The Christmas Cradle

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!!!