Sometimes the mere hint of a secret can spark an entire series of books—which happened for me when I began my Simple Gifts series! My editor and I knew we wanted to return to Willow Ridge, and we knew we wanted Nora Hooley and her Simple Gifts shop to be the focus of these stories, but it’s the undercurrent of “something fishy” that sets the stage for a major revelation—a major meltdown—that will change Willow Ridge forever. And it begins in A SIMPLE VOW.
This idea came to me when I was talking with my former assistant, Jim, who lived in Jamesport, MO where I do my research. Jim (who died of cancer last year) was English but he grew up with the Amish in Jamesport and they trusted him with information most of us can’t access. He told me about a “secret bank” Amish communities have—which is no secret to the Amish, of course, but only a few know where the money is kept. He didn’t give me a figure, but Jim said that since the Jamesport community began in 1952, a HUGE amount of money has accumulated. This is money that’s collected in church twice yearly as offering, along with large donations from members who prefer to keep their money in this fund rather than in a regular bank. This money is also the basis for the Amish Aid fund shared with folks who have major medical bills, burned-down houses, and other emergencies to pay for. The Amish don’t believe in insurance, so this is the fund they fall back on in tough times, taking care of their own.
“Does anybody ever dip into that fund without telling the bishop?” I asked Jim. “What would happen if a large portion of that money disappeared and nobody found out—until it was too late—that most of it was gone?”
Jim smiled at the way my mind worked. He told me that if that kind of thievery occurred, no one outside the colony would ever know—it would never make the papers, and the police or other investigators would never be called in, because the Amish don’t allow English outsiders to meddle in their church or financial matters.
My devious mind went into high gear. I’m not saying that such a deception has ever occurred in an Amish community . . . but it could, because human nature kicks in for even the most honorable, faithful members of any church. Under the right (or wrong) circumstances, even the best of us fall prey to temptation.
So when the Riehl family moves to Willow Ridge, we are immediately caught up in the drama when Edith agrees to care for the adorable six-month-old twins a grief-stricken Will Gingerich begs her to take. We meet her sisters, Loretta and Rosalyn, and we wonder if we can trust handsome Asa Detweiler, who has been accused of fathering those twins under dubious circumstances. The story starts at a wedding, where Ira Hooley is marrying Nora’s daughter, Millie, and it quickly spirals into a quest for the real father of those six-month-old twins—
But you’d better keep an eye on the girls’ father, Cornelius.
Just sayin’.
I am in the middle of making the Holiday Banana Muffins and it does not give the amount of flour to use. Please correct this recipe.
So sorry about that, Karen! The amount is 2 cups–and something my editor, copy editor, and myself missed that omission. Thanks for pointing it out–I will correct the recipe here on the website, but in the published book, there’s nothing I can do.
I discovered your books recently, and have really enjoyed the Angels Of Mercy series. Is there a chance you will ever revisit that series and tie up Joel, Lily and Grace’s stories?
my library doesn’t carry naomi king books and ive not seen them at sams or Walmart could you send me a place to find a list because I dearly love your books and am waiting for the last promise lodge book to come to our store am going to check tomorrow again hope it will be there
Can’t wait for the next book to find out about the “doings” of Edith’s Dad especially and of course the other sisters!!
Hello, I absolutely love your Willow Ridge Amish friends and family in your “Seasons of the Heart” series. In your “A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant,” Mary Esh makes a Star of Bethlehem quilt. Mary calls it “a no nonsense quilt; Miriam fully describes the fabric colors as red, cream, and two different greens; and Rhoda suggests and describes a simple quilting of the quilt rather than muddying the beautiful quilt with sewing machine loops and such. (I agree with all that Mary, Miriam, and Rhoda say about Mary’s quilt.) Where do I find this simple quilt pattern that Mary made and described by all three? I am a newbie quilter, and am drawn to Mary’s quilt to see if it is something that I am able to endeavor myself. I have googled this pattern, but everything that comes forward is too busy for me, totally unlike Mary’s quilt. Thank you. Barbra
Is there a new book out about Edith’s Dad Cornelius he was something else in the books, thanks for sharing
I just finished the book simple vows, I have read all of the Willow Ridge Books, but now I’m left hanging about the father of Edith, and her sisters.What about that mystery with the money,the questions about the workbench pushed up against the vault.Will you be writing another book,or maybe I missed the one that answers these questions? Can you tell me if the book is already out , or when the new one will be coming, so I can prepare order it. Thank You
Thanks for asking, Donna! A SIMPLE WISH comes out in Nov. 2017 to answer some of your questions–and then give you more to wonder about!
I discovered your books recently, and have really enjoyed the Angels Of Mercy series. Is there a chance you will ever revisit that series and tie up Joel, Lily and Grace’s stories?
