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Melinda Foster #7
Turning Season
Autumn’s reds and golds make tiny Prosper picture-perfect, but under the surface lies a startling Not everything is what it seems.
Melinda throws herself into plans for the rural community’s first-ever fall festival, and all the seasonal tasks around her small farm. But her sun-dappled days are disrupted when little Prosper is suddenly thrust into the spotlight. An unexpected windfall gives new life to a long-held hope, then a gruesome discovery in a lonely field puts everyone on edge. And as the mayor’s race heats up, Melinda discovers small-town politics can be worse than anything that goes bump in the night.
As the leaves change color and drift away, Melinda’s personal life is also evolving. Her new relationship appears to be a happy one, but will different perspectives and shifting priorities cloud its future? Don’t miss the next installment in this heartwarming fiction series!
Melinda throws herself into plans for the rural community’s first-ever fall festival, and all the seasonal tasks around her small farm. But her sun-dappled days are disrupted when little Prosper is suddenly thrust into the spotlight. An unexpected windfall gives new life to a long-held hope, then a gruesome discovery in a lonely field puts everyone on edge. And as the mayor’s race heats up, Melinda discovers small-town politics can be worse than anything that goes bump in the night.
As the leaves change color and drift away, Melinda’s personal life is also evolving. Her new relationship appears to be a happy one, but will different perspectives and shifting priorities cloud its future? Don’t miss the next installment in this heartwarming fiction series!
- GenresFictionContemporary
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2020
1940 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Lageschulte
28 books292 followersMelanie 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 23, 2020
I love this series! Wait anxiously for every new outing to the little community of Prosper. This one didn't disappoint.
It was kind of a bumpy ride for Melinda and her community this time around and I, as usual, shed some tears (having just lost my 18 year old cat some things really hit home) and had some laughs. One of the things I love so much about this series is the love of animals and nature that shine brightly throughout them.
I think Melinda made the right choices in some difficult decisions and I have to say I'm happy to feel this wonderful storyline is coming to a natural end ,(so so tired of series that drag on long past when the authors should have given the readers and the characters some closure!).
I can't wait for the next and last book in the series! I know I'll be sad but I'll also be back to read about Prosper and Melinda over again and my finger is already poised to hit the pre-order button for book 8.
I'd love to see some more books about other characters in little Prosper (hint, hint Ms Lageschulte) somewhere down the line.
If you haven't read this series and you're ready for a break from breakneck action, x-rated romance, blood, guts and gore. Give this a try.
It was kind of a bumpy ride for Melinda and her community this time around and I, as usual, shed some tears (having just lost my 18 year old cat some things really hit home) and had some laughs. One of the things I love so much about this series is the love of animals and nature that shine brightly throughout them.
I think Melinda made the right choices in some difficult decisions and I have to say I'm happy to feel this wonderful storyline is coming to a natural end ,(so so tired of series that drag on long past when the authors should have given the readers and the characters some closure!).
I can't wait for the next and last book in the series! I know I'll be sad but I'll also be back to read about Prosper and Melinda over again and my finger is already poised to hit the pre-order button for book 8.
I'd love to see some more books about other characters in little Prosper (hint, hint Ms Lageschulte) somewhere down the line.
If you haven't read this series and you're ready for a break from breakneck action, x-rated romance, blood, guts and gore. Give this a try.
May 3, 2020
Love it as always
There is something about Melinda ( Melanie Lageschulte) that strikes such a chord I can never exercise patience when reading each installment. Then of course I've finished too quickly. When I stop to think about it Melinda amazes me. She keeps moving forward on her own and has accepted, even embraced, the changes in her life. Now I'm rooting for Josh! Melanie, Ms. L., You know they need to get together! I can't think of a better way to cap up number 8. Thanks so much for this series.
There is something about Melinda ( Melanie Lageschulte) that strikes such a chord I can never exercise patience when reading each installment. Then of course I've finished too quickly. When I stop to think about it Melinda amazes me. She keeps moving forward on her own and has accepted, even embraced, the changes in her life. Now I'm rooting for Josh! Melanie, Ms. L., You know they need to get together! I can't think of a better way to cap up number 8. Thanks so much for this series.
April 17, 2020
Turning
I have read each book in the series. I truly love them and fell in love with the small town.
I reluctantly decided to write this review because I have enjoyed the other books in the series.
This one just fell short, it missed the deeds that are present in the others.
Everything felt rushed, yet lagged at such a monotonous tone.
I will read Book 8, I just hope it captures some of the magic of books 1-6
I have read each book in the series. I truly love them and fell in love with the small town.
I reluctantly decided to write this review because I have enjoyed the other books in the series.
This one just fell short, it missed the deeds that are present in the others.
Everything felt rushed, yet lagged at such a monotonous tone.
I will read Book 8, I just hope it captures some of the magic of books 1-6
Read
April 15, 2020So Good!
When I reached the last page in this book, I felt as I had on the last page of the others in the series. I didn’t want it to be over! I couldn’t wait to start reading it and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one. The characters have become my friends and the little town of Prosper has stolen my heart. I highly recommend not only this book but every book in this series.
When I reached the last page in this book, I felt as I had on the last page of the others in the series. I didn’t want it to be over! I couldn’t wait to start reading it and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one. The characters have become my friends and the little town of Prosper has stolen my heart. I highly recommend not only this book but every book in this series.
April 16, 2020
A great story of Midwestern rural life
I'm from Northeast Iowa , in fact West Union named in this book.
Truly Melanie captures the heart of this area where people are hard working & always there to help a neighbor in need. If you want to know what they think, just ask if wait a spell & they will give you the truth with no sugar coating They will also support you with kindness, loyalty & love.
I'm from Northeast Iowa , in fact West Union named in this book.
Truly Melanie captures the heart of this area where people are hard working & always there to help a neighbor in need. If you want to know what they think, just ask if wait a spell & they will give you the truth with no sugar coating They will also support you with kindness, loyalty & love.
May 2, 2020
A Slice of Home....wherever you live
I can’t tell you enough how I love this series. The characters have become like family. Highly recommended ! We all have one more book to go coming out this Fall.
I can’t tell you enough how I love this series. The characters have become like family. Highly recommended ! We all have one more book to go coming out this Fall.
January 29, 2025
How is something so calming and gentle keep my attention? But, it sure does. The problems of a person keeping farm animals as a small garden plot and working full time at a general store are familiar to me and perhaps my understanding helps as well as the small town politics and lightning gossip is quite interesting.
December 3, 2020
In addition to what has already been said about this series. These books are a sweet release from the stress of pandemic life 2020. Thank you Melanie!
October 3, 2021
3.5 stars 😊
August 7, 2020
Great Storyline
Let me start by saying I really enjoyed this series, especially the lead character Melinda, and read all 7 in a week. It will be fun to read the final book 8 when it comes out this fall. I never thought a book about farming in the Midwest could be so appealing and kudos to the author for taking us on this fun journey. The things I don’t like and hence the 4 stars instead of 5, are as follows: 1) way way way too many typos, ugh 2) too much repetition where the author keeps repeating what happened in the previous books... by book 7 I was ready to pull my hair out 3) too much time spent describing scenery and surroundings which still didn’t give me a good mental picture, and finally 4) way too many books for such a short storyline... barely a year takes place over 7 books!
Let me start by saying I really enjoyed this series, especially the lead character Melinda, and read all 7 in a week. It will be fun to read the final book 8 when it comes out this fall. I never thought a book about farming in the Midwest could be so appealing and kudos to the author for taking us on this fun journey. The things I don’t like and hence the 4 stars instead of 5, are as follows: 1) way way way too many typos, ugh 2) too much repetition where the author keeps repeating what happened in the previous books... by book 7 I was ready to pull my hair out 3) too much time spent describing scenery and surroundings which still didn’t give me a good mental picture, and finally 4) way too many books for such a short storyline... barely a year takes place over 7 books!
January 2, 2022
This series of books gets better with each new installment!
As a former country girl, I began this series for the nostalgia. It has certainly fulfilled that hope and gone beyond to focus on some of the best aspects of country and small town life. The interdependence of the characters, the unexpected blows and rewards dealt by Mother Nature, and the personal strength that is required of those who live separately from others, who are able to not only tolerate but flourish despite loneliness are all explored. Of course, there are the drawbacks to small town living; everyone is in one's business and usually more than willing to share their opinions. The characters are sympathetic and well-defined, the story is engrossing. I recommend all of these books!
As a former country girl, I began this series for the nostalgia. It has certainly fulfilled that hope and gone beyond to focus on some of the best aspects of country and small town life. The interdependence of the characters, the unexpected blows and rewards dealt by Mother Nature, and the personal strength that is required of those who live separately from others, who are able to not only tolerate but flourish despite loneliness are all explored. Of course, there are the drawbacks to small town living; everyone is in one's business and usually more than willing to share their opinions. The characters are sympathetic and well-defined, the story is engrossing. I recommend all of these books!
August 17, 2020
Red, gold, and Autumn leaves
Autumn arrives and brings the blessing of rains, although most of the crops were slim, from summer's drought. A gift is given to the town if they get a community center. Melinda examines her heart about Chase. The cat clinic continues, a new cat has been found. The book club reads The Pet Cemetery, right at the beginning of October, and then a human body is found in the field not far from Melinda's. Chores at night become scary, when there is a murderer lose, plus City Hall maybe haunted. Read and enjoy!
Autumn arrives and brings the blessing of rains, although most of the crops were slim, from summer's drought. A gift is given to the town if they get a community center. Melinda examines her heart about Chase. The cat clinic continues, a new cat has been found. The book club reads The Pet Cemetery, right at the beginning of October, and then a human body is found in the field not far from Melinda's. Chores at night become scary, when there is a murderer lose, plus City Hall maybe haunted. Read and enjoy!
January 11, 2021
The end of a love
As Melinda's journey continues, Horace remains her most trusted mentor. Many interesting events occur in this episode Melinda decides her love is
not as strong as she thought.
ghosts, cats, and uncovered bodies come to the forefront of the book.
Just like the earlier books,Melinda continues to have her own doubts, about her place in tcommunity of, Proser but an unexpected decisionn brings her focus to her place in the Commuity of Prosper and the future of Prosper Hardware. Can hardly wait for the next book.
As Melinda's journey continues, Horace remains her most trusted mentor. Many interesting events occur in this episode Melinda decides her love is
not as strong as she thought.
ghosts, cats, and uncovered bodies come to the forefront of the book.
Just like the earlier books,Melinda continues to have her own doubts, about her place in tcommunity of, Proser but an unexpected decisionn brings her focus to her place in the Commuity of Prosper and the future of Prosper Hardware. Can hardly wait for the next book.
January 1, 2022
I love this series so much. This installment takes place as summer has changed over to fall, so Melinda spends a lot of time readying her farm for the upcoming winter. There are lots of animals and nature in here, and that's 100% why this is one of my favorite series. There are two very lite mysteries in the story, which is new for this series but I enjoyed them just fine. Also, there is a quite contentious small-town mayoral election and a fall festival, both of which added a lot of charm and quirkiness to the story. The small-town/farm vibes make this a really enjoyable read with no angst.
October 6, 2022
The seventh book in this delightful series finds Melinda working her small garden and tending to her animals as the town gets a windfall with a condition. They have to agree on a site for a new community center before the city council election. A bit of Halloween fun with a ghostly encounter, and a crusty older man cares for a stray cat, while preparations for the fall festival take over the town. As usual, the easy reading and cozy story charms the reader and makes the book almost impossible to put down.
July 29, 2020
Enjoyed This Series So Far
Love the charm of Prosper and the farm Melinda cares for. Lots of excitement in the small community. Makes me want to grow stuff and can stuff. Something that drives me crazy in this book was the phrase "all the sudden". As a professional writer the author should know the proper saying is "all of a sudden". When I see grammatical errors like that it's like a nails on a chalkboard!
Love the charm of Prosper and the farm Melinda cares for. Lots of excitement in the small community. Makes me want to grow stuff and can stuff. Something that drives me crazy in this book was the phrase "all the sudden". As a professional writer the author should know the proper saying is "all of a sudden". When I see grammatical errors like that it's like a nails on a chalkboard!
March 6, 2021
Near end
Onto book 8! The last one in print for me in this series. It’s been a pleasure....actually a savior to have these reads. They took me right to Prosper, to the farm, to the heart of the story where I could step out of my life and into theirs. Low drama, easy read but not so much that the author doesn’t do her job. It’s a gift to write with so much talent that your reader feels at ease. Thank you for that!
Onto book 8! The last one in print for me in this series. It’s been a pleasure....actually a savior to have these reads. They took me right to Prosper, to the farm, to the heart of the story where I could step out of my life and into theirs. Low drama, easy read but not so much that the author doesn’t do her job. It’s a gift to write with so much talent that your reader feels at ease. Thank you for that!
August 3, 2023
This is book seven and I don't like how we keep being told about all things from the previous books. It seems to take up so much of the books and we don't get into a story line right away. There are also so many spelling and grammatical errors.
I do like how the author has introduced the cat spay/neuter program.
I can't think of anything else to say about this book.
I'll keep reading the series.
I do like how the author has introduced the cat spay/neuter program.
I can't think of anything else to say about this book.
I'll keep reading the series.
July 1, 2020
Great read
I have read all the books in this series so far. I have fallen in love with the tiny town of Prosper, the farm and the people. I wish I could read the next book already because I read them all continuously and now I'll have to wait. It's worth the wait though to see what happens.
I have read all the books in this series so far. I have fallen in love with the tiny town of Prosper, the farm and the people. I wish I could read the next book already because I read them all continuously and now I'll have to wait. It's worth the wait though to see what happens.
Read
September 1, 2020Just as good as all the previous ones. I thought I'd read at the end of the last book that this was going to be the last in this series, and that Melanie would start other series in the same geographic area centering on some of the other characters in this series. I must have been mistaken, since she talked about at least two more books in this series coming in the future.
October 6, 2022
Turning Season
Another great read in this series! It’s too bad about Chase not working out, but it definitely didn’t seem to be a good fit forever… Looking forward to the next book & hoping Ed & Mable don’t move away from Melinda…. Glad to see the hardware store being left in charge of Melinda some day.
Another great read in this series! It’s too bad about Chase not working out, but it definitely didn’t seem to be a good fit forever… Looking forward to the next book & hoping Ed & Mable don’t move away from Melinda…. Glad to see the hardware store being left in charge of Melinda some day.
April 17, 2020
I love Mela bikes writing style but enjoyed the earlier books in the series. This one seemed to drag a bit and had some loose ends. When the supernatural was bright in I almost closed the book and gave up. Same great characters but the fragmented storylines earned it a 3 from me
April 23, 2020
This is a comforting book. I enjoy following along in the lives of theses characters as they go thru their lives. The 7th book in the series. You really need to start from book one to follow along and appreciate.
April 26, 2020
Boring! I loved the first six books. This one did not keep my interest. Skimmed through sone pages just to get through it which is not typical for me. Too many side stories. Some strange. A ghost. Really? A reincarnated cat. Really? I was very disappointed in this book.
May 11, 2020
I was disappointed in this book. I liked reading about the farm life in the previous books in this series. This book had a lot of random plot events that didn't really seem to go together or flow properly.
May 17, 2020
The penultimate book about Melinda and her life in Prosper, Idaho, this was a very pleasant story again. I will be looking forward to the last volume which is to be published in "Fall 2020" (our spring).
May 30, 2020
Prosper!
I really enjoy following Melinda and the families of Prosper. I’m sorry to see there will only be one more book in the series. The characters in the books are down to earth and make it easy to imagine the stories are real.
I really enjoy following Melinda and the families of Prosper. I’m sorry to see there will only be one more book in the series. The characters in the books are down to earth and make it easy to imagine the stories are real.
Read
June 17, 2020What a wonderful journey!
I have grown to love the characters in these books and am heartbroken book 8 will end our journey. These books have filled me with nostalgia and longing and I will miss the warmth I felt with each reading.
I have grown to love the characters in these books and am heartbroken book 8 will end our journey. These books have filled me with nostalgia and longing and I will miss the warmth I felt with each reading.
July 12, 2020
Another wonderful adventure
Cheering and crying were involved at various stages. A love interest rejected and another possible glimmers for Book 8 and another winter. Thanks To the author for more authentic Midwest history
Cheering and crying were involved at various stages. A love interest rejected and another possible glimmers for Book 8 and another winter. Thanks To the author for more authentic Midwest history
July 20, 2020
Nice read.
This has been a lovely series. I am.glad it is coming to an end. The only thing needed in the series is a love story for Melinda, a super guy to share her life as future.
This has been a lovely series. I am.glad it is coming to an end. The only thing needed in the series is a love story for Melinda, a super guy to share her life as future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews