Promise Lodge

January 11, 2016
Hubbard’s newest series introduces a cast of strong, independent Amish women looking to remain true to their faith and family-based traditions, but under their own terms. Sisters Rosetta, Christine, and Mattie have lived their whole lives in the Coldstream colony of Missouri. But when Mattie and Christine are widowed and their parents die, the women have far more reasons to leave than they do to stay. Selling their homesteads to purchase an abandoned church camp, the women, along with the widowed Preacher Amos, plan to prepare the property as a new colony—with a few new rules. When Christine’s son’s old flame appears, it soon becomes apparent that the troubles of Coldstream may not be so easy to escape. While her characters learn to compromise, as well as challenge some of the more stringent ordinances of Amish communities, Hubbard firmly grounds the story line in the principle of Amish grace. This is a simple story showing the value of forgiveness and second chances in the complex world of human relationships. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency

Starred review from February 15, 2016
When three Amish sisters purchase an abandoned church camp for a new settlement called Promise Lodge, their unconventional endeavor seems to invite scrutiny and criticism from the Old Order at every turn. When young Deborah Peterscheim escapes to the settlement after being cast out by her father and looks to make amends with her former fiance, Noah, the community must band together in forgiveness. But Promise Lodge's peace is threatened when the bishop's trouble-making son arrives on Deborah's heels determined to make her and the other settlers at Promise Lodge pay for what she's done. Debuting her new Promise Lodge series, Hubbard writes of healing and brave new beginnings from a refreshingly feminist perspective. While her tale deals with such real-world problems as abuse, deceit, and women's rights within the Old Order, it does so in a lighter way than Beverly Lewis' The Shunning (1997) and in a manner that will please admirers of Cindy Woodsmall. Readers new to Amish romance will find this to be an enjoyable introduction, while seasoned fans will welcome this addition to the Amish canon.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)