The premise of this story was very good, and kept my attention, but I did have a problem with the same things being said and said again.
The author has set this story in 1912 and the sinking of the Titanic is in the local newspapers, but our story is set in Amish country, mainly at a locally owned Amish Bakery. There are so many directions this book went to, abuse, searching for where you belong, bad health, death of parent or spouse, trying to control a parent, to name a few. We do get to know a few characters up close and personal, and I would love to know what happened down the road, after the end of the book.
There is even a yummy recipe offered at the end, and there is a lot of baking going on here!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

I'm grateful to the publishers(Kensington Books) and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review 

I have always loved books about bakeries ,maybe because i have a sweet tooth. I had never read about the Amish life before . Apparently they are a group of people who believe in the simple things , who don't prefer the modern conveniences. They marry among their congregation and have strong faith in the God .

Liza , our protagonist is a widow who has her own bakery . Her sister and her niece help her at the bakery. Liza's husband Paul was a generous and well loved man in the community,but he was unkind and uncaring towards her. Jacob  also a widower has moved to charm with his daughter Ellie. Since her mother's death Ellie was a troubled teenager, and Jacob is at his wit's end regarding her . The first time Jacob meets Liza at the bakery , they are attracted to each other.

Can Liza get over her fear of marriage ?
Can Ellie accept Liza as her mother ?
Do Jacob and Ellie get their happily everafter ?
Read to find out

I fell in love with the cover of this book . As i had just finished a true crime novel, was looking for a light read and this book was apt for it . When you read a lot of love stories , you kind of know how the plot will go. I felt the story was too predictable . My favourite character is Peter, i loved the kid . I loved that the recipe for Liza's molasses cookie was there at the end of the book, and there was also a glossary for all the German terms used in the book.

Recommended for romance readers

I really loved this book. Jacob and Liza were perfect as were all the supporting characters. Everything flowed nicely and the story line was right in line with today. Great read!

The story takes place in Charm, Ohio in 1912. Liza owns a bakery and is helped by her sister and niece. She is widowed, after being abused for many years by her husband. No one knows about the abuse until Jacob, a widower himself, moves to town and becomes attracted to her. They become friends and soon, Jacob decides he wants to marry Liza. She thinks it is not a great idea since he has a daughter who is still upset at the loss of her mother and has been known to run away and pretend to be English. Liza tells Jacob that she would like to build a relationship with his daughter before she can say yes to his proposal. After many trials and tribulations, Jacob finally gets his wish to marry Liza and they realize that trust, patience, and persistence wins in the end. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Liza’s Second Chance by Molly Jebber is about local bakery owner Liza in 1912 Charm, OH. Her first husband purchased the bakery as a means to make more money for the family. After his unexpected death, Liza kept it as a way to support herself. Jacob and his daughter Ellie, wander into the bakery and instantly Liza realizes she may be ready to move on. As Jacob and Liza get to know one other, Ellie, has different plans than her dad. As Liza and Jacob explore their feelings, Ellie is spreading her wings in some unwelcome ways.
I felt that Jacob’s pursuit of Liza was a bit rushed and I did not really get into the book for part of this reason. I understand him not giving up but he seemed to steam-plow right on into a relationship no matter what she said otherwise. I also had issues with Ellie as I was unsure her age and thought that she was too young to start her “running around” time. If this was true, then there are so many questions that I did not have answered. I also found it a little hard to believe that a mom would leave her young son to a man she barely knew just because the son liked his daughter. I did love the end of the book and the way everyone came together.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and Kensington Books and was under no obligation for a review. This is my honest review in my own words.

Very enjoyable book! The story was predictable but sweet. I loved the way Lisa's family supported each other. This story reminds us that no one is perfect, everyone has problems and relying on God is most important. Recommended!

Liza Schrock is the widowed owner of the Charm Bakery and runs it with her sister-in-law, Esther, and niece, Hannah. Esther is happily married and believe's Liza should try marriage again. What Esther doesn't know is that Liza's late husband was a tyrant at home while putting forward a very compassionate face within the community.

Jacob Graber has moved to Charm with his daughter, Ellie, following his wife's death. He loves the community and after meeting Liza at the bakery, he's decided that Charm has more charms than he originally anticipated. The fly in his ointment is that his daughter, Ellie, has been hard to reach through her tough exterior since her mother's passing. She's run away from home once before and he really believes that she'll do it again.

When Mae Chupp comes to dinner at Esther's house with her son, Peter--a lively six year old boy, it seems the answer to Ellie's wandering is right in front of them. Ellie accepts a job as Peter's nanny, but. . .

Liza's Second Chance is the first of Molly Jebber's books that I can remember reading, but it was worth my time and energy. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a molasses cookie.

