When five maidels join forces to turn an abandoned barn into an Amish marketplace, the unmarried women have community in mind. But their fledgling enterprise promises to reap surprising rewards for each in turn, including the gift of unexpected love . . . For Regina Miller, the new Morning Star Marketplace is a chance to share her secret work with the world—without revealing herself. Old … world—without revealing herself. Old Order Amish forbid the creation of art without purpose, but
without a husband, Regina has been free to explore the joy of painting in her attic. Yet when Gabe Flaud’s curiosity leads him to speculate that Regina herself is the painter, the full weight of their community’s judgement falls on her shoulders.
When Gabe stands up to defend Regina, questioning the Order’s restrictions, he reveals his own guilty secret and is shunned along with her. Forced to turn to each other for companionship, the young couple must learn to balance their own needs with their deep faith . . . and a love that will show them all things are possible.
Praise for the novels of Charlotte Hubbard
“Hubbard firmly grounds the storyline in the principle of Amish grace.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Fans of Amish fiction will love Charlotte Hubbard’s series.” Marta Perry
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When I first started this book I wasn’t sure I was going to like the story. Almost immediately I found myself getting angry at how the woman were being treated. I’ve read enough Amish stories to know that the are a bit old fashioned. As the story progressed I was even more angry but found I couldn’t stop reading. By the end I was no longer angry only frustrated by some of the views. I will admit I wouldn’t make it as an Amish wife. I’m definitely too outspoken. If give Red’s uncle a good swift kick in his rumpus.
This was an excellent read and I’m happy to learn book two is on its way to be released.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the beginning of The Maidels of Morning Star series. Jo Fussner, Regina Miller, Lydianne Christner plus Mariettta and Molly Helfing are five unmarried women living in Morning Star, Missouri. The five independent ladies all have jobs that support them which is unconventional for Amish women. I liked Jo Fussner’s idea of purchasing the Clementi property and turning the run down stable into a marketplace. The community is lucky to have a kind and compassionate leader in Bishop Jeremiah Shetler. It is a shame the deacon and ministers are not cut from the same cloth. Regina Miller has been creating art for many years. While taking a class during her rumspringa, Regina discovered her love of watercolors. She creates realistic landscapes and has dozens of them stacked in bins in her attic studio. Regina came up with a plan to rent a stall at The Marketplace. Unfortunately, she did not count on someone figuring out her secret and blurting it out in front of others. I thought Morning Star was well-written with steady pacing. There are some great characters in this story as well as some you want to drop kick into the next county. The problem I had was with the content. We see a woman being condemned for using her God given talents to create art. These few men now attack her for her creativity. I could not stand the belittling and bullying. They want Regina to give up her independence. I just found it all wrong. I know it is a part of the Amish faith, but I found it frustrating and upsetting. If she had painted on usable objects, then it was not sinful (where is the logic in that). Please note that this is just my personal feelings to some of the content in Morning Star. I will be reading First Light in Morning Star when it comes out in December. I enjoyed the references to nearby Willow Ridge from Charlotte Hubbard’s Simple Gifts series and Seasons of the Heart series. My favorite line from Morning Stars is, “Chocolate makes everything feel better, ain’t so?” Morning Star starts off the Maidels of Morning Star series with a bang. Morning Star is an emotional tale with picturesque paintings, merry music, a booming marketplace, firm friends, and a benevolent bishop.
Loved this book. Highly recommend
this was a great story. I love these that keep my attention from start to finish as this one did. I really felt for Regina and Gabe, but love the ending..
Five unmarried Amish young women inaugurate the idea to turn an abandoned horse barn into a marketplace where they and others can sell their goods. The main star in this novel is Regina Miller, who has hidden her creative talent since the Amish frown on artwork and seeking personal recognition. The inner struggle tears her life apart. Her boss’s son, Gabe, seems to understand her feelings since he shares a similar bent, only regarding music. Will their trials drive them together or away from their Amish faith? The author does a masterful job at crafting the community and the characters involved in this story. The conflicts and misunderstandings are so real, as is the caring it evokes from the readers. I look forward to more in this new series. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
This is the first book in a new series titled “The Maidels of Morning Star”. I have not read all of Charlotte Hubbard’s books by any means. However, each story that I have read touched on the problems that many people have in everyday life whether they be Amish or not. Each story was a good story yet light and heart-warming.
By saying that this book was not as light does not mean I’m saying a bad thing. To say that I think this may be somewhat realistic of today’s world does not mean I know anything about the old order Amish nor any Amish faith. So what am I saying?
The writing here is as good as all of Charlotte Hubbard’s other books. The emotions and problems dealt with in an open and honest manner yet never in anything but a clean manner. Something anyone can read and know before they open the cover, they will deal with a story but not with any profanity, sex, etc.
I’m also saying I thought this book was a little different than her other series. That might be exactly what it’s time for her to do. I can’t see her writing mass market books on the same basic subject forever. Remember…change is good.
Morning Star is the debut book written by Charlotte Hubbard in her newest series Maidels of Morning Star. This story is absolutely amazing and the characters are perfect for this story. The author has created a storyline that definitely keeps her readers interest. The cover gives the reader a wonderful picture as to the main character. There are several secrets being hidden in this story and when one gets revealed it leads to another being revealed which creates a very exciting story.
Regina Miller is an independent Amish woman who wants nothing more than to keep her secret protected but when her Amish community decides to buy a run down stable and convert it to a Marketplace she is tempted to sell her wears. This puts Regina on a path of telling lie upon lie which causes her great stress. Gabe Flaud, a young man that Regina has secretly loved for a long time figured out her secret. When he makes a remark at a gathering everything falls apart for Regina but Gabe is hiding a secret which brings him to a kneeling confession as well. These to form a great friendship and an unbreakable bond has they deal with the communities wrath. The journey they must travel will take the reader on an emotional rollercoaster ride. The author’s writing style not only makes you feel the emotions in this story but makes the reader form a bond with the characters. This story is filled with great friendships, love, faith, and forgiveness.
I was gifted with a complimentary copy of this book from the author with no expectations that I would post a favorable response. I have, however, rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. The author shares a brief glimpse into the next story in this series and it sounds as amazing as this one.
Congratulations to Charlotte Hubbard for writing a truly inspiring story for her readers enjoyment. This series looks to be another winner.
This book was a joy to read. It is well written and the author makes the story come to life with her words. This book hooks you on the first page and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. Thank you Kensington Books-Zebra via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I love how the Amish work together. Loved the Marketplace idea! This story had some surprises come out. Shunning has to be so hard. Great descriptions of the people. Some strict hard line and some wanting a little more freedom. Loved how it all got worked out!
I was gifted a copy, no review was required.. My review is voluntary.
Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the first book in her new Maidels of Morning Star series. The series is off to a great start in the first book as the reader is introduced to the five unmarried Amish women who share a love for family, each other and their community. I loved seeing how enterprising they are as the ideas flow when they are given permission to open new businesses that will benefit not only the business owners but will also fund a new school for the children in Morningstar.
Each of us are given gifts but in the Old Order Amish not all gifts are considered useful or practical as is the case with Regina Miller who is a talented artist. Regina has been painting in secret for many years but she desperately wanted to sell her artwork which causes some unexpected challenges but also an unexpected show of support of Gabe Flaud, a friend and coworker. I was surprised to find out that Regina’s story would be the first one the author chose to tell but what a wonderful story it is. This character stole my heart and I found myself rooting for her throughout the entire book. I also am fond of Bishop Jeremiah because he has a heart for the people of his church and will go to great lengths to do what he feels is right for them even if it means upsetting a few of the elders. It took awhile for me to warm up to Gabe but once I did, it was clear he is a good and honest man.
Overall, I thought Morning Star was an absolute delight to read. I loved the maturity of the characters who are interested in their community and past the age of the typical singings that I normally see in Amish fiction. Ms. Hubbard has been of my favorite authors for several years because she has a knack of crafting stories that are different than most other authors in this genre, her novels are unique, exciting and always leave me waiting for her next release. It’s going to be hard to wait for the next book in the series find out what she has in store for her readers.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are completely my own.
I am thrilled to have read the first book in a new series by Charlotte Hubbard, come journey in Morning Star.
There are five maidels here and this one is about Regina Miller, and what great friends they are, considering what happens to this dear young lady, they are there for her.
Of course there is a young man that has piqued the interest of our girl, but will he ever notice her?
There is also a lot of excitement over the idea of opening a marketplace on a dilapidated property, but to convince all the naysayers and help their districts school.
Journey along here with Regina and her dear friends, there are chuckles and tears, and a story that will fly off the pages.
There is also a teaser at the end of the next maidels story!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this latest book by Charlotte Hubbard. It was new and refreshing and brought out some real things to think about as we view the Amish religion, the Ordnung and shunning.
Regina and her friends come up with a great idea as to how to rejuvenate an old barn and bring new business life to their home town of Morning Star. Regina, who works at a furniture store where she does the finishing work, has a secret that she keeps to herself. And hopes that she can share her beautiful artwork at the shops, without letting on that she was indeed the artist.
As the plans to open The Marketplace come to fruition, and her artwork is a hit with all the people that come there to shop, Regina finds herself trapped in a little web of lies as she covers up the fact that she was the artist.
She finds that she and Gabe, the son of the furniture store owner, have something in common. Each with a secret that holds them both in it’s grip.
This is a beautiful story of love, family, forgiveness and with many touching moments. I found this book to be an excellent example of human frailty and imperfections. Yet despite this, life continues and we learn from errors and through repentance.
This is an excellent book. I couldn’t put it down. You will absolutely love it.
I received an ebook copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.