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Brought together by heartbreak, two wounded hearts might discover a second chance love in this heartwarming romance by bestselling author Vannetta Chapman

After tragedy claimed her husband’s life and her son’s ability to walk, Hannah King doesn’t want a new man. She has her family, a home and mounting debts. Scarred Amish bachelor Jacob Schrock offers Hannah the job she desperately needs. But while Hannah helps Jacob resolve his accounting issues, can she and her little boy also heal his wounded heart?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope. Experience more heartwarming and inspirational Amish romance in the rest of the Indiana Amish Brides

An Unlikely Amish Match

A Widow’s Hope

Amish Christmas Memories

A Perfect Amish Match

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published July 17, 2018

139 people are currently reading
1226 people want to read

About the author

Vannetta Chapman

128 books1,448 followers
Vannetta Chapman is a New York times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over t0 novels. She has sold over one million copies and writes in a variety of genres that include dystopian, suspense, dystopian, romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery.

Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.

Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free ebook! For more information, visit her at http://vannettachapman.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Shirley Chapel.
726 reviews177 followers
September 18, 2018
A widows hope is a story about an Amish man and lady that had been hurt badly in life. Hannah King is a young widow with a four year old disabled son. Jacob Schrock has lived with terrible scars on his face for years. Both have gone on with their lives but are still held captive by their hurts and fears.
Hannah needs a job to help pay for Matthew's medical bills. Trouble is there's only so much she can do because of her responsibilities with Matthew's care. Jacob is facing an audit. He needs to hire someone to get ready for the auditor. Trouble is his book keeping is a disaster and no one wants the job. He remembers from school days that Hannah excelled in math. Would she be willing to straighten up his records and ready him for his audit?
I loved this story because it made me realize what parents with disabled children face every day. Also how cruel people can sometimes be with people who have disabilities or facial disfigurement. The author bought out these feelings in her well researched story , which made it feel more real for the readers. If we don't live with these conditions often we don't give much thought to what others encounter in life.
This story had humor in places and I also was close to tears in places. All readers of Amish Fiction would love A Widows Hope. If you're a fan of Vannetta Chapman you don't want to miss reading this book. I'm glad I took the time to read it and I highly recommend it .

3,925 reviews1,763 followers
August 17, 2018
I've never met a Vannetta Chapman book I didn't love and here we go again with her latest Love Inspired romance -- and can I say how thrilled I am that she's writing for this line now? This is her second book in the Indiana Amish Bride series and I hope there are a whole lot more!

Hannah and Jacob's story is poignant and funny and little bit infuriating...in other words, sweet perfection. Love the contrast of their challenges with Jacob carrying his scars on the outside while Hannah nurses invisible ones. And oh, goodness, but does she ever give him a hard time. She goes into protective mama bear mode a lot. Totally understandable given what she and little Matthew have gone through but she definitely needs a Jacob in her life only he doesn't think he's husband material so....get ready for some angst and laughter and sweet getting-to-know you scenes which often end up with someone storming out of the room. Bwahahaha! This hero and heroine kept this reader on her toes right to the sigh-worthy conclusion!
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
October 15, 2018
A WIDOW'S HOPE is Ms. Chapman;s first Love Inspired romance. I didn't know she'd written one until a friend mentioned it and gave me her copy to read. Hannah is an overprotective mama (with good cause) of a disabled four year old boy. She needs a job as her dad is supporting her and her son and the son's medical expenses are risking the farm as they can't make payments.

Jacob Schrock used to like Hannah, but their first date ended disastrously when his horse went lame and Hannah lost her temper and walked off. He builds playhouses for disabled children now and has been commissioned to build a train shaped one for Hannah's son. He is being audited and needs an accountant. But Hannah is not desperate enough to work for him until everything else goes wrong.

Jacob had my heart. He was badly burned in a fire and disfigured and feels no one can love him. He's treated like a scary monster. Most author's cast these people as bad guys and I know a man personally who has been badly burned and he is the sweetest kindest man I've ever known. He's young enough to be my son, and is a Christian. I'm glad Ms. Chapman found it in her heart to write about a character such as Jacob.

I didn't like Hannah at all when I met her. She was outspoken, rude and pushy. The dialog was rather flat, but something about the story drew me (the hero, the son, something) and I had to keep reading. I was glad the way the story worked out and I recommend it for a good Amish read.

I was given a copy free by a friend (not the author) and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,879 reviews209 followers
July 6, 2018
I really enjoyed reading A Widow’s Hope. Hannah King and Jacob Schrock struggled with different things in their lives. Hannah was burdened with fears relating to her child’s health, the need to control the situations around her, guilt and worry. Jacob carried around guilt about a past tragedy, as well as the belief that no one would be interested in marrying a man with a scarred face.

Hannah and Jacob started out with a fairly rocky beginning. I cringed a few times with the way Hannah treated Jacob or how she reacted to certain situations with him. But I really enjoyed watching as the two of them became friends and eventually more.

This was such a sweet story, filled with interesting main and side characters! I look forward to future books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Liz.
727 reviews26 followers
July 30, 2018
This is a refreshing little book, a perfect summer read for those who want to relax with quality Amish fiction. Hannah and Jacob have both been scarred by tragic losses, but they learn to trust each other as they lift each other's burdens. This story was predictable, but in an enjoyable way-no huge angst or unbelievable plot twists. Just gentle, hurting people upheld by loving families, finding their way back from brokenness. I always enjoy Chapman's characters and their realistic conversations, and I could almost hear echoes of Emma in Hannah's mother, Claire. Grab this new addition to Harlequin's Love Inspired series-you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,139 reviews162 followers
August 3, 2018
I am weak, but thou art strong,
Jesus keep me from all wrong.

A Widow's Hope is a sweet story of two scarred people finding their way as God directs them. One is scarred on the inside and the other on the outside. Hannah King is a young widow living with her parents and her young son that is a paraplegic. A year ago, her husband was thrown from his buggy and killed when a snake startled his buggy horse and her son Matthew, also thrown, was paralyzed. She can't imagine any man wanting to take on a widow with a son that is disabled.
Jacob Schrock was burned on his face while trying to save his parents from a fire in their house, only it was too late. He was disfigured and has decided that he will live a life unmarried thinking that no one wants to look at him. Jacob also feels guilty that he was unable to save them. He is a busy carpenter in the area of Goshen, Indiana with a love to build playhouses for disabled children. He and Hannah went to grade school together. When he is contracted by a group to build a train playhouse for Matthew that will fit his wheelchair, they rekindle their friendship, somewhat reluctantly on Hannah's part.
Jacob needs someone to help with his accounting to prepare for an IRS audit. Hannah needs money to help with the family finances. Both will need to rely on God's help to see past their insecurities and fears in order to live a more full life. This is a lovely story of love and family; a story of living each day to the fullest according to God's will.
I won this book on Vannetta Chapman's blog. Thanks to her! Opinions and thoughts stated are mine only.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
June 19, 2018
A Widow’s Hope ( Indiana Amish Brides - #1 )
By: Vannetta Chapman
A Widow’s Hope is book one in Vannetta Chapman’s new series Indiana Amish Brides. I could not wait to read the start of this new series. I was not disappointed. This story is a very heartwarming story that touched my heart. I was grabbed at the start and did not want to put it down. There were times when i had tears in my eyes. Two people with great loss and scars from the past . A Young child that is so sweet and with a disability. I loved him from the start. A story about loss, trust, love , and trusting in God. Is there hope for these two who have been through so much? I really loved A Widow’s Hope and can’t wait to read book two in this new series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,230 reviews490 followers
June 29, 2018
The author has presented us with two hurting individuals, one has lost her husband and her only child was injured in the accident, the other blames himself for not being able to save his parents, even though he has scars that show he tried.
I found it amusing that these two know each other from their childhood and a disastrous date, but neither is really ready to move on with all that has happened to them.
Come and watch, or read how these two fumble around each other, and when the chips are down will they be able to come together, or will it tear them apart?
I did enjoy this read by this author.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Dianne.
1,846 reviews158 followers
May 20, 2018
This was a very good Amish read that didn't have too much preaching in it but did have a lot of inner-dialoguing within the two main characters.

It took so long for Hannah King to get off of her high-horse and learn to accept help that at times I wanted to hit her with her prayer cap.

We do get our typical HEA and a few laughs as well a few tears.

*ARC supplied by publisher
467 reviews50 followers
July 6, 2018
A Widow’s Hope is book one in the Indiana Amish Brides series by Vannetta Chapman. Vannetta has written a most refreshing story that is full of love, faith, devotion, determination, stubbornness and much much more. Can two people with very different types of scars overcome their past and move forward? I know. Be sure to get your copy of A Widow’s Hope today.
Profile Image for Dianne.
1,846 reviews158 followers
May 20, 2018
This was a very good Amish read that didn't have too much preaching in it but did have a lot of inner-dialoguing within the two main characters.

It took so long for Hannah King to get off of her high-horse and learn to accept help that at times I wanted to hit her with her prayer cap.

We do get our typical HEA and a few laughs as well a few tears.

*ARC supplied by publisher
Profile Image for Leslie McKee.
Author 8 books72 followers
July 6, 2018
I love Chapman’s books, and I love Love Inspired books, so I was excited for this book, which combines them book … and it didn’t disappoint!

After the loss of her husband, Hannah moved in with her parents to raise her young son Matthew, who has a spinal injury from the same accident that took her husband’s life. Jacob’s heart is in making playhouses for children with special needs, though he works as a carpenter, in general. He is battling scars, inside and out, since the loss of his parents in a house fire a few years ago. He is also trying to get things organized for an IRS audit, and he desperately needs help. Hanna wants a job so she can help with her family’s growing bills, and she goes to work for Jacob. Can God use this opportunity to help them both heal?

This is such a wonderful story, and some parts brought tears to my eyes. You can’t help but love the characters, especially Matthew, and there are so many heartfelt scenes. Hannah and Jacob are both dealing with scars and blame themselves for things beyond their control—something that will likely resonate with many readers. Themes of loss, love, trust, family, and redemption are key. As a former special education teacher, I’m drawn to stories with characters with disabilities, and Chapman did a great job crafting Matthew’s character, as well as depicting the struggles associated with parenting a child with a disability. Overall, this is a sweet, encouraging, and inspiring story that depicts how God can use anything, even our lowest moments, for His greater purpose. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Profile Image for Linda .
29 reviews
August 22, 2018
A Widow's Hope is a sweet and touching story of a young widow and her handicapped son and also a story about a young man who bears his own scars of his parent's death. Though these two know each other from their past, they hardly thought they would see each other again. Will pain keep them from finding love? or will all the hurt from the past keep them apart?

I really liked the characters in this story, especially Hannah's mother who seems to have some wisdom about things and is looking out for what is best for Hannah. Being a mom I can relate to her and her wanting to see her daughter not grieving for too long over the death of her husband. Also for her and her husbands love for Hannah and her son who now live with them.

This story touched my heart as I was/am grieving the loss of two of the most spiritual men in my life. Grief is not always hard to go through and letting go of the past and forging a new future is hard. Doing it with children seems even harder, though they are more resilient and more accepting of new things at times.

I believe anyone who is dealing with loss, grief or who deals with a disability would really grow from reading this story. It is a book for everyone in the family to enjoy! Vannetta as always brings us a heartwarming story for all ages. You won't be disappointed by this first book in her Amish Brides series.
Profile Image for Nana.
652 reviews
July 1, 2018
Hannah has too much on her mind to be distracted by anything but the most important details in her life, caring for her disabled son, moving on with her life after the loss of her husband, and attempting to find a way to help her parents keep up payments on their farm. Her heart is scarred, and anything beyond day to day duties is more than she can handle.

Jacob Schrock lost his parents to a fire that burned their home to the ground. Badly burned from attempting to rescue them, Jacob hides himself behind his woodworking and building business. His bookkeeping is way out of order, and the IRS is knocking at his door. Can Hannah take a job with Jacob and solve both of their problems? Pick up a copy of this poignant book, and discover the secrets that two scarred individuals harbor. It's a powerful look at how our deepest pain can be used to move mountains. Excellent book!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book. All expressed opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sunnie.
1,002 reviews47 followers
June 2, 2018
I could hardly wait to read this new book by Vannetta Chapman. It was really good. I enjoyed how two hurting people were able to help each other both physically and emotionally.

The book is a sweet part of the Indiana Amish Brides collection. It also is a good example of the care and love of people who are in need. It's about family caring for one another and help from God as well as trust in Him.

I recommend this book! It was good!

I received an ebook copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,626 reviews
July 20, 2021
Another enjoyable story from Vannetta Chapman! As a rule, I am not generally a big Amish fan however I have yet to read a book of Vannetta's that I didn't love. Her writing style is easy to read, most of the time her stories have a mystery element and my favorite part of one of her books? The humor!! All of her stories have the perfect amount of humor sprinkled throughout. This book was a quick and easy read with fun characters and a good ending. I highly recommend Vannetta's books!
Profile Image for Janet.
330 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2018
I'll be honest, with all the Vannetta books I've read I'm having the hardest time letting go of Henry (The Amish Bishop Mysteries). He wove his way into my heart and I'm just attached. I don't feel like his story is done like I do with some of her other series. That makes it harder to let go. So, I wasn't sure about dipping my toes into a new series so soon. However, once again Chapman weaves her magic of storytelling and takes amazing people and crafts a story that steals my heart and makes me think. . .in a good way. And I'm hoping to see more of Hannah and Jacob through the rest of the Indiana Amish Brides series. The drawback of the Harlequin lines, including Love Inspired, is that they feel like shorter books. I don't get as much time with the characters, less pages (over all), and sometimes less depth to the story. However, Vannetta even proved that all wrong. The right writer can shine with any number of pages. Yes, I still have less time with these people (and I read pretty fast so it feels even more so) but I do have an amazing story of depth and faith and love.

'His scares as visible. Hers are hidden. . .' That right there from the synopsis on the back of the book tells the story. Trust me here. Yes, it's a book about two single people, her a widow with a young child (who happens to roll through life in a wheelchair) and him with visible scars of a past he hasn't yet forgiven himself for, but it's also about scars. All the scars. The scars of past hurts (their disastrous first and only near date as teens that they have mostly forgotten). The scars that come from helping others (financial troubles anyone?). The scars that come from lack of forgiveness (I mean they are both rocking those pretty hardcore). The literal scars from a fire rushed into and a fire escaped. Scars, both seen and unseen, are as much a part of creating the person we are as our success and failure, or learning and our experiencing. Everything changes us, everything creates scars. The difference is whether we embrace our scars, learn their lessons, feel the hurts, and move on. Or whether we settle in with our scars and let them own our futures. We all have scars, some visible and some hidden.

Let's face it, Chapman gives us an amazing love story about a man who loves to work with wood. He does all the side jobs to make way for his true passion, custom playhouses for children with disabilities. She gives us this amazing love story about a young woman who has lost her husband in a terrible accident that permanently changed her child's future. She gave us a story about forgiveness, and faith, and finding love. Of embracing a future instead of holding onto a past. And all I can think about are scars. I never promised to not be weird! :D I fell in love with this book, with these characters, and I'm beyond excited to see where this new series takes me. Vannetta has yet to write something I haven't loved. This book is another perfect example of that. She gives life to characters who change you in ways you didn't see coming.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Love Inspired. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Originally posted at https://fizzypopcollection.com/a-wido....
Profile Image for Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read.
1,194 reviews26 followers
July 17, 2018
This is a tender story of redemption and restoration after an experience of great loss. Jacob’s scars are external, but Hannah’s scars are internal. Both struggle to trust God with their futures. Jacob does not feel worthy to have a family; Hannah must face the future as a single parent taking care of her disabled son. The storyline reveals their struggle to be independent and not lean on their family and faith for the support they desperately need.

The author has done a wonderful job telling their story. I so identified with Hannah’s struggle to give her child’s physical struggles to God and trust Him for the future. This book is more than just a great story. It’s a call to all of us to trust God in those times we can’t always see the next step we need to take. Thank you, Vannetta Chapman, for the encouragement found in this sweet story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Britney.
768 reviews12 followers
August 3, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed A Widow’s Hope! Hannah and Jacob are strong characters made vulnerable by the tragedies they have experienced. Each bearing their own scars, Hannah and Jacob struggle with fear and doubt. Their journey is heartfelt and emotional, and I delighted in the hope and healing they found. Vannetta Chapman is a gifted storyteller, and I am eager to read more of her wonderful stories!
Profile Image for Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs.
1,961 reviews38 followers
January 3, 2023
Sensitive topic handled perfectly

I love reading books that represent acceptance of disability as a normal life challenge and not something to be ashamed of. Whether the disability be one you can see or not see.

Chapman handled this subject with love and compassion. We all could learn how to be more accepting. Especially if the little kids who experience so many emotions and have no idea how to express them.
Profile Image for Ash Luna .
700 reviews10 followers
May 21, 2018
A Widow's Hope is an ideal Amish Romance read. Vanetta Chapman captivated me with Hannah's story. Well written and a delightful read!
181 reviews
November 8, 2018
Vanetta Chapman has a beautiful gift to tell a story and a gentle understanding of tragedies and pain that all of us endure in one way or another. She reminds the reader of how important it is to trust God for His purposes to be accomplished in a life whether we understand the circumstances or not. Ms. Chapman handles the issues of being a single parent, having a special needs child, losing loved ones through unexpected tragedy, and insecurity in a bleak future with love, tact and gentleness. She reminds the reader that there is always hope and a future in God's plan.
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
July 26, 2018
An inspirational and encouraging story about accepting ourselves and the scars life has given us, some apparent some not, and finding the courage to the take the risk to live fully again after life has knocked us down.
There is something sweetly comforting and endearing about these Amish stories, that simple lifestyle, the caring for your neighbor, and helping to carry each other's burdens and keeping each other accountable. In A Widow's Hope, the characters are more integrated into the modern world than in some other Amish stories I have read, but the main core values, morals, and principals are firmly in place.
While Hannah is struggling with the economic burden of taking care of her son after the accident that killed her husband, the family and community hold her close and helps her find her place in life again. I loved Hannah's spunk, her spirited attitude, and how no one tries to dial her down. She knows her strengths and she knows her struggles and is willing to challenge her boundaries to survive and protect her son.
For six years, Jacob has hidden behind the scars a fire that killed his parents left on his face. He is a talented carpenter with a kind and giving heart. He loves his family but carries the burden of guilt for not being able to rescue his parents. He is a humble and loyal man, so sweet and caring, loving towards the kids of the kin.
I loved the spark between Hannah and Jacob from the first moment they are reunited. The banter between them had me chuckling, the way they challenged each other to be the true and better version of themselves was admirable.
Within the adorable and lovely story, there are endearing life lessons embedded and learned. No one survives life without scars, visible or invisible to the human eye, without some sort of pain and suffering shaping us to be the people we are. But with time, hope, and faith, and with the support of our peers, we can overcome, we can learn to accept, and grow to be a honed version of our true selves.
An absorbing and heartening tale, filled with hope, kindness, goodness, and compassion.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Profile Image for Dali Castillo.
670 reviews18 followers
Read
February 18, 2019
Beautiful Story

Two souls, each shouldering the weight of pain from their pasts, are connected by one special little boy. That is where the story begins. Where it goes from their is at times sad. Other times it’s painful. Then there are times that make you smile, laugh, or hold your breath. But through it all, the message of God’s love, grace, and forgiveness shine through.

Those are just a few of the qualities that make this such a great story. But there is one more thing that stood out for me, and that was the story of that special little boy. I don’t recall any of the books I’ve read ever dealing with the issue of a special needs child. However, the author very skillfully weaves and blends the topic into the story. She does so in a way that gives the reader insight into the love, dedication, challenges, and sometimes pain that all go along with having a special needs child, along with allowing you to see things from the viewpoint of the child. The child’s innocence and determination added an entirely different and refreshing dimension to the story.

A Widow’s Hope is a story of grace, letting go of the past, forgiveness, hope, trust, healing, and finding love. I absolutely loved this beautiful story and its endearing characters, and I think anyone who reads it will come away feeling the same way.
499 reviews6 followers
September 30, 2018
I loved meeting the endearing characters in this first book in the Amish Brides series. This story is emotional and pulls on your heart strings.

Widow Hannah King return to her parents home in Goshen, Indiana after a tragic accident kills her husband and leaves her sweet four year old son Matthew a paraplegic. She is worried about being a burden to her family and how will she provide and meet her son's needs. She is fiercely independent and needs to learn to trust others and accept help.

Jacob Schrock owns a local woodworking business. He rekindles an old friendship with Hannah while building a play set for Matthew. Jacob has his own burdens to bear with the death of his parents, blaming himself, trusting others and the physical scars he is left with.

It was enjoyable reading how Hannah and Jacobs relationship blooms. There are many wonderful family and community members who add to the sweetness of the story.

There is a beautiful faith message woven into this story. Some people have scars on the outside and others have them on the inside but God always gives us hope and a future.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,268 reviews
August 7, 2018
A Widow’s Hope captured me from the beginning until the end with tears flowing at times. Chapman’s introduced characters with flaws and strong characteristics that made them true to life with all they endured and faced. Her new series, Indian Amish Brides with Love Inspired, is a heartwarming and heart breaking at times story of Hannah King and Jacob Schrock. They each had scars that made them strong to protect themselves and those they loved. Four year old David King was brave with his disability and added to the story with his sweet caring personality. I appreciate Chapman adding the talent Jacob had to aid an agency in helping disabled children. This story is about overcoming, accepting the past, and finding a new meaning to life with God’s forgiveness and love along with second chances of peace, love and happiness. I look forward to the next book in this series by Vannetta Chapman.
Profile Image for Dana Busenbark.
2,801 reviews29 followers
January 12, 2019
Hannah & Matthew's lives are fraught with hardships for a number of reasons. All of it stemming from one incident. Who is Jacob? Why does he show up at Hannah's parent's home? What do we learn about Jacob? What has happened in his life? What happens with Matthew when he meets Jacob? I felt my heart break a bit at 31% into the read. Tissues were needed for me off and on after that to the end. This was my first book by this author and now I will be looking forward to reading more. This definitely won't be the last of her books I read.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
Profile Image for Katherine Bartlett.
Author 7 books81 followers
February 26, 2019
In A Widow's Hope, two people who have been scarred through past experiences learn how to love and depend on each other. This was such a wonderful read and I really enjoyed seeing the characters fall into God's plan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

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