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Melinda Foster #8

The Blessed Season

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All is calm in Melinda’s hometown … until outsiders start to shake things up.The quiet days of early winter make Prosper look like a scene from a snow globe. Holiday lights glow in every window, plans are made for the Christmas festival, and greetings of good cheer fill the aisles at Prosper Hardware.Everything changes when a national magazine sets its sights on the town’s newest business, stirring disagreement about the best way to put little Prosper on the map. And when federal officials threaten to close the post office, Prosper’s future suddenly doesn’t seem so bright.Melinda is in the midst of it all, trying to navigate a new crush and mediate long-standing family drama. Can she find her way through the uncertainty and greet the new year with an open heart?

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2020

1522 people are currently reading
195 people want to read

About the author

Melanie Lageschulte

28 books289 followers
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.

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5 stars
1,005 (58%)
4 stars
500 (29%)
3 stars
193 (11%)
2 stars
12 (<1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Butterflittin.
97 reviews
October 2, 2020
Loved this new book!

I fell in love with this small town 7 books ago. Ms. Lageschulte continued the series in the same enchanting manner as always. If you love the farm life, animals and small towns please take the opportunity to read the entire series. You will be delighted.

Thank you!
Profile Image for Vicki Lanzendorf.
361 reviews
December 29, 2020
Another in the series of stories about the small Iowa town of Prosper and its residents. These are kind of Hallmark-movie type stories, but easy, quick reads and a nice break from murder mysteries, etc.
26 reviews
October 4, 2020
I read it in one day! I couldn't stop! I love this whole series, they just keep getting better. I can't wait for the ninth book!
Profile Image for Bonnie.
330 reviews
February 23, 2021
# 8 in a series! Loved them all! Excited for a 9th book in the spring 2021! Daffodil. Season!
Profile Image for Sdz123.
73 reviews
October 1, 2020
I have read the whole series about the small town of Prosper, Iowa. I have greatly enJoyed reading about the town and its residents. The story line brings back great memories for me. When I was in junior high, I traveled back to Iowa with my maternal grandparents. We visited the small town of Sutherland where my grandfather grew up in a family of 14 siblings. I am looking forward to the next book in the series coming out spring of 2021.
Profile Image for Vicki Pilant.
390 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2020
The Blessed Season

I have read all the books in this series, and loved every one so far. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Marilyn Geary.
239 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2020
Love the books about Melinda, her menagerie, family and friends, and the little town of Prosper. This fits with the rest. An escape to a land where people care. So, i looked forward to this edition. I recommended like i do the others. If you enjoy the series, you need to read this one, too, as it set's up for the next chapter.

Now, for the critique. Something didn't click as well with this one. Yes, we saw everyone, we helped people, animals, and the town. But, it felt rushed. Usually, I'm invested in everyone's outcome, i feel a part of the town. But i didn't feel it this time like i normally do. It could be me, the times, or a testament to the rest of the series. It's good, just not as good. Either way, read it, enjoy Augies antics, and remember a time when people could hug, kiss, and get together for morning coffee.
Profile Image for Robin Arnold.
321 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2020
Better than the last one but still, by now, I have higher expectations than such an ordinary story. Even when it looked like some family drama was going to influence the storyline it fell flat. 4 stars but only because I do appreciate the author's style.
Profile Image for Maryelen Charnovesky.
68 reviews
October 13, 2020
I can’t say enough about this series ! I have loved all of them from the first page, they just jive with my farm spirit and the simple life. I also want to say that there is a wonderful surprise at the end of the book but won’t spoil it for readers. Enjoy my friends !
Profile Image for Irene Frances Olson.
302 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2020
A feel good pre-Holiday read

This book really got me into the Holiday season as so many of us are facing turmoil and heartache that seems never ending. And there will be another installment of this series in the spring! I can hardly wait.
34 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2021
This started as a cute series of books but by now the author is stuck in a rut where characters are described the same way, the plot slogs along… Basically it isn’t very dimensional. I will likely read the last book just to end it but I can already tell you what happens.
Profile Image for Nancy Bassett.
17 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2020
I keep reading these because I do like to find out how the story continues, but I actually stopped to read something else in the middle of this excerpt and then went back to finish it.
76 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2021
Nearing the end.

Well,there's one more book which
Will not be it until the inbox this year. while
E I don't want to tell you too much and ruin the final installment.
Melinda has found a major place in the community if Prizes. using her marketing background and assisting others in the community that. With her help she found herself moving to the forefront of many major events in Prosper. she has found herself in the Position of being the one to call upon when there is a crisis in their town. she has also been very successful in the running of her little farm and the care of her animals: the sheep, the chickens,her two outside cats and the 2 kittens she fostered (her inside cars) , and, of course, Hobo, Horse's beloved dog;.
I gladly recommending anyone to read this cool tion of books...It is a remarkable journey if she!f discovery and survival.
346 reviews11 followers
October 8, 2020
Small Town Charm

I chose to give this book a 5-star rating as I have enjoyed each & every book of this series & always finish a book wondering when I can get the next sequel. Ms. Lageschulte writes with such picturesque descriptions & conversations, I feel as if I’m right there in the book. Once again, the book centers around a little town called Prosper. The citizens & businesses are like any small town - everyone working together to the betterment of the town. The story is idealistic; but there’s a lot of realism in it too! If you are looking for a feel-good book, this is it!
Profile Image for Carole at From My Carolina Home.
364 reviews
August 6, 2023
This holiday season, the snow turns the charming town of Prosper into a winter wonderland, the Christmas festival approaches, and shop owners deck the halls with festive cheer. Several charity projects keep Melinda and her friends busy caring for animals and neighbors. A new romance may be in the wings as well. But, the town faces the possible closure of their tiny post office, and the residents come together to save it. Book 8 of this sweet and endearing series of neighbor helping neighbor, and the close knit community of a small town.
Profile Image for Aleta Proffitt.
58 reviews18 followers
October 5, 2020
Every time I get one of her books, I can't put it down. Yes, there is a lot of repeating of what happened in previous books, but that ensures anyone picking up any one of her books will be up to speed. Having lived in the Midwest my entire 70 years, and in Iowa for the last 8, her books resonate with me. But it reminds me more of the small Kansas town I grew up in in the '50's.
Anyway, I find myself, at the reluctant end of each book, impatient to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Julie.
614 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2025
You would think the holidays would be a busy enough time for retail business owners, especially if they also have a small working farm, but what with the US Post Office deciding to close their Prosper branch because it is so small.... Well, really hectic since the townspeople are sure that this means the end of their town. What can they possibly do to save their beloved town? I enjoyed this relaxing read as always.
1 review
October 1, 2020
This series of books are the best. Series I have read . I. Love malinda and all her trials. . I feel. Like I am right there with her. Thanks for continuing this series, cant wait f[r the next book.



I am 95 year saw young, and still love a good love story. I use a tablet a d kindle because I have glioma a d can make the fo t larger as I need it.
Profile Image for Kari.
337 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2020
Favorite so far

I liked this story the best so far although there were a few rabbits loosed and not followed,so to speak. The threats seemed more realistic and more attention to this story rather than rehashing the past. Only had to skip two pages of “Miranda lost her job and came back to help blah blah”
Profile Image for Bruce Dinsman.
1,536 reviews3 followers
October 28, 2020
Neighbors are great

There is so much in each one of these books that I’d have to do a chapter summary to take it in. This is about a small town that could because they all looked out for each other. Getting through winter and Federal cut backs alike is just another year for this bunch. Thanks to the author for bringing a Iowa to life and for dealing with real issues we all face
131 reviews
November 2, 2020
There is a blessing.

Glad to hear there will be another story to follow this one. Will be watching for it next year. I have become invested in the characters of this series. They are all interesting and entertaining as each story progresses. Small town living at it's best.The is for all the entertainment.
Profile Image for Heide.
22 reviews
December 21, 2020
Awesome

This is one of the best books in the series and I've read every one. Love the characters and they seem like my extended family. Intrigue and excitement in the story. She always writes so well that it is easy to read and very clear descriptions of characters and plots. Keep the books coming Melanie!
1 review
February 6, 2021
Melinda Foster Series

I've read this entire series thus far and have totally enjoyed it. I would have loved to have had a small farm myself, but in my home state of Oregon. I just wish that the author would have added the delectable generational recipes she talked about in this series. Can't wait for book #9.
Profile Image for Deena Thomas.
8 reviews
December 15, 2021
Delightful reading.

Great series!!! I love this….feels like I live there. The characters are so real and believable. They have struggles and disappointments but there are always answers right around the corner when they engage with their friends and family. People helping people…and critters. Love it!
62 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2020
What a wonderful series


Just love every book in the series. This was such a great read as Autumn begins as we look to holidays ahead. Great read catching up with old friends & discovering new ones
76 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2020
Miracles for Prosper!

Thanksgiving thru New Years in a small Iowa town! I love these townspeople, especially their early morning coffee klatches. And we get to know all of the animals, many by name! I really love feeling like we all should be a part of this community.
11 reviews
October 14, 2020
Melinda adventure

Best series. I can't wait till the next come out. Melinda life has been a great adventure. Loves all the characters. I hope she fines her true love. Keep the books coming.
47 reviews
October 20, 2020
Another great book!

Love, love these characters. Can't put it down but not wanting it to end. I enjoy reading about the small town of Prosper and its residents. Looking forward to the next one.......keep them coming!
Profile Image for Carol.
375 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2020
Looks like the next book in the series isn’t out yet and presumably it will deal with the main characters new relationship. I still don’t think 2 acres is enough for everything packed on that farm, but still enjoyed the fantasy of a small-town close knit community.
10 reviews
March 1, 2021
Small town life

The little town of Prosper is wonderful. Filled with townsfolk and their everyday lives intertwined. The main character Melinda really brings a real life feel to the story. I loved all 8 books of this series and can’t wait for #9.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

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