"3.5 out of 5 stars --- old flames find each other again, new flames meeting and trying to make everyone else as happy as they are, with unexpected twists and turns thrown in...

Charlotte and Sam are meant for each other no matter how long time has kept them apart. Reading about their pasts and the secrets that Sam's malicious father had, I am very happy with how this novel brings these two kindred spirits together."

Read more of this review and a teaser here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2013/12/blog-tour-made-grade-marriage-... ( )

This is the second story of I've read by Anita Higman and really enjoy her writing style. She creates realistic characters and settings that draw you into her stories.
Charlotte Hill spends her days serving tea and goodies to the people of Middlbury and loving every minute of it. But when Charlotte's lost love from her youth comes back to town with his new fiancé, suddenly everything in her life tips a little bit.
Sam Wilder has come home to tend to his dying father and his estate only to realize feelings for Charlotte he thought were buried may still be very much alive. This is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and second chances. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable read.
I was given a copy of this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )

This is a beautifully written story of a couple who parted ways 10 years earlier. When Sam returns to town, Charlotte is hopeful for a second chance. However, Sam has returned with a fiance and Charlotte is forced to step into the role of friend.
There are several twists to the story, and I caught myself chuckling over several situations the "quirky" characters got themselves into. ( )

REVIEW OF A MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEBURY BY ANITA HIGMAN
As I begin my review of A Marriage in Middlebury, I hesitate, wondering what I can tell that hasn’t already been beautifully and thoroughly narrated in previously published reviews. When I accepted this book to review, I didn’t allow for the real life trauma that ungraciously interrupted my own life. Anita Higman graciously accepted my apology and understood my reasons for not being able to write the review when it was due. Thank you, Ms. Higman.

Anita Higman wrote realistically about choices – the kind that change the outcome of a situation or turn lives around forever. The story immediately appealed to my passion for tea while I read with great interest of Charlotte Rose Hill who owned and ran the quaint Rose Cottage Tearoom in the small village of Middlebury. Unrequited love hung as a cloud over Charlottes being, even though she was a dynamo of cheerful and concerned listening and offering help to others that entered her tearoom. Charlotte was a woman of deep faith in the Lord which sustained her through many disappointments and grief during her life.

Charlotte was suddenly thrown against great odds in the shocking return to Middlebury of her first and only love Sam; introducing his fiancé, Audrey. To add insult to injury, Sam and Audrey request Charlotte to cater their wedding. This isn’t the only romance in town - others will warm your heart and remove the chill of Sam and Audrey’s news. There is much more in Anita’s story to muse happily even though it had a melancholic beginning. Charlotte rises above it all when she considers all is hopeless where romance is concerned, and is a genuine Christian lady in response.

All the characters were well developed with personalities that were easy to love – and easy to dislike. Anita is definitely well gifted with word creating abilities. Her stories exhibit great imagination and she nobly applies the storyteller’s trump card to stimulate her reader’s interest into wanting more when the book is ended. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and could relate to the sundry of emotional situations. Might I add that I enjoyed winter in Full Bloom a bit more, however Marriage in Middlebury is an individual novel with its own merit. There was a bit more predictability in this story as it is more romantic – but my recommendation is to read and find out for yourself how the ending will surprise you. There is some mystery surrounding prior and current events that will rouse your curiosity, making it a satisfying read.

My admiration and respect for exalting her faith and trust in God through her pen is boundless. Ms. Higman builds such elegance in her stories that far outshines her distinguished contemporaries. She comes well recommended – and I will verify those recommendations with my own as prevailing. Thank you, Ms. Higman for writing from your heart.

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review – the opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

I liked this book but I figured out how it was going to end about halfway through and it was kind of predictable most of the time. Even though I figured out what was going to happen I still really enjoyed the author's writing and the characters in this book. I hated Sam's dad who passed away within the first couple of chapters. I really liked Charlotte and I am glad in the end everything would out good for her. Like I said I figured out how it was going to end but I still read it until the last page because I loved everything about the story and authors writing. I can't wait to check out other books by her. ( )