Description, i.e., the blurb …
In the small-town Missouri setting of Promise Lodge, widower Lester Lehman is finally doing so much better. His life has found purpose. He lives in a *real* lakeside tiny house. But there are these two Amish ladies who decide they need a man — they want Lester! That alone makes for some comedy. Both of those women are so — to me it was more important for each to beat the other one — Lester was just icing on the cake.
New to the Promise Lodge community, Marlene Fisher is protective (for good reasons) of her grown brother Mose. She has dealt with several men and none of it ended well. But Lester … he’s different and she finds in Lester, a friend. Both of them need the friendship that grown. But will it grow into more?
My review …
While “Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge” is number 6 of the Promise Lodge series, it can be read standalone. I have read and enjoyed several of the books in the series. But this one did not grab me. It was easy for me to lay my Kindle down and do something else. One of my personal pet peeves is reviewers who glow about a book. Use words like captivating, lovely, couldn’t-put-it-down, etc. — then give it four stars or even three with no reason why. Well, I’m in a tough spot because I’m having a difficult time stating now — I started reading on Feb 21st & finished it on Nov 20th — why I didn’t find this a “good read” — for me, at least.
I enjoyed so much the two biddies who were determined to marry Lester. You’ll chuckle if not laugh out loud at some of the things they try. And maybe that’s it … nothing after that part of the book matched the fun of those silly women. And personally, I was being challenged by some health issues that went on for months. I missed several of NetGalley’s “publish” deadlines.
I do think I would have had the same reaction; i.e., letdown after the ridiculous widower chasing. I know other readers and reviewers did not have and will not have the same reaction. How Marlene cares for Mose — and Mose loves his sister in return — a nice approach to a trauma incident. There are, of course, recurring characters but my favorite is the Bishop. Promise Lodge is an Old Order Amish community. He is the kind of bishop I would like to have if I were Amish. He IS Amish — BUT he uses COMMON SENSE. A good example is the use of the “tiny house” (an Englisher tiny house) by an Amish resident. Promise Lodge is a new community. Homes are being built but it takes time to build them. So the bishop understands why it is being used right now. There are no snide remarks such as reminding the resident this is only temporary.
Even though I have missed the NetGalley feedback deadline for “Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge”, I am completing my “NetGalley” review anyway. So if you are an Amish fiction fan, try the Promise Lodge series.
I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge” via NetGalley” from the publisher, Kensington Books, Zebra. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Rating: 4 stars
Series: Promise Lodge
Cover: Pretty cover — but doesn’t depict the title.
Pages: 311
Publish Date: 21 Feb 2023
#FamilyGatheringsatPromiseLodge #NetGalley #CharlotteHubbard
