Lisa Jones Baker – författare

“A story of faith, love and lifelong friendship . . . If you enjoy Amish fiction, you need to add Lisa Jones Baker to your ‘to be read’ list.” —The Book Connection

Three young Amish women, each gifted with a hand-carved hope chest, find that one by one, with patience and faith, their most blessed dreams for the future can come true . . .

Annie Mast and Levi Miller were best friends until his father was shunned by the church. Now, ten years later, Levi has returned to Arthur, Illinois, for a brief visit, and he and Annie discover their bond is as strong as ever. Spending as much time together as possible, Annie finds herself dreaming of a future with Levi. And Levi is soon dreaming of building a home on a beautiful local hillside—to live in with Annie. Yet their longings are unlikely to become reality . . .

Levi is part of the English world, and while Annie cannot see herself there, she knows she must reveal her heart’s truth to him. And Levi, strongly reminded of his Amish roots, knows he must heal the bitterness of the past. And together, with love on their side, they just may find their way to an answered prayer . . .

Praise for Rebecca’s Bouquet

“Written with tenderness and simplicity.” —Joan Wester Anderson, New York Times–bestselling author

“The prayers and faith are respectfully illustrated, and Baker emphasizes the conviction required to hold to Amish traditions while surrounded by twenty-first-century conveniences, providing an unusual and welcome level of insight into the characters’ inner lives.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

The treasures within her hand-carved hope chest help a young Amish woman find her heart’s desire in this novel from the author of Annie’s Recipe. 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.

Praise for the Hope Chest of Dreams series “Written with tenderness and simplicity.” —Joan Wester Anderson, New York Times–bestselling author

“A story of faith, love and lifelong friendship . . . If you enjoy Amish fiction, you need to add Lisa Jones Baker to your ‘to be read’ list.”  —The Book Connection . . .

“Baker lays the familiar groundwork of a close-knit Amish community, but the heart of this romance goes far beyond stereotypes.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

A hand-carved hope chest holds a woman’s treasures and dreams in this Amish romance series debut “written with tenderness and simplicity” (Joan Wester Anderson, New York Times–bestselling author). Rebecca Sommer never thought her plan to wed would bring a heart-wrenching choice. She thought she and her betrothed, William, would spend the rest of their lives in Illinois’ heartland, raising a family in their close-knit Amish hometown. But when he must travel far out of state to save his ailing father’s business, Rebecca braves her relatives’ disapproval—and her own fears—to go work by his side. And though she finds herself ever more in love with the dedicated, resourceful man he proves to be, William’s growing interest in English ways may be the one challenge even her steadfast faith can’t meet . . . William knows he couldn’t ask for a more loyal wife-to-be. And the bravery that helps Rebecca tackle every obstacle makes her even more admirable. He simply won’t ask her to sacrifice her deepest beliefs, no matter how right they are for each other. But the patience and care that crafted Rebecca’s hope chest is somehow showing them there’s more than one-way prayers can be answered—and hearts brought together forever . . .“Baker lays the familiar groundwork of a close-knit Amish community, but the heart of this romance goes far beyond stereotypes . . . The prayers and faith are respectfully illustrated, and Baker emphasizes the conviction required to hold to Amish traditions while surrounded by 21st century conveniences, providing an unusual and welcome level of insight into the characters’ inner lives.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

A new Amish generation inherits precious hand-carved chests that bring blessings of faith, love, and happiness—from the author of Rachel’s Dream.

When Jessica Beachy temporarily moves into the home of her late great-uncle, Sam Beachy, she merely plans to remodel, sell, and head back to the city. She’s used to busy St. Louis and can’t imagine how she’ll spend her time in the quiet Amish countryside. But the carpenter she hires, Eli Miller, doesn’t think selling Sam’s home is a good idea. And while he’s steadfast in his Amish faith, he’s instantly drawn to Jessica’s vivacity and unexpected caring—especially as peaceful country ways make her question the dream she thought she wanted . . .

But a lucrative offer to turn the house into a vacation retreat confronts Jessica with a heartbreaking choice. It will take trust, perseverance—and discovering a hope chest thought forever lost—for Jessica and Eli to boldly face obstacles and embark on a joyous future together . . .

Praise for the Hope Chest of Dreams series

“Written with tenderness and simplicity.” —Joan Wester Anderson, New York Times–bestselling author

“The heart of this romance goes far beyond stereotypes . . . Providing an unusual and welcome level of insight into the characters’ inner lives.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A sweet tale . . . Forgiveness is a key theme, as is the concept that life is a combination of good and bad situations that make us who we are.” —RT Book Reviews

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? “The heart of this romance goes far beyond stereotypes … providing an unusual and welcome level of insight into the characters’ inner lives.” —Publishers Weekly on Rebecca’s Bouquet, STARRED REVIEW  “A sweet tale. . . . Forgiveness is a key theme, as is the concept that life is a combination of good and bad situations that make us who we are.”—RT Book Reviews on Annie’s Recipe

Lisa Jones Baker’s beloved Hope Chest of Dreams series follows a new generation blessed by treasured hand-carved chests that hold—and inspire—precious dreams . . .   Amish country girl Hannah Lapp lives for adventure—the kind found in favorite novels and the stories she secretly writes. And at her family’s popular tourist store, she’s fascinated by the different Englischers she meets. Especially when Marcus Jackson comes to town. She’s sure there’s more to the ex-city boy than his quiet, helpful ways, and she’s curious to find out just what it is . . .  Marcus fled Chicago before his brothers’ life of crime ruined his future. He’s not sure exactly why God’s plan brought him to this quaint little town. Or why his growing friendship with the bubbly, inquisitive Hannah has him trusting her with his past. But when local stores are robbed and suspicion falls on Marcus, can he and Hannah come together to prove his innocence—and make their own happy-ever-after ending?  “The heart of this romance goes far beyond stereotypes . . . providing an unusual and welcome level of insight into the characters’ inner lives.” —Publishers Weekly on Rebecca’s Bouquet, STARRED REVIEW     Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com

Trini Holds Secret Dreams for Her Future  Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.   As they took turns pushing each other on the swing that hung from a large tree, the mature—for a five-year-old—Jacob Lantz asked Trini Sutter to marry him. The nine-year-old thoughtfully responded that she’d consider his proposal when they were older.   Nearly two decades later, the Amish farmer returns to the beautiful countryside of Arthur, Illinois, to take the independent owner of The Quilt Room up on her promise. Quiet, handsome Jacob is truly in love with the spirited list maker, and Trini finds herself falling in love with Jacob, but the youngest of eleven has big plans of her own.   Jacob’s long-held aspirations are put to the test when he learns that Trini has been holding a secret. He prays for a turnaround of events; however, when Trini moves away from her tight-knit community, he begins to realize that his dream of them being Mr. and Mrs. most likely won't happen.    Will Trini forfeit her own well-laid plan for the man of her dreams?     The Heart of the Amish Series Also Includes:The Flower Quilter by Mindy SteeleRuth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne BlackburneCourting the Amish Bishop by Mindy SteeleMary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne

In Arthur, Illinois, Serenity Miller is living a life full of purpose and contentment until the day she realizes her strong attraction to her neighbor, Stephen Lantz.