A Book That Exhibits True Amish Grace

        "A Simple Vow"
      By Charlotte Hubbard

Synopis:  (Taken from back cover)

Housed in a rustic red barn, the Simple Gifts crafts shop celebrates the talents of the Amish of Willow Ridge--and the faith that inspires them. For the acceptance of simplicity opens the path to love. 

As far as Edith Riehl is concerned, the baby twins thrust suddenly into her arms are a heaven-sent gift. Unable to conceive, she longs to be a mother with a home of her own. She's going to abide by her promise to handsome Asa Detweiler to take care of them while he looks for their real father. And even if her domineering dat Cornelius refuses to countenance Asa's suit, she can only pray the bachelor's honesty and persistence will uncover the truth--even as he's kindled an impossible hope for a love of her own . . . 

Asa can't understand why anyone would think he would be so dishonorable as to father babies and then abandon them. He's determined to clear his name--but Edith's caring ways also inspire him to help heal her wounded spirit and earn her trust. In the face of heartbreaking deception, he and Edith must find the strength to understand, forgive . . . and claim their own hearts' joy. 


My Thoughts:  

After having read many of this author's previous books, I must admit that I approached this one with trepidation ! Not because I thought that it wouldn't be good!!! I already knew that I loved her writing! However.... I was so thrilled with her last book, "Promise Lodge", that I REALLY feared that this new creation could not possibly be as great!! Happily, I admit that my worries were for nothing!! "A Simple Vow" surpassed my expectations! It was the BEST yet!! I say "yet" because I have the feeling that Charlotte's next novel will be another "Best Yet"!

Charlotte has a very special talent in addressing difficult somewhat uncomfortable life situations in an understanding , sympathetic manner so that the reader realizes that these problems attack ALL people. The Plain People are not exempt from the blows and tragedies that life throws at us. Divorce, unwed mothers, domineering fathers, bordering on abusive, can appear in any culture, faith and country. 

The characters are described in such a realistic and detailed manner that the reader immediately is caught up in their lives. Being able to identify with a character in a book is what makes it a good story !! This was easily accomplished in Simple Vows. In fact, I wanted to jump right in, giving advice, hugs and prayers as challenges arose. Yes, I also wanted to shake up a character a few times!! Then, I had to draw back and remember that this was a work of fiction!! The characters were lovable, each with their own little quirks and problems and weaknesses. 

As the characters are developed, the plot proceeds at a steady pace, with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader totally engrossed from beginning to end of the book. Each chapter seems to reveal something new ! There was one major surprise in the novel that was totally unexpected!! At least, it was to me!! A shocking reveal!  The intertwining storylines keep one guessing throughout the book. 

This, being the first book in a series, is enough to make me VERY impatient anticipate the next. This author definitely knows how to get a reader's attention!! 

A five star book!!! 

This book was received by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. 


About the Author:

Charlotte Hubbard sold her first historical romance in 1990, and she's been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. As she writes, her stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way she proposed them: unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, and they keep her guessing right along with her readers!

Charlotte has lived in the Midwest most of her life. When she's not writing, she loves touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with her Border Collie, Ramona. She's a Presbyterian deacon, sings in her church choir, and plays in the percussion ensemble. She's married to a fine man who--bless him--has never once suggested she get a real job!