Member Reviews
Charlotte Hubbard takes her time introducing you to each of the characters and their problems and how they are feeling. I immediately felt as if I knew them all and was right there at the kitchen table hashing things out and praying. In no time, I was totally sucked in to their lives and the issues they were dealing with. The plot is very interesting and had me turning the pages late into the night. Be prepared not to do anything else once you start reading this well written and hopeful tale. I found myself thinking about all of these wonderful characters long after I finished reading A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS.
There’s no place like Willow Ridge at Christmas time! Charlotte Hubbard takes readers back to the small Missouri town and its mix of Englisch, Amish, and Mennonite residents in A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS. Nora Hooley is busy getting her Simple Gifts shop ready for her holiday open house and working with the Riehl sisters to stock the handmade items they make to sell in the shop. Roslyn Riehl has her heart set on Marcus Hooley but Marcus has strayed from the Amish path. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to many more from Charlotte Hubbard.
Charlotte Hubbard is now on my author radar and she will have me running to every book she releases and A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS is exactly why. When it was over, I wanted to keep reading and stay in the character’s business. I was giggling, laughing out loud and even holding back tears as I watched each of the characters grow. Charlotte Hubbard pulls you right in to all of their lives and once you start, you won’t be able to put this wonderful story down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Charlotte Hubbard is one of my favorite Authors. her Amish stories are just so great. They are filled with love, family, true feelings, struggle and so much more. A Simple Christmas is no different. It is the 3rd book in the Simple Gifts Series, and I believe it is the last. Each of the books features one of the Riehl sisters. This book is the oldest sister Rosalyn's story.
Rosalyn is 28 and has never been in love much less married. She has resigned herself to living with and caring for her Father. That is until Marcus Hooley rolls into town.
Marcus Hooley shows up in Willow Ridge all cocky and rude, as a horse trainer, he feels like he has stepped back in time. I mean their isn't even a gas station in this town. Marcus was born into the Amish faith but walked away years ago for the English life. But when he lays eyes on Rosalyn and meets people in this town maybe he has been given a second chance on life.
It's Christmas in Willow Ridge! Rosalyn is the only daughter left to take care of her father, Cornelius, and that is a job unto itself. To get away a few hours several days a week she has started working in Nora's shop and selling her homemade wreaths. It also allows her to buy groceries and items for the house when needed since her dad has been receiving bills marked past due. While working one day, Amish bad boy, Marcus walks in and turns Rosalyn's life upside down. She knows he is trouble but her heart thinks differently. Will Marcus be able to heal Rosalyn's heart with his love when the unthinkable happens to her father and family?
A Simple Christmas is book 3 in the Simple Gifts series. For fans of Amish fiction, this is a must read series. It is a little edgy with some of their beliefs but it is a good edgy in my opinion. I think it shows there are Amish sects out there that are relaxing some beliefs to let them be sustainable in an ever-changing world that is becoming more and more dependent on technology. This community still believes in living in a simple world but understands it needs the English and the ability to communicate with them. Cells phones and computers can be a wonderful addition to a business but it does come with evils that can lead you far away. Your faith must be strong to not go down those dangerous paths. Just ask Cornelius.
Cornelius has always ruled with an iron fist but more so since his wife died and he moved his family to Willow Ridge. As the years go by he finds himself living a double life. A life that will eventually lead to his ruin. He thinks he can strong arm Rosalyn into staying and taking care of him but he does see that he is pushing her further and further away.
Rosalyn believes deep in her heart that she will always be a "maidel" the rest of her life and she is fine with that. What she is not fine with is taking care of her ungrateful father. She finds he is making her life more and more unbearable. If not for her job in Nora's store, I have no idea how Rosalyn would have survived.
Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone. You will find yourself loving the characters as much as I do. I dare you!
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
This is the third book in the Simple Hifts series by Charlotte Hubbard, of you have not read the first two books you will be lost. But if you have, like me, read the previous installments of this series you will love the updates on your favorite character. I found myself not wanting to stop reading at bedtime. I loved this book and was sad when it ended. Thanks hey galley for an arc in exchange for my honest opjnion.
This book had me on the edge of my seat. The characters in this book are amazing and surprising. One story that show that the bright light of the past also brings hope and joy to the future.
I loved this story. These characters really drew me into the book. Rosalyn’s character was so sweet and compassionate and I wanted her to find her happily-ever-after. There’s compassion and faith all through the story line that gives this book its “heart”. I had not read the other books in this series. but I had no trouble at all jumping right into the story. I am hoping that there’s more to come in this series as I’d love to continue to follow these characters and this community.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A Simple Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard is the third book in the Simple Gifts series. This is the first one I read and had no trouble loving this story without reading the first two. Nora Hooley’s shop, Simple Gifts, is full of beautiful handcrafted Amish items including wreaths made by Rosalyn Riehl. Rosalyn works in the shop part-time, happy to escape from her miserable father. Rosalyn is the last unmarried daughter of clockmaker, Cornelius Riehl. There is suddenly a problem with money in the house, past due notices, bills not being paid and no money for groceries. Cornelius has been having problems since the death of his wife and he expects Rosalyn to take care of him. When Marcus Hooley, a horse trainer, shows up at the shop when he arrives in town, Rosalyn has feelings for this rude and handsome young man. He has been hired to work for Wyatt McKenzie. He was recommend by his cousins, but Marcus’ wild ways have gotten him fired from his last three jobs. He is hoping he will get a chance to show what he can do, but does not want to get too involved in the Plain life. Wyatt hires Marcus with certain conditions. This is Marcus’ last chance and he knows it. As he makes himself comfortable in Willow Ridge, Marcus becomes attracted to Rosalyn. There are secrets being kept about something her father has done and is supposed to confess, but his confession does not happen. He becomes more abusive to Rosalyn and is not happy when he realizes there is an attraction between Marcus and his daughter. Marcus has questions about what Cornelius is doing, and he wants to find out so he can share it with Rosalyn.
A Simple Christmas is a lovely, heartwarming Christmas and Amish story. It is an engaging novel that captured my attention from the start. It was well paced and I read it in one day. There are several twists involving Cornelius and I was eager to find out what secrets he has been keeping. I did not like Cornelius and I could not even pity him once his secrets finally came out. Rosalyn is a caring woman with a good heart, who finds it difficult to not be the dutiful daughter she has been taught to be all her life. Marcus was a wonderful character and it was great to see his growth as the story evolved. I enjoyed the setting of Willow Creek. The Amish businesses, the tourists, family and friends all make it seem like a great place to live, Amish and Englisch. One of the main Christian themes of putting our worries in God’s hands and trusting Him to handle it, is central to the story. I enjoyed A Simple Christmas and will definitely go back and read the first two in this series. The publisher, Kensington Books, generously provided me with a copy of this book. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Readers will love this third book in the Simple Gifts series where many questions are answered. Rosalyn, the youngest Riehl daughter will get her chance at love and Deacon Cornelius' secrets will finally be revealed. I love the way this author portrays this small town in Missouri, filled with Amish, Mennonites and English all working together. The community spirit and love for one another, along with their faith shines throughout. Highly recommended!
A Simple Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard is the third book in the Simple Gifts series. Nora Hooley’s shop, Simple Gifts is full of beautiful handcrafted Amish items including wreaths made by Rosalyn Riehl. Rosalyn works in the shop part-time as well happy to escape from her crotchety father. Rosalyn is the last unmarried daughter of clockmaker, Cornelius Riehl. They have been receiving bills with Past Due on them and Cornelius is providing less money for household expenses including food. Cornelius spends a great deal of time locked away in his workshop and his attitude, which has never been cordial, has gotten worse of late. Rosalyn is thankful her sister and her husband are still living with them.
Marcus Hooley, a horse trainer, arrives in town for his new job with Wyatt McKenzie. Marcus’ wild ways have gotten him fired from his last three jobs despite his excellent skills and he is worried that someone is following him to Willow Ridge. Marcus was raised Amish, but he jumped the fence and has been enjoying the Englisch lifestyle. Despite his unorthodox arrival at his farm, Wyatt hires Marcus with certain conditions. This is Marcus’ last chance and he knows it. When Marcus meets Rosalyn, he is attracted to the lovely Amish maidel. Spending time with Rosalyn and the residents of Willow Ridge, makes Marcus rethink his life choices. Marcus beings to notice some oddities and may be able to shed some light on hidden secrets.
A Simple Christmas is a lovely, heartwarming Amish story. I thought it was well-written with steady pacing. It is an engaging novel that captured my attention right away and held it until the end. There is a complex plot involving Cornelius with unexpected twists along the way. I was eager to find out what secrets Cornelius has been keeping from his family and the town. Cornelius is the type of character that readers will dislike (just like we are supposed to). Rosalyn is a caring, thoughtful woman with a good heart. Marcus was the perfect partner for Rosalyn. It was nice to see him evolve. Charlotte Hubbard creates wonderful characters, and I love the town of Willow Ridge (I want to live there). Such a charming small town with thoughtful residents. It was nice to spend more time with Wyatt and Rebecca. Readers will be happy with the developments in their relationship. A Simple Christmas is not a standalone novel. You need to read the books in the Simple Gifts series in order as each book builds upon the previous one. I am giving A Simple Christmas 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). While the romance is predictable, is it sweet and romantic. One of the main Christian themes is putting our worries in God’s hands and let Him handle it. A Simple Christmas is an uplifting novel that will warm your heart and have you humming Christmas carols.
A lovely tale of hope, forgiveness, and new beginnings.
A Simple Christmas is book three of Charlotte Hubbard’s Simple Gifts series. We travel back to Willow Ridge and Rosalyn Riehl, the oldest of the Riehl sisters and the only one left unmarried. Rosalyn loves her job at Nora Hooley’s shop not only because she gets to work on her crafts and be around others but because she can be free from her father’s watchful eye and sour temper.
Marcus Hooley has finally showed up looking for a job as a horse trainer that Wyatt has offered him weeks ago. He has rejected his Amish roots and now has a reputation that far precedes him. He is quickly intrigued with Rosalyn and her father’s shady secrets. What he doesn’t know is that his past may be about to catch up with him.
I really liked the previous books in this series and recommend that the reader start from the beginning to see the full story, but it could be read on its own. Hubbard did a terrific job telling Rosalyn’s story and as always her writing draws the reader into Willow Ridge.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley.com and Kensington Books in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Charlotte Hubbard has done it again, kept me up late and loving this sweet read!
We are updated on some of the folks from past reads, but it is a stand-alone book, I just love being with these folks, and lessons can be learned.
A page-turner for sure, and when I was finished I wanted to keep right on reading, now if I could find a way to move into a book?
We also see first-hand how some way ward individuals can and do turn their lives around, but others, well, you need to pick up this book!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher
I really enjoy reading Charlotte's books. Roslyn and Marcus are both trying to figure out their lives and where they fit. Roslyn has a father who is demanding and cold. She and her sister work outside the home to free themselves from him. With Christmas around the corner the gift shop they work for keeps them quit busy. Marcus comes into town running from his last mistake. He has come to take a job training horses . His boss Wyatt is trying to set him on the right track. Roslyn isn't sure what to think about Marcus and his worldly past. Roslyn's father is involved in something that will hurt their little town. There is a mystery to be solved. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as i have and Charlotte's other books also. I was given this book as a ARC from net galley for my honest review
In our trip back to Willow Ridge, we find ourselves following Rosalyn Riehl. She is the last of Cornelius Rieh's daughters. She is the only unmarried daughter to a gruff father who has many secrets. Feeling like she will become a spinster at her age, Rosalyn doesn't know what to do with herself. When trouble blows in by the name of Marcus, Rosalyn cannot help but be a little attracted. Marcus is on his last chance. He is a gifted horse trainer with a checkered past. Will he return to his Amish roots? Or have those roots been severed?
A Simple Christmas shows us that sometimes love can overcome but sometimes it can bring pain. It can bring forgiveness if we really want it. Charlotte Hubbard has never disappointed me in her ability to bring a story to life. Her stories leave you wanting more but satisfied with what you have read. One must turn the page to see exactly what happens next. I recommend her books to all. I received an advance copy to read. A review was not required.
Absolutely loved this book was drawn in to the moment I saw the cover it's so beautiful really catches one eye! I love Charlotte Hubbard books I can always get in to them from the beginning to the end! She's never disappointed me in her creative immediately into the lives of willow ridge. You hadn't read this series before you'll need to purchase A simple gift and A simple vow. The plot was full of unexpected twisted turns just when I thought I fully understood what was going to happen there was a surprise up a head if you want to find out more you'll have to get your copy on September 25th release date!
Charlotte Hubbard has a unique writing style for Amish novels. This book continues in her Simple Gifts series, following families in the Willow Ridge community during the Christmas season. Family issues both inside and outside of the Amish community are revealed and handled with grace and wisdom. Romance abounds, intertwined with real life. FANTASTIC story!!! Charlotte Hubbard is a fantastic author of Amish novels!
A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS. by Charlotte Hubbard
Rosalyn at twenty eight, feeling like the weather, crazy and mixed up. Wondered what her Dad is doing,the past due bills that come to the house. He is also a deacon, and doesn’t like that she works for a woman in town, and not married.
Marcus was back, wasn’t much on the outside for training horses, especially when he has been fired from the last three jobs. He is not truthful and lands into trouble here. Meeting Rosalyn, and the Old Order community which he turned against when he went with the English.
Finding out what her father was doing. His ways and with woman, give him the title of "bad" and her father disapproves.Could there be any chance for Rosalyn and Marcus. This was book 3 and can be read alone. Given ARC by Net Galley and Kensington for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Roslyn is an older Amish woman that suffers terribly from shyness. Marcus is an Amish who doesn't seem to know what exactly he wants. Hired to train race horses how to pull carriages, and working with the big farm horses is something of a specialty for him, but dealing with people is not. Interesting how these two work well together. Really enjoyed this story, and highly recommend it. Great Christmas read.
Really enjoyable book. This is a cute Christmas story with a lot of action. Rosalyn Rieh handcrafts wreaths made with fresh greens for a shop called Simple Gifts. Marcus Hooley who is has quite a reputation but a great horse trainer stumbles back into town. Cornelius Riehl: Rosalyn's father who lost his wife has past due envelopes coming in the mail. Cornelius is hard on his family and the bishops know that there is a problem. When Marcus stumbles into the Simple Gift shop with a attitude things stir up. Will Marcus and Rosalyn find romance?What is Cornelius up to with all his secrets? A great story with a lot of action. I loved this book.
A charming read about an Amish woman who has a growing attraction to a man who might not be suited for her, Her family life has serious issues, that Marcus helps bring To the light. Ultimately, After much Contemplation, Marcus is ready to revert to the Old Order Amish fold and leave his modern lifestyle, but his love for Rosalyn is worth it.
What a treat it is to ""return" to the town of Willow Ridge and be drawn back into the lives of the Hooleys and their extended family! I am always extremely excited to read Charlotte Hubbard's novels and this was no exception. I love the way she ties in characters from other series, as it seems so seamless when the characters connect and create bonds. In A Simple Christmas, readers have the opportunity to learn Rosalyn's story as she works in Nora's shop, creating her wreaths, and also deals with her father's intolerance, and his secrecy and anger. She and her married sisters are quite anxious about his behavior including his insistence they don't grocery shop, make no purchases etc. Rosalyn often wonders if she will marry as her two sisters, who are younger, are already married.
When Marcus comes into town to work as the trainer on Wyatt's horse farm, Rosalynn is intrigued yet knows she must keep her distance as he has not joined the church and has a risky reputation. But she cannot help to feel attracted when he treats her so kindly and gently. Marcus is amazed by the kindness he sees in Willow Ridge, and by the way the Amish live an d co exist with the English (Non-Amish). He stats to wonder if perhaps he might join the church and stay Amish.
I hesitate to say more as I don't wish to spoil this lovely and heartwarming story for fellow readers. However, this is definitely a must read!