The Peaceful Season

Melinda Foster #3

by Melanie Lageschulte

In the little town of Prosper, the holidays are merry and bright!

As a reflective hush falls over the harvested fields surrounding her farm, Melinda Foster packs away her memories of city life and turns toward the coming holidays. She has a list of ideas that will make the season perfect, and she’s checked it more than twice: Prepare her acreage and animals for the coming winter, host her family’s Christmas dinner, and use her marketing smarts to upgrade Prosper’s charming holiday festival.

But when a mysterious visitor arrives, she is reminded there is more to the Christmas season than elaborate celebrations and expensive decorations. With the help of both old friends and new, Melinda discovers she is not only home for the holidays, but truly home at last.

Genres: Fiction, Christmas, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Romance, Holiday

260 pages, ebook

Published September 18, 2018

About the author

Melanie Lageschulte is the author of the "Growing Season" women's fiction series. She grew up on an acreage in northern Iowa with a menagerie of four-footed friends. She’s spent much of her professional life telling the stories of Iowa and its residents, including several years as a features reporter and editor for the Des Moines Register. Melanie holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in American history from the University of Iowa.

Reviews

[Candice Kamencik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie Lageschulte has knocked my socks off again. Me, the jaded, cynical, harsh reviewer, consumer of epic space opera sci fi, dishing out a second 5 star review for a rural chick lit series? Yep.

This story made me want to pull the blinds, turn up the ac real high, make some hot cocoa, put on some thick socks, and pretend it isn't close to 110 in Chicago and I'm instead on a quaint little farm baking cookies and pies, crocheting scarfs for friends, and preparing for the holidays. Talk about immersive atmosphere!

Again, it's no the nebulous plot that carries these books, it's the characters and the environment. The author has a real gift for building a place you want to be and read about. The story is sweet, the setting captivating, and despite the fact that this is a feel good book, it's not overly-trite or tired.

Another enjoyable read, highly recommended!

[Monica Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious reading.....

Can’t wait for this series to continue. I have enjoyed meeting all the characters including the animals living in this sweet town. This story is captivating and lovely...

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this "feel good" book ! Non pretentious, just a nice story about "finding oneself", back home again... A good read , especially around the Holidays !

[Lindamac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story continues. enjoying this series very much.

[Asheley T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! The pacing continues to be easy and peaceful, and these books bring me JOY. They're so perfect for bedtime reading and I also love to start out my day reading them with my coffee. This installment is the third in the series and picks up immediately after the previous book left off.

Melinda has shifted focus from harvesting her vegetable garden to preparing the farm for the winter months ahead. There is less time spent out in the fields and barns, and more time spent at Prosper Hardware, where she works, and working on weather-proofing the farmhouse. The segments of the series that are spent with the animals and vegetables are what really give me life, but I also love the time Melinda spends with her coworkers and other people in the community. Proper Hardware is one of the local hangout places and Melinda always learns so much from the townspeople that meet for coffee before the store opens every morning.

This installment also features the local Christmas festival, which sounded like so much fun and had some funny moments.

A new character joins the story, and I was interested in pretty much every sentence involving this person and how he/she ended up in Prosper, Iowa. I'm curious about how this story will play out over the next titles in the series. (I'm also interested in how these books still have no romance plotline.)

I'm steadily continuing with the series, and I've already got the next book on hand and waiting for me.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy. Because of that, I have not had a chance to read the previous books in the series, but I would like to. I can identify being at a crossroads in life, even if not the same situation. I can also identify with the character's choices because a few years ago, we too chose a simpler lifestyle that includes living in a rural area, raising animals, and taking a step back from the congestion and commercialization of city life. This book did a good job of filling me in on some of the events I missed by not reading the first two. So I don't know if the amount of backstory might have been annoying had I read them first. All in all, a charming, down-to-earth, and wholesome story. I looked forward to getting back to the story each time I found time to read. And I look forward to more in this series and by this author. For me, it really rates three and a half stars - three seems too low, but it's not quite a four.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quietly Christmassy

I live on a farm after growing up in the city. I love this series, and the Peaceful Season is joyous. Melinda finds peace in her decision to stay on the farm . She eagerly makes plans for her first Christmas there, and even finds a way to make a contribution to the community. Hobo and the animals all add to her joy. Next up, winter in the country.

[Janie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, and I am loving it, just like the first and second books. These stories make me feel like I'm there, right at the moment, along with the characters in the story, enjoying the rural life, experiencing the seasons of nature, but also the seasons of life! I highly recommend this series!

[Marie Cordalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm totally in love with the little community of Prosper and everyone in it! That includes all those with fur, feathers, wool, whatever :) This series has captured my heart and mind and I will anxiously await the next book/books in the series. I've read some other comments from folks that would like to see Melinda have some romance in her life and I guess I'd agree as long as it really was a fit for her and the series. I personally think she's doing fine with her current support system but I'm open to wherever the author takes her next :) My Christmas gift to myself will be to re-read all of the books in preparation for the next in the series. (If I can wait that long to read it since it comes out in November and I already have it pre-ordered. We'll see how good my self control is ;) ) Thanks to Melanie Lageschulte for a wonderful, down to earth series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a dress -up, respected job in Minneapolis to a broken down, ancient and outdated farm in Prosper, Iowa this is a different sort of chasing your dream story. Unlike the Beekman boys, Melinda Foster is not an immediate success. She must struggle as she learns and prove herself to those who don't believe. With the gentle humor and approach of a Jerry Apps story or recollections by Jon Katz, this story will appeal to anyone who has lived in a rural community or wants to be inspired to chase their life dreams.
Once you begin you will fall in love with this series.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, lean back and enjoy your time book. This is my first read by this Author and I enjoyed it.

I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from this author, the third in the series. I keep wondering: is there really an ugly bluebird wallpaper in this author's life, and just how ugly is it? All kidding aside, this time of year was the perfect time to read The Peaceful Season. I appreciated the reminders to try to count my blessings all year round, and that Christmas doesn't need to be perfect and overplanned to be good. I'm looking forward to the next book (winter) more than I'm looking forward to the reality of Iowa winter.

[kathy may · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This series is wonderful! I have enjoyed every word. My thanks to the author for creating such great stories. Looking forward to the next book.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I've read Book 1 and 2. I am reading Book 3 and looking forward to Book 4. The story is warm and enjoyable, peaceful and uplifting. It is a great series for relaxing and getting away from the daily grind.

[Laurie Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas novel.

Wonderful Christmas story with no romance. First one I've read this year that doesn't end with two people falling in love.
Refreshing read!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the whole series. It was wholesome and like a hallmark movie!

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my get into bed and read something sweet before going to sleep book. The setting is cozy, characters are likeable, just a sweet little read about a rural community.

[Karsyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The holidays at the farm

I am really enjoying this series of books. So heartwarming and fun. The laugh out loud moments are great and then the oh my gosh I'm going to cry moments. And the details that Melanie adds to the story make you feel like you are in Prosper and working on a farm. The animals are coming along perfectly, Melinda is growing in her love of family, farming and the community. The perfect feel good books, not exactly a "Hallmark" movie where girl meets guy and falls in love, just a warm story of a strong woman getting to know herself!
If you are looking for a great read with depths to the characters, no mushy romance scenes, no foul language, then this is definitely the books to read!

[Linda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wholesome Family storie

Loved the sense of community with colorful characters and interesting situations. Heroine faces challenges with strength. Enjoyed these stories very much and look forward to more. Some better editing for grammar & punctuation

[Darla Lynn James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, another wonderful story!

I love this series! This so reminds me of my journey this past year; not exactly the same but all of the ups and downs I have had and how I have come through. Wonderful series, can't wait for the next!

[Marilyn Geary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true delight

A nice book about nice people being kind and caring. Not preachy, no hidden message, just people doing what people should. I needed an escape from the world. This provided it.

[Ellen Gervase · Rating 5 out of 5]

The peacefulseason

I felt like I was right there with Melinda on the farm. I got such a homey feeling reading this
Book.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pleasant and easy read. A city girl taking on a farming life. animals and incidents as she learns the ropes in a small Iowa community. I received a copy of this story in exchange for my review.

[Therese Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story; a reminder that even when life isn't the way we want or plan, there are positive consequences and good friends and family to support you.

[Katherine Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for free Christmas ebooks and the title caught my eye. Who isn't craving a peaceful season? This books lives up to its title. It's a peaceful story of Christmastime, gentle and sweet, out on a farm with a woman putting her life back together. Although it's the third book in the series, I hadn't read the first two, and it didn't seem to matter. Nothing much happens in this book, but the people are pleasant and they make the best of what they have and help their neighbors. We could all use a little bit of this in our lives.

One line stuck out at me: "When she found the courage to let go of her expectations, she discovered a new way forward and realized how blessed she really was." Amen. May we all have a blessed and peaceful season.

[Jane Lump · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love when an author continues a story to create a series, but it's also frustrating when a big portion of the text is spent revisiting events from the earlier books in the series. Sometimes it even felt like I was being reminded of events on earlier pages of this book. It makes it hard not to skim past that, and it feels like you only get half a book. That said, there were some nice scenes and a couple new characters.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong as the first two in the series, but I still plan to read #4.
In this book, Melinda helps with the local Christmas festival and hosts her family for Christmas. She also helps Auggie begin to heal their relationship when Evan comes back to turn with his little girl, Chloe, and campus out in their huge, dilapidated old family home, jobless and separated from his wife.

[Sheila Embry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent series on the seasons of people's life in a small town...and the growth that occurs as they work together through them.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Peaceful Season Book 3 is by Melanie Lagschulte. This third book in the series is just as good as the first. Melanie has been able to tell the story in such a way as to not lose momentum as she goes. Her descriptions of Prosper, Iowa and the farm are authentic and realistic. Her characters are tremendous and make you feel for them. She brings this small town to life.
Melanie has finally made up her mind to purchase the farm. She and her parents are ready to clean out her apartment and she has burned the lease papers. She has gone to the bank and has confirmed that she can get a loan on the property although the banker is surprised by the price. It is way below the current assessment of the property. Melanie had known that Horace was giving her a deal but hadn’t known how much of a deal. However, she was willing to accept what Horace wanted and the banker had confirmed that she could get the loan.
Melanie has also made progress with the kitties in the barn. She has managed to get Sunny and Stormy into the cages that Karen had lent her and was on her way to get them vaccinated and neutered. If she was going to be the owner, she had to be practical. It really tore her up to hear them carrying on so in the car; but it would be worth it. She was just glad Karen would be taking care of them. She had to be practical, she didn’t need more than two barn cats.
With that chore taken care of, she sets her sights on what to do for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She has such plans for her little house and having Thanksgiving and Christmas her her new home is part of those plans. She sets out to make her list of what must be done to make this season perfect. However, things aren’t going as perfectly as she wants. Can she keep on her plan or will she have to change it?

[Rhoda Fitzsimmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the third installment in the Growing Season series and starts off right where the last book ended.

Melinda finds herself preparing for farm life with winter coming on rather than gardening and canning. She must get the animals and the buildings including the house ready for winter. She enlists the help of her Minneapolis friends to come help her. She also finds out that her friend's marriage isn't all its cracked up to be.

Plans are in motion to buy the farm from Horace in the spring if she still wants to live there in rural Iowa. This book finds us now in the Christmas spirit and she's readying the house for the season. Their still is no mention of a love interest and I keep expecting for one to be introduced.

Melinda must also plan for the unexpected visitors of baby sheep coming in February, she isn't sure how many of the ewes might be pregnant but she is sure there is at least a few.

We also hear about the Christmas festival in Prosper and it was so detailed that I wished I was there. One of her morning coffee friends has a couple of unexpected visitors come to town and gossip spreads fast in a small town.

The was a nice easy read and I'm on to book #4.