Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

ABOUT THE BOOK

When five maidels join forces to turn an abandoned barn into an Amish marketplace, the unmarried women have community in mind. But their fledgling enterprise promises to reap surprising rewards for each in turn, including the gift of unexpected love . . .

For Regina Miller, the new Morning Star Marketplace is a chance to share her secret work with the world--without revealing herself. Old Order Amish forbid the creation of art without purpose, but without a husband, Regina has been free to explore the joy of painting in her attic. Yet when Gabe Flaud's curiosity leads him to speculate that Regina herself is the painter, the full weight of their community's judgement falls on her shoulders.

When Gabe stands up to defend Regina, questioning the Order's restrictions, he reveals his own guilty secret and is shunned along with her. Forced to turn to each other for companionship, the young couple must learn to balance their own needs with their deep faith . . . and a love that will show them all things are possible.

MY REVIEW

I think I’m going to open up my review with a favorite quote from the book.

I like this particular one because it is true.

“God is good All the Time.” Yes He is for sure!

I love this particular story because Hubbard shows us that Faith holds strong throughout this beautiful story of very real struggles in our daily lives and that God is with us all the time. Even when we think He is far away when He’s really not. It’s us who chose to go our own way whether we should or not. For that choice we sometimes suffer the consequences just like the preachers say.

I wish all the Amish bishops could be like Bishop Jeremiah! He’s such a kind, caring man and he really does love his flock so to speak. He never lets his responsibilities go to his head like some do. In that way I admire him.

Gabe is the coolest guy ever! Even though I don’t really like the nick name Red. I like Honey-girl much better!

Regina is the bravest of the bravest. She definitely has backbone that’s for sure! I think I would have an absolute meltdown.

I sure didn’t like Saul and Ammon! They’ve shown me a side of the Amish that I think I would be ashamed of. But, I feel that this is the author’s way of showing us that the Amish are not perfect in anyway like we seem to think they are.

This said , I adored this book! I didn’t want it to end because it left my heart feeling full and satisfied. Amish stories do tend to do that to me you know?

I found myself snickering at this quote that Gabe and Regina referred to “ I could treat you to a pizza before we make our entrance which will likely cause a stir, most likely.” “ Are you up for that?”

“A stir?” “ I can be the spoon - as long as you’re the hand that’s holding it.”

I love this! I’ve never heard this before and that’s what made me smile/crack up. I thought it was adorable! I’m sure my parents or grandparents have never heard this either.

I didn’t want this story to end but there is a surprise at the end so I will eagerly look forward to reading the next installment!

Hubbard writes the best stories!

I highly recommend this book and I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About THE AUTHOR

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard (a.k.a. Naomi King) writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people—to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of her earlier Angels of Mercy series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie.