Title: Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard
The Maidels of Morning Star Series Book Three
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 338 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
For fans of Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall comes a new Amish inspirational romance set at a most joyful time of year–Christmas!—in the heartwarming community of Morning Star, Missouri, with its mouthwatering marketplace, close-knit community, and blessings for everyone—even enterprising, noodle-making, unmarried twin maidels who’ve given up on love and families of their own.
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 to never 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 . . .
Review:
Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is a marvelous Amish holiday romance. Although this latest release is the third novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend all of the books in this wonderful series.
Molly and Marietta Helfing are twin sisters in their mid-thirties. They share their family home and they own a very successful homemade noodle business. Since the Morning Star Marketplace opened, they are busier than ever.
In addition to the noodle business, they also rent portions of their home during the tourist season. Now their previous tenant, Pete Shetler and his rambunctious pup Riley, has moved out, Molly and Marietta find their home a little too quiet. But after a devastating housefire destroys Glenn Detweiler’s home, they gladly open their doors to him, his children and his dat.
Marietta has mostly recovered from her breast cancer treatments. She is certain no man will want to marry her so she remains committed to living with Molly. When widower Glen Detweiler temporarily moves in, she takes charge of his seven-year-old son Billy Jay and baby Levi. Marietta is completely smitten by the children and she beginning to experience tender emotions for Glenn.
Glenn’s year has been absolutely heartbreaking as he mourns the loss of his wife and mother. He is lost in his grief and he is barely coping with the added childcare duties. Luckily his dat, Ruben lives with him, but his father’s mind appears to be atarting to slip. Crushed under the weight of grief and responsibility, Glenn is devastated at the loss of family’s home. He is appreciative of the community’s help in rebuilding his home and more grateful than words can express as both his sons blossom while in Marietta’s care. Glenn is surprised when he begins to care for Marietta but will she be receptive to a romantic relationship?
Molly misses Pete but she cannot envision a future with him since he has not been baptized and clings to his English ways. He is also a little immature and acts before he thinks. So, she taken off guard when he is selected to oversee the construction of Glenn’s new house. However, unbeknownst to Molly, Pete is taking stock of his life and begins making some interesting changes. But will his impulsivity ruin his chances for a future that might include Molly?
Christmas Comes to Morning Star is a charming Amish romance with a delightful cast of characters. Marietta and Molly are wonderful, independent women who genuinely care about others. Glenn initially feels lost and hopeless but as he regains his faith, he finally realizes what he needs to do if he wants a life with Marietta. Molly is upbeat, feisty and caring when Pete needs her most. The Amish community selflessly come together when one of their own need a loving hand. With characters realistically growing and evolving, Charlotte Hubbard brings this heartfelt Christmas story to an uplifting, happy conclusion. With one secondary story arc unresolved, old and new fans will be impatiently awaiting the next installment in The Maidels of Morning Star series.
