A Simple Wish

A Simple Wish by Charlotte Hubbard is the second book in a Simple Gifts series. Loretta Riehl is surprised when Will Gingerich expresses his interest in courting her again. She no longer feels the same way about Will, but she has definite feelings about Drew Detweiler. Loretta is ready to spread her wings and get out from under her father’s thumb (and away from his moods). She accepts a position working at Simple Gifts craft shop owned by Nora Hooley. Nora provides a place for local crafts people to sell their goods and she provides guidance for the women in the community. Cornelius Riehl is a difficult man to live since the passing of his wife. Drew cannot help but notice that Cornelius makes numerous buying trips for clock parts. Drew is curious and sets out to get answers (maybe find out why Cornelius is so stern) with the help of the Hooley’s. He is hoping to help improve Loretta’s relationship with her father. But you know what they say about the best of intentions! A Simple Wish is well-written and pleasurable to read. It has lovely, well-constructed characters and a beautiful, caring town. I do not recommend starting with A Simple Wish (you should start with Summer of Secrets). It would be too confusing for a new reader. There are numerous characters with convoluted relationships (Simple Gifts series is a spin-off from Seasons of the Heart series). It is nice to return to Willow Ridge and catch up with these great characters. There is just the right amount of humor along with compassion, love, caring, hope, suspicion, and worry along with much more. It showcases real people with complicated relationships and life issues. My rating for A Simple Wish is 4 out of 5 stars. There is some predictability to the story (mostly with the romance). It was nice to see Rebecca find someone to care about in A Simple Wish. The story talks about forgiveness which is difficult to do as we can see in A Simple Wish. I look forward to more books in the Simple Gifts series.