Helpful Score: 5
Do you ever put off a book? I didnt dive into this one right away. I thought it might be too bland for my tastes, too formula, sappy stuff. What I found was a great book, that was well written.
It thought the book might center around the 3 ladies who meet at the Tea Shop, Julie, Hannah and Madeline, but it offered so much more. The author was able to tell you the stories of other town members who got a bag of starter Amish Bread. These extras stories, dont really tie into our main characters, in a key way, meaning they dont tie into the lives our main characters stories. But in the end all the stories of the other town's people do help add to the number of Amish starter kits that are out in the community. Which adds to the climax of the story. Cant tell you too much, it will give things away.
It wasnt all light and fluffy, it dealt with some painful issues, like divorce, death of a child, troubled marriages, infidelity, job losses in a tough economy, and estrangement with family members.
All the characters are learning about friendship, and healing, and being the person they want to be. In one part a character said, something about not wanting to be a better person from her experiences, and the other character just says what other option is there.
I like how the Amish friendship bread, did just that, it cultivated friendships.
There is a book 2, about the people in this town. I would like to get my hands on that book. It is about scrapbooking, not amish friendship bread.
It thought the book might center around the 3 ladies who meet at the Tea Shop, Julie, Hannah and Madeline, but it offered so much more. The author was able to tell you the stories of other town members who got a bag of starter Amish Bread. These extras stories, dont really tie into our main characters, in a key way, meaning they dont tie into the lives our main characters stories. But in the end all the stories of the other town's people do help add to the number of Amish starter kits that are out in the community. Which adds to the climax of the story. Cant tell you too much, it will give things away.
It wasnt all light and fluffy, it dealt with some painful issues, like divorce, death of a child, troubled marriages, infidelity, job losses in a tough economy, and estrangement with family members.
All the characters are learning about friendship, and healing, and being the person they want to be. In one part a character said, something about not wanting to be a better person from her experiences, and the other character just says what other option is there.
I like how the Amish friendship bread, did just that, it cultivated friendships.
There is a book 2, about the people in this town. I would like to get my hands on that book. It is about scrapbooking, not amish friendship bread.
Helpful Score: 3
The central idea of this book was how a simple act of kindness can have far reaching effects. Some of the events and some of the ways everything came together in the end seemed a little far-fetched. Most characters have had trouble and tragedy in their lives. Most of it seems resolved by the end of the book and by the act of receiving/sharing friendship bread. A bit unrealistic; however, I believe in the power of kindness and friendship to bring change. So, the characters were enjoyable and likable, and the story a good one to read. A definite feel good book even though it starts in tragedy.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a book that I chose simply because it is a completely different genre of book than what I normally read. I was pleasantly surprised how well written & what a great story line was inside these pages to follow. Well worth the time!
Helpful Score: 1
Friendship Bread is one of those books that works on several levels. It dips into several lives that are in chaos. It weaves their stories into a richly textured blend. It offers those who like recipes multiple choices. I really liked this book. I will reread. I will look for more from this author.
Helpful Score: 1
Very helpful book, shedding light on how God's timing is perfect as people heal differently when faced with the loss of a loved one. This book demonstrated how patience, prayer and persistent friendship does make a difference.
