Christmas at Promise Lodge

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.

Loved this book! Exciting beginning to end.