This novel continues the saga of the Riehl sisters and centers on Loretta. She is taken with Drew, who shares her affections, but there some problems that must be worked through. And there is a mystery concerning the sisters’ father, one that turns out to be most unpleasant. Charlotte Hubbard knows how to tell a compelling story, and this series is one of her better ones. ( )

I've read a lot of Amish fiction, as I call it, and this was as good as any I've read. It was obvious that reading the first book would have been helpful; I got lost in the rapid introduction of the characters. It also seems that everyone in this community has some major problem in their past. While I know Amish communities are not idyllic, it struck me as bizarre just how many issues there were in such a small community. ( )

Amish girl refuses to bow to her father's demand about marriage and working outside his home. She falls for a fellow Amish man with a checkered past. He and her boss (a Mennonite woman) think there is something awry with Loretta's dad and they follow him. The find that he is a gambler and is going to casinos when he claims to be going to town for parts for clocks. They share their findings with church elders who confront Cornelius and find he has not only been gambling but has lost considerable church funds. We don't learn how much he lost and Loretta and the community don't learn of his failures. ( )

This is the second book in the Simple Gifts series and it is Loretta's story. Loretta is struggling to find her footing after her ex-fiancé, Will, moves to Willow Ridge. He is all apologetic for letting her father run him off and marrying Molly on the rebound. Even though he did not father her twins, they were intimate and he claims he did love her. He wants to court Loretta, but she no longer has feelings for him. And then there is Drew, who is the father, but is trying to be a better man. He deceived many in the previous story, but Edith and Asa have forgiven him and he has his sights on Loretta. Loretta wants to teach rug-making and work at Simple Gifts, not be her dad's stay-at-home, old-maid daughter for the rest of her life. She wants a home, a husband and children. Her father, Cornelius, is still a tyrant, determined to have his way no matter what the cost. Will, knows his secret and is willing to use it to save the girls from his grip. I was cheering for Loretta to fight for her dreams while wondering at her courage, considering her background.

Fans of Amish fiction will surely fall in love with Loretta and most of the other characters in this book. I am enjoying the continuing saga of the Riehl sisters and the fortunes of Nora and The Simple Gifts store. I also enjoyed learning more about Rachel, the triplet that returned to Willow Ridge after finding about her birth family. Wyatt was another new character that brought another storyline to the book that was also very enjoyable and entertaining. I enjoyed how Charlotte Hubbard was able to weave all the various characters and their stories into an entertaining and enjoyable Christian Fiction Romance story. Once again, I listened to this book and was very happy with the narration by Susan Boyce. She does a wonderful job with her calming voice. I felt like I was in Willow Ridge experiencing this story. Well done. ( )

A Simple Wish by Charlotte Hubbard is the second book in a Simple Gifts series. Loretta Riehl is surprised when Will Gingerich expresses his interest in courting her again. She no longer feels the same way about Will, but she has definite feelings about Drew Detweiler. Loretta is ready to spread her wings and get out from under her father’s thumb (and away from his moods). She accepts a position working at Simple Gifts craft shop owned by Nora Hooley. Nora provides a place for local crafts people to sell their goods and she provides guidance for the women in the community. Cornelius Riehl is a difficult man to live since the passing of his wife. Drew cannot help but notice that Cornelius makes numerous buying trips for clock parts. Drew is curious and sets out to get answers (maybe find out why Cornelius is so stern) with the help of the Hooley’s. He is hoping to help improve Loretta’s relationship with her father. But you know what they say about the best of intentions!

A Simple Wish is well-written and pleasurable to read. It has lovely, well-constructed characters and a beautiful, caring town. I do not recommend starting with A Simple Wish (you should start with Summer of Secrets). It would be too confusing for a new reader. There are numerous characters with convoluted relationships (Simple Gifts series is a spin-off from Seasons of the Heart series). It is nice to return to Willow Ridge and catch up with these great characters. There is just the right amount of humor along with compassion, love, caring, hope, suspicion, and worry along with much more. It showcases real people with complicated relationships and life issues. My rating for A Simple Wish is 4 out of 5 stars. There is some predictability to the story (mostly with the romance). It was nice to see Rebecca find someone to care about in A Simple Wish. The story talks about forgiveness which is difficult to do as we can see in A Simple Wish. I look forward to more books in the Simple Gifts series. ( )