Thursday, October 25, 2012

"The Memory Jar" by Tricia Goyer: Review & Giveaway


About the book:  Book One in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series
Every year, 30–40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive ‘resident’ status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love.

Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she’s also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she’s met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

My thoughts:  First of all, I found the concept of a "memory jar" as kept by Sarah in "The Memory Jar" rather quaint even for an Amish story.  To think that teens and adults would collect rocks, tiny pinecones, etc. and store them in a jar to aid as a tool to recollect their special moments or experiences in life is not in keeping with any society beyond that one really backward or very young.  In spite of my concept and thinking on a "memory jar" that is an item of particular importance in The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer. 

When a young girl our heroine and her young friend both keep their memories intact inside th memory jar.  This becomes especially important to Sarah after her best friend Patty dies in a boating accident. Memories are all Sarah has left of Patty and therefore the jar becomes important.

Sarah can not seem to get into the boy meets girl and girl and boy marry scenario that is expected of the Amish.  She is not much for routine housekeeping responsibility and dotes on her skills as a "fancy" baker.  She dreams of one day having her own bakery.

Jathan arrives on the scene along with other young Amish bachelors who come to the area hunting - both for wild game and for brides. Jathan is somewhat shy but he has spotted Sarah. They are in a group that goes hiking and become well acquainted because she has an injury and he helps her.

As the story progresses, they have family and community issues that put roadblocks in their path.  It looks like things might work out for them and then it all falls apart.  Will their relationship end up in the memory jar? Will it be a good memory, or will it be a memory of heartbreak?


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Begins October 25 - ENDS November 9 12:01 a.m. ESTPlease wait patiently while Raffelcopter loads.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of The Memory Jar from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author, Tricia Goyer,  and publisher, Zondervan, in order to render a review. Opinions expressed are solely mine and I was under no obligation to give a positive review. 

24 comments:

  1. There is a charm about the way they are--not all caught up in a bunch of material things,and all the goings on of the world....It like looking back in the past,sometimes

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  2. Part of me wishes I lived more along their lifestyle but part of me is happy living the way I do now. I would love this book to give to my 80 year old aunt to enjoy. :O)

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  3. I have always been fascinated with the Amish. I like their devotion to family

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  4. I love their caring about each other's problems. They are very modest in the way that they dress-that's one characteristic that I could adapt to easily. They also cook wonderful food. they have a deep trust in God.


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  5. I think they are mysterious to a degree and I find that extremely fascinating. You just really don't know that much about them, and when you find something out, it's something marvelous!
    1prizewinner at gmail dot com

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  6. I think it's interesting how they get along without our modern conveniences and seem content to do so.

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  7. I love the Amish lifestyle. When I was in high school, I wanted to be Amish and read or watching everything about them I could. I love the simplicity and tight knit families and the strong work ethic.

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  8. The Amish have a time of "running around" for teens called rumspringa where they can experience the "English" world for a time and they have to decide whether to join the church or not. Most decide to stay. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

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  9. I still have this one on my wish list.
    godblessamerica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. I like how contented and faithful to God they are.

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  11. This sounds like such a wonderful story. I love reading books about the Amish.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

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  12. Oh I must have a copy of this book, The Memory Jar! I've heard such good things about it; such as...I couldn't put this book down until I finished it! I love Tricia's books!

    Blessings!
    Judy
    sweetpea.judy(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  13. I love how the Amish are so willing to help each other out. If their house or barn burns down their whole community comes out to rebuild. How neat is that? I might add how Godly is that?

    Blessings!
    Judy
    sweetpea.judy(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  14. The closeness of the families and just the simple life.
    amyc

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  15. There is a simlicity to their life that can be very attractive in our 'rush, rush' world. But I'm sure they have their issues like all of us do!

    Patty
    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  16. Oh I love Amish love stories...and this book..'The Memory Jar' by writer Tricia Goyer....sounds so wonderful...love to win a copy and look forward to reading the book........one devoted book fan of Tricia Goyer's...............babyruthmac16ATyahooDOTcom

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  17. I left a comment....... don't see it soo well comment again...I shared on facebook...and twitter....and I too want to comment that I really love reading Tricia Goyer's books...they give me such a warm relaxing feeling...my get-away.....babyruthmac16ATyahooDOtcom

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  18. This appears to be a refreshing book instead of the same old stuff you read all the time. We have an Amish community close where I live. We see them in town all the time. This would provide for an interesting read.

    deamundy(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. I have been interested in the Amish since i read my first Beverly Lewis book, "The Shunning". I find their simple life style to be good. I love the way they help each other in their community, whether canning, quilting, helping with chores for someone in need, or when they have a fire, by rebuilding their barn or home. The way they try to live a Godly life. I also like the way they practice forgiving.
    Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

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  20. Tricia is a nice person and author. I have been wanting ti win this book since first seeing it, I love the Title. I posted this on my Facebook page also. I'm hoping to win.
    Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

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  21. I love the self sufficient life style. They are a close knit community that comes together to worship and give. Everyone helps, everyone is involved. <3

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  22. I find it interesting that they live without electricity. That would be so hard yet it is so interesting and intriguing.

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  23. I enjoy driving through the country and seeing their homes and farms. The Amish I have talked with have been very friendly and helpful. I enjoy stopping to buy preserves or fresh fruit. I think it is interesting how they have home churches, and I've seen the wagons of benches that they transport from home to home.
    may_dayzee(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  24. I love everything the Amish stand for. A simple life, self sufficient and the family unit. I also love Trica's books!!

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