First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

All the Huckleberry Hill Amish stories have been wonderful.  I enjoy them so much.  And this one tells how it all began!  It's like going back in time to the beginnings of this lively and ambitious Amish couple's own young lives. I loved reading this enjoyable book.  Felty has just returned after he served in the Korean War, despite the beliefs of his Amish community and religious teachings.  Yet Anna sees him for the person he really is and perhaps this will be her perfect match even though there is definitely some opposition to deal with.

I think this was a book that needed to be written to love Felty and Anna even more!  They are all about love!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author and NetGalley and was under no obligation to give a positive review.

The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston

Checking my blog for this author, I counted 28 reviews for her.  But this was the first non-Amish book that I found.  And she did a fantastic job!  This is a contemporary romance set in North Carolina.  The story revolves around Brianna who struggles with her father's recent passing and a resort that is in the red.  The book is well developed and the author has woven an exquisite story of love, loss, family and friends, along with real-life struggles and joys.

It was a very different book than any of the other books I have read from this author.  I really loved it and found it to be excellent and totally enjoyable.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Christmas Comes To Morning Star Guest Post by Charlotte Hubbard and a Giveaway!

Hello friends!

I am so excited to welcome Charlotte Hubbard to my blog today!  She is definitely one of my go - to authors for a wonderful Amish book!  You will love her realist views on living the Amish lifestyle!  Thanks so much for being here, Charlotte, and sharing your thoughts with my readers.
 

You’d Like to Be Amish? Hmm…

             Over the years, I’ve heard so many readers say, “Oh, but I’d love to be Amish!”

I smile. While I believe these folks are sincere, I think they’ve read so much Amish fiction and perhaps visited Lancaster or Holmes Counties or other Amish communities and gotten the idea that the Amish lead idyllic, trouble-free lives that are far removed from the hectic world most of us deal with.

            Myself, although I greatly admire and respect the Amish for their work ethic, their unquestioning faith in God, and the way they’ve kept their families and social network intact in the modern world, I could not join the Old Order church or live as a real-life Amish woman does. I mean no disrespect towards these fine people! But here are reasons I couldn’t convert to their faith…even if they would vote me into their fellowship after I made the enormous life changes such a conversion would require.

            First, I don’t speak PA Dutch or German. When you’re reading stories or visiting Amish shops, everyone’s speaking English—but at home, at church, and amongst themselves, the Amish speak a language that’s tricky to learn, partly because PA Dutch isn’t a written language.

            Second, I can’t imagine cooking for families with six or eight kids without basic small appliances like a mixer or a toaster! Most of us would probably benefit from living a more “unplugged” life, but the absence of electricity means you don’t have air conditioning, an automatic washer/dryer—and you probably brush your teeth before bed with the help of a flashlight! It’s true that many Amish embrace solar power these days, but it’s mostly for businesses. Women at home aren’t allowed to plug into a rooftop solar panel to run any appliances. I could probably adjust to living without Internet or a computer—but that means I’d no longer be a novelist!

            I would also have trouble tolerating a male-dominated society where husbands and church leaders always have the final say. While it’s true I’d be better off if I kept my opinions to myself more often, I would really bristle if my husband didn’t give me permission to do things the way I thought was best. I also like to think that women have something to contribute to church life besides food for the meal following the service!

            Another major stumbling block for me: a religious faith that insists “it’s God’s will” when horrible things happen. For instance, I don’t like to blame God when drunk drivers crash into buggies, or when other human error/meddling causes great misfortune. I also have trouble with a faith that won’t allow expression of artistic or musical talent, as is true in many conservative Amish communities. This has become a theme in many of my stories! I also dislike shunning, and the way conservative Amish churches consider it “an unforgiveable sin” if baptized members leave the Amish faith. The Amish aren’t encouraged to read the Bible for themselves, either. They rely on their bishop’s/preachers’ interpretations of Scripture—and those men tend to preach on the verses that support such viewpoints as wives submitting to their husbands.

            Most of my issues stem from living in more permissive English/non-Amish society, of course. Folks who are raised Amish seem quite content to obey their district’s “rules” because it’s what they know—the 85% retention of their young people certainly supports that. And they don’t seem bothered by rules that have no apparent connection to faith in God. For instance, why must married men grow beards, but they’re not allowed mustaches (which are considered “military” in appearance)? Why are they not allowed to use zippers in their clothing?

            Given the turmoil and upheaval in our lives these days, I totally agree with readers who believe the Amish have found a better way to live, apart from hatred and violence. And I would probably be a far better person if I did more blending in and less expressing of my opinions!

            I also deeply appreciate the readers who follow my Amish series and characters! I love researching and writing stories about the Amish, and I thank you for reading this post, and for your interest in my books!

 Christmas Comes to Morning Star

by Charlotte Hubbard

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GENRE:   Amish/Inspirational romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 BLURB:

 

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 never to 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 . . .

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 EXCERPT

“I like that smile on your face, Jo. You’re happiest when you’re baking, ain’t so?”    

Jo’s stomach fluttered when Michael stepped into her shop. His evergreen wreath suggested that he had something other than flirtation in mind, and that was just as well, wasn’t it? “That fresh wreath smells just like Christmas,” she said. “I suppose you and your dat make those at your Queen City greenhouse, jah?”

 “We do,” Michael replied. “And we’ve brought enough of them to hang on everyone’s shop entry for the holiday season.”

 Jo stopped stirring her frosting to gaze at him. “That’s very generous. “You fellows have gone all out to decorate The Marketplace for us, and I really appreciate it.”

 The blush that tinted Michael’s cheeks told Jo that he felt every bit as shy around her as she was near him.

“It’s been a boon to our nursery business, selling our plants here,” he said with a dimpled smile. “But more than that, Dat and I, well—we’ve really enjoyed coming to Morning Star to spend time with you and your mamm. And—and my invitation to come to Queen City and see our greenhouses full of poinsettias still stands.”

 Jo swallowed hard. How many times had she dreamed of taking Michael up on his offer? “I—we’ll see,” she hedged. “Baking for the Christmas season is keeping me busier this year—”

“But if you can spare a couple of weekdays in early December, the sight of all those bright red poinsettias will take your breath away,” Michael insisted.

Jo’s heart was pounding so hard that Michael could probably hear it. What a joy it would be see those greenhouses filled with such vibrant Christmas flowers.

As she once again noticed how slim and attractive he was, however, Jo was even more aware that she probably outweighed him by thirty pounds. A guy like Michael would never see beyond her thick glasses—and even though he’d never met her deceased dat, there was no getting around the fact that Jo had been created in Joseph Fussner’s image.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 In 1983, Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. She wrote around 70 of those confession stories, and she’s sold more than 50 books to traditional or online publishers. A longtime resident of Missouri, she’s currently writing Amish romances set in imaginary Missouri towns for Kensington. She now lives in Omaha, NE with her husband of 40+ years and their Border collie, Vera.

www.charlottehubbard.com

Facebook -- www.Facebook.com/Charlotte.Hubbard1

 Zebra Books •• ISBN-13: 9781420151831 •• ISBN-10: 1420151835

Print: •• Amazon •• Amazon UK •• Amazon Canada •• Barnes & Noble •• Books-A-Million •• Chapters Indigo •• IndieBound ••Kensington •• Target •• The Book Depository ••Walmart •• 


Ebook: • Kindle •• Kobo •• Google Play •

 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

Charlotte Hubbard be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. In addition to the GC, the author would like to select one female reader's name to use in her upcoming book, HIDDEN AWAY AT PROMISE LODGE.

Here's the link to the Rafflecopter

Blog Tour:

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 never to 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 . . .

August 23: All the Ups and Downs
August 23: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
August 24: Rogue's Angels
August 24: The Adventure of a Travelers Wife - review
August 25: Literary Gold
August 25: Viviana MacKade
August 26: The Avid Reader
August 26: Southern Gal Loves to Read - review only
August 27: Sunnie Reviews - review
August 27: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love
August 30: Fabulous and Brunette
August 30: Splashes of Joy - review only
August 31: Uplifting Reads - review
August 31: Notes From a Romantic's Heart
September 1: Iron Canuck Reviews & More - review only
September 2: Lisa Everyday Reads
September 2: Read Your Writes Book Reviews
September 3: D'S QUILTS & BOOKS - review only
September 3: Long and Short Reviews

The Keeper by Jennifer Spredemann Amish Country Brides

I was so excited to read Jennifer Spredemann's latest book in the Amish Country Brides Series.  It was another enjoyable Amish book and the beautiful cover speaks for itself.  Susan is anxious to experience the English life.  She tries to prepare for her life outside her Amish community.  She meets Joshua and there is an instant attraction.  This is their story and their journey to work out the issues that both need to work through.

I love how Sammy is still there to offer wisdom and advice to all seekers of God's truth.  If you enjoy Christian fiction, you will definitely enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel

 

This was a great time-slip book about two women who share a secret about a steamboat and more.  It's a great secret!  You will want to read this one.  The book has mystery, suspense and of course, romance!

Devyn is a wedding coordinator and her determination is bound to lead her to her dreams.

I loved the steamboat and the historical aspect of this for a wedding venue.  I can totally picture the beauty of this setting.  As Devyn and Chase search for answers the story totally takes off.

I loved Duffy who adopted Hattie as she is left by her mother.  Hattie is determined to find out about her past.  There is definitely more to the story than meets the eye.  Don't want to share too much, so I will suffice to say I really enjoyed the book, the mystery kept me turning the pages.  I think you will really enjoy it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Winds of Hope by Anita Stansfield (The Jayson Wolfe Series)

 This is the first book that I have read by this LDS author.  I picked it up at the local library and I really loved it.  This book isn't book one of the series which is called the Jayson Wolfe Series. But the author begins this book with updates on "what is happening" and where the previous books left things.  This helped since I didn't know when I grabbed this book that it was a part of a series. And so I could enjoy it as a stand-alone as well.

