Promises, Promises

Liberty's Promise #1

by Amber Miller

Raelene Strattford knows God has promised never to leave or forsake her. But after the catastrophic deaths of her parents, she doesn t believe it. What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice? Gustaf Hanssen has admired Raelene from afar for a while, but his poor attempt at courting her in the past has made him unwelcome in her life. When Gustaf promises Raelene's dying father that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined. To keep his word must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?

Genres: Christian, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

also writes under the name Amber Stockton

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I didn't like Raelene at first (though my heart *did* go out to her, and I understood her anger and hurt), I was impressed by her grit and determination to fulfil her promise to her dying father to take care of the farm their family had just begun to establish.
I liked Gustaf from the start . . . his sincere determination to be helpful to Raelene, and also to keep *his* promise to her father to take care of her.
I thought the way the two of them grew from acquaintances, to eventually friends was very well done. Because of Gustaf's position as overseer of the farm, they were naturally together enough to establish that kind of relationship, even though they each rubbed each other the wrong way from time-to-time.
I especially loved the growth that we saw in Raelene's character arc. Her return to faith was a beautiful journey, and I'm glad the author wrote it the way she did.
4.5 stars

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber Miller has a great work in this book. The story is just what it needs to be. Starting out with a tragedy that allows one to get their back up and spout all their reasons for not trusting in the Lord and to go through a process of healing and really seeing what the Lord is trying to do for them is so hard to put into words, and she did it. Reading this story of Raelene makes you take the time to look at what is going on in your own life. For me it makes me think about the comparison to English life of Jane Austen-types and the farmers in the early colonies. So many times I gripe about what strife I have, but in the end really none of it does compare to what God provides. Like Gustaf, God sits by silently waiting for us to open our eyes while we continually break his heart over and over again. This story had everything that it needed, and I'm so glad that I crossed over it in my life.

[Sandy Duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wavered between giving this 3 stars or 4. The stilted language did not seem quite right to me, although I realize that the writer was trying to portray the speech patterns of an English language learner. However, although readers will easily guess the end of the story, the journey and the climax were so beautiful that it simply made the ending delightful.

Note: for those wondering how a setting in “Pennsylvania” could be part of this series, this area of the territory later became what is now the state of Delaware.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raelene Strattford believes God has forsaken her, but her neighbor proves just the opposite while giving her a voice in a world where women have none.

A sweet, historical romance that takes place in the 1730's in the area of New Castle County Pennsylvania which becomes part of the state of Delaware. This short, easy to read romance is Book 1 of a trilogy called Delaware Brides. Raelene is left alone as a 17 year old when both parents are killed in a buggy accident. Her father's will states she will become sole owner of the property if she marries by age 18. She loses faith in God and blames him for all the many changes that appear in her life. Gustaf a neighboring farmer's son is a strong young man with a deep faith in God. His everyday presence helps Raelene mature, develop her own strength, and find her way back to God.

An enjoyable read for historical fiction lovers.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "Everything can look bad; but if you try to do the best with what you are given, the situation will get better."

"You have a choice to make. You can choose to lean on God for all the strength you need to get you through the travails of life, or you can shrivel and die like a branch cut from a tree. With the connection to the source severed, there is no chance for real life to exist."

[Roseanna Veredchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

PROMISES PROMISE by Amber Miller is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of grief, trust, and faith. Raelene, a young woman reeling from past hurts, struggles to reconcile her doubts about human promises with her faith in God's promises. Gustaf, a devoted suitor, endeavors to keep his promises to Raelene, but their confrontations about God and love test his resolve.

Just when all hope seems lost, God's divine intervention weaves a tapestry of redemption and love, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, His perfect will can prevail. This book serves as a powerful reminder that no relationship is beyond reconciliation, and God's promises are always trustworthy.

Miller's writing masterfully captures the nuances of human emotion and the struggles of faith, making PROMISES PROMISE a relatable and inspiring read for anyone who has ever grappled with doubt and and disillusionment.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good: This book really hit home for me in that it shows how a person can become angry with God and how He continues to love that person and puts people in their lives to help them overcome that anger and draws them back into a relationship with Him.

The Bad: The setting was in Colonial Pennsylvania during George Thomas' term as Governor 1738-1746), but it didn't seem that "colonial" at all. As I read it, I kept seeing the setting as further west (Central Ohio) for some strange reason and much later in time.

The Ugly: Thumbs up--nothing ugly about this one.

[Pegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in a series this one is also the best. Raelene Strattford finds herself a young woman alone in a new country with a farm to run. Gustaf Hanssen made a promise to her dying father to help her. Raelene resents his help as well as his insistence that she needs to turn back to God. A good story with interesting and believable growth of both characters. I highly recommend this one.

[Marlo Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promises Promises by Amber Miller

Good ebook and I would recommend this ebook to one and all and I would recommend this ebook a five star rating

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy light prairie read with some good inspiring moments. If you like marriage of convenience stories, this is one.