Title: First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard
The Maidels of Morning Star Sries Book Two
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Founded by five enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morningstar Marketplace is a joyous
success. What’s even more remarkable is the gift the business bestows upon each of these
unmarried women—the unexpected blessing of love . . .
Leaving Flaud’s Furniture to teach at the community’s new school is a joy for
Lydianne Christner. Old Order Amish, but new to Morning Star, she’s grateful that the congregation trusts her with the position—but she panics when handsome Bishop Jeremiah Shetler asks about the life she left behind. If anyone discovers the secret she’s hiding, she would, quite rightly, be shunned.
A widower, Bishop Jeremiah admires young Lydianne’s youthful energy and skill with the children. He’s also curious about her past, and the burden he senses on her heart. When his request to court her is
refused, he’s stung, and lonelier than ever. It isn’t until a crisis prompts a tearful Lydianne to confess to him that Jeremiah is faced with a choice that requires all of his faith—and teaches them both that love and forgiveness go hand in hand.
Review:
First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is a thought-provoking Amish romance. This latest release is the second installment in The Maidels of Morning Star series, but can be read as a standalone.
Lydianne Christner has created a new life for herself and she is surrounded by supportive friends. She is a wonderful young woman but her past mistakes continue to haunt her. Knowing she will never marry, she is hoping the school board will hire for to teach the town’s children. Lydianne is intelligent, caring and well-liked so she would be the perfect teacher. She also finds herself the object of Bishop Jeremiah Shetler’s affections but she deeply regrets she cannot enter into a relationship with him. She is quite dismayed to learn that widower Glenn Detweiler is interested in her as well. With Lydianne’s feelings for Jeremiah growing, how will he react when he discovers her secret?
Jeremiah has deeply grieved the loss of his beloved wife, Priscilla, but he is finally ready to think about remarrying. His interest in Lydianne has been steadily growing but he is intuitive enough to recognize her emotional walls. Although Jeremiah tries to keep his distance once she firmly turns him down, he continues to hope she will give him a chance. He is a wise and respected bishop who is understanding of those seeking his counsel. But what will Jeremiah recommend after learning what Lydianne has been keeping from everyone?
Lydianne and Jeremiah are wonderful people who are obedient to their faith and trust God with their problems. They genuinely care about the well-being of everyone within their community. Both Lydianne and Jeremiah’s imperfections are perfectly balanced by their strengths. Lydianne cannot forgive herself for her previous transgression and she is grateful for the grace offered to her by Jeremiah and others. The aftermath of the startling revelations proves to be healing and life altering.
First Light in Morning Star is a heartfelt Amish romance with a storyline which features real life issues. The various characters are wonderfully developed and easy to like and many are dealing with realistic problems. The setting springs vibrantly to life and it is very easy to visualize the various town, businesses and homes. Charlotte Hubbard brings this marvelous romance to a endearing and uplifting conclusion. A fabulous addition to The Maidels of Morning Star series that old and new readers are sure to enjoy.
