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.

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

*This post contains affiliate links.

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