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Family Promises #1
Ever Caring
He lost his wife.
She gave up her baby.
Can these troubled souls find true love beneath their secrets?
Attorney Zach Truscott is ready for a fresh start with his grief-stricken daughter. After the widower and his eight-year-old move to a new town, he hopes creating a commemorative photo album will help ease the girl’s suffering.
But when she makes fast friends with the scrapbook shop owner who is helping her with the album, Zach is stunned to find himself attracted to the kind woman.
Renee Albertson is guilt-ridden over the accident that crippled her mother and forced her to give up her newborn for adoption. Desperate to sell everything to finance her mom’s experimental treatment, Renee’s torn when a handsome dad and his melancholy daughter come to her store for help.
And as the grieving pair find their way into her heart, she wonders if she’ll ever have the family of her dreams.As the attraction between them deepens, Zach is wary of revealing his less-than-perfect marriage that lies behind the idyllic photos. And Renee fears that divulging her tragic secret will destroy any hope for a future with Zach.
Can Renee and Zach let go of their obstacles and create a beautiful new life together?
Ever Caring is the first book in the Family Promises sweet romance series. If you like heartwarming stories, struggling heroes, and journeys of self-healing, then you’ll love Carolyne Aarsen’s romantic saga.
She gave up her baby.
Can these troubled souls find true love beneath their secrets?
Attorney Zach Truscott is ready for a fresh start with his grief-stricken daughter. After the widower and his eight-year-old move to a new town, he hopes creating a commemorative photo album will help ease the girl’s suffering.
But when she makes fast friends with the scrapbook shop owner who is helping her with the album, Zach is stunned to find himself attracted to the kind woman.
Renee Albertson is guilt-ridden over the accident that crippled her mother and forced her to give up her newborn for adoption. Desperate to sell everything to finance her mom’s experimental treatment, Renee’s torn when a handsome dad and his melancholy daughter come to her store for help.
And as the grieving pair find their way into her heart, she wonders if she’ll ever have the family of her dreams.As the attraction between them deepens, Zach is wary of revealing his less-than-perfect marriage that lies behind the idyllic photos. And Renee fears that divulging her tragic secret will destroy any hope for a future with Zach.
Can Renee and Zach let go of their obstacles and create a beautiful new life together?
Ever Caring is the first book in the Family Promises sweet romance series. If you like heartwarming stories, struggling heroes, and journeys of self-healing, then you’ll love Carolyne Aarsen’s romantic saga.
201 pages, ebook
Published March 4, 2020
981 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Carolyne Aarsen
209 books722 followersEven with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 27, 2023
Enjoyed this cute little story. A story of love and family. Renee and Tate both have some things in their past that have them learning to love and trust again. Renee feels guilt over the accident that left her mother in a wheelchair, and Tate had a rough time in his previous marriage, but together they make a go of it and then their is Addison the cute little girl who just wants a mom. Loved the ending
October 3, 2021
Unrealistic Relationships
How a woman can be best friends with an interfering busybody is beyond me, and other relationahips seemed equally as forced. Instead of having the action driven by personalities, Aarsen has forced the personalities to fit her contrived plot. IMHO she is unsuccessful.
How a woman can be best friends with an interfering busybody is beyond me, and other relationahips seemed equally as forced. Instead of having the action driven by personalities, Aarsen has forced the personalities to fit her contrived plot. IMHO she is unsuccessful.
October 21, 2020
This story was interesting but everything came together without much effort. It was a little too unrealistic with the amount of real-life baggage any of the character's issues would have carried. Why weren't any of the characters in counseling?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2020
Together, a Family
Tender. A new twist on a familiar plot. Enjoyed the ending because even though it was predictable, it didn't feel contrived.
Tender. A new twist on a familiar plot. Enjoyed the ending because even though it was predictable, it didn't feel contrived.
March 12, 2020
Ever Caring by Carolyne Aarsen
Family Promises Series Book One
Renee Albertson would soon be leaving town with her mother. Selling her beloved Scrap Happy store and their home. Hoping the treatment would help her mother to walk again. Remove the guilt Renee felt for her mother being hurt in the first place. Renee didn't expect the new lawyer and his daughter that just moved to town.
Tate Truscott's main focus was on his daughter. Addison. After his wife's death a year ago, it was time to leave the big law firm and move to Rockyview and join his father in his practice. He didn't expect this small town to bring his heart back to life...well, maybe not the town as much as a certain shop owner.
The past merges with the future as Tate and Renee's lives are more connected than they realized. But no matter what they were feeling...her mother was her focus. Addison's his. And it didn't seem there'd be anything to bridge their paths. But with God, one never knows what path He'll lead them down. Some of these characters were in previous Rockyview series, and some of those characters are also in this series. Which I love. Looking forward to the next books in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Family Promises Series Book One
Renee Albertson would soon be leaving town with her mother. Selling her beloved Scrap Happy store and their home. Hoping the treatment would help her mother to walk again. Remove the guilt Renee felt for her mother being hurt in the first place. Renee didn't expect the new lawyer and his daughter that just moved to town.
Tate Truscott's main focus was on his daughter. Addison. After his wife's death a year ago, it was time to leave the big law firm and move to Rockyview and join his father in his practice. He didn't expect this small town to bring his heart back to life...well, maybe not the town as much as a certain shop owner.
The past merges with the future as Tate and Renee's lives are more connected than they realized. But no matter what they were feeling...her mother was her focus. Addison's his. And it didn't seem there'd be anything to bridge their paths. But with God, one never knows what path He'll lead them down. Some of these characters were in previous Rockyview series, and some of those characters are also in this series. Which I love. Looking forward to the next books in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
March 4, 2020
Renee plans to sell her scrapbooking shop to help her mother get an experimental treatment. Renee still feels guilty about her mother being crippled in a car accident. Persuaded by his eight year old daughter Addison's tears, widowed attorney Zach Truscott reluctantly agrees to help her make an album of her mother. Renee is initially reluctant to help Addison and Zach with the album since Addison is same age as the daughter she gave up for adoption. Through working together on her business sale and the album, the three of them grow closer together. I received a free copy of this book from the author. I like that there were concerns that had to be considered for Renee and Zach to have a relationship. I admire Renee for her compassionate and selfless actions to help her mother and others. I also admire Zach for giving up a prosperous career to move back to his hometown to have more time with his daughter. I love this sweet Christian romance that touches upon some deeper issues.
February 15, 2020
First off, let me say that I really adored this book. I adored Zach and really felt for both him and Renee. There is a pretty decent sized twist you find out fairly early on and I honestly did not see it coming, so I think that's a job well done. I won't go into greater detail so you just need to read it. It really set the mood for the rest of the book in a way that did feel believable. Going in to this, I knew it was a clean romance (which is an important factor I look for when reading romance books), but I didn't realize how much of a faith element it would have to it. And I'm not at all complaining. I like Christian romance novels if they're done right and I feel like this was done well. It didn't feel overly preachy and fake, but at the same time it felt genuine and not just like the characters were saying Christiany things to appeal to a certain audience base.
Also...the ending. Oh man the ending got me. In a good way. But you'll just have to read it to find out what I'm talking about. Seriously, this is worth the read if this is your type of book. I am definitely considering checking out more books by this author. Or at least adding them to my every increasing TBR list...
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Also...the ending. Oh man the ending got me. In a good way. But you'll just have to read it to find out what I'm talking about. Seriously, this is worth the read if this is your type of book. I am definitely considering checking out more books by this author. Or at least adding them to my every increasing TBR list...
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2020
This was an enjoyable sweet romance. The book pulled me in from the beginning and I had to keep reading until the end. Tate is a hard worker and a devoted father. Tate's wife has died and now he is the