Hannah’s Courage

Jebber pleases with this endearing tale about the simmering romantic tensions between two childhood friends, the final installment to her Amish Charm Bakery series (following Ellie’s Redemption). In 1913, Hannah Lapp and Timothy Barkman, both around 20 years old, have grown up as neighbors in small Charm, Ohio, and have strong romantic feelings for each other, but neither has found a way to speak up. When Charlene Shelter moves next door to Timothy, her interest and eagerness in pursuing him throws Hannah and Timothy’s quiet courtship into disarray—as well as Hannah’s visits to the Barkmans’ house to tutor Timothy’s younger brother, who has special needs after being kicked in the head by a horse as a boy. As Timothy weighs his options, he remains hesitant to rush into a relationship and is skeptical about Charlene’s interest. Hannah, feeling she has waited too long, whips up her favorite recipes for Timothy and does her best to vocalize her feelings for him—something against her disposition and Amish upbringing. Hannah’s free-speaking co-workers at the bakery, Ellie and Magdelena, as well as other recurring characters who pop in to guide and encourage Hannah and Timothy, will please fans of the series. This diverting finale works as a standalone and should win Jebber new fans. (Feb.)