Abby Finds Her Calling by Naomi King - Review

Abby Finds Her Calling: Home at Cedar Creek, Book 1 by Naomi King

Published: February 28, 2012

Publisher: New American Library 

The Lambright family's eldest daughter, Abby, runs her own sewing shop. There, she mends the town's clothes and their torn relationships. But the town maiden has sworn off any suitors of her own because of her unrequited love for James Graber, who is about to marry her younger sister, Zanna.

On the wedding day, Zanna is nowhere to be found, breaking James' heart. Zanna has brought shame to her family, but there's more in store for them when they discover how far she has fallen. Long-buried secrets come to light, and they test the bonds of the Cedar Creek community. Abby is at the center of it all, trying to maintain everyone's happiness. But will she ever find her own?

My Review:

James and Zanna are planning to be married, but she runs off on her wedding day. When she is found, secrets come out that will turn their little Amish community upside down. Abby, Zanna's sister, has been friends with James most of her life, but she is also secretly in love with him. Abby must put aside her personal feelings to help support her sister, her friend, and her family.

Most of this book revolves around Zanna and her secret which has repercussions for the whole Amish community. However, Abby is in the center of it all. When you read closely, you discover the book is actually about Abby's quiet faith in God and following what He wants her to do so that she is able to help her family. It is an inspirational story that brings you a sense of peacefulness when you read it and reminds you to stand strong in your beliefs and your faith.

When I first agreed to read this book, I didn't realize that I also had another one from the same author but written under another name. I enjoyed reading this book as well as the other one. Naomi King is a skilled writer who easily engages you in the lives of the characters she has created. 

A copy was provided by the author for review.

About the author:

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian NAOMI KING writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Home at Cedar Creek series. Like her series heroine, Abby Lambright, Naomi considers it her personal mission to be a listener—to heal broken hearts and wounded souls—and to share her hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and frugality are hallmarks of her lifestyle: like Abby, she made her wedding dress and the one her mom wore, too! She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to travel, try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Naomi now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie, Ramona. 

You can find out more about Naomi King on her website. 

Naomi King also writes as Charlotte Hubbard. Please see my review of Summer of Secrets.

Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard - Review

Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard
Expected publication: February 7, 2012
Publisher: Zebra, Kensington Publishing Corp.
Genre: Inspirational Romance

Welcome to Willow Ridge, Missouri! In this cozy Amish town along the banks of the river, the Old Ways are celebrated at the Sweet Seasons Bakery Cafe, and love is a gift God gives with grace. As summer arrives, Rachel Lantz is looking forward to a whole new season in her life - marriage to strapping carpenter Micah Brenneman, her childhood sweetheart. When a strange Englisher arrives in the cafe claiming to be the long-lost sister of Rachel and her twin Rhoda, Rachel feels the sturdy foundation of her future crumbling - including Micah's steadfast love. As the days heat up and tempers flare, Rachel and Micah will learn that even when God's plan isn't clear, it will always lead them back to each other.

My review:
Rachel and Rhoda Lantz grew up in traditional Amish culture. They are enjoying helping their mother in the cafe she was allowed to own as a way to support her family after the death of her husband, and Rachel and Micah are getting ready to let their community know that they are planning to get married. When their long lost sister suddenly shows up and the twins find out they were actually born as triplets, their world is turned upside down. Now Rachel questions if she will still be getting married, and the bishop isn't happy with the developments related to the sister's sudden appearance. "Rebecca" is the complete opposite of the Amish, and she isn't so sure she wants any part of it.

I am almost always interested in books that delve into the Amish faith, and Summer of Secrets didn't disappoint. Charlotte Hubbard did an excellent job describing the Amish culture, their beliefs, and the way they do as they are told by their bishop, no questions asked (usually). The differences in Rebecca and the Amish were also perfectly laid out, and the unconditional love that Miriam (the mom) had for the daughter she didn't get a chance to raise was easy to see. This isn't just a book about the Amish. It is also about faith in God, and if that faith can help you overcome difficult obstacles and reconcile extreme differences. I enjoyed reading this, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction.

A copy was provided by the publisher for review.

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 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.

To find out more about Charlotte or her work please visit http://www.charlottehubbard.com.