This was a great book! ( )

This second novel of the series continues the story of Mattie and her sisters, and their developing community. A new bishop has arrived, and he admonishes the eligible Amish that they need to marry other Amish and have children to strengthen the new and growing community. His address in a wedding sermon does not sit well with those he named. But an horrible accident that occurred later takes the focus away from his words and into a different direction, one of coping with two people who were severely injured. This novel is appealing for many reasons - the intriguing story, the Christmas setting, the arrival of new people, including a new bishop - but the main attraction to me is the character growth of the people in the story, and not just the main characters. Readers get to witness both their strengths and weaknesses as they deal with the joys and disappointments life brings. This well written story illustrates Christian values as well as the shortcomings all Christians have, and how they rely on God to help them in their struggles. ( )

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. ( )

We are back at Promise Lodge and are attending Noah and Deborah’s wedding; we read their story in the first book of The Promise Lodge series. The things that are said by the Bishop at this wedding are with us until the end of the book. We have several new romances that have been on going and new ones that are in their infancy as we begin this book, and some are lasting and others are a figment of one person’s imagination. For Mattie and Amos you want them to have a happy life, and rekindle the love that was stolen from them in their youth, and there are others that seem destined to be denied. Amos and the Bishop are both about to endure a very difficult time and trail, and as the book closes we still don’t know the outcome for one of them. You will witness the strong faith these people live, and for me I yearned to live amongst them. Wonder if they have any openings? Once that cover is turned on this one you won’t want to put it down. I received this book through Net Galley, the Publisher Kensington, and the Author, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )