A Promise to Love - A Review

Swedish immigrant, Ingrid Larsen, is in Michigan searching for her missing twin brother. With nothing left to lose, she proposes to widowed farmer, Joshua Hunter, in order to ensure that his children aren't taken from him. Josh is still grieving the death of his wife. He doesn't really want a new woman around but she's managed to reunite all five of his children and for that he's very grateful. When circumstances force a temporary separation, Josh ends up finding Ingrid's brother while Ingrid must deal with the struggles of the farm. Will Josh ever be able to let go of his late wife and love the Swedish girl who loves his family and will fight to protect them?

This is the first book I've ever read by Serena Miller. I was quickly drawn into the story of Josh and Ingrid. Ingrid's strength had me astounded at times. I saw that she loved Josh's children  as if they were her own and she would do anything for them. I did feel that Josh could have treated her a little bit better, but he comes around. I mean he wasn't abusive or anything, just really reluctant to share his heart with her. When the book ended, I sighed happily and had to wonder if these characters will appear in a future book by Miller.

I received this book for free from the publisher, Revell Books, for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Availaible in October, 2012 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Recommended to fans of sweet romances, Maggie Brendan, Susan Page Davis, Robin Lee Hatcher

Rating - 4 stars

Short Straw Bride - A Review

When Meredith Hayes ventures onto the forbidden Archer land to warn the Archer brothers of a threat, she had no idea that her life was about to change forever. Her message safely delivered, she becomes injured and her reputation in tatters. The four Archer brothers, Travis, Crockett, Jim, and Neill, have lived alone on the ranch since their father died. They don't leave the land. To save Meredith's reputation, one of them must agree to marry her. But which one? Straws are drawn and Travis ends up being the one to hold the short straw. When danger threatens the safety of all on the ranch, the brothers respond, yet will Meredith and Travis find a happy ending of their own?

Having discovered Karen Witemeyer's books last summer, I quickly read threough them. Needless to say I was thrilled when I learned that she had a new book coming out this summer. I'm a little impatient and didn't want to wait to be offered to review this book for the publisher, so I saw it at Lifeway yesterday and picked it up.

I loved the book. I loved how Travis's biggest fear is trusting in God to care for and protect his family. Something he should have been doing for years instead of shouldering the burden on his own. Crockett is a very loveable brother and I didn't want to have the story end as I wanted to know more about Travis's brothers.

I recommend this book to fans of humorous romance,  Mary Connealy fans, and anyone who likes a bit of spunk in their characters.

Rating - 5 stars

 The following is not part of my review on Amazon or Goodreads.

I read a blog post by the author the other day that told me a little bit of the background into this book. She based the book, in part, on the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. If I hadn't already known I was going to read the book, that clinched it for me. That musical is one of my all time favorites and ranks up there with Oklahoma!, Sound of Music, and Newsies. Here is a link to the full blog post. The contest giveaway she had on it is over now, but the post is still worth reading.

Thanks Karen for a wonderful book and I look forward to reading more of yours.