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Seasons of the Heart #4
Breath of Spring
“A great addition to the wonderful Seasons of the Heart romance series” from the beloved author of Autumn Winds and Winter of Wishes ( RT Book Reviews , 4 stars). As a bright season brings a fresh start to Willow Ridge, Annie Mae Knepp feels she can never make peace with the past. Her disgraced ex-bishop father is furious she has taken her five siblings to live with her. She’s never been truly at home in her faith . . . or believing in herself. And Annie Mae fears no man will want to take on the responsibilities she’s gladly shouldered. True, her quiet neighbor Adam Wagler has been steadfast and unshakeable helping her through her trials, but he surely couldn't think of someone so lost as more than a friend. Believing she is unworthy because of her doubts, Annie Mae will find in a moment of surprising revelation that God can work impossible miracles—and that love makes all things new.
“The warm and supportive town of Willow Ridge will appeal to readers who appreciate the traditional values and neighborly ways of the plain folk.”— Publishers Weekly
Praise for Charlotte Hubbard and the Seasons of the Heart series
“Fans of Amish fiction will love the Seasons of the Heart series.”—Marta Perry, national bestselling author
“A heartwarming new voice for fans of Beverly Lewis.”—Emma Miller, author of An Amish Mystery series
“These very special books will sit proudly on my keeper shelf!”— Romance Reviews Today
“The warm and supportive town of Willow Ridge will appeal to readers who appreciate the traditional values and neighborly ways of the plain folk.”— Publishers Weekly
Praise for Charlotte Hubbard and the Seasons of the Heart series
“Fans of Amish fiction will love the Seasons of the Heart series.”—Marta Perry, national bestselling author
“A heartwarming new voice for fans of Beverly Lewis.”—Emma Miller, author of An Amish Mystery series
“These very special books will sit proudly on my keeper shelf!”— Romance Reviews Today
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
152 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Hubbard
43 books1,341 followersDrawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard (a.k.a. Naomi King) writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people—to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of her earlier Angels of Mercy series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 29, 2014
While I wouldn't typically reach for an Amish romance novel, this was a pretty good read. I liked Adam a lot, and the fact that he breaks stereotypes about the typical romance novel hero. The food descriptions were mouth-watering.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the May 2014 issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the May 2014 issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
October 8, 2020
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.
May 8, 2014
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.
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.
June 9, 2014
I was a goodreads first reads winner of "Breath of Spring" This book appears to be the fourth of a series. I have not read the first three books. I am assuming this book starts up right after book three. Annie Mae is Amish. She has been kicked out of her home from her father. she is forced to leave her younger siblings with the father. Annie Mae gets a job at the Sweet Season's cafe. The owners befriend her. Adam a young man in his early 20s is very fond of Annie Mae.and shows up at the diner just to see her.
Annie Mae finds out her siblings are being abused by her dad's new "wife" she takes the small children with her to protect them. Don't want to give away too much of the plot.Will Annie Mae get to keep her siblings and raise them or will the father try and reclaim them? there are some mysteries involving Adam and a motorcycle found in a barn. What will become of Annie Mae, Adam, and the siblings she wants to have with her? this is a nice story. a Good Christian Romance. If you like stories about the Amish.You may like this. This is the fourth of a series.
Annie Mae finds out her siblings are being abused by her dad's new "wife" she takes the small children with her to protect them. Don't want to give away too much of the plot.Will Annie Mae get to keep her siblings and raise them or will the father try and reclaim them? there are some mysteries involving Adam and a motorcycle found in a barn. What will become of Annie Mae, Adam, and the siblings she wants to have with her? this is a nice story. a Good Christian Romance. If you like stories about the Amish.You may like this. This is the fourth of a series.
August 8, 2020
My favourite of the 'Seasons of the Heart' series so far. I wasn't so sure what to think of Annie Mae in the first few books, but my heart went out to her as she stood up to her father and refused to go along with his latest scheme to wield power over the People in Willow Ridge. To see her come into her own in this novel was a lovely thing to witness.
And, Adam? He was very easy to love. Earnest, if imperfect, he truly wanted what was best for his friend Annie Mae, and tried to help her, even if his efforts weren't always as well-received as he would have preferred.
I also appreciated the way the community banded around the Knepp siblings, reassuring them that the sins of their father would never be answered on their own heads, and that they were all children of God, the true Father who will never forsake us.
And, Adam? He was very easy to love. Earnest, if imperfect, he truly wanted what was best for his friend Annie Mae, and tried to help her, even if his efforts weren't always as well-received as he would have preferred.
I also appreciated the way the community banded around the Knepp siblings, reassuring them that the sins of their father would never be answered on their own heads, and that they were all children of God, the true Father who will never forsake us.
August 5, 2016
Fresh reading
Book four in this series takes us to Willow Ridge and we find that the strength of a community is great. The love of family is not always blood ties. Anne Mae shows us just how strong you can be when necessity knocks. Adam teaches us that guilt and grief must be shared or it will hold you hostage. Charlotte Hubbard has a gift for twist in the plot and gives you characters you want as neighbors. Ready to read book 5.
Book four in this series takes us to Willow Ridge and we find that the strength of a community is great. The love of family is not always blood ties. Anne Mae shows us just how strong you can be when necessity knocks. Adam teaches us that guilt and grief must be shared or it will hold you hostage. Charlotte Hubbard has a gift for twist in the plot and gives you characters you want as neighbors. Ready to read book 5.
October 12, 2017
Breath of Spring by Charlotte Hubbard is the fourth book in the Seasons of the Heart novels, following Summer of Secrets, Autumn Winds and Winter of Ashes - the first three books in the series. It is as fresh as the breezy spring air, and as delightful as the warmth of the season after a harsh winter. The author has scripted an awesome story of a teenage girl who's on the threshold of a new beginning. But will the arrival of spring with its promise of new beginnings bring her happiness and hope?
Set in the charming little Amish town of Willow Ridge, Missouri, author Charlotte Hubbard's story of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle takes us to witness the life of a teenager whose struggles are not the ordinary struggles of a seventeen-year-old. You can only empathize with her, and can imagine how life must be like living with five siblings and having a discredited ex-bishop as a father.
Beautiful and attractive, Annie Mae Knepp is a normal girl with an abnormal responsibility. Without a mother to look after her other siblings, she decides to take it upon herself the responsibility of looking after them sacrificing the longings of her tender years. The growing needs of her huge family forces her to take up a job as a waitress at the Sweet Seasons Café. It is here in the most unlikeliest place that she comes into contact with Adam Wagler. But she is too busy with her own life, and dreams to notice him. When her heavily-loaded burdensome life is hit by a crisis, Annie Mae's life spirals out of control. Will she find the courage and strength to move on in life?
Breath is Spring is a story that teaches the power of friendship, love, forgiveness, and hope. It is a story of letting go of the past, holding on to the present and looking forward to the future. Sometimes, the story teaches, the prevailing circumstances may become unbearable, but if there is a flicker of hope burning inside, the darkness of the present may turn into the sunshine of tomorrow.
Set in the charming little Amish town of Willow Ridge, Missouri, author Charlotte Hubbard's story of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle takes us to witness the life of a teenager whose struggles are not the ordinary struggles of a seventeen-year-old. You can only empathize with her, and can imagine how life must be like living with five siblings and having a discredited ex-bishop as a father.
Beautiful and attractive, Annie Mae Knepp is a normal girl with an abnormal responsibility. Without a mother to look after her other siblings, she decides to take it upon herself the responsibility of looking after them sacrificing the longings of her tender years. The growing needs of her huge family forces her to take up a job as a waitress at the Sweet Seasons Café. It is here in the most unlikeliest place that she comes into contact with Adam Wagler. But she is too busy with her own life, and dreams to notice him. When her heavily-loaded burdensome life is hit by a crisis, Annie Mae's life spirals out of control. Will she find the courage and strength to move on in life?
Breath is Spring is a story that teaches the power of friendship, love, forgiveness, and hope. It is a story of letting go of the past, holding on to the present and looking forward to the future. Sometimes, the story teaches, the prevailing circumstances may become unbearable, but if there is a flicker of hope burning inside, the darkness of the present may turn into the sunshine of tomorrow.
October 3, 2025
I am really liking this series. In this book, Annie Mae is forced to make a hard decision to go against her father's wishes to follow him to Higher Ground, a new Amish community he started. Her father is an absolute villain, and he does his best to ruin her life. Enter Adam Wagler, a neighbor who doesn't get a second glance from Annie Mae, until life puts him in her way as someone who rescues her from difficult circumstances. Annie Mae's character development is wonderful as she changes into a mature young woman, strong enough to take on the responsibility to care for her siblings. Miriam's character is also really good. A wise, helpful and motherly woman who is always there for anyone in need.
August 14, 2020
You know how sometimes you pick up a book, read some, and know just how it's going to turn out from the beginning? This was one, but I didn't care in the slightest. I kept racing through it because I WANTED to see that ending, although God it was a ride.
Just when I thought that dang Bishop couldn't get any worse, he proved me wrong. Nasty piece of work him. I really have to admire Annie Mae for what she did looking after all her siblings, and felt so horrible for everything that she went through. I'm so happy she's found someone special, and I knew there was going to be a bit of a baby boom in the next book! I can't wait!
Just when I thought that dang Bishop couldn't get any worse, he proved me wrong. Nasty piece of work him. I really have to admire Annie Mae for what she did looking after all her siblings, and felt so horrible for everything that she went through. I'm so happy she's found someone special, and I knew there was going to be a bit of a baby boom in the next book! I can't wait!
March 5, 2019
Such a great book. Sisters staying in their home town while their Father moves with their 4 siblings to start up another town. Their neighbors and friends help them in their time of need. Amish folks stand together and do what needs to be done. Annie & Nellie miss their brothers & sister. Their Dad did some under handed things and is still doing that. It was sad when Annie Mae was taken by force to her Dad's house and he cut off her hair. Her Dad was so mean. So glad that Charlotte gave the book a happy ending. I like the idea that Annie Mae and Adam are going to get married.
March 31, 2020
A comforting, predictable book. The recipes and food descriptions were tantalizing. It is a story of redemption. There is a love story between short Adam and tall Annie Mae if you enjoy Amish fiction this book is for you.
October 2, 2020
Love it, love it, love it!
The story continues while remaining true to the characters and story line. Can be read alone but much more meaningful if read in order. It will add depth to your understanding.
The story continues while remaining true to the characters and story line. Can be read alone but much more meaningful if read in order. It will add depth to your understanding.
January 30, 2018
Loving this series! Onto book 5 :)
April 7, 2018
I’ve enjoyed this Amish series very much - looking forward to the next two books in the series.
September 22, 2018
4.5 stars. Best of the series, so far.
Read
April 19, 2020Charlotte Hubbard never disappoints me with her books. I love her writing and her characters, even the ones I don't like. I can't wait for the next book in any of her series'.
May 3, 2020
I thought this book was especially good. I love it when someone finally decides to finally live for the Lord. There is nothing like His redemptive power! Very well done!
February 1, 2021
Enjoyed this book.
May 11, 2024
Always a clean, wholesome, read!
June 13, 2024
Annie Mae and Adam having you not wanting to put this book down.
February 26, 2025
I am so absolutely hooked on this series! Each wonderful story has captured my heart, and I am so excited about trying the recipes, too. 😋
December 1, 2025
I have not read the whole series. I still for the life of me can't figure how Hiriam could be so unchristian in his thoughts and prayers.
May 7, 2019
OWN ON KINDLE
June 16, 2014
Breath of Spring by Charlotte Hubbard is the... 4th book by this author that I've read. Like the others, it's an absolutely delightful story. Absolutely wonderful.
Annie Mae feels out of place. With her father gone and her littlest brothers and sisters with him she's broken hearted. But the people of Willow Ridge have rallied around her and her sister to help give them a home and a way to take care of themselves until they can get things together and out on to their own two feet. A few in particular. And one specifically that she can't quite figure out her feelings for. She isn't sure what to do with herself and her confidence and self esteem have taken a nose dive, she doesn't believe she's worthy of the help she's received from everyone or the affections of a certain man who seems to be falling for her but doesn't really know it yet.
I loved this story. It was sweet and it was lovely and it was definitely the perfect break from all of the gory zombie novels I've been reading. As I said earlier, this is not the first Charlotte Hubbard novel I've read, but there are tons of familiar faces. It's like going home to old friends. When I got the book in the mail I couldn't wait to sit down and start reading.
Annie Mae is unsure of herself and kind of lost. Her dad is gone, her siblings are gone, she's not allowed in the only home she's ever known... She's working at the Sweet Season's bakery so that she can support herself and her younger sister who chose not to go with Hiram to Higher Ground, the Amish Community he decided to develop after he came in to some money after the accident with his boys in Winter of Wishes. She doesn't realize how strong she is, that much is obvious. It makes me sad how unworthy of love she feels and how completely she lacks any self esteem. She's an incredible person.
Adam is a knight in shining armor, even if he doesn't realize it. And even if Annie Mae doesn't realize that she needs one, or wants one for that matter. He's protective and sweet but is down on himself. You KNOW though.... it's like a rule... that once someone decides they're NOT going to fall in love or they DON'T want to marry... that's when they find the one they can't live without. He's very selfless and extremely loving and just an amazing person.
I loved getting to go back to Willow Ridge and see everyone. It's like getting more of their story without necessarily getting more of their story. It was amazing to see how they rallied around Annie Mae and her brothers and sisters to help them and take care of them. They're less of a community and more of this gigantic family who is just so incredible. They (or most of them) would do anything to help those in need and when Hiram left and 2 of his daughters stayed behind that's exactly what they did. I would give anything to have friends like that.
Reading these books always makes me wish I was more like the women I read about. And the way I figure it, if a book can make me feel that way it's a book I should recommend that everyone reads. I finish reading and I want to go clean my house or bake pies and bread. It makes me want to be a better kind of person. I don't know how else to put it.
But you should all read it. Fantastic series, fantastic stories. They're enjoyable and they portray love stories without having to make it all about sex. As a rule, the people in these stories are kind and gentle and just amazing and they're just so refreshing to read about. I recommend these books (and ALL books Charlotte Hubbard/Naomi King writes to everyone). Beautiful stories. And, as always, delicious sounding recipes follow at the end of the book!
Annie Mae feels out of place. With her father gone and her littlest brothers and sisters with him she's broken hearted. But the people of Willow Ridge have rallied around her and her sister to help give them a home and a way to take care of themselves until they can get things together and out on to their own two feet. A few in particular. And one specifically that she can't quite figure out her feelings for. She isn't sure what to do with herself and her confidence and self esteem have taken a nose dive, she doesn't believe she's worthy of the help she's received from everyone or the affections of a certain man who seems to be falling for her but doesn't really know it yet.
I loved this story. It was sweet and it was lovely and it was definitely the perfect break from all of the gory zombie novels I've been reading. As I said earlier, this is not the first Charlotte Hubbard novel I've read, but there are tons of familiar faces. It's like going home to old friends. When I got the book in the mail I couldn't wait to sit down and start reading.
Annie Mae is unsure of herself and kind of lost. Her dad is gone, her siblings are gone, she's not allowed in the only home she's ever known... She's working at the Sweet Season's bakery so that she can support herself and her younger sister who chose not to go with Hiram to Higher Ground, the Amish Community he decided to develop after he came in to some money after the accident with his boys in Winter of Wishes. She doesn't realize how strong she is, that much is obvious. It makes me sad how unworthy of love she feels and how completely she lacks any self esteem. She's an incredible person.
Adam is a knight in shining armor, even if he doesn't realize it. And even if Annie Mae doesn't realize that she needs one, or wants one for that matter. He's protective and sweet but is down on himself. You KNOW though.... it's like a rule... that once someone decides they're NOT going to fall in love or they DON'T want to marry... that's when they find the one they can't live without. He's very selfless and extremely loving and just an amazing person.
I loved getting to go back to Willow Ridge and see everyone. It's like getting more of their story without necessarily getting more of their story. It was amazing to see how they rallied around Annie Mae and her brothers and sisters to help them and take care of them. They're less of a community and more of this gigantic family who is just so incredible. They (or most of them) would do anything to help those in need and when Hiram left and 2 of his daughters stayed behind that's exactly what they did. I would give anything to have friends like that.
Reading these books always makes me wish I was more like the women I read about. And the way I figure it, if a book can make me feel that way it's a book I should recommend that everyone reads. I finish reading and I want to go clean my house or bake pies and bread. It makes me want to be a better kind of person. I don't know how else to put it.
But you should all read it. Fantastic series, fantastic stories. They're enjoyable and they portray love stories without having to make it all about sex. As a rule, the people in these stories are kind and gentle and just amazing and they're just so refreshing to read about. I recommend these books (and ALL books Charlotte Hubbard/Naomi King writes to everyone). Beautiful stories. And, as always, delicious sounding recipes follow at the end of the book!
May 15, 2014
Annie Mae is a strong character, stronger than she thinks. She has defied her father and has decided to provide for herself and her sister Nellie. She has stayed true to her faith, her values and has stood up for what’s right. She is a little boy crazy with a rebellious nature, but that’s understandable for a 17 year old girl. She is young, yes, and still immature, but she is very decisive and passionate. However, as strong and firm as she appears to be, she fears her father, what he might do to her and her sister, and she fears the emotional, physical and spiritual consequences of her actions against him. I loved the complexity of emotions in such a young character.
Her father, a presumptuous and arrogant ex Amish bishop, is a menacing force with a ridiculous air to him. He is the Amish bishop equivalent of a man going through a midlife crisis. With his flashy car, colored hair, impressive house and pockets full of money, he is nothing short of a cliché that works really well in the story; a hateful character that’s very well written and crafted. He’s focused on Annie Mae and on bringing her back to him, not because he loves her or even needs her, but because he needs to know he has the power and control over everything and that no one can stand in his way or defy him and win.
Along comes Adam, who’s short in size but big in determination, heart and doing what’s right. He has a dark secret that he has been hiding since he was 16 years old and that has tormented him ever since. He has sworn off girls and given himself to a life alone, living with his widowed brother in a house where no one remembers to buy food, and where both are in desperate need of love and redemption, for different reasons. Adam is the dependable next door neighbor, whose resolve not to get married weakens little by little at the sight of Annie Mae.
The secondary characters are sweet, well, most of them anyway, and real. They are amazing: joyful, lovable, willing to sacrifice themselves for their family and for the people in the community. Nevertheless, what keeps the book interesting and the action going is the unpleasantness of Annie Mae’s two previous semi-boyfriends, which makes the reader question her judgment but never doubt her rebelliousness, and the hatefulness of her father and his girlfriend. They are excellent characters the reader will love to hate.
With the secondary characters and their storylines, the author gives us a great look into Amish life and the relationship between family members. We can look into parent-child relations, siblings relating to one another some successfully, others not so, the bonds between married couples, and the expectation of new life when almost all hope was lost. It’s beautiful and inspiring. However, since Breath of Spring is the fourth book in a series, I was completely lost at first. You can’t help but feel that you began reading right in the middle of the action, so it is very hard to be interested at first or to even care about the secondary characters as much as the author assumes one should. She did a great job of filling the reader in into the main details of each character’s story, but this is definitely one book that should be read as part of the series where it belongs.
This is a story of love in all its phases, of family bonds and family breakups, of redemption, and God’s mercy, compassion and strength in spite of our transgressions and our guilt. The story is also a wonderful reminder that “when my father and my mother forsake me,
then the LORD will take care of me.” (Psalm 27:10)
*I received a copy of this book through The Christian Manifesto in exchange of an honest review.
Her father, a presumptuous and arrogant ex Amish bishop, is a menacing force with a ridiculous air to him. He is the Amish bishop equivalent of a man going through a midlife crisis. With his flashy car, colored hair, impressive house and pockets full of money, he is nothing short of a cliché that works really well in the story; a hateful character that’s very well written and crafted. He’s focused on Annie Mae and on bringing her back to him, not because he loves her or even needs her, but because he needs to know he has the power and control over everything and that no one can stand in his way or defy him and win.
Along comes Adam, who’s short in size but big in determination, heart and doing what’s right. He has a dark secret that he has been hiding since he was 16 years old and that has tormented him ever since. He has sworn off girls and given himself to a life alone, living with his widowed brother in a house where no one remembers to buy food, and where both are in desperate need of love and redemption, for different reasons. Adam is the dependable next door neighbor, whose resolve not to get married weakens little by little at the sight of Annie Mae.
The secondary characters are sweet, well, most of them anyway, and real. They are amazing: joyful, lovable, willing to sacrifice themselves for their family and for the people in the community. Nevertheless, what keeps the book interesting and the action going is the unpleasantness of Annie Mae’s two previous semi-boyfriends, which makes the reader question her judgment but never doubt her rebelliousness, and the hatefulness of her father and his girlfriend. They are excellent characters the reader will love to hate.
With the secondary characters and their storylines, the author gives us a great look into Amish life and the relationship between family members. We can look into parent-child relations, siblings relating to one another some successfully, others not so, the bonds between married couples, and the expectation of new life when almost all hope was lost. It’s beautiful and inspiring. However, since Breath of Spring is the fourth book in a series, I was completely lost at first. You can’t help but feel that you began reading right in the middle of the action, so it is very hard to be interested at first or to even care about the secondary characters as much as the author assumes one should. She did a great job of filling the reader in into the main details of each character’s story, but this is definitely one book that should be read as part of the series where it belongs.
This is a story of love in all its phases, of family bonds and family breakups, of redemption, and God’s mercy, compassion and strength in spite of our transgressions and our guilt. The story is also a wonderful reminder that “when my father and my mother forsake me,
then the LORD will take care of me.” (Psalm 27:10)
*I received a copy of this book through The Christian Manifesto in exchange of an honest review.
June 26, 2014
Spring is a time of renewal and for new beginnings and that is just what's in store for Annie Mae Knepp. After standing up to her father, the ex-bishop of Willow Ridge, a small Amish community nestled in the heartland of Missouri. When her father conned most of the towns residents with less than reputable dealings and left to create another community called Higher Ground, he had expected Annie Mae and her sister Naomi to join him. It simply is the Amish way to honor and obey your parents, but that is not what she did. She stood her ground and refused to go. Now faced with the challenges of supporting her and her sister, she gets a job as a waitress at the Sweet Seasons Cafe.
It's something she did naturally, caring for people and seeing to their needs. In fact, the entire town is supporting her efforts and has vowed to make sure that Annie Mae and Naomi are cared for in whatever they need. Annie Mae just never figured she would find love, but God has other plans. Adam Wagler is the one person who notices more about Annie Mae than simply what's on the menu and how she caters to those who dine at the cafe. It's the little things, like how she squints when looking at the menu or trying to see small print on things and offers her a spare pair of glasses. At first Annie is offended because she thinks that they make her look worse than they do. In fact she seems to have a low self esteem since her overbearing father drove most of the eligible young men away from courting her when he was around. But that is not the case anymore and most of the young men seem to take notice of this as well. But the last thing Adam has on his mind is courting Annie but everyone else can see what he apparently can't. That he can't take his eyes off of her whenever she is around.
I received Breath of Spring from Charlotte Hubbard compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Zebra Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own. This is the fourth book in the Seasons of the Heart Series and truly is a breath of fresh spring air. I love going back to the lives of the people in Willow Ridge, the one's I've come to know as friends from Charlotte's previous novels, Summer of Secrets, Autumn Winds and Winter of Wishes. The best part of her novels is that she keeps the characters real. They aren't perfect even if their lives are simple. They deal with the same issues we all do, but they have their faith as their foundation to support them. They deal with family problems, financial challenges and problems of the heart much like we all do. That is what I believe makes you fall in love with each book in this captivating and heart warming series. For me, it was like coming home and well deserving of 5 out of 5 stars.
It's something she did naturally, caring for people and seeing to their needs. In fact, the entire town is supporting her efforts and has vowed to make sure that Annie Mae and Naomi are cared for in whatever they need. Annie Mae just never figured she would find love, but God has other plans. Adam Wagler is the one person who notices more about Annie Mae than simply what's on the menu and how she caters to those who dine at the cafe. It's the little things, like how she squints when looking at the menu or trying to see small print on things and offers her a spare pair of glasses. At first Annie is offended because she thinks that they make her look worse than they do. In fact she seems to have a low self esteem since her overbearing father drove most of the eligible young men away from courting her when he was around. But that is not the case anymore and most of the young men seem to take notice of this as well. But the last thing Adam has on his mind is courting Annie but everyone else can see what he apparently can't. That he can't take his eyes off of her whenever she is around.
I received Breath of Spring from Charlotte Hubbard compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Zebra Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own. This is the fourth book in the Seasons of the Heart Series and truly is a breath of fresh spring air. I love going back to the lives of the people in Willow Ridge, the one's I've come to know as friends from Charlotte's previous novels, Summer of Secrets, Autumn Winds and Winter of Wishes. The best part of her novels is that she keeps the characters real. They aren't perfect even if their lives are simple. They deal with the same issues we all do, but they have their faith as their foundation to support them. They deal with family problems, financial challenges and problems of the heart much like we all do. That is what I believe makes you fall in love with each book in this captivating and heart warming series. For me, it was like coming home and well deserving of 5 out of 5 stars.
July 26, 2021
This was Annie Mae's story (book 4). The narrator voice was calm and the voices were distinctive. I have enjoyed all of the Seasons of the Hearts series.
May 25, 2014
I absolutely love Amish fiction. I was excited to see a new series that I thought wasn't one that you had to read from the very start a'la Beverly Lewis, and that's kind of the case here in some aspects and in others, you feel like you should have read the other 3 books before diving in. I know I would have liked to have known more of Annie Mae's situation going into this book and what had really transpired between her and her father, the former bishop.
Annie is taking care of her siblings after her father leaves to start his own Amish community in Higher Ground. It doesn't take long to see that her Dat was not a very nice man, and actually rather abusive. Then there's Adam Wagler that she affectionately calls "Short Stack" because of his height.
I loved Adam. He wasn't really the typical Amish hero. He has his own demons and a lot of insecurities, but it is easy to see his heart belongs to Annie, even though she's not sure she should marry, what with her taking care of her siblings.
There's a lot of drama to this book. Some felt more realistic then others. I found Annie's relationships with both Luke and Yonnie hard to take. She was showing a bit more sexual awakening but there was other drama that clouded it. When her feelings for Adam started showing it was more of a sweet romance.
I felt Annie's feelings were just too all over the place at times, and though she didn't know what she wanted from any of the men in her life or from her religion, it made her actions with these guys a little difficult to deal with. Annie seems like an overall smart girl, but when she was with Yonnie or Luke, both of which were no good, her common sense seems to fly out the window.
I still enjoyed this book and I look forward to trying some of the recipes at the end (The descriptions of the food at the Sweet Season's Cafe will have your mouth watering).
I have another book from this series on my TBR pile, but will buy the first two before I tackle it, so I can really know the characters better.
Annie is taking care of her siblings after her father leaves to start his own Amish community in Higher Ground. It doesn't take long to see that her Dat was not a very nice man, and actually rather abusive. Then there's Adam Wagler that she affectionately calls "Short Stack" because of his height.
I loved Adam. He wasn't really the typical Amish hero. He has his own demons and a lot of insecurities, but it is easy to see his heart belongs to Annie, even though she's not sure she should marry, what with her taking care of her siblings.
There's a lot of drama to this book. Some felt more realistic then others. I found Annie's relationships with both Luke and Yonnie hard to take. She was showing a bit more sexual awakening but there was other drama that clouded it. When her feelings for Adam started showing it was more of a sweet romance.
I felt Annie's feelings were just too all over the place at times, and though she didn't know what she wanted from any of the men in her life or from her religion, it made her actions with these guys a little difficult to deal with. Annie seems like an overall smart girl, but when she was with Yonnie or Luke, both of which were no good, her common sense seems to fly out the window.
I still enjoyed this book and I look forward to trying some of the recipes at the end (The descriptions of the food at the Sweet Season's Cafe will have your mouth watering).
I have another book from this series on my TBR pile, but will buy the first two before I tackle it, so I can really know the characters better.
May 9, 2014
Charlotte Hubbard’s Breath of Spring is the fourth book in her “Seasons of the Heart” series. It is the story of Annie Mae Knepp, the daughter of Hiram Knepp, the wayward previous Bishop of the Amish Community of Willow Ridge. After her father’s excommunication, Annie Mae sets out to earn her own way by working at the Amish Sweet Seasons Café. She finds comfort in the routine of taking care of the local customers and even the English that frequent the cafe, but soon her routine is disturbed once more by her father and her past. Adam Wagler, Sweet Seasons customer, vintage motorcycle owner and the boy next door affectionately called “Short Stack”, finds himself thinking more and more about Annie Mae. Suddenly, after one of his remodeling jobs, Adam discovers that he must rescue Annie Mae from an old boyfriend and save her smallest siblings from their father to boot. One thing leads to another and the two friends realize that they are perfect for each other, but, after a tragic accident left him devastated, Adam has sworn off all thoughts of courting or marriage and Annie Mae has committed herself to remaining a maidel as she cares for her five siblings. Of course, eventually, they find they are better together than apart. This was my first Amish romance and I really enjoyed the sweet romance that developed between the main characters, as well as the other romances that seemed to be blossoming around the Sweet Seasons Café. While this book is certainly fulfilling on its own, if you aren’t familiar with Hubbard’s “Seasons of the Heart” series, I would recommend starting at the beginning with Summer of Secrets as it takes a while to get acquainted with the Plain folk of Willow Ridge.
May 12, 2014
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.
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.
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