My thanks to Zebra Books for allowing me to read and review this book

Liza runs the local Amish bakery in 1912 Charm, OH. Her first husband bought the bakery for her in order to make him more money, not out of love. When he unexpectedly died Liza was thankful for a way to make money to live. One day Jacob and his daughter Ellie, wander into the bakery and instantly Liza realizes she may be ready to move on. As Jacob and Liza get to know one other, Ellie, has different plans than her dad. As Liza and Jacob explore their feelings, Ellie is spreading her wings. Will she spread them to far and force her dad and her to move again or will Liza's strong faith be the tie that binds?

I find it hard to review a book that I just liked and not loved. It is not the author's fault if the book did not speak to me. I have read many reviews where others loved it. My main issue was it felt rushed. It seemed to jump from one thing to another and ideas where not given a full follow through as I am used to in other Amish novels.

I also did not care for Jacob in his pursuit of Liza. He made it seem all about him and to heck with others thoughts and feelings in his life. I agree Ellie was a little bit of a pill but he needed to take the time to really listen to her and take her feelings into consideration. There was a reason for her acting out. He didn't really take Liza's feelings into consideration either. He was all "I am man and I want you so I will have you". That gets my goat every single time. Look mister it takes two to make a successful marriage and I have thoughts, feelings and concern too!

The ending of the book is the best. It felt more thought out and loving than the first three quarters of the book.

I will more than likely pick up the second book in the series just to see whose story is told. Maybe I just had an off day reading the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest review in my own words.

“Liza’s Second Chance” by Molly Jebber

Molly Jebber has started a wonderful new series “The Amish Charm Bakery,” that begins with “Liza’s Second Chance.”

Liza owns and runs a popular Amish bakery where many come to get great food and to socialize. Here she meets Jacob Graber and his daughter Ellie.

She and Jacob hit it off from the beginning. Ellie is still grieving over the death of her mother and not always doing so in the best way. Despite that, Liza makes a continual effort to be kind and understanding towards Ellie and is there for Jacob on a daily basis as he struggles with his daughter’s behavior. We also get to meet Liza’s sister, niece and brother in law and several others within the Amish community as well as a few English men and women.

The book is based on Liza, who is such an enjoyable character. She is easy to fall in love with and feel that she is one of your best friends. She is patient, kind, honest, and caring. She gives to so many, thus she receives so much back. Her insight is usually spot on as she is always thinking and weighing her thoughts and feelings. She also has a past history she has learned from, but it also keeps her from moving forward in areas of her life.

I found this novel to be a joy to read. It addressed so many different issues and did so quite well while moving at a good speed. The characters were all relatable and people you felt you knew. They all had strong personalities, some for the better than others, but always ones the reader could easily relate to.

The story lines were well written and very honest. The author addresses topics such as grief, marriage, domestic abuse, Amish life and law, and several others.

My only issue with this novel was I felt some of it could have been a bit tighter and more condensed. While I understand why some areas needed the length, I did feel they would have been able to achieved with some tightening. An issue I believe most readers won’t even catch.

I am looking for the next book in this series. I am not sure when it will be released and if it will be about Liza or another main character. I do know it will definitely involve her and her amazing bakery. (Thanks for the recipe at the end of the novel, Ms Jebber. I look forward to trying it.)

Rating: 4.45
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨


** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Liza's Second Chance by Molly Jebber is an endearing Amish story. As a reader with a love for Amish tales, this book did not disappoint. Liza, recovering from an abusive marriage and busy with her bakery, has no desire to pursue a love relationship. Jacob, a lonely widower with a teenaged daughter who tests his patience, has set his cap for Liza. Both had their share of sorrows, will they be able to overcome the obstacles that seem to crop up at every turn of the road? Will Liza be able to open her heart and accept that a man might truly love and care for her? The author expertly deals with some rather difficult subjects, such as death and grief, thugs out for trouble, run aways, and even a tornado. The characters are likable and also realistic with their strong points and their flaws and foibles. The plot flows quickly with twists and turns that keep the reader's interest. The author has infused the pages with heart-warming emotion and romance as well as a strong faith in God and a belief that He is a God who will guide and direct as one turns to Him in time of need. Liza's Second Chance is first in the Amish Charm Bakery series and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Liza's Second Chance by Molly Jebber is a wonderful historical Amish romance. There is a warm welcoming family atmosphere pervading the whole novel.
The Amish are a close knit group but even they have gossip and judgment within their midst at times. Both are quickly closed down. This helps to add a realistic feel to the novel because we know we are not always perfect. The Amish do pull together offering love and practical support in times of need.
There are the tough themes of abuse - both verbal and physical. Abuse can happen to anyone. It is nothing to be ashamed of. "She'd forced smiles and kept secret his mistreatment of her." If abuse is happening, we do need to tell someone.
The novel is about loss. "I'm weary of running away from the pain of losing Mamm." We try to fill the gap our loved one has left but nothing will ever take their place. We have to learn to live with our pain.
There is a wonderful community feel to the whole novel. Bonding happens in the bakery over pastries, really whetting the reader's appetite.
Family and friends are important. If they see a need, it is met.
God is important. Prayer is vital. We need to have faith in God and cover everything in prayer.
Trust is a major theme. Having been hurt in the past results in trust issues but we cannot live our lives in grand isolation. "I'm learning to let go of my bitterness and anger." We build walls around our heart to keep others out but it often results in a prison for ourselves. We need to learn to let go, trust God and others and begin to heal.
God is the God of second chances. We do not always know why things happen but we have to trust that God is good and that He has a plan for our lives.
Liza's Second Chance was a perfectly wonderful novel. I got completely lost in 1912 Charm for a few hours as I journeyed through the story.
So delightful.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I absolutely loved this book. I so much enjoy reading about the Amish and this one did not disappoint. Liza and Jacob fall in love and have obstacles along the way. Jacob's wife died and his daughter did not want another mamm. Excellent storyline.

It's heartwarming some tear Jerking moments in this story it's great. love the cover. I couldn't put it down Molly stories hold me captive. She's a talented writer. Can't wait the second book..to here more about the characters. Hope you get your copy Jan 30,2018..

An overall sweet story. The Amish life in the turn of the 20th century. Bits and pieces of the outside world, including the sinking of the Titanic is spoken about, as well as other events. The story is centered around Liza, a young widow who runs a bakery. She meets Jacob, a young widower, who has a scowly and angry teenage daughter Ellie. Both Liza and Jacob have issues to overcome, and at times Ellie's actions are so irritating, but still make sense. I did struggle a bit with the almost simplistic character voices, especially in the beginning, but stuck with it and was pleased that I did. I enjoyed the story and would highly recommend it.

There is nothing quite like Amish Romance novels when you want a fluffy read that doesn't use many brain cells. This is just such a story. Liza is recovering from an emotionally abusive marriage when she meets Jacob and his rebellious daughter Ellie, both of whom are recovering from the death of wife and mother. Jacob and Liza struggle to bring their love to fruition while dealing with Ellie's rebelliousness.

I enjoyed this book. It was light, fluffy, and just what I expected. I did get annoyed at the character of Jacob. He wanted Liza to marry him despite Ellie's disapproval, and he says over and over that he should just force the issue and ignore what Ellie wants. I found this extremely narrow minded for an Amish hero. Think about it, they live in a patriarchal society where women live at home until they are married. Ellie and Liza would live together from the marriage until Ellie married. At least Liza had the sense to understand that two women who are not happy about being family would find many ways to make each other's lives miserable. That isn't necessarily a flaw in the writing, just that the male lead is more flawed than I usually expect.

When Liza’s husband died, she felt relief. The persona he offered outside their home was far different than the way he treated her. She never told anyone, and her sister Esther is constantly trying to interest her in other men.
Jacob comes to Charm, and she’s attracted to him, but she doesn’t want to marry again. His wife died three years ago, leaving him with a teenage daughter who’s attracted to the outside world. Ellie’s earned a bad reputation for running away, and she doesn’t want her dad to remarry. And Liza won’t consider marrying Jacob without Ellie’s consent.
With an Amish story, it can be difficult to know the time period. The only way to know this is a historical is because of Englischers discussing the Titanic and the Stockholm Olympics. A few Amish words are used, including “kumme,” in place of “come.” It didn’t give me a sense of Amishness, like “boppli” might. Rather, it interrupted the flow of the story. There was also some repetition that bogged me down in an otherwise appealing story.

This has to be my favorite book yet by Molly Jebber, and I have loved all her books so far. But Liza's Second Chance was one of those you just cannot put down and are sad when it ends. The relationships between the characters are described and narrated so richly that the reader really can identify with each character. I so enjoyed reading about Liza and Jacob's developing friendship and affection and love, and Jacob's patience with Liza. Being from a close and affectionate family, I loved reading about the close ties between Liza and her sister Esther, and Esther's husband Abe and daughter Hannah. Also, the love and concern Jacob feels for his teenage daughter Ellie. Everyone is affected by Ellie's confusion regarding which life she wants, Amish or English. The instant love between young Peter and Ellie is one of the most touching aspects of the entire novel. Liza truly loves Jacob early on, but wrestles with her fear of remarriage, as her first marriage was quite unhappy. She also feels great concern over Ellie's reluctance to grow closer to her, and Ellie's reluctance for her father to find love again. I highly recommend Liza's Second Chance to fellow readers- it is a compelling and touching story that will have you up long into the night and very attached to the characters.