Michelle De Bruin

After reading Hope For Tomorrow I was excited to see that there was a second book in the series. Starting out Promise For Tomorrow it took some time to remember where the first book left off since I read another western romance around that time, once I got a bearing on the characters, setting, and what had happened in the first book I was surprised by what happened next, the plot twist that happened early in the book. The antics of the school children was somewhat funny yet I felt bad for poor Karen as she dealt with crazy kids, bullies, and mean parents. I liked Logan quite a bit more in this book compared to how he acted in Promise For Tomorrow. While there were some typos I enjoyed this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
… (lisätietoja)

Thank you in advance to the author, Michelle De Bruin, and Prism Tours for providing a complimentary review. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.

This is the second book in the “Tomorrow” series – the first being “Hope for Tomorrow”. A brief run-down – Logan returns to town after his father’s death. He takes over the farm, and decides that boarding the new teacher, Karen Millerson, is a good idea. His family gets boarding money and his sister gets a friend.

However, they didn’t plan on Karen and Tillie fighting or Logan falling in love with Karen …

Cue to this book.

“Promise for Tomorrow”, opens with Karen and Logan “engaged”, but no one else knowing of it due to a few situations – he hasn’t told his mother, and Karen is living with them. It doesn’t “seem right”. It’s an interesting concept given this is historical fiction. It also has a religious tone to it as well.

Even though one of the main characters is a preacher, and there are sermons in it, the author doesn’t get “preachy” with the tone. There are some scripture references in the book as well as prayer. De Bruin also shows that the preacher is even “tempted” because of his feelings for Karen, which is why he wants to move her out, or he moves out.

Despite having not read the first book, I was able to get right into this one. If you prefer reading books in order; I would suggest starting with “Hope for Tomorrow”, and then reading “Promise for Tomorrow”.

The author starts off with a problem – Logan is trying to find a place for Karen to stay now knowing how they feel about each other and not wanting to be “inappropriate”. Obviously the first one ended with their engagement, so the pace doesn’t rush the story along, but merely chronicles Logan and Karen’s journey.

There are a few problems though. Not only is there a lack of a place for Karen to stay, but if she leaves, his family loses the boarding money. Not a good idea when there is a debt to satisfy.

I was able to immediately jump into this novel and take off with it, even though this was the second book. The writer makes it easy for the reader, well for me, to jump right in without having to read the first one. Another reviewer stated this is an easy “stand alone” read. And, for me it certainly was. At no time did I feel lost or wonder what was going on with the story.

I read through this novel so fast I couldn’t take notes. And, most of my readers know how I feel about historical fiction. However, the writer’s writing style kept this paced so that I had to keep reading. This book really grabbed my attention. I kept trying to pry myself away from it. I do need occasional sleep though, so I had to put it down.

This reminded me of a more grown-up version of “Little House on The Prairie”, which is probably why I really enjoyed it. I used to LOVE that series a child. De Bruin also had a mystery in it, and the two visitors didn’t show up until nearly the end. My heart ached for Logan and Karen because of how things transpired and they were doing everything (seemingly) right. However, they had good friends and a strong faith to support them.

This is a clean read with a little kissing. There are definitely no sex scenes or foul language. Readers who enjoy a mild taste of religious tones might enjoy this.

Beautiful, inspiring, and timeless are just some of the words to describe this book. The cover is simple, colorful, and just gorgeous. It drew me in as if in advertising a place to stay at the farm.

I’m definitely putting “Hope for Tomorrow” on my TBR (to be read) list.… (lisätietoja)

n this interesting, poignant drama, Logan is faced with the dilemma of propriety before he and Karen can allow their engagement to be known. It didn't help this matter when Logan breaks his leg while trying to rectify the situation. He and Karen are finally able to let others know, when Karen is blamed for a fire and forced to leave her teaching position and Logan is faced with financial ruin..
Long distance relationships seldom work. It looks as though wedding bliss will no longer happen for this couple.
This is a touching story of a couple's struggle to fulfill their dreams. What they originally felt was God's will, takes several "downward spirals" causing doubt to prevail.
There is several inspirational moments, emphasizing several principles, including: faith, acceptance, injustice, integrity/lack of integrity, values/lack of values.
The characters are very endearing or annoying. They are very diverse and realistic. The situations are clearly defined.
Although very simple, the Book Cover is attractive and eye-catching and the Title is fitting.

*This book was gifted m with no urging for a positive review. This is my honest review.… (lisätietoja)