Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

 Love Blooms in Morning Star

Book Summary

When five unmarried Amish maidels turn a ramshackle barn into a thriving business, their small Missouri town is energized by new opportunities. But the Morning Star Marketplace has also brought unexpected joy, as each woman finds her own true love . . . 

As Jo Fussner keeps the Marketplace humming, her heart dances with a joyous secret. Jo and Michael Wengerd, a shy nursery owner from a nearby town, have fallen hopelessly in love. When Michael buys a courting buggy, Jo is sure a proposal will follow. But she’ll have to work hard to gain her mother’s approval—because the widowed Drusilla Fussner is convinced that marriage will bring her daughter nothing but heartache.

To win Jo’s hand, Michael enlists his father’s help in convincing Drusilla to give the marriage her blessing—and perhaps even open her heart to new happiness of her own. . . . But just as Jo and Michael’s hope for their future grows, an even bigger obstacle looms. The Amish elders vote to forbid any maidel from working once she marries. Now Jo must choose between the beloved store she’s put her heart into, and the man she can’t live without. Conflicted, Jo will have to trust that anything is possible when true faith guides the way . . .

My Thoughts

Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the fourth novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series.  Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order.  Love Blooms in Morning Star is an inspiring and heartwarming tale.  I love the characters in this series.  We get to catch up with all the people from the previous books, but this story focuses on Jo, Michael, Nelson, and Drusilla.  We also get to spend more time with Nelson’s twin sister, Nadine.  I like that the women speak up for themselves.  I admit that I do not agree with the Amish rule that men are in charge of the households and make the decisions regarding a wife (like being allowed to work outside the home).  We get to know Drusilla and learn what is behind her behavior.  I like that the characters and their situations are realistic.  They have real life struggles that readers can relate to.  I like that the characters are a range of ages (from Jo’s teenage helpers to those in their twilight years).  The descriptions of Jo’s mouthwatering baked goods will have heading for the nearest bakery.  There are good life lessons including a special one on forgiveness.  The faith element was nicely woven into the story.  The Easter weekend celebrations were special, and I liked Bishop Jeremiah’s sermon.  I enjoyed the camaraderie of the community and how people would come together to help each other.  The ending is special and will leave you with a good feeling in your heart (and a smile on your face).  I hope this will not be our last visit to Morning Star.  Love Blooms in Morning Star is an uplifting Amish tale with scrumptious coffee cakes, pretty posies, an emotive mother, an exultant engagement, a deacon dilemma, a cheery twin sister, a benevolent bishop, conferring forgiveness, and sweet surprises.  

Love Blooms in Morning Star publishes Tuesday, July 26 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The other three novels in The Maidels of Morning Star are Morning Star (can be borrowed for free through Kindle Unlimited), First Light in Morning Star, and Christmas Comes to Morning Star.  You can find Charlotte Hubbard's other novels here.  Charlotte Hubbard's next new book release is Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge which publishes February 28, 2023. It is the latest addition to the Promise Lodge series.  I appreciate you joining me today and reading my review.  On deck for tomorrow is Witch and Famous by Angela Sanders. It is the third book in A Witch Way Librarian Mysteries.  I hope that you have a positive day.  I am off to organize.  I have spaces that desperately need organization (and hopefully I can get rid of some items to make more space).  Take care, stay cool (it is so hot outside), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

 Christmas Comes to Morning Star

Book Summary

For fans of Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall comes a new Amish inspirational romance set at a most joyful time of year--Christmas!—in the heartwarming community of Morning Star, Missouri, with its mouthwatering marketplace, close-knit community, and blessings for everyone—even enterprising, noodle-making, unmarried twin maidels who’ve given up on love and families of their own.

Founded by five unmarried and enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morning Star Marketplace in small-town Missouri is preparing for a joyous Christmas season. But will the holiday also bring unexpected tidings of love?
 
Twin sisters Molly and Marietta Helfing are eagerly anticipating Christmas, with Marietta fully recovered from cancer and their noodle making business thriving. But Molly clearly misses having former tenant Pete Shetler and his rambunctious dog, Riley, around. Marietta can’t ignore Molly’s feelings for Pete—or the anxiety it stirs within her. Convinced her illness has made her unmarriageable, Marietta wonders what kind of life she’ll have if her sister marries—despite Molly’s promise to never leave her behind. . .
 
