We don’t often get many Amish romance books that involve a strong Amish woman who is content to not marry. And one who decides to break the rules of the order and continue breaking them even when she knows what she’s doing is wrong. I enjoyed watching that secret unfold and seeing how the community would handle it. The romance was unexpected but flowed well with the storyline

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this new book from Charlotte Hubbard. I have enjoyed everybook she has written, especially her Promise Lodge series being my favoirtie, that is until now, this could be a close call.

Morning Star is the first book in a new series that Charlotte Hubbard brings to life. Another new community that will leave you wanting to more. You will meet some wonderful people and some who beleive they are better than others and know whats best.

For me, I truly enjoyed reading this story and the way Hubbard gave her leading character(s) true problems and real questions and doubts about the Amish Faith. It is a a refeshing read to see this put in Amish fiction books. I would highly recommned this book to be added to your book shelf. Oh yes, I can't wait for the next book in this series. ( I hope to be out soon).

This is an excellent Amish novel that has an interesting storyline and great characters. The story shows the tension that sometimes exists for the Amish and their faith: Is it a sin to use their God-given artistic talents in a way that does not have a “practical” use in everyday Amish life? Both Regina and Gabe find themselves in this dilemma. There’s also a look at how life is different for a single Amish woman, as far as having a business and making those types of decisions. I liked the support that these single friends gave each other through difficult times.

Although their love story is a sweet one, Regina and Gabe’s romance doesn’t go as smoothly as they first think. There’s decisions about faith and family that need to be made, and I found their story quite interesting. I’ll look forward to reading the books in this series.

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

This book is the first book in a series that follows 5 unmarried amish women or maidels as they are referred to in Pennsylvania Dutch. Amish women are not supposed to be self-sufficient and should get married and take care of their husband and family. This story is from a different perspective. When a piece of property with an old barn on it is put up for sale, this group of five friends are determined to open an Amish Market. With the support of their Bishop and some local business owners, they are encouraged to pursue this project, especially as profits will support the building of a local school. This is the story of Regina Miller. Regina's parents died and she is living in the family home, much to the chagrin of her uncle. She is also a beautiful artist, but that is a shunned activity in the Amish Community. Her nature paintings have given her peace since her parent's death. She decides to try and sell her work at the Marketplace under a pseudonym. They are a hit and she can't paint fast enough. Gabe Flaud, accidentally speculates that Regina might be the artist, not this mysterious man that no one but her has met. When her deceit is discovered, her uncle used it to take her home and force her to live with him and his wife. Gabe feels terrible and begins to rethink some of the edicts of the faith.

I loved Regina and the maidels. They were so supportive of one another and willing to take risks to do so. Gabe is troubled and is questioning the Amish faith, so this treatment of Regina gives him even more ammunition to leave the faith and hopefully take Regina with him. We see how resilience, ingenuity and trust in God allows Regina to come up with an option to her paintings so she can still have her outlet to peace. Living the Plain life is not easy when there is so much in the world to tempt people, so seeing this struggle with Gabe was quite realistic. The romance was slow and subtle and I loved seeing Regina and Gabe grow closer together. This is not a story about romance and finding a husband, but of finding oneself within your own faith and beliefs. If romance is part of that, then that makes it beautiful. I am looking forward to the stories of the other 4 maidels in future books in this series

This book is the first in Charlotte's new series entitled "The Maidels of Morning Star". I have to admit when a favorite author begins a new series, I am always a bit worried that it will not be as good as the last. But I can honestly and happily say , that this book was every bit as well written as all of her previous books!!

The novel commences, introducing us to five unmarried Amish women who all exhibit love for their families and community. They each have their own quirky and unique personalities which keeps the reader intrigued throughout this tale. Each of them is able to open businesses, due to the free thinking bishop, that will not only give them freedom to express their creativity but to benefit the community by sharing profits to aid in the attainment of a new school.These ladies are described in a vivid, realistic way enabling the reader to easily identify with each of them. I felt their every hurt, challenge and success! Regina became my best friend as she stumbled in her rocky road of life. Who would ever guess that her talent would lead to a romance??

The plot was complicated from the very beginning. The reader has to be aware of the fact that creativity and certain talents are frowned upon by the Amish faith as they believe them to lead to pride and worldliness. Regina has had to hide her God given talents only because it would displease her community and could cause shunning ! Unexpected events and twists and turns in the plot kept me glued to the page. i just could not put this book down. This book is to be commended on its well developed plot!

Well writtien, very different from the norm usually seen in the Amish genre!!

Five stars for this winning tale!!

I can hardly wait for book two!!!

This book was given to me. A positive review was not required.

This is book one in a brand new series. This book contains five unmarried women. One day they find a building and since they are unmarried. They decide to get the building and turn it into a market place. Where they could sell different things to earn some income. That way they would have money for themselves. Although first they'd have to ask the bishop and get his approval.
I really enjoyed this book and all the different trial the characters went through. It's a page turner and well written. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

When I first started this book I wasn't sure I was going to like the story. Almost immediately I found myself getting angry at how the woman was being treated. I've read enough Amish stories to know that they are a bit old fashioned. As the story progressed I was even angrier but found I couldn't stop reading. By the end, I was no longer angry only frustrated by some of the views. I will admit I wouldn't make it as an Amish wife. I'm definitely too outspoken. I'd give Red's uncle a good swift kick in his rumpus.

This was an excellent read and I'm happy to learn book two is on its way to be released.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

I really enjoyed this book, I discovered a lot of things I did not know about the Amish before. I am looking forward to the sequel.

Morning Star was the perfect start for Charlotte Hubbard's Maidels of Morning Star series. I loved it from start to finish. Five stars.

The first of the series,The Maidels of Morning Star, had everything I needed to sit down for a relaxing enjoyable read. Page after page, led me deep into the Amish way of life with some great romance and suspense.

Regina was my favorite character because like us all she is has flaws. She knows she is doing wrong but the pleasure for the moment far out ways the consequences. That nagging thought of doing something wrong is always in the back of her mind though. It's really nothing serious to us mind you, but to the Old Order Amish. it's consider a sin.

Not usually part of my review but I can't leave him out. Regina's uncle was my least favorite character. He was everything and more that I despise.

What a great read!



This book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

In this first book of the Maidels of Morning Star series is a fun and entertaining  ook to read, just like all of Charlotte Hubbard’s books. This one is Regina’s story. 5 Maidels of Morning Star decides to sell their crafts out of an old barn that needed repairs, of course. So after permission from the powers that be in their Amish community the work started. And was finished.

Regina has be secretly painting pictures for a long time and wanted to sell them, do her booth was an anonymous one, thinking no one would know, but the Amish always find out.

Author Charlotte Hubbard writes an extra nice heartwarming story for her readers. I like the idea of selling all of their crafts in one big space. And these five ladies have plenty of energy to get the work done. I just wish I could have seen some of the beautiful crafts!! What I would give to stop at an Amish roadside store! First me, the characters seemes so realistic, they felt like family as I was reading. There was one of the ladies that was more outspoken, and sometimes she did get on my nerves, but we need these people in stories!! I like how Ms. Hubbard weaves all of the different issues and people together to make this great story. And a smooth ending. I think you should try this wonderful Amish read. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did!

A special thanks to the author/publisher/Netgalley for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I love Amish fiction and Charlotte Hubbard is one if the best authors in this genre. Her books are heartwarming and so charming. Morning Star is the first book in a new series and it is a great start. I love the characters and the writing is superb. I love this book and can't wait for the next installment.

Five unmarried Amish young women inaugurate the idea to turn an abandoned horse barn into a marketplace where they and others can sell their goods. The main star in this novel is Regina Miller, who has hidden her creative talent since the Amish frown on artwork and seeking personal recognition. The inner struggle tears her life apart. Her boss’s son, Gabe, seems to understand her feelings since he shares a similar bent, only regarding music. Will their trials drive them together or away from their Amish faith? The author does a masterful job at crafting the community and the characters involved in this story. The conflicts and misunderstandings are so real, as is the caring it evokes from the readers. I look forward to more in this new series. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book in a new series titled “The Maidels of Morning Star”. I have not read all of Charlotte Hubbard’s books by any means. However, each story that I have read touched on the problems that many people have in everyday life whether they be Amish or not. Each story was a good story yet light and heart-warming.

By saying that this book was not as light does not mean I’m saying a bad thing. To say that I think this may be somewhat realistic of today’s world does not mean I know anything about the old order Amish nor any Amish faith. So what am I saying?

The writing here is as good as all of Charlotte Hubbard’s other books. The emotions and problems dealt with in an open and honest manner yet never in anything but a clean manner. Something anyone can read and know before they open the cover, they will deal with a story but not with any profanity, sex, etc.

I’m also saying I thought this book was a little different than her other series. That might be exactly what it’s time for her to do. I can’t see her writing mass market books on the same basic subject forever. Remember...change is good.

I've been interested in Amish culture for years. I'm amazed that any of them are still around because well, they may be peaceful, but they are hypocrites and Gabe actually points out at one point in the story.



Regina is a "old maid" and Gabe is sort of her boss. Both have secrets that get them in trouble with the church. For Regina its her love of painting which is too worldly, as is Gabe's love of music and playing the guitar.



I shake my head at these things as creating things that bring joy to others just can't be a sin. Gabe feels much the same as I do. I loved him. He was truly the perfect guy, totally questioning his faith and not following along blindly. I got him, because the Amish make very few changes. I could see how easy it would be for him to just walk away and start a new life.



Regina is more grounded. She knows what she stands to lose if she leaves. She's torn, because for her leaving the Amish would mean losing her friends.



The characters in this story were so well crafted. You had some that you absolutely loved and others you wanted to hit over the head with a cast iron skillet. The maidels were wonderful and independent, though as we can see, this series is going to see all these older Amish gals finding love.



The romance that buds between Regina and Gabe is so sweet and perfect it may make your heart burst, especially the ending. It was absolute perfection.



This was a delightful light read that will leave you with warm fuzzy feelings.

Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the beginning of The Maidels of Morning Star series. Jo Fussner, Regina Miller, Lydianne Christner plus Mariettta and Molly Helfing are five unmarried women living in Morning Star, Missouri. The five independent ladies all have jobs that support them which is unconventional for Amish women. I liked Jo Fussner’s idea of purchasing the Clementi property and turning the run down stable into a marketplace. The community is lucky to have a kind and compassionate leader in Bishop Jeremiah Shetler. It is a shame the deacon and ministers are not cut from the same cloth. Regina Miller has been creating art for many years. While taking a class during her rumspringa, Regina discovered her love of watercolors. She creates realistic landscapes and has dozens of them stacked in bins in her attic studio. Regina came up with a plan to rent a stall at The Marketplace. Unfortunately, she did not count on someone figuring out her secret and blurting it out in front of others. I thought Morning Star was well-written with steady pacing. There are some great characters in this story as well as some you want to drop kick into the next county. The problem I had was with the content. We see a woman being condemned for using her God given talents to create art. These few men now attack her for her creativity. I could not stand the belittling and bullying. They want Regina to give up her independence. I just found it all wrong. I know it is a part of the Amish faith, but I found it frustrating and upsetting. If she had painted on usable objects, then it was not sinful (where is the logic in that). Please note that this is just my personal feelings to some of the content in Morning Star. I will be reading First Light in Morning Star when it comes out in December. I enjoyed the references to nearby Willow Ridge from Charlotte Hubbard’s Simple Gifts series and Seasons of the Heart series. My favorite line from Morning Stars is, “Chocolate makes everything feel better, ain’t so?” Morning Star starts off the Maidels of Morning Star series with a bang. Morning Star is an emotional tale with picturesque paintings, merry music, a booming marketplace, firm friends, and a benevolent bishop.

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.

Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the first book in her new Maidels of Morning Star series. The series is off to a great start in the first book as the reader is introduced to the five unmarried Amish women who share a love for family, each other and their community. I loved seeing how enterprising they are as the ideas flow when they are given permission to open new businesses that will benefit not only the business owners but will also fund a new school for the children in Morningstar.

Each of us are given gifts but in the Old Order Amish not all gifts are considered useful or practical as is the case with Regina Miller who is a talented artist. Regina has been painting in secret for many years but she desperately wanted to sell her artwork which causes some unexpected challenges but also an unexpected show of support of Gabe Flaud, a friend and coworker. I was surprised to find out that Regina’s story would be the first one the author chose to tell but what a wonderful story it is. This character stole my heart and I found myself rooting for her throughout the entire book. I also am fond of Bishop Jeremiah because he has a heart for the people of his church and will go to great lengths to do what he feels is right for them even if it means upsetting a few of the elders. It took awhile for me to warm up to Gabe but once I did, it was clear he is a good and honest man.

Overall, I thought Morning Star was an absolute delight to read. I loved the maturity of the characters who are interested in their community and past the age of the typical singings that I normally see in Amish fiction. Ms. Hubbard has been of my favorite authors for several years because she has a knack of crafting stories that are different than most other authors in this genre, her novels are unique, exciting and always leave me waiting for her next release. It’s going to be hard to wait for the next book in the series find out what she has in store for her readers.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are completely my own.

This is the first book in a new series by Charlotte Hubbard! I love Charlotte’s books and this series looks to be an enjoyable one. This books is about 5 friends who are around 30 and not yet married. They concoct an idea about starting a marketplace in an old stable and their congregation votes to get involved.

Regina Miller works for Gabe Flaud in his family’s furniture factory putting stain on newly made furniture. She puts her secret artwork in her own stall in the marketplace and it is a smashing success! But Regina can’t tell anyone she is the artist because the Old Order Amish do not allow members to do art. And her uncle is just looking for an excuse to make her move out of her house and under his roof so he can keep an eye on her. Gabe comes to her defense and reveals a secret of his own.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Regina Miller is one of 5 young single women that live in the Amish Community of Morning Star. With their progressive bishop, they are supported in not settling for marriage but to live on their own with the support of the community. Regina or Red as she is commonly known, lost her parents at the age of 22. With the loss of her parents, she turned to a past time that has helped her with her loss. She has kept this past time a secret living in her parent's home. When an opportunity for the community opens up for a market place for the Amish to sell their goods, she sees a way to help her community. The sales of the market place goes to building a new school.

With any secret, the anxiety becomes great for Red that she is found out. Gabe her boss has in indirect way has revealed her secret and has revealed a secret past time of his own. Together, they are shunned and are forced to reexamine their faith. It is together, they find love and understanding.

I liked how Gabe and Regina had known each other for years but it was their secret that they discovered how deep their faith and love could be. Their secret pastimes are not sinful in themselves but they reveal a deeper root of sin that I found to be insightful. The realization that it is not our circumstances that can make us better but a repentance to trust God in faith that changes us. They both had to replace their dependence on their pastimes to something better. The process is sanctifying and satisfying. Highly recommend,

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