The Hope of Spring

Discovery #3

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Meredith Stoltzfus is trying to piece her life back together, while in a hospital miles away, a young man is fighting for his life and remains in a coma... Weeks away from the baby being born, Meredith has never been so scared. She aches for Luke and knows her baby will need his father. She’s nearly out of money; can she somehow manage to provide for herself and her baby—alone? 

Book 3 of an exclusive 6-consecutive-month release Amish serial novel. The Hope of Spring is part three of New York Times Bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunsetter’s The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga.

The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga
Book 1 - Goodbye to Yesterday
Book 2 - The Silence of Winter
Book 3 - The Hope of Spring
Book 4 - The Pieces of Summer
Book 5 - A Revelation in Autumn
Book 6 - A Vow for Always

 

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Romance, Amish Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Novella

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story, but not quite as gripping as the previous two. I'm not really liking the hint of a romance to come between Meredith and Jonah, but that's because I know that her husband is still alive. I'm curious to see how this saga continues.

[April Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hope of Spring, by Wanda E. Brunstetter is the third in the Lancaster County saga. This story is a fictitious Amish romance that follows the life of Meredith; a pregnant woman who recently became widowed and is trying to make a new life for herself and her soon-to-be-here baby. What Meredith doesn't know is that her husband is still alive, and unfortunately in a coma in a hospital where his medical ID tag reads "John Doe."

An old friend of Meredith's, Jonah Miller, is more present in this story. After Meredith nearly loses her baby, he comes around and helps her out around the house. He fulfills the "hero" role quite well. I don't get that Meredith is interested in him at this point, but I do believe that he is interested in her.

Meredith's family pull together and surround her, giving her lots of love and support. They try to move forward as best they can, preparing for the new baby.

The book abruptly ends when Luke opens his eyes for the first time in the hospital. This of course left me wanting more.

My only problem with these stories is how short they are! I finish them in under an hour! Which is fine because I happen to have all six of them, so I can grab the next book when I finish the one before it... But still, I imagine this would be frustrating to someone who didn't have the luxury of owning all 6 novellas.

All in all, this story is excellent. I enjoy reading about the Amish way of life, and I'm looking forward to the 4th story in the Lancaster County Saga!

[Laurie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book and am extremely dissatisfied with the way these novellas were published.
Briefly - This book is about having a funeral for her husband and moving onward as they believe her husband was on a bus that explodes and he is dead because of it. There is no body to return to this widow given what happened to the bus.
This book is part of a series of 6 Novellas.
I wrote to the publisher (since I got it from NetGalley) and told them I was NOT going to write a review about it since it would be a negative review. So instead of writing a negative review, I am opting OUT of writing one. I explained to the publisher my dislikes, what I thought about this set of 6 novellas, the author, and whoever made the decision to release these books for individual purchase was wrong because this ONE book, to purchase ALL 6 novellas would be approximately $30, MUCH MORE than ANY other book she has written. I wondered what their and the author's objective was in writing these novellas in this manner? Money? The author and publisher sure would make a LOT of money on these! I was very open with them about this series. I was granted permission to read all 6 books, but I could only get 3 down before I had to say ENOUGH!
I did give the Publisher a 1-Star review about it, so I will do so here, too. I am NOT publishing this review on Amazon or any other retailer site.

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for audio books thru my library to listen to on my iPhone and I came across this series. So far I have listened to 5 of the 6 books in the series. The story line is interesting enough but the writing is just simply lacking. There are way too many unnecessary details that bog the story down - at least when listening to the audio. Each book is quite short yet at times it seems to drag on and on without meaningful progress in the story. In all honesty, if he subject matter wasn't about love, marriage, and having a baby, I'd think it would be a children's book. The writing just comes across as juvenile, going into detail to explain things as you would to a child. I do intend to read book 6, as it does not appear to be out in audio format yet, so perhaps I will feel differently after reading the book instead of listening to it...

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in 2013,2017 and 2022.
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Another good book in this Amish Fiction Series!!

The Characters are still so interesting to read about. I still love Luke and Meredith's story.

The Setting is still so beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in PA while reading.

I love how the end of this book slowly has happiness building for Luke and Meredith.

Can't wait to read more by Wanda in the future!!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Amish series ever. Amish fiction readers, this series is a must. Every book leaves you with a cliffhanger. This one is about Luke.

[Grace, Queen of Crows and Tomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith is recovering after an incident that made her nearly lose her baby as she continues to move on. This book developed more of Meredith's character as well as Jonah's character as everyone prepares for the baby to arrive. I really enjoyed this one, not as much as the second book, but I still enjoyed it. Will be reading the fourth book soon!!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seemed a little random and unfinished, probably because this was the only book I read in the series. Otherwise an enjoyable and clean read

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm on the edge of my seat to see what happens.

[Tammy Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving through another season with Meredith and her family - and Luke in his own season. It is a good (albeit frustrating) season for the two of them. Looking forward to the next installment.

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still getting the feeling that this ought to have been one novel put together rather than several short ones, but the longer I'm reading them the better they're getting. I'm glad Meredith seems to be doing better, she's lucky to have so many people who care about her to help her out. And of course our "mystery patient" (that everyone knows the identity of) has finally woken up!

[Rhonda Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Book 2 and Book 3 in one night as I was so anxious to know what would happen for Meredith and the young man in the coma. A lovely young nurse, Susan, is caring for the unknown young man and even accidentally meets Meredith while shopping at the market in Pennsylvania's Amish country. An old friend, Jonas, has moved to the area and has rekindled his friendship with Meredith. Jonas is seeking to help Meredith get the house ready for the new boppli, but his parents fear that the community will get the wrong idea with him paying frequent visits to an expectant, recently widowed young woman. She comes up with a plan to raise money that won't be too stressful to her or the baby, but I won't spoil the book for readers. I know that I am already getting ready to read Book 4. Wonder what the future holds for dear sweet Meredith?

[Angieleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.25

Another easy, fast read in the Discovery serial. A little more insight into who Meredith is, and getting to know the nurse, Susan, a little better, too.

We also get to meet Jonah, a young man that has moved to the area and whom Meredith had worked with years prior when she was in Florida. I don't very much care for him as he seems a bit...creepy.

Thanks to Jonah, Meredith doesn't end up losing her baby, but she is forced to stay with her family and eventually allow one of her younger sisters to come live with her.

I think it's pretty obvious who "Eddie" is. I like how caring Susan is as a nurse, but she's breaking the cardinal rule about not getting attached to her patient.

On to the next!

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Netgalley, but listened to the audiobook through my library. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the series, but it still is one I really enjoyed. Meredith's baby is close to arriving and she's concerned about how she'll provide for herself and the little one. Jonah's been showing up around Meredith more often, though she hasn't been a widow all that long yet. The ending again makes sure you pick up the next one and that's what I did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.

[Sue Phillips roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is definitely getting more interesting. I'm really enjoying it. Anxious to read book 5.

[LaShunda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely addition to this six part serial novel where grief and faith collide and old friends become new.

[Maleah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really getting into this series. If your questioning reading this start an keep going!

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

'I've lost Luke, Meredith thought as her eyes drifted shut, and I won't take the chance of losing our baby.'

In the third installment of the Discovery Saga, Meredith realizes that she must take care of herself, to avoid putting her unborn baby at risk. She no longer has her late husband Luke, but she does have a good support system in her parents, her friend Jonah, and many other people in this close-knit Amish community. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, an unnamed patient is being cared for by a caring nurse, but his prognosis seems dismal, to say the least. Will he remember who he is, if he ever comes out of his coma?

This novella is perfect when you're looking for a quick, uncomplicated read. Fans of Amish fiction will enjoy the many references to this hardworking, faithful group of people, and author Wanda E. Brunstetter leaves us eager to learn what happens next! I recommend The Hope of Spring and the Discovery Saga to all who enjoy Christian fiction.

I received a copy of this book. A favorable review was never required.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part 3 of a 6 part serial novel. I was able to get all 6 books at once off a library book sale table. I don't think they are worth the full price ($6.99 for each short book). As readers, we know both sides of the story so we're in the odd place of knowing more than the characters do.

I am tired of Meredith's "woe is me" attitude by book 3. I can understand her wanting to get back to her own home. I can also understand her mother's worry about her being alone. I am glad Meredith comes to appreciate Alma.

As with book 2, Luke spends this book in his coma.

Jonah seems a little too unconcerned about what others think of his visiting Meredith's house--even when his dad seems to broach the subject.

I also wonder whether the author is setting up a future story with Jonah and Laurie as the main characters--or how far she will let the Jonah/Meredith angle go before revealing to Meredith what we, as readers, already know.

[Carol Ackerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotions Meredith experiences after hearing her husband has been killed in a tragic accident without ever learning he was to become a father are especially heartbreaking because the reader knows where Luke really is.
I've never personally known anyone who was in a coma but I thought the description of what Luke was going through was probably accurate. I thought the length of his coma was rather excessive, but perhaps, due to his injuries, that was to be expected.
I've always admired how stories of the Amish show them as being so family oriented and willing to help others in their community. This book shares that concept.
I can't wait to start Book 4 in this series where Luke hopefully finally wakes up!

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Amish story about loss and grief. I voluntarily chose to review this, and I've given it a 4.5* rating. I've now read three in this series and the thing that holds me back on these is the cliff- hanger in each one. They are pretty short, just around 120 pages each and still a cliff-hanger in book number five. They have a lot of feels, and a little action, I may never know what happens at the end of this. They do make great evening reads but with the cliffhanger there, I must say it's a bit of turn off for me. I may never be able to afford to find out how this ends. A shame, since I did enjoy reading these.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea where things are going to go next. I wanted to scream at Meredith that the Englishers she met at the market knew that Luke was alive but I knew that wouldn’t help. They didn’t have any idea who “Eddie” even was.

I keep wanting to hold Meredith down and tell her to rest and not overdo anything so she can keep her baby healthy. Part of me wants her and Jonah to be together but then Luke is still alive but he probably doesn’t remember who he is or what happened.

I am definitely glad I got all six books before starting them. I’ve been sipping through them this weekend.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read the first two books in this series and yet I still enjoyed The Hope of Spring. I will go back and read the first two books just to see how this series started.

The Hope of Spring finds Meredith with child and a widow. She worries about being able to support herself and the new baby when he/she is born. Her family does offer her help but she doesn't want to feel dependent on them. Which I understand, she doesn't want to seem weak or not self sufficient.

I enjoyed this book and will continue this series. It was a nice quick and easy read.

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing happened in this story. I mean nothing. This felt more like reading one chapter, not an entire book. There's this pregnant young widow, and an old friend of hers, who once had an interest in her helps her with a couple of chores another house, and there's this John Doe in a coma in the hospital and a nurse who takes care of him is worried about him, then he wakes up and the book suddenly stops. Of course I have theories, and I expect there is more to this story in the rest of the series, but I won't bother reading the other 5 books.


Read for a reading challenge: Spring

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith continues to put her life back together after the loss of her husband, while in a hospital miles away, a young man is fighting for his life and remains in a coma. . . . Weeks away from the baby being born, Meredith is scared. She misses Luke and her baby will never know his father. She’s almost out of money but is hoping to find a way to support herself and her baby on her own. Her family continues to push in and try to help her and a long lost friend steps in to help out. However, is he in this out of trying to help, or because he has more serious intensions.

[Sheryl Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I said in my review for the first book in this series I am using the public library's ebook project for these book so have to wait until each is available. These are very short books - around 128=130 per book so take around 2 hours to read. I don't understand the author's reasoning for dragging it out instead of at least put two or three books together in one - I am glad I am using the library and not buying each book.

[Lu Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio Version

As life goes on it's hard for Luke's wife to get past the grieving of her husband but she is surround by family and friends who love her and are doing their best at it to help her overcome this meanwhile the nurses venture out to the Amish market and are talking to this girl bout her dolls neverless she is Luke's wife's sister!!! They cross path but didn't know it yet and the nurses returned home and the next day at the hospital Luke starts to awaken from the coma

[Jenni Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is DEFINITELY pushing the narrative of Jonah and Meredith getting together. I’m seeing the trend of ending every book on a cliffhanger that’s interesting enough to want to keep reading these. Halfway through these serials, so I figure I’d finish them. Super short and sweet. The only thing I don’t like is that the overarching plot is unsolved and there’s not much that happens but day to day monotony of life.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Meredith tries to come to terms with Luke's death, she fights to save their baby and has to learn to rest and rely on family. An old friend, Jonah, is back in town and finds himself helping Meredith with painting the babies room, buying her horse, etc. Meanwhile, Luke is fighting to stay alive and he finally wakes up.