“Hubbard writes Amish stories with style and grace.”—RT Book Reviews 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 … 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.
Praise for A Simple Vow
“Charlotte Hubbard has a way of writing that draws you into the story from beginning to end.”
—Romance Junkies
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Really enjoyable book. This is a cute Christmas story with a lot of action. Rosalyn Rieh handcrafts wreaths made with fresh greens for a shop called Simple Gifts. Marcus Hooley who is has quite a reputation but a great horse trainer stumbles back into town. Cornelius Riehl: Rosalyn’s father who lost his wife has past due envelopes coming in the mail. Cornelius is hard on his family and the bishops know that there is a problem. When Marcus stumbles into the Simple Gift shop with a attitude things stir up. Will Marcus and Rosalyn find romance?What is Cornelius up to with all his secrets? A great story with a lot of action. I loved this book. This is the third book in this series.
A Simple Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard is the third book in the Simple Gifts series. Nora Hooley’s shop, Simple Gifts is full of beautiful handcrafted Amish items including wreaths made by Rosalyn Riehl. Rosalyn works in the shop part-time as well happy to escape from her crotchety father. Rosalyn is the last unmarried daughter of clockmaker, Cornelius Riehl. They have been receiving bills with Past Due on them and Cornelius is providing less money for household expenses including food. Cornelius spends a great deal of time locked away in his workshop and his attitude, which has never been cordial, has gotten worse of late. Rosalyn is thankful her sister and her husband are still living with them.
Marcus Hooley, a horse trainer, arrives in town for his new job with Wyatt McKenzie. Marcus’ wild ways have gotten him fired from his last three jobs despite his excellent skills and he is worried that someone is following him to Willow Ridge. Marcus was raised Amish, but he jumped the fence and has been enjoying the Englisch lifestyle. Despite his unorthodox arrival at his farm, Wyatt hires Marcus with certain conditions. This is Marcus’ last chance and he knows it. When Marcus meets Rosalyn, he is attracted to the lovely Amish maidel. Spending time with Rosalyn and the residents of Willow Ridge, makes Marcus rethink his life choices. Marcus beings to notice some oddities and may be able to shed some light on hidden secrets.
A Simple Christmas is a lovely, heartwarming Amish story. I thought it was well-written with steady pacing. It is an engaging novel that captured my attention right away and held it until the end. There is a complex plot involving Cornelius with unexpected twists along the way. I was eager to find out what secrets Cornelius has been keeping from his family and the town. Cornelius is the type of character that readers will dislike (just like we are supposed to). Rosalyn is a caring, thoughtful woman with a good heart. Marcus was the perfect partner for Rosalyn. It was nice to see him evolve. Charlotte Hubbard creates wonderful characters, and I love the town of Willow Ridge (I want to live there). Such a charming small town with thoughtful residents. It was nice to spend more time with Wyatt and Rebecca. Readers will be happy with the developments in their relationship. A Simple Christmas is not a standalone novel. You need to read the books in the Simple Gifts series in order as each book builds upon the previous one. I am giving A Simple Christmas 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). While the romance is predictable, is it sweet and romantic. One of the main Christian themes is putting our worries in God’s hands and let Him handle it. A Simple Christmas is an uplifting novel that will warm your heart and have you humming Christmas carols.
Good reading
This is a really good book and a quick read because you can’t put it down once you start. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you Kingston Books Zebra via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my opinion of this book.
There’s nothing wrong with having a Simple Christmas. In fact, that is exactly what we’re going to have this year ourselves. I don’t really like all that noise and overcrowding that happens when big families get together. Although I do understand that sometimes that’s the only time they see each other.
This author shows us that even the Amish aren’t perfect. And that is what I liked about this story. Forgiveness and Grace.
For Rosalyn the oldest of the sisters ( which I honestly thought she was the youngest. I guess it’s because of the way her dad treated her).
I can connect with her in this way. My dad was a piece of work too. For me, words hurt more than the physical abuse itself. Once said you can’t take them back.
I enjoyed watching her change throughout the story. With God and the right person to come al
the right person, anything can happen!!!
Marcus is the perfect example. I was really rooting for him. He truly amazed me. Cause some people just don’t want to grow up.
This was truly an amazing story of love, grace and a very special friendship. How I enjoyed the family of Willow Ridge! It’s like coming home again
A great amish christmas story…you should check out her other Amish books…really good.
I love to read Christmas-themed books at Christmas. It was interesting to learn of the Amish ways. The family dynamics were strong and the sisters bond was able to get them through their difficult situation. There was a light touch of romance and it was sweet.
It’s Christmas in Willow Ridge! Rosalyn is the only daughter left to take care of her father, Cornelius, and that is a job unto itself. To get away a few hours several days a week she has started working in Nora’s shop and selling her homemade wreaths. It also allows her to buy groceries and items for the house when needed since her dad has been receiving bills marked past due. While working one day, Amish bad boy, Marcus walks in and turns Rosalyn’s life upside down. She knows he is trouble but her heart thinks differently. Will Marcus be able to heal Rosalyn’s heart with his love when the unthinkable happens to her father and family?
A Simple Christmas is book 3 in the Simple Gifts series. For fans of Amish fiction, this is a must read series. It is a little edgy with some of their beliefs but it is a good edgy in my opinion. I think it shows there are Amish sects out there that are relaxing some beliefs to let them be sustainable in an ever-changing world that is becoming more and more dependent on technology. This community still believes in living in a simple world but understands it needs the English and the ability to communicate with them. Cells phones and computers can be a wonderful addition to a business but it does come with evils that can lead you far away. Your faith must be strong to not go down those dangerous paths. Just ask Cornelius.
Cornelius has always ruled with an iron fist but more so since his wife died and he moved his family to Willow Ridge. As the years go by he finds himself living a double life. A life that will eventually lead to his ruin. He thinks he can strong arm Rosalyn into staying and taking care of him but he does see that he is pushing her further and further away.
Rosalyn believes deep in her heart that she will always be a “maidel” the rest of her life and she is fine with that. What she is not fine with is taking care of her ungrateful father. She finds he is making her life more and more unbearable. If not for her job in Nora’s store, I have no idea how Rosalyn would have survived.
Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone. You will find yourself loving the characters as much as I do. I dare you!
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Charlotte Hubbard has done it again, kept me up late and loving this sweet read!
We are updated on some of the folks from past reads, but it is a stand-alone book, I just love being with these folks, and lessons can be learned.
A page-turner for sure, and when I was finished I wanted to keep right on reading, now if I could find a way to move into a book?
We also see first-hand how some way ward individuals can and do turn their lives around, but others, well, you need to pick up this book!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
Great story to read during the joyous holiday.
I liked the family, friends and some oh so English the author put in this story! In this one a few of the Amish are not who we think they are and the ways it comes out! Oh my the reality of what was going on! ! I had trouble putting this one down.
Love Amish stories of the simple life!