Member Reviews

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

I thoroughly enjoyed a visit back to Charm, Ohio and the Amish Charm Bakery. This is Ellie’s story, one in which the Amish kind of show who they really are. The Amish are taught very early own that forgiveness is a must because God commands us to forgive. But that still doesn’t stop the Amish gossip line to go full force, as it did with Ellie. Since she came back from her time in the English world, Ellie has done everything right as far as Amish standards, but the people still look down on her. They don’t want their kids to have anything with her and whatever happens, no one wants their son to show Ellie any kindness. And when Joel Wenger did just that, tongues started flapping. And Joel’s mother was NOT a happy mamm. In fact, she has her own daughter-in-law-to-be picked out, but Joel balked on her. This is a story you will need to read to get in on all of the drama of this Amish community at this point in their lives.

Molly Jebber writes another sweet, heartwarming Amish romance that will give you several hours of enjoyment. The characters were realistic and I felt they developed well as the story progressed. Though I enjoyed the story, this is not my favorite book from this author, it didn’t seem to flow as well as the other books I’ve read from Ms. Jebber. But I did like that she deals with struggles in the lives of her characters, just as we all struggle. And she does stress forgiveness, because that’s what God wants from His children. Even though sometimes it takes a while, as it did in Ellie’s case. All in all this is a nice book to have in your ‘to read’ list. And I look forward to the next book in this series. It’s just too bad we can’t taste all of those amazing bake goods coming from that bakery!

A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

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This is the first book I have read by Molly Jebber and overall it was an enjoyable read. My only criticism is that the story line seemed to drag on, as if the author was just trying to fill pages. I did enjoy the story, but it could have been condensed dow. Otherwise, it was a good read, with a heartfelt story of redemption.

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I have a soft spot for Amish fiction and I liked this book very much. It is a part of series, but can be easily read as a stand-alone book.
The story takes place in Charm, Ohio in 1912. The characters are well-written and certainly not one-dimensional. The title character, Ellie, returns to the community after some time spent out in the world. The Amish community, whose life should be based on love, faith and forgiveness accepts her, but some can´t forgive and treat her still with disdain. The book depicts Amish as good, God-fearing people, but still just people. And people make mistakes.
Beside the expected love story, the book dealt with the topic of mistakes and forgiveness, and I appreciated this added value very much..

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“Ellie’s Redemption” is Book Two in author Molly Jebber’s Amish Charm Bakery Series. If you haven’t read Book One you will be fine reading this as a stand alone. This is a lovely tale set in Charm, Ohio in 1912. The writing took me to the farms and shops of that quaint area within the first few pages. I enjoyed the descriptions which were enough for me to visualize but not too much to become bored.

There is a wide array of characters in this historical Amish tale. From mischievous young lads to cranky mothers secondary characters made this a fun book. There were animals, too. The main characters were well defined and rounded, complete with flaws. Some of the Amish were gossips, mean girls, brats, and no different from people in our world. The author did a good job tackling relevant issues.

The writing style in this book was a pleasant, easy one. At times it seemed the story was hurried, but for the most part it was well planned and organized. I loved the bakery and goodies constantly described!

Another thing I loved were the life lessons and spiritual message. This book speaks about forgiveness, second chances, grace, trusting God, redemption, and the power of the tongue. It has a strong message against gossiping and for acceptance. Bravo!

I recommend this book for Amish fiction lovers. I would also recommend it to a teenage girl group. The life lessons are timely and would provide for great discussions. It gets a 4 out of 5 stars from me.

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I always enjoy reading books by Molly Jebber. They are sweet stories, but always have an important message inside. Her characters are charming, but not as charming as her settings. Charm, Ohio was correctly named! I would love to walk into the bakery and try the new recipes, or pretty much anything on the menu! I’m getting hungry just writing about it!
Ultimately this story reminds us of the power of gossip. Abigail’s character specifically shows the dangers of it. I have to say, her character really surprised me. I don’t want to ruin it for you, but I just never thought of an Amish person being quite so mean. I bet they exist though – after all we are all just people. Amish aren’t perfect, just like we aren’t perfect. I felt this community was harsh in how they spoke about Ellie, mostly behind her back. Makes you kind of look in the mirror to make sure you’re not doing that to someone you know.
But Ellie. She was so graceful (most of the time), and just wanted to live her life. She showed true compassion, and was quick to offer forgiveness at times I wasn’t sure she should. What a lesson Jebber weaves in her story. Forgiveness was prevalent throughout, but what spoke to me even more was the lesson about the past. You can’t let your past define you. You can’t judge someone based on their past. You have to look at who they/you are as a person today, and go forward based on that. Sure, there are times when we do need to be a little skeptic, but those are usually at a minimum. Jebber reminds us that people really can change. They can grow as individuals with help from the Lord, and with His grace alone can move forward.
Amish fiction fans will love this sweet story. I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Can you go home again? That is the question Ellie is asking throughout the book. After experiencing life in the English world, Ellie is determined to come home to her Amish roots. Gossip and rumors swirl making Ellie feel at a loss many times but through persevering we see the strength and faith overcome the darkness of such acts.
Ellie is an enjoyable character and one that I could easily like from the start. She wants to be better, does better, and be a part of a community is relatable as this is something many people strive for. Joel is seeking similar things and these two were pure magic for each other. It isn’t easy to face gossip but these two handle the wagging tongues nicely and as a reader, I felt that the lesson and message of this book were strong.
Overall, this was a great testament to Jabber’s ability to create stories with complex and unique characters. It builds nicely from the first book in the series and kept me engaged to the very end. Jebber brings real struggles, real life, and real faith to life in her books, that make readers rejoice in reading again.

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This is the second book in the Amish Charm Bakery series. This book could be read as a standalone.

The story takes place in 1912 in Charm, Ohio. Ellie see's Joel at a gathering and thinks he is the most handsome man she's met. But she unsure if she will ever be able to be with him since there's rumors about her throughout their community. Ellie and Joel begin to talk and get to know each other and soon realize that they want to try to be together but most overcome some obstacles along the way.

This book was so good and very hard to put down.

I received an ARC from Kensington Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Molly Jebber does not disappoint in this second book on the series. Ellies Redemption is a charming historical story of redemption and forgiveness. It had me laughing and crying and I loved it! I loved the characters. Charm is one of my favorite places in Amish country. so I enjoyed the setting. Thanks to netgalley for an arc of this great story, the opinions are. my own.

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This is a story of forgiveness, reunion and just a great family atmosphere. I really enjoyed Ellie and Joel story. I am hoping that there will be another book in the series. I loved all the characters.

Joel mother does not want to accept Ellie because she left the Amish a short time. She did come back. Joel sister did the same but has not returned yet. I found myself rooting for Joel mother to change her mind about Ellie. I really found myself involved in the characters.

Also I enjoyed the bakery shop. All the different kind of cookies they made.

I received an advanced copy of the book. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.

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This is a good story that shows the road to redemption and forgiveness can be a long and rocky one. I like Amish books that show that it isn't realistic for all people to be perfect. This is my first book I've read in the series but this can be a stand alone. Ellie is working to earn the respect and trust of the Amish community her father moved to. She has two women who don't trust her. Naomi and Hannah each have their own agendas and cause Ellie heartache. Joel is interested in her but his mother may cause him to see Ellie in another light.
This is a nice read and has interesting characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.

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In true fashion of Molly Jebber, Ellie’s Redemption, is another uniquely woven Amish story that kept me turning pages to the very end. This story of love, forgiveness, God’s grace, and second chances, tells of a girl who left the Amish community a few years back, and although she returned and is now committed completely to the Amish way of life, her reputation had been tarnished and the local gossips are making it their business to punish her for past sins.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters in it. They were well developed and easy to relate to. I hated so much to see how quickly people were to judge Ellie and the way it threatened her happiness. I was glad to see that in the end, peace was made, and Ellie chose to forgive each one that had done her wrong.
While this is the second book in the Amish Charm Bakery Series, it can be read as a stand alone book. I do recommend reading the first book just to better understand a few things in this book.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author, but was not required to give to positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.

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Ellie’s Redemption by Molly Jebber deals with several matters within the Amish community in Charm, Ohio, in 1921. One she gives emphasis to is gossip. There are several verses in the Bible warning against gossiping (or talebearing). A few of those include:
Leviticus 19:16a King James Version (KJV) Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people...
Proverbs 11:13 (KJV) A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Proverbs 20:19 (KJV) He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Ellie Graber struggles against feelings of inadequacies and self-worth. Ellie must stand strong when gossiping causes the mother of her friend, Joel Wenger, to not give them a chance. She portrays an attitude of forgiveness and kindness, even though others are not so kind to her.

The story is sweet and simple with many obstacles that need to be overcome. The main characters are easy to relate to, and they all grow in faith, forgiveness and understanding as a result of the problems they each face.

I love when the author includes a recipe, and there is one for oatmeal cookies in the book!

Ellie’s Redemption is Book 2 of The Amish Charm Bakery Series. Because I was sometimes confused, I feel I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read the first story.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
(I also reviewed on Walmart, Target, B & N, BAM)

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ELLIE’S REDEMPTION is the second book in the Amish Charm Bakery series by Molly Jebber. It is the story of Ellie Graber and how she is dealing with returning home to her Amish homestead, not once but twice. She keeps this secret from the Amish man, Joel, who is pursuing her and a man she really likes but feels if he knew her secret, he would leave her. He refuses to listen to the gossip and his mother constantly puts her down. Her daughter left the faith three years ago and she holds that against Ellie.

Molly Jebber sure knows how to make the reader feel as if they are right there at the kitchen table with the family dealing with all their troubles and ELLIE’S REDEMPTION is exactly that! She made me sad, then the next moment I was smiling and giggling out loud! You can never go wrong with a Molly Jebber book if you are a fan of the Amish genre. All of her characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a family can stand before it completely breaks down and splits.

ELLIE’S REDEMPTION is a heart tugging story filled with grief, loneliness, heartbreak, and love that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this heartwarming story, it was very hard to put down! I really prayed that Joel would be able to convince Ellie that she wasn’t damaged and deserved to be loved and cherished. Molly Jebber isn’t afraid to write about subjects out of the norm as far as the Amish genre goes. Oh, as a warning to the reader, keep the tissues handy and do not read the ending in a public place unless you don’t mind crying in front of strangers! I’m so excited to continue catching up on all of Molly Jebber’s previous books.

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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 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.

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Ellie’s Redemption by Molly Jebber goes back to 1912 in Charm, Ohio. Ellie Graber met Joel Wenger at her father’s wedding one month ago and he has been at the forefront of her mind ever since then. After services on Sunday, Joel invites her to sit with him and chat so they can get acquainted. They are soon interrupted by Joel’s mother, Naomi who is cold towards Ellie and pulls Joel away to introduce him to Abigail Fisher. It is obvious that Mrs. Wenger has heard about Ellie’s past and does not want her son to become involved with Ellie. Joel only has eyes for Ellie which he makes clear to his mother and the very persistent Abigail Fisher. A friendship between Joel and Ellie slowly develops into a romantic relationship, but Ellie has yet to share her secret with Joel. One day, Joel confides in Ellie why the family moved to Charm and how the situation has changed his mother from a warm, loving person into the bitter woman she has become. When Mrs. Wenger alludes to Ellie’s past in front of Joel, Ellie finally comes clean. Joel has a hard time understanding the decisions Ellie made after her mother’s death. Joel is not sure he can move forward with their relationship after Ellie’s revelations. Ellie loves Joel, but she doubts she will ever obtain Mrs. Wenger’s approval. Is there a chance for these two lovebirds?

Ellie’s Redemption is the second novel in An Amish Charm Bakery series. I like Molly Jebber’s writing style. It is conversational which makes the book easy to get into and to read. Historical events are included in the story which adds realism plus helps capture the time period. Charm, Ohio is a quaint small-town with a large Amish population. Ellie works at The Amish Charm Bakery along with her two friends and her stepmother, Liza who owns it. The characters are relatable with their feelings and the issues they face. The story proceeds at a gentle pace as Ellie and Joel get to know each other and overcome obstacles in the path to a happy life. Forgiveness of others and oneself, redemption, acceptance, and the harmful effects of gossip are featured in the story. I do suggest reading Liza’s Second Chance prior to beginning Ellie’s Redemption. I did find some details repeated throughout the book and a predictability to the story. My favorite quote was “God never leaves us nor forsakes us”. I am giving Ellie’s Redemption 3 out of 5 stars. Ellie’s Redemption is a sweet, heartwarming Amish romance.

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This is such an enjoyable series. I love this author. I love Ellie and how she has repented the bad things she did when she was a bit younger. Now Ellie hopes to get closer to Joel but they have a few problems to overcome first. Gods love shines throughout this book. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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Who wouldn't love Ellie?  She was kind and thoughtful.  She was loving.  She was beautiful. But she had a past that could ruin everything.  Can she finally have the future she always dreamed about or was she going to pay the price for her past mistakes?

This book is about making mistakes and asking for forgiveness.  It's about understanding.  It's about community and acceptance.

I loved Ellie's story.  She came to realize her mistakes and learned from them.  She is not perfect. But GOD is willing to accept and forgive.  Some members of the community have to learn this.  We are not here to judge others.

We all have made mistakes.  It is important to learn from them.

I received this free to review from Celebrate Lit.

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This historical Amish book follows the life of Ellie Graber, who had previously left her Amish community and lived in the world. Now she’s determined to follow through on her commitment to God and her church. But will others let her forget her past? Joel Wenger, new to town, seems attracted to Ellie, but his family also harbors a secret. Will the two of them be able to overcome their troubled history and make a life together or will former errors drive them apart? Some of the things in this Amish story, such as individuals praying aloud, surprised me. I wonder if it was different then or if the author just included them in this fictional account. The drama of the tale was compelling, but often the dialogue seemed a bit unnatural-sounding. And since Amish children don’t learn English until they attend school, would a six-year-old boy use a word like docile? Although perhaps he was speaking in Penn Dutch and this is the English translation. Things like that pulled me from the flow of the story. However, I still recommend the novel. It can stand alone. I read the previous one so long ago I didn’t remember much, but this sequel does continue the story with many of the same characters. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

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The author has set this second book in this series again in Charm Ohio as was the first, and we are in the early part of the twentieth century, and we are again given facts coming from the headlines, which I loved.
We are reunited with characters that we met in the first book, and have moved on with their lives, but this book does offer new beginnings for a few characters.
The main theme here is forgiveness and this time it is other people who really need to live their faith, a cornerstone of Amish religion, and being a Christian.
We have a young couple in love, but his Mom is holding on to hurts and taking it out on his girl, will they be able to bring her around? Answers are here, and they may really surprise you.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

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Ellie’s Redemption is an engaging and heartwarming with a solid Christian message woven into the story. This book set in the early 1900’s in Charm, OH is a continuation of the characters I fell in love with in Liza’s Second Chance. Ellie’s return to her Amish roots left others with doubt about her commitment to the Amish faith, even though God, the church and most of the community had forgiven her. Ellie’s sweet and compassionate spirit is to be admired throughout the story, although there were moments of wanting to lash out at the gossip.

Joel and Ellie were attractive to one another from the beginning, but they faced many struggles with their relationship. Each one had secrets of their past, plus Mrs. Wenger had listened to the gossip of others about Ellie and insisted Joel not see her. She was rude to Ellie it seemed at each opportunity. Would an expected turn of events for Joel to redeem his sister from the Englisch world bring Mrs. Wenger back to her compassionate and loving self with family and others?

This story captured by heart from the beginning. The children in the story added so much with their innocence and caring way for others. The courage, strength, and resilient of characters combined with gentleness, forgiveness, love, faith and new beginnings gave way to a magnificent Amish historical story. I look forward to reading the next book in The Amish Charm Bakery series by Molly Jebber. I want to know how the lives of the characters are moving forward. Jebber is one of my favorite authors writing historical Amish stories filled with a message of God’s love and forgiveness for each one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington through NetGalley for the tour with Celebrate Lit. All thoughts expressed are my sincere opinion of this book.

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