Weddings at Promise Lodge: Promise Lodge series

Welcome!  Charlotte Hubbard is the author of the Promise Lodge and Simple Gifts series as well as other engaging Amish novels.  The books in the Promise Lodge series are Promise Lodge (Kindle version $1.99), A Christmas at Promise Lodge and Weddings at Promise Lodge.   A Simple Vow (Kindle version $1.99) and A Simple Wish are the books in the Simple Gifts series.  A Simple Wish will be released on September 26.  If you pay careful attention while reading Weddings at Promise Lodge, you might find a mention of the shops in Willow Ridge (from Simple Gifts series).  You can follow Charlotte Hubbard on Facebook, Amazon and Goodreads.

Weddings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is the third book in the Promise Lodge series. Promise Lodge is growing with new families and businesses arriving.  Amos Troyer’s twin daughters along with their husbands are moving to Promise Lodge to live and open a nursery and greenhouses.  Mattie Bender and Amos Troyer are finally getting married (it is about time).  The newly arrived Bishop Monroe Burkholder is presiding over the ceremony. Christine Bender found herself attracted to Monroe and is looking forward to spending more time with him.  Amos is wary of Monroe because he feels that their new bishop is hiding something (a feeling).  Everyone is at Roman and Mary Kate’s wedding when an unexpected arrival interrupts the festivities.  A young woman, Leola Duff bursts into the lodge declaring that Monroe “ruined her” and that they must marry.  The male leaders in the community want answers, but Monroe is being evasive.  Christine does not doubt that there is a logical explanation for Leola’s remarks and that Monroe will tell all when the time is right (in God’s own perfect timing, not theirs).  But will the community understand and still accept Monroe when he enlightens them?  Come to Promise Lodge in Weddings at Promise Lodge to visit with old friends, meet the newcomers, and catch up on the gossip

Weddings at Promise Lodge contains good writing.  Ms. Hubbard’s writing style makes for a novel that is pleasurable to read.  I thought the novel had a good pace and a beautiful setting.  There are a significant number of characters that can be hard to keep straight.  It gets easier the further you get into the story.  The book contains lovely, Christian characters.  I am amazed at how they welcome strangers into their community and the depth of their compassion, kindness and patience (something I lack).  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone was so accepting and welcoming in real life?  I was not a fan of Leola Duff.  I do not know how the community dealt with her antics.  I would have sent her packing within twenty-four hours.   I rate Weddings at Promise Lodge 4 out of 5 stars.  While Weddings at Promise Lodge can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the books in order.  You will understand why the Bender sisters and Amos Troyer decided to start their own community.  It will also provide you with the background details on the main characters.  I like the Promise Lodge community because it is not as strict as Amish districts in Amish novels.  They are receptive to all Christians.  While Weddings at Promise Lodge has some predictability, there are some unexpected surprises.  At the end of the story, we are left wondering what will happen next time.  Weddings at Promise Lodge is a little racy compared to normal Amish/Christian novels.  There is some kissing and intimate innuendos which is not the norm in an Amish book (just giving you a heads up).  I liked the lessons of holding a person accountable for their actions, importance of communication, and appearances can be deceiving.    There are recipes at the end of Weddings at Promise Lodge and a preview of A Simple Wish (will be available on September 26).

I appreciate you visiting today.  Next time I will be reviewing A Ghostly Light by Juliet Blackwell.  May each of you have a terrific Thursday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader