How delightful to follow Rachel Kauffman and Jarred Zimmerman as they find love. Rachel has simple desires to raise a family of her own...full of many babies. Jarred does not know the close knit family that Rachel does, and she is determined to reunite them.
This is the third book in a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. I think readers will want to read the entire series after reading this book if they haven't read the previous two.
I am rating this book 4 stars and highly recommend it to readers. Young adult and teens will enjoy this book as well.
I received a digital version of this book from netgalley and Zebra Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Rachel’s Dream is the third book in Lisa Jones Baker’s Hope Chest of Dreams series. This is the first of her three books published that I have read. I feel this is a stand alone novel. I haven’t read the first two books of the series and had no trouble understanding who everyone was and what was going on.

In the story, I appreciated that the characters entrusted the health of Rachel’s horse, Cinnamon, to God. It is great to have a dream like Rachel’s, everyone has a dream or two they hope comes true. Jarred was gentle towards everyone he encountered, even his patients. But I still had trouble getting into this story fully for several reasons. Rachel seemed too young for Jarred to be interested in her romantically. Many words and phrases were repeated throughout the entire book. The physical actions of the characters were detailed (like how they threw their arms in the air) but the storyline lacked details to make aspects of it believable. The writing style, especially of Rachel’s point of view, would be better geared towards a teen audience.

Rachel's undeniable faith and optimistic attitude encourages others and the new vet doc, Jarred who comes to care for Rachel's horse who is sick. Her father wants to put the horse down but Rachel's keeps praying that her horse gets well. Jarred reveals a devastating hurt from his past. Will Rachel be able to help him and where will their relationship go. I loved all the characters in this book and remember that the glass is always half full. Positive thoughts always.

A delightful Amish story! The everyone should have an "Old Sam" in his/her life.

Rachel’s Dream by Lisa Jones Baker is the third book in Hope Chest of Dreams series. Rachel Kauffmann is eighteen years old, and her hope chest contains her journal with her secret dreams for her life. Rachel loves the family horse Cinnamon and is worried about her. Her father calls out the new vet Dr. Jarred Zimmerman. Jarred is instantly attracted to Rachel’s sweet, caring nature and glass half full attitude. Rachel appreciates Jarred’s love for animals and his caring personality. Cinnamon is very ill and Rachel prays for his recovery. She is grateful for Jarred doing everything possible to save the horse. Rachel and Jarred get to know each other when Jarred visits to check on Cinnamon. Rachel learns that Jarred has not gotten over a tragic incident when he way four years old. It forever changed Jarred. Rachel encourages him to contact his parents to resolve the matter. Jarred is amazed at Grace’s faith and optimism. The pair are quickly falling for each other, but the path to happiness is not a smooth one. If they are to have a future together, God will show them the way.

Rachel’s Dream is easy to read and ties in nicely with the other two books in the series. The main character; Rachel, is eighteen. Rachel leans on God and prays about everything expecting all prayers to be answered. Jarred, an English vet, was given up by his parent’s as a young boy and was raised by a Mennonite couple. Rachel’s sick horse brings them together in the beginning and helps them to develop a deeper relationship.

The book is a sweet, love story of an Englisher and Amish falling in love. I love how he joins the church and the fact that it is not only for her but that he has been living with these thoughts for some time. I did have some issues getting started with the book. It took a little bit of time for me to get started. Another issue I noted was that every prayer that Rachel mentioned in the book, was answered just how she prayed. It might have been more realistic if everything didn’t fall into place so unrealistically.

I did enjoy this book and recommend it to others. It was a great story-line with just a few holes in some places. I loved the idea and that love did prevail in the end. I also loved that the horse lived.

I received this ARC copy from Kensington Books and Zebra publishing companies via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I usually enjoy Amish fiction. I like the simplicity of the lifestyle and the moral solutions to problems they face. This book is my first Amish fiction that I did not enjoy. While the storyline could have been interesting it turned out to be boring. The characters would think about the problem, talk about the problem, write about the problem and then still not have a solution. Unfortunately I could not wait to finish the book. Very disappointing.

This was the first book I read of Lisa Jones Baker’s. This was the third book in the series, but not having read the first two I found it could stand alone. Rachel, a sweet Amish girl, leans on God and prays about everything expecting all prayers to be answered. Jarred, an English vet, was given up by his parent’s as a young boy and was raised by a Mennonite couple. Rachel’s sick horse brings them together in the beginning and helps them to develop a deeper relationship.
The book is a sweet, love story of an Englisher and Amish falling in love. I love how he joins the church and the fact that it is not only for her but that he has been living with these thoughts for some time. I did have some issues getting started with the book. It took a little bit of time for me to get started. Another issue I noted was that every prayer that Rachel mentioned in the book, was answered just how she prayed. It might have been more realistic if everything didn’t fall into place so unrealistically.
I did enjoy this book and recommend it to others. It was a great story-line with just a few holes in some places. I loved the idea and that love did prevail in the end. I also loved that the horse lived.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a review and all words are my own opinion.

Rachel’s Dream by Lisa Jones Baker is the third book in Hope Chest of Dreams series. Rachel Kauffmann is eighteen years old, and her hope chest contains her journal with her secret dreams for her life. Rachel loves the family horse Cinnamon and is worried about her. Her father calls out the new vet Dr. Jarred Zimmerman. Jarred is instantly attracted to Rachel’s sweet, caring nature and glass half full attitude. Rachel appreciates Jarred’s love for animals and his caring personality. Cinnamon is very ill and Rachel prays for his recovery. She is grateful for Jarred doing everything possible to save the horse. Rachel and Jarred get to know each other when Jarred visits to check on Cinnamon. Rachel learns that Jarred has not gotten over a tragic incident when he way four years old. It forever changed Jarred. Rachel encourages him to contact his parents to resolve the matter. Jarred is amazed at Grace’s faith and optimism. The pair are quickly falling for each other, but the path to happiness is not a smooth one. If they are to have a future together, God will show them the way.

Rachel’s Dream is easy to read and ties in nicely with the other two books in the series. I had trouble with the character of Rachel. She is eighteen, but Rachel comes across as a starry eyed young teenager (a young idealistic twelve or thirteen-year-old girl). I found the romance between Rachel who seems so naïve and young having a romance with a man in his late 20s or early 30s (I am guessing since Jarred’s age is not mentioned) was off-putting. Rachel wants her horse to get better no matter what. I can understand having faith and praying for a miracle, but not letting a horse suffer for months (I dislike seeing animals hurting and in pain). I wish there were more miracles in the world, but it is hard to keep the faith with all the violence in our society. I also doubt a practical farmer would keep paying vets bills for that length of time. Rachel’s strong faith and belief in miracles is a lovely trait. I wish I had such strong convictions. Rachel also knew what she wanted from life, and she was very unwilling to compromise. Rachel’s dreams mostly involve getting married and having a houseful of children (which she mentions many times throughout the book). Of course, this does go with the Amish society as it is portrayed in novels (nevertheless, it really goes against my feminine beliefs). It once again showcases Rachel’s youthfulness. The religious aspect was medium level with the focus on prayer (also mentioned are faith and God’s plan for our lives). I give Rachel’s Dream 2 out of 5 stars (I just found it lacking). I found the storyline to be flimsy and unrealistic. Jarred talks about joining the Amish faith, but the practicalities of this decision are not discussed (would he be allowed to keep his practice for example). I did find repetition of information throughout the story. It seemed like filler to lengthen the length of the book. Rachel’s Dream is my least favorite book in the series. I think Rachel’s Dream would do better with a younger audience (it reminds me of books I read as a young teen).

"You can't control your past, but with God's help, you can own your future." This quote stands out for me from the entire book. If I had to one line summarize this book this quote would be it. That and of course "Memories stay in your heart. Bit if I've learned anything throughout my life it's that the future's all about making new ones." 'Rachel's Dream' is the third book in The Hope Chest of Dreams series. I was concerned about not having had time to read the previous two books before reading this one but it works extremely well as a stand alone novel as well. Rachel is an idealist, she knows that God can and does answer prayer and she takes everything to Him with the expectation that her prayer's will be answered. Jarred, while an Englisher, was raised by a Mennonite couple and is familiar with the Amish ways. He's also the local vet, while young, comes with a great history and recommendation and places the fate of his patience in God's hands as well. A patient, Rachel's horse, brings them together and leads the way to their connection, his re-connection to his birth family, and so much more.

Let's talk about why this book was only rated 2 stars online. It's a good story that just needs some help. And it really needs help right out of the gate. The introduction to the 'conflict' of the story feels so contrived, forced and completely unrealistic. I had a hard time falling into the story-line because I felt like it wasn't established reliably. She asks off the wall questions, he freezes up, the part ways. Next they meet she thinks about it but doesn't say anything, he reads her mind or something and brings it up, but it's left hanging. Rinse and repeat a few times until he tells some great secret he's harbored since childhood and has never trusted anyone with. The story was good, a little off, but it's introduction didn't work for me. Let's also talk about character descriptions. In chapter 1 Rachel has these amazing blue-green eyes with a tan halo around the pupil. Jarred has blue eyes that have been compared to a couple of different shades. OK. However suddenly in chapter 8 Jarred has this tan halo as well (and we are told so 3 times in as many pages during one conversation). Much much later in the book, another character suddenly develops a tan halo as well. I'm thinking perhaps something in the water? Or something completely missed by the story editor. There were a few other story 'glitches' as well but the eye thing was overdone and annoyed me the most. Lastly, while I love that they take everything to God - animal health, their relationship, their dreams, their fears - everything I don't feel like the story sets a realistic expectation of how prayer works. Let's pray for the horse before we have to put him down and he's suddenly totally well and fine. Every. Single. Prayer. Was answered in this book. Everything works out perfectly. Life, and prayer, doesn't work like that. If that were the case there would be no death, no hardship, no disappointment.

The book is a sweet love story. Englisher man meets Amish woman and they fall in love. He decides to take the leap to join the church, not just for her since it's been a thought of his apparently. They have to work through a few things but it they make the hard choices and come through stronger in the end. It's a sweet story. I like to believe that love always wins. This book has so much promise but it just needs a little help to get there.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

This is the third book in this series and again the wisdom of old Sam is shown in how he cares for the girls who have been gifted one of his chests.
As the story begins Rachel’s horse Cinnamon has picked up a deadly virus, one that most horses do not survive. The young Vet Jarred is optimistic and decides with Rachael that all will be tried to save this beautiful animal, but what they don’t expect is a spark of romance.
There is a tragic event in Jarred’s life that has haunted him, and rightly so. Will there ever be a way to put his family back together, and will he be able to move on. This will break your heart, and is almost beyond belief, why would they do such a thing?
Can there be a relationship between someone is not Amish and a girl who a member of the Amish church? Can he give up all the things that make him a member of the world, like his truck and electricity? Answers are forthcoming, and thank you Old Sam.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

Rachel has three dreams and she keeps them written in a journal that stays in her hope chest made by Old Sam. One of her dreams deals with her horse Cinnamon and becomes especially dear to her when Cinnamon becomes ill. Cinnamon's illness brings Jarred Zimmerman to the Kauffman farm. Jarred is not Amish and yet he and Rachel connect in a way that baffles them both. One of the connections is Cinnamon, Jarred was there when Cinnamon was born and nursed him through an early illness. Now both Rachel and Jarred are committed to nurse Cinnamon through this illness--one that has taken every horse it has reached.

Lisa Jones Baker has put together another Amish winner. This one is a bit too syrupy sweet for me, but the writing is impeccable and the people are quite likable and the problems they face, they face them with aplomb. The solutions the characters achieve are well thought out and well implemented.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a buggy ride with a healthy horse.

My thanks to Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

Rachel loves animals. Her favorite horse Cinnamon is very sick, and Rachel is terribly worried about him. Rachel's father calls in a vet Jarred Zimmerman to check on the horse. Almost immediately feelings grow between the 2 more then just for the horse. The 2 are pretty much opposites. Rachel is a bubbly happy the glass is 1/2 full kind of girl. Jarred is kind of dark haunted and moody. As their friendship grows and turns to love Jarred tells Rachel his story of his 7 year old brother dying on his 4th birthday and his parents abandoning him. He is full of guilt believing his brothers death is his fault and that his parents blame him. Another huge difference is Rachel is Amish, Jarred was raised Mennonite and now goes to a Methodist church.

Jarred wants to he with Rachel so much he decides he will join the Amish church and marry Rachel.
Rachel decides that she is going to help Jarred reconnect with his family so he can get past his guilt. But in doing so will Jarred rethink joining the church, can Rachel leave the only life she knows to follow Jarred from Illinois to Ohio. To be together they decide how to make their dreams of life together come true.

This a very good book. At times thoughts took a few to many pages to get through but it was still a great story of love and faith.

I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.

Though he has a thriving veterinarian practice there is something missing in Jarred Zimmerman's life. He is an Englisher,24 years old who spends a lot of time at Rachel Kauffman's house,or rather barn because of her sick horse,Cinnamon. She has a full satisfying life,the youngest of a large Amish family,she is sheltered and protected. Spending time with Jarred, they get to having heart to heart talks. Slowly over time he tells her what is on his heart and how it affects his personality and whole life. She helps him to resolve this and it brings about healing and trust for him.He has wanted to join the Amish faith even before he met her and this allows them to date. When an opportunity presents itself to him he must decide if living with past memories is more important than a chance to move forward in life with present happiness. A wonderful Amish book with important wisdom within.
Pub Date 25 Apr 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Zebra,Kensington Books for a review copy for my honest opinion.

I have to be honest–using GoodReads’ star rating, I gave this book a 2/5 stars, which translates to it being “just okay.” I’m personally not one to have much patience for naive people, so I guess that translates to naive characters. Rachel is just 18 years old, and I understand that the Amish are in general very sheltered from the rest of the world. However, her naivety makes it seem like she’s a young girl of 8 or 9. I understand that as Christians, we are supposed to have a child-like faith. However, aren’t we supposed to mature in our faith as well? Her innocence just didn’t sit well with me, and it especially seemed awkward that her romantic interest (Jarrod) is several years older than her. His age isn’t explicitly said, but since he is a practicing veterinarian, I would assume he is in at least his mid-20s.

One of the things I loved about this book though are the characters’ love for animals. I firmly agree with doing everything possible for a beloved pet, but I also had a hard time identifying with Rachel’s faith with regards to her horse’s healing. I wish I could believe that God wants to heal every sick pet (and person), but honestly, that just isn’t the case. We don’t know what God’s plan is, so Rachel believing wholeheartedly that God would heal her horse (which he miraculously did) is a hard pill for me to swallow. I guess my own pain from losing many pets to cancer and such has tarnished my faith a little. Even Rachel’s own parents in the story had a hard time understanding their daughter’s insistence that Cinnamon would get healed. That made me feel a little bit better about my own imperfect faith. Sometimes God just wants to call animals home, and no matter how much praying we do, He will do what he wants.

One other thing that really bugged me about this book (sorry!!) is Rachel daydreaming about having passels of children. Ugh! I know some people are very “mothery,” but that is just not me so I can’t imagine my sole dream in life to take care of 8 or 9 kids. Shoot me now! :X

In summary, if you need an innocent, clean faith-based book, you might enjoy this one coming out on April 27th, 2017. It’s definitely one that moms can share with their teens due to the lack of kissing or any suggestive behavior.

I loved this series Hope Chest of Dreams. This book was about Rachel Kaufman who is Amish and Jarred Zimmerman who is not. Rachel's horse Cinnamon gets sick and they call for the vet who is Jarred Zimmerman. Rachel knows how sick her horse is and is afraid she will die. Jarred comes to their farm and realizes how sick Cinnamon is. Rachel has a friend called Old Sam Beachy. He makes Hope Chests. She and her friends always turned to him for good advice. As Jarred and Rachel work together to save Cinnamon they realize how much they begin to care for each other. They both know they come from different worlds. Rachel being Amish and very close to her faith and family and Jarred estranged from his family by tragedy. Will their love for one other be enough to bring them together. Will Jarred finally find peace and love in his life. Beautiful story about faith and love and trust.

"Rachel's Dream" is a story about the importance of thinking positively, having a dream and encouraging the dreams of those we love. Rachel Kauffman is an idealistic and extremely kind, compassionate Amish teenager who adoreRs all animals, especially horses. She is also close friends with Annie and Rebecca, the main characters in earlier books in this series, as well as "Old Sam", an elderly man in the community who carves unique and inspiring hope chests. Annie, Rachel and Rebecca all value and love Old Sam as a surrogate grandfather and he is filled with wisdom and kindness as well as great stories. When Rachel's beloved horse Cinnamon becomes ill with a high fever and a dangerous equine virus, Rachel feels an instant connection with the young veterinarian who comes to the farm to care for Cinnamon. Jared Zimmerman, the veterinarian is equally drawn to Rachel, and they bond over their love for animals. They are both insistent that Cinnamon can be saved even though other horses have not survived the virus. Rachel and Jared become fast friends and soon feel stronger feelings for each other- feelings that may not have a future at first because Jared is not Amish. Rachel feels such a strong connection to Jared and wrestles with her growing attraction to him, just as Jared does with his feelings. Due to a very tragic family situation in Jarred's childhood, he does not feel he deserves happiness as an adult. Rachel is determined to show him he is worthy and special. Her "glass is half full" attitude and her admiration for him work like medicine for his soul. Rachel seeks wisdom from her mother, Old Sam and dear friend Annie in deciding where her future with Jared will lead especially as Jared makes peace with his past and makes a huge decision that will help him and Rachel create a future together. I cannot recommend "Rachel's Dream" highly enough.