Fisher, age 57/58 {26}
P.O.V. switches between them
{Set mostly in 1989}
320 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars
{Add ½ star for older girls who have read the previous books in the series}
Have I mentioned that I’m not a pretty crier? I try not to be jealous of those who are pretty criers, but honestly.
Why in the world am I mentioned about (not) being a pretty crier? Y’all. This book. Oh, my goodness. I try not to get emotionally attached to any characters, but it’s so hard when they’re so well written like Mattie & Leroy in this novel. I really enjoyed the previous books in this series and seeing all the hints of the girls’ parents’ story. Actually reading it, however, I was sniffling and just wanted to hug everyone while inwardly bawling for them! (What can I say? I’m a hugger and an emotional wreck.) I definitely recommend reading this series in order, because I got pretty giddy (through my tears, mind you) seeing the raspberry pie recipe, the courtship basket, and the quilt. Talk about tying everything up with a bow!
Aww, well, Miss Amy Clipston did it again with another great series—I’m so sad it’s over, but I’m so looking forward to meeting & getting to know her new characters!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-beloved-hope-chest-by-amy-clipston.html
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the author for this honest review.
rachel92886's review against another edition
3.0
I actually enjoyed this book in the series the most. The book is a little more dramatic and intense than the others which actually added something to the series that it needed. I was drawn in from the beginning of the book, after reading the first book in this series I really wanted to read his one. I could definitely identify with the character of Mattie. I really felt like I would have reacted the same way she did had I been in her situation. I also really liked Leroy. I appreciated his love and concern for Mattie. The plot of this book was my favorite in the series also. It had more meat to it so to speak than the other books did. I didn't want to quit reading it. The main thing I really didn't like in this book as well as the others is that things seem to wrap up to quickly. When there is a conflict, it's there and it's gone on the same page. Sometimes I thought it needed a page or two to stew in order to make it seem more realistic. Overall a good clean series that I would recommend to most anyone ages 12 or over. This particular book because of the nature of some of the subject matter might do better for early teens and up. I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
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