"A Simple Wish" Book Review

A Simple Wish
(Simple Gifts #2)
by Charlotte Hubbard

Book Description:

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...

My Book Review:  Crafting, such as rug making, has recently seen a revival among the "English" as the Amish call those who are not part of the Amish community and faith.  But crafting, such as quilting, sewing, rug making, candle making, crocheting, knitting, soap making, etc have always been a large part of the Amish community.  The women handle these works and they sustain their families.  
       The families in this book also deal with some heavy issues.  Charlotte Hubbard handles these issues with grace and sensitivity in her books.  The characters are diverse with many being easy to love and some, one in particular, is not so easy to love.  Cornelius makes life difficult for his daughters, for sure and certain.  Readers will enjoy following the lives of the daughters and their friends and love interests.  Readers will also see what causes Cornelius to be so hateful.  
     I am rating this book 4 ****stars.  I highly recommend it to those who enjoy reading Amish and Christian fiction.  
     I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Zebra Publishing in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

About the Author:

Charlotte Hubbard (a.k.a. Naomi King)

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard (a.k.a. Naomi King) writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, 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 her earlier Angels of Mercy series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and 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.

Connect with author:  http://www.naomikingauthor.com/