Rachel Beachy is a tomboy who loves climbing trees and being outdoors. But on the other hand, her sister Anna is very different. You could say, VERY different. Rachel is perfectly satisfied with the Amish way of life, but she has one problem. She is in love with her sister's boyfriend, Silas Swartley. While Anna doesn't seem to take a liking to the Amish way of life, even though she has been baptized into the Faith, she has little feelings for Silas! When Anna up and leaves the Amish Faith, Silas and the Beachy families are crushed. This does rekindle Rachel's hope, that maybe.... just maybe she might have a chance with Silas. But Silas can't look at Rachel as more than a child and the little sister of the woman he loves! Throughout the book 'The Hope Chest' can Silas see that Rachel has matured into a woman and will faithfully be a wonderful wife? 'The Hope Chest' was rich in detail and plot. I thought the story line was amazing, keeping me interested at every second. Wanda E. Brunstetter sure has a gift for writing! She inspires me to learn more about the Amish and their beliefs. I am sad to say, 'The Hope Chest' was the fourth and final book in the series 'Brides of Lancaster County,' but I am looking forward to reading other series of hers. I promise that this realistic fiction novel will not let you down! Give 'The Hope Chest' by Wanda E. Brunstetter a chance and you won't regret it!
I enjoyed The Hope Chest by Wanda E. Brunstetter about an Amish family whose eldest daughter left the faith to marry an Amish man who chose to leave the Amish community because he liked the modern things. An Amish man wanted to court her but she kept putting him off and encouraged him to court her younger sister instead who she felt was a better match for him. Her younger sister, Rachel, actually did hope to marry him some day. Of the three books in the "Brides of Lancaster" series, I liked this one best. There was the romance story line but also the story line about shunning the oldest daughter who married outside the community, leaving her Amish lifestyle behind. It wasn't as depressing as the others and I liked the main characters better in this one too. It's a light, quick read.
What do You think about The Hope Chest (2007)?
#4 Brides of Lancaster. Enjoyed this 4 book series. Rachel Beachy has been in love with Silas for many years. Silas was in love with her older sister Anna. Anna decided to marry Reuban and they leave the Amish life. This book was interesting because it explores how the family feels when a child decides to embrace the English life. It also shows how generations leave legacy's by tying the 4th book with the first in the series.For thou art my hope, oh God: thou art my trust from my youth. Psalm 71:5
—Janet C.
