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Hometown Cinderella \ The Inn at Hope Springs
After years traveling in Europe with her musician husband, all that widow Mara Hoffman wants is security for her son. A half-share in her father's Maine farmhouse is the only refuge she has left, even if her resentful stepmother treats Mara as little more than a servant. But there is one bright spot: the unexpected kindness of neighbor Gideon Jakeman.
A widowed farmer with a teenage daughter, Gideon hardly pictures himself as anyone's Prince Charming. Especially a woman of Mara's refinement. Yet his quiet, rugged strength makes her feel as though she's found her rightful place by his side, if they can find faith enough to forge their own happy ending.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Axtell Morren
21 books76 followersRuth Axtell Morren wrote her first story when she was 12--a spy thriller--and knew she wanted to be a writer.
There were many detours along the way as she pursued more realistic goals. She studied comparative literature at Smith College, where she received a Bachelor's degree; spent her junior year in Paris; taught English and lived as an au pair in the Canary Islands; worked in international development in Miami, Florida. It was there she met her husband, a Dutchman from Suriname, who took her to the Netherlands to live for six years.
In Holland Ruth began crafting her first serious story in between having children Justin, Adaja and Andre. It was there, too, she gained her first recognition as a writer when she made the finals in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest in 1994.
After the initial euphoria wore off, it was still several years before she made any progress. Ruth and her family moved back to the U.S. to the east coast of Maine. It was the ideal location--surrounded by spruce and fir, a short walk from the rocky seashore--to hunker down in front of her computer and write the stories simmering at the back of her mind.
Ruth's inner journey of faith parallels her outward journey--seemingly circuitous, sometimes wandering in the desert--yet ever-guided by the Good Shepherd.
Ruth currently teaches Spanish to her children and a small group of elementary school children in an after-school program. She also enjoys gardening and has recently learned to knit. Living in rural Maine has given her an opportunity to learn to start a fire in a woodstove on a cold winter morning, shovel snow and realize how many stars are in the sky at night.
also writes under the name Ruth Axtell
There were many detours along the way as she pursued more realistic goals. She studied comparative literature at Smith College, where she received a Bachelor's degree; spent her junior year in Paris; taught English and lived as an au pair in the Canary Islands; worked in international development in Miami, Florida. It was there she met her husband, a Dutchman from Suriname, who took her to the Netherlands to live for six years.
In Holland Ruth began crafting her first serious story in between having children Justin, Adaja and Andre. It was there, too, she gained her first recognition as a writer when she made the finals in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest in 1994.
After the initial euphoria wore off, it was still several years before she made any progress. Ruth and her family moved back to the U.S. to the east coast of Maine. It was the ideal location--surrounded by spruce and fir, a short walk from the rocky seashore--to hunker down in front of her computer and write the stories simmering at the back of her mind.
Ruth's inner journey of faith parallels her outward journey--seemingly circuitous, sometimes wandering in the desert--yet ever-guided by the Good Shepherd.
Ruth currently teaches Spanish to her children and a small group of elementary school children in an after-school program. She also enjoys gardening and has recently learned to knit. Living in rural Maine has given her an opportunity to learn to start a fire in a woodstove on a cold winter morning, shovel snow and realize how many stars are in the sky at night.
also writes under the name Ruth Axtell
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 29, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Hometown Cinderella by Ruth Axtell Morren, ©2012
By page 33, before finishing Chapter 2, I was ready for Mara to shake off those mourning clothes and marry her neighbor! What a delightful daughter he has. So sweet and earnest. Then having to go home to crabby Mrs. Blackstone. Ugh. Mara Keller's father and husband have passed away and she has been given half ownership in her father's home. Only... it includes his widow who is far from congenial.
Mara Keller has a young son who is eager to be doted on by Mr. Jakeman. Oh, I haven't introduced everyone to you. It is autumn of 1884, in the countryside of Eagle's Bay, Maine, a small coastal community. Mara meets the neighbors on her first Sunday at church, Gideon Jakeman and his fourteen year old daughter, Lizzie. Lizzie's mother died when she was young and she and her father farm near Mrs. Blackstone and Mara's property. Mara's little son, Dietrich, is six. He was sitting between Gideon and Mara and was a little more wiggly than Mrs. Blackstone liked. Gideon makes a paper bird for him and after church tells Mara that Dietrich is welcome to his farm anytime to spread his legs and energy. Upon returning home, Mrs. Blackstone reminds Mara that she is newly widowed and doesn't need gossip to upset her (Mrs. B's) life!
On Monday, walking back from town after looking for employment, Mara is met by the Jakemans returning from town and they invite her to ride with them in their wagon. Mrs. Blackstone is not agreeable to Mara taking her buggy without taking Mrs. Blackstone as well. To his befuddlement, Mara asks to be dropped off before arriving at her home. Socially acceptable behavior ~ for Mrs. Blackstone's prying, that would be!
So here we are, not yet out of Chapter 2, and I am wanting her life to change immediately! This is the first story I have read by Ruth Axtell and it is like being right there with them. So well written and clear. I am anxious to get back to the story to discover their journey! I hope it doesn't take too long to find each other. I want to meld these two families together. So much to give each other in hope, acceptance, and love.
Seasons change as they go from cider pressing, putting up cranberries, to surviving winter storms. This is a beautiful story. I have missed author Leisha Kelly who passed away two years ago in January. Her last published work was The House on Malcolm Street. Reading Hometown Cinderella reminded me of her writings. So genuine as families grow together, parent with child, and those near them. I would love to read a sequel to Hometown Cinderella as their lives continue to unfold. As I mentioned, I really liked Lizzie Jakeman, Gideon's daughter. He has loved her well. His concern for others gives life.
Also, so apparent is criticism. Are we aware of our words? Crushing, or uplifting? Mrs. Blackstone is drowning in her bitterness. Thankfully, Mara Keller looks to the Lord for direction for herself and her son.
I give this story a five-plus rating! Highly recommend.
BACK COVER
Love Inspired Historical, Hometown Cinderella
Small Town, Big Dreams
After years traveling in Europe with her musician husband, all that widow Mara Keller wants is security for her son. A half-share in her father’s Maine farmhouse is the only refuge she has left, even if her resentful stepmother treats Mara as little more than a servant. But there is one bright spot: the unexpected kindness of neighbor Gideon Jakeman.
A widowed farmer with a teenage daughter, Gideon hardly pictures himself as anyone’s Prince Charming. Especially a woman of Mara’s refinement. Yet his quiet, rugged strength makes her feel as though she’s found her rightful place by his side, if they can find faith enough to forge their own happy ending.
EXCERPT
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Before Carina could reprimand him for scuffing it, Dietrich suddenly leaned forward, reaching for his mug of milk. Mr. Jakeman rose a fraction from his seat, as if to grab the boy’s plate from his knee. Instead, his own cup fell from its saucer and hit the edge of the table.
Mara watched in horror, extending a hand as if she could stop the fall, but instead, hearing the shatter of porcelain.
She rose and rushed to the sofa, seeing the puddle of tea against the floorboards and three large pieces of porcelain scattered about.
Not hearing the sounds of voices around her—“I’m sorry,” “Mama, Mr. Jakeman broke your cup—”, “I’ll get a rag—” Mara knelt down, crowded between Dietrich’s legs and the edge of the table. She picked up the largest piece of broken cup. It was true what Lizzie had said, it was like an eggshell.
The next moment, she felt the table being moved away from the sofa and Mr. Jakeman crouched down opposite her. “I’m awfully sorry, ma’am.”
Before she could think what to say, Carina stood behind him, craning to see what had broken. She broke out into a cackle. “One of the crown jewels! Serves you right!” She addressed Mr. Jakeman, “She was so proud of that set, carting it around everywhere, packing it up so carefully.” She sniffed. “Pride goeth before a fall!”
“Carina!” She shot her stepmother a look of mortification.
“That’s a shame,” Mr. Jakeman said softly. “I was clumsy.”
“Please think nothing of it. It wasn’t your fault.” She focused on the pieces on the floor. Mr. Jakeman’s large hands began to pick up the remaining pieces, making more evident how fragile they were.
“That’s all right, I can do that.”
“It didn’t break in too many pieces. Maybe you can glue it back together.”
She met his sorrow-filled eyes, not having the heart to disagree. Instead she smiled, trying to put a good face on things. “Yes. I can do that and use it as an ornament on my shelf.”
He nodded. “That’s a good idea.” He looked so hopeful her irritation and disappointment melted.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ruth has loved regencies ever since she read Pride and Prejudice and discovered Georgette Heyer in her high school years. Everything from the wit of the dialogue, the formality of the courtship and the variety of hero types draws her to this genre of romance. She will have a single title regency out in March 2013 for Baker/Revell Books and an Americana historical for Moody Publishers. Her books have been translated into Dutch, Italian, Polish, Czech and Afrikaans. She was a Golden Heart finalist in 1994. Her second published book, Wild Rose, was a Booklist “Top Ten Christian Fiction” selection in 2005. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), RWA (Romance Writers of America), HisWriters and Maine RWA. Ruth studied comparative literature at Smith College with a concentration in French and English literature, and spent her junior year in Paris. Since then she has lived in the Netherlands and the Canary Islands. Shortly after college, she committed her life to Christ. Fourteen years later, she committed her writing to Him. Currently, Ruth lives on the down east coast of Maine with her three children and two cats. She enjoys the challenge of vegetable and flower gardening in a cool, foggy climate, long walks, reading, watching British period dramas like Downton Abbey, and doing historical research for her novels.Find out more about Ruth at her website ruthaxtell[dot]com.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Thank you to author Ruth Axtell for sending me a copy of her book, Hometown Cinderella, to read and review in my own words. I am delighted to be introduced to this fine author! I think I would have titled this book, "A Way of the Heart," because of the beautiful way their pure hearts are discovered. Such joy and happiness await them. Their children will be fine friends as their story emerges.
Hometown Cinderella by Ruth Axtell Morren, ©2012
By page 33, before finishing Chapter 2, I was ready for Mara to shake off those mourning clothes and marry her neighbor! What a delightful daughter he has. So sweet and earnest. Then having to go home to crabby Mrs. Blackstone. Ugh. Mara Keller's father and husband have passed away and she has been given half ownership in her father's home. Only... it includes his widow who is far from congenial.
Mara Keller has a young son who is eager to be doted on by Mr. Jakeman. Oh, I haven't introduced everyone to you. It is autumn of 1884, in the countryside of Eagle's Bay, Maine, a small coastal community. Mara meets the neighbors on her first Sunday at church, Gideon Jakeman and his fourteen year old daughter, Lizzie. Lizzie's mother died when she was young and she and her father farm near Mrs. Blackstone and Mara's property. Mara's little son, Dietrich, is six. He was sitting between Gideon and Mara and was a little more wiggly than Mrs. Blackstone liked. Gideon makes a paper bird for him and after church tells Mara that Dietrich is welcome to his farm anytime to spread his legs and energy. Upon returning home, Mrs. Blackstone reminds Mara that she is newly widowed and doesn't need gossip to upset her (Mrs. B's) life!
On Monday, walking back from town after looking for employment, Mara is met by the Jakemans returning from town and they invite her to ride with them in their wagon. Mrs. Blackstone is not agreeable to Mara taking her buggy without taking Mrs. Blackstone as well. To his befuddlement, Mara asks to be dropped off before arriving at her home. Socially acceptable behavior ~ for Mrs. Blackstone's prying, that would be!
So here we are, not yet out of Chapter 2, and I am wanting her life to change immediately! This is the first story I have read by Ruth Axtell and it is like being right there with them. So well written and clear. I am anxious to get back to the story to discover their journey! I hope it doesn't take too long to find each other. I want to meld these two families together. So much to give each other in hope, acceptance, and love.
Seasons change as they go from cider pressing, putting up cranberries, to surviving winter storms. This is a beautiful story. I have missed author Leisha Kelly who passed away two years ago in January. Her last published work was The House on Malcolm Street. Reading Hometown Cinderella reminded me of her writings. So genuine as families grow together, parent with child, and those near them. I would love to read a sequel to Hometown Cinderella as their lives continue to unfold. As I mentioned, I really liked Lizzie Jakeman, Gideon's daughter. He has loved her well. His concern for others gives life.
Also, so apparent is criticism. Are we aware of our words? Crushing, or uplifting? Mrs. Blackstone is drowning in her bitterness. Thankfully, Mara Keller looks to the Lord for direction for herself and her son.
I give this story a five-plus rating! Highly recommend.
BACK COVER
Love Inspired Historical, Hometown Cinderella
Small Town, Big Dreams
After years traveling in Europe with her musician husband, all that widow Mara Keller wants is security for her son. A half-share in her father’s Maine farmhouse is the only refuge she has left, even if her resentful stepmother treats Mara as little more than a servant. But there is one bright spot: the unexpected kindness of neighbor Gideon Jakeman.
A widowed farmer with a teenage daughter, Gideon hardly pictures himself as anyone’s Prince Charming. Especially a woman of Mara’s refinement. Yet his quiet, rugged strength makes her feel as though she’s found her rightful place by his side, if they can find faith enough to forge their own happy ending.
EXCERPT
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Before Carina could reprimand him for scuffing it, Dietrich suddenly leaned forward, reaching for his mug of milk. Mr. Jakeman rose a fraction from his seat, as if to grab the boy’s plate from his knee. Instead, his own cup fell from its saucer and hit the edge of the table.
Mara watched in horror, extending a hand as if she could stop the fall, but instead, hearing the shatter of porcelain.
She rose and rushed to the sofa, seeing the puddle of tea against the floorboards and three large pieces of porcelain scattered about.
Not hearing the sounds of voices around her—“I’m sorry,” “Mama, Mr. Jakeman broke your cup—”, “I’ll get a rag—” Mara knelt down, crowded between Dietrich’s legs and the edge of the table. She picked up the largest piece of broken cup. It was true what Lizzie had said, it was like an eggshell.
The next moment, she felt the table being moved away from the sofa and Mr. Jakeman crouched down opposite her. “I’m awfully sorry, ma’am.”
Before she could think what to say, Carina stood behind him, craning to see what had broken. She broke out into a cackle. “One of the crown jewels! Serves you right!” She addressed Mr. Jakeman, “She was so proud of that set, carting it around everywhere, packing it up so carefully.” She sniffed. “Pride goeth before a fall!”
“Carina!” She shot her stepmother a look of mortification.
“That’s a shame,” Mr. Jakeman said softly. “I was clumsy.”
“Please think nothing of it. It wasn’t your fault.” She focused on the pieces on the floor. Mr. Jakeman’s large hands began to pick up the remaining pieces, making more evident how fragile they were.
“That’s all right, I can do that.”
“It didn’t break in too many pieces. Maybe you can glue it back together.”
She met his sorrow-filled eyes, not having the heart to disagree. Instead she smiled, trying to put a good face on things. “Yes. I can do that and use it as an ornament on my shelf.”
He nodded. “That’s a good idea.” He looked so hopeful her irritation and disappointment melted.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ruth has loved regencies ever since she read Pride and Prejudice and discovered Georgette Heyer in her high school years. Everything from the wit of the dialogue, the formality of the courtship and the variety of hero types draws her to this genre of romance. She will have a single title regency out in March 2013 for Baker/Revell Books and an Americana historical for Moody Publishers. Her books have been translated into Dutch, Italian, Polish, Czech and Afrikaans. She was a Golden Heart finalist in 1994. Her second published book, Wild Rose, was a Booklist “Top Ten Christian Fiction” selection in 2005. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), RWA (Romance Writers of America), HisWriters and Maine RWA. Ruth studied comparative literature at Smith College with a concentration in French and English literature, and spent her junior year in Paris. Since then she has lived in the Netherlands and the Canary Islands. Shortly after college, she committed her life to Christ. Fourteen years later, she committed her writing to Him. Currently, Ruth lives on the down east coast of Maine with her three children and two cats. She enjoys the challenge of vegetable and flower gardening in a cool, foggy climate, long walks, reading, watching British period dramas like Downton Abbey, and doing historical research for her novels.Find out more about Ruth at her website ruthaxtell[dot]com.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Thank you to author Ruth Axtell for sending me a copy of her book, Hometown Cinderella, to read and review in my own words. I am delighted to be introduced to this fine author! I think I would have titled this book, "A Way of the Heart," because of the beautiful way their pure hearts are discovered. Such joy and happiness await them. Their children will be fine friends as their story emerges.
August 15, 2017
Ruth Axtell's books are heart-warming, especially since they're set in my home state. She is a polished writer and this book was no exception. Descriptions that put you in the scene. A sweet romance for sure.
July 11, 2018
Hometown Cinderella, the main story: 4 stars
The "bonus" story, The Inn at Hope Springs: 2 stars
The "bonus" story, The Inn at Hope Springs: 2 stars
March 10, 2020
Read The Inn at Hope Springs on Book Breaks. I enjoyed it. Short and sweet.
November 29, 2024
Inspirational romance.
August 2, 2012
This story was a nice light read. Is it my favorite story by Ruth? No, that would still be "Winter is Past" which is a series of four wonderful stories! But I DID enjoy this book as well, as I have everything I have read by Ruth Morren.
***Slight reveal***
Most of the romances I've read end up with all relationships 'cleaned up' so to speak, so I was surprised to feel the relationship with Corina was left unfinished. I kept waiting to find out the reason she was such a witch. I thought maybe I would find out the reason at the end. Then I realized that was the message she was trying to send - the fact that some people just don't/won't change no matter what. I like that her stories give me a different take on things. Not too different but different enough to make me think. That's a good thing!
If you enjoyed this story, then please read Winter Is Past. It's one of the best Christian Romance Novels I've ever read. An incredible story of conversion! Loved it!
***Slight reveal***
Most of the romances I've read end up with all relationships 'cleaned up' so to speak, so I was surprised to feel the relationship with Corina was left unfinished. I kept waiting to find out the reason she was such a witch. I thought maybe I would find out the reason at the end. Then I realized that was the message she was trying to send - the fact that some people just don't/won't change no matter what. I like that her stories give me a different take on things. Not too different but different enough to make me think. That's a good thing!
If you enjoyed this story, then please read Winter Is Past. It's one of the best Christian Romance Novels I've ever read. An incredible story of conversion! Loved it!
March 18, 2012
Thank you for this first reads give away. I really enjoy the chance to read new books and review them.
This was a well written story with very clear characters. I really liked the true-to-life nature these two main characters fall in love with. It's refreshing to see people take their time and notice the small things in a future partner. The Author makes it easy for us to follow and the story flows very nicely. This was an easy and fun read. The only thing that could've made this book better was a bit of humor mixed in.
Thanks again for the give away!
This was a well written story with very clear characters. I really liked the true-to-life nature these two main characters fall in love with. It's refreshing to see people take their time and notice the small things in a future partner. The Author makes it easy for us to follow and the story flows very nicely. This was an easy and fun read. The only thing that could've made this book better was a bit of humor mixed in.
Thanks again for the give away!
March 8, 2012
What a nice little "get-away" story! I sometimes found myself thinking the heroine should have had stronger comebacks when her "wicked step-mother" would insult her. However, now that I've finished the book, I can only admire the heroine's strength and self-control. It's a well done book that only needed a few more historical details to put it in the "amazing" catagory! I'm definately going to look for more of Morren's books.
April 29, 2012
Wonderful romance!!! I loved it!!
Ruth Axtell Morren keeps surprising me!! She is a fantastic writer!!
This romance is so sweet, relaxing and inspiring! I couldn't put it down!!!
If you need a escape from stressful life this is the perfect romance!
I read a lot of excellent christian romances but Hometown Cinderella is outstanding and deserves more than five stars!
Congratulations Ruth Axtell Morren!!!
Ruth Axtell Morren keeps surprising me!! She is a fantastic writer!!
This romance is so sweet, relaxing and inspiring! I couldn't put it down!!!
If you need a escape from stressful life this is the perfect romance!
I read a lot of excellent christian romances but Hometown Cinderella is outstanding and deserves more than five stars!
Congratulations Ruth Axtell Morren!!!
March 5, 2012
This Book "Hometown Cinderella" is a Wonderful Book. It is a small and thick paperback with a great beginning that is a Joy to read. It is well written. I won the book and it arrived Very Fast and in Perfect condition. Thank you, Jerri Davis
May 24, 2012
I really enjoyed this first read. I thought it was well written and the romance was believable. It had to be hard to hold her tongue when dealing with the stepmother.
January 5, 2013
This was nice. I love the characters. The length is perfect. This is another great Love Inspired set.
October 8, 2014
I love her books
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews