In this fourth book of the series, Annie Mae must deal with the unreasonable demands of her father, a disgraced ex-bishop. She and her sister refused to go with her father when he left the Amish community to establish another one more to his liking. But when she sees that her four much younger siblings are being mistreated, she rescues them, and then must endure her father’s wrath. In this series, Charlotte Hubbard has created an Amish community which is somewhat different from a typical one. There are some unusual family dynamics. One person was not raised Amish, but embraced that religion. One was born Amish, but raised by English parents, then returned to find her Amish roots and was welcomed by them, even though she stayed English. Perhaps the most startling aspects of this community are the roles that the women undertake. They own and run businesses. They work outside their homes. They associate with English and Mennonite business owners. They work in buildings owned by English and they use electricity there. All this and more combine to make this well-written series a most interesting one. ( )

4.5 stars.

Breath of Spring by Charlotte Hubbard is a sweet contemporary romance that provides a realistic and informative look into Amish life. This heartwarming fourth installment in the Seasons of the Heart series has an engaging cast of charming characters and a storyline that is refreshingly unique.

Annie Mae Knepp is a young Amish woman whose life is dramatically altered after her father leaves town to build a new religious community. Now working as a waitress to support herself and her younger sister, Nellie, she has been warmly accepted into the owner of the Sweet Seasons Cafe's family. The rest of the town is also very supportive but it is her former neighbor Adam Wagler she has come to rely on after he rescues her from a couple of dangerous situations.

Annie Mae has a lot of responsibility resting on her, and she sometimes yearns to be free of the strictures of her religion. She sometimes puts her trust in the wrong person and makes very unwise decisions that lead to some perilous circumstances. Annie Mae is sometimes resentful of Adam's (perceived) interference, but in the long run, she comes to appreciate his loyal support. Helping him make peace with long ago mistakes brings them closer and their friendship begins to look a lot like love.

Adam is well-respected in the Amish community but he is haunted by his past mistakes. Living with his widowed brother, their frequent clashes over household duties leads to some surprising insight into how negative their lives have become. Adam begins to change his reactions to their conflicts which leads to a more positive outlook in most areas of his life. Despite evidence to the contrary, he remains convinced he should not be responsible for anyone but himself, but his vow to remain a bachelor is soon tested by his growing feelings for Annie Mae.

Amish life appears to be deceptively simple but a slower pace of life does not necessarily mean trouble free. As demonstrated by both Annie Mae and Adam, rebellious behavior is also a rite of passage and leads to sometimes tragic consequences. There is also strife and dishonesty among community members. Children are sometimes mistreated and corporal punishment can occasionally cross over into abuse. Struggling with faith is universal to all religions as is guilt that stems from poor decisions. It is very refreshing to see that Ms. Hubbard does not always paint a rosy picture and that the characters in Breath of Spring also must overcome some of the same problems that exist in secular communities.

Another high point of the story is the slow progression of Adam and Annie Mae's relationship and how they first resolve their past issues before entering into a romantic entanglement. The solutions to their problems are not quick or easy and they take the time to listen to one another and offer useful advice for solving their respective issues. Although the two have been acquainted for their entire lives, it is not until they step out of their usual roles that their perception of one another begins to change. This makes their evolving relationship believable and sets the stage for their respective transformations.

Although Charlotte Hubbard does not gloss over hardship or real life problems, Breath of Spring is an endearing novel that is always upbeat and positive. The Amish faith is explored in great detail but the story is never preachy. Likable characters (with a few notable exceptions), strong friendships and a close-knit community are greatly enriched by the beautifully developed storyline. The tantalizing excerpt from Harvest of Blessings leaves readers impatiently awaiting the next novel in the Seasons of the Heart series.
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I love this series. Once again, I found myself quickly picking this book up soon after I put it down. I don't think I have ever enjoyed a series as much as this. The author successfully takes the reader into the lives of the characters. When I would put the book down, I had to remind myself that it was just a book.

This books centers around Annie Mae Knepp. She and her sister have left their father's home and are on their own, as much as their community will allow. Everyone in the close knit Amish community look out for the girls and are on high alert, waiting for Hiram to seek his revenge on his wayward, disobeying daughters. Just when you think Hiram can do no more harm, cannot possibly do anything worse than he has done in the past, he steps up his crazy, bullying, downright evil schemes.

This series is a must read! ( )

A Great Amish Fiction Read!

I have read all the books in Seasons Of The Heart Series. They just keep getting better and better. If you are looking for some great Amish fiction I highly suggest this series.

Just what is Hiram Knepp up to now? I will say this much, it isn’t anything good! Oh how this man makes my blood boil! I can’t imagine how a man could be so hateful.

Annie Mae Knepp is a confused young lady but I took to her immediately. As a mother I just wanted to take her under my wing. Such a vulnerable young lady. I wanted to protect her and assure her everything would be o.k.

Are you up to love, romance, and weddings? This book has it all. The love that is shown in this story will bring you to tears.

I love how author Charlotte Hubbard brings life to her characters. As you read, you will be taken immediately to Willow Ridge. As you turn each page that’s where you will stay until you have to put the book down. The characters are real. The heartaches are real. The faith, trust, prayers, and love of God is real too.

Thank you Charlotte Hubbard for another great read. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Harvest Of Blessings.

Oh yes, I must not forget to add that there are some delicious recipes included in the back of this book. They sound yummy! ( )

Just finished another visit in Willow Ridge, Missouri, and my fourth book in this series. One visit and you find yourself as part of this community, and very absorbed in their lives.
Old Hiram is still at it, and am still waiting for him to get his come upends, and pay for his sins. How can a man be so evil, ah, of course we know, and he is always their whispering in our ears. Think old Hiram has him on speed dial, Satan, of course. Not all is bleak; we have the Hooley sisters, loves that they are, preparing for their weddings. These remarkable people take hold of their loved ones, and not necessarily family, and hold tight, provide, and are there for each other.
You will be smiling and crying for all that happens here, and some good lessons are taught. Some remarkable things are about to happen to these wonderful God loving people, and some things you won’t see until they are upon you. Anne Mae the eldest daughter of Hiram, is one of the focus characters here. What a heart of gold she has for her motherless siblings. She also makes a lot of bad choices, but God is there placing people in her path to help her.
We have others who lost their way, and yet are part of the Amish faith, and one such individual is Adam Wagler, you will love how God works on him. Also the banter between Annie Mae and Adam is priceless.
I for one can’t wait for the next book in this series, while this one can be read alone, don’t deprive yourself of such awesome books. Enjoy!

I received this book through Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tours, and the Author Charlotte Hubbard, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )