Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.

First Light in Morning Star is the second book in the Maidels of Morning Star series. I read the first and third, so needed to read Lydianne Christner's story before the next in the series comes out. Lydianne is one of the five maidels that founded the Morningstar Marketplace. Each of them brings a gift to the running of the Market. She had been working at Flaud’s Furniture, but left there to become the teacher at the community’s new school. Lydianne has a secret in her past and she is worried that her life in Morningstar will be over if anyone finds out, so when Bishop Jeremiah Shetler asks about her past, she panics and tries to avoid him as much as possible. He begins to have feelings for Lydianne, but she refuses to allow him to court her. When a crisis hits, Lydianne is forced to share her secret with Jeremiah and now they have big decisions to make.

I really liked Lydianne and felt bad for her. The secret she is keeping is not a major issue in an Englischers life, but it could become a serious issue for an Amish woman, especially one teaching young children. Jeremiah is a wonderful character. A Bishop who follows the rules, but one who also has compassion and doesn't want to hurt anyone, especially innocent ones. There is a bit of a love triangle in the sense that two men are interested in Lydianne, but she does not reciprocate and has not intention to marry. This is a well paced story that gave another aspect of Amish life. I loved the ending and was happy for Lydianne. An easy to read, enjoyable Amish Romance. I can't wait for the next story in this series.

I have enjoyed reading of these special single women of Morning Star. A series of women that have gone against the grain of Amish Women but have kept their faith in the Lord strong. Lydianne is the center of this series and she is putting her long held secret that holds her heart into motion. She is applying for the teaching job for the Morning Star community. She is meeting with the board and the Bishop Jeremiah. She put forth a good first step and will be teaching the 8 children of Morning Star. One specific child holds a special place in her heart. She cannot reveal the secret in fear of the severe consequences but she knows that God had made a way for her to be there. She also knows that she must remain single because of this secret but two men have set their heart on Lydianne for different reasons.

Bishop Jeremiah and Glenn Detweiler who recently lost his wife. His eyes are set on Lydianne for all the wrong reasons. However, his advances are very contrasted to the feelings of Bishop Jeremiah. It does become a cat and mouse for Lydianne and the men who are pursuing her but it all changes when the Bishop "sees" Lydianne's secret and lovingly confronts her with redemption! Totally loved this budding romance.

A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

This is an Amish Fiction, and this is the 2nd book in the Maidels of Morning Star series. This is not like the normal Amish Fiction book. The main character (Lydianne) has some secrets in her past that she is having trouble living with because of her secrets she has decided she will never get married. When she moves to Morning Star she becomes the teacher and two man starts to fight for her hand in married. She does not know how to tell them she cannot married anyone because of her past. I love the characters and the twists and turns in this book. I love the take on Amish Fiction that this book takes. I do feel some parts of this book the pacing is off in the book because some parts of this book moves so slow. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zebra) or author (Charlotte Hubbard) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

You know how much I love Hubbard's books, but this one has to be one of her finest. I love everything about it from beginning to end. I enjoyed this story so much that I stayed up late into the night reading regardless of the fact that I had an early morning meeting. I felt tired all day, but it was well worth the exhaustion.

I enjoy Charlotte Hubbard's series Maidels of Morning Star and First Light in Morning Star was so very good. I loved it. Five stars.

First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the 2nd novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Morning Star first (sets the stage for the whole series). I like Lydianne Christner as well as the other characters in this series. Lydianne is woman with a secret. She is afraid of what will happen if her past is exposed. I liked that this book is not a traditional romance. There are twists to surprise a reader. The story does start out a little slow, but the pacing increases as the book progresses. There is also repetition of information that did not enjoy (I got it the first time). I like that we get to catch up with some of the characters from the author’s Simple Gifts series and Seasons of the Heart series. We get to see Bishop Jeremiah Shetler as a man with feelings and desires of his own instead of just as the leader of the community. It is nice how the Faith elements of second chances, forgiveness, hope, and acceptance are woven into the story. God has a plan for each of us and we must have faith in Him. First Light in Morning Star is a sweet story with a lovely ending. I am eager for the story of Jeremiah’s nephew, Pete. I think it is time for him to settle down. First Light in Morning Star is a heartfelt Amish tale that features developed characters with real life problems.

Charlotte Hubbard writes her characters in a way that they really come to life. I absolutely loved Lydianne and Jeremiah. Both characters have suffered loss in their pasts.

Lydianne Christner is the new Amish school teacher at Morning Star. She loves her scholars, and they adore her. But she holds a secret that keeps her from accepting romantic overtures from two widowers, including Bishop Jeremiah. The compelling story tugs at the heart and keeps the pages flying. I enjoyed this latest edition from this somewhat unorthodox Old Order Amish group. The author certainly brings the community and its citizens to life. Whether you’ve read any of the others set there or this is your introduction to them, the novel can stand alone. But you will want to read all the rest too. I received a copy from the publisher and author through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

"First Light in Morning Star" continues the series about a group of young Amish women who open The Marketplace, starting their own business. The Marketplace offers spaces for individual businesses and vendors, including baked goods, furniture, flowers, and many other items.

This book focuses on Lydianne, the schoolteacher of the Amish community of Morning Star, and bookkeeper for The Marketplace. Lydianne enjoys teaching her eight scholars, but also harbors a secret! When she begins a relationship with Jeremiah, who is also the Bishop of the community, Lydianne's secret is revealed. However, the consequences can be far-reaching for the community as well as for Lydianne.

The story line proved to be intriguing and moved quickly, with enough suspense to keep readers engaged. The characters are likeable and multidimensional yet flawed individuals, who strive to stay true to their values, their community, and their families (sort of like most of us). The children in the story are adorable and realistically portrayed. I especially liked the independently business-minded women.

Readers who seek clean and sweet novels, with no violence or sexual scenes, will find this to be an enjoyable read. The book can be read as a standalone, although it is part of a series.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This novel, by Charlotte Hubbard, is a book that you will want to finish the same day you started it!!! Such turmoil in heart of Lydianne Christner. She moved to the town of Morning Star, to begin a new life for herself. She lost her fiance when he was killed the day before their wedding. She never got to tell him her secret....a secret that she would carry alone. A secret that would haunt her in her new home. A secret that soon came to be seen, no matter how hard Lydianne, tried to hide it! The bishop, Jeremiah, lost his wife and has eyes and heart on Lydianne. However, because of her secret, Lydianne has settled on being a maedel---"old maid"!! But she soon realizes that Jeremiah is trustworthy and her heart slowing starts to open. Will she be able to talk about her secret? It is one of shame and dishonor, in her community and possible shunning. AND, it can wreak havoc in innocent people's lives!! What will she do....or NOT do? Only Lydianne knows! Excellent novel that I read in one day....because I had to see how or if, things would work out for those involved. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!

First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is book two in the Maidels of Morning Star. It can be read as a stand alone. I have not read book one but plan to.
Let me start by saying, I loved this story.. I have read more then my share of Amish romance and this one takes you on a different journey then most. Lydianne is fairly new to the Morning Star community and has her sights on becoming the new teacher, in addition, she is planning on staying on at Morningstar Market. After all, she is not planning on being courted, though two members of the church are interested in her.. One being the bishop and she is attracted to him but, she can not let her secret come out to anyone let alone him.
This story has faith, family, friendship, forgiveness, romance, humor, and a huge secret. I couldn't put it down. I am excited to read the next in the series.
I received an ARC from Kensington via NetGalley for an honest review.

Faith, Forgiveness, and love are found within this book. Lydianne's story is a heart wrenching tail of tragedy and rejection. She has come to teach the children. Her joy is present in her life today. However, wrong choices from her past could put a damper on her life especially when Bishop Jeremiah comes to call. He sees in her someone he could love and spend the rest of his life. However, her past could stretch their happiness. Will they be able to overcome?

Charlotte Hubbard always brings her characters to life. They drew you in and you have you turning the pages. Many of her stories bring in love, forgiveness, and starting anew. I look forward to more from her. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

I really enjoyed this book by Ms. Hubbard. I have to admit, when I first started reading it (and after I read the description), I was really fearing the direction that the author was going to take. I wouldn't focus too much on the description of the book, as the storyline is so very much better than you will expect.

Lydianne lost her soon to be husband the day before they were to be married. They had conceived a child before their wedding, and in the Amish community this is grounds for shunning. She had a very strict family (with a brother who was.a deacon), and chose to leave the community for another community in an effort to start fresh. Once her baby was born, she gave it up for adoption. She discovered where her daughter was, and moved to that community. When I discovered this basis to the storyline, I had a little difficulty in reading the story. As an adoptive mother of three children, I really struggled with all the ways this story could unfold. However, Ms. Hubbard created a story that was truly beautiful, and demonstrated redemption, forgiveness, and a wonderful road to a fresh new start with beautiful beginnings and a wonderful future. I was so moved by this story that I am deeply grateful I didn't make my decision of whether or not to read this book just based on the description. My only recommendation is to maybe rethink the description in this book, as it could truly deter many readers with my own personal experiences.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Such a cute and heartwarming romance. I haven't read the first book, but it was accessible as a standalone—which I appreciate as a romance reader. Plus, it made me want to check out the first one to see what I'd missed.

FIRST LIGHT IN MORNING STAR is the second book in the MAIDELS OF MORNING STAR series and it was a fast-paced read even at more than three hundred pages. I haven’t read the first book in the series but there was enough information provided that I felt I knew the characters and some of what had happened previously. The characters had a depth to them and I felt that I got to know them a little at a time.

This is Lydianne’s story along with her friends who were also single. There are several male characters vying for her attention but due to a secret from her past, she doesn’t think she’s worthy of ever marrying. The Bishop surprised me with his tolerance and understanding as well as his attraction to her since he is widowed and never had children. Their friendship had tongues wagging although he wanted more and Lydianne seemed surprised that he could be attracted to her. There are a lot of Amish words and beliefs throughout that added a realism to the story. There are social gatherings, both happy and sad, as well as the schoolhouse and The Marketplace that play a role. There are moments filled with worry and angst along with sadness and fear but others that were joyful and full of hope. The story had a nice flow to it but ended very abruptly although with a hint of a happily ever after. An epilogue would have given me the closure I look for. There was an excerpt from the next book in the series, CHRISTMAS COMES TO MORNING STAR. It whet my appetite for more and I look forward to reading it. The cover was nicely portrayed and was appropriate to the story.

Ms. Hubbard is a new to me author of her full-length novels. I may have read a story or two of hers previously in different anthologies.

This is a story that has stayed with me since finishing it as the characters and storyline are so special. Lydianne Christner moved to Morning Star for a personal reason that she cannot share with anyone. She has established herself and become part of a group of other maidels who enjoy each other's company. They have even started a business, a marketplace, where members of the Amish community can sell their wares and raises money for different things like a new schoolhouse. She knows that she will never be able to marry and have her family and is settled on that. Now she becomes the new teacher at the schoolhouse and she has a reason for wanting to become the teacher even though she has a good job with a furniture maker at the marketplace.
Bishop Jeremiah, a young man who lost his wife and has no children, is attracted to Lydianne. But she rejected him without giving him a reason. Another member of the church, Glenn also has his eyes on Lydianne. He recently lost his wife and it is too soon to be looking for a replacement. When Jeremiah makes an observation that makes him understand what is going on in Lydianne's life, he is struck with a decision. This is a story of compassion, forgiveness, faith, new beginnings, humor, and love. I really enjoyed this sweet story. Most Amish books that I have read have had older and more stern bishops and this one is a refreshing twist on a church leader.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions stated are mine only.

I very much enjoyed this tale of some Amish secretly expressing themselves in ways their bishop wouldn't necessarily approve of, and I think you will too. The story is about a group of Amish people developing a barn of gift stalls and how this affects them personally and professionally. I had fun reading it.

This is second book in the “Morning Star” series is just as good as the first book. Lydianne’s story is a heart-touching one. She ‘s a young Amish woman who has suffered tragedy and rejection in her life, and made some wrong choices along the way. But she’s firm in her faith, and her compassion and joy is apparent to all who know her. She loves her little students that she teaches at the Amish school, and they love her. Bishop Jeremiah has also realized that he loves Lydianne and wants to marry her. But there are secrets from Lydianne’s past that, should they become known, threaten her every chance at happiness.. Bishop Jeremiah and Lydianne need wisdom and guidance from God to show them how to act righty to help Lydianne and secure their own future together.

This is a heart-touching story. There’s faith, hope, love, and forgiveness all throughout this book. Lydianne is a wonderful character and Bishop Jeremiah is man of wisdom and grace. If you love Amish fiction, you’ll enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I love how the Amish work together. The Market was a great idea! This story had some surprises come out. Shunning has to be so hard. Great descriptions of the people. Some strict hard line and some wanting a little more freedom. Loved how it all got worked out!

I was gifted a copy, no review was required.. My review is voluntary.