Book Review: Harvest of Blessings by Charlotte Hubbard

Welcome back to Willow Ridge with the latest Seasons of the Heart novel, Harvest of Blessings.

Nora Glick Landwehr returns to Willow Ridge after many years away. Once cast out by her strict father, she seeks forgiveness and a chance to make amends to the daughter she gave up.

Luke Hooley doesn't hide his interest in her, but she doesn't have time for his recklessness. Somehow, though, he's helping her find her own way in faith.

Can Nora hope for a chance at forgiveness and love?

What a wonderful addition this is to the Season of the Heart series by Charlotte Hubbard. I've loved this series from the start, and Harvest of Blessings reaffirms everything I enjoy about Hubbard's work. Faith, forgiveness, and love play roles in Harvest of Blessings. Hubbard has created an engaging cast of characters who depend upon their faith even when they remain unsure of the future. We see the joy of a mother at the return of her daughter. We see a strict father set in his ways. We see a daughter searching for herself in the place she once called home. We see family members divided on this woman who has lived as an Englisher. We see members of the community working toward the common good. And if you thought that the former bishop, Hiriam Knepp was out of the picture, think again.

While I would definitely recommend starting this series at the beginning to fully appreciate it, Harvest of Blessings stands on its own. I am eager to see what comes next for the community of Willow Ridge.

Seasons of the Heart, Book 5

Zebra (February 24, 2015)
ISBN-13: 9781420133097 •• ISBN-10: 1420133098
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www.CharlotteHubbard.com

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

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Book Review: Breath of Spring by Charlotte Hubbard

Spring returns to Willow Ridge, and with it a promising new beginning for at least two of its residents.

Annie Mae Knepp and her younger sister decided not to join their disgraced ex-bishop father when he left Willow Ridge to start a new community. They've had the support of many in Willow Ridge, but Annie Mae knows her father isn't finished with her yet, and she misses her other siblings that went with their father to Higher Ground. Annie Mae feels lost, and though she isn't looking for romance, she's sure no one would take her considering the responsibilities she has on her shoulders.

Adam Wagler hides a secret that fills him with guilt. He keeps busy with his work, but he can't push beyond his past. When he helps Annie Mae retrieve her sewing machine from her father's old house, a friendship begins to develop. Adam soon finds himself helping Annie Mae out of other scrapes and that friendship develops into more--if only Annie can believe she's worthy of love.

I've enjoyed all the books in Charlotte Hubbard's Seasons of the Heart series. Though this is a great stand alone novel, I would recommend reading the entire series because it is wonderful. Readers of the series will welcome catching up with familiar characters, while new readers will enjoy the blossoming romance between Annie Mae and Adam. One of the things I've always liked about these books is that they aren't all sugar and honey. These characters are dealing with real issues: Adam's guilt is eating him alive and Annie Mae fears the repercussions of defying her controlling father by refusing to move to Higher Ground after he is ex-communicated. In the background, other smaller stories develop, which gives this book--like the others--a true community feel.

If you enjoy inspirational romance, Amish fiction, or sweet love stories, you'll want to purchase Breath of Spring by Charlotte Hubbard.


Series: Seasons of the Heart
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zebra (May 6, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420133071
ISBN-13: 978-1420133073

I received a copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I read this book for the following challenge:

Book Review: Winter of Wishes by Charlotte Hubbard

Winter of Wishes is another heartwarming story in the Seasons of the Heart series by Charlotte Hubbard.

Rhoda Lantz is feeling a bit left out. Her widowed mother is about to remarry and her twin sister, Rachel, is a busy newlywed traveling the countryside visiting relatives to pick up wedding gifts. For the first time in her life Rhoda will be living alone.

Andy Leitner's wife left him and their two children behind for the better life she desired. As a stretched thin nursing student, Andy, an Englischer, is also the caregiver for his mother.

When Rhoda answers Andy's ad looking for someone to take care of his family while he's away, it seems God has given her a meaningful new direction for her life. Falling for Andy could lead to her being shunned by her community. Is Rhoda wishing for things she can't have or will she remember that everything is possible with God?

I think I have found a new favorite Charlotte Hubbard book. I've truly loved all the books in this series, but this one is outstanding. I stayed up late--way too late--reading it and would sneak moments in during the day to read a few pages.

The wonderful thing about Amish fiction is that sense of community they bring; so while Rhoda and Andy's story is the focus of Winter of Wishes, the reader is also brought up to date on the Hooley brothers, their aunts Jerusalem and Nazareth, Preacher Tom, the shunned bishop, Hiram Knepp and other members of Willow Ridge. In addition, we see other familiar characters, like Rhoda and Rachel's sister Rebecca and the banker, Derek Shotwell. A new twist with this story is how it leads in perfectly to Hubbard's and Naomi King's crossover book, An Amish Country Christmas, which we reviewed here. The seeds are planted in this book for folks from Willow Ridge to visit Cedar Creek.

Lovers of Amish fiction and inspirational romances will enjoy Hubbard's Winter of Wishes.


Series: Seasons of the Heart
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zebra (September 3, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420121715
ISBN-13: 978-1420121711

I received a copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Autumn Winds by Charlotte Hubbard

A moving story of love and faith awaits you in Autumn Winds by Charlotte Hubbard.

An autumn storm does more than break the front window at the Sweet Seasons Bakery Cafe. It also blows Ben Hooley into Miriam Lantz's life. Widowed since the death of her husband Jesse, and being pursued endlessly by Bishop Knepp to accept his offer of marriage, she is quickly taken with the handsome traveling blacksmith.

Ben's appearance in Willow Ridge could be wonderful in many ways, but the bishop isn't thrilled about a rival for Miriam's hand. With the fate of her beloved cafe at stake, Miriam must listen to God and her heart to find the happiness and love she deserves.

In the second book of the Seasons of the Heart series, Hubbard picks up where she left off with the lives of the Plain folk from Willow Ridge, Missouri. Miriam is preparing for her daughter, Rachel's wedding to Micah, the son of her business partner, Naomi Brenneman. She's not looking for love, but when Ben Hooley blows in with the storm, she feels an instant connection to him. Their friendship and developing romance is hampered by her connection to the past and her fear over the fate of her beloved cafe. Bishop Knepp, who began pursuing her in the first book, refuses to take no for an answer. He has his cap set for Miriam and he'll do anything to have her for his wife.

With Autumn Winds, Hubbard has created an inspirational story filled with characters you're bound to love and relate to. More than just a romance between a widow and a newcomer, the residents of Willow Ridge will truly capture your heart. Hubbard's masterful storytelling blends with a well-developed plot and superbly drawn characters to create a story that will become a quick favorite for lovers of the genre. While definitely a stand alone novel, much can be gained by reading, Summer of Secrets, the first book in the series, along with this one. Just like the first book, the reader will be treated to many scrumptious recipes at the end of the story.

I eagerly await the next installment of this series, Winter of Wishes, due out next fall.


Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zebra; Original edition (September 4, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420121707
ISBN-13: 978-1420121704
SRP:  $6.99

I received a free paperback from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

This is the 51st book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the 29th book I've read for the following challenge:

First Chapter Review: Autumn Winds by Charlotte Hubbard

This is a First Chapter Review of an Amish fiction book that I'll be reviewing at the end of the month for Pump Up Your Book.

 BLURB:  Winds of change are blowing through Willow Ridge, and they’re bringing a stranger to the Sweet Seasons Bakery. At first, widowed Miriam Lantz has misgivings about Ben Hooley, a handsome but rootless traveling blacksmith. But as she gets to know the kind-hearted newcomer, she wonders if his arrival was providential. Perhaps she could find love again—if only there weren’t so many obstacles in the way. With Bishop Knepp relentlessly pursuing her hand in marriage and the fate of her beloved café at stake, Miriam must listen to God and her heart to find the happiness she longs for and the love she deserves.

COVER: This genre is known for its beautiful covers. This one is no exception. I like the details and color scheme. Makes me think of fall right away. The woman on the front cover seems too young to be Miriam, but it's a stunning cover.

FIRST CHAPTER:  Rain is pelting the roof of the Sweet Seasons Bakery Café, where widow Miriam Lantz is working through her anxiety by starting the day's baking at an unusually early hour.

A loud crash and the sound of tinkling glass in the dining room draw her attention before the power goes out.  Then she hears a man's voice outside. As a flash of lightning brightens the sky, she sees a powerful horse bucking, then hears a sickening thud. She rushes out to assist whoever might have been injured. Little does she know what this will mean to her life.

KEEP READING: Definitely. I'm already through three chapters. This is the second book of Hubbard's Seasons of the Hearts series. I read the first one, Summer of Secrets, so Miriam Lantz is a familiar character. While her story is secondary in the first book, she takes front and center in this autumn story. Hubbard has a wonderful way with creating characters you can't help but care about. The woes Miriam dealt with in Book 1, continue to be an issue for her in Autumn Winds. While this is a stand alone novel, I like how it builds upon the first book. The reader can relate to the troubles Miriam faces, and that makes her a sympathetic character from the start. But she's a bold character, too, which can be a bit of a problem for her in the community where she lives, especially considering how the bishop views her being co-owner of the café.

Hubbard has a beautiful style that is comfortable and warm, just like you expect the café to be in Willow Ridge. I'm eager to keep reading.

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zebra; Original edition (September 4, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420121707
ISBN-13: 978-1420121704
SRP: $6.99

I received a free paperback copy of this book from the author. A full review will follow on October 26th. This first chapter review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.