Love at Pebble Creek

Hope Chest of Dreams #5

by Lisa Jones Baker

In Lisa Jones Baker's heartwarming series, precious hand-carved chests hold treasured dreams--and bring blessings to a new generation ...

Anna King has a talent--and a secret. Like the birth mother she never knew, Anna is gifted at sketching and longs to study and teach art one day. Unbeknownst to her beloved adoptive family, she's even entered a contest to win a full scholarship to art college. Sketching isn't a desirable vocation in her community, so Anna does her work in a remote spot by Pebble Creek and stores it in her beautiful hope chest. Only her family's farmhand, Jesse Beiler, knows her plans--and that's by accident ...

The bishop's son, Jessie is surprised to discover Anna's contest entry form. He can't imagine wanting a life beyond having his own farm and raising a family. Still, he admires Anna's spirit and promises to keep her secret, despite their differences. Yet the better he and Anna get to know each other, the more they find their personalities--and their hearts--complement one another. With Gott's guidance, can they forge the futures they desire--together?

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Fiction

243 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published August 27, 2019

About the author

Lisa Jones Baker grew up near a small Amish town in Illinois that she frequented with her family on weekends. She's also a dog lover and a fan of Scottsdale, Arizona, where she spent nearly two decades. Lisa graduated from Illinois State University with a French major, has been on 5 out of 7 continents, and considers her parents the best in the world. Raised in a Christian home, Lisa has always been blessed with love and support.

Reviews

[Janet Marie Dowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa never disappoints. Her books are awesome. The characters are well written..... They feel like friends. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Anna King is raised Amish and feels out of place because she is adopted and has a secret that would destroy her family. I think we all have secret dreams in our hearts that only God knows about..... not all secrets are destructive, but they can be scary to reveal. We have to learn to trust God with every part of our lives, including our secrets.

Jesse Beiler is Anna's very handsome neighbor who works for her father. Anna gets in trouble at their farm. Jesse rescues her. The rescue is the beginning of some major changes for both of them.

To find out if Anna ever feels like she fits in, and if she trusts enough to reveal her secret, and how the rescue changes their lives...... you have to read the book. Happy Reading!!

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about Anna and her search to discover the path that God had specifically for her. She had kept hidden her artistic talent from even her own parents, because she was not sure how her artistic gifts would be accepted in her Amish culture. She longs to experience more of the world and see if she can go to college to learn more about her art, Jessie Beiler is a young man to be admired. He is confident in his faith. He wants nothing more than to own his own farm and have a family. As he finds his love for Anna growing each day, he still trusts God to lead both of them in the right place for each of them, even if it seems they are going in totally opposite directions. This is a sweet story of trusting God for the next step, and discovering that He alone can lead you to your true heart’s desire. This storyline took some turns that I did not expect, and that kept me turning pages to find out Anna’s decision.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars just because it's Lisa Jones Baker. Everytime I read any of her books I'm left feeling full and blessed simply because of the sweet messages that are from the Lord in this book!! Fabulous!!
My heart hurt for Anna since I knew how she felt at times while she found herself.
Like her, I used to draw and quite well too!! Until I layed my pencil down and didn't pick it up again. I found that if you don't use the talents that God has sent you, like singing and drawing He can take them away from you like He did me. I believe that He shut those doors and gave me something more special and I'm now playing in an Orchestra.
Many times I wished I was like Jesse who knew what he wanted out of life and went for it with a full vote of confidence. I admired him for that. I wished that I had a good friend here on Earth to confide in and tell my deepest secrets to but I don't. I do in my heavenly Father and for that I will habe the greatest treasure in Heaven when I get there
I strongly recommend this sweet book to anyone who needs a friend and confident for He is there.
I received a complimentary copy with no compensations received. All opinions are my own!!

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being back in Pebble Creek, and visiting with old friends, and remembering dear Sam, and missing the love, kindness and wisdom he shared with others.
This story is a bit different when an adoptive daughter Anna King, decides she wants to discover her roots, and an old friend, Jessie Beiler, encourages her. Will you see the sparks fly between then?
The author sure gave Jessie a hard part, he is falling in love with Anna, or maybe he has always loved her, but he sees her talent and encourages her dreams. He seems to be between a rock and a hard place.
You hope that a sheltered girl, thinking she can uproot herself and head into the world will realize what she has before she leaves, if only Sam were still here to advise her.
I know how I was rooting, but you will have to read this quick book, and see for yourself!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Heather 123 · Rating 2 out of 5]

DRAWN OUT!

I'll start by saying I'm a fan of Amish romance books, so I'm aware that it's the norm for them to be a little slower than the traditional romance novels go. However, this was one just seemed to drag on. One could guess about half way through the book how it was going to end, yet the author drew it out even longer.

I felt like little Reuben was almost an after thought. He's mentioned a few times in passing and then once they make their decision about him he's never mentioned again. HELLO! Why didn't we hear more about what was certain to be a time of several adjustments?

This is the first book I've read by this author, though I'm not sure if it will be the last.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

[Beth Zehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Anna and Jessie and their struggle to end up together. I don’t want to give the ending away, but the readers will not be disappointed. I received an arc from the author and was not required to give a positive review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love at Pebble Creek, book five from the Hope Chest of Dreams series, is a good read. I give four stars.

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love at Pebble Creek is a delightful book about an Amish girl, Anna King, who is struggling to find her true identity. She has an artistic talent and has come up with the idea that she is going to enter a contest and the prize is a scholarship to an art school. Winning would take her into the English world. One that she knows nothing about.

Jesse Beiler is an Amish man who is working hard to fulfill his lifelong dream of owning his own farm. He hopes to one day settle down with a wife and children. When he is hired to oversee the King farm and take care of Anna, he meets a woman unlike any he has met before. As Anna and Jesse get to know each other, they become friends. They open up to each other and over time, fall in love. As Jesse pursues his dream to own a farm, he knows he wants Anna to be his wife on that farm. Anna wants to win the art contest but she knows how much she cares of Jesse. As Anna struggles to find out who she really is, she discovers what love it all about.

The book is well written, the characters are so likeable. I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest feedback.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at Pebble Creek is a beautifully written inspirational romance. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Very good series. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this good, clean romance. A beautifully written story about a young Amish girl and a young Amish man. She has dreams of being an artist, he dreams of being a farmer. Choices are made, a tragedy occurs, and the two learn to focus on the most important things in life. Great story!

[C Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love At Pebble Creek is an excellent addition to Lisa Jones Baker's Hope Chest of Dreams series. Lisa is an outstanding author with the ability to "see" into the hearts of her characters and take you there with her. This book was no exception.

Anna King is an Amish maiden with a secret talent. Anna can draw very well and she has a dream of going to Art school and possibly having to become English. Since she is adopted, she knows nothing about her birth mother and wishes to understand why she was given away. Jesse Beiler, the Bishop's son, has a dream of his on, that being to own his own farm.

As Jesse and Anna grow closer, will their dreams fit into their reality....a future together? All things are possible with God.

Travel again to Pebble Creek and discover a story like no other.

I was given an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review. As with her other books, Lisa gets an A+.

[Lisa Norato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa writes from the heart and that is why it is always such a delight to read a book of hers. Her characters are wonderful, and in the case of Love at Pebble Creek, I could feel the honesty and sincerity of Anna and Jesse with every word they spoke. Anna's secret life kept me intrigued and the conflict between her and Jesse made the pages turn. It has been a joy to follow the Hope Chest of Dreams series and I look forward to more!

[Rosemary Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

love at pebble creek is beautifully written, it brought out several emotions for me, joy, laughter, and by the end I was crying with joy.. this is a MUST read to ALL amish book fans!!! Lisa Jones Baker is such a beautiful writer, ALL her books touch my heart, thank you Lisa ,looking forward to your next book

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved traveling back to Pebble Creek and spending time with Anna King and Jessie Beiler.

Even though Anna knew her parents loved her, she was conflicted most of her twenty years. Why didn’t her biological mother love her? Why did she give her up for adoption? She had a strong love of drawing and wanted to enter a contest and win the grand prize, a full scholarship to a great art school. She even prayed for it. She knew she shouldn’t but, would God really give her a talent and not want her to use it? She wanted to go find her “real” mother and find out what it would have been like to have been raised English but she didn’t want to hurt her parents.

Jessie Beiler, the bishop’s son, came to work at the farm. Jessie became Anna’s confidant. She would tell him her secrets and ask his advice. Jessie fell in love with Anna but wouldn’t stand in the way of her dream. He was even going with her to support her in the contest.

The morning they were to leave town, Jessie didn’t show up. Anna assumed he couldn’t get away and went without him. While away, she realized she was in love with Jessie too and wouldn’t leave the community even if she did win the contest. She had no way of knowing that Jessie had been involved in an accident on the way to her house that morning. Did she realize her feelings too late? Did Jessie die in the accident? Did Anna win the contest? What about her biological mother? Did Anna find her?

You’ll have to read this very well written book to find the answers…. you’ll be glad you did! Thank you, Lisa Jones Baker, for allowing me to read Anna and Jessie’s story

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

God creates the entire plan for your life. That you can't have good without bad. Look at what happened to have eternal life. A brutal death.

Anna was adopted to Amish parents when she was baby. Now that she is older and her passion of drawing has taken hold, she wonders why her mother gave her up? Did she love her? What was she like? Did her adoptive parents settle for adoption because they couldn't have their own children?
All these questions brought more anxiety than rest. Anna also stands out among her Amish community as her biological were Hispanic. Anna begins to dream that maybe she should go English starting with going to an art school. She has entered a drawing contest where the the winner will receive a full Scholarship. She dares not tell anyone her secret however circumstances has given her secret to Jesse.

Jesse has his own dreams of being a farmer. Having his own farm, raising his own family. He feels at home on the field. When he discovers Anna's secret, he knows the hardship that it could create for her family and for herself. Being a Bishop's son, he wants to honor the Amish way but also encourages Anna in her dreams believing God will lead Anna in a better way.

A love story of sacrifice and support but also one of acceptance. Finding God's purpose for your life answers the question of who God created you to be.

A Special Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often, I need an Amish fiction story to lighten my reading mood. They are light, sweet, uplifting, and generally easy to read. Lisa Jones Baker has written another of the Hope Chest series with characters facing difficult decisions, but who listen to God's whisperings to finally decide for their own best.

Anna King has a secret talent that the Amish really frown upon. She's an artist and wants to go to art school and get a degree to be able teach art to others.

Her friend, Jesse Beiler, is the only one who knows her secret. He's been her friend since they were in school together, and nothing would please him more than being her friend forever. And he would like nothing better than to buy some land and farm it.

Love at Pebble Creek is the kind of book that will keep the reader up late simply because it can't easily be put down. The descriptions are exceptionally vivid and imaginative. I love the description of Pebble Creek, and can imagine myself relaxing there frequently.

This is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, and a portrait-style sketch of yourself.

My thanks goes to Zebra Books and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read for this review.

[Lisa Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being adopted and Amish is something Anna is struggling with. While doing her chores a storm comes up and she is injured while trying to gather the animals into safety. Her parents have sent the bishops son Jesse to check on her and make sure all is good. Jesse finds her injured and helps her into the barn safely. While waiting out the storm she tells him her secret of wanting to enter a contest for art school. Since Amish do not usually attend college it unusual to do. He agrees to keep her secret. During this time they learn a lot about each other and cannot deny being attracted to each other. Jesse encourages Anna to move forward with her dream even if he just wants her to stay. She opens up about being different from others and feeling she is missing something. Her maimm gives her information on her mom that changes her feeling a good bit. Anna and Jesse both learn lessons on life that are important to all people. That things may not always go as we think but, family and love are important to all. I enjoy reading this book and recommend it. I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at Pebble Creek is the 5th fascinating story written by Lisa Jones Baker in her Hope Chest of Dreams series. I enjoyed going back to this picturesque area for another amazing story. Catching up with characters from previous books was an added bonus.

The characters are very likeable and realistic and very well developed. Anna King, a young Amish woman, is dealing with her feelings of abandonment by her natural birth mother and feeling like second choice by her adoptive Amish parents. She is also keeping a huge secret which involves her being an artist. Jesse Beiler, the Bishop's son, has taken a Summer job working for Anna's parents which involves keeping Anna safe. When Jesse stumbles upon Anna's secret a special bond forms between the two.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Lisa Jones Baker for continuing her series with such an emotionally charged story for her readers enjoyment.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love At Pebble Creek is an Amish romance short novel by author Lisa Jones Baker. It is book five of the Hope Chest of Dreams series.

The author has done well in writing a very descriptive setting of Pebble Creek. I felt totally invested in the story. Anna, the adopted daughter of Paul and Naomi King, was a great artist who had hopes of furthering her artistic talent.

This is the first time I have read an Amish story about an adopted person who felt caught between two worlds, that of the English and Amish. She wondered about her birth mom and what she must have been like, thankful she caught to have her and put her up for adoption instead of what could have been a fateful ending.

I recommend this novella to fans of Amish fiction. Even though it is book five it serves well as a standalone.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Cathy Cermele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the 5th book in the series it can be read as a standalone. The one character that I recognized from the other books that I have read in the Hope Chest of Dreams series is Old Sam who lovingly crafted each of the hope chests that are so important to the young ladies in the books.

Love at Pebble Creek is the story of Anna King and Jesse Beiler, two young people living in the same community for their entire lives but are as different as can be. He is content with the life he was born into but she is adopted and has a secret desire to explore life outside of the community. I liked Jesse immediately and thought he was the epitome of a true friend, kind and supportive. I genuinely felt bad for Anna as she has questions about her birth mother and why she was put up for adoption but at the same time I admired her desire to pursue her dreams.

Overall, this is a sweet story with characters who will warm your heart and who you root for throughout this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna and Jessie are great characters and well written. Being adopted (and having adopted) I can identify with Anna's feelings of not fitting in and struggling to find what world she belongs in. With a secret laying heavy on her heart can she figure out what she needs to do? Jessie is confident and admires Anna. But can he convince her to stay?

With some unexpected twists and turns this enjoyable story brings us back to Pebble Creek and well written with truly enjoyable characters you will want to pick up your copy of Love at Pebble Creek to enjoy. Happy reading!

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions 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.*

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at Pebble Creek, is my first read by Lisa Jones Baker.

This is a delightful story of Anna King, an aspiring artist and teacher. Her only problem, her Amish faith is against such things. She sees an add for an art contest in the newspaper and decides this could be a life changing chance for her, to pursue her dream.

Jesse Beiler, the Bishops son, is working for Anna's family on their farm. Jesse, also has his own dreams he wants to pursue. He accidentally sees the newspaper clipping about the contest. He confronts Anna, and now has to decide what to do with the information at hand.

As their friendship begins to grow, will Jesse become her confidant or will her tell her secrets to his Bishop father?

I very much enjoyed my journey to Pebble Creek. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish books with a nice story.

I was giving an ARC from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love At Pebble Creek ( Hope Chest Of Dreams #5 )
By: Lsa Jones Baker
Love At Pebble Creek is book five in Hope Chest of Dreams series. I love a good Amish Fiction and this one did not disappoint me. I was drawn in at the start. The story flows smoothly and the characters was well developed. This is Anna and Jessie’s story. Anna has a special talent and no ones knows about it. She wants to know more about her English mother she never knew. She was adopted as a baby by an Amish couple. Being raised as Amish is all she has ever known. She meets Jessie and they become good friends.I really liked both Anna and Jessie . I felt so sorry at times for Anna. There was a few times that i had tears in my eyes.
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.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been enjoying this series, Hope Chest of Dreams. Love at Pebble Creek is Book 5. You can read it as a standalone but read all of them to find out why the hope chest and Pebble Creek are so important.

This story is slightly different than the rest, and slightly different than the typical Amish story, when Anna discovers she is adopted and must deal with the feelings that stirs up, as well as her dream to go to art college. Definitely not an Amish thing to do. Neither is keeping such a secret the Amish thing to do.

The characters in Baker’s story are realistic and deal with true to life situations and feelings. They must learn to follow their hearts and God’s leadings for their lives. A heartwarming story, I recommend it to those who enjoy Amish fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Elaine Shorb · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love at Pebble Creek" is a wonderful book written by Lisa Jones Baker. You will get to know Anna King and her secret. You will also get to know Jesse Beiler, who is helping to take care of the King's farm for the Summer.
Anna will let Jesse in on her secret.
Tragedy will strike. How will this affect Anna's friendship and feelings for the farmhand? And, will her secret tear apart her closeness with her parents?
"Love at Pebble Beach" will draw you into the story from the beginning until the end. You will not want to miss reading this book.
"I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author and I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own."

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story of Anna King, an aspiring artist and teacher. Her only problem, her Amish faith is against such things. She sees an add for an art contest in the newspaper and decides this could be a life changing chance for her, to pursue her dream.

Jesse Beiler, the Bishops son, is working for Anna's family on their farm. Jesse faces his own dreams he would like to pursue. After seeing the newspaper clipping about the contest, he confronts Anna and
and is faced with what he should do.

I was giving an ARC from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Barbara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love At Pebble Creek is one of the best and amazing storylines I've read. The unique characters gave me the realistic feeling I was walking along with them in the story. It was a fascinating experience I've never felt before. Such a wonderful novel with uncertainty, but relying on their faith with God. This author wrote an awesome book and I highly recommend reading Love At Pebble Creek by Author Lisa Jones Baker.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

[Jennifer Foss · Rating 2 out of 5]

The storyline was unique and I feel like it could’ve offered some interesting character development. Unfortunately there was just too much repetition for me. “Pressed lips together” was said so many times that it made the book less enjoyable. Thoughts or circumstances throughout the book we’re repeated numerous times that I wasn’t sure if this was because readers may not retain as easily because they read quickly or because more pages needed to be filled. With all that said, it sounds like many love her books and I can see some of the great writing is certainly there.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love at Pebble Creek by Lisa Jones Baker is a sweet story about an adopted young woman raised in the Amish community. Is she truly Amish? With an incredible ability to sketch, Anna King enters a contest with a prize of a college scholarship outside of the Amish community. Will she follow her heart or let God lead her to her destiny?

[Gladys]

Lisa is a wonderful story teller. From the first line I was in the book with Anna King. Anna has a few secrets and wondering what God has in store for her. I love this book it is #5 in the Hope Chest of Dreams series. You will fall in love with Pebble Creek just like I did. 5 STARS from me.