Rachel's Dream by Lisa Jones Baker (Hope Chest of Dreams 3)

I was excited to see this beauty in my mailbox last week!

Rachel's Dream is book three in the Hope Chest of Dreams series.  I've had the privilege of peeking into the lives of three women and hearing their stories.  From the back: Patience, faith—and the hopes and dreams within their hand-carved hope chests—help to bring three young Amish women, one by one, the blessed futures their hearts desire…

Rachel Kauffman and Jarred Zimmerman seem to have nothing in common. She’s the outgoing youngest of a large, close-knit Amish clan, and longs to raise a brood of her own near those she loves. Estranged from his family by tragedy, Jarred is a young veterinarian who trusts the animals he heals far more than he trusts people. However, when Rachel’s beloved horse falls ill, Jarred’s struggles to save him show Rachel he’s a man who cares deeply. And the respect he feels for her gentle warmhearted ways soon becomes an irresistible bond…

When Rachel tries to help Jarred reunite with his parents, it is an unexpected blessing—with one complication. If he takes this chance to put his past to rest, it could separate him and Rachel for good. Now, with prayer, love—and her hope chest’s small miracles—Jarred and Rachel must find the courage to reconcile their wishes into a joyous life together.

"You can't control your past, but with God's help, you can own your future." Rachel Kauffman

But the past continues to haunt Jarred Zimmerman as he tries to move towards the future.  He's a vet with a special touch and Rachel is a young Amish woman with spunk and optimism.  Can two very different people find the courage to put the past in the past and embrace God's plan for their future? 

This was a sweet book.  It was a nice easy read and really tied up the the last part of the series well.  I enjoyed "visiting" with Old Sam and some of the characters from her previous books.  I wish I could have seen a little more of them as I'd love to know how their lives have changed since their stories ended (hint hint... maybe a fourth book?).  I enjoyed seeing Jarred and Rachel's story unfold.  

These are great books to start off your summer reading!  So pick up your copy of Rachel's Dream (and the first two books if you haven't read them) and enjoy meeting Rachel and Jarred!  Happy Reading!