"A Simple Christmas"By Charlotte Hubbard
Synopsis: (from back cover)
The rustic beauty of a country Christmas fills the Simple Gifts crafts shop, while the Amish residents of Willow Ridge pull together in uncertain times—and in the face of an unexpected homecoming.
Nora Hooley’s shop is abuzz with preparations for the holiday open house, and Rosalyn Riehl is handcrafting wreaths from evergreen boughs, pinecones, and other natural materials. The work is a welcome diversion for the only unmarried daughter of Cornelius Riehl: her gruff dat has been receiving envelopes marked Past Due, leaving dutiful Rosalyn to manage the household’s inexplicably shrinking budget. Then another distraction swaggers into Simple Gifts—blue-jeaned and leather-jacketed, with a reputation that precedes him.
Marcus Hooley hightailed it to Willow Ridge on a wing and a prayer—not that he’s the praying type. He rejected his Amish roots long ago. But behind the bad-boy attitude is a gifted horse trainer who’s counting on some bent-but-not-broken family ties to throw him a lifeline. He can’t erase his past, but a sparking attraction with strong, spirited Rosalyn holds the promise of a second chance . . . and of shedding light on shadowy secrets to build a bright tomorrow.
My Thoughts:
Charlotte has once again created a novel that kept me engrossed from beginning to end!! Never, has this author disappointed me with her creative writing style, and her ability to involve readers immediately into the lives of the dear folks of Willow Ridge, some of whom we have already encountered in the previous two books of the Simple Gifts Series, "A Simple Vow" and "A Simple
Wish".
Rosalyn is a twenty eight year old single Amish woman who has convinced herself that she will likely never get the chance to marry and have a family. After her mother passed away, her father experienced a severe period of grief that seemed to change his whole personality and desire to stay true to the Amish faith, although he tended to do a satisfactory job of pretending to do so. He led a life that was very different from the faith of Plain People , while giving a false impression to the community. Difficult family issues were dealt with that we don't imagine taking place in an Amish home. I quickly became totally one with Rosalyn, feeling her every desire, hurt and challenge. The "bad boy" enters the story with a bang! Marcus was a rebellious man who had totally rejected his Amish roots and become a true Englischer. I grew to love him as he developed in his relationships and faith. These characters are so well described that identifying with them is not an option!
The plot was full of unexpected twists and turns. Just when I thought I had the full understanding of what was going to happen, there would be another surprising block in life's journey. Charlotte Hubbard has succeeded in writing a book that focuses on the Plain Community experiencing challenges that we have never imagined. She does this with empathy and understanding.
DEFINITELY a five star book!! I highly recommend to all fans of the Amish genre. Those who have never enjoyed this genre would be impressed. It is a novel that differs from the norm in Amish fiction. Now, I am eagerly awaiting the next book by this fabulous author!
I received an advanced copy of this book. The opinions and thoughts expressed are honest and my own.
