Annie Mast and Levi Miller were best friends until Levi's father was shunned by the Amish community and the family moved away. That was ten years ago when the shunning happened to the Miller family.
Levi returns to Arthur Illinois, after being away for ten years, to attend a wedding and both he discovers that he and Annie still share the same bond they once had ten years ago. In fact, this bond between the two is stronger than ever.
Levi and Annie start dreaming of a future together, Levi building his dream house and Annie being a wife and mother. Since Levi is now part of the English world and Annie is Amish the two are wondering how they will get together.
Annie realizes that she must reveal how she feels in her heart and Levi must put the hurt and bitterness from the past aside. With love on their side the two can make it.

My first book to read by Lisa Jones Baker...definitely won't be my last. I love to bake, and the title is what grabbed me. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and thought the author did a great writing job. I enjoyed getting to know both Annie and Levi and see where their relationship would go.

Lisa is one of my new favorite authors. I love her characters and story lines.

Hope chests are so special. I never had the pleasure of owning own myself, except for a very small cedar one that a local furniture shop gifted to every senior girl upon our high school graduation. I treasured that little chest and kept special things in it...the hand-tatted handkerchief that my grandmother made, love letters from my husband from our dating days, etc. Sam makes hand-carved ones with special meaning for each recipient. Annie and her sisters have made it their mission to minister to Sam after the death of his wife, and he has a unique bond with them. He gives wise counsel to Annie as she renews a friendship with Levi from her school days in the Amish schoolhouse . They were inseparable in their younger years and they find that the desire to spend time together is just as great if not even greater. But he is now English and mamm and the Amish community disapprove of their relationship as they fear she will leave the Amish faith and become English. Will their love for each other be realized? He doesn't want to leave the English world and she doesn't want to leave the Amish. Can God help them find a way to be together?
I loved reading this story and discovering new things about Annie and her sisters. They share a special bond and this resonates with me as I feel the same way about my sister and four brothers. Family is important to me, just as it is for Annie, Levi, and the Amish in general. My faith in God drives my decisions and that is certainly true for the Amish. Levi was once Amish himself so this is still vital to his life as well. Lisa Jones Baker incorporates faith beautifully into the words of her writing. This book would be appropriate for teenage readers as well as adults.
I am pleased to say this book deserves a rating of 5 stars.
I received a gift copy of this book from netgalley and Kensington Publishing Corporation.

<b>Lots of Chaff</b>

When I was given the opportunity to read Lisa Jones Baker’s latest novel, <i>nie’s Recipe</i>, I was hopeful. I had read one of her Amish novellas earlier, and although it was not my favorite, I had high hopes that perhaps her next Amish endeavor would be better. Although there are a plethora of writers in the Amish genre, it is easy to separate the wheat from the chaff. Unfortunately, <i>Annie’s Recipe</i> looks to be more chaff.

I do not write this lightly. I want to be constructive in my review of this book. At the heart of the problem is that it appears the author has not done enough research on the Amish, and her writing, in general, could use some fine-tuning and editing.

Examples of Amish errors: A bridal party is overly concerned about having enough dishes and utensils (the weddings are well-planned and run like clockwork.) The characters were WAY too familiar with one another (especially since they had not seen each other in 10 years – Levi refers to Annie as “my Annie” almost right out of the gate.) Both Annie and Levi are anything but humble (a trademark in the Amish culture.) Levi boasts and Annie has no problem with it…what happened to gelassenheit? In the story, it was a surprise that Levi would be a volunteer firefighter (when the Amish, in real life, volunteer for the local fire departments all the time.) This is just a small sampling.

Examples of a need for more editing: Levi had ‘green flecks in his pupils (not his irises.) There was repeated internal and external dialogue – and by that I mean: A character would think something and then say the exact same thing. Much too repetitive. Word choice was also a problem. The characters were constantly putting their hands in the air, or drawing their hand to their chests, and pressing their lips together. I’m sure the thought was to create more “action” with these words, but it just did not happen. Most frustrating was that Annie giggled throughout – not just a couple of times, but at least 10 within the first third of the novel. It was frustrating because the character wasn’t a very comical character, and yet, with all of this giggling, it made the character seem like she was 12 instead of marrying age.

I was given <i>Annie’s Recipe</i> in exchange for my honest review. I had such high hopes, but was disappointed. Hopefully, Lisa Jones Baker will do more research on the Amish, and hone her craft a bit more, before writing another novel in the Amish genre.

I enjoyed this book, but it was not anything I would read again. It has a good story line but wasn't something I thought about after I finished it. I do enjoy reading Amish books because they are so different than my daily life.

Annie and Levi were friends as children and now are able to reconnect as adults. Enjoyed their story as they work toward resolving the Amish and English world differences to find their pathway together. Good second book in the Hope Chest series. Looking forward to the next book.

Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

Annie’s Recipe by Lisa Jones Baker is the second book in the Hope Chest of Dreams series. Annie Mast and Levi Miller were childhood best friends. Then one day Levi was gone. Levi’s father, John, had broken the rules of the Ordnung and was shunned. John quickly packed up his family and moved away. Ten years later, Annie is at the wedding of Katie and Jeremiah when she notices an Englischer in the crowd. Upon closer inspection, she notices that it is Levi. They agree to meet at their special place at Pebble Creek. When they meet, it is like they have never been apart. Over the next few days, the two meet whenever Annie can get away. Levi wants to spend the rest of his life with Annie, but, there is a big obstacle in the way of their happiness. Levi does not feel he can return to Arthur, Illinois and live. He feels he will always be known as the son of the shunned man. Levi knows that Annie would not be happy in the Englisch world and asks if she would be willing to compromise. Annie’s heart, though, is in the Amish world where she grew up. Annie believes that God can work miracles and, if she is meant to be with Levi, God will find a way.

Annie’s Recipe is nicely written and is easy to read. The book reminds me of a sappy romance novel with Christian faith and theology tossed in. Annie’s journal entries remind me of those written by a lovesick teenager. Annie’s sponge cakes are mentioned frequently throughout the book.

I received an advanced reader's copy from Kensington Books and Zebra via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Three young Amish women, each gifted with a hand-carved hope chest, find that one by one, with patience and faith, their most blessed dreams for the future can come true…

Annie Mast and Levi Miller were best friends until his father was shunned by the church. Now, ten years later, Levi has returned to Arthur, Illinois, for a brief visit, and he and Annie discover their bond is as strong as ever. Spending as much time together as possible, Annie finds herself dreaming of a future with Levi. And Levi is soon dreaming of building a home on a beautiful local hillside—to live in with Annie. Yet their longings are unlikely to become reality…

Levi is part of the English world, and while Annie cannot see herself there, she knows she must reveal her heart's truth to him. And Levi, strongly reminded of his Amish roots, knows he must heal the bitterness of the past. And together, with love on their side, they just may find their way to an answered prayer…

I usually love Amish books and I love the simplicity of them. However, this book was just blah to me and I hate to say that!! I wanted to like this book so much but I just didn't. I felt that the pacing was slow and the build up just wasn't there for me. It was predictable and had no moments where I went...Ah ha! I wouldn't put this on my TBR again pile. I'm sure that there are people out there who would enjoy it but for me, it just wasn't to the level that I'm used to.

I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review. All of the above comments are my express opinions and no one else's.

This book is so romantic it made me want to get a nice comfy cozy blanket into a warm sunroom - live in a warm state - get a cup of hot chocolate and crawl into a ball and read this book.  That is how it makes you feel, they are lovely people who have found each other again and are trying to figure out if that road leads back love that they once had.  Do they find it?  what happens to Annie and Levi?  Your heart is truly touched by these two.

Annie’s Recipe by Lisa Jones Baker is the second book in the Hope Chest of Dreams series. Annie Mast and Levi Miller were childhood best friends. Then one day Levi was gone. Levi’s father, John, had broken the rules of the Ordnung and was shunned. John quickly packed up his family and moved away. Ten years later, Annie is at the wedding of Katie and Jeremiah when she notices an Englischer in the crowd. Upon closer inspection, she notices that it is Levi. They agree to meet at their special place at Pebble Creek. When they meet, it is like they have never been apart. Over the next few days, the two meet whenever Annie can get away. Levi wants to spend the rest of his life with Annie, but, there is a big obstacle in the way of their happiness. Levi does not feel he can return to Arthur, Illinois and live. He feels he will always be known as the son of the shunned man. Levi knows that Annie would not be happy in the Englisch world and asks if she would be willing to compromise. Annie’s heart, though, is in the Amish world where she grew up. Annie believes that God can work miracles and, if she is meant to be with Levi, God will find a way. Is there a happily ever after in the future for Levi and Annie?

Annie’s Recipe is nicely written and is easy to read. The book reminds me of a sappy romance novel with Christian faith and theology tossed in. Annie’s journal entries remind me of those written by a lovesick teenager. Well, technically she is a teenager (only eighteen). Annie’s sponge cakes are mentioned frequently throughout the book. I wondered if she could cook or bake anything else (it did not seem like it). I give Annie’s Recipe 3 out of 5 stars. It is a sweet book with a good lesson about having faith and believing in God (just not my type of Amish novel). We are provided updates on the characters from the first book. I like the character of Old Sam Beachy. He crafts beautiful chests with custom designs on the tops (I would love one). I just wanted a little more in Annie’s Recipe. It seemed like the same details were discussed over and over throughout the story. Levi and Annie love each other, but sometimes it is not enough (especially when one person refuses to compromise).

Annie and Levi have been friends from a young teen age. Levi and his family moved away from their local community, why? How long has passed since Annie has seen Levi? How old are they now? How old were they then? What has brought Levi back to the community? Levi is staying with some cousins. Why? What is Annie like? We find out when Levi is taking Jake, his cousin, upstairs one night after dinner. At bedtime prayers, what does Jake ask for? How old is Jake? What hard choices does Levi need to think about? What does he want? What does Annie want? After a discussion with her mother, what thoughts does she write about in her journal? I really like Old Sam. I love his way of making Annie think about the things she is questioning, causing her to look inside herself for the answers she seeks. What will happen? You will have to read to find out. I love what Annie's Recipe is and what it means to her!

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

In Annie’s Recipe (Hope Chest of Dreams #2) by Lisa Jones Baker, young childhood friends Annie Mast and Levi Miller attend the Amish wedding of Levi’s cousin Jeremiah and Katie. Levi is now English after the community shunned his father. Now 10 years later, Levi has returned and it’s not long before Annie and Levi realize that their connection is still strong, and they ease back into their childhood relationship. Soon, they both begin to think of marriage and family. However, much stands in the way of their happiness. Can Levi give up his English ways? Or will Annie give up her Amish ways and religion and leave her family? How will the power of prayer and the trusting in God’s plan give them both a chance at happiness?

This book is great read for those who love a chaste romance with a beautiful slice of the simple Amish life. It is a perfect weekend book to read with a wonderful cast of characters. Although the main idea in the book is to trust in God, it was not overdone but beautifully illustrated. An added bonus is that the book includes Annie’s recipe for sponge cake that makes you want to try it soon.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Zebra Books with no obligation to review it. This is my honest review after reading

Annie looked at her childhood best friend Levi. They were at an Amish wedding which tended to be long. It had been ten years since Levi and Annie had seen each other. Levi would only be around a couple days as his father needed his help. Levi’s father had been shunned and they had left and no longer lived among the Amish. and that is why Levi and Annie hasn’t seen each other for ten years. Levi had come back because it was his cousin’s wedding. Levi and Annie spent the next day together and afters he was back home she wished Levi didn't have to leave at all. Annie had never replaced Levi in her life. Annie taught now and helped with chores at home. Annie also knew the path in life was expected to take she envied Levi had a lot of choices he can take not so for Annie. When Levi and Annie were young they talked of going to the Six Flags amusement park. They were older now flags swayed from their poles.While at the amusement park Levi had told Annie she was his favorite person. Then Annie realized the one man she wanted to spend her life with -Levi- was the one man couldn’t have. Levi told Annie he loved her but he could not join the Amish church after what they had done to his family. Annie told Levi goodbye.
I loved this story always do love a good Amish story. The plot was great and The writing was also. I loved the way Annie and Levi just fell back into how they had always been with each other. But they different religion was a big block for them. I didn't like how Annie's’ mom didn’t act like she really trusted Annie when she was with Levi. I knew that she was worried for Annie But also if gossip got around what it would do to the rest of the family. I hated to see Annie go through the hurt she did but I was glad when she found someone to talk to and who understood what she was going through. This was a good read it kept my interest all the way through the story. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.

Annie Mast and Levi Miller were best friends growing up. It was a bit unusual for a man and woman of Amish faith to stay friends into their older years. However, when a tragedy strikes which includes Levi's family being shunned, Annie and Levi loose their best friend.

After 10 years, Levi returns to the settlement for a family obligation. While firmly in the English world now, Levi feels a tug to return to his roots. Annie finds that familiar pull to Levi as they reinstate their friendship. As these two grow closer, Annie wonders if the only way is to leave her faith to be with him. Levi longs to find forgiveness from the community. He knows he cannot ask Annie to leave but he finds that he cannot leave Annie. Will he be able to return to his roots? Or have too many years passed?

I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. I love how the author shows the feelings and emotions that each goes through as they try to find their future. She does a wonderful job of describing the area and all of the memories that these two have shared. I highly recommend this book. I plan to return to the first in the series soon to see the story from the beginning.
I received a copy through Netgalley. I wrote this review because of how much I enjoyed Annie and Levi.

Annie has a dilemma that only she and maybe her soul mate and long lost friend Levi Miller can solve, and that is to leave her faith and marry Levi or loose him. You have to hope for the best for these two, and how to make a life changing decision, when Levi cannot think of returning to the Amish, especially after the shunning of his father.
What would I do or you? If we had to make a choice, and there is a lot more to the story than these two seem to think. Annie seems to have her family pulling her one way and Levi to his credit seems to give her time to think about her decision. He is also having a hard time with wanting Annie and what she would have to do to become his wife.
I loved that Rebecca came back into the story and tells what happened to her, we are then reminded of the first book in this series and what transpired there, and it does having a bit of baring on this story. You are in for a treat and more, especially when the recipe for the sponge cake appears at the end. Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

Thoughts:

ANNIE'S RECIPE by Lisa Jones Baker is an Amish tale where past and present meet to put a future into question! Can romance come from the ruins?

The practice of shunning is a disciplinary tactic, but these consequences may leave a community partially divided. However, the hardest hit will always be the children of those sanctioned.

A childhood ripping apart leaves scars.

We journey into the deepest point of view from happiest of times to a painstaking end as a wedding brings community and family together. Although, no one expects to see one cousin and former member, but Levi Miller brings a smile just for Annie Mast making her childhood seem only yesterday.

Her best friend from those younger years stands before her as an English man now. It is amazing that despite these differences, Levi is the same friend as before. He is kind, sweet, funny, and still protective of Annie. Their time-honored friendship did not suffer from ravages of time but rather from hardships associated with his parents, but their personal relationship is still an easy one.

However, as joyous as the earlier years were, those later years are shackled to his family's heartbreak. His father is a shunned man pushing the family out of their community and out their lives.

Seeing Annie Mast swells Levi Miller’s heart, and their friendship is too easy to renew.

How can he care this much for Annie and at the same time be angry at the whole Amish community for their horrid betrayal? He was old enough to understand why they packed their things to leave without a goodbye, but he was too young to comprehend how punishments could be so cruel. His family is at peace with it all and doing well, but for Levi, his heart never mends.

As much as visiting his best friend is a balm for the past, their connection is growing to a place where it cannot survive.

He can't stay inside this community, and she cannot leave.

Could this return leave Levi more brokenhearted than his leaving years ago? Will feelings become their own source of resentment? Can friendship ever become more?

***This opinion is my own.***

Preview:

Inside ANNIE'S RECIPE, author Lisa Jones Baker brings dreams to life as circumstances move from good to bad!

Within ten years time, things change but another remains the same. Problems seem different in retrospect and harder to bridge as time moves along, but other issues come into play once the young grow up and life choices mean for life.

Returning to his former hometown, Levi Miller is an English man, and while his arrival is well received, his family would not be welcome here. His father was shunned from this Amish community. However, he is here for a cousin's wedding and an informal type of closure to life that used to belong to him too. His early years brought him much joy and a faithful friend, but seeing Annie Mast all grown up is something he simply was not expecting.

Yet this youngster is now a woman and her personality is even more endearing.

Meanwhile, Annie Mast is sure that rumors already started. Her being with this friend years ago was not a problem, but today, it can very much become an issue inside her Amish community. His being English is not her only problem. Annie's issue is that Levi Miller shows himself as just a grown up version of her sweet friend.

They have shared memories and a painful past colliding only to bloom!

Her parents worry she is falling away from her faith, but she is falling in love. Annie prays these emotions will go away. Can one prayer's answer lead to a life-changing event?

On the other hand, is her faith being tested against the world?

I enjoy finding new authors to read and was happy to come across Annie's Recipe by Lisa Jones Baker. In a genre that can sometimes be a bit repetitive in its storylines, Lisa has written a fresh story about friendship, love, and loyalty.

Annie and Levi were inseparable as friends growing up. That is until Levi's father was shunned and the family moved away. Levi has returned for his cousin's wedding and runs into Annie. The two agree to meet and catch up on each other's lives. With the soft sounds of Pebble Creek gurgling in the background, these two recapture a friendship that never died. The friendship between the two seemed very genuine and believable to me. It was absolutely no stretch of the imagination to picture these two childhood friends sitting by the creek and enjoying the company of each other and catching up on old times. Everything about these two and their relationship with each other seemed very natural and pleasant to read. It was easy to picture their friendship leading into something stronger.

Annie struggles with her feelings for Levi since his family was shunned and she is a member of the Amish community even though she hasn't joined the church. Her inner struggle with her loyalty to her upbringing and the church combined with her feelings for Levi were easy to understand. I thought the author did a great job of writing about Annie's struggles and also Levi's as he is conflicted with his feelings for Annie and his family's past with the church.

I like the author's writing style as she kept the story flowing easily from chapter to chapter. This book was very easy to read and stay interested in. Her descriptions really made the book come alive and made me feel as if I were there right along with the characters.

This book has a bit of a YA feel to it. The two main characters are young adults and I think the book would be very relatable to this group of readers. This book is a very clean read and would be good for teenagers, too. With all of that said though this book can be thoroughly enjoyed by us who aren't in those two categories. I love that this is just a clean, sweet romance that can appeal to readers of all ages.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

It's always a good day when I find a new to me author. Finding a well written book with relatable characters is a plus which made Annie’s Recipe a pleasure to read.
Annie and Levi are reuniting after 10 years and it's quite easy to get caught up in their story as they spend time together catching up with each other. I felt like I’d known them from their childhood as they reminisced about their past and shared so much of themselves. They had taken different paths and changed their views over time.
I haven't read the first book in the series but there's enough of the backstory that I could figure out the community and its residents.
I'm looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
Another plus? There's a recipe for sponge cake.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley and have given my honest opinion.

This is a new author for me and I did not realize it was the middle of a series. To me, the book was like reading two people's thoughts to create a rather long story. It was too drawn out for me. Not my favorite book.