Book Review & Giveaway: Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

 

Lester Lehman's past collides with his present in this fun and heartwarming story that brings two members of the Promise Lodge community together. 

Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard finds the Promise Lodge community welcoming family and friends to celebrate weddings. But getting married again is the farthest thing from Lester Lehman's mind. Then enter two women from his past, and his quiet bachelor life is anything but pleasant.

Marlene Fisher came to Promise Lodge with her twin brother Mose for a fresh start after the deaths of their parents. Marlene's past plagues her, and she believes she is not meant to marry. 

But Marlene's witty quips about Lester's predicament disarm him, and he begins to think of a shared future. Scripture holds the key for this couple who may learn that love is kind and patient. 

This is my favorite Promise Lodge novel yet! It makes me want to go back and read the series from the start. 

I've always enjoyed how Hubbard writes Amish fiction from a feminist perspective, and the Promise Lodge series is the finest example of her work. The Bender sisters left their former community because of an oppressive bishop, and the continued success of their Amish community at Promise Lodge is a testament to the love, faith, and friendship that flows through every aspect of their lives. That's why it is such a riot to see Agnes Plank and Elverta Horst create such havoc as they pursue Lester. While the residents of Promise Lodge have faced adversity, they don't often come across such antics. And the way the Promise Lodge community considers everyone's feelings as they deal with the issue is a true display of their beliefs. 

With Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge, Hubbard provides fans, new and returning, with a fabulous story grounded in faith that brings two people together who thought love was in their past. And proving she is not afraid to tackle tough issues, Marlene's story is both heartbreaking and thrilling. 

Hubbard remains one of the most masterful storytellers in the Amish fiction/romance genre. I look forward to spending more time with the Promise Lodge community when the next installment, Hidden Away at Promise Lodge, arrives this summer. 

Read an excerpt:

Fully awake now, Lester swung his feet to the dock. When he could get a word in edgewise, he needed to deflate Agnes’s high-flying hopes in a hurry, because in her vivid imagination, she was already standing before the bishop with him, repeating her wedding vows. As he opened his mouth to speak, however, another urgent female voice hailed him. 

“Lester! Lester Lehman, it’s me—your Elverta!  I read about Gloria’s wedding in the paper, so it seemed like the perfect reason to come and see you!” 

Lester moaned. His sense of freedom, peace, and unencumbered living had just hit another serious snag. 

 As the national newspaper for Plain communities, the Budget was a wonderful way to keep track of far-flung friends and kin, but he suddenly wished that Gloria—and Rosetta Wickey, their community’s original scribe—hadn’t been quite so descriptive in detailing the Lehman family’s relocation. The tiny town of Promise, Missouri was out in the middle of nowhere, yet Agnes and Elverta had apparently followed every line of the newspaper’s weekly reports right to his doorstep. 

As Elverta Horst, dressed in deep green, strode toward his dock, her tall, skinny, ramrod-straight body reminded Lester of a string bean. He knew better than to express that opinion, of course, because the woman he’d broken up with to begin courting his Delores had never been known for her sense of humor. 

“Wh-who’s this?” Agnes asked him under her breath. 

Never one to beat around the bush, Elverta stopped a few yards from the dock. She glanced at Lester before focusing on the flustered woman beside him. “And who might you be?” she demanded with a raised eyebrow. 

Lester answered as indirectly as possible, because he knew these women would soon find out every little thing about one another. “Elverta, this is Delores’s best friend, Agnes Plank. She lives down the road from our former home in Sugarcreek,” he explained hastily. “And Agnes, this is Elverta Horst—” 

“And I was engaged to Lester before he took up with Delores,” Elverta put in purposefully. “First loves are often the strongest, ain’t so? The flame may flicker through the years, but it never really goes out."

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Zebra (February 21, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1420154397
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1420154399
• 
  

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Narrated by: Susan Boyce 

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I received a free Netgalley copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Charlotte Hubbard will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Book Review: New Beginning at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

Just when you think Charlotte Hubbard can't outdo her last book, she does! New Beginnings at Promise Lodge is a must read for lovers of Amish fiction and clean romance.

Widowed after twenty years of marriage, Frances Lehman is just tasting a bit of freedom. She's certainly not going to be pressured by her brother-in-law into a marriage she doesn't want despite having no idea how she and her daughter will support themselves. Her new friendship with Preacher Marlin Kurtz might have something to do with that, too.

When Frances suffers a horrible injury, she is determined to prove to everyone she can recover and remain independent. Marlin can't help but be concerned about what this means for their budding romance. He hopes the community of Promise Lodge can help restore Frances's joy and faith that this second chance will mean a blessed and abiding future together.

