Love Blooms in Morning Star - (The Maidels of Morning Star) by Charlotte Hubbard (Paperback)

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.

A very nice addition to the previous books, I really liked this book, the strong women that were not afraid to stand up for themselves. Jo is a strong character that although soon to be married, does not let that stand in her way of continuing her work at the Amish market that she and a group of women started in Morning Star. Things do not always go in the paths we want or expected and sometimes adjustments must be made. Drusilla has difficulties, is very negative on the subject of marriage and is not easy to understand as Jo struggles to communicate with and understand her own mother while trying to make a life for herself with Michael. It's a very good book with realistic problems and trials. I enjoyed this book and think you will as well. I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

I am often picky about my Amish romance authors, but Charlotte Hubbard is one who consistently delivers a good story. I fell in love with the Maidels of Morning Star in the very first book of the series. It's a little bittersweet to be coming to the end, but I still greatly enjoyed it. This one focuses on Jo, the fifth of the maidels to find a prospective match, as well as her mother Drusilla. Her mamm is difficult to swallow in the one, but it is slowly revealed why she is so miserable. The disagreements and her awful mood swings actually started in the previous book. So while they are briefly described in this one, I really do think you're better off reading that one first to better understand this situation. This series doesn't lend itself as well to being all standalones. (But they're all worth reading!) One aspect I found interesting in this book is how this particular order is trying to find the balance between their old cherished and traditional ways while also recognizing the need for new, more progressive ideas in order to continue to survive. It's definitely some food for thought. But most important are the ideas of keeping the faith in difficult times, finding forgiveness in love and friendship, and staying true to oneself while still helping your community. There's also a sense of rebirth, which is appropriate as this one takes place in the spring near the Easter holiday. I have loved visiting Morning Star and will miss it! I received a requested review copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.