Blog Tour Review of, Autumn Winds by Charlotte Hubbard

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Sep 282012
 

Product Details:

  • Title: Autumn Winds(Book 2 in the Seasons of the Heart series)
  • Author: Charlotte Hubbard
  • Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Zebra; Original edition (September 4, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1420121707
  • ISBN-13: 978-1420121704
  • FTC FYI: I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:

Release Date: September 4, 2012 | Series: Seasons of the Heart
Winds of change are blowing through Willow Ridge, and
they’re bringing a stranger to the Sweet Seasons Cafe. At first, widowed
Miriam Lantz has misgivings about Ben Hooley, a handsome but rootless
traveling blacksmith. But as she gets to know the kind-hearted newcomer,
she wonders if his arrival was providential. Perhaps she could find
love again – if only there weren’t so many obstacles in the way. With
Bishop Knepp relentlessly pursuing her hand in marriage and the fate of
her beloved cafe at stake, Miriam must listen to God and her heart to
find the happiness she longs for, and the love she deserves.

 

My Review: 

 When was the last time you read a book where you just smiled a lot while reading? This is how it was last weekend when I read Autumn Winds. This is the second book in the series. It continues the story of the Lantz family, but this time the spotlight is on the mom, Miriam.We follow along as she meets the handsome Ben Hooley who precedes to court her, despite Bishop Knepps never ending attempts at forcing her to marry him. We also get to see the continuing romance of Rachel Lantz and Micah Brennemen which started in the first book.


Things I loved:-I loved the interaction between Miriam and Ben. It was sweet and real. The attraction was so strong, without unnecessary sex.(Why can’t the world leave that in the bedroom where it belongs?)

-I love how Charlotte Hubbard writes a strong woman, even if she is Amish.

-I appreciate reading a romance with people that are older than 30. Miriam is 40 and Ben is 35. It is refreshing to read about older people finding romance. As an older woman,(in my 40’s) it makes for a good read.

-The story again takes place in the Sweet Seasons Bakery. Oh wow! The food that they make and eat in this book are unbelievable! The best part is that Charlotte has included the recipes at the back of the book. Some of them I’m excited to try are…

  •  Pumpkin Blueberry Muffins
  • Apple Walnut Coffee Cake
  • Whole Wheat Banana Bread
  • Overnight Sensation Salad
  • English Muffin Bread and
  • Turkey Cheese Chowder 

 -My favorite part of the book is the humbling that takes place by one of the most pompous males in the book. I actually cheered out-loud to see this take place.


The Seasons of the Heart series is becoming one of my favorite Amish series. As I have stated before, I have always loved Beverley Lewis’s Amish stories, but Charlotte has become my favorite new author of this genre. If you are looking for a clean romance, strong characters and a happy ending, this book and series is for you.

Start reading Autumn Winds (Seasons of the Heart) on your Kindle in under a minute.

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About the Author: Charlotte Hubbard  

Many moons ago—like, in 1983 while I was still a school librarian—I
sold my first story to True Story. This launched me into writing about
seventy of those “true confessions” stories over the years, and I’ve
been a slave to my overactive imagination ever since.

The next big step was selling my first historical romance in 1990, a
Zebra Heartfire called COLORADO CAPTIVE. I quickly sold five more in
that genre—and if you prefer my Christian romances, these historical
Westerns won’t be your cup of tea! They’re all out of print now, but
available from used book stores or on Amazon.com. I’m bringing them back
in digital format with beautiful new covers, which you can see on my
Books page.

After a long dry spell that entailed major changes in the publishing
industry and an agent who fritzed out on cocaine, I resurfaced in a new
genre, with a new publisher, editor, and agent who were so excited about
my Angels of Mercy series! These four faith-and-family stories
are also out of print now, but available online as e-books. With THE
LOVE SECRET, I moved into new territory once again—and once again the
setting is a place I love to spend time: the Oregon Coast.
Unfortunately, this series was doomed before it even got off the ground,
so only this one book got written. That happens in the publishing
business.

Being an author is great fun when you’re selling, but it’s best to
have a hide like a rhinoceros and a spouse who gets a regular paycheck!
Patience, persistence and just flat-out luck have given me this
opportunity to reinvent myself yet again. Those angels I write about
keep pulling me through, and are often my friends and family—but I owe a
lot to the heavenly beings who bear me up on their wings, as well!

My stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the
way I’ve proposed them: I love it when unforeseen characters and plot
twists come along, because they keep me guessing right along with my
readers!

I have often presented workshops at my RWA chapter in St. Louis, and at conferences. I also belong to Novelists, Inc..

I love touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and
playing with Ramona—although it’s humbling, having a dog smarter than I
am! I’m an ordained Presbyterian deacon, and I devote a lot of time to
singing in my church choir and to practicing/performing with our
percussion ensemble. I’m celebrating more than thirty-five years with my
husband, who—bless him—has never once suggested I get a real job!

 

Review of Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Mar 232012
 

Product Details:

  •  Title: Summer of Secrets
  • Author: Charlotte Hubbard
  • Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Zebra; Original edition (February 1, 2012)
  • Genre:Christian Romance/Amish
  • Series: Seasons of the Heart
  • ISBN-10: 1420121693
  • ISBN-13: 978-1420121698
  • Reviewed by: Sheila

 

Book Description:

Welcome to Willow Ridge, Missouri! In this cosy Amish town
along the banks of the river, the Old Ways are celebrated at the Sweet
Seasons Bakery Cafe, and love is a gift God gives with grace. As summer
arrives, Rachel Lantz is looking forward to a whole new season in her
life – marriage to strapping carpenter Micah Brenneman, her childhood
sweetheart. When a strange Englisher arrives in the cafe claiming to be
the long-lost sister of Rachel and her twin Rhoda, Rachel feels the
sturdy foundation of her future crumbling – including Micah’s steadfast
love. As the days heat up and tempers flare, Rachel and Micah will learn
that even when God’s plan isn’t clear, it will always lead them back to
each other.
My Review: 
I was very excited to read Summer of Secrets. I have always been a huge fan of Beverly Lewis who has written many Amish Romances. I wondered if there was someone who could write one of these stories just as well. I am happy to report, that yes, Charlotte Hubbard does a fantastic job! I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get into the story. The characters are so likable and you want things to work out for all of them.
Though the book description talks a lot of about Rachel and Micah’s romance, the story also focuses a lot on Rachel’s Mother, Miriam. This character became my favorite one. You are pulled into her story as you read about how she lost one of her children in a rushing river, and then her beloved husband passed away leaving her to fend for her family on her own. Miriam is a strong character, and this brings the Amish Bishop down on her and him saying she needs to be humbled. Bishop Hiram Knepp is a powerful man in the Amish community, but he is also not one of my favorite characters. There is a lot of drama as Miriam’s long lost, “English” daughter comes back into her life.
Summer of Secrets is a story of hope and miracles. It is a lesson in forgiveness and letting go of the past. This story warms the heart and gives you something/someone to cheer for. This well written book, is a fast read, that you will not want to put down. If you enjoy reading about the Amish people, you will love Summer of Secrets. I will definitely read the second book in the “Seasons of the Heart” series called, Autumn Winds. It will continue on with Miriam’s story and possibly finding love in her life. I can’t wait!!
About the Author:(In her own words)
Many moons ago—like 1983 while I was still a school librarian—I sold
my first story to True Story. This launched me into writing about
seventy of those “true confessions” stories over the years, and I’ve
been a slave to my overactive imagination ever since.

The next big step was selling my first historical romance in 1990, a Zebra Heartfire called COLORADO CAPTIVE. Then came GAMBLER’S TEMPTING KISSES, COLORADO MOONFIRE, MISSOURI MAGIC, SAHARA SPLENDOR, and OUTLAW MOON. They’re all out of print now, but available from used book stores or on Amazon.com.

After a long dry spell that entailed major changes in the publishing
industry and an agent who fritzed out on cocaine, I resurfaced in a new
genre, with a new publisher, editor, and agent who were so excited about
my Angels of Mercy books! And now, with the first book
of my series, The Love Secret, I move into new territory once again—and
once again the setting is a place I love to spend time: the Oregon
Coast.

Me, I’m really pleased to know where my next stories are coming from!
Being an author is great fun when you’re selling, but it’s best to have
a hide like a rhinoceros and a spouse who gets a regular paycheck!

Patience, persistence and just flat-out luck have given me this
opportunity to reinvent myself yet again. Those angels I write about
keep pulling me through, and are often my friends and family—but I owe a
lot to the heavenly beings who bear me up on their wings, as well!

My stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the
way I’ve proposed them: I love it when unforeseen characters and plot
twists come along, because they keep me guessing right along with my
readers!

I often speak to my RWA chapter in St. Louis, and at conferences. I also belong to Novelists, Inc..

I love touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and
playing with Ramona—although it’s humbling, having a dog smarter than I
am! I’m an ordained Presbyterian deacon, and I devote a lot of time to
singing and chiming in my church choirs, as well as hostessing a monthly
potluck group and cooking our Adult Fellowship lunches. I’m celebrating
thirty-five years with my husband, who—bless him—has never once
suggested I get a real job!

~Charlotte

 

To read more about Charlotte, go to her website at http://www.charlottehubbard.com/
***I received a review copy of Summer of Secrets. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.***