A Hopeful Heart

Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel #1

by Amy Clipston

Hannah Glick, a recently widowed Old Order Amish woman, struggles to support her three children after unexpectedly losing her husband, so when she meets a nice Englischer at the luxury hotel where she works, her world is turned upside down while she tries to decipher God's plan for her. (religious fiction)

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

446 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

Hi! I'm a bestselling author of heartwarming romance and happily ever after.

Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
The View from Coral Cove (2022)
On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (2022)
Something Old, Something New (2023)
Starstruck (2023)
Finding You (2024)
With This Ring (2025)
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn (7/2025)
The Lighthouse at the Cove (12/2025)

Stand Alone Amish Fiction
Caring for the Amish Family (4/2025)

Guideposts Amish Suspense
A Heart Set Free (9/2025)


An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)

An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)

An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)

An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)

Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)

Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)

Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)

Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)

Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)

Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)

Reviews

[Amy Lillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I readily admit that I love Amy Clipston as an author and a person. But this book is *fabulous*! It's the first in the series and sets the pace for the others to follow. I won't give away any spoilers, but Hannah has had a lot of big changes in her life after the death of her beloved husband. And so has Englisher Trey. Hannah's brother in law Joshua has always loved her and wants to turn their business partnership into more--a marriage. What a perfect love triangle! Told only the way a Christian author can...

Loved it! And you will too!

[Rachel Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Glick’s family doesn’t entirely approve of her working in the Lancaster Grand Hotel, but it’s a necessity in order to support her family following her husband’s death. With the help of her brother-in-law, Jonathan, Hannah is able to keep her husband’s horse business running and keep an eye on her family. As much as she knows her children need a father figure in their life, Hannah hasn’t found someone she can see herself spending the rest of her life with—until she runs into Trey Peterson, a guest at the Grand Hotel. Hannah knows that getting involved with an Englisher isn’t the best idea, but she and Trey have both lost their spouses and quickly bond together over their shared losses. When Trey mentions that he hopes to buy a property to turn into a bed and breakfast, Hannah is happy to give him advice and let him visit their horse farm to learn more about the Amish. Not everyone is happy about their budding friendship, especially Jonathan and his mother, Barbie. Rumours about Hannah and her forbidden “relationship” with Trey start buzzing around their community, with unexpected ramifications for her family, including her teenage daughters. Hannah is forced to decide whether she could give up the life she’s always known, or if she should settle for a marriage of convenience for someone the community will approve of. If she does decide to risk it all for Trey, what will this mean for her three children and her husband’s business? Will it be worth it?

As much as I’d been anticipating the start of Amy Clipston’s new Amish series, I’ll admit that I wasn't entirely sure what to make of this book to begin with. The story seemed to move quite slowly to begin with, and didn’t grab me until about 40% of the way into the book. But once I reached that point, the plot really started moving and it was impossible to put down! Besides the slow start, the only other complaint I have to make is that the writing felt a little awkward in places, with some of the conversations early on in the book not sounding entirely realistic. But since I was reading an ARC, some of these issues might have been fixed before this book went to print, so I'm not going to dwell on that too much as it didn't detract from my reading experience once I got fully immersed in the story.

Starting a new series with entirely new characters, especially when the previous series was so well received, can be tough for some writers. I loved the Kauffman Amish Bakery series and wasn’t sure if The Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series would be able to live up to the characters I’ve come to know so well over the last few years, but A Hopeful Heart proved me wrong. This is a great start to Amy's new series and I loved the variety of characters we were introduced to: the brother-in-law whose love for Hannah isn't returned, the daughter who wants to go to college and her twin who just wants to settle down in the community, as well as Ruth from the hotel who always has the right piece of wisdom to offer but has her own worries about her son who left the community fifteen years ago. Although several secondary characters were introduced in this book, I never felt overwhelmed or struggled to keep track of them all. I definitely want to find out more about what happens to Hannah’s teenage daughters, and I'm intrigued to see if we hear more about Jonathan in future books in the series. Although I really struggled to sympathise with his often selfish actions (you can't force someone to fall in love with you!), it would be interesting to see if he does find love eventually.

This novel didn't end as I expected it would, and the choice Hannah eventually made was very unconventional for an Amish novel, so bravo to Amy for doing something so unusual with her characters! I could really relate to the struggles Hannah had with others judging her behaviour and friends spreading gossip about her. I've been there, and it's a horrible experience. I'm glad that Amy tackled the issue of gossip and how hurtful it can be, because it seems to crop up a lot in Amish novels. Hannah and Amanda both struggled with a lot of the issues that I don't particularly like about the Amish faith, so maybe that's why I loved this novel so much. I could relate to a lot of Hannah's issues, and I’m sure other readers will feel the same.

I can imagine that some people might complain that Hannah and Trey's romance moved a bit too fast, but considering their age and their past experiences, it seemed realistic that they would want to jump on the opportunity to find happiness and be together. I also appreciated that Amy showed how hard it is for a single mother to decide what is best for her and her children, especially when some of those children are nearing adulthood. Although single parents are popular in romance novels, this issue doesn’t seem to be addressed very often. I don't think there was a perfect solution to Hannah’s problems, but she did the best she could considering the circumstances, and allowed each of her children to voice their opinions and make their own decisions regarding the changes in their life.

A Hopeful Heart is a fantastic start to Amy’s new series, and once the plot really got moving I didn't miss the Kauffmans at all! Despite the slow start and some awkward writing early on in the novel, I was really drawn in by Hannah's conflict. I'm hoping we don't have to wait too long for the next instalment in the series, as I’m eager to hear more about Hannah’s family, particularly her daughters. This is definitely not one to be missed, especially if you're looking for a more unconventional Amish novel.

Review title provided by Zondervan.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author so I was just a tiny bit surprised that I wasn’t all that enthralled with this book.

I really tried but I just couldn’t find the love for this book. I honestly felt nothing but frustration with the characters.

I thought the mom was very selfish and it bothered me that she let one of her teen daughters go live with someone else so that she could do what she wanted. It bothered me to be honest.

I have sat a good long while on even writing this review so that I could sort my feelings and possibly see if my feelings changed but they haven’t. The writing was great; I just didn’t connect with the characters. I felt that it was a bit sexist that Hannah had to change her entire life—at the expense of her children for a man with no children who could have easily changed for her.

Hannah Glick lost her husband a couple years back and though she continues to work alongside her brother-in-law in the family owned business—she also chooses to work at a local hotel. It is there that she meets Trey Peterson, a wealthy businessman who is looking to start a bed and breakfast in the area.

Trey and Hannah have something in common—both have lost a spouse and it is that detail in common that draws them together despite the implications that the relationship will have for Hannah and her children. See, Hannah is Amish and Trey is not!

I really have no problems at all with reading a story where the character leaves the Amish faith but this one just bothered me. There isn’t a man alive on this planet that I would be willing to leave my teenage child over. I do understand that she allowed the girl to go live with her grandparents but it just really irks me—can you tell that I keep coming back to this point?

I just can’t get over that detail in the story. Take it or leave it for what you will but I just couldn’t enjoy this story. I really wanted to smack Hannah over her actions and the book left me feeling very dissatisfied. I wish I could say something positive but I just can’t get over this one fact so I’ll leave it at that!
View all my reviews|Excerpt

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Kinsey Breland .: avid_midnight_reader :. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really hated Joshua’s character. He seemed like a nice enough guy at the start. He had a huge crush on Hannah and was desperate to get her attention, but after Hannah started hanging out with Trey there was a shift in his personality. He practically threatened Hannah saying that she better not talk to that man ever again or she would lose everything. Joshua also suddenly became more desperate to win Hannah’s heart after that. Hannah clearly wasn’t interested in him though, and I hated how pushy and insistent he became.

I had mixed feelings about Trey for suggesting marriage after only knowing Hannah for a couple weeks. They weren’t even dating. While one of these guys was being too forward and clearly not seeing the fact that Hannah doesn’t like them that way, the other was pushing things too fast. I liked Trey better than Joshua, but I didn’t like how he went about things here.

Hannah going with Trey to his church service seemed like an eye opening experience for her, and I’m glad the author included that scene. It gave Hannah a chance to see how she could still honor and worship God even if she did choose to leave her Amish community.

