Blog Tour Review of, Autumn Winds by Charlotte Hubbard

Product Details:

• Title: Autumn Winds(Book 2 in the Seasons of the Heart series)
• Author: Charlotte Hubbard
• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Zebra; Original edition (September 4, 2012)
• Genre: Clean Romance (Amish)
• ISBN-10: 1420121707
• ISBN-13: 978-1420121704
• FTC FYI: I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:

Release Date: September 4, 2012 | Series: Seasons of the Heart

Winds of change are blowing through Willow Ridge, and they're bringing a stranger to the Sweet Seasons Cafe. At first, widowed Miriam Lantz has misgivings about Ben Hooley, a handsome but rootless traveling blacksmith. But as she gets to know the kind-hearted newcomer, she wonders if his arrival was providential. Perhaps she could find love again - if only there weren't so many obstacles in the way. With Bishop Knepp relentlessly pursuing her hand in marriage and the fate of her beloved cafe at stake, Miriam must listen to God and her heart to find the happiness she longs for, and the love she deserves.

My Review: 

 When was the last time you read a book where you just smiled a lot while reading? This is how it was last weekend when I read Autumn Winds. This is the second book in the series. It continues the story of the Lantz family, but this time the spotlight is on the mom, Miriam.We follow along as she meets the handsome Ben Hooley who precedes to court her, despite Bishop Knepps never ending attempts at forcing her to marry him. We also get to see the continuing romance of Rachel Lantz and Micah Brennemen which started in the first book.

Things I loved:
-I loved the interaction between Miriam and Ben. It was sweet and real. The attraction was so strong, without unnecessary sex.(Why can't the world leave that in the bedroom where it belongs?)

-I love how Charlotte Hubbard writes a strong woman, even if she is Amish.

-I appreciate reading a romance with people that are older than 30. Miriam is 40 and Ben is 35. It is refreshing to read about older people finding romance. As an older woman,(in my 40's) it makes for a good read.

-The story again takes place in the Sweet Seasons Bakery. Oh wow! The food that they make and eat in this book are unbelievable! The best part is that Charlotte has included the recipes at the back of the book. Some of them I'm excited to try are...

•  Pumpkin Blueberry Muffins
• Apple Walnut Coffee Cake
• Whole Wheat Banana Bread
• Overnight Sensation Salad
• English Muffin Bread and
• Turkey Cheese Chowder 

 -My favorite part of the book is the humbling that takes place by one of the most pompous males in the book. I actually cheered out-loud to see this take place.

The Seasons of the Heart series is becoming one of my favorite Amish series. As I have stated before, I have always loved Beverley Lewis's Amish stories, but Charlotte has become my favorite new author of this genre. If you are looking for a clean romance, strong characters and a happy ending, this book and series is for you.

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About the Author: Charlotte Hubbard  
Many moons ago—like, in 1983 while I was still a school librarian—I sold my first story to True Story. This launched me into writing about seventy of those “true confessions” stories over the years, and I’ve been a slave to my overactive imagination ever since.
The next big step was selling my first historical romance in 1990, a Zebra Heartfire called COLORADO CAPTIVE. I quickly sold five more in that genre—and if you prefer my Christian romances, these historical Westerns won’t be your cup of tea! They’re all out of print now, but available from used book stores or on Amazon.com. I’m bringing them back in digital format with beautiful new covers, which you can see on my Books page.
After a long dry spell that entailed major changes in the publishing industry and an agent who fritzed out on cocaine, I resurfaced in a new genre, with a new publisher, editor, and agent who were so excited about my Angels of Mercy series! These four faith-and-family stories are also out of print now, but available online as e-books. With THE LOVE SECRET, I moved into new territory once again—and once again the setting is a place I love to spend time: the Oregon Coast. Unfortunately, this series was doomed before it even got off the ground, so only this one book got written. That happens in the publishing business.
Being an author is great fun when you’re selling, but it’s best to have a hide like a rhinoceros and a spouse who gets a regular paycheck! Patience, persistence and just flat-out luck have given me this opportunity to reinvent myself yet again. Those angels I write about keep pulling me through, and are often my friends and family—but I owe a lot to the heavenly beings who bear me up on their wings, as well!
My stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way I’ve proposed them: I love it when unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, because they keep me guessing right along with my readers!
I have often presented workshops at my RWA chapter in St. Louis, and at conferences. I also belong to Novelists, Inc..
I love touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with Ramona—although it’s humbling, having a dog smarter than I am! I’m an ordained Presbyterian deacon, and I devote a lot of time to singing in my church choir and to practicing/performing with our percussion ensemble. I’m celebrating more than thirty-five years with my husband, who—bless him—has never once suggested I get a real job!