The Hope Chest: A Legacy of Love

by Rebekah Wilson

A hope chest. What is it and what should be placed inside? Are they too old-fashioned for today's modern families? These questions and many more are answered in this wonderfully insightful book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Christianity

376 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Carolyn Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pored over this book as a child. I'm crafty and I love making lists, and this is both. Also a nice history lesson on dowries, bridal showers, and trousseaux. They provide examples, and I LOVE the antique embroidery monogram patterns they scatter throughout. I embroidered pillow cases and knit dishcloths faithfully, saved them until I got married, and now I have so much fun looking at my childish stitches and remembering.

[Francesca Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t the most brilliantly written book ever, but I am glad I bought it. The most annoying thing is that the author’s presumably Mormon background shows in her writing. Since there aren’t many hope chest handbooks, so I can be a little forgiving.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It tells the history of the hope chest and how it is more than a place to store things a girl may need in her married life, it is also a record of the skills gained by a girl and young woman that she can use some day in the caring of her home. This has sparked an interest in teaching my daughter, who is only seven, many aspects of home making, which of course means teaching myself. She can now make a half dozen meals, sew her own dolls, and clothes by hand. She made three of her brothers quilts for Christmas on the sewing machine and we are now both learning to weave and embroider. It has been very fun. This book has many ideas for how and why we should seek to learn things that will provide for and beautify our homes.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I refer to it often and have bought enough copies to give to each of my children.

The idea of a hope chest is a natural one that even without the mention of it, I had already collected things for my own future as a young lady in the making.

I believe all mothers should read this book and also work on many of the ideas given!

It will likely strengthen relationships and build a better future for all!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book ! it was very helpful. It did not put to much stress on haveing a actual chest , but more the sentament and love behind the idea. I also liked the ideas of having one whether you are already married , or for your children or even if you are a boy ! :) ( I thought that was too cool ! ) Highly recommend this one !

[Michelle Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little redundant but that's to be expected in a book of this nature. TRULY helpful in building daughters' hope chests. We are all excited to start adding stuff to them. It had chapters on weddings and showers and that got everything to thinking about what kinds of things they would want then too.

Recommended for good advice on hope chests.

[Alisha Bonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

is book was very helpful and full great ideas on collecting items for your hope chest. it also gave me some ideas on special traditions to start when I have a family of my own.

[Rachel]

this book has some good ideas