ISBN #: 978-1420121711
Page Count: 368
Copyright: September 3, 2013
Publisher: Zebra
Book Summary:
(Taken from back cover)
As another year draws to a close in Willow Ridge, life seems to be changing for everyone but Rhoda Lantz. Her widowed mother is about to remarry, her sister is a busy newlywed, and soon Rhoda will be alone in her cozy apartment above the blacksmith's shop. An ad posted by an Englischer looking for someone to help with his mother and children may offer just the companionship she's looking for, but if she falls for the caring single father, she may risk being shunned by her community. Certain she can only wish for things she cannot have, Rhoda must remember that all things are possible with God, and nothing is stronger than the power of love.
Mandy's Review:
Rhoda is one of three Lantz sisters. Rachel is the recently married who is traveling around with her husband collecting wedding presents from various family members. Rebecca was raised English after being swept down a river as a baby and found by a couple along the riverbank. Rhoda and Rachel, who thought they were twins, were united with Rebecca not too long ago, their triplet. Rhoda is the only one of three who is unsatisfied with her life and is yearning for something more, someplace where she feels needed. When she sees the ad for help in the local store, Rhoda wonders if it may be an answer from God. As she responds to the ad and begins working for the family, Rhoda begins to have feelings for the single, divorced, father. She is fighting a constant battle between her head and her heart because she doesn't want to leave the Amish faith yet she's unable to stop her feelings for Andy from growing.
Andy is in his final moths of becoming a nurse. His life is hectic and there's no way he can continue trying to be there for his mother, who has recently had a stroke, and his two children. The house stays a mess and frozen dinners are commonplace. When Rhoda steps in and takes over, Andy knows her being there is a Godsend. Rhoda's able to patiently get his children to mind, not to mention clean up, and help his mother, Betty, become more involved in the family's day-to-day life. Andy doesn't know what he'd do without her and considers becoming Amish so he can make Rhoda's place in his life a more permanent one.
Winter of Wishes is another wonderfully-written book. Every time I read a novel by Charlotte Hubbard (or Naomi King) I always yearn to be Amish, to get rid of all my electronic gadgets and just go live in an Amish community where things are simpler. Of course, then how would I be able to review books for you lovely people? I always become immersed in Ms. Hubbard's stories and I feel like I know the people of Willow Ridge. I cannot tell you how happy I was over a particular Bishop leaving the community ... although the circumstances of his leaving weren't very happy ones.
When I read this author's stories, I feel the characters' emotions and their pain or happiness. Not many authors can transport me so completely into a story. I feel sad when the books end because I feel as if I'm leaving my friends behind. If you're a fan of Christian fiction, then I would highly recommend anything written by Charlotte Hubbard and/or Naomi King.
*A physical copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for the purposes of this tour and for an honest review.
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Thank you so much for your wonderful review, and for promoting ALL of my work on your site! I so appreciate your compliments and insights into my stories!
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