I loved this story from the start. Hubbard truly puts her characters to the test. Poor Frances is pestered by her widowed brother-in-law to see common sense and get married. Her daughter, Gloria, is bitter over not having a special someone in her life and creates challenges for Frances and another young couple. Marlin gets a tiny glimpse of a second chance at love before it is yanked away once Frances is injured. New Beginnings at Promise Lodge is one of those stories where only faith and friendship could see these people through.

While you certainly don't need to read any of the other novels set in Promise Lodge to enjoy this one, I think you'll want to follow these characters right from the beginning.

Promise Lodge
Christmas at Promise Lodge
Weddings at Promise Lodge
New Beginnings at Promise Lodge
Light Shines on Promise Lodge (coming in Spring 2020)

Every story will touch your heart. Every story will make you want to learn more about the people who make up this progressive Amish community where friendship, love, and faith abide. I can't wait for the latest Promise Lodge story to arrive. I can't imagine it will be better than the last, but Hubbard's talent seems to know no bounds. If you like Amish fiction, clean romance, or inspirational stories of any kind, pick up New Beginnings at Promise Lodge or one of the other great books in the series.

Series: Promise Lodge (Book 4)
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Zebra (September 24, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 142014510X
ISBN-13: 978-1420145106

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Nov 19

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.

Dressed in her Sunday-best black dress, Frances Lehman strode along the road to the lodge building. It was a picture-perfect April day, complete with sunshine that shimmered on Rainbow Lake, a sky the color of morning glories, and the sweet scent of lilacs filling the air--exactly the kind of day Rosettta Bender and Truman Wickey deserved for their long-awaited wedding. Every marriage ceremony was a joyful event, but this wedding marked a turning point: because Bishop Monroe Burkholder and the preachers had agreed that Amish and Mennonites could intermarry, Promise Lodge would be considered far more progressive than most Old Order church districts.

Learn more about this book on Goodreads.

Book Review & Giveaway: Weddings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

Another superb novel of love, friendship, and forgiveness can be found in Weddings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard.

The community of Promise Lodge, founded by the three Bender sisters, continues to thrive. The arrival of widowed Bishop Monroe Burkholder seems like an answer to prayer, but Preacher Amos believes he's too good to be true and is determined to uncover the details behind his unannounced arrival.

Christine Bender fell in love with the new bishop the moment she laid eyes on him and Monroe feels the same way. Their love is quickly put to the test when a young girl named Leola shows up claiming the bishop "ruined" her and how she is going to make an honest man out of him. Monroe can only pray everything will be worked out so he can stay in Promise Lodge and have a future with Christine.

Hubbard never disappoints. Every book draws you in from the very first page and holds you until the last word is read. In this latest Promise Lodge novel, characters are put to the test in all kinds of ways; but faith, goodness, kindness and grace see them through. It was such a joy watching this story unfold and reading it every moment I could sneak away. Paradise for me would be a never-ending library filled with Hubbard's books.

If you enjoy Amish fiction and sweet romances, you need to pick up Weddings at Promise Lodge. Better yet, read the series from the beginning. You won't want to miss anything that happens at Promise Lodge.


Excerpt:

“You look lovely in that deep red dress, Christine. It was all I could do to keep my mind on marrying Amos and your sister.”

When Christine turned, Bishop Monroe was standing so close she nearly bumped into him. She smiled up at him a little nervously, for he was tall and broad and extraordinarily handsome—and his dimples had come out to play. “Mattie wanted Rosetta and me to have new dresses with some color to them,” she explained. “And since Christmas was only a couple of weeks ago, we decided this red would be more cheerful than, say, the usual dark blue or gray or teal.”

“Mattie’s a wise woman—with admirable taste in color and husband material, as well,” he added. He held her gaze with his glowing green eyes. “May I have the honor of sitting with you at dinner, Christine? And spending the rest of the day with you, as well? Once we’re alone, I’d like to discuss some important decisions.”

Christine wondered if Monroe could hear how rapidly her heart was beating. Was her face as red as her dress? “I’d like that a lot, Monroe,” she said breathlessly.

The crowd around them seemed to disappear as he offered her his elbow. All Christine could see was Monroe’s attractive face, framed by wavy brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard—and those deep green eyes that focused so intently on her. What decisions could he possibly want to discuss with her? Did she dare hope he wanted her to become a permanent part of his new home, his new life at Promise Lodge?

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zebra (June 27, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420139452
ISBN-13: 978-1420139457

The author sent me a paperback copy of this novel. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Many moons ago—like, in 1983 while she was still a school librarian—Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. This launched her into writing around seventy of those “true confessions” stories over the years, and she’s been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. Over the course of her writing career, she has sold nearly 50 books—most recently, Amish romance series she’s written as Charlotte Hubbard or Naomi King.

Charlotte lived in Missouri for most of her life, so her Amish stories are set in imaginary Missouri towns. These days she lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband of 40+ years and their Border collie, Vera.

WEBSITE www.CharlotteHubbard.com

Facebook www.Facebook.com/Charlotte.Hubbard1


Charlotte will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Book Review: Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard (Giveaway)

What could be better than a new book by Charlotte Hubbard? How about a new book that is also the first in a new series by Charlotte Hubbard.

Mattie and her two sisters, Christine and Rosetta, have left Coldstream to start a new community they call Promise Lodge. Mattie's son Noah. who is nursing a broken heart, joins them and a few other men from Coldstream to help make Promise Lodge a reality.

After the way Deborah broke off their engagement, she was the last person Noah expected to show up at Promise Lodge. But she arrives after being cast out of Coldstream by her dat for reasons she's not ready to share. Noah isn't yet ready to accept Deborah's apology, even if the Old Order ways demand he try. He's going to need help from his mother, aunts, and their preacher to make it happen.

Promise Lodge is Hubbard's latest and, boy, do you have to read it. There's so much going on in this one. You have the rehabbing of Promise Lodge; the arrival of Deborah under mysterious circumstances; Deborah seeking forgiveness from Noah and his struggle to accept her apology; and the ties that still bind everyone to Coldstream that interfere with their plans.

Hubbard is a masterful storyteller, developing her characters in such a way that they become just as real as if they were sitting across the kitchen table from you. Her stories are inspiring and filled with love, faith and, in this case, forgiveness. You'll find some great recipes at the back of the book too.

If you enjoy Amish fiction, if you enjoy inspirational romance, if you like to read a book that touches your heart, then pick up a copy of Promise Lodge.

Promise Lodge, Book 1
Zebra (February 26, 2016)
ISBN-13: 9781420139419 •• ISBN-10: 142013941X

Excerpt:

Deborah stepped inside the cabin and paused. She couldn’t see Noah, but the squeak of a crank-out window told her he was in the far bedroom. Silently crossing the main room’s plank floor, she peered in to watch him work. It had always amazed her, how Noah handled his tools so effortlessly, as if they were extensions of his hands . . . strong, well-shaped hands that had once grasped hers and gently stroked her cheek.

Noah turned as though he’d read her wistful thoughts. His dark brown hair framed his suntanned face in a mop of unruly waves. Even though he wasn’t Sunday-best clean, Deborah longed to touch him, to coax a boyish smile to his lips.

“Hey,” he murmured. He took a deep breath.  “I’m sorry if I bumped your ladder—”

“It was my fault!” Deborah insisted as she hurried toward him. “I was watching you instead of paying attention to how far I’d reached—how the ladder was swaying. You’re always so intent on your work, and so gut at what you do, Noah. It’s a joy to watch you.”

On impulse, she flung her arms around him. “I’m sorry if I’ve been a bother,” she murmured. “I just had to tell you I was wrong—to see if we couldn’t patch things up and be together again. Please, Noah?”

As she hugged him, Deborah wondered what had gotten into her. Why was she behaving so boldly? No matter what Noah might think, however, she couldn’t let him take the blame for the painting incident.

She felt him softening, returning her affection. Maybe this impulsive hug would bring her closer to becoming his wife . . .

Noah’s arms tightened around Deborah’s waist before he realized what he was doing. She smelled fresh and clean. Even though her hair and kerchief were damp, he felt a rush of warmth and longing that made him close his eyes. He’d forgotten how perfectly she fit against him, how firm and strong her body felt . . . how her voice teased at him and could convince him to do just about anything.

For a few blissful moments he savored an embrace that took him back to happier times. Why is it again that you can’t allow Deborah back into your life? Noah nuzzled the damp hair above her ear, noting how the kerchief set off the line of her jaw—

The bruise on her neck brought him back to reality. The handprint was less distinct, blurring from purple into a greenish yellow, but it was still the mark of another man.

Noah touched the bruise lightly with his fingertip as he eased away from her. “Did your dat do this to you?” he whispered. He couldn’t help himself. Deborah’s injury held the key to his feelings for her.

Her face clouded over. Noah reminded himself that she’d never been much good at fibbing, even as doubt and pain furrowed her brow and her cheeks turned splotchy and pink. “No,” she finally murmured.

Noah took another step away from her. “Wrong answer.”

“Wrong question!” Deborah shot back. She crossed her arms tightly, as if to hold herself together when she turned away from him. “Why did you have to ruin—why can’t you trust me? Don’t you understand that I didn’t go asking for trouble when—”

“You didn’t come to Promise Lodge just to see me, either. Did you Deborah?” he countered in a harsh whisper. “Why would I want you back if you’re really here to get away from somebody else?”

When she rushed away, he had his answer, didn’t he?

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Charlotte will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn host.

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I received a free advanced copy of this book--which I accidentally dropped in the tub while reading one night--from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I read this book for the following challenge: