MY REVIEW:
Set in Michigan during the late 1800’s, “A Promise to Love” is a thoroughly satisfying look back in time. When Ingrid Larsen marries the recently-widowed farmer who rescued her from an abusive employer, her primary motive was to keep him from losing his children. The fact that she was already half in love with the man and his children may have made her gesture a little less noble but she was determined to make the best of it even if he was still in love with his departed wife. Ingrid worked hard to prove herself to her new husband but although he loved her cooking and appreciated her care for his children, she despaired of ever gaining his personal attention. After struggling with his rejection for weeks, Ingrid made up her mind that she would continue to love and serve Joshua and his family to the best of her abilities but would do so as if serving her Lord.
“A Promise to Love” has a plot that moves at a steady pace and the characters are well-defined. Highly emotional scenes include plenty of action and danger but are relieved at times by equally humorous or tender moments. The romantic aspect of this story is not the usual attraction between both parties but a love that gradually builds as Ingrid’s strong and caring nature changes Joshua’s heart toward her.
I enjoyed revisiting some of the characters from “The Measure of Katie Calloway” near the end of the book. I am in hopes that I will see more of the characters from both novels in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed “A Promise to Love” and recommend it to all historical romance lovers.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Serena B. Miller takes her readers on a rich, historical journey that combines both romance and a touch of mystery. In this fascinating story of love and family commitment, Miller introduces us to characters that capture our hearts and imagination as they discover that love is more than just words.
Ingrid Larsen, a young Swedish immigrant, arrives in Michigan in 1871 to search for her brother who has disappeared into the woods to work the dangerous lumber camps. Destitute and barely hanging on to hope, she encounters a newly-widowed farmer who is struggling to raise five children on his own. Marriage would solve both of their problems, and so Ingrid proposes to a man she barely knows. She will fight to protect her new family–but the hardest battle of all will be winning the heart of her new husband.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Serena B. Miller is the author of The Measure of Katie Calloway and Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio, as well as numerous articles for periodicals such as Woman’s World, Guideposts, Reader’s Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and more. She lives on a farm in southern Ohio.
Endorsements for Serena B. Miller and A Promise to Love:
“A Promise to Love is historical fiction at its finest! Brimming with romance, history, and a touch of mystery, this story is a joyous portrayal of true love and God’s gift of family. Serena Miller writes with an irresistible freshness and honesty, crafting compelling characters that tug on your heartstrings and leave you changed. A Promise to Love met all my expectations and more. I eagerly anticipate her next novel!”—Laura Frantz, author of Love’s Reckoning
“In A Promise to Love, Serena Miller has done it again. With fascinating history and characters you can’t help but love, she’s written a story that pulls at your heartstrings and keeps you turning pages as fast as you can to see what happens next. And just when you think the story tension can’t get any higher, she turns up the excitement another notch. A story not to be missed!”—Ann H. Gabhart, author of Words Spoken True and The Gifted
“If you’re searching for novels with both heart and soul, you will love the thoughtful and richly satisfying works of Serena Miller. I do.”—Emilie Richards, author of Sunset Bridge and One Mountain Away
