AUTHOR: Charlotte Hubbard
DATE: 2014
PUBLISHER: Zebra Books, Kensington Publishing Corp.
STARS: ****
As a bright season brings a fresh start to Willow Ridge, Annie Mae Knepp feels she can never make peace with the past. Her disgraced ex-bishop father is furious she has taken her five siblings to live with her. She's never been truly at home in her faith. . .or believing in herself. And Annie Mae fears no man will want to take on the responsibilities she's gladly shouldered. True, her quiet neighbor Adam Wagler has been steadfast and unshakeable helping her through her trials, but he surely couldn't think of someone so lost as more than a friend. Believing she is unworthy because of her doubts, Annie Mae will find in a moment of surprising revelation that God can work impossible miracles--and that love makes all things new.
Because I hadn’t read the first three books of this series, it took me a few pages to feel at home with the myriad characters. That did not diminish the pleasure of reading this book, however, as I was welcomed into the Sweet Seasons café and the homes of Willow Ridge. This Amish business and the whole community warmed my heart as I read the tale of Annie Mae Knepp and her search for faith and purpose after her world was turned upside down and torn apart.
The hero, Adam Wagler, is a gentle soul and a refreshing change from the usual tall, well-built stallions of most romances. Annie Mae calls him “Short Stack,” a teasing nickname that quickly becomes a special connection. And he is short – but only in stature. His development into a man who believes in his own value is a joy to see.
I was given a free e-copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion, and this book earns four stars.