Love at Pebble Creek (Hope Chest of Dreams #5) by Lisa Jones Baker

About the book

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?

My thoughts:

Although this is the 5th book in the series it can be read as a standalone.  The one character that I recognized from the other books that I have read in the Hope Chest of Dreams series is Old Sam who lovingly crafted each of the hope chests that are so important to the young ladies in the books.

Love at Pebble Creek is the story of Anna King and Jesse Beiler, two young people living in the same community for their entire lives but are as different as can be.  He is content with the life he was born into but she is adopted and has a secret desire to explore life outside of the community.  I liked Jesse immediately and thought he was the epitome of a true friend, kind and supportive.  I genuinely felt bad for Anna as she has questions about her birth mother and why she was put up for adoption but at the same time I admired her desire to pursue her dreams.  

Overall, this is a sweet story with characters who will warm your heart and who you root for throughout this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.