Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

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Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard, the fourth novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series, is an inspiring and heartwarming tale. Jo Fussner has found love with Michael Wengerd, who has come into town from another Amish community, selling flowers with his father. Jo is looking forward to the future, but she knows it won't be easy to get her mother Drusilla's blessing.  Drusilla has been warning Jo on how marriage traps a woman, especially once her husband is the head of the house. Jo can't understand why her mother is so against marriage or why Drusilla is brushing off the advances of widower Nelson Wengerd, Michael’s father. 

Jo and her mother Drusilla have their own battles. Jo's battle is twofold:  her self esteem and her mother. She has found confidence thanks to Michael who has come into town from another Amish community selling flowers with his father. Jo's mother is not for this relationship and Michael's father has grown a fondness for Drusilla. Drusilla is one of those women that can be difficult. As the story progresses, we get to know Drusilla and learn what is behind her behavior. As Drusilla spends time with Nelson’s twin sister, Nadine, Drusilla finally gains confidence in herself and her self-worth.

Just when Jo thinks all will work out, the elders decide maidels, unmarried women, can no longer work after they marry. Jo has poured her heart into the Marketplace. She can't imagine not having a hand in its future. Words spoken in haste put everything she holds dear into jeopardy. The foursome come together to help each other in a community way and find a solution to save the Marketplace and ensuring that the maidels, once married, are able to continue working; given they have their husband’s permission. There are so many teaching moments in this story; especially forgiveness.

Ms. Hubbard wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that had me feeling all the emotions; smiling, tearing up, crying of heartbreak, and frustrated with some of the characters. The message of love, faith, and forgiveness stood strong; making this sweet and inspiration read one I could not put down, draw me in, making me forget it was fiction. I highly recommend Love Blooms in Morning Star to other readers. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.