I also just finished “A Simple Vow” , I am also wondering about the next book.. I love the Amish books, and I also like a little mystery or suspense in books. This book was a good miss. Can’t wait to read the next book. I also crochet a lot, so my reading comes in when I have crocheted enought. Thank you for the lovey books .
Louise, A SIMPLE WISH comes out in Nov. of 2017–with even more mystery and suspense surrounding Cornelius Riehl! Thanks for your note!
Eveeng7@att.net
Will you return to Willow Lodge one more time? I can’t rest until the third triplet, Rebecca, finds a nice English man. If you weren’t such a great writer, I wouldn’t be worried about her. Only you can write an Amish book about two Englishers falling in love. Please don’t let me down.
Suellen, you will be pleased to know that I’m writing the book in which Rebecca meets her match right now! It’s in A SIMPLE WISH, which is the 2nd book of the Simple Gifts trilogy, set in Willow Ridge. The first book, A SIMPLE VOW, came out this past spring, A SIMPLE WISH comes out in November, 2017, and the final book, A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS is scheduled to be out in Oct. of 2018. Thanks for asking!
Thank you for stating Rebecca and Wyatt will be featured in another book…I keep thinking what next….
Thank you for continuing on. Your books have brought so much reading to my quiet time now that my husband is ill majorly.
I love the life and day to day serials of day to day living. Your writing are so wanting to read on and on. When I can’t sleep you give me true relaxation. thank you again.
What a lovely thing to say, Dianna. I’m sorry you’re going through a rough time with your husband’s health, and I’m honored to be a part of your quiet time these days. Blessings and prayers to you.
Dearest Charlotte I am a voracious reader, and your books are the BEST !!! Only problem is I read faster than the books come out. I met you at a book signing about 10 years ago in St. Joseph, Missouri. Right now I am chewing a “7 layer bar”. —-it is fabulous. Also, Last month I became a GREAT grandmother, and guess what her name is ? CHARLOTTE Jane. All of the best wishes to you GOD bless you Judith
Yes, Lydia, A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS is now finished and in the editorial pipeline, to appear in September! Along with being Rosalyn’s story, you’ll get to revisit Rebecca and Wyatt–and witness the final revelation of Cornelius’s deception! Thanks for being a reader!
I hope I am commenting in the right place for the newest give-a-way! I am anxious to read A Mother’s Love. Late in my life, I learned two family secrets. The first one made me angry that everyone else knew except me. The second one was heartbreaking because the secret keeper was so afraid I would think less of him. Nothing could be farther from the truth. So, although a shock to learn, it was very easy to forgive.
Thanks for your comment, Kate–but you must click on the contest post on my FB page to enter for the A MOTHER’S LOVE giveaway! I, too, learned a big secret late in life–that Dad was not my birth father–and everyone knew it but me! That sort of played into Rose’s story as I wrote it. Hope you’ll follow my tour on Facebook, and good luck in the drawing!
Have read the two books in the Home At Cedar Creek series. I have searched and searched and cannot find the third book of the series! Can you help? Abby finds her calling #1; Rosemary opens her heart #2.
Carmen, my publisher changed the name of that series (against my wishes!) and readers everywhere are confused! You’re looking for #3 AMANDA WEDS A GOOD MAN
So glad to find this site! I, too, have been looking for additional books in the “home at Cedar Creek” series. Now, I know what to look for! Once I start reading one of your books, I can’t put it down!!!!!!!!!
–sorry about the computer blip, Carmen– #4 is EMMA BLOOMS AT LAST. Thanks so much for asking about these books–I have copies of them if you can’t find them. Email me at charlottehubbard10@gmail.com if you want more info. So sorry for this series confusion!
Charlotte, I love all of your books that I have read
I live about 30 miles from Jamesport,Mo
I have read all of your books to date and I am wondering if you will continue be continuing to expand upon Willow Ridge and the connection with A Mother’s Love? Rose’s Bishop and husband have ties to the Willow Ridge. With the Englisher triplet of Mirriam Hooley finding a love interest, I hope there will be more to come. Thank you for being a writer with great ability to bring these communities to life.
Jan, if you check out my Simple Gifts trilogy–A SIMPLE VOW, A SIMPLE WISH, A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS (comes out Oct. 2018) you’ll get to return to Willow Ridge! Thanks for asking!
I love reading your books. They have give me new light to reading again. I actually take time to read every day. At my age of 68 I found a new interest of taking the time as a me time. So little I am able to do with a ill husband. Do you have a complete listing of all your books. I have had the local library obtain a huge amount over the last two years of your books and I don’t want to miss any. Also in order is much better to keep the series going. If I read all of them can you suggest another author who writes Amish books also, as I love their way of life in the books.
Dianna, sorry about the long time lag here–thanks for your kind words! If you’ll email me at charlottehubbard10@gmail.com I can send you a complete listing (in order) which includes my latest series. Thanks for being a reader–and for other Amish stories, I suggest you look at online stores like BN.com or Amazon–or if you look my books up at those sites, you’ll find similar authors/stories listed underneath mine with the header “you might also like–” Hope this helps!
I was wondering when the next book about Rosalyn Riehl. I have read all of the books you have written so far and am looking forward to new books from you. I have also made a few of the recipes that you post. You do a fantastic job with the characters from your books, you really bring them to life. Thank you.
Joy, you’ll be seeing Rosalyn’s book, A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS, in stores come October! Thanks for asking!
I cannot wait to read your book a simple vow looks good!
I hope you’ve enjoyed A SIMPLE VOW, Kim! The final book in the trilogy, A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS, comes out on Sept 25 of this year!
I was wondering were to find the other 2books about the promise lodge i have read the first 3 and you said there is 5 total.can’t find them please tell me about them i want to know if Roselle married troman.
Hi,Evelyn! You can’t find the last 2 Promise Lodge books because they aren’t out yet! #4 NEW BEGINNINGS AT PROMISE LODGE is now in the editorial pipeline with my publisher and comes out in October of 2019. I’m just getting started on #5 LIGHT SHINES ON PROMISE LODGE, and it’ll be out sometime in 2020. To be sure you don’t miss a word, sign up for my newsletter using the form on the homepage of this website! Thanks for your note!
I LOVE TO READ AMISH BOOKS BUT I GUESS I AM GOING TO START HAVING TO ORDER BY MAIL. OUR WALMARTS IN N.C. ONLY SELL VERY FEW. HOW CAN I ORDER THEM. I HAVE A KINDLE BUT SOME OF THE BOOKS ON KINDLE ARE NOT THE COMPLETE STORY. I DO FIND I CAN ORDER SOME OF THEM FROM CHRISTIAN DISTURBORS. YOU BOOKS ARE THE BEST
How many books are in the promise lodge
As you’ve noted before, Evelyn, there will be 5 books in the Promise Lodge series, which will be complete in 2020! Thanks for asking!
I just finished A Simple Christmas and read the whole series and sub series. The BEST I have ever read, your writing makes me feel like I know all thee people and can picture where they live in Willow Ridge, simply amazing. I have enjoying all of the books sometimes reading so fast I can’t put the book down, then reading slow cause I don’t want it to end. Now if you could just write faster, Thank You so much.
Wish you would continue beyond ‘A Simple Christmas’.
I guess you have to wind up these stories some time, but….
Charlotte, I wanted u to know u found your newest book of a Simple Christmas book at my Wal-Mart here in Benton, ark, deb m
I am interested in the recipes, and don’t see them on the website. One is the cream cheese cookies. I got the book at the library, and have returned it, so not certain which book it was in.
Hi, Shirley–
On my website, look at the navigation bar at the top of the Home page, put your cursor on Recipes, and pull down that menu. Usually you can type in a few words of the recipe title in the Search function and it’ll come up. Sorry my recipes aren’t easier to flip through! Thanks for asking.
Charlotte Hubbard, are you coming out with any more books, beside the promise lodge book series, thank you, deb m
Debbie, your best bet to keep up with my new books is to sign up for my newsletter on the Home page of my website! I only send newsletters out with each new book, so not a lot of mail for you. YES, right now the Maidels of Morning Star books are coming out–MORNING STAR and FIRST LIGHT IN MORNING STAR are out now, with 2 more to come out in 2021. Thanks for asking!
Have you thought about a cookbook with all the recipes you have in all your books?
I’ve just finished re-reading the Seasons of the Heart and Simple Gifts series–among my favorite Amish romances. I love the characters in these series and really wish that you would do a follow-up series that perhaps takes the families a few years down the road–perhaps to where Taylor and Brett are high-school age (which would be an interesting perspective, given that they grew up English for so many years–I can easily imagine some tensions arising in their teens). I would love to hear what happens to the newlyweds in A Simple Christmas and what happens to the Hooley and Detweiler and Witmer clans and the other residents of Willow Ridge.
I just recently discovered your books at my library .I am reading them just as fast as I can find them! My most favorite of all was A patchwork Family.It broke my heart when Jud was killed!I cried like a baby.Your books have given me many hours of enjoyment.
HELLO I HAVE JUST FINISHED READING 3 OF YOUR BOOKS, A SIMPLE WISH, A SIMPLE VOW, AND A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A 4TH BOOK. YOU HAVE ME WONDERING WHAT BECOME OF THE REIHL GIRLS FATHER.
IS THERE ANOTHER BOOK ABOUT HIM? IF SO WOULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHERE I CAN PURCHASE IT.
I WAS AT MY CANCER DOCTORS THE OTHER DAY AND THEY HAVE A BOOK LENDING SHELF. I PICKED UP A BUNDLE WHICH
CONTAINED THESE THREE BOOKS LISTED ABOVE AND COULD NOT PUT THEM DOWN.
I AM ORIGINALLY FROM PENNSYLVANIA AND DID NOT LIVE TO FAR FROM THE AMISH. MOVED TO OHIO AND LIVED IN THE
MIDDLE OF AMISH NOW BACK IN PA. THEY INTRIGUE ME. ALWAYS HAVE EVER SINCE I WAS YOUNG. I HAVE WATCHED EVERY MOVIE, DOCUMENTARY, BOOK, ETC. THAT I COULD GET MY HANDS ON.
YOU DO A GREAT JOB WITH WRITING OF THESE BOOKS.
THANK YOU
Hi, Eleanor!!
Sorry about the long time lag! If you want to know about the Riehl girls’ father, you’ll enjoy reading the Promise Lodge series–especially book 5, LIGHT SHINES ON PROMISE LODGE. But start from the beginning with PROMISE LODGE, and then it’s CHRISTMAS @PROMISE LODGE, WEDDINGS @ PROMISE LODGE, NEW BEGINNINGS @ PROMISE LODGE. There’s quite a twist as LIGHT SHINES comes to a close. Thanks for asking!
I just love all of your books Cant wait for the new one next month, Your a very good author and your recipes are so good.
Thanks for your kind words, Debra!
I’ve just discovered your books during the “pandemic” and have bought more than 10 now. Quite obviously, I LOVE them!!! Right now I’m in the middle of “The Christmas Cradle” and just have to try the chocolate apple cake. Sounds delicious!!
Thanks, Deena!
i really like the bookPromise Lodge want to get the series
so what is titles of series books?
Hi, Marilyn! Promise Lodge titles are: PROMISE LODGE, CHRISTMAS AT P L, WEDDINGS AT P L, NEW BEGINNINGS AT P L, LIGHT SHINES ON P L. More titles will be coming for this series in late 2021–sign on for my newsletter so you won’t miss any of them!
Will there be anymore Promise Lodge books? I just finished the fifth one and love them
Charlotte, I have read all the promise lodge books but 2, you have more books coming out at the end of the year, deb m
Bell, we have 2 more Promise Lodge books planned, both to come out in 2023 (after my Maidels of Morning Star series is complete). #6 will be FAMILY GATHERINGS AT PROMISE LODGE and #7 will be HIDDEN AWAY AT PROMISE LODGE. Thanks for asking, and thanks for your nice remarks about my books!
I have read several of your books and am ready to begin Promise Lodge series. Your characters are so real I feel like I could drop by for tea and cookies! I also appreciate the spiritual side of your stories. Many times a scripture or thought given matches a struggle I’m experiencing. Thank you for your good, clean books. I really enjoy them.
Dear Charlotte: I truly enjoyed reading all your amish series books! Will you have any more coming out in the next while.
I just finished”Christmas Comes to Morning Star” and loved it. If this is a series, what are the other titles? I would love to have them all.
Love all the Morning star books, wish we had more in that series, Like Promise Lodge love that series too!
I am a widow & an old time pastor’s daughter. I can’t begin to tell you what your books & series mean to me. They have provided comfort, healing & enjoyment to my life. Please continue to write, I have tapped into local library to put holds on Naomi King books. Blessings on you.
Hello. Always absolutely loving your Willow Ridge continuing stories. Have just finished the “A Simple…” trilogy. Will you be continuing with Marcus and Rosalyn’s wedding, along with Wyatt and Rebecca’s wedding? Hope so. Thank you for allowing us to enter a simpler time with “real” people that we are able to relate to in one way or another with compassion, joy, and sorrow. Barbra Elizabeth
I have been enjoying your series Promise Lodge.
I have on question for you. Where in the Bible does it say Adam and Eve were allowed to return to the Garden or Eden? I read that because of their sin, God drove them out from the Garden and put placed cherubim east of the garden of Eden and a flaming turning sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
Hello Charlotte, I have read so-o-o many of your marvelous books over the years as well as novellas. I’ve just been reading book 7 of the Promise Lodge series. I really hope there will be a continuance of Promise Lodge. They have become my family so to speak. I praise God that we have so many great Christian authors. I DO NOT read anything that is not truly written by a sincere believer. You are not only talented but gifted as well. God Bless you until He returns soon.
Margie
I would love to buy some books from you. I’m sorry to hear you are retiring,but I’m sure you will love it. I’m surprised at what I have found to do now that I’m not working. One of the things I do now is read. When I was working, I never got to read a book for fun. I have read a lot of your books.
How do I get the list of the books and things you have for sale?
My info is: Helen Lacina
1005 McLane St.
Victoria, TX 77904
Thanks for all the reading you have provided. Hope to see the list soon.
Helen