Founded by five enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morningstar Marketplace is a joyoussuccess. What’s even more remarkable is the gift the business bestows upon each of these unmarried women—the unexpected blessing of love . . . Leaving Flaud’s Furniture to teach at the community’s new school is a joy for Lydianne Christner. Old Order Amish, but new to Morning Star, she’s grateful that the … congregation trusts her with the position—but she panics when handsome Bishop Jeremiah Shetler asks about the life she left behind. If anyone discovers the secret she’s hiding, she would, quite rightly, be shunned. A widower, Bishop Jeremiah admires young Lydianne’s youthful energy and skill with the children. He’s also curious about her past, and the burden he senses on her heart. When his request to court her is refused, he’s stung, and lonelier than ever. It isn’t until a crisis prompts a tearful Lydianne to confess to him that Jeremiah is faced with a choice that requires all of his faith—and teaches them both that love and forgiveness go hand in hand. Praise for the novels of Charlotte Hubbard “Hubbard firmly grounds the storyline in the principle of Amish grace.”—Publishers Weekly “Hubbard writes of healing and brave new beginnings from a refreshingly feminist perspective.”—Booklist Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com
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First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the 2nd novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Morning Star first (sets the stage for the whole series). I like Lydianne Christner as well as the other characters in this series. Lydianne is woman with a secret. She is afraid of what will happen if her past is exposed. I liked that this book is not a traditional romance. There are twists to surprise a reader. The story does start out a little slow, but the pacing increases as the book progresses. There is also repetition of information that did not enjoy (I got it the first time). I like that we get to catch up with some of the characters from the author’s Simple Gifts series and Seasons of the Heart series. We get to see Bishop Jeremiah Shetler as a man with feelings and desires of his own instead of just as the leader of the community. It is nice how the Faith elements of second chances, forgiveness, hope, and acceptance are woven into the story. God has a plan for each of us and we must have faith in Him. First Light in Morning Star is a sweet story with a lovely ending. I am eager for the story of Jeremiah’s nephew, Pete. I think it is time for him to settle down. First Light in Morning Star is a heartfelt Amish tale that features developed characters with real life problems.
A great story of life, love, forgiveness and great faith. A lovely heartfelt read.I highly recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this Amish novel! It is the first book I have read by this author and I am very impressed! It is a faith-filled novel that emphasizes grace and forgiveness. The characters are fresh and delightful, especially Bishop Shetler, Lydianne, and the other young women who began the Morning Star Marketplace. Second in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
Lydianne has worked for the furniture factory owned by Martin Flaud most of the time she lived in Morning Star. The opportunity has risen for her to interview for the position of schoolteacher in the new Amish school building, which she is very excited about. She has lived in Morning Star for a few years, but nobody knows much about her past. She is happy to be offered the position and has time to prepare for the fall term. If her Saturday duties at the Marketplace interfere with the position, she will turn over the bookkeeping and other tasks to the other young women.
Lydianne has a secret from her Old Order Amish district, one that nobody can find out. She would be shunned if her past was revealed. She will not date anyone, and does not believe she should marry.
Lydianne is an excellent teacher to her eight scholars, and after listening outside to some of the lessons, Bishop Jeremiah Shetler is impressed. He has been widowed for several years, and his mother is determined to get him remarried. Lydianne is the first woman he has considered asking out since his wife died of an aneurism, and he invited her to the upcoming family reunion. She panicked, turned him down, and requested that he not ask her to explain or invite her again.
Glenn, the youngest board member who lost his wife during the summer, has a seven-year-old son in school. Billy Jay adores his new teacher even as he misses his mother. Glenn wants his life to get back to normal and thinks his son’s teacher would be just the person to wed. When he tries to get her attention and is turned down, he is less than happy and thinks it is because of Jeremiah.
As often happens with secrets, Lydianne’s is discovered during a crisis, leaving her only three options. It was not bad enough that Jeremiah guessed the secret, but a student, then other church members, hear the speculation. She will either lose her teaching job and be shunned, leave town and find where she can support herself again, or marry Jeremiah, in which case she would still have to give up teaching.
I love this novel! Lydianne, a young woman it is easy to have empathy for, is a thoughtful, loving young woman of faith whose life had not gone the way she planned. With God’s help, she started over again. She could have revealed her secret several years ago, but believed she had a good reason to not do so. The characters in this novel are well defined through conversations and actions, and I like Lydianne and appreciate her secret. I like Jeremiah, also, even though at times I think his ego may have gotten ahead of him. How he handles her revealed secret, his feelings for Lydianne, despite her secret and as he stays true to his faith, speaks volumes of him. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written Amish fiction with good friends, faith, and romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from a Goodreads First contest, and this is my honest review.
First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is book two in the Maidels of Morning Star. It can be read as a stand alone. I have not read book one but plan to.
Let me start by saying, I loved this story.. I have read more then my share of Amish romance and this one takes you on a different journey then most. Lydianne is fairly new to the Morning Star community and has her sights on becoming the new teacher, in addition, she is planning on staying on at Morningstar Market. After all, she is not planning on being courted, though two members of the church are interested in her.. One being the bishop and she is attracted to him but, she can not let her secret come out to anyone let alone him.
This story has faith, family, friendship, forgiveness, romance, humor, and a huge secret. I couldn’t put it down. I am excited to read the next in the series.
I received an ARC from Kensington via NetGalley for an honest review.
I found this story sweet and entertaining. Lydianne had her past that she was trying to keep secret as she tried to better her own life. Her enthusiasm for her new job as teacher made me smile. Jeremiah was a very accepting man, and I loved how he treated her. I enjoyed my return to Morning Star and recommend this book and the series.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
FIRST LIGHT IN MORNING STAR is the second book in the MAIDELS OF MORNING STAR series and it was a fast-paced read even at more than three hundred pages. I haven’t read the first book in the series but there was enough information provided that I felt I knew the characters and some of what had happened previously. The characters had a depth to them and I felt that I got to know them a little at a time.
This is Lydianne’s story along with her friends who were also single. There are several male characters vying for her attention but due to a secret from her past, she doesn’t think she’s worthy of ever marrying. The Bishop surprised me with his tolerance and understanding as well as his attraction to her since he is widowed and never had children. Their friendship had tongues wagging although he wanted more and Lydianne seemed surprised that he could be attracted to her. There are a lot of Amish words and beliefs throughout that added a realism to the story. There are social gatherings, both happy and sad, as well as the schoolhouse and The Marketplace that play a role. There are moments filled with worry and angst along with sadness and fear but others that were joyful and full of hope. The story had a nice flow to it but ended very abruptly although with a hint of a happily ever after. An epilogue would have given me the closure I look for. There was an excerpt from the next book in the series, CHRISTMAS COMES TO MORNING STAR. It whet my appetite for more and I look forward to reading it. The cover was nicely portrayed and was appropriate to the story.
Ms. Hubbard is a new to me author of her full-length novels. I may have read a story or two of hers previously in different anthologies.
This is a story that has stayed with me since finishing it as the characters and storyline are so special. Lydianne Christner moved to Morning Star for a personal reason that she cannot share with anyone. She has established herself and become part of a group of other maidels who enjoy each other’s company. They have even started a business, a marketplace, where members of the Amish community can sell their wares and raises money for different things like a new schoolhouse. She knows that she will never be able to marry and have her family and is settled on that. Now she becomes the new teacher at the schoolhouse and she has a reason for wanting to become the teacher even though she has a good job with a furniture maker at the marketplace.
Bishop Jeremiah, a young man who lost his wife and has no children, is attracted to Lydianne. But she rejected him without giving him a reason. Another member of the church, Glenn also has his eyes on Lydianne. He recently lost his wife and it is too soon to be looking for a replacement. When Jeremiah makes an observation that makes him understand what is going on in Lydianne’s life, he is struck with a decision. This is a story of compassion, forgiveness, faith, new beginnings, humor, and love. I really enjoyed this sweet story. Most Amish books that I have read have had older and more stern bishops and this one is a refreshing twist on a church leader.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions stated are mine only.
First Light In Morning Star is a well written inspiring story by Charlotte Hubbard. This story takes the reader back to Morningstar Marketplace and the lives of five enterprising young Amish women. This story centers around Lydianne Christner and a very heartbreaking secret she has carried for years. I enjoyed getting to know Lydianne’s story and felt her pain at every turn. The characters are well developed and very likeable. There are so many surprising twist to this story that I found it hard to put it down.
Lydianne has been selected to become the new teacher in Morningstar but she is reluctant to accept the position because of her past and the secret she carries. If her secret is revealed it could cost her the job, her reputation, and standing within the Amish church community. As Lydianne prepares for the upcoming school year she finds herself caught between two admirers but she has decided to never marry. As the plot to this story plays out it is surprising how the author has handled revealing Lydianne’s secret. With Lydianne being surrounded by such loving, caring friends she realizes things may not be as bleak as she thought. This story brought tears to my eyes in several areas and made me realize just how important friendships can be. This story is filled with love, loss, heartbreak, and faith. Forgiveness is definitely a big element throughout this story.
I was given the opportunity to read and review this story thru an advanced copy of this book from the author. Although I received an advanced copy I was not approached to post a favorable response just an honest one. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I am anxious to read the next book in this series to continue stories involving the other characters.
Congratulations to Charlotte Hubbard on writing another inspiring story for her readers enjoyment.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and this is my voluntary and honest review. I loved this book about the romance between Lydianne and Jeremiah. Lydianne has a secret past that she feels will keep her from getting married. Will Jeremiah find out about her past and still want her as his wife? You will have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this entertaining and enjoyable read. This was my first time reading a book by Charlotte Hubbard and it won’t be my last.
I loved being back in Morning Star and being reunited with characters that I’ve come to care about and learn more about what is going on in their lives and the lives of their friends.
This is primarily, Lydianne’s story, and her desires and self punishment. It is also about two men who are very interested in getting her attention. One is a widower with two very young children, and your heart will break for him as we look into his circumstances. Then there is the Bishop who is also a widower and would like to move on with his life.
Come and see how the Market Place and new school is doing, and how the people are working to make it all a success.
I am now waiting for the next installment in this series, I love a deeper look into these new friends and what is going on with them.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
Book review: First Light in Morning Star
This is the first Charlotte Hubbard book I’ve read, and it’s engaging , has a lot of details, and the characters are cheerful,
supportive of one another, and industrious. I like how well the maidels get along with each other. The cover is
an eye-catcher, pleasing colors and it has good back copy.
The story has several big events that keep you wanting to come back to read more! I won’t go into those, and spoil it for other readers,
but each story is built well and leads smoothly into the next circumstance. It keeps you curious about it, that’s for sure.
Some things that were in the book bothered me, because for a Christian book, the terms were not biblically sound. One instance
involved a teacher telling her students that she wanted them to sit on a magic carpet. Magic, in God’s word, is an abomination. Magic carpets involve
levitation, which is occult. Magic carpets were also described in detail in the Egyptian and the Tibetan Book of the Dead and in Hindu religion. All those religions
are anti-Christian. I’m sure God doesn’t want the mention or promotion of magic anything in any part of the body of Christ.
The book talks about people having positive or negative energy. These terms are from religions of the east which
oppose God, Jesus, and the Bible. Terms such as positive and negative energy are supernatural in nature and connected with an occultic worldview.
God says he abhors wicked practices, and New Age mysticism is a
wicked practice. [19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
[20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
[21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past,
that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Another part of the book that stood out as very non-biblical, was when the Amish young women talked in subtly disparaging terms
about submitting wholly to the authority of the husband. The bible is clear about men being the leaders of the family, and clear about the wife being
obedient to the directions of her husband, as long as it is not against the bible. Ephesians 5: [22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
I’m hoping, I really am, that this review will encourage Charlotte Hubbard to fashion her future books to be fully honoring to Jesus, her Saviour, and
to be more in agreement with God’s Holy Word, the Bible. Mrs. Hubbard has a lot of God-given talent, she can write expertly, and tell good stories that show
real struggles, and real solutions, and it is my sincere intention that this review will elevate her desire to serve Jesus Christ, and Him alone, with the talents He gave her.
I plan to see what she decides to write in future books. Mrs. Hubbard has a lot of talent, and she can
glorify God with those talents to the edification of others. Galatians 5:13
Galatians 1:6-9
King James Version6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Lydianne Christner is the new Amish school teacher at Morning Star. She loves her scholars, and they adore her. But she holds a secret that keeps her from accepting romantic overtures from two widowers, including Bishop Jeremiah. The compelling story tugs at the heart and keeps the pages flying. I enjoyed this latest edition from this somewhat unorthodox Old Order Amish group. The author certainly brings the community and its citizens to life. Whether you’ve read any of the others set there or this is your introduction to them, the novel can stand alone. But you will want to read all the rest too. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
It took reading several chapters for me to get interested in this story and start connecting with the characters; but as the story progressed and the pace picked up, I was drawn in by the surprises in the plot as Lydianne’s secret unfolded. I enjoyed the scenes in Lydianne’s classroom, the revealing of her secret, the development of her relationship with Jeremiah, and Jeremiah’s dilemma; but the parts about the other maidels I found rather tedious and random. On a positive note, I appreciated the strong faith element showing how God works in people’s lives and the themes of hope, new beginnings, forgiveness, and acceptance. Also, Lydianne and Jeremiah were well-developed, endearing characters. All in all this book was just OK for me.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.