Jo and her maidel friends have created thriving businesses that they developed by themselves. Now, some are married, and others are getting married. Some elders of the Amish church take exception to married women working in public places, and this leads to controversy in their Amish community. Jo will soon be married, but a misunderstanding occurs between her and her intended. Adding to her problems are her unhappy widowed mother and her mother’s would-be suitor. As you can tell, much happens in this tale, filled with strong Amish women and the men who love them. It’s not a typical Amish romance, and somehow, that’s makes all the more interesting. ( )

Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the fourth novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order. Love Blooms in Morning Star is an inspiring and heartwarming tale. I love the characters in this series. We get to catch up with all the people from the previous books, but this story focuses on Jo, Michael, Nelson, and Drusilla. We also get to spend more time with Nelson’s twin sister, Nadine. I like that the women speak up for themselves. I admit that I do not agree with the Amish rule that men are in charge of the households and make the decisions regarding a wife (like being allowed to work outside the home). We get to know Drusilla and learn what is behind her behavior. I like that the characters and their situations are realistic. They have real life struggles that readers can relate to. I like that the characters are a range of ages (from Jo’s teenage helpers to those in their twilight years). The descriptions of Jo’s mouthwatering baked goods will have heading for the nearest bakery. There are good life lessons including a special one on forgiveness. The faith element was nicely woven into the story. The Easter weekend celebrations were special, and I liked Bishop Jeremiah’s sermon. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the community and how people would come together to help each other. The ending is special and will leave you with a good feeling in your heart (and a smile on your face). I hope this will not be our last visit to Morning Star. Love Blooms in Morning Star is an uplifting Amish tale with scrumptious coffee cakes, pretty posies, an emotive mother, an exultant engagement, a deacon dilemma, a cheery twin sister, a benevolent bishop, conferring forgiveness, and sweet surprises. ( )

Yes, we are back in Morning Star, and with Jo's story, and of course her Mom Drusillia! Jo is one of the founder's of the Marketplace Mall, an old barn transformed so vendors and sell their wares, and has helped this Amish Community immensely!

Now the author has done an amazing job of bring you up to date, you shouldn't be lost as a read alone, but the other books are so good!

We finally find out about Drusillia! There are also those who do not like the Marketplace, and will the push their agenda.

What a great read this was, and I loved how things turned out for the women we have come to care about!

We also are gifted with a cameo appearance!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

A very nice addition to the previous books, I really liked this book, the strong women that were not afraid to stand up for themselves. Jo is a strong character that although soon to be married, does not let that stand in her way of continuing her work at the Amish market that she and a group of women started in Morning Star.
Things do not always go in the paths we want or expected and sometimes adjustments must be made. Drusilla has difficulties, is very negative on the subject of marriage and is not easy to understand as Jo struggles to communicate with and understand her own mother while trying to make a life for herself with Michael.

It's a very good book with realistic problems and trials. I enjoyed this book and think you will as well.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. ( )