Promise Lodge (Promise Lodge, #1) by Charlotte Hubbard


Promise Lodge (Promise Lodge, #1)
Title : Promise Lodge (Promise Lodge, #1)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 142013941X
ISBN-10 : 9781420139419
Language : English
Format Type : Mass Market Paperback
Number of Pages : 300
Publication : First published February 23, 2016

It's a better life, a fresh start--and a heaven-sent second chance. Founded by three Amish sisters determined to put misfortune behind them, Promise Lodge is a colony where faith's abiding promise can be fulfilled--and love can make all things new…

Energetic widow Mattie Bender Schwartz is working day and night to get Promise Lodge going. She's also hoping the change will help her son Noah's heart to heal after his broken engagement. But his former fiancée, Deborah, is looking for a fresh start too. Filled with regret, and cast out by her dat for a reason she can't yet reveal, Deborah can only pray Noah will forgive her foolishness.

Deborah is the last person Noah expected to show up at Promise Lodge. But with her cruel words still ringing in his head, he's reluctant to accept her apology--even if the Old Order ways demand he try. If only he could obey Christ's most important commandment: love one another. But one thing is certain--his mother and aunts, and their beloved Preacher Amos, will do their best to help him get there.

Praise for Charlotte Hubbard's Seasons of the Heart series

"Another great book centered around the Sweet Seasons Café." --RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

"These very special books will sit proudly on my keeper shelf!" --Romance Reviews Today


Promise Lodge (Promise Lodge, #1) Reviews


  • Susan

    Promise Lodge

    Charlotte Hubbard


    Charlotte Hubbard takes her time introducing you to each of the characters and their problems and how they are feeling. I immediately felt as if I knew them all and was right there at the kitchen table hashing things out and praying. In no time, I was totally sucked in to their lives and the issues they were dealing with. The plot is very interesting and had me turning the pages late into the night. Be prepared not to do anything else once you start reading this well written and hopeful tale. I found myself thinking about all of these wonderful characters long after I finished reading. How strong these people had to have been to leave their Amish community to start another one.


    Three sisters leave their Amish church community to start a new one. One where the women are valued and not belittled or abused. PROMISE LODGE introduces you to Amish women that you aren't used to reading about. These women are independent and behave in a way that the bishop wouldn't be happy with. These three sisters can not stand the ways things are handled in their community in Coldstream so they buy an abandoned camp ground and turn it into Promise Lodge. A place where women can come and be treated as an equal. A place for new beginnings. Their first guest is Deborah and she is the ex girlfriend of Noah. Will he forgive her for her mistakes? Will they ever be happy again?


    Charlotte Hubbard is now on my author radar and she will have me running to every book she releases and PROMISE LODGE is exactly why. When it was over, I wanted to keep reading and stay in the characters business. I was giggling, laughing out loud and even holding back tears as I watched each of the characters grow. Charlotte Hubbard pulls you right in to all of their lives and once you start, you won't be able to put this wonderful story down. As an added bonus, Charlotte includes recipes in the back of the book. I would love to be able to visit PROMISE LODGE and indulge in some of these wonderful recipes.

  • Lori

    resented coming to Promise Lodge Charlotte Hubbard has really outdone herself on this one!!!!
    I have laughed myself silly throughout this book and I sniffled some too.
    The characters are so delightful!!
    I think though that Deborah is my favorite and then Rosetta is next.
    Deborah is innocent in all that happens to her. She only did what she thought was right since there was no one around.
    I love her strength and determination to get through her trials and tribulations against the bishops son. She keeps turning to God to help her in her times of trouble.
    Rosetta and her sisters have left Coldstream because of the bishop and his wayward son. The bishop might claim that Issac is innocent but God knows and sees all that we do. They'll have to answer to God on judgement day even if they do get away with whatever wrong they do here on earth.
    My favorite saying is God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. Our church sang a song much like this by Mary McDonald.
    Noah and his brother at firstdge. it is here that Noah learns to forgive Deborah after he hears and understands what has been done to her..Eventually God begins working towards softening his heart.
    Rosetta has a lot of guys and determination as well. All she wanted place of peace to live for madels and older women.
    I wasn't too fond of France's and Floyd at first until they were getting ready to depart and I learned why he was the way he was.
    This shows us a good example that really don't know what other folks go through unless we've traveled in their shoes.
    Ruby and Beulah were brave to come on their own as well. At first I thought they were twins the way they finished each other's sentences.
    Will there eventually be a wedding in store for our favorite young couple and will the two sisters come back to stay at Promise Lodge a place of peace?
    I strongly recommend this book for anyone who loves to read about the Amish
    This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
    Thank u Charlotte Hubbard. I really enjoyed your story

  • Tina Watson

    When the bishop doesn't see past the end of his nose, what would you do, especially when you've been taught to respect the bishop like you respect God and your father?
    Is leaving your Amish church community to start another a good idea?

    Three sisters leave their Amish community to start another, along with their preacher. They buy and fix up a church campground to call home for themselves and for other Amish and Mennonite families looking for a change.

    Will they face challenges?
    Will they have trouble?
    Will love blossom?
    This is one book you don't want to miss out on reading!



    Charlotte Hubbard wrote a great first book to her new series, "
    Promise Lodge". I loved the characters and the description of the area she wrote in her pages. The message was also inspirational to take to heart. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.



    I received a free copy from NetGalley with the only request to write an honest review about the book. No money was exchanged. This is my review written in my own words.

  • Kristi

    I have been wanting to read a book by Charlotte Hubbard for forever it seems. I finally got the chance with her upcoming release Promise Lodge. The wait was well worth it. This book was sooooo good.

    I liked the premise of this book. Three unmarried sisters who, along with Preacher Amos Troyer, set out to start a new Amish settlement. The sisters were unique to the Amish fiction genre as they were independent and determined. The sisters and their children were easy to like and so was Preacher Amos. He was a leader but also laid back and willing to listen to what the sisters wanted to do. Again, this isn't something I've read in the genre and it was a nice fresh storyline. I also liked Noah and Deborah's story. I couldn't wait to see how things would turn out for these two.

    I love the author's writing style. Her choice of words and the descriptions she used made me feel as if I were there and a part of the beginning of this new colony. The way she told the story kept me interested and reading as fast as I could.

    As an added bonus there is a recipe section at the back of the book that includes recipes for most, if not all, the foods the group ate during the story. I thought this was a great bonus and can't wait to try some of the recipes. Maybe the Hummingbird Cake will be first?

    So to sum it up....I. Loved. This. Book. I am so glad this was the first book of Charlotte's I read and can't wait to read the next book in this series. I will be adding all of her books to my reading wishlist. She is a must read author for fans of Amish fiction!!

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

  • Jolan

    I just finished the first book in a series called Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard. Three sisters and a preacher, with the help of their children, want to start a new community for the plain people. They sold their farms and bought an old campground lodge and want to make it available for apartments for women who live alone(widows and maedels), and cabins and land for families to start a new life. Tragedy struck and they decided together to move and create this new community where women could live alone without husbands and their patriarchal rule of the Old Order. They are advertising in the Budget for new members to come visit and buy land or rent apartments. Of course, many in the plain community feel women should not run businesses or live without a man’s rule. I recommend this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ first book in this series to all who enjoy Amish fiction.

  • Debbie

    “Promise Lodge” is the first book in a new series by Charlotte Hubbard. I thought this book was as good as the books in the (Seasons of the Heart) seasons.

    This isn't your normal Amish story as it deals with abuse ( an husband repeatedly hits and injures his wife and the bishop is okay with this). The women in this story are unlike the other Amish women I have read about in other Amish novels, these women are independent and don't behave like the bishop believes like they should. Oh, I should also add that they are not wild or abandon their faith, they just feel that women should be treated as equals. (didn't want to give readers the idea that this wasn't a clean read). There is an father in this story that I would like to give a real talking to and say " how can you do this to your daughter, put your faith in her not in that bishop. And, talking about that bishop, why does he allowed his son to do the things that he does without consequences?

    This story is about new beginnings and how three Amish sisters are determined to put misfortune behind them. Promise Lodge is a colony where faith's abiding promise can be fulfilled--and love can make all things new.

    These three sisters are unhappy about the things happening in the town of Coldstream and decided to buy an abandoned camp ground for a new beginning. Can they make it work and help the ones they hope come to their settlement.

    Oh there are plenty of tense moments as well as tender moments in this novel. This is a story of new beginnings and old and new love.

    I can't wait till the next story in this series is released.

    I was given a copy of "Promise Lodge" for my honest review by the author. These opinions are mine own!

  • Marilyn

    Charlotte Hubbard has given readers another winsome book! Promise Lodge was formerly a church camp that the Bender sisters, Mattie, Rosetta, and Christine purchased. They left their former Amish community, Coldstream, due to their bishop's reaction to his son's behavior and the traumatic events that affected their lives. The Bender sisters are determined along with their faith and love to develop the land for their new community to draw others there. Their entire family joined them in this new endeavor along with a couple other members from their former Amish community.

    The Bender sisters' goal is to provide housing for single women and for families that need a new start in life just as they did. They wrote articles about their Promise Lodge in the Budget with different individuals and families responding that were interested in coming to see the new community. In time, a variety of individuals start showing up at Promise Lodge. Even their former bishop's son showed up unexpectedly but he was there to cause trouble for Deborah, a young lady who had went to Promise Lodge after her father demanded she leave her home in Coldstream. Will the members of Promise Lodge be able to continue with their goal in developing a community filled with peace, love and faith?

    Read this delightful book with characters that you will fall in love with. You'll experience a variety of emotions but feel like the characters are ones you want to have in your life.

    I rated this book 5 stars and am looking forward to the next one in the series. I received an e-book of Promise Lodge from NetGalley for my honest review which I have given.

  • Tina Watson

    When a bishop doesn't see past the end of his nose, what would you do, especially when you've been taught to respect the bishop like you respect God and your father?
    Is leaving your Amish church community to start another a good idea?

    Three sisters leave their Amish community to start another, along with their preacher. They buy and fix up a church campground to call home for themselves and for other Amish and Mennonite families looking for a change.

    Will they face challenges? Will they have trouble?
    Will love blossom?
    This is one book you don't want to miss out on reading!


    Charlotte Hubbard wrote a great first book to her new series, "
    Promise Lodge". I loved the characters and the description of the area she wrote in her pages. The message was also inspirational to take to heart. I look forward to read the next book in this series.



    I received a free copy from NetGalley with the only request to write an honest review about the book. No money was exchanged. This is my review written in my own words.

  • Cathy Cermele

    Let me start by saying, I have been a fan of Charlotte Hubbard's books for several years. When I found out she was writing a new series I eagerly anticipated the first book.

    Promise Lodge went far above my expectations. I could not stop reading it.

    I didn't have a favorite character, I had several!
    Rosetta, Mattie and Christine are the founders of the Amish colony and it was a joy to get to know them! They have such courage and conviction.

    The dialogue is sharp and witty. There were parts of the book where I was laughing out loud!
    This is unlike any other Amish community I've ever read about.

    It will take hard work and determination to make Promise Lodge a community that will draw other's to join them.
    They want to live in peace and harmony just like everyone else. They are off to good start with their sons, daughters and Preacher Amos.
    I cannot wait to find out what will happen in the next book, but I know that Ms. Hubbard will release another fantastic 2nd book in this series.

    There are recipes from the Promise Lodge Kitchen included.

    This is a book that I will read again.
    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest oppinion

  • DJ




    I was thrilled when I received an advance copy of Promise Lodge in the mail…

    Charlotte Hubbard is definitely one of my favorite Amish fiction authors! From the moment I begin reading, I’m pulled into the story — and whenever possible, I don’t stop reading until I’m done.

    This story was no different. My heart went out to Mattie, Rosetta, Christine, and Deborah — as well as the others who moved to Promise Lodge.

    Mattie, Rosetta, and Christine are the Bender sisters — sisters who are determined to have a fresh start in a new community. And they’re expecting more families to relocate with them. Will they meet the right sort of families — or will trouble follow them?

    Well, I have to admit, there are some moments when I caught myself holding my breath! But never for a moment, did I stop reading — until I reached the end.

    Charlotte has created a wonderful new community in Promise Lodge, with fascinating characters and intriguing possibilities in this new series.

    Don’t wait another minute. Order your copy today… you’re gonna love it!!!

    Happy Reading!

    and God Bless You!

  • Mave

    Since I discovered Charlotte Hubbard look forward to each her new release. I really loved the series Seasons of the Heart and I was very curious to try this new series. A great debut and a heartwarming story, clean and wonderfully written as usual.
    Mattie leaves her community, she wants to start another to get rid of male domination and to help her son Noah to overcome a big disappointment in love. Together with her sister Mattie tries to create a cozy retreat for women, single mothers and women in difficulty. Unexpectedly their first guest is Deborah, the former girlfriend of Noah, she hopes that he can forgive her mistakes. Will she get a second chance?
    It 's a very strong story about the strength of women and their desire for parity and break free of male domination. All the characters are amazing, well developed, their stories intertwine creating a compelling and interesting storyline.
    I can not wait to read the next episode.
    if you like Amish stories Promise Lodge is one to add to your list.

  • Cheryl

    I was so excited when I received a copy of this book for review. Charlotte Hubbard is one of my favorite Amish authors. This book is the beginning of a new series and had me captivated until the very end.

    The new Amish Colony called Promise Lodge is a place for everyone to feel safe. The sisters who decided to go on this journey have made a wonderful decision. The characters in the book are very well thought out and all have strong backgrounds. I love the way that each person's story comes together with the rest of the people when they all find that Promise Lodge is where God is calling them.

    The author also takes you through a multitude of emotions throughout the book and I think that is what makes for a very captivated audience. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

  • Carly Ellen Kramer

    Promise Lodge is a fun book, with delicious recipes at the end! My complete review (along with a free book giveaway) can be found at
    https://crowdedearthkitchen.com/2016/....

  • Mary Ann

    Characters you can't help but care for!
    A different venue than your typical Amish novel, this story has plenty of drama as three older sisters team up to open a lodge and found a new Amish community. Their action could be viewed as rebellion but their hearts are sincere as they seek God's guidance and attempt to help those He brings their way. One such individual is Deborah, one of the sisters' son's former fiancee. The pains of the past and present compound the situation with more threats lurking. Multiple subplots add to the depth and breadth of the heart-tugging tale. As usual, delicious recipes are included at the end. I'm eager follow the lives of these realistic characters, but don't like how some Amish leaders are so negative in many of the author's books. This first book in a new series was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

  • Susan

    SWEET Amish story!

    Old order families have issues with how their Bishop isn't handling his out-of-control son, so they set off to start their own colony, Promise Lodge.

    Deborah was engaged to Noah, but she broke up with him. After a falling out with her father, she winds up at Promise Lodge where Noah now lives. Will he forgive her? Will anyone believe her? Will she be forgiven for breaking the Ordnung?

    And what of Bishop Floyd, who had declared that God told him HE'S to be their new Bishop and he's moving to the colony?

    Two elderly Mennonite sisters also figure in, having "run away" from home to find their own way before they're too old.

    Promise Lodge is full of adventure, will it all work out?

  • Mayda

    Mattie hopes her vision of Promise Lodge will eventually come to pass, but it will take a lot of work and other followers to succeed. With just a handful of people to clean up and clear the land, they began their task of building a new community. Mattie’s son Noah is heartbroken over his fiancée breaking their engagement, but when she arrives without warning, he is dumbfounded. This novel introduces the main characters in the series with an interesting and compelling story that leads smoothly to the next book. Well written, it is a fine tale of the strength and courage exhibited by these rather unorthodox Amish women who go against their ordnung to form a better community.

  • Jeanne

    What more can a person say but great writing! All of Charlotte's books are stories you can't put down. I am friends with her on Facebook and I am always telling her that my eyes are going to fall out from read her books. I get one and i forget about the rest of the world and read nonstop. her details and facts about the amish make you feel like you are right there, watching from the yard or the porch swing, or even the doorway to the barn. If you pick up one of her books you will want to read them all so be prepare and get some good eye drops and clean your glasses first.

  • Lynda

    Loved this book

    For me, a 5 🌟 book has characters I really liked. I want to know more about them. They draw me into their story.by his book does that.

    I fuss when Amish books don't stay true to the Amish community. But I can see this new community starting for the reasons given. The characters are intriguing and real. The story lines work. If you want an entertaining story with great scenes and scenery plus people you will enjoy, five into this book. I predict you'll love it.

  • Carolyn Vandine West

    Great start to a new series. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series
    This book focuses on Deborah and Noah. After Deborah seeing a barn burning and calls 9-1-1 she sets in motion quite a chain of events. This book opened a side of the Amish life I had never heard of being an issue. I loved this book and didn’t want it to end.

  • Gail

    Delightful

    Promise Lodge is a new endeavor by three Amish sister, 2 sons, and a Preacher of the Old Order Amish. They are hoping to start a new community at an old Summer camp. An unusual group with various problems and occupations join them at Promise Lodge. I found this to be very interesting story. I didn't want to put the book down.

  • Kathy

    Charlotte has a way of reminding you what is important without preaching at you. I love that her characters plan for joy in the midst of hard work and tough times. I can't wait to read Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge.

  • Merry

    change

    Sometimes you just need a change and if you don’t know what to do, you can just go to the Lord and pray for his direction. It’s not easy to change and it can be a lot of work but good things can from it.

  • Carol

    Loved this intro to the new series and I think I will try some of the recipes in the back.

  • Sylvia

    I loved this book!! Great story!! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!! Haven't read much by this author will read more of her books!!

  • Louise King

    Fun Amish romance

  • Karen Dempsey

    Wonderful reading