The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer - Brief Review

About the Book: 

Book One in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series

Every year, 30–40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive ‘resident’ status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love.

Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she’s also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she’s met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

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My Thoughts:

“Then again, the small items Sarah had tucked away reminded her of the journey.  They reminded her that no matter how far she’d wandered off.  She always returned home with another treasure to tuck into her jar.”  (p. 58)

Tricia Goyer has taken a little known fact – single men coming to Montana, staying long enough to establish residency so they can hunt – and they snag more than wild game – they snag wives as well!  That’s not their intent, but the Amish are pretty keen on establishing family, and large ones at that, so the relationship aspect of the story comes as no surprise.  What is intriguing about this relationship is the unique ways that Sarah and Jathan are so perfectly suited for each other, both running from something and toward God for the answers. 

The answers they find both surprise and delight readers, and I daresay sound awfully familiar to every believer who has come to realize how intimately they are known by their Heavenly Father.  Jathan’s mother puts it this way: “…helping us all understand that Goad made us all creative in special ways.” (p. 335)  To me, that is the treasure of truth that makes this story special.  The message is real, and relevant, and Tricia weaves it into the fabric of the story in a variety of unique and memorable ways.  Tricia has told yet another great story, and The Memory Jar begins a new series! So sit back and enjoy the ride!

About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.