Miracles at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

Miracles at Promise Lodge 

Book Summary

Returning to the fan-favorite world of Promise Lodge, the small-town Missouri setting for her beloved Amish inspirational romance novels, Charlotte Hubbard charms readers with a Mother’s Day themed tale perfect for fans of Shelley Shepard Gray and Beth Wiseman!

A season of change has blessed the Amish of Missouri’s Promise Lodge, as mothers-to-be anticipate the arrival of their little miracles and one young man’s life is about to take an unexpected turn as he sheds his bad boy reputation and embraces the value of faith and hard work.

Long-time residents of Promise Lodge welcome a wave of newcomers that includes a pretty potter who’s come to help an expectant couple, and a hard-working dairy expert ready to manage the herds on the expanding Burkholder farm. Then there’s Isaac Chupp, the handsome, charming son of a notoriously unyielding Bishop from nearby Coldstream. Isaac has recklessly rebelled against his dat, and his bad boy reputation precedes him. Now he seeks a fresh start, applying for work at Dale Kraybill’s bulk store.

Proving himself reliable while Dale takes off for his wedding trip is Isaac’s bold first step. But more miraculous awakenings may come as he settles into the warm new light of the faithful community. And while Promise Lodge celebrates an abundance of newborns as summer turns to fall, Isaac discovers a kindred soul who has her own share of challenges. In helping her, he just may find his true purpose in loving selflessly, building up, and giving back . . .

My Thoughts

Miracles at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard takes us back to the quaint community of Promise Lodge.  It was great to catch up with the characters that started the community and who have moved into it since its creation.  I like that it is a community started by women (I wonder if the Amish will ever allow women to be deacons or bishops).  Isaac has come to Promise Lodge for a fresh start.  Unfortunately, members of his old community live in the area and are fully aware of his misdeeds.  Isaac has a temper as well as impulse control issues. There is one scene that I found particularly troubling with Isaac.  It can be a trigger for individuals who have been abused or assaulted.  Maria Zehr’s arrival is quite vociferous, and the timing is inopportune. Maria is a piece of work.  I would not have had the patience to deal with her.  

I like Vera.  She is a kind, forgiving young woman.  Vera is also artistic and allowed to express her creativity through her pottery.  It was good to see Dale and Irene so happy.  Jealousy and envy were two of the themes in the story.  Faith was nicely woven into the story.  It is great how the people who live in Promise Lodge help each other and are welcoming to new people (I wish all communities were like that).   I like the author’s writing style (makes the story easy to read).  There is good plot and character development.  I have read all the books in the series, so I am familiar with the characters and the setting.  New readers would not have that knowledge (it is best to read the series in order). One of my favorite phrases from the book is, “One of the best things about the Bible is the way we can read a passage again and again throughout our lives, yet those verses can take on a different meaning—often depending upon our circumstances.”  I look forward to my next visit to Promise Lodge.  

Miracles at Promise Lodge is available from Amazon*.  Miracles at Promise Lodge is Charlotte Hubbard's final novel.  The author has announced her retirement.  You can find the other novels in the Promise Lodge series here and the rest of Charlotte Hubbard's Amish tales here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, February 27 with Trapped in Yosemite by Dana Mentink.  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

 Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge

Book Summary

With two spring weddings to celebrate, friends and family are reunited at the Amish community of Promise Lodge, where nothing—and no one—can derail an unexpected new love when it’s part of a glorious plan . . .

 

In the year since he lost his wife in a tragic accident, Lester Lehman has found healing and purpose—helping construct Dale Kraybill’s new bulk store, enjoying the Kuhn sisters’ hearty meals, and settling into a tiny, built-for-one lakeside house. Falling in love again is surely not on Lester’s mind. Yet despite his firm “no,” two available ladies have set their kapps on the handsome widower—in a boisterous rivalry that weaves mayhem among the wedding festivities . . .

 

A welcome escape comes from a fresh-faced newcomer. Marlene Fisher disarms Lester with her witty quips on his romantic predicament, while her sparkling eyes inspire surprising thoughts of a shared future. But the heartbreak that brought Marlene to Promise Lodge runs deep, and the pretty maidel believes she’s not meant to marry. In a season of vows to love and honor, scripture holds the key to building their happiness together: love is kind, and above all . . . patient.

My Thoughts

Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is a charming Amish tale.  I was happy to return to Promise Lodge.  It is a friendly, welcoming community that is comprised of Amish and Mennonite.  Many of the Amish who reside at Promise Lodge escaped the bullying bishop from the Coldstream district.  The newest residents are no exception.  Marlene Fisher and her twin brother, Mose have lost both of their parents.  They are eager for a fresh start at Promise Lodge.  The siblings hope to avoid Bishop Obadiah while they clear out the family home.   Marlene does not plan on marrying, but God may have a different plan for her life.  Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge is the latest Promise Lodge novel.  While it can be read on its own, I recommend reading the series in order.  It will allow a reader to get to know the characters and the community.  I have enjoyed seeing the community grow and prosper.  I was hoping the author would write Lester Lehman’s story after reading New Beginnings at Promise Lodge.   I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing.  I like the realistic and relatable characters.  Marlene Fisher is a great addition.  She is a kind, thoughtful woman who is always willing to lend a helping hand.  She is also spunky. Marlene’s twin brother, Mose is a gentle giant.  An incident from his childhood has caused Mose to avoid crowds and people whom he does not know.  

I laughed often while reading this story thanks to Agnes and Elverta.  Both women have come to Promise Lodge determined to win Lester Lehman.  Their bickering did get on my nerves a little, but it was overshadowed by their entertaining antics.  Faith was nicely woven into the story.  I like how Easter and its meaning was incorporated into the story.  It is a good time to take stock of your life and forgive those who have caused you harm.  Faith, hope, and forgiveness are the key messages in the story.  The author does touch on a difficult subject that some people will find uncomfortable.  I thought the topic was handled beautifully.  I like how the romance progressed between Lester and Marlene.  I like that Marlene and Lester were able to have candid conversations.  The delectable desserts mentioned will make your mouth water.  There are recipes for some of the tasty treats at the end.  I hope there will be many more stories in the Promise Lodge series.  Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge is an inspiring and witty tale with a kindhearted newcomer, wrangling women, a shy sibling, convivial nuptials, a bullying bishop, and a caring community.  

Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in the Promise Lodge series here (they can be read for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited member).  You can find Charlotte Hubbard's other novels here.  If you follow Charlotte Hubbard on Amazon on Amazon, you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Here are a few of the other books released today:  A Half-Baked Murder by Emily George, Murder Served Neat by Michelle Hillen Klump, Primer and Punishment by Diane Kelly, Falling for the Amish Bad Boy by Emma Miller, It's One of Us by J.T. Ellison, and No Small Murder by Lena Gregory.  Tomorrow I am featuring It's One of Us by J.T. Ellison.  I hope that you have a magical day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

An Amish Christmas Star by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, and Rosalind Lauer

 An Amish Christmas Star

Book Summary

The crisp fragrance of pine trees and the warm spice of fresh cookies aren’t the only blessings that Christmas brings, and no one knows more about happy homecomings than three couples who are celebrating the greatest gift of all . . .

BUGGIES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES * Shelley Shepard Gray

Called home by family, John Miller and Ellie Coblentz are each looking for a way north from Pinecraft, Florida. With few options, they decide sharing the burden of travel must be the Lord’s plan for them. But can this bumpy, bad-weather journey home help them find their way into each other’s hearts, too?

STAR OF WONDER * Charlotte Hubbard

When Raymond Overholt comes to Promise Lodge, hoping to sell the barnboard signs he’s painted with stars and Christmas messages, spirited young Mennonite Lizzie Zehr is intrigued. But any courtship between them will face fierce opposition from the bishop of Raymond’s Old Order community—unless someone can convince him that at the heart of faith lies love . . .

STARLIGHT EVERLASTING * Rosalind Lauer

Newlyweds Rachel and Luke Coblentz can’t wait to celebrate their first Christmas together after years of courtship. But when Luke’s factory job threatens to keep them apart—from each other and their dream of a family—it will take faith to believe in the gift of a truly joyful ending . . .

My Thoughts

An Amish Christmas Star by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, and Rosalind Lauer contains three heartwarming novellas.  I enjoyed each one of these charming holiday tales.  They are well-written and engaging.   They remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.  I like stories where there are Christmas miracles.  I enjoyed returning to Promise Lodge in Star of Wonder by Charlotte Hubbard.  Lizzie was a delightful character.  I loved her enthusiasm and her style of dress.  Those who have read the Promise Lodge stories will want to see what happens in this novella.  I love how the author brought about the Christmas miracle.    Buggies, Trains, and Automobiles by Shelley Shepard Gray is a cute story.  I laughed several times while reading this one.  John and Ellie are trying to get home.  Their journey was certainly unique.  I like to think that they are truly good people out there who would help people in need.  

Starlight Everlasting by Rosalind Lauer is a touching story.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the Christmas shop with the picket fence and manager.  I like how the faith element was worked into each story.  I enjoyed the star theme and how it was presented in each novella.  These sweet stories are full of hope, determination, love, and the most important, faith. God will truly show us the right path to take if we let him.  An Amish Christmas Star has three touching tales with raucous rock, candy bar repasts, curious clothing, a speedy scooter, a bad-mannered bishop, work woes, sparkling stars, and happily ever afters.

An Amish Christmas Star is available from Amazon*.  Shelley Shepard Gray has Happily Ever Amish coming out on October 25.  You can find Shelley Shepard Gray's other novels here.  Charlotte Hubbard has Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge publishing on February 21, 2023 (it can be preordered from Amazon).  You can find Charlotte Hubbard's other novels here.  Rosalind Lauer has The Love of a Good Amish Woman releasing on December 27 and it can be preordered from Amazon.  You can find Rosalind Lauer's other books here.  All of these delightful Christmas books are getting me in the mood for the holidays.  I have begun planning my outdoor decorations for Christmas (which go up the day after Thanksgiving).  I found a cute inflatable with Santa in his sleigh with his reindeer.  It has Santa's beard flowing backward.

Thank you so much for joining me today.  I cannot believe it is the last day of September.  I will be busy outside this weekend setting up my Halloween display.  I have a minimum of fifteen inflatables to set up.  I will share pictures when it is done.  I hope you have a fun weekend (or relaxing if you prefer).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

 Love Blooms in Morning Star

Book Summary

When five unmarried Amish maidels turn a ramshackle barn into a thriving business, their small Missouri town is energized by new opportunities. But the Morning Star Marketplace has also brought unexpected joy, as each woman finds her own true love . . . 

As Jo Fussner keeps the Marketplace humming, her heart dances with a joyous secret. Jo and Michael Wengerd, a shy nursery owner from a nearby town, have fallen hopelessly in love. When Michael buys a courting buggy, Jo is sure a proposal will follow. But she’ll have to work hard to gain her mother’s approval—because the widowed Drusilla Fussner is convinced that marriage will bring her daughter nothing but heartache.

To win Jo’s hand, Michael enlists his father’s help in convincing Drusilla to give the marriage her blessing—and perhaps even open her heart to new happiness of her own. . . . But just as Jo and Michael’s hope for their future grows, an even bigger obstacle looms. The Amish elders vote to forbid any maidel from working once she marries. Now Jo must choose between the beloved store she’s put her heart into, and the man she can’t live without. Conflicted, Jo will have to trust that anything is possible when true faith guides the way . . .

My Thoughts

Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the fourth novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series.  Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order.  Love Blooms in Morning Star is an inspiring and heartwarming tale.  I love the characters in this series.  We get to catch up with all the people from the previous books, but this story focuses on Jo, Michael, Nelson, and Drusilla.  We also get to spend more time with Nelson’s twin sister, Nadine.  I like that the women speak up for themselves.  I admit that I do not agree with the Amish rule that men are in charge of the households and make the decisions regarding a wife (like being allowed to work outside the home).  We get to know Drusilla and learn what is behind her behavior.  I like that the characters and their situations are realistic.  They have real life struggles that readers can relate to.  I like that the characters are a range of ages (from Jo’s teenage helpers to those in their twilight years).  The descriptions of Jo’s mouthwatering baked goods will have heading for the nearest bakery.  There are good life lessons including a special one on forgiveness.  The faith element was nicely woven into the story.  The Easter weekend celebrations were special, and I liked Bishop Jeremiah’s sermon.  I enjoyed the camaraderie of the community and how people would come together to help each other.  The ending is special and will leave you with a good feeling in your heart (and a smile on your face).  I hope this will not be our last visit to Morning Star.  Love Blooms in Morning Star is an uplifting Amish tale with scrumptious coffee cakes, pretty posies, an emotive mother, an exultant engagement, a deacon dilemma, a cheery twin sister, a benevolent bishop, conferring forgiveness, and sweet surprises.  

Love Blooms in Morning Star publishes Tuesday, July 26 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The other three novels in The Maidels of Morning Star are Morning Star (can be borrowed for free through Kindle Unlimited), First Light in Morning Star, and Christmas Comes to Morning Star.  You can find Charlotte Hubbard's other novels here.  Charlotte Hubbard's next new book release is Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge which publishes February 28, 2023. It is the latest addition to the Promise Lodge series.  I appreciate you joining me today and reading my review.  On deck for tomorrow is Witch and Famous by Angela Sanders. It is the third book in A Witch Way Librarian Mysteries.  I hope that you have a positive day.  I am off to organize.  I have spaces that desperately need organization (and hopefully I can get rid of some items to make more space).  Take care, stay cool (it is so hot outside), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

 Christmas Comes to Morning Star

Book Summary

For fans of Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall comes a new Amish inspirational romance set at a most joyful time of year--Christmas!—in the heartwarming community of Morning Star, Missouri, with its mouthwatering marketplace, close-knit community, and blessings for everyone—even enterprising, noodle-making, unmarried twin maidels who’ve given up on love and families of their own.

Founded by five unmarried and enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morning Star Marketplace in small-town Missouri is preparing for a joyous Christmas season. But will the holiday also bring unexpected tidings of love?
 
Twin sisters Molly and Marietta Helfing are eagerly anticipating Christmas, with Marietta fully recovered from cancer and their noodle making business thriving. But Molly clearly misses having former tenant Pete Shetler and his rambunctious dog, Riley, around. Marietta can’t ignore Molly’s feelings for Pete—or the anxiety it stirs within her. Convinced her illness has made her unmarriageable, Marietta wonders what kind of life she’ll have if her sister marries—despite Molly’s promise to never leave her behind. . .
 
Then a fire destroys the home of Amish neighbors and Molly and Marietta graciously make room for widower Glenn Detweiler, his dat, and his two young boys. When Pete returns to help the family rebuild, Molly relishes her reunion with the handsome carpenter, while Marietta delights in mothering Glenn’s boys—and is surprised by her poignant bond with their quiet, brooding father. Soon everyone is wondering if this season will bring the blessing of a merry double wedding to Morning Star . . .

My Thoughts

Molly and Marietta Helfing are twin sister’s who are in their 30s.  They make a living selling their homemade Amish noodles in a shop in The Marketplace.  Marietta feels that no one will ever want to marry her since she had the mastectomy last year and is unable to have children.  Molly does not want to leave her sister alone, so she plans on not marrying as well despite her attraction to Pete Shetler.  Glenn Detweiler has lost his wife and his mother.  He is trying to take care of his two young sons and his aging father as well as his business.  Grief is overwhelming him.  Then a fire destroys his house. He is thankful when the Helfing sisters take in his family.  Pete worries that Molly is falling for Glenn and wonders if he has missed his chance.  What does the future hold for this foursome? 

Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the 3^rd book in The Maidels of Morning Star series.  I recommend reading this heartwarming series in order.  I thought Christmas Comes to Morning Star was well-written with developed, friendly characters.  I love the maidels in this series.  This book focuses on Molly and Marietta, but we also get to catch up with Jo.  Jo Fussner likes Michael Wengerd, but her mother’s bitterness is standing in her way.  Love, hope, grief, community, and family are the themes of this story.  I enjoyed catching up with Lydianne and Regina as well. Bishop Jeremiah Shetler is a kindhearted man who cares about those in the community.  Bishop Shetler is a good man who is eager to marry Lydianne.  Two of the women have found love, and we are hoping the other three will as well.  The Marketplace sounds like a wonderful place with all the fabulous shops filled with homemade Amish goods.  Christmas Comes to Morning Star is a story that puts you in the Christmas spirit (even though it is August).  Christmas Comes to Morning Star is a comforting tale with homemade noodle pudding, a devastating fire, a disagreeable mother, a caring bishop, and three unmarried maidels.  

Christmas Comes to Morning Star publishes Tuesday, August 24.  You can pre-order from Amazon*.  The other two novels in The Maidels of Morning Star series are Morning Star and First Light in Morning Star.  Both books can be borrowed for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited.  You can follow Charlotte Hubbard on Amazon so you can receive emails when she has a new release.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  No Grater Crime by Maddie Day is planned for tomorrow.  It is the 9th A Country Store Mystery.  I hope you have a cheerful day. Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

 

Book Summary

First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard has Lydianne Christner becoming the new schoolteacher in Morning Star, Pennsylvania.  She is worried that someone will ask about her past which she does not want to come to light.  Her secret could get her shunned.  Moving to Morning Start provided Lydianne with a fresh start.  Bishop Jeremiah Shetler takes an interest in the town’s new schoolteacher.  When he asks to court Lydianne, Jeremiah is surprised when she turns him down without an explanation.  He can tell that something is burdening Lydianne, but Jeremiah must wait until she is ready to share it with him.  When Lydianne finally shares her secret, Jeremiah has an important decision to make.    

My Thoughts

First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the 2^nd novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series.  While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Morning Star first (sets the stage for the whole series).  I like Lydianne Christner as well as the other characters in this series.  Lydianne is woman with a secret.  She is afraid of what will happen if her past is exposed.  I liked that this book is not a traditional romance.  There are twists to surprise a reader.  The story does start out a little slow, but the pacing increases as the book progresses.  There is also repetition of information that did not enjoy (I got it the first time).  I like that we get to catch up with some of the characters from the author’s Simple Gifts series and Seasons of the Heart series.  We get to see Bishop Jeremiah Shetler as a man with feelings and desires of his own instead of just as the leader of the community.  It is nice how the Faith elements of second chances, forgiveness, hope, and acceptance are woven into the story.  God has a plan for each of us and we must have faith in Him.  First Light in Morning Star is a sweet story with a lovely ending.  I am eager for the story of Jeremiah’s nephew, Pete.  I think it is time for him to settle down.  First Light in Morning Star is a heartfelt Amish tale that features developed characters with real life problems. 

First Light in Morning Star is available from Amazon*.  Morning Star is the first book in The Maidels of Morning Star series. It is available to borrow from Kindle Unlimited.  The next installment is Christmas Comes to Morning Star which publishes on August 24.  You can find Charlotte Hubbard's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by and reading my review.  Tomorrow I am featuring Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke.  It is the 7th novel in The Mulberry Lane Series. I hope you have a jolly day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

Welcome!  I hope everyone is having a good week.  I am in a very good mood.  I have been working towards a goal for almost seven years and I finally achieved it this week.  I had no idea it would take me this long to get the invite (sorry, but I am not allowed to say more).  I am just happy to finally have reached the summit.  I can now enjoy the perks.  How are you doing?  

Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard has Jo Fussner coming up with the idea to use the old Clementi barn as a marketplace for their community.  She takes her notion to Bishop Jeremiah Shetler.  Soon The Marketplace is born and it will open at the beginning of June.  Regina Miller finds painting a joy.  She creates beautiful watercolors which goes against the Ordung.  Regina rents a booth at The Marketplace under a pseudonym which will allow her to maintain her secrecy while selling her creations.  Unfortunately, Gabe Flaud has been paying attention to Regina and her habits.  It leads him to speculate in public that Regina may be the artist which brings the church leaders down on Regina.  Gabe feels guilty for the trouble he has caused Regina especially since he has a secret of his own.  Gabe defends Regina before the other members and confesses his own sin.  The pair find themselves drawn together in the weeks that follow.  Will they find themselves the newest couple in Morning Star, or are their differences too numerous to overcome?

Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the beginning of The Maidels of Morning Star series.  Jo Fussner, Regina Miller, Lydianne Christner plus Mariettta and Molly Helfing are five unmarried women living in Morning Star, Missouri.  The five independent ladies all have jobs that support them which is unconventional for Amish women.  I liked Jo Fussner’s idea of purchasing the Clementi property and turning the run down stable into a marketplace.   The community is lucky to have a kind and compassionate leader in Bishop Jeremiah Shetler.  It is a shame the deacon and ministers are not cut from the same cloth.  Regina Miller has been creating art for many years.  While taking a class during her rumspringa, Regina discovered her love of watercolors.  She creates realistic landscapes and has dozens of them stacked in bins in her attic studio.  Regina came up with a plan to rent a stall at The Marketplace.  Unfortunately, she did not count on someone figuring out her secret and blurting it out in front of others.  I thought Morning Star was well-written with steady pacing.  There are some great characters in this story as well as some you want to drop kick into the next county.  The problem I had was with the content.  We see a woman being condemned for using her God given talents to create art.  These few men now attack her for her creativity.  I could not stand the belittling and bullying.  They want Regina to give up her independence.  I just found it all wrong.  I know it is a part of the Amish faith, but I found it frustrating and upsetting.  If she had painted on usable objects, then it was not sinful (where is the logic in that).  Please note that this is just my personal feelings about some of the content.  Morning Star has other components that I enjoyed.  I will be reading First Light in Morning Star.  I enjoyed the references to nearby Willow Ridge from Charlotte Hubbard’s Simple Gifts series and Seasons of the Heart series.  My favorite line from Morning Stars is, “Chocolate makes everything feel better, ain’t so?”  Morning Star starts off the Maidels of Morning Star series with a bang.  Morning Star is an emotional tale with picturesque paintings, merry music, a booming marketplace, firm friends, and a benevolent bishop. 

Amish heading to church

Morning Star is available from Amazon* as well as other booksellers (Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks, etc.).  The next novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series is First Light in Morning Star featuring Lydianne Christner.  It will release on December 29, 2020.  You can find Charlotte Hubbard's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Witches and Wedding Cake by Bailey Cates.  It is the 9th A Magical Bakery Mystery.  I hope you have an uplifting day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Light Shines on Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

Happy Friday!  I hope all of you are staying safe and well.  I was very fortunate this week that my very kind and generous brother-in-law came over and changed our kitchen faucet.  Our old one has been leaking terribly for a year.  I was unable to do the job and I am so thankful that he did this for us.  No more leaks!  How are things going at your house?  

Light Shines on Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard opens with the wedding of Frances Lehman and Preacher Marlen Kurtz.  It is obvious to all present that the two are very much in love.  Annabelle Beachey has settled into Promise Lodge where she has started a sewing business.  She has become more confident and independent since her arrival thanks to the other ladies in the community.  Annabelle is shocked when Phineas, the husband who abandoned her, arrives during the wedding dinner.  He wants Annabelle to leave the Amish and relocate to Ohio where he has established his business.  Phineas is surprised at how Annabelle has changed especially at how she speaks up to him.  Cyrus Helmuth begins showing interest in Gloria Lehman.  She is unaware of the wager Cyrus has made with his brother, Jonathan.  The morning after the wedding, the town is surprised by the appearance of Bishop Clayton King who states he is there on behalf of the Council of Bishops.  He states that the council is concerned at how progressive Promise Lodge has become and Bishop Clayton sets out to make changes.  Bishop Clayton’s changes could ruin the community the group has built unless action is taken.  

Light Shines on Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is the fifth novel in the Promise Lodge Series.  I do recommend reading the series in order.  It is the best way to understand the people and the community.  I enjoyed reading Light Shines on Promise Lodge, and I did not want this delightful story to end.  I thought it was well-written with steady pacing and a good flow.  The characters are developed as well as endearing and continue to grow as individuals.  All our favorites are back (Bishop Monroe, Christine, Preacher Amos Troyer, Gloria, Allen, Laura, etc.) plus we have the addition of Annabelle and Phineas Beachey.  Annabelle’s husband left her to become English.  She only knew he left because she caught him searching for her egg money.  After her brother-in-law took over the farm and made Annabelle feel like a charity case, she relocated to Promise Lodge.  Annabelle develops a backbone along with loving friends who care and support her.  Phineas is determined to stay, but he will need to change his ways if wants to win back his wife.  Cyrus Helmuth and his older brother, Jonathan make a wager that will end up causing hurt feelings.  Hopefully, the pair will do some maturing along the way and learn a life lesson or two.  Bishop Clayton King shows up at Promise Lodge claiming their community is too progressive.  He is intent on making changes.  Trouble has come to their peaceful community.  Light Shines on Promise Lodge was an interesting story with its various storylines.  I like how everything played out including the appearance of some special guests (I cannot say too much or it will spoil it for you).  I especially liked the mystery surrounding Bishop King.  I have enjoyed watching Gloria go from a girl chasing boys to a woman who manages the cabins and apartments at the lodge. There are recipes from the Promise Lodge kitchen at the end of the book.   Light Shines on Promise Lodge is a story about forgiveness, love, friendship, family, community and second chances.  Charlotte Hubbard is a storyteller of the highest caliber.  She weaves a tale that will capture and hold your attention from beginning to end.  I hope there will be many more stories in this charming series.  

Light Shines on Promise Lodge releases on Tuesday, March 31.  It can be pre-ordered through Amazon.  You can find the other novels in the Promise Lodge Series here.  If you enjoy reading the Promise Lodge Series, I highly suggest reading Charlotte Hubbard's Simple Gifts series. Thank you for reading my review today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Dead in the Doorway by Diane Kelly which is the second A House-Flipper Mystery.  I hope that you have an inspired day.  By the way. . .Why did words and punctuation end up in court?  To be sentenced!  Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

New Beginnings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

Welcome!  Amish Front Porch Stories by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter is available for pre-order.  It will be out on November 5.  Cast Iron Alibi by Victoria Hamilton is the ninth A Vintage Kitchen Mystery and it also comes out November 5.  Stamped Out by Tonya Kappes published on October 29 and it is the first A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery.  I cannot wait to read these new releases.

New Beginnings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard welcomes us to Promise, Missouri.  Frances Lehman has been widowed for six weeks after being married for twenty years.  She is glad that they moved to the Promise Lodge with its unusual Amish community.  Woman have freedoms that are not enjoyed in any other Amish community and everyone is so welcoming.  Frances is heading to the Truman and Rosetta’s wedding when her recently widowed brother-in-law, Lester states his intention of moving into her home with plans for them to marry.  Frances and her daughter, Gloria need to think about a way of supporting themselves, but she has no intention of being forced into a marriage.  She is thankful Preacher Marlin Kurtz overheard Lester’s remarks and came to her defense.  Marlin and Frances take a walk later in the day which gets their families riled up.  Just when their courtship is beginning, an accident sidelines Frances which gives her time to contemplate her future.  Frances has no wish to be a burden upon anyone plus she is still grieving which clouds her judgement.  Can the residents of Promise Lodge help bring joy back into Frances life and convince her that second love can be a blessing?

New Beginnings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is the fourth story in the Promise Lodge series.  I recommend reading this series in order so you will not be overwhelmed by the characters and their various stories.  New Beginnings at Promise Lodge picks up where Weddings at Promise Lodge ended.  Truman and Rosetta are getting married which is a union between an Amish and a Mennonite.  I just love the ladies of Promise Lodge.  They are a lively and caring bunch.  The women support each other.  While the book focuses on Frances, we also catch up with the other characters.  Frances is grieving the loss of her husband, but she is also looking forward to the freedoms offered by their new community. But then her brother-in-law, Lester Lehman begins insisting they marry which is the last thing Frances wants to happen.  Her daughter, Gloria is upset at the loss of her father and she is still chasing after Allen Troyer who is not interested in Gloria.  Allen has told Gloria how he feels, but she is rather persistent (let’s face it, she is a pest).  Preacher Marlin Kurtz, who has been a widower for three years, intervenes when Lester begins making inappropriate assertions.  Marlin is interested in Frances and is totally unprepared for the reaction from one of his grown children.  I thought New Beginnings at Promise Lodge was well-written with appealing characters.  The setting is beautifully described, and the story has a good flow.  I like how Charlotte Hubbard has given us this unique Amish community with a variety of characters.  I thought the situations realistic and I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout this emotional tale.  There is a particularly sad section that had me fetching a tissue.  New Beginnings at Promise Lodge gives us joy, family, heartache, friendship, love, faith, grief, and confusion.  We get to meet Annabelle Beachy at the end who will feature in Light Shines on Promise Lodge.  My favorite saying from the book is “Happiness doesn’t just happen—it’s a conscious choice we make dozens a times each day.” New Beginnings at Promise Lodge is a heartwarming story with a wonderful wedding, a bothersome brother-in-law, twin expectations, a plethora of pies, diminutive dwellings, and a terrible tumble.  

New Beginnings at Promise Lodge is available through Amazon* (Amazon UK)as well as other major booksellers.  The Promise Lodge series consists of Promise Lodge (Kindle Unlimited), Christmas at Promise Lodge (Kindle Unlimited), and Weddings at Promise Lodge.   Light Shines on Promise Lodge is available for pre-order and will be published on March 31, 2020. Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return tomorrow to review State of Lies by Siri Mitchell.  I hope that you have a fruitful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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