The storyline about Amanda trying to work out what she wanted in life was my favorite to follow. She wanted to further her education, but struggled with the thought of losing her family and community in the process.

4.5 stars

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hannah Glick is an Amish mother with 3 children, twin girls and a young son, whose husband has died. Raised in the Amish faith, she wants to remarry; but she has not been able to connect with any of the Amish unmarried men. Her brother-in-law, Josh has always been in love with Hannah; but he made way for his brother when that was who Hannah developed feelings. But Hannah feelings for Josh are just brotherly. While Hannah is working at the Lancaster Grand Hotel as a cleaning lady, she bumps into wealthy Trey Peterson an Englisher. When sparks fly, Hannah must make a decision that will affect not only her life but the lives of her 3 children.

I felt very conflicted about this book. Hannah had spent her whole life as well as her children's as part of the Amish community, yet she seemed so willing to change her life as well as her children's. Amish are a very tight knit community, and the repercussions of leaving it are very serious. Also Hannah said things to both her children and the bishop that were one thing, and then turned right around and did the opposite. It seemed as though she did not take her faith very seriously and that her happiness was more important.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional roller coaster....a new journey for a young widowed Amish mother....first in a series.

[Gerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so good. I love the new characters. The plot is strong. It's a great introduction to a new series. I'm counting down the days until book two is out. Clipston knows how to grab readers from the beginning.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite Amy Clipston book, but I still enjoyed it.

As always, the portrayals of the Amish way of life were well done and seemed realistic. Almost all of her books involve characters moving on from heartbreak so it was enjoyable to see that as well.

However with this one, I just wasn't a fan of the romance. It was just too sudden for me and I didn't really sense a connection between the two of them. As a result, their declarations of love seemed to come out of nowhere.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. The ending made me very happy. It was exactly what I wanted to have happen. I liked the main characters. They were quite different in some ways, one is Amish and the other is English, and it made for an interesting story.

[Joleen Devens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Amish fiction book. The ending was a surprise to me. I could hardly put it down.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Glick lost her husband a few years ago but continues to live on the farm where he and his brother Joshua raised horses. She is the mother of 16 year old twin girls and a 10 year old son. The family is getting along well but she still misses her husband and has gone to work at the Grand Hotel in Paradise to help supplement the business so they can hire Joshua some help. The property actually belongs to her in-laws and she has to pay them rent to live in the house.

Joshua has loved Hannah since the were youngsters, even though she married his brother he never found another woman he wanted to make his wife. He feels like he's gotten closer to her since Gideon has died and he loves his nieces and nephew as if they were his own. He sees Hannah daily and eats many meals with her family and he's falling more in love with her every day.

While Hannah is working at the Grand Hotel she meets Trey Peterson, a very nice and handsome man, but he's an Englischer. Trey lost his wife and teenage daughter about a year ago so they have a lot in common. When Andrew, Hannah's son, falls while she's at work and is bleeding profusely, Trey offers to drive her home. He waits until he knows Andrew is okay to leave and when Hannah walks him to the car he comforts her with a hug.

Rumors are soon running rampant and not only affecting Hannah, but her children also. After talking to the Bishop she agrees to stay away from Trey, she has to for the sake of her family. Will she ever find out who started the rumors, will she be able to stay away from Trey, or will she agree to marry Joshua for her family's sake? Hannah spends a lot of time in prayer and crying, she even takes a leave from work, she really doesn't know what to do.

I found my heart beating in sympathy for Hannah and the decisions she has to make, it is heartbreaking. Amy kept my blood pressure up and I was praying right along with Hannah, thanks Amy, I already have high blood pressure, haha! I hope the choice she made is the right one and that she and her children will be happy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hopeful Heart was written by Amy Clipston as Book One in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel Series and printed by Zondervan. It is the story of Hannah Glick, who is a young widow with 16 year-old fraternal twin girls and a younger son, Andrew. She works at the Lancaster Grand Hotel in Paradise, Pennsylvania as a maid to supplement the income from her late husband Gideon’s and his brother’s horse farm. Jacob is her brother-in-law and has been in love with her since before she married his brother. He wants nothing more than to marry her and to be a father to his brother’s children. Her girls, Lillian and Amanda are at the point where they should begin to think about being baptized in the Amish church. Before that time, they are able to do many things that will be forbidden to them after they are baptized.

Amanda secretly wants to be a veterinarian and must complete her GED and then apply for college. Amish children are not educated past the eighth grade. Her sister Lily wants nothing more than to be a teacher in the Amish school, married to an Amish man and rearing their children in the Amish faith.

While working, Hannah makes the acquaintance of Trey Peterson who is in Paradise to purchase a home that he can turn into a bed and breakfast, which was his wife’s dream. His wife and daughter died from carbon monoxide poisoning while he was on one of his numerous business trips. In memory of them, he decides to give up his job and pursue the dream his wife wanted. After a while, they fall in love and Hannah must make a decision whether to remain Amish or to marry Trey and leave the church. If she leaves she will be shunned. Where will that leave her children? Where will that leave her? What happens when Jacob finds out? You need to read the story because there are so many ramifications for Hannah and her family depending on which she decides to do.

That part of the story really bothered me because the Amish community is so closed-knit and suspicious of anyone Englisch. Everyone in the community has an opinion about Hannah. I was a little surprised at the reaction of these gentle people in the story. However, I did enjoy reading this novel.

I received a free Kindle Reviewer Copy of this book from BookSneeze.com in return for my honest review.

You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-6H.

[Karen Korb · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Thoughts About The Book: I love Amish fiction and was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this book for Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze Blogging Program. Because it was an Amish story I devoured the book and read this book all the way through in one day. Once I started it I could not put it down. The resolution was a bit hard to swallow. Trey and Hannah fell in love too quickly, after just one brief conversation. I haven't read an Amish fiction book where things were resolved in that way, but it doesn't mean that it doesn't happen. Clifton does not portray the Amish as perfect people like most Amish fiction does. This particular Order of Amish seemed to be terribly judgmental and gossipy. Although many of them were kind and gentle, they were human and things around her were not perfect. Personally I don't believe this would happen where two people – one Amish and one Englisher would act on feelings of this magnitude so fast. I knew from the moment they met that Hannah would end up leaving her Order and marrying Trey. I also knew that her decision would eventually affect her whole family. I was very frustrated with Hannah, Trey, Barbie, and Josh because of their actions yet the characters and the storyline and characters came across as real. This could really happen today. I believe the story was one that portrayed the struggles that Amish widows face. It was a good story about the Amish way of life and the struggles Amish women may face. I would love to read a follow up of the main characters. I really liked Hannah; her character was really likeable. I really thought Trey, and two of Hannah's children were likeable too. I can understand the struggles the other child was probably going through though. I felt all the characters were well-rounded and very thought out. This book was a gem. Even though I was not entirely sold on the book I would still like to read the entire set of stories from the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel Series.

Disclaimer: I received this book to review from Thomas Nelson Publishing Group's Book Sneeze Blogging Program and Zondervan for an honest review.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Outsider by Penelope Williamson, "A Hopeful Heart" grabbed my attention by the similar plot. It is the first book in a series from "Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel", and from the very first page I knew this was truly going to be a "Grand" journey, that might even surpass The Outsider! The 317 pages just flew by, as Miss Amy Clipston tells the story of young, widowed Hannah Glick, a maid at the hotel who awkwardly and unexpectedly encounters one of the English guest's, Trey. They are instantly drawn to each other by the bonds of one another's lost spouses and friendship which eventually blossoms into forbidden love! I was rooting for Hannah and Trey the entire way, once she welcomed him into her home and her heart! True they are from different worlds, but the Lord works in mysterious ways as in "opposites attract" ;) They go through quite a few hurdles to find happiness again, an unlikely villain, Hannah's brother-in-law, Joshua, (wolf in sheep's clothing), secretly obsesses over his late brother's wife, more in lust than in love to me, I could never like his character! The strict Amish community, her Mother, and friends all have their opinions, but in the end, God has the final word! ;)
You will instantly feel for them. What's also beautiful is how we not only get the POV or Hannah and Trey, but also her two daughters, Amanda "positive as the morning sunshine", and Lillian "worrisome as storm clouds brewing in the afternoon"! I love them both, but I must say I love Amanda more, as she has a heart to care for animals as I do, while Lily dreams of becoming a teacher, yet both are extremely lovable! ;) You'll get a lesson in life how our personal decisions can have a rippling effect that can be heartbreaking but rewarding! It's sure to be a Classic, filled with forbidden love, gripping drama, family ties, and above all, having no doubts and faith in God! A clean book for all ages, I'm so eager to learn what becomes of the Glick's next!!

A BIG THANK YOU to Miss Amy Clipston for personally sending me a copy in exchange for an unbiased, non-profit review!! BLESS YOU ALWAYS!! ;)

[Andrea Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Glick is a widow who finds two men vying for her love, a handsome Englischer widower and her late husband's brother.

This was definitely a story that turned out to be different from what I expected. Most Amish stories I've read deal with finding love in the Amish community or the youth finding love and deciding whether or not to stay with the faith.

Hannah is not the typical Amish heroine, she's older and she's questioning her community.

While I loved the story there were several things that bothered me that could have been rectified if the book were a little bit longer. Her relationship with Trey Peterson developed into a marriage proposal without much of a courtship...and her decision regarding that proposal left me a little shocked.

I know romance novels require a happily ever after, but somehow this one didn't quite work for me. I think it had to do with how intensely unlikable Josh was, as well as her mother-in-law Barbie, who seemed downright evil and not at all Christian in her treatment of Hannah.

I commend Amy Clipston for going against the norm with her resolution, I just wish we could have seen more of why they were falling in love. It was hard for me to fathom how losing a spouse could be the basis for a loving relationship.

But like all good Amish novels there are more characters involved then just the hero and heroine. I loved Hannah's daughters, Amanda and Lillian. These girls are twins but polar opposites, especially in their beliefs. I hope we get to see what becomes of them in later books, especially Lillian, whose relationship with her mother is strained because of Trey Peterson. Her young son Andrew is sweet too.

This was a good introduction to a new series, yet it was also somewhat unsatisfying.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get comfy in your favorite reading spot and get ready to enjoy the first book in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series.

Amish widow Hannah Glick meets Englisher widower Trey Peterson under embarrassing circumstances at the hotel where she is working and he is a guest. After their initial embarrassment the two become friends. Their friendship is met with disapproval though by Hannah's family, especially her brother-in-law Joshua. He has had feelings for Hannah for a long time and would like to be a husband to her and a dad to her children. Circumstances keep bringing Hannah and Trey together and the more they are together the more they realize they can't ignore their feelings for each other. Hannah faces difficult decisions as she tries to decide what the next step in her life will be. No matter what she decides feelings will be hurt.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters seemed real with real life problems and struggles. I liked this as it shows the Amish aren't perfect but have the same issues as everyone else. The difference is in how they deal with those issues. I found the story line to be thought provoking but not too intense. The pace was just right to keep me interested from beginning to end. I loved the opening scene where Hannah and Trey meet. This scene was so well written that it took me back to my own hotel housekeeping days and I could completely relate to Hannah in those moments.

Amy Clipston knows how to write great Amish fiction and this book is proof. Her writing style is fantastic and her stories come from the heart. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction or anyone looking for a good read.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hopeful Heart is just that, and full of painful decisions, and life changing ones. Trey Peterson has suffered the imaginable, losing both his wife and daughter to a horrible accident. He was away at the time on one of his many business trips, this saved his life, but he now wishes it hadn’t. He is now dealing with the ramifications of not being there, being spared, oh if only it could have been him?
Trey is now trying to make a dream of his wife’s come true, opening an Amish style Bed and Breakfast, he is now search the Lancaster area for the perfect place. While staying at the Lancaster Grand Hotel he has a chance meeting, or I should say surprise meeting with Hannah Glick.
Hannah is suffering from her own loss of her husband, raising her children, and trying to provide for them. Her brother in law has been by her side, Joshua, as he runs their horse business, and tries to gain Hannah’s love.
We find Hannah attracted to Trey the forbidden, but liking but not loving Joshua, the safe one. If Hannah follows her heart and chooses Trey, she will be shunned and loose everything she has, her home, her community, and maybe her children. Can’t even imagine that kind of decision.
Come along and visit in this Amish Community as we travel along the countryside, and visit in their homes. How would you choose, you will waver, and not see what is in store, and what ever you decide your life is going to change forever, and you know it! The author has placed all of this on your heart, and it is as tough a decision you will ever have to make, which way would you turn, how do you want Hannah to turn? Wow!

I received this book from the publisher Zondervan through Net Galley, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author for me and WOW can't wait for the next one:-)
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
**
Hannah Glick’s family doesn’t entirely approve of her working in the Lancaster Grand Hotel, but it’s a necessity in order to support her family following her husband’s death. With the help of her brother-in-law, Jonathan, Hannah is able to keep her husband’s horse business running and keep an eye on her family. As much as she knows her children need a father figure in their life, Hannah hasn’t found someone she can see herself spending the rest of her life with—until she runs into Trey Peterson, a guest at the Grand Hotel. Hannah knows that getting involved with an Englisher isn’t the best idea, but she and Trey have both lost their spouses and quickly bond together over their shared losses. When Trey mentions that he hopes to buy a property to turn into a bed and breakfast, Hannah is happy to give him advice and let him visit their horse farm to learn more about the Amish. Not everyone is happy about their budding friendship, especially Jonathan and his mother, Barbie. Rumours about Hannah and her forbidden “relationship” with Trey start buzzing around their community, with unexpected ramifications for her family, including her teenage daughters. Hannah is forced to decide whether she could give up the life she’s always known, or if she should settle for a marriage of convenience for someone the community will approve of. If she does decide to risk it all for Trey, what will this mean for her three children and her husband’s business? Will it be worth it?

This is a great start to Amy's new series and I loved the variety of characters we were introduced to: the brother-in-law whose love for Hannah isn't returned, the daughter who wants to go to college and her twin who just wants to settle down in the community, as well as Ruth from the hotel who always has the right piece of wisdom to offer but has her own worries about her son who left the community fifteen years ago. Although several secondary characters were introduced in this book, I never felt overwhelmed or struggled to keep track of them all. I definitely want to find out more about what happens to Hannah’s teenage daughters, and I'm intrigued to see if we hear more about Jonathan in future books in the series. Although I really struggled to sympathise with his often selfish actions (you can't force someone to fall in love with you!), it would be interesting to see if he does find love eventually.

This novel didn't end as I expected it would, and the choice Hannah eventually made was very unconventional for an Amish novel, so bravo to Amy for doing something so unusual with her characters! I could really relate to the struggles Hannah had with others judging her behaviour and friends spreading gossip about her. I've been there, and it's a horrible experience. I'm glad that Amy tackled the issue of gossip and how hurtful it can be, because it seems to crop up a lot in Amish novels. Hannah and Amanda both struggled with a lot of the issues that I don't particularly like about the Amish faith, so maybe that's why I loved this novel so much. I could relate to a lot of Hannah's issues, and I’m sure other readers will feel the same.

I can imagine that some people might complain that Hannah and Trey's romance moved a bit too fast, but considering their age and their past experiences, it seemed realistic that they would want to jump on the opportunity to find happiness and be together. I also appreciated that Amy showed how hard it is for a single mother to decide what is best for her and her children, especially when some of those children are nearing adulthood. Although single parents are popular in romance novels, this issue doesn’t seem to be addressed very often. I don't think there was a perfect solution to Hannah’s problems, but she did the best she could considering the circumstances, and allowed each of her children to voice their opinions and make their own decisions regarding the changes in their life.
**
Hannah Glick lost her husband a few years ago but continues to live on the farm where he and his brother Joshua raised horses. She is the mother of 16 year old twin girls and a 10 year old son. The family is getting along well but she still misses her husband and has gone to work at the Grand Hotel in Paradise to help supplement the business so they can hire Joshua some help. The property actually belongs to her in-laws and she has to pay them rent to live in the house.

Joshua has loved Hannah since the were youngsters, even though she married his brother he never found another woman he wanted to make his wife. He feels like he's gotten closer to her since Gideon has died and he loves his nieces and nephew as if they were his own. He sees Hannah daily and eats many meals with her family and he's falling more in love with her every day.

While Hannah is working at the Grand Hotel she meets Trey Peterson, a very nice and handsome man, but he's an Englischer. Trey lost his wife and teenage daughter about a year ago so they have a lot in common. When Andrew, Hannah's son, falls while she's at work and is bleeding profusely, Trey offers to drive her home. He waits until he knows Andrew is okay to leave and when Hannah walks him to the car he comforts her with a hug.

Rumors are soon running rampant and not only affecting Hannah, but her children also. After talking to the Bishop she agrees to stay away from Trey, she has to for the sake of her family. Will she ever find out who started the rumors, will she be able to stay away from Trey, or will she agree to marry Joshua for her family's sake? Hannah spends a lot of time in prayer and crying, she even takes a leave from work, she really doesn't know what to do.

I found my heart beating in sympathy for Hannah and the decisions she has to make, it is heartbreaking. Amy kept my blood pressure up and I was praying right along with Hannah, .
**
It was frustrating how ALL the people around her was so quick to judge her 'relationship' with the Englisher...I felt like their reaction helped her to make her decision....it was as if they are going to act and treat me this way I might as well do what they think I'm going to do anyway...
I do wish she had let her mother-in-law know exactly how she had made her feel all those years with her negativity and belittling...

[Tammy G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Clipston is one of my favorite authors. She writes with a crisp, clean smoothness that makes reading a pleasure.
In A Hopeful Heart the first book in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series we meet sweet,kind Hannah.
Hannah is a widow from the Amish community who works in the Lancaster Grand Hotel.
The reader can identify with Hannah has she tries to come grips with the loss of her husband. As always the Amish community surrounds and takes care of their own when tragedy strikes. But Hannah wants to be independent and takes a housekeeping job at the Lancaster Grand Hotel Now, she must make a living for herself.
While working at the Grand Hotel Hannah meets the wealthy businessman, Trey Peterson, and an unlikely thread is woven between an Amish woman and an English businessman, as they both deal with grief and loss in their lives. But Hannah's brother-in-law, Joshua, is/has always been in love with her.
This read has a surprising number of twists and turns as Hannah, Trey and Joshua make decisions and share in their lives.
Hannah must make decisions with a hopeful heart . . . the hope that life does, indeed, go on.
A wonderful summer read!
*This book was provided for review by BookSneeze*

[Rhonda Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Clipston has written a delightful tale of hope and healing in A Hopeful Heart. Hannah Glick, an Amish widow who is working in housekeeping at the Lancaster Grand Hotel, meets English widow, Trey Peterson, who is staying at the hotel. He is hoping to fulfill his former wife's dream of running a Bed & Breakfast in Lancaster's Amish country. Hannah is hoping to be able to provide for her family and find love again. What is God's will for their lives? To be together, one of them must give up the lifestyle they are accustomed to. Add to the mix Hannah's teenage twin daughters and young son and a critical, harsh mother-in-law and one love struck brother-in-law and you have a very exciting tale! I read this book within 24 hours, picking it up as much as I possibly could.
I think there are many possible things to relate to in the book: critical relatives, children with agendas of their own, lost love, fears of the future, and grief and loss. I was certainly able to relate to many of the character's feelings, and I was rooting for each of the main characters to follow their hearts. For horse lovers among readers, an added bonus is the family horse farm !
I received a free pdf version of this book from booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

[Shauna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the unusual resolution the author used to the main problem in this story. I haven't read an Amish fiction book where things were resolved in that particular manner (of course that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist), and I appreciated the change. She also doesn't portray the Amish as the practically perfect people that a lot of the Amish fiction seems to. We all have our problems, don't we? Although many of them were kind and gentle, they were human and things around her were not perfect. I did feel that Trey and Hannah fell in love way to quickly and easily, given the circumstances in both their lives. I don't believe they would act on such feelings alone so quickly, but other than the speed of their developing romance, if you like Amish fiction you are sure to enjoy this story of hope. I received this book from Booksneeze and Zondervan for the purpose of an honest review. My opinion is my own. Thank you Zondervan.

[Rachel Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read of Amy Clipston's but it will not be the last!

Amy is an exceptionally talented author whose writing puts you right into the scene. You can feel the pain, heart-break, worry and fear of her characters. You can also feel the hints of a fledgling attraction and the jealousy!

On another note, I don't believe I have ever read another Amish fiction novel quite like this one so full marks to Amy for telling an entirely original story!

Whether you read Amish fiction or not, I think anyone who enjoys romance with a little drama thrown in will LOVE this book!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Amy's books.

I enjoyed a lot of things about this book but just a few things to get
past. The speed of following in love just isn't realistic, I know this is a book
of fiction but still.
I enjoy the building relationship between Hannah and Trey, it just needed to
not be so rushed. Enjoyed Amanda and Mike,looking forward to seeing where that
goes in the next book.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OKAY. I don't think the outcome, although predictable, was very believable. Also, there was an issue that, from a Christian standpoint, I think needed to be dealt with, but was not. It was a missed opportunity in way of thinking. Anyway, my time would've been better spent on another book.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice Amish book. Enjoyable. A different approach. I dare not say more or I'll give the plot away. Just don't read Book 2 in the series if you haven't read this book.

[Jess & Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh I really liked this one!!! A Hopeful Heart was such a good start to the series. Hannah’s story was emotional, I felt for her so much trying to raise four daughters as a widow and keep everything together while working at the hotel. My heart hurt for her but I also loved seeing how strong she was.

And Trey!! I loved the way their relationship built up slowly. It wasn’t rushed and it felt so real with all the challenges they had. I also loved that she chose him without letting her daughter guilt her into staying. The way he cared about her and the girls made me root for him right away. The tension with her mother-in-law drove me a little crazy but it made the story even better. Her daughter was SO agitating BUT necessary in the story!!!

By the end I was totally invested in Hannah and her family. This book made me want to jump right into the next one to see how the rest of the stories unfold. Such a sweet and heartfelt beginning to the series!!!

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars

I do not know how realistic this story is. First, although the author says she's done her Amish research, I felt there were some inconsistencies between this and the Amish communities I've known about/lived near. There seem to be more "modern" conveniences in this Amish house (refrigerator, telephone, electricity?) than would be consistent with the older Amish doctrine/behaviors narrated in the story [e.g., the attitudes of the in-laws and the order's church leaders].

Because of the subject matter and decisions that are reached by the end of this book, I was not thrilled to see it end on a cliff-hanger. I may try to sequel but not sure yet.

Spoilers below, so don't read if you want to avoid them!
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Second, the idea that an Amish widow would be open to an "English" widower, and that her daughter might want to become a veterinarian [of which she approves] mark more discrepancies than are usual in Amish stories.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For as long as she could remember, Hannah loved being part of her Amish community. But her world turned upside down her beloved husband died and left her a widow with three children to raise. She and her husband had owned a horse farm with Joshua, her brother-in-law. Still, Hannah must find another source of income, and so she goes to work at a hotel. This is the beginning of what will eventually lead Hannah to a decision that will forever change her and her family. Author Amy Clipston handles this difficult storyline with much grace and insight. Hannah must decide which road to take, for she cannot take them both. How she decides which way God is leading her is the crux of this tale. How it works out for her and her family remains to be seen in the rest of the series. It’s a well written novel and peopled with likable and well-developed characters.

[Louise Bergin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Amish romance I've ever read, and I liked it. It's a gentle story, featuring an Amish woman who works as a maid at a hotel and a man looking to open a bed and breakfast inn in the area. This proves a romance doesn't require titled people or celebrities as the main characters. This hero and heroine couple are ordinary people.

Both of them are dealing with grief from the passing of their spouses. That provides the initial bond between them, but soon something deeper forms. It's this love that causes problems for the heroine because she is Amish and he is not. Their love doesn't just affect the two of them, but also her family faces serious consequences, if she goes outside their Amish community. His family questions his choice, but without the same serious repercussions.

If you want to try an Amish romance, this would be a good place to start.