Then a fire destroys the home of Amish neighbors and Molly and Marietta graciously make room for widower Glenn Detweiler, his dat, and his two young boys. When Pete returns to help the family rebuild, Molly relishes her reunion with the handsome carpenter, while Marietta delights in mothering Glenn’s boys—and is surprised by her poignant bond with their quiet, brooding father. Soon everyone is wondering if this season will bring the blessing of a merry double wedding to Morning Star . . .

My Thoughts

Molly and Marietta Helfing are twin sister’s who are in their 30s.  They make a living selling their homemade Amish noodles in a shop in The Marketplace.  Marietta feels that no one will ever want to marry her since she had the mastectomy last year and is unable to have children.  Molly does not want to leave her sister alone, so she plans on not marrying as well despite her attraction to Pete Shetler.  Glenn Detweiler has lost his wife and his mother.  He is trying to take care of his two young sons and his aging father as well as his business.  Grief is overwhelming him.  Then a fire destroys his house. He is thankful when the Helfing sisters take in his family.  Pete worries that Molly is falling for Glenn and wonders if he has missed his chance.  What does the future hold for this foursome? 

Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the 3^rd book in The Maidels of Morning Star series.  I recommend reading this heartwarming series in order.  I thought Christmas Comes to Morning Star was well-written with developed, friendly characters.  I love the maidels in this series.  This book focuses on Molly and Marietta, but we also get to catch up with Jo.  Jo Fussner likes Michael Wengerd, but her mother’s bitterness is standing in her way.  Love, hope, grief, community, and family are the themes of this story.  I enjoyed catching up with Lydianne and Regina as well. Bishop Jeremiah Shetler is a kindhearted man who cares about those in the community.  Bishop Shetler is a good man who is eager to marry Lydianne.  Two of the women have found love, and we are hoping the other three will as well.  The Marketplace sounds like a wonderful place with all the fabulous shops filled with homemade Amish goods.  Christmas Comes to Morning Star is a story that puts you in the Christmas spirit (even though it is August).  Christmas Comes to Morning Star is a comforting tale with homemade noodle pudding, a devastating fire, a disagreeable mother, a caring bishop, and three unmarried maidels.  

Christmas Comes to Morning Star publishes Tuesday, August 24.  You can pre-order from Amazon*.  The other two novels in The Maidels of Morning Star series are Morning Star and First Light in Morning Star.  Both books can be borrowed for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited.  You can follow Charlotte Hubbard on Amazon so you can receive emails when she has a new release.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  No Grater Crime by Maddie Day is planned for tomorrow.  It is the 9th A Country Store Mystery.  I hope you have a cheerful day. Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

 

Book Summary

First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard has Lydianne Christner becoming the new schoolteacher in Morning Star, Pennsylvania.  She is worried that someone will ask about her past which she does not want to come to light.  Her secret could get her shunned.  Moving to Morning Start provided Lydianne with a fresh start.  Bishop Jeremiah Shetler takes an interest in the town’s new schoolteacher.  When he asks to court Lydianne, Jeremiah is surprised when she turns him down without an explanation.  He can tell that something is burdening Lydianne, but Jeremiah must wait until she is ready to share it with him.  When Lydianne finally shares her secret, Jeremiah has an important decision to make.    

My Thoughts

First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the 2^nd novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series.  While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Morning Star first (sets the stage for the whole series).  I like Lydianne Christner as well as the other characters in this series.  Lydianne is woman with a secret.  She is afraid of what will happen if her past is exposed.  I liked that this book is not a traditional romance.  There are twists to surprise a reader.  The story does start out a little slow, but the pacing increases as the book progresses.  There is also repetition of information that did not enjoy (I got it the first time).  I like that we get to catch up with some of the characters from the author’s Simple Gifts series and Seasons of the Heart series.  We get to see Bishop Jeremiah Shetler as a man with feelings and desires of his own instead of just as the leader of the community.  It is nice how the Faith elements of second chances, forgiveness, hope, and acceptance are woven into the story.  God has a plan for each of us and we must have faith in Him.  First Light in Morning Star is a sweet story with a lovely ending.  I am eager for the story of Jeremiah’s nephew, Pete.  I think it is time for him to settle down.  First Light in Morning Star is a heartfelt Amish tale that features developed characters with real life problems. 

First Light in Morning Star is available from Amazon*.  Morning Star is the first book in The Maidels of Morning Star series. It is available to borrow from Kindle Unlimited.  The next installment is Christmas Comes to Morning Star which publishes on August 24.  You can find Charlotte Hubbard's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by and reading my review.  Tomorrow I am featuring Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke.  It is the 7th novel in The Mulberry Lane Series. I hope you have a jolly day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.