Book Review: Chapters and Second Chances by Evelyn Grace Berry

 

Sweet romance abounds in this short story collection by Evelyn Grace Berry. Chapters and Second Chances is filled with touching, heartfelt romantic stories that make you sigh, chuckle, and feel so good about life and love. Moments of chance meetings, second chances, and faith blend to create beautifully-told stories with happy endings.  

Everything about this short story collection is delightful. The whimsical cover, the creative font for title and chapter headings, the artwork signifying scene or story breaks, the charming settings, and the flawed yet likable characters make for a collection that draws you in from the first story to the last, leaving you feeling happy for the characters and their newfound love. Told in bite-sized chunks, these stories are perfect for those moments when you need a quick pick-me-up, but can also be read one after the other. 

Chapters and Second Chances by Evelyn Grace Berry will have you celebrating how wonderful and uplifting love can be!

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FZS93MQR
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Three Strands Publishing, LLC
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 4, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 302 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8993751016
• 
  

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

Book Review: The Prodigal's Holiday Hope by Jill Kemerer

 

The Prodigal's Holiday Hope by Jill Kemerer is a story of moving on from past hurts and the hope that comes from second chances. 

When Sawyer Roth decides to return to Sunshine Bend, he has no idea what his buddies will think of him. Rumor is he has been up to no good since his father's death and squandering away his inheritance, but Ken McKay needs a ranch manager and Sawyer needs a job away from the city, so he returns to the ranch once owned by his family for a fresh start. What he doesn't expect is Tess Malone.

Tess and her son, Tucker, live with Ken on the ranch. Her stubborn father didn't even tell her that he hired that no good Sawyer to manage it. Well, Sawyer won't win her over quickly, even if he did grow up on Sunshine Bend and she is desperate for help. But with Christmas approaching, and her dad in dire straits, Tess has to lean more on Sawyer than she would like. 

Sawyer isn't fond of getting too close to Tess either. But she and her son sure could weave their way into his heart if he isn't careful. 

I loved The Prodigal's Holiday Hope so much that I stayed up late to finish it. I simply couldn't wait to see how it all turned out. The first book in Kemerer's Wyoming Ranchers series is a strong debut, bringing together an engaging plot, well-developed characters, romance, and the ranching life. Cowboy romances remain one of my favorites, and The Prodigal's Holiday Hope is a fine example of an author knowing her audience and delivering a solid story that will leave you yearning for more. Lucky for readers, there are four other books in this series.

If you enjoy romance, second chances, seeing characters learn how to move on from past hurts, and seasonal stories filled with the joy and hope of the holidays, then you need to grab The Prodigal's Holiday Hope today!

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B095X2R6NY
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired; Original edition (October 26, 2021)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 26, 2021
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 1707 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 174 pages

I bought a copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Lost Somewhere Between Tired and Plumb Tuckered Out

 

I am pretty sure if I had more surface space on the desk, this would be me right now. Enjoyed our time with the Lil' Princess in North Carolina, and came back to a ton of work. Luckily, flying gave me time to read. 

Not that this post is a good substitute for It's Monday! What Are You Reading? but I'm still sharing what I have read lately. Now, if I just had time to write the reviews.

You can read my review of this one and enter the giveaway here.

Still need to review these ones:

I finished this one on the plane. Loved, loved, loved it! Look for my review on October 16.

I also finished this one. 

I read some of this one as well. 

Since I only took one paperback on the trip with me, I ended up reading this book on my Kindle. Finished it last night. So good!

Need to read this one soon.

I am staying out of trouble and not signing up for many new book tours through the end of the year. I really want to read more seasonal books that I own. Not sure if that will happen, but working to stay on track. Below are the scheduled events.

Upcoming events:

• The Merry Matchmaker by Sheila Roberts - October 16 (Review)
• A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker - November 20 (Review)

I am looking to review Christmas picture books, chapter books, and clean romance novellas this year. You can check out what other products I'm looking for here.

You can read the latest Christmas news at the Christmas Year Round blog. Lots of fun Christmas news: California's Christmas town, a new Christmas music compilation, and a Christmas-themed bar. You can read the latest here.

Now, off to bed. Keeping all Floridians in my prayers. 

Book Review: Love's Unfolding Dream by Janette Oke

 

Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series continues with the sixth book titled, Love's Unfolding Dream. 

Return to Anderson Corner and follow the continuing story of the Davis family in this heartwarming Christian novel. 

Belinda, who was born to Clark and Marty Davis at the end of the last novel, is leaning toward nursing. Her older brother, Luke, is already a doctor, and he can tell her compassionate heart will serve others well. While Marty has her reservations, she and Clark allow Belinda to assist Luke when appropriate. 

Lots of growth and change has come to the Davis household through the years, and in Love's Unfolding Dream, Belinda's neice, Melissa LaHaye, comes to live with the family while she finishes her schooling. Her arrival creates issues in Belinda's friendship with Amy Jo, who is her brother Clare's daughter. And when it seems the girls are taken with Jordan Brown, Marty and Clark are sure to have their hands full.

Love's Unfolding Dream is another wonderful installment of the Love Comes Softly series. We catch up with Clark and Marty's ever-growing family and meet new characters along the way. A new boy in town captures the attention of Melissa LaHaye and Amy Jo Davis, but it seems he has eyes for another young lady. 

Another new family in town, the Simpsons, needs help but aren't open to charity. When their son Drew is hurt in an accident, Belinda joins Luke to tend to him. When it is clear the damage is irreparable, Luke is uncertain if Belinda can face the decision they make to save Drew's life. And as Drew struggles to move on from his accident, Marty and Clark pray for ideas on how to help the Simpsons. 

As with other books in the series., Oke provides family-friendly, faith-based historical fiction to captivate readers. She keeps the series fresh by interspersing new characters alongside many fan favorites. This was an easy, quick read and one of my favorites from the series. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers; Repack edition (February 1, 2004)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764228536
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764228537

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

Book Review: Miracles at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

 

Return to Promise Lodge, an Amish community in Missouri, where mothers-to-be are anticipating the arrival of their little miracles, one young man's life takes an unexpected turn, and a former Promise Lodge resident's return creates disruption.

Miracles at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is another fascinating Amish novel about family, faith, forgiveness, and the joy of being surrounded by a supportive community.

Isaac Chupp arrives at Promise Lodge to interview with Dale Kraybill as a store clerk. But his bad boy reputation has preceded him. The youngest son of the overbearing bishop from Coldstream caused a great deal of harm to Rosetta Wickey, Christine Burkholder, and Deborah Peterscheim when they all lived in Coldstream, but Dale is willing to give him a chance since it seems like Isaac is trying to turn over a new leaf. 

Upon his arrival, Isaac meets Vera Brubaker, who has come to help her aunt, who has been put on bed rest in the hopes of avoiding another miscarriage. He is quickly taken by the sweet, shy Vera, who sells her pottery in Dale's store. But when she catches the eye of Ezra Overholt, Isaac's overreaction causes issues that could ruin the new image he's working toward. 

When Maria Zehr returns to Promise Lodge in a panic, the Kuhn sisters do their best to help her. However, Maria hasn't changed since she left Promise Lodge to open her bakery in Cloverdale, and it creates friction for the residents of the Lodge. When another kindred spirit decides to step in, he might just get the chance to find his purpose. 

Wow! This is such wonderful addition to the Promise Lodge series. There is a ton going on with young couples in love, weddings, babies, newcomers, family challenges, Isaac trying to rebuild his reputation, and Maria returning to Promise Lodge. But under Hubbard's masterful hand, all these plots and subplots are woven together seamlessly to create an engaging story that has the reader turning page after page. 

Fans of the Promise Lodge series will be thrilled to see the continued growth of this tight-knit Amish community in Miracles at Promise Lodge. Favorite characters' storylines continue, while new characters' stories unfold. The must read Epilogue wraps up some storylines, but leaves room for future ideas. And, readers are treated to more yummy recipes from the Promise Lodge kitchen.

Though Miracles at Promise Lodge can be read by itself, I encourage fans of Amish fiction, family-focused fiction, inspirational fiction, and those who enjoy masterfully-told stories to invest time in reading the entire Promise Lodge series. 

Heartwarming romance at its best is what you can expect from Charlotte Hubbard!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Zebra (February 20, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1420156276
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1420156270
• 
  

This book releases on February 20th. You can pre-order it now from Amazon or your other favorite online retailer. 

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

Book Review: Love's Enduring Promise by Janette Oke

 

The Davis family returns in Love's Enduring Promise by Janette Oke. Clark and Marty Davis take care of their growing family while the town they live in says goodbye to some folks, welcomes new ones, and experiences a fair amount of growth too. 

Love's Enduring Promise is the second book in the Love Comes Softly series. Oke brings readers through a story that involves a lot of changes for the Davis family and the town in which they live. Clark and Marty welcome three more biological children into their family (Arnie, Luke, and Elvira), and adopt Nandry and Clae Larson when their father decides to move farther west after his wife dies. 

Meanwhile, the town builds a new school and a church, so they welcome a teacher and a parson to their community. As the town continues to expand, young couples get married, new people move to town, babies are born, the Davis and Larson children grow and change, and Missie has her first caller. 

As one reads Love's Enduring Promise, they can't help but notice how different the pacing is for this novel as compared to the first book in the series.

While a lot happened in Love Comes Softly, it focused on a short period of time (fall to spring) as Clark and Marty's relationship developed. While the reader met the Grahams and Wanda Marshall, the majority of the plot revolved around Clark and Marty. Now, part of that might be because they were more isolated in a new town, but it unfolded slowly.

In Love's Enduring Promise, the novel focuses on the Davis family and people in the town; the Larsons, the Grahams, the Marshalls, the LaHayes, and the McDonalds (owners of the local store), over a series of years. It also is a novel where the reader witnesses a tremendous amount of growth in the town. In addition to the new school and church, the town has their own doctor, a sheriff's office, and a bank. 

While I enjoyed Love's Enduring Promise, I can't say it was a favorite. Way too much happened and so much time passes that I felt like the Davis children in this novel were added just to show pioneers often had an abundance of children. What was wonderful to see, however, was the Davis family prosper and become such an integral part of the town. 

In this novel, like the first book in the series, the reader should be warned that the pioneers' opinions of Indians and how they talk about them could be deemed offensive. 

Love's Enduring Promise is told mostly from Marty's point of view, giving the reader a further glimpse into Marty Davis' life as a pioneering wife and mother in a growing community. This family saga has been popular for decades. If you enjoy family sagas, historical romances, or faith-based fiction, this could be a good choice. 

• ASIN: ‎ B01F9FUX7U
• Publisher: ‎ Bethany House Publishers; Reissue edition (2003-11-01) (January 1, 2003)
• Language: ‎ English
• Paperback: ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN: 9780764228490

This novel is from my personal collection. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke

 

After the sudden death of her husband, Clem Claridge, Marty finds herself out West with fall approaching--alone, pregnant, and penniless. When widower Clark Davis suggests she marry him so that his daughter has a mama, she hates that she has no choice but to accept his offer. In the months that follow, Marty, Clark, and Missie learn to live together through the harsh winter, but once spring comes, Marty will have a decision to make--stay with Clark and Missie or join the wagon train headed back East. 

The first book of the Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke, opens the morning after Clem's accident and swiftly moves to introduce Marty, Clark and Missie, Ben Graham and his wife, and Wanda Marshall to the reader. By Chapter 3, Marty and Clark are married, and the rest of the story is mostly about the Davis family. Told primarily from Marty's point of view, Clark and Ma Graham also get a turn at sharing parts of the story through their eyes. 

Since the reader spends so much time in Marty's head, it allows them to witness her evolution from someone who despises Clark and her situation to someone who truly loves him and wants to stay out West with her new family. One of the other evolutions that happens to Marty is from nonbeliever to believer. She prays to Clark's God for his safety when Clark is rescuing animals from his burning barn. She prays again when baby Clare is being rushed to the doctor. When Marty's revelation moment comes at the end of the novel, as she struggles to tell Clark that she loves him, one of the things she recalls is that he shared his God with her. 

Though when I started Love Comes Softly yesterday, I felt uncertain how enjoyable it would be, I found myself staying up late to finish it. Part of the joy was in watching how scenes that were reimagined in the movies, were originally portrayed in the book. Here are a few that appear in the book and the movie:

• Clark's proposition to Marty after her husband's funeral 
• Marty chasing chickens in the yard to make fried chicken for supper
• The Christmas day scene where they exchange gifts
• The birth of Marty's baby
• Marty playfully shoving Clark into the dirt and him chasing her, which leads to them almost kissing

The dialect continued to distract from the storyline, and the storyline for Laura Graham (who was older than she was in the movie) wasn't my favorite. However, Love Comes Softly is an engaging novel in the Christian fiction and inspirational romance genres. I look forward to reading the next book, Love's Enduring Promise. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers; Repack edition (April 1, 2003)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764228323
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764228322
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 940L

This novel is from my personal collection. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

First Chapter Review: Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke

 

I purchased the entire Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke online from a used bookstore. 

BLURB: Marty and Clem set out for the pioneer West full of hopes and dreams. They would stake a claim of their own on the new frontier, and build a home for themselves and their family.

But just after they'd arrived and Clem had chosen the perfect setting for their new home, an accident took his life...leaving Marty alone and pregnant. Then, on the day of his funeral, Clark Davis came along...and asked Marty to marry him!

Marty was infuriated -- but with no money, no shelter, and a baby on the way, what choice did she have? Besides, Clark said he only wanted her to be a mama to his baby girl, Missie. If Marty was still unhappy come spring, he would pay for her ticket back East.

Determined not to be a burden to Clark, and intending only to earn her keep. Marty threw herself into her new role of "Mama." But she had never been anyone's mama before, and she didn't even know how to keep a house! If only she could do right by this lonely man and his daughter just long enough to earn her train fare back home...

Now, Marty must learn wholeness and love through patience and faith.

Note: The back cover seeks to capitalize on the popularity of Little House on the Prairie, which had been airing since 1974. In block letters it says, "A COMPELLING LOVE STORY SET IN THE 'LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE' ERA."

COVER: Typical romance cover for the period in which it was first published (1979). This is not the edition I have, but both covers feature Marty in the foreground holding flowers with Clark and Missie in the background. In my edition, Missie is standing in front of Clark holding the same flowers Marty is, and Clark has reddish-brown hair. In my edition, Marty is turned sideways and looking at Clark and Missie, so the reader sees her profile. 

FIRST CHAPTER: The morning after her husband Clem has been killed in a terrible accident, Marty wakens to realize she has no idea what she is going to do all alone in the West when it's mid-October, she is pregnant, and there is no wagon train heading East until spring. That's when Clark Davis introduces himself and suggests they get married so Missie has a mama. In exchange, he will pay Marty's fare back home in the spring.

KEEP READING: Of course I will, because I want to see how they compare to the Hallmark Channel movies, but I'm not sure how much this book would have captivated me if I wasn't familiar with the storyline. The dialect is difficult to read. Nowadays, we would sporadically include words to show a character's way of speech, but the first chapter is filled with it. Readers should be aware that Marty expresses a concern for "Injuns" when Clem is sharing his excitement for coming out West. 

Oke did a fabulous job of portraying Marty's plight and all the emotions running through her head after the loss of Clem, the funeral where everyone is offering to help, and then Clark's uncomfortable and untimely proposal. 

We see the first difference between the book and movie in the opening chapter. Marty's husband Clem in the books has been rechristened Aaron in the movies. Though some of the words were rearranged in Clark's proposal to Marty in the movies, they are familiar enough that they feel similar. The author drops in a quick moment of humor when Clark corrects Marty's impression of what he means when he says "you 'an me be in need of one another."

There are two moments that disturbed me in this chapter. The first is that Clark asks Marty to take Missie with her if she decides to go back East in the spring. It is clearly done out of love and concern for his daughter, because he says it wouldn't be fair for the "little mite" not to have a mama, but having watched Dale Midkiff's portrayal of Clark, I couldn't see the character acting that way. I fear movie Clark could interfere with my impression of book Clark. The second is that Marty says she hates Clark, calling him a "cold miserable man." The text says that she "stormed against him." It's like she blames him for what happened to her. Of course, she just lost her husband, and everyone grieves differently. It will be interesting to see what my impression is at the end of the book. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers; Repack edition (April 1, 2003)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764228323
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764228322
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 940L

I purchased this book series online. This First Chapter Review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise by Jill Kemerer

 

If you're looking for an uplifting seasonal romance, you should look no further than The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise by Jill Kemerer. This is the first book in the author's new Wyoming Legacies series. 

Dalton Cambridge shouldn't be turning down a ranch manager's position. He needs to provide a stable life for his son Grady, even if his potential new boss is the ex-wife of his ex-wife's new husband. And if he can keep the focus on business, then all should be fine. But when he finds himself falling for the single mother, will he take a chance at building the family he has only been able to imagine?

Erica Black searched everywhere for the perfect ranch manager, but all recommendations were that Dalton Cambridge was the man for the job. How could she hire him? Dalton's ex-wife was now married to her ex-husband, and with that would come tons of baggage Erica had no time for since inheriting Winston Ranch. If she risks it, she will have to do all she can to protect her heart and all her hard work from getting hurt in the process.

With The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise, Kemerer puts together two unlikely characters who have every reason not to get involved. Thinking of all the challenges they might face makes your head spin. Dalton and Erica approach life and their ex-spouses in different ways, which is bound to create a bit of friction, especially when the exes don't abide by court-mandated agreements. But the two of them need each other--Dalton needs a place to raise Grady and help him appreciate all that ranch life has to offer; while Erica needs an experienced ranch manager and time to focus on what to do with the pole barn (a promise she made when she inherited Winston Ranch). Though people around them feel the two are great together, Dalton and Erica are determined not to stay outside of a business relationship. When things come to a head with both of their ex-spouses, they learn a lot about themselves and each other. 

This seasonal romance is truly inspirational. Set during the Christmas season, readers witness the evolution of two people drawn together by faith, family, and love. I look forward to future books in the series.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BV33H3LG
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired (October 24, 2023)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 24, 2023
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 1884 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 217 pages

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

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - Dec 11

Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday.   

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.     

Welcome back to Monday. Wishing a blessed Hanukkah to all who celebrate it. 

Last week and this coming week have been and will be filled with a lot of goings on. I sat on my last board meeting for the RAPV on Tuesday. I'm staying in real estate, but won't be serving on the board of directors next year. Our company's annual Adopt A Family program, where we help dozens of families in need, is in full swing. I help chair that, so lots of sorting and packing up toys. I'm working on Christmas stuff and editing the novel I wrote in November. The best part of the week was that the Lil' Princess arrived home Sunday. She'll be with us until she goes back to North Carolina in January. 

This coming week has meetings and two holiday parties, but I am far behind in getting our house ready for Christmas, and I've barely bought anything. I know it will all come together, but I know I want time to finalize my 2024 business plan as well. 

Church friends at the Christmas bazaar

Jim Shore nativity is up

Travis wanted to see what was inside

Travis and Dwight offered to string lights

Last week on the blog, I reviewed the following:

Books to Film: Love Finds A Home

Love Begins & Love's Everlasting Courage (Love Comes Softly prequels)

Love's Christmas Journey (Love Comes Softly series movie)

My reading time has been next to none, but I finished this inspirational romance that spent numerous weeks on the Publisher's Weekly bestsellers list. 

Nine hours left on this next one. I am going to make it through the next chapter to see if I will proceed. 

I'm on the fence about this one. I listened to some of it this week, but it seems repetitive. It also took the author over an an hour to get through the first chapter. 

Upcoming virtual book tours:

• A Yellow House in the Mountains by Glenn Hileman - January 17 (review)
• Civil Twilight by Anique Taylor - January 23 (guest post)
• The Location Shoot by Patricia Leavy - January 31 (interview)  

At Christmas Year Round last week:

• Christmas Errors, Flubs & Fails: 2023 Internet Browsing
• Christmas Music: Spotify Christmas Playlist
• Christmas News: Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" Hits Number 1

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Last week's mailbox was empty, but I grabbed these two Kindle freebies.

I used an Audible credit to grab this one. 

We are expecting a damp and rainy day, but I have a busy schedule, so I'll be in and out. I'll check in with your blogs as soon as I can. 

New Release: The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise by Jill Kemerer

 

Getting back in the saddle…

Means opening his heart.

Recently divorced Dalton Cambridge can’t afford to turn down a ranch manager position—even if the boss is his ex-wife’s new husband’s ex-wife. After all, providing for his son is what’s important. And working for Erica Black is strictly business. But when the cowboy finds himself caring for the cattle and the single mother, will he risk everything for a holiday family he could never imagine?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Wyoming Legacies

Book 1: The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise
Book 2: United by the Twins

Purchase from:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Indiebound

Christianbook

Book Blast & Giveaway: An Amish Christmas Star by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, and Rosalind Lauer

 

The crisp fragrance of pine trees and the warm spice of fresh cookies aren’t the only blessings that Christmas brings, and no one knows more about happy homecomings than three couples who are celebrating the greatest gift of all . . . 

STAR OF WONDER by Charlotte Hubbard 

When Raymond Overholt comes to Promise Lodge, hoping to sell the barnboard signs he’s painted with stars and Christmas messages, spirited young Mennonite Lizzie Zehr is intrigued. But any courtship between them will face fierce opposition from the bishop of Raymond’s Old Order community—unless someone can convince him that at the heart of faith lies love . . .

Read an excerpt from "Star of Wonder"

After a deadly dull Monday morning of filling small plastic containers with colored sugars and Christmas jimmies, Lizzie Zehr loaded them onto her wheeled cart and headed into the main room of Promise Lodge’s new bulk store. It was boring work, all that scooping and labeling—repetitive and downright lonely, being stuck back in the warehouse by herself.

But compared to slaving in her older sister Maria’s bakery or, for years before that, running the household for their eldest, crippled sister, Malinda, it was a piece of cake.

And because Dale Kraybill was paying her, it was freedom. This job was her ticket to independence, an escape from the two bossy sisters who’d been running her ragged for most of her eighteen years. Their parents had passed when she was very young, so Lizzie’s sisters had raised her as best they could—and they expected her to be grateful. She was, of course. But she was also really tired of being at their beck and call.

Lizzie’s thoughts shifted into a higher gear the moment she spotted the guy who was talking to Dale. The two fellows were hanging wooden signboards, which caught her eye because of their sparkly gold stars—but the shimmer of their glittery paint paled the moment the younger fellow turned around. In his green paisley shirt, red jeans, and backswept black hair, he looked anything but Plain, and when he met her gaze through his red-framed glasses, Lizzie immediately knew they were soul mates. Like her, this free spirit was gnashing at the bit and refusing to conform to the religious limitations he’d been raised with.

Like her, he wanted out.

“Hey there,” he said. His voice, barely audible from across the cavernous room, spoke volumes to Lizzie’s restless heart. 

Afraid to say something stupid, she merely nodded and held his gaze. She heard the secretive whisper of soft, small objects hitting a hard surface—or maybe it was the feathery swishing of angels’ wings—

“Lizzie, watch what—you’re spilling jimmies all over the floor!” Dale cried out.

She blinked. She had no memory of picking up a container, just as she didn’t realize she’d been squeezing it so tightly that the lid had popped off. The sight of red and green jimmies bouncing off her bare feet—she wore flip-flops year-round to show off her painted toenails—was suddenly the funniest thing she’d ever seen. As Lizzie sprinted into the warehouse for a broom, her laughter filled the store.

Her life was finally taking a turn for the better. She just knew it.

Purchase from

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble  

Kensington Publishing   

Walmart  

Apple Books 

 As you know, I've been reading this book. While all three stories have different characters placed into different circumstances, these seasonal stories all capture faith, love, and the spirit of the season. Look for my full review coming soon.  

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 60 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

Charlotte Hubbard will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway