The Christmas Cradle

Charlotte Hubbard

Sep 2015 · Seasons of the Heart Book 6 · Zebra Books

About this ebook

A merry and moving holiday novel from the author of Harvest of Blessings, “a heartwarming new voice for fans of Beverly Lewis” (Emma Miller, author of An Amish Mystery series).
 
For the peaceful town of Willow Ridge, November presents an early holiday surprise. Stranded in the snow, 18-year-old Lena Esh and her boyfriend Josiah Witmer need more than a place to stay for the night. Lena defied her strict family and their judgmental beliefs to run away with Josiah and have his baby. But she’s starting to wonder if he can prove as responsible as he is passionate. And she isn’t sure how—or if—they can ever find a place to truly call home.

Expecting their own miracle baby, Miriam and Ben Hooley rally the town to help the young couple, and Lena draws strength from their unexpected support. Though trouble may come calling, in this season of joyous rebirth, a little child will lead them. And two couples will see their dreams of forever family come true . . .
 
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
 
“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
 
“These very special books will sit proudly on my keeper shelf!”—Romance Reviews Today

Ratings and reviews

The Christmas Cradle by Charlotte Hubbard is the sixth book in Seasons of the Heart series. Ben and Miriam Hooley are expecting a baby. Miriam never thought she would ever have another child. It has been twenty-two years since she gave birth to the triplets. They baby is due around Christmas. Ben is working on a special gift for Miriam and the baby. One night while it is snowing heavily a buggy comes up their lane. Ben can hear the couple arguing inside the smithy. Josiah Witmer and Magdalena “Lena” Esh have been traveling in the buggy for many hours. Lena is eight months pregnant and is exhausted. Josiah was offered a job at a supper club in Higher Ground by Hiram Knepp (I just groaned when I read this little tidbit). Ben offers the couple a place to stay for the night (because of the storm), but he also hopes to convince them not to go to Higher Ground. Getting Josiah to listen to them will be difficult. Unfortunately, Josiah is determined, hot headed, and makes rash decisions (without consulting other people involved). Lena thought the offer was too good to be true, but she is unable to go home. Her parents told her that if she left with Josiah, she would not be welcomed back home (they are not married). Josiah and Lena are very young to be starting a family especially on the wrong foot. Can everyone in Willow Ridge help this young couple? If Josiah does stay in Willow Ridge, what will Hiram Knepp do to the townspeople (especially poor Miriam)? What will Miriam and Ben name their newest child (it’s different but fits with the family)? The Christmas Cradle is a lovely, heartwarming story. I enjoyed every bit of this book. It has a wonderful setting (Willow Ridge, Missouri), some great characters (Miriam, Ben, the triplets, Tom Hostetler, etc.), and good messages. The Christmas Cradle is well-written and will have you engaged from the very first page. I give The Christmas Cradle 5 out of 5 stars. I especially loved the ending of The Christmas Cradle (it is just delightful). I received a complimentary copy of The Christmas Cradle from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wonderful!!!

About the author

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle. 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 all her Amish romance series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician, and a choir member. 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. Please visit her at charlottehubbard.com.