Spring blossoms with new life and new beginnings for the flourishing Amish community of Promise Lodge. And as a just-opened bakery sweetens the air with fresh-baked goodness, residents will find that change can be a most joyous test . . .Recently widowed after twenty years of marriage, Frances Lehman is only just tasting the freedom and opportunity that her Promise Lodge friends enjoy. So she’s not about to be pressured into marriage by her widowed brother-in-law, even if she and her daughter have no real means of support. Much more promising is her new friendship with Preacher Marlin Kurtz, though their respective families don’t see their relationship as proper . . . When Frances suffers a serious injury, she’s determined to prove she can recover—and remain independent—without burdening Marlin. Now, with his steadfast belief in real love tested, Marlin’s hope is that Promise Lodge’s irrepressible residents can help him restore Frances's joy—and that faith will show them a way to turn their fragile second chance into a blessed and abiding future together . . . Praise for Promise Lodge“Hubbard firmly grounds the storyline in the principle of Amish grace.”—Publishers Weekly“Hubbard writes of healing and brave new beginnings from a refreshingly feminist perspective.”—Booklist (starred review)
Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard (a.k.a. Naomi King) writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people—to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of her earlier Angels of Mercy series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie.
Wonderful to be back at Promise Lodge , this is book #4 in the charming series by Charlotte Hubbard. I felt like I was meeting up with old friends again catching up on their lives over a cup of tea. This book shows there can be relationship between Amish and Mennonite . Well developed characters in a smooth flowing story. Lovely inspirational romance at it's finest. Highly recommended.
Published September 24th 2019 by Zebra I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Oh, how I loved being back at Promise Lodge, would love to live here and be a part of their community. We pick up where we left off in the last book [and I see there is another to follow this one, and I’m not patiently waiting], and Frances is now trying to move on after the loss of her husband. Our Grace is still fumbling, and I keep hoping there will be someone for her, but keep reading, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. A book full of emotions, lots of love, smiles, tears and some heart ache, and a read I could not put down until the end, and then I wanted more. I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
Another sweet trip to the Ladies of Promise Lodge. It’s exciting to see many others who have joined this special group,all having their own unique thing to bring to the community. There is a lot going on in this beautiful story. I love the beautiful book cover, and yes there is a pie story, even a pie business run by two Promise Lodge ladies. This is one of the many businesses in the unique community. I think my favorite is the tiny houses, and you can read all about them in this book.
Much of this book centers around Frances Lehman, her pushy and determined brother in law, and Preacher Marlin Kurtz. Frances lost her Bishop husband just a few short months ago and she is enjoying her freedom. Not that she didnt love her husband, but he was set in his own ways with his strong opinions. Bit now two men seemed to be after her hand in marriage. But Frances doesn’t make it easy for them. There are other budding romances floating around the Lodge and community, but I’ll save then for your reading enjoyment. As well as the other exciting things happening in this Promise Lodge story.
Author Charlotte Hubbard gives her readers another fun and entertaining story from her Promise Lodge Series. It seems each book gets better and better, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I love and appreciate Ms. Hubbard’s unique writing and the characters in this story are wonderfully created and develop so well as the story unfolds. This is a beautifully written story that will give readers several hours of entertainment, enjoyment and lots of fun. If you love Amish stories, this book is a must for you. If you haven’t read anything from Charlotte Hubbard, this would be a great book to start with! You just can’t go wrong with this author.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Charlotte Hubbard sets the stage for her readers enjoyment through her unique writing style, descriptive words, and enthusiasm of the Amish in her new installment New Beginnings at Promise Lodge. This is the 4th powerful book in her series Promise Lodge. Readers will be drawn into this story from the first page and will remain enthralled until the conclusion but will still be wanting more. The storyline moves along at a great pace and hardly leaves room to put the book down.
The characters that the author has carefully developed appear very realistic and likeable. The reader gets the opportunity to not only reunite with former characters from previous books but also get to know some a bit more personally. Francis, who was widowed in a previous book, is a main participant in this story as she navigates her new normal for life. Francis is mourning her late husband and worried where her life is headed when Preacher Marlin Kurtz steps in to offer spiritual and life changing advice. When a devastating accident puts Francis' life on hold it gives her time to consider several life changing ideas. Which path she chooses will surprise you and her community. I enjoyed getting to know Francis and Preacher Kurtz through the authors story. This story just kept on amazing me throughout the entire book.
I was given the opportunity to read this amazing book from the author, Charlotte Hubbard, with an advanced readers copy. I agreed to review this book but never made an agreement to post a favorable review. I have once again given this author a five star rating for delivering another fantastic story for her readers enjoyment. This is a story I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations Charlotte Hubbard for continuing your series with style and grace. I look forward to seeing where your next story leads us.
I was eagerly awaiting this book and it didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed going back to Promise Lodge. I was happy to see that all of my old friends were still there. Frances was a jem. I would love to have her as my mamm. Gloria doesn't know how lucky she is!! May I call her a brat? I think I will. You know though? I can understand some of her delimma because some changes aren't as easy as they seem. Even at her age. Her mom is just trying to make ends meet as best as she can and her daughter doesn't make it easy. Especially when her brother in law gets her involved. However; I don't condone lying to just to get someone in trouble by making yourself look good. Lying can hurt the person that was lied about if that makes sense. That too will not earn friends because the bext time you do it it will be hard to trust that person again. Fortunately there is forgiveness. But you have to really mean it. The Amish forgive but deep down do they really? I believe in 2nd chances at love. I know that Amish remarry sometimes after losing the other spouse because depending on the situation they remarry for convienince. But I think in this case there was never a more surer love that between Frances and Marlin. I think they would make a couple!! I actually could feel a " spark between them" I also felt the love and support from the community of Promise Lodge after a terrible accident befell Frances. I felt myself wanting to pray for her. I really didn't like France's brother in law. There was too much going on with him in his personal life and it rubbed off onto others. I do strongly recommend this book especially if you've eagerly anticipated it as I have. It won't disappoint. Charlotte has woven her magical pen once again and has created a fantastic story one that readers will be sure to enjoy. My thanks to the publisher for a complementary copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
This book was a nice addition to the Pomise Lodge Series by Charlotte Hubbard. I love how they have come together as a community of both Amish and Mennonites to work together for good. I love that I was able to see some of the previous people I have met in their community and continue their stories.
This was a nice, sweet story but shows how some relationships, even with those closest to you, sometimes still need some work to help and not hurt one another.
This is a good Christian read, showing people caring and nurturing others in their times of need. Loved it.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
This is another installment of the story about Promise Lodge, a new community where Old Order Amish and Mennonites are allowed to put down roots. The story involves two of the characters from earlier stories, a widow, Frances Lehman and Preacher Martin Kurtz, as well as most of the other characters from previous stories and a couple of new ones.
I enjoy all of this author’s books and am always eagerly awaiting the next part of the story. This story was no exception. I enjoyed it thoroughly like a visit with old friends. There are compelling characters and a wonderful concept here with the Promise Lodge community. Lots of smiles and a few tears and even some surprises are here. Loved every minute!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
Stories like this one demonstrate how far the 'English' culture has come from community. Hope, faith, and love radiate off the page. The reader longs to step into one of the apartments and cook a tasty treat with the other ladies living there. Charlotte Hubbard doesn't write about a dream utopia, but a place where life's tough events--accidental death, sudden infant death, bankruptcy, rejection, and depression--are dealt with by a caring and prayerful community.
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.
This is the fourth book in the Promise Lodge series and although I was able to follow the story with no problem, I wish I had read the first three before this one. There is a continuing back story throughout this series, so if you want to get the most out of it, I would recommend you read them in order.
Now, this story was very enjoyable. There is a group of women, both Amish and Mennonite, who are either widows, single maidels or daughters of widows who are the main characters in this series. There are two romances brewing in this book, they have some angst, indecision and scrutiny that causes them to almost become derailed. As these stories are all happily ever after, you know they will get together, but the stories are interesting to follow as they get there. I am pleased with Charlotte Hubbard's writing and plot in this story. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and see what they would and could do to maintain their independent lives and support themselves. It is great to see these women be able to run a business, live together in Promise Lodge and have a great life. I will go back and read the first three in this series as I want to learn more about the women who founded The Promise Lodge Community.
Wow! Charlotte Hubbard took us back to Promise Lodge with the spell bounding book of Faith, Love, Sad and Promises of Love. Although this is part of a series it is a wonderful stand alone. I cannot wait until the visit to Promise Lodge.
New Beginnings at Promise Lodge is a very well written inspirational romance. I enjoyed the plot and the well developed characters. I look forward to reading more books by this author. If you enjoy reading Amish romance I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
I have enjoyed Charlotte Hubbard’s Amish novels and was glad to return to the unique community of Promise Lodge for more adventures with the residents there. It feels like a real place I would love to visit or maybe even live there. This story particularly focuses on widowed Frances Lehman and her precarious future. The author brings the setting and the realistic characters to life and we feel we’re in the midst of the action. She makes you care about the people and what happens to them. This book includes some of life’s trials as well as some joys and shows how the members help each other and grow in their faith. A quote I liked: "Thinking you love someone doesn't mean a thing if you don't put that love into action." The book includes some great recipes at the end too. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
This series is about an Amish Community who are the Old Order. The story revolves around a widow Frances and a widower Bishop Marlin. They have older children. The Bishop’s son does not approve as well as Frances daughter. The romance has its twists and turns. It was a feel good book. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for this early read. This is my honest opinion.
2 starsrs This Amish book is very hard to follow. There are entirely too many characters and side plots. It was just to hard to keep up with them all, so I finally gave up. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
This book continues the story of Promise Lodge, and while it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, if you haven’t read the beginning books in the series, you will miss a lot character development and backstory. Frances suffers a fall just as she begins a new chapter in her life. This drastically affects her budding relationship with Marlin. Her daughter Gloria also undergoes a surprising change, and new characters are introduced. The series is a well written one, and the characters seem lifelike, dealing with all life has to offer, both good and bad.
OMG this series is the greatest!!! Hubbard makes you feel the spirit if Promise Lodge so much so that I want to move in! I love all of her books but this series is tops!!! Please keep this series going.
I was so happy to read more about Promise Lodge. It's just such a peaceful community to read about. People come looking for refuge from their circumstances and find a family.
This time the focus was on Francis's who has lost her husband within the last year. Her grieving made me realize that we must go on and yet remember their love. Everyone's grieving has it's own time frame and it's best not to judge too quickly.
Twists and turns kept me reading and wondering what would happen next. Right away I was shocked (I thought nothing like this happened in the Amish) and I also felt a deep sadness at times but there was joy or love on every page I read. Never a dull moment!
A Wonderful, Wonderful Amish read!
This book was given to me by the author and this is my honest opinion.
This is another installment of the story about Promise Lodge. The story involves two previous characters, widow Frances Lehman and Preacher Martin Kurtz and their story. This was a great read, but it would benefit the reader to have a background by reading the previous books. I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
This book was ok; it wasn’t a bad book, however I fear this may have been a book that (since it is part of a series) where I would’ve greatly benefitted from having read the preceding books in the series. It just didn’t feel good enough to warrant continuing because I had no connection to the characters.
I believe this series in general was intended to be of the nature where you don’t NEED to read the preceding books, you could just jump in and fall in love with the characters enough to go back wonder about the other characters’ stories and read those later. But because I jumped into this particular book, it felt as if so much time was spent cultivating the side plots while jumping in and out of the main characters’ love story which caused just enough disconnection to keep me from being hooked.
Also, the temperament of the main characters’ children that opposed their relationship seemed needlessly harsh and very unbecoming. I couldn’t even feel bad for MMC’s son because he was just so harsh and childish while MFC’s daughter was truly absurd and obnoxious to read about. So there wasn’t any sympathy I could gather for them; their parents are both mature adults so I guess I just didn’t see the need for all the attitude.
Lastly, I truly wanted to love this book, but I admit I could only make it to chapter 13. The writing wasn’t bad!! It’s just that the there were SO MANY characters to keep up with that I had no attachment to, so I wondered why there was so much time being spent on them. While, of course, I understand that it is setting up context for other books, it just seemed a bit too much time was spent on them and not the main characters that I, regrettably, don’t even remember the names of off the top of my head.
On a positive note: nice world building! It is very intricate and there is so much depth to get through and I encourage others to maybe start at the beginning of the series so that by the time you get to this book, you’re invested and don’t mind time being taken away from the main charters in this installation and can better flow with the story.
This book is full of emotions. It holds your attention and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. The author makes the book come to life with her words and you can feel all the emotions. This is a very heartwarming story and the recipes at the end of the book sound wonderful! Thank you Kensington Books Zebra via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I've not read any of the Promise Lodge series before but having read this one, I'd like to go back and fill in all the stories that have gone before. I enjoy books in the Amish genre and this one did not disappoint. A little older characters in this story, Frances, a recent widow, and Preacher Martin, on and off courting. Weddings, birth, death, beginnings of baking business, moving, lots of things going on, keeping interest high. Looking forward to reading more from this author. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook. Susan Boyce did a great job narrating the book which made for an enjoyable listening experience. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.
I enjoyed revisiting the characters of the Promise Lodge. I got to catch up on everyone's happenings there. Also met new characters.
More importantly I went through the emotions that some of the characters were experiencing in the book that author Charlotte Hubbard described. While still mourning her deceased husband and dealing with her daughter's emotional rollercoaster, widow Frances was trying to decide her next life decisions for her daughter and herself, like where to live, how to earn an income if she decided to live in her house, and most importantly feelings for another. The Helmuth household suffered a loss of a loved one. How they handled their grief will shock you as you read New Beginnings at Promise Lodge. Two young successful, separate business, owners decide to court but miscommunication in how they each see and feel their future together go, proves just how communication in any relationship is important at any stage.
All of what these characters at Promise Lodge were facing in the book, we too have, can, and most likely will face in our lifetime; sometimes we face some life decisions or opticals more than others. It all depends on how we respond to these life's hiccups at different times in our lives that result in the decisions we make. Praying, out weighting the options, and doing what's best for ourselves and our family is all anyone of us can do. And it's okay if we make the wrong decision as long as we feel it was best for at that moment. We learn for next time.
I look forward to reading the next book in the Promise Lodge series and more books by Charlotte Hubbard.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the book written by me. This is my honest review.
Three sisters bought an old church campground and transformed it into an Amish community. The sisters transformed the lodge into apartments and the cabins into homes they sold to other Amish families. Frances Lehmann needs to sell her house to cover bills since her husband died. Her daughter, Gloria, is very much against it and is very upset that her mom would think of such a thing. Gloria is also a very spoiled girl who gets upset when a man she likes ends up liking someone else.
At the same time, Marlin Kurtz wants to start courting Frances, but his son vehemently disagrees with the thought of his father needing companionship. Between Frances' daughter and Marlin's son, their romance is off to a rocky start, so much so that Frances asks him not to court her.
Integral to the plot is the fall that Frances had in her house because she slipped on the shawl Gloria left on the newel post and sprained her wrists so badly she had to have them splinted for six weeks. She could do nothing for herself, and Gloria was of little help, so the aid Frances needed fell to her other daughter Mary Kate or to Marlin.
Somehow or other I've been listening to some reddit posts about entitled people, and Charlotte Hubbard has woven them into the storyline with aplomb. She must have been listening to the same ones I have. This is a fun story to read and doesn't take long at all. Charlotte has woven a plot that is compelling and engrossing, which I engaged in with both feet.
New Beginnings at Promise Lodge is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a man who will take the good with the bad in life and make it all come up roses.
Kensington Books and NetGalley.com provided the galley for me to read and offer my honest opinion. I am thankful for this provision.
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.
New Beginnings At Promise Lodge is an Amish romance novel written by author Charlotte Hubbard.
Frances Lehman’s husband has passed away, and Lester Lehman lost his wife and brother. So Lester wanted to persuade Frances to let him live with her, even though it was against the Amish way. Marlin and Frances are just friends but it could evolve into something more.
At first, I thought New Beginnings At Promise Lodge was a bit slow reading, but by the end, I was needing tissues. Perhaps if I had read the first stories and gained some background, I would have appreciated the beginning more.
New Beginnings At Promise Lodge would make a great book club read. There are a few Amish recipes toward the end, however, read on after the recipes because there is more. Fans of Amish romance will enjoy New Beginnings At Promise Lodge.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
New Beginnings at Promise Lodge returns us to a small but growing community founded on the premise that all can live in harmony together. The characters within the community make me want to move there. They hold true to the Amish traditions but push the boundaries just a little. Many come to find healing and acceptance. Everyone contributes to the community as well as to the outer English towns. Frances Lehman was recently widowed. While her marriage was not bad, she finally has a taste of freedom and the ability to enjoy some of the opportunities that others in the community have enjoyed. She certainly doesn't want to think about a second marriage so soon. However, when she and Preacher Marlin start to form a friendship, will it grow into more? How will everyone in the community act if it does? Acceptance? Hurtful? When tragedy strikes, will Frances and Marlin be able to find their new beginning at Promise Lodge despite the obstacles? I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
In New Beginnings at Promise Lodge, Charlotte Hubbard takes her readers back for another visit to this unique Amish community for more romance and other engaging tales as the residents work their way through new adventures and challenges.
Some of the Promise Lodge characters find themselves in unfamiliar sets of circumstances, including some who even move into new locations in the community. Established relationships continue and new ones develop as life continues to happen in new and unexpected ways. One thing is for sure in Promise Lodge -- you just never know what will happen next or who will find their way to the church camp turned Plain settlement. Whatever happens, though, there are friends and neighbors willing to work together -- by often unorthodox means -- through whatever challenges arise.
Thanks to Charlotte for providing a copy of her book and to Goddess Fish Promotions for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this tour. I was happy to share my thoughts in this review.
New Beginnings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard allows us a new visit to our friends from there again and catch up with their lives.
Frances Lehman finds herself a widow after twenty years of marriage and she is determined to make a way for herself and her daughter, Gloria, (whom you might consider a pest, ) without help from her brother-in-law and Preacher Marlin Kurtz
Frances discovers that she has made some to hasty decisions while in emotional and physical pain and there is a need for a time to heal.
Charlotte gives us a unique blend of Amish and Mennonites to give us this special community of Promise Lodge.
The feelings and emotions facing this community are "real". Some you may find you have experienced yourself.
I would recommend you read the whole Promise Lodge series in order so you can get a real feel for this community.
Wonderful joy Charlotte Hubbard. Keep up the good work.