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Melinda Foster #6
The Bright Season
A new romance, a stash of old love letters … a season she won’t soon forget.
Moving to the country has given Melinda a new set of skills, but does she have what it takes to fix matters of the heart? It’s hard enough to let the past go, and let a new love in. But when a mysterious box is pulled from her farmhouse’s crawlspace, she’s torn between protecting the former owner’s privacy and tracking down the woman he once loved.
Prosper’s Main Street may appear deserted on these sleepy summer afternoons, but there’s plenty happening behind the scenes. One Prosper resident is ruffling feathers with her grand plans for the tiny town, and a new Fourth of July contest sparks a competitive spirit that’s as American as apple pie.
But as the temperature climbs, the shadow of hard times falls over the rural community. Can Melinda make the tough choices that will keep her dreams from turning to dust?
Moving to the country has given Melinda a new set of skills, but does she have what it takes to fix matters of the heart? It’s hard enough to let the past go, and let a new love in. But when a mysterious box is pulled from her farmhouse’s crawlspace, she’s torn between protecting the former owner’s privacy and tracking down the woman he once loved.
Prosper’s Main Street may appear deserted on these sleepy summer afternoons, but there’s plenty happening behind the scenes. One Prosper resident is ruffling feathers with her grand plans for the tiny town, and a new Fourth of July contest sparks a competitive spirit that’s as American as apple pie.
But as the temperature climbs, the shadow of hard times falls over the rural community. Can Melinda make the tough choices that will keep her dreams from turning to dust?
- GenresChick LitContemporary
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2019
2212 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Lageschulte
28 books290 followersMelanie Lageschulte is the author of the "Growing Season" women's fiction series. She grew up on an acreage in northern Iowa with a menagerie of four-footed friends. She’s spent much of her professional life telling the stories of Iowa and its residents, including several years as a features reporter and editor for the Des Moines Register. Melanie holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in American history from the University of Iowa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 6, 2020
Even though by now the main character is an old friend, I'm to the stage in this friendship where I'm frustrated by her lack of creativity and pluck--which she had in the first books. We spend too much time in this section of the series obsessed with the weather. Also, as a farmer and gardener this character is making some mistakes that don't really seem likely. I'm thinking the author really has no idea about sheep. We don't get enough continuation with the relationships that really matter, like the original and elderly previous owner of the farm, but instead at the mercy of a odd plot twist involving him. I can see what's coming by the way. Which is disappointing. This one is just so so. I wasn't compelled to keep reading so it took me a long time to read, more than usual. It could be the current times. I'm just plain having a hard time staying focused. So there's that.
October 25, 2019
This is one of those stories that makes you feel right at home with the surroundings, characters, cats and dog! The dog- Hobo, he is my dog hero!
This is the 6th book in the series, and I'm loving it! I look forward to the next book already!
This is the 6th book in the series, and I'm loving it! I look forward to the next book already!
December 19, 2023
3.5 stars
October 21, 2025
Edit: I went back and changed this rating to 2 stars after reading my own review. :/
Hmm. A grudging 3 stars, given with disappointment. :(
While I still like this series, the main character is starting to be the main issue for me. Her issues with men are my biggest issue (thank god these are NOT romance novels, because she would be insufferable), but her basic mismanagement of her farm that she "omg loves so much" is starting to wear as well. These two issues really joined together in this book too when her boyfriend, who has farm experience, gently points out that farms need to make money to work, that you can't just have a bunch of outgoing expenses and no plan and expect things to work themselves over time - and Melinda got soooo angry at him, so far as to tell him that he's insult her "life's work" - you know, the farm that she's owned for a whole 3 months. *eye roll* Of course, as per her normal reaction to men, she attacked him back and was purposefully hurtful and then later tried to justify her actions to herself by calling him a "stupid fool" (which she also did in the previous books with Evan). She's treating the farm like a pet palace, and it makes me roll me eyes multiple times throughout the book, which really takes me out of the story, and builds up the wrong kind of frustration.
The book is a moderate success *despite* of the main character, due to the fact that the other characters are so strong and likable. Especially Horace. I love Horace so much. <3 The story line with him was a bit heartbreaking,and was made worse by his family and Melinda keeping things from him and sneaking around. The fact that they were so intrusive towards his private life was explained away by saying they "had" to know more before they could tell him - there was a real cognitive disconnect between "have" and "want" here that was sad. :( Of course, since this is a "feel good" kind of story, it all worked out in the end and Horace was happy, but these novels are all based on the reading journey, not the outcome, and the journey in this case made me want to slap some sense into more than a few people.
Also, in addition to my growing dislike of some aspects of the main character's personality, her treatment of anyone that has an opinion different from her, and the mismanagement of the farm and animals, there has been an increasing insertion of religion into the past few books, and it hit a bit of a grating level in this one. The hypocritical "praying for bad things to stop" was in direct opposition to the "when every door closes, one opens" line that Melinda has been preaching the whole series. The whole "God was watching out for you last night,” idea made me laugh - all I could think was "Really? God was watching while the farm caught fire? That was crappy of him."
Overall, I'm disillusioned with the main character and her severe personality flaws, but still enamored with the setting. Since there's still one more book in the series, I'm going to go ahead and check it out - I've already come this far.
Hmm. A grudging 3 stars, given with disappointment. :(
While I still like this series, the main character is starting to be the main issue for me. Her issues with men are my biggest issue (thank god these are NOT romance novels, because she would be insufferable), but her basic mismanagement of her farm that she "omg loves so much" is starting to wear as well. These two issues really joined together in this book too when her boyfriend, who has farm experience, gently points out that farms need to make money to work, that you can't just have a bunch of outgoing expenses and no plan and expect things to work themselves over time - and Melinda got soooo angry at him, so far as to tell him that he's insult her "life's work" - you know, the farm that she's owned for a whole 3 months. *eye roll* Of course, as per her normal reaction to men, she attacked him back and was purposefully hurtful and then later tried to justify her actions to herself by calling him a "stupid fool" (which she also did in the previous books with Evan). She's treating the farm like a pet palace, and it makes me roll me eyes multiple times throughout the book, which really takes me out of the story, and builds up the wrong kind of frustration.
The book is a moderate success *despite* of the main character, due to the fact that the other characters are so strong and likable. Especially Horace. I love Horace so much. <3 The story line with him was a bit heartbreaking,and was made worse by his family and Melinda keeping things from him and sneaking around. The fact that they were so intrusive towards his private life was explained away by saying they "had" to know more before they could tell him - there was a real cognitive disconnect between "have" and "want" here that was sad. :( Of course, since this is a "feel good" kind of story, it all worked out in the end and Horace was happy, but these novels are all based on the reading journey, not the outcome, and the journey in this case made me want to slap some sense into more than a few people.
Also, in addition to my growing dislike of some aspects of the main character's personality, her treatment of anyone that has an opinion different from her, and the mismanagement of the farm and animals, there has been an increasing insertion of religion into the past few books, and it hit a bit of a grating level in this one. The hypocritical "praying for bad things to stop" was in direct opposition to the "when every door closes, one opens" line that Melinda has been preaching the whole series. The whole "God was watching out for you last night,” idea made me laugh - all I could think was "Really? God was watching while the farm caught fire? That was crappy of him."
Overall, I'm disillusioned with the main character and her severe personality flaws, but still enamored with the setting. Since there's still one more book in the series, I'm going to go ahead and check it out - I've already come this far.
October 23, 2019
The Bright Season
I thought this was the last book in this series, and was sad to see it end. Just found out there will be another , and one more to follow that one. Can not wait to see them come out. This is a great series!
I thought this was the last book in this series, and was sad to see it end. Just found out there will be another , and one more to follow that one. Can not wait to see them come out. This is a great series!
October 25, 2019
Fantastic romance
This novel is as great as the ones that preceded it. Great romance, great characters and great story line. I'm just upset because I have to wait so long for next one.
This novel is as great as the ones that preceded it. Great romance, great characters and great story line. I'm just upset because I have to wait so long for next one.
October 26, 2019
A wonderful feel good book.
This has been a good series and I am glad there will be two more books to complete it. Will be looking forward to reading more about these people who have become so familiar.
This has been a good series and I am glad there will be two more books to complete it. Will be looking forward to reading more about these people who have become so familiar.
October 27, 2019
Summer has come to Prosper Iowa
This book is like a visit with a good friend. Melinda's little farm needs attention and a drought is making it harder. Romance is blossoming but so are complications.
This book is like a visit with a good friend. Melinda's little farm needs attention and a drought is making it harder. Romance is blossoming but so are complications.
May 15, 2021
In the previous book, Melinda was finally able to buy the farm and begin some desperately-needed home renovations. She also had made it thru the hard winter and had begun to look ahead to her summer garden. This installment takes place during the summer.
Melinda has planted her garden and things are looking promising, when a major drought hits. Not only does her harvest look puny, but everything is very very dry and there is little to no grass for her large group of sheep to eat. Melinda is having to learn that a budget is necessary in order to run her farm efficiently, so she can do unexpected things like buy more hay for the sheep to eat to make up for the lack of grass for grazing. I loved reading about the gardening aspect of this story (even though the drought stressed Melinda so much). The veggie garden has been my favorite part of this series from the beginning. Although it was tough for Melinda, I enjoyed reading about how she had to adapt her management of the farm due to the high cost of maintaining things.
There are a few little subplots going on that, honestly, didn't interest me as much as the day-to-day running of Melinda's farm. Melinda is very active in her small community of Prosper, Iowa, so there were things like a ladies' luncheon and a July 4 festival that took up page space. If anything, it just helped me to envision life in a place like Prosper. There is also a subplot involving the previous owner of the farm, Horace, and a huge secret from his past.
Of note, Melinda has begun a romance with one of the characters that was introduced in the last story. I can hardly believe this series made it through five complete books before Melinda started dating someone. In truth, I really liked that because she took a lot of time to get her life in order after her big move out of the city after she lost her job. I appreciate that this relationship is developing slowly and is not the biggest part of this story. I do want positive things for Melinda, I want her to be happy in her new life as a farm in Prosper, Iowa.
These books are so darn good, so easygoing, so full of life with a garden and animals. I love them so much.
Melinda has planted her garden and things are looking promising, when a major drought hits. Not only does her harvest look puny, but everything is very very dry and there is little to no grass for her large group of sheep to eat. Melinda is having to learn that a budget is necessary in order to run her farm efficiently, so she can do unexpected things like buy more hay for the sheep to eat to make up for the lack of grass for grazing. I loved reading about the gardening aspect of this story (even though the drought stressed Melinda so much). The veggie garden has been my favorite part of this series from the beginning. Although it was tough for Melinda, I enjoyed reading about how she had to adapt her management of the farm due to the high cost of maintaining things.
There are a few little subplots going on that, honestly, didn't interest me as much as the day-to-day running of Melinda's farm. Melinda is very active in her small community of Prosper, Iowa, so there were things like a ladies' luncheon and a July 4 festival that took up page space. If anything, it just helped me to envision life in a place like Prosper. There is also a subplot involving the previous owner of the farm, Horace, and a huge secret from his past.
Of note, Melinda has begun a romance with one of the characters that was introduced in the last story. I can hardly believe this series made it through five complete books before Melinda started dating someone. In truth, I really liked that because she took a lot of time to get her life in order after her big move out of the city after she lost her job. I appreciate that this relationship is developing slowly and is not the biggest part of this story. I do want positive things for Melinda, I want her to be happy in her new life as a farm in Prosper, Iowa.
These books are so darn good, so easygoing, so full of life with a garden and animals. I love them so much.
May 23, 2020
The Bright Season by Melanie Lageschulte is the 6th book in this series. It follows the story of Melinda who has moved back home from the city to her small hometown, Prosper in Iowa, and has taken on a small farm and farmhouse. She continues with her life on the farm but this time she experiences a little bit of romance, both in her life and also in Horace’s, the previous owner of the farm. When a mysterious box is found when renovating the farmhouse, Melinda discovers a stash of old love letters. Melinda decides to track down Horace’s old love.
Once again I loved the slow pace and detail of this book, I love the characters and the plot line. It is a nice comforting read, of a slow pace of life in the country. There are to be another 2 books in this series and I am looking forward to reading them.
Once again I loved the slow pace and detail of this book, I love the characters and the plot line. It is a nice comforting read, of a slow pace of life in the country. There are to be another 2 books in this series and I am looking forward to reading them.
July 6, 2021
I have read all of the Melinda Foster novels, and I am very relieved that I enjoyed The Bright Season. After reading The Songbird Season (which I gave only 3 stars), I was not sure that I was going to want to continue the series. This disappointed me because I really enjoyed the first three, but the 4th one dragged a litle, and the 5th one was pretty boring. The Bright Season made me connect with the characters once again. The problems with the drought really resignated with me because of the similar problems we are having in my area now. Melinda's love life is starting to come into play, and although I didn't think I would like this addition to the series, I feel that it really drives the plot. However, the part about Horace and a lost love really tore at my heart. At first, I thought that the family was being overly dramatic, and I was afraid that this would be the straw that would make me put down the series forever. However, I started to think about what I would do if the same thing happened to a friend of mine. Would I tell him? Would I try to reunited him and his former sweetheart? I really didn't know, and how the characters decided to tackle the problem made it interesting for me. I am looking forward to reading the next novel in the series.
September 6, 2023
Of course there are complications. In the first place, Melinda is navigating a new romance, renovating her house, running her drought-ridden farm, and working full time. I don't know when she finds time to go to the bathroom. Add finding some letters that gets the whole Schermman family concerned about Horace, and...well, darn that drought! I have enjoyed the first 6 books of this series, that I just ordered the last four and the first 2 in a new mystery series by this author. Although the publisher of this series says it is in DE Moines, Iowa, the last page in the book says Coppell, TX. It is the Y in Coppell, TX, where TR and I attend water aerobics classes. Could she live right here???
August 16, 2021
SPOLIER*******************************
I enjoyed the previous books more, I found that Melida had turned into someone who was hugely intrusive and nosey into the life of someone (Horace) she claimed to respect. Why on earth would she think it was her business to go looking for someone who had written him letters years ago and spread his business about? I did not like this aspect or the argument with Chase, Melinda came across as very self righteous. This was all tempered by the excellent story about the fire and the devastation that farmers face in time of drought and wild fire.
I enjoyed the previous books more, I found that Melida had turned into someone who was hugely intrusive and nosey into the life of someone (Horace) she claimed to respect. Why on earth would she think it was her business to go looking for someone who had written him letters years ago and spread his business about? I did not like this aspect or the argument with Chase, Melinda came across as very self righteous. This was all tempered by the excellent story about the fire and the devastation that farmers face in time of drought and wild fire.
June 21, 2023
“ A mailbox beaten up by a snowplow in a winter storm”
I never take part in reviews of books but I want to say I am enjoying these books by this Author why? One comment she made that only a person who lived this farm life in the country would know, a beaten up mail box from last winters snow plowing, sealed the deal this woman has had a experience with what happens to a mail box in a bad winter! She lived what she wrote or if not she had someone tell her this as it is not something just known. I like her writing it is compassionate telling a real story.
I never take part in reviews of books but I want to say I am enjoying these books by this Author why? One comment she made that only a person who lived this farm life in the country would know, a beaten up mail box from last winters snow plowing, sealed the deal this woman has had a experience with what happens to a mail box in a bad winter! She lived what she wrote or if not she had someone tell her this as it is not something just known. I like her writing it is compassionate telling a real story.
August 14, 2020
Drought Season
Melinda is learning the hard way, that a drought and eighteen sheep, and hay prices on the rise, are not a good mix. When the electrician s come to replace the farm wiring, they find a box of love letters stashed in the walls. Chase and Melinda are starting to date. Everyone is praying for rain. The men of Prosper, have a pie baking contest on the fourth of July. Read and enjoy!
Melinda is learning the hard way, that a drought and eighteen sheep, and hay prices on the rise, are not a good mix. When the electrician s come to replace the farm wiring, they find a box of love letters stashed in the walls. Chase and Melinda are starting to date. Everyone is praying for rain. The men of Prosper, have a pie baking contest on the fourth of July. Read and enjoy!
December 26, 2020
Farm life ,Melinda has found to be fulfilling, but also full of fear & hard decisions.
as sounds settled into her farm life, sfHe faces any hard decisions. will she find love or ill she find defeat? Loving all ofb friends and how she has become a vital member of the community? . now it is on to the next book. Have to keep reading: such a great story on to the next book. Melinda' lifeis getting more and mire interesting.
as sounds settled into her farm life, sfHe faces any hard decisions. will she find love or ill she find defeat? Loving all ofb friends and how she has become a vital member of the community? . now it is on to the next book. Have to keep reading: such a great story on to the next book. Melinda' lifeis getting more and mire interesting.
August 22, 2022
I keep books on my Kindle to read at night in bed. For this purpose, I choose books that are light, without serious issues and without anything that will keep me thinking.
This 10 book series is great! It is interesting, well-written and I've learned a few things about the challenges of small town farming that I find I enjoy reading about.
The characters are mostly likeable and are developed enough to get a sense of who they are.
In short, it's a perfect series for what I want just before falling asleep or if I wake up and want to read during the night.
I'm a definite fan!
This 10 book series is great! It is interesting, well-written and I've learned a few things about the challenges of small town farming that I find I enjoy reading about.
The characters are mostly likeable and are developed enough to get a sense of who they are.
In short, it's a perfect series for what I want just before falling asleep or if I wake up and want to read during the night.
I'm a definite fan!
July 7, 2020
The love season
I like that the author did current and historical love issues in one book. I honestly expected all of this with the spring but it sure made summer more bearable. Coupled with the issues farmers face constantly really helped my appreciation of living in Iowa pat and present. Good job
I like that the author did current and historical love issues in one book. I honestly expected all of this with the spring but it sure made summer more bearable. Coupled with the issues farmers face constantly really helped my appreciation of living in Iowa pat and present. Good job
January 13, 2021
Not my favorite. The subplot with Horace made no sense (Maggie couldn’t find him? In the same house he’d lived his entire life in?) Melinda’s mismanagement of her finances (a pet peeve in the other books) has finally caught up with her, and I was glad to see this addressed, although she was a real brat about it. I appreciate that the romance hasn’t overly consumed the book.
April 27, 2021
Absolutely love this series
If you have made it to book 6, you probably know you have found a great series. I have actually read through book 8 and just took a moment to say...keep reading. You will feel like you are at Prosper Hardware with your friends and enjoying small town life.I can just imagine the coffee and baked treats!
If you have made it to book 6, you probably know you have found a great series. I have actually read through book 8 and just took a moment to say...keep reading. You will feel like you are at Prosper Hardware with your friends and enjoying small town life.I can just imagine the coffee and baked treats!
May 2, 2022
Once more, a cozy visit to Prosper where Melanie is dealing with a brutal summer heat wave and the surprise found in the old farmhouse when the walls are torn up to replace old wiring. A near disaster has her making more hard choices, and coming to grips with the realities of farm living. Easy reading and just as charming as the previous five books.
June 30, 2022
Great Series!
This is the sixth book of this series and each one is special but moves along with the life of the central character, Melinda, keeps up with the previous characters and adds new people. It's a realistic taste of small town, rural life of a farmer. It's a very interesting and enjoyable series.
This is the sixth book of this series and each one is special but moves along with the life of the central character, Melinda, keeps up with the previous characters and adds new people. It's a realistic taste of small town, rural life of a farmer. It's a very interesting and enjoyable series.
February 12, 2024
More like real life
I have read the books in order, and enjoyed each one of them. I grew up in a small town in Iowa, and it's fun to read the names of towns and places that really do exist. The books give a somewhat romanticized, but fairly realistic picture of small town life. Looking forward to the next book.
I have read the books in order, and enjoyed each one of them. I grew up in a small town in Iowa, and it's fun to read the names of towns and places that really do exist. The books give a somewhat romanticized, but fairly realistic picture of small town life. Looking forward to the next book.
April 6, 2020
Another winner
I just love the simple country life full of gossip friends and history. Can't wait for autumn! Hoping for more answers regarding Horace and Maggie's reunion and possibly love for Melinda.
I just love the simple country life full of gossip friends and history. Can't wait for autumn! Hoping for more answers regarding Horace and Maggie's reunion and possibly love for Melinda.
April 7, 2020
Wonderful Series
So enjoyed this series..couldn't stop until I finished the latest one!! Could just see all the characters and how they lived their lives. The descriptive writing was so beautiful and I fell in love with the humans and animals, too! Must read!!
So enjoyed this series..couldn't stop until I finished the latest one!! Could just see all the characters and how they lived their lives. The descriptive writing was so beautiful and I fell in love with the humans and animals, too! Must read!!
April 19, 2020
The Bright Season Of Lambs
Melanie doesn't disappoint...She has made this series such a joy to read...Each time I finish 1 ..I can't wait for the next chapter of Horace s Lamb Legacy
Melanie doesn't disappoint...She has made this series such a joy to read...Each time I finish 1 ..I can't wait for the next chapter of Horace s Lamb Legacy
June 29, 2020
Another great book in this series
I have fallen in love with this town, the farm and the characters. There is always something going on so there's never a dull moment. Can't wait to read more about these characters in the next book.
I have fallen in love with this town, the farm and the characters. There is always something going on so there's never a dull moment. Can't wait to read more about these characters in the next book.
July 17, 2020
Wonderful
I am so enjoying this series. It is wonderful to read these and drift away into the lives of these characters. I am so relaxed while read these books and so content after. Please continue this series.
I am so enjoying this series. It is wonderful to read these and drift away into the lives of these characters. I am so relaxed while read these books and so content after. Please continue this series.
August 3, 2020
4 Stars
4 stars for The Bright Season book 6. Melissa's farm is in danger due to a drought. And, a new mystery appears as old love letters are discovered as repairs are underway inside the old farmhouse.
4 stars for The Bright Season book 6. Melissa's farm is in danger due to a drought. And, a new mystery appears as old love letters are discovered as repairs are underway inside the old farmhouse.
August 4, 2020
Horace and Maggie reunited
Melinda was committed to finding this Maggie who had written love letters to Horace in their youth. After hours of sleuthing, she discovered a Magdalena in the archives of the County. After further investigation, the long-lost Maggie was found.
Melinda was committed to finding this Maggie who had written love letters to Horace in their youth. After hours of sleuthing, she discovered a Magdalena in the archives of the County. After further investigation, the long-lost Maggie was found.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews