Friday, November 8, 2013

First Chapter Review: Winter of Wishes by Charlotte Hubbard



This is actually supposed to be a full review of Charlotte Hubbard's latest book in the Seasons of the Heart series. Reading time, however, has been at a minimum due to other commitments. I'm reviewing the first chapter today, with the intention of writing a complete review by the end of the month.

BLURB:  Snow is falling, cookies are baking, and Christmas is just around the corner in Willow Ridge, Missouri, where a new season marks fresh beginnings for the residents of this tranquil Amish town . . .

As another year draws to a close in Willow Ridge, life seems to be changing for everyone but Rhoda Lantz. Her widowed mother is about to remarry, her twin sister is a busy newlywed, and soon Rhoda will be alone in her cozy apartment above the blacksmith’s shop. An ad posted by an Englischer looking for someone to help with his mother and children may offer just the companionship she’s looking for, but if she falls for the caring single father, she may risk being shunned by her community. Certain she can only wish for things she cannot have, Rhoda must remember that all things are possible with God, and nothing is stronger than the power of love.

COVER: Amish fiction lends itself to some beautiful covers; and I have to admit all of the covers for this series have caught my eye. As a lover of Christmas, I find this one delightful with the snowflakes falling and the snow covered houses dotting the landscape. I also like all the details around the barn.

FIRST CHAPTER: Rhoda Lantz is feeling a bit low. Her widowed mother is about to remarry and her twin sister is off collecting wedding presents with her new husband. She's certainly not looking forward to living alone above the blacksmith's shop. When she spies an advertisement for help, she contacts Andy Leitner, an Englischer, who is thrilled she called and eager to meet with her about the position.

KEEP READING: Well, I already knew the answer to this one. I've loved this series since the beginning. Hubbard quickly draws the reader in by getting right to the heart of the conflict and letting her story flow from it. In this book, we find a young woman feeling out of place as those around her start settling in or are getting ready to settle in to new lives that leave her living alone for the first time in her life. She is out of sorts and is considering her future.

The reader doesn't know a lot about Andy Leitner yet except that he's looking for someone to care for his elderly mother and children once they return home from school. As soon as Rhoda calls Andy about the position she doubts herself, so you can bet there will plenty of conflict to keep you turning the pages. I can't wait to see how this one unfolds.


Series: Seasons of the Heart
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zebra (September 3, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420121715
ISBN-13: 978-1420121711

PURCHASE AT AMAZON OR BARNES AND NOBLE.

I received a free copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

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