The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer ~ Litfuse Blog Tour with review and giveaway

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Original edition (October 23, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310335108
• ISBN-13: 978-0310335108

This book is also available as an e-book.

Purchase a copy of "The Memory Jar' here.

Release Date: October 23, 2012 | Series: Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors

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 take on this book:

It's been two years since Sarah Shetler's best friend Patty died in unexpectedly  and since then Sarah has carried around a memory jar, and keeps her memories tucked inside so that she won't have to deal with her emotions.When she meets Jathan Schrock, an Amish bachelor with issues of his own, something changes. Can Jathan penetrate the walls that Sarah has built around her heart?

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It dealt with loss, pain, friendship,and the wonderful inspirational message of allowing God to heal. While I enjoyed reading about Sarah and Patty's friendship, I found that the flashbacks of these memories sometimes broke the flow of the story and made it feel a bit choppy for me. It did seem very realistic that it took time for Sarah to heal, from her loss. Jathan is also dealing with issues that make both of the characters seem very realistic. It was so nice to see the characters grow and change as the story progressed. 

While this wasn't my favorite Tricia Goyer novel, I did enjoy it. There are discussion questions that would make this a great book club selection. The author also includes a glossary of words used by the Amish that is very helpful. I am anxious to read the next book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series.

3.5/5

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

About the author:

                            Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.

One fortunate winners will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire


• Custom-made Memory Jar Kindle Cover


• Amish-made decorative items {Wall hanging, horse/buggy and Amish houses}


• The Memory Jar {Be swept away by this captivating series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the "Memory Jar Author Chat Party on 11/7. Connect with Tricia for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of The Memory Jar and join Tricia on the evening of the November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)




Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!