Cover Image: Hidden Away at Promise Lodge

Hidden Away at Promise Lodge

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)

My Review:

Book 7 in the Promise Lodge series by Charlotte Hubbard offers another wonderfully inviting Amish romance. The themes of community, faith, love, friendship are all woven through the book.

We have a closer look at the possible romances of two widows, Sylvia and Irene and two bachelors, Mose and Dale. Both widows are older than their respective partners and that adds an interesting twist.

It is the tornado though, that brings everyone in the community together, to repair and restore the destroyed buildings. Theirs is a true faith community, one that uplifts and cares about every member. It was wonderful indeed to see them use their time and talents to fix the damaged businesses.

Faith and prayer in this Amish community are highlighted throughout and give strength especially to Mose and Sylvia as she fights for her life.

I highly recommend this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions of the two couples and how their romances developed. (5/5*)

Was this review helpful?

From the moment Karen Mercer and Andi Swann came to Promise Lodge for a week-long vacation, the laughter started for me. Two very non- Amish girls who decided to dress and act in what they thought passed for Amish behavior and clothing was a clever way to put them in the storyline.

Of course, we reconnect with beloved characters in addition to meeting new ones. The Kuhn sisters are just as delightful as ever, Mose finally is living up to his true potential and Sylvia may just finally have a chance to live a happy, fulfilling life. I have loved this community since reading the first book, Mennonite, and Amish living peacefully and harmoniously. That’s not to imply they don’t have their share of problems, because they certainly do, especially in this book when a destructive storm rips through the lodge. Luckily, Karen and Andi are there to help.

I sincerely hope this series continues for a very long time; it is one of the best.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I love to visit Promise Lodge. This is a wonderful Amish community made up of a mod podge of different Amish and Mennonite people. What is so wonderful, All are welcome. In fact they even embrace Karen Mercer and Andi Swann, two Englishers posing as Amish. But why? When their insider knowledge saves not only the day but some people, their deception is dismissed. I do hope they make another visit to our community. Meanwhile, a newcomer waiting for a miracle and a shy horse trainer find spending time together really is healing. Each visit to Promise Lodge brings smiles, tears, laughter, and healing. It is hard to believe this is book 7. I really hope we can get many more visits. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Was this review helpful?

This story is packed with many emotions that will grab you right from the start. Promise Lodge is one of the best series of books written and love how the author can bring so many inspiring stories to paper. Promise Lodge and all that live there feel like old friends and family. Highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

I do enjoy returning to Promise Lodge and catching up on what's going on now. So when the Kuhn sisters detect the two young lady guests are not Plain folk, despite their kapps and homemade dresses it's fun to see how these two actually try to fool their way into the community.. When a disaster strikes the lodge they step up and it's quickly discovered they have been to this lodge before becoming guests. It's always a good read when the author is Charlotte Hubbard.

Was this review helpful?

Not all books can be 5 stars. This one was good. I was so sick while I was reading I would like to reread sometime.
Lots of characters is this book set at Promise Lodge.
Sometimes we are given second chances in life, this book offers several.
Sylvia comes to Promise Lodge because she is terminally affected by a brain tumor. Choosing to live the rest of her life instead of just waiting to die.
I received an ARC in ebook format from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affected my honest, personal experience.

Was this review helpful?

Hidden Away at Promise Lodge is the seventh book in the Promise Lodge series by Charlotte Hubbard. I’ve only read “Star of Wonder,” which is included in the anthology, An Amish Christmas Star and is a connected story and book six, Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge. I look forward to starting from the beginning and filling in some of the blanks since several characters are woven throughout.

This story is set in Missouri, and we meet up with the characters who live in Promise Lodge as well as some new ones. We learn more about their lives, hopes, and dreams and how their community is there for each other —whether Amish or Mennonite.

This is Sylvia and Mose’s story, filled with kindness, caring, unexpected romance, and love. She is a widow without family and has come to Promise Lodge to live out her days since she has a brain tumor and hasn’t been given long to live. Mose is Marlene’s twin brother and is good with animals. He is a caring soul, but trauma at a young age has affected his life in many ways.

Silvia is older, but they are attracted to each other, and Mose shows he is there for her, especially when she suffers a medical emergency. There’s a secondary romance between other older characters, Dale and Irene.

The story flows well, with several stories being told and woven together. Karen and Andi are two young women who have come to Promise Lodge, portraying themselves as Amish. The others have doubts and finally, the two come clean after a tragedy strikes the town. They are immersed in the Amish life, and we get to know them a little at a time, but the blurb is misleading since it seems they are to be the focus of the story.

The story has some closure, but there are a few loose ends. There are several recipes included that tie into the story. There is also an excerpt of the following story in the series, and I look forward to reading it.

I have always enjoyed Amish stories. I enjoy reading about their life choices, helpfulness, kindness, and how their faith guides them. Hidden Away at Promise Lodge included all of that and more.

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.

Was this review helpful?

Hidden Away at Promise Lodge brings us back to the beloved Amish small town of Promise, where Hubbard brings back favorite characters and introduces us to new ones. When Karen and Andi come to stay at Promise Lodge for a week disguised as Amish women, their ruse is soon discovered. When they confess who they really are, all is forgiven. But could their past stays there when it was a church camp lead to some much needed information for the residents there when a terrible storm hits?

Sylvia is the lodge's newest resident, and she's come there to spend her last days, as she has an inoperable brain tumor. Will she and Mose, the talented horse trainer, forge a relationship? And what about Irene and Dale, who've been longtime friends?

This is a favorite series of mine, and this latest addition didn't disappoint!

I received an e-pub of this book via #NetGalley. All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

#HiddenAwayatPromiseLodge #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Hidden Away at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is a clean, wholesome, and inspirational Amish romance that takes readers back to the beloved world of Promise Lodge. Set in the close-knit Amish community in small-town Missouri, this book continues to enchant readers with its uplifting themes of faith, family, and the beauty of true love and partnership. If you’re a fan of Shelley Shepard Gray and Beth Wiseman, you won’t want to miss this heartwarming tale.

The story revolves around Karen Mercer and Andi Swann, two non-Amish guests who visit Promise Lodge disguised as Plain folk. Enchanted by the idyllic Amish lifestyle portrayed in romance novels, they seek to relive their cherished memories of the place that was once their church camp during summers. However, their undercover mission becomes a source of intrigue and fascination within the faithful and hardworking community when their true identities are discovered.

Amid the bustling preparations for a spring wedding, the narrative follows the blossoming romance between a shy horse trainer and a newcomer who is in search of a miracle. Additionally, the widowed baker of the renowned Promise Lodge Pies discovers that a long-time friendship might hold the potential for a romantic connection. All the while, the community faces the aftermath of a devastating storm, where Karen and Andi’s insider knowledge of the grounds could be the key to renewal and rebuilding, making the community stronger than ever.

Charlotte Hubbard skillfully weaves a large cast of characters into the narrative, many of whom readers will recognize from previous books set in Promise Lodge. While this novel can be enjoyed as a standalone, delving into earlier books will undoubtedly provide a richer and more immersive experience.

One notable aspect of the story is how Hubbard balances themes of terminal illness and tragedies with moments of humor and sweet romance, offering a multifaceted and emotionally resonant reading experience.

In Conclusion
Hidden Away at Promise Lodge is a charming and heartwarming Amish romance that will warm the hearts of readers. With its captivating storytelling and endearing characters, this book reaffirms the power of faith, love, and community bonds. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Amish romances or new to the genre, this book is sure to leave you with a sense of hope and contentment.

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

Please visit more posts I have done of Charlotte Hubbard’s clean, wholesome Amish tales:

Was this review helpful?

This is a heartwarming story that was full of emotions. It's well written and holds your attention from the first page until the last. The author brings the story to life with her words and you feel like you are there. Loved it and highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington Books, Zebra via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Another great visit to Promise Lodge! I loved revisiting the setting and characters. The sense and reality of community is refreshing. The romance of the middle aged characters was fun and exciting to read. Great writing by Charlotte Hubbard, she did not disappoint.

Was this review helpful?

Hidden Away at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is the latest novel in the Promise Lodge series. What a fun idea to have two women who attended the church camp the Promise Lodge community was built on return to property. Romance is also developing at Promise Lodge between two different couples.

Keeping it fresh while continuing the stories of beloved characters, Hubbard's latest is another beautifully told Amish novel. Though the residents of Promise Lodge are challenged in this novel, they keep faith and community their focus as they rebuild and look forward to the future. Though Hidden Away at Promise Lodge can easily be read as a stand alone story, I suggest starting from the beginning.

Hidden Away at Promise Lodge is Amish fiction at its best!

Was this review helpful?

Hidden Away at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is an enchanting Amish story bursting with plot lines. My head is still spinning with all the storylines. Humor, love, fake Amish, terminal illness, miracles, severe weather, ... wow!

For a fun-filled, light-hearted read, pick up this book!

A copy was provided for my review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Hidden Away at Promise Lodge is the 7th book in the Promise Lodge series by Charlotte Hubbard. Having not read the previous stories, I was able to read this story without any problems and quickly felly in love with the characters. This is a well written contemporary Amish story that is very descriptive and easy to read. It was easy to imagine the fear the characters had during the storm and what followed. It was interesting to read of Karen’s and Andi’s return to the lodge, the memories they had, and how it helped during the storm. I also enjoyed the growing relationship between Sylvia and Mose despite their differences. This story shows how the Amish and the Mennonite differ yet how they are there to help each other in need.

This is a nice heartwarming story to read. I voluntarily received a copy of this story, this is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Hidden Away at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This novel is a combination of both Amish and Mennonite . I loved reading about how they diff.
When you read the title you think of someone or something hidden away but its really not. Its more about coming together as a community to rebuild after a tornado and celebrating weddings.

The more Amish novels I read the more I learn. If you are interested in learning how they lean of each other then pre-order this novel today. It releases July 25th. It will definitely make you grateful for the things you have.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Although the recap talks about Mercer and Andi Swann as though they were going to be main characters throughout the novel-they aren't. They do help things along when tragedy strikes, but that is about it.

This book is filled with two desperate tragedies, a miracle, and several weddings.

This is a melding of an Amish community and a Mennonite community, and I wish I had read the earlier books in this series so I could have understood this melding better. There are many characters to keep track of, and that got a little complicated for me. Most likely, this wouldn't have been a problem had I read the other books in this series.

Was this review helpful?

Hidden Away at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard is a sweet Amish tale. I always enjoy returning to Promise Lodge. Hidden Away at Promise Lodge is the seventh novel in the Promise Lodge series. I recommend reading the series in order. It allows you to get to know the characters and how each of them came to Promise Lodge. You will also learn who created the town and why they did it. I like that it is a community of Amish and Mennonites. The Mennonites attend Amish weddings and vice versa. I like the camaraderie between the residents of the town. It is like they are one big family. They are, though, always happy to welcome new residents. The author has created a delightful cast of characters for this series. Two visitors to Promise Lodge do not fool a soul. Reading about Amish does not give you the knowledge to act Amish. Karen and Andi, the visitors to Promise Lodge, provided some laugh out loud moments. The lady’s knowledge of the lodge, though, may come in handy after a violent storm. Sylvia, a widow, came to Promise Lodge to die peacefully after a terrible diagnosis. Mose, a horse trainer, is glad that his twin sister has found happiness. Sylvia has caught Moses’ eye. While Mose is good with animals, he has trouble with people. Mose is an inspirational character. I enjoyed Mose and Sylvia’s story. It is sweet and inspiring. I like Charlotte Hubbard’s writing style. It is friendly and engaging. I like how faith was incorporated into the story. Prayer is a powerful tool as we see in this story. I like that we get to see how all things come together for those who serve the Lord. I like how the residents of the town worked together to help each other. The descriptions of the food will have your mouth watering. I was sorry when I turned the last page of the story. I am eager for Miracles at Promise Lodge to come out (preview at the end of Hidden Away at Promise Lodge). Hidden Away at Promise Lodge is a touching tale with wedding arrangements, two curious visitors, a devastating storm, driving Clydesdales, the power of prayer, and a favorable future.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoy reading this series. The characters are endearing, and their stories are thought provoking, sometimes humorous, and each has a special message of faith and hope. I received the advanced reader's copy of Charlotte Hubbard's new book from Zebra through NetGalley.
Karen Mercer and Andi Swan book a week at Promise Lodge that is occupied by Amish and Mennonite citizens. The girls want to visit their old summer campgrounds while getting to experience life pretending to be Amish. The savvy Kuhn sisters are immediately alert to the signs that the girls are there under false pretenses. When disaster strikes the lodge, it is clear that the girls may have been sent there for very important God-ordained reasons no one expects.
I like the continuation of these stories. One book blends into the next as we see the characters growing a deep bond of community and faith. They are becoming a large, caring and supportive family. We get to see two romances blossom and struggle against challenging difficulties in this story. Shy Mose Fisher is one of my favorite characters in this book. He certainly has some big challenges to deal with.
I could see the importance of seeking God's will and having faith to move forward after disaster, diagnosis and loss in the authors' writing. Once again, I can't wait for the next book!

Was this review helpful?

Charlotte Hubbard’s Hidden Away at Promise Lodge is the latest amazing book in the Promise Lodge series. This series has never disappointed readers, and this addition to the collection is no exception.

This book is well written, and we are given the opportunity to visit with friends from previous books, as well as getting to know new characters. Each character is developed well and offers an interesting element to the story.

While being Visited by two English girls disguised as Amish, Promise Lodge finds itself in the path of a horrible tornado that brings destruction in its path. Even with their deception, the girls were able to bring a much needed revelation after the tornado.

During the rebuilding process, some longtime friends Find that maybe there can be more than just friendship and their lives although they are no longer the younger generation.

Ms. Hubbard shows how all thing come together for those that serve the
Lord.

Thank you Kensington Books, Zebra, for allowing me to read and ARC of this 5-star addition to the Promise Lodge series.

All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

Endearing

Where to begin? There's so much I can say about Hidden Away at Promise Lodge, but I don't want to accidentally give anything away.

It's a lovely story with wonderful characters. There are a few main story lines that touched my heart as I watched the characters get to know each other and deal with issues they each had. Overcoming, moving forward, faith, community and love are flawlessly woven throughout the story making it a wonderful and endearing read and one that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

Was this review helpful?