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Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Monmouth Public Library | PBK Fiction Hubbard, C. | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
The Amish residents of Willow Ridge share their talents at the Simple Gifts crafts shop-and share the blessings of faith, hard work, and love with their community-even when family secrets bring unexpected challenges . . .
Making rugs for Simple Gifts has taught Loretta Riehl that an unassuming pattern can reveal surprising depth. People, too, have a way of defying first impressions. Drew Detweiler came to Willow Ridge under a cloud, but the handsome craftsman has gained the community's respect for his upholstery skills and commitment to making amends for his mistakes. As her new brother-in-law's twin, he's joining the family for dinners and Sunday visits at the Riehl house, and Loretta can't deny enjoying his attentions. If only her dat were willing to let a little joy into his life. Cornelius Riehl grows more stern with each passing day, and Drew suspects there's more to his moods than missing Loretta's late mamm . Hoping to fulfill Loretta's wish to live in a peaceful, happy home again, Drew sets out to learn the truth. It's a journey that will bring to light painful realities-but also the chance to forge a new, honest, and loving future together . . .
Praise for A Simple Vow
"Charlotte Hubbard has a way of writing that draws you into the story from beginning to end." -Romance Junkies
Author Notes
Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle. Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people-to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle-and the foundation of all her Amish romance series. She's a deacon, a dedicated church musician, and a choir member. When she's not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie.
Reviews (2)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Hubbard (A Simple Vow) brings fans back to the Amish community of Willow Ridge, Mo., and the town's Simple Gifts craft shop in this underwhelming outing. Loretta Riehl, the autocratic church deacon's middle daughter, knows she has to obey her father, but his increasingly erratic behavior troubles her, and she defies him to work at Simple Gifts. Determined to make her own happiness, Loretta also starts seeing Drew Detweiler, a handsome young man who's making amends for a scandalous past. Hubbard is skilled at portraying the realities of Amish life and developing well-crafted characters, but she misses the mark with an uncharacteristically confusing plot, including a secondary romance seen by a third party: Mennonite Nora Hooley, the owner of Simple Gifts, has the front-row seat to everything in town, including two "English" (i.e., not Amish) people-computer graphics designer Rebecca Oliveri and horse breeder Wyatt McKenzie-falling in love. The perspective shifts constantly, and it's impossible to get to know any of the characters well. Moreover, Loretta and Drew's physical demonstrations of affection and Rebecca and Wyatt's sexual banter feel out of place in Amish fiction. Fans will still find plenty of joy and grace in Drew and Loretta's courtship, but newcomers should begin with Hubbard's other romances first. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
When a job opens up at the craft store, Loretta Riehl knows its her opportunity to finally get away from her harsh father, Cornelius. Determined to also find happiness beyond work, she takes a leap to new love with the handsome Drew Detweiler. Having paid dearly for past mishaps, Drew is determined to stand up for Loretta, especially when he discovers the truth behind Cornelius' suspicious behavior. But Drew must find a way to protect Loretta while honoring the Old Order of the community that welcomed him with forgiving arms. In the second installment in the Simple Gifts series, best appreciated after reading A Simple Vow (2016), Hubbard returns to the lives and loves of the Riehl sisters in Willow Ridge, Missouri. At the heart of the series is Hubbard's thoughtful commentary on the Amish priority of keeping family bonds strong, connected, and first, after faith. The strength of this love story is Hubbard's down-to-earth depiction of managing conflict as she uses multiple points of view to bring the reader into the drama and culture of plain communities.--Campos, Kate Copyright 2017 Booklist