Being from a neighboring town of this author, I knew the places she wrote about perfectly.  That made it a personal book to me.

She writes of the trials and growth of Jayson Wolfe and his family members.  I loved the openness and honesty of the characters in the book, grappling with things of the past and growing beyond them.

A very good book and I will be reading more from this author!

A Christmas in The Alps by Melody Carlson

I loved this sweet and light read which was perfect for Christmas.  I liked it so much, I read it in one sitting and was so sad that it I finished it.  I wanted it to not end. It was so enjoyable. For me, the genealogist, always going to Europe to find more about my own family's past as well as to find relatives, it was right up my alley.  The perfect book for me.

I loved it.  What more can I say.  Is there a book 2??? If not, please consider it!  This was such a relaxing, fun Christmas novella.  That's it, I recommend this story.  It will make you happy.  It did me!

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest review.

The Impossible Kid by Lucille Williams

This was an interesting book about a woman and her strong-willed daughter.  It was interesting to read about how things worked for her daughter and how each situation can be different and how what works for one, doesn't always work for another.  

I liked how both mother and daughter contributed their own thoughts in each chapter.  Made it interesting to see both viewpoints and to know that despite all the struggles she grew up well and made good life decisions. The author writes about faith in God and turning things over to Him.  I saw in her writings that although her marriage had rough times, she still felt the importance to nourish the relationship with her husband.

There was good advice and suggestions on raising children that have strong spirits and I would recommend this book to others raising children.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

A Warrior's Heart by Misty M. Beller (Brides of Laurent Book 1)

 This book starts what appears to me to be an excellent and exciting new series!  It was quite different than previous books of this author that I have read.

All of her books keep you reading.  There is no putting down a book!  Lot's of action.  No dull moments.  I can hardly wait for book 2.  

This new series takes place in the Canadian Rockies and a settlement of people living in caves in the mountains.  It's amazing and you will not want to miss reading this. The heroine is a strong woman who is in a leadership position in this community of Laurent. There are secrets and "bad guys" and sweet romance.  You will love.  I know that I did!

I received an ebook copy from the author through NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Beyond the Tides (Prince Edward Island Shores Book 1) by Liz Johnson

This was an interesting story of two people who have hard feelings towards one another due to an event that happened in high school.  When Meg's father decides to sell the family business, Meg hears of her father planning to sell it to the one person she can't stand, Oliver Ross.  As the book continues, a contest to see who buys the fishing business, brings Meg together with Oliver and they have to work together for a season in a contest to see who will be chosen as the new owner.

There are lots of ups and downs in the both the lives of the two trying to be the one chosen and in the business itself.  They go through personal growth as they learn of one another's lives and past that brought them to this point. And Meg gives up her position at school as a teacher to work on the fishing boat. 

I enjoyed the story and thought it was interesting and set in a beautiful place.  

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers.  All thoughts are my own.

Anna's Prayer by Karl Beckstrand

This is the fourth story of Karl's Beckstrand's non fiction children's book that I have read. They have all been stories of faith and love of God by these young immigrants.  The stories especially touch my heart because I was also a young immigrant girl.

Anna was the sister of Ida and as they separated to go to either a relative or a job, Anna is expecting to be picked up by an aunt at the train station.  It's late and no one arrives.  It's a beautiful tale of the faith of a young girl.  It brought some tears to my eyes as I read it. It's a gentle reminder of who we should always rely on.

I received an ebook copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Ida's Witness by Karl Beckstrand

I was lucky enough to read Ida's witness, a biography of the author's great-grandmother.  It was a sweet and heart-warming story of his immigrant great-grandmother as she struggled through many hardships in her youth.  As she finds the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she shares of her conversion and her testimony of her new found religion.

The story is very sweet and children will learn of the struggles of the earlier generations and how they are both different and similar to those of the struggles we deal with today. And how despite their hardships, made a good life for their families and descendants.

It's a beautiful story and full of faith and trust in God.

I received an ebook copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard (The Maidels of Morning Star Series Book 3)

I have just loved this series and book 3 was a wonderful conclusion, although I wish it could continue.  But  I am sure Charlotte Hubbard will continue with other wonderful books!  

This was an inspirational and sweet conclusion at the wonderful time of Christmas.  Marietta and Molly are the main characters of this book.  These twins are strong, caring and just wonderful despite what has happened to Marietta as she has recovered from cancer but has been a wonderful help to Glenn, who himself has experienced more trials than he feels he can handle. As she ministers to his children, he sees hope for a future, but Marietta feels that she could not be the wife he needs or wants.

It's a touching story and brings happiness to the soul.  A very lovely book that I would happily recommend to others.

I received a copy of this book from the author and NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.