3.85 AVERAGE


Continuing the story of the new community of Promise Lodge. Amos and Mattie are preparing to marry when a freak fall injures Amos. His fall gives him second thoughts about marriage. Another great story with no apparent break in the process.
Second in the series Promise lodge. Don’t let the title throw you it is not a Christmas story so much as just the continuation of the first book. I don’t know how many are in this series but they are good reads.
hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Christmas at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is the second book in the Promise Lodge series. Mattie Schwartz is ready for the wedding of her son, Noah and his fiancé, Deborah in Promise, Missouri. It starts out as a lovely ceremony until Bishop Lehman gets personal. He states that the other unmarried people (he even names certain individuals) need to get married (he even gives them a time limit). This is not the vision Mattie, Christine, Rosetta, and Amos had for Promise Lodge. Bishop Lehman also does not want women to own and run businesses (he wants them at home cleaning and raising children). The community is upset, but they do not let it ruin this special day for Noah and Deborah. Later Amos proposes to Mattie and she accepts (not because of the Bishop). When Amos tries to get a Frisbee off a shed roof, the roof collapses. Bishop Lehman rushes over and acts like he is going to catch Amos (very odd). Both men end up hurt. Amos has a concussion and he has to stay in a dark room. He needs complete rest for several weeks as he recovers. Bishop Lehman is told to rest, and he refuses to listen (checks himself out of hospital). Bishop Lehman ends up suffering a stroke and loses his ability to speak (he will need therapy). Amos gets frustrated at being cooped up and takes it out on Mattie. Amos, Mattie, and the Lehman family are in for a rough time. They will need faith and prayer to get them through. Join Mattie, Christine, Amos, and Rosetta at the Promise Lodge and see how they handle these difficulties.

Christmas at Promise Lodge is well-written, has a good flow, and engaging characters. Charlotte Hubbard is a descriptive writer. She describes things in a way so the reader can see them in their head. There is quite a bit going on in the book. For example, Mary Ann is unwed and pregnant (it is not her fault but her father acts like it is), Amos gets a chance to made amends with his family, and so much more. It is a lovely story about faith and the power of prayer. Christmas at Promise Lodge is a heartwarming story. While it is set during December and into January, it is not a Christmas story (unfortunately). I give Christmas at Promise Lodge 4 out of 5 stars. I have to admit that I get frustrated at times reading about such outmoded ideas. That the woman belongs at home and cannot own/run her own business (this is not the 1800 or even 1950). These are not the ideals I taught my daughter (can you tell that I am an independent woman). This is the second book in the Promise Lodge series and it is not a stand-alone novel. There are quite a few characters and it can be confusing. You need to read the first book in order to understand the people and their vision for Promise Lodge. If you try starting with the second book, you will be lost in the beginning (when you get all the characters thrown at you). I received a free copy of this book. Receipt of the free book did not influence my voluntary review.

I just couldn't engage with anyone. The main characters were together from almost the beginning, and there was just far too much going on around the to keep track of it all.

There's never a dull moment at Promise Lodge! During the wedding of two of the residents, Bishop Floyd goes off course and makes some startling statements that set some on edge. Will Promise Lodge be what the founding sisters and Preacher Amos want it to be or will the Bishop's requirements change everything?

It was so nice to return to Promise Lodge and catch up with everyone and meet some new people along the way. While the book has a main focus on Mattie, Preacher Amos, Rosetta, Truman, Roman, Mary Kate, and Preacher Floyd, we get to follow the lives of the other residents, too. Roman and Mary Kate were favorites of mine in this book. I like how their story progressed in a natural and unassuming way.

I really like Charlotte Hubbard's writing style. Her books are so well written and there is such attention to detail that I feel as if I'm actually there and part of the story. I also like the way she portrays the Amish by having them in situations you don't read about in most Amish books but staying true to the values and ways most of us associate with the Amish lifestyle. Her books are such a joy to read.

A bonus to the book is a section at the back that includes the recipes of some of the foods the women of Promise Lodge made for everyone. I love that Charlotte takes the time to add these so you try the mouth-watering foods described in the book. The hard part will be deciding which recipe to try first.

Even though this book has Christmas in the title to me it wasn't a true Christmas story and would make a great read for any time of the year. No need to wait for the holidays; pick up a copy and escape to Promise Lodge today!

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.