Annie's Recipe

Annie’s Recipe by Lisa Jones Baker is the second book in the Hope Chest of Dreams series. Annie Mast and Levi Miller were childhood best friends. Then one day Levi was gone. Levi’s father, John, had broken the rules of the Ordnung and was shunned. John quickly packed up his family and moved away. Ten years later, Annie is at the wedding of Katie and Jeremiah when she notices an Englischer in the crowd. Upon closer inspection, she notices that it is Levi. They agree to meet at their special place at Pebble Creek. When they meet, it is like they have never been apart. Over the next few days, the two meet whenever Annie can get away. Levi wants to spend the rest of his life with Annie, but, there is a big obstacle in the way of their happiness. Levi does not feel he can return to Arthur, Illinois and live. He feels he will always be known as the son of the shunned man. Levi knows that Annie would not be happy in the Englisch world and asks if she would be willing to compromise. Annie’s heart, though, is in the Amish world where she grew up. Annie believes that God can work miracles and, if she is meant to be with Levi, God will find a way. Is there a happily ever after in the future for Levi and Annie? Annie’s Recipe is nicely written and is easy to read. The book reminds me of a sappy romance novel with Christian faith and theology tossed in. Annie’s journal entries remind me of those written by a lovesick teenager. Well, technically she is a teenager (only eighteen). Annie’s sponge cakes are mentioned frequently throughout the book. I wondered if she could cook or bake anything else (it did not seem like it). I give Annie’s Recipe 3 out of 5 stars. It is a sweet book with a good lesson about having faith and believing in God (just not my type of Amish novel). We are provided updates on the characters from the first book. I like the character of Old Sam Beachy. He crafts beautiful chests with custom designs on the tops (I would love one). I just wanted a little more in Annie’s Recipe. It seemed like the same details were discussed over and over throughout the story. Levi and Annie love each other, but sometimes it is not enough (especially when one person refuses to compromise).

Wow! This book is so beautifully written! This book is about Annie and Levi’s relationship that is recently rediscovered and the challenges that they face to try to make it work. This book is about love, romance, hope, faith, friendship, overcoming obstacles, and second chances. The storyline flows, is evenly paced, and keeps you fully engaged! The characters are well developed, genuine, and enjoyable! It is clear Lisa Jones Baker knows the Amish community and their customs! The Amish background is well detailed, and thoroughly represented and captured throughout the book. This book is book two in the Hope Chest of Dreams book series. This book can be read on its own. This book briefly touches on the previous book which easily catches you up on the background story. I had not read the first book, although I wish I had and still might go back to read it anyways. This book series features three books, and I look forward to reading the third and seeing how the series wraps up. All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in sweet, clean romance books! You won’t be disappointed! **Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**

Annie and Levi were friends as children and now are able to reconnect as adults. Enjoyed their story as they work toward resolving the Amish and English world differences to find their pathway together. Good second book in the Hope Chest series. Looking forward to the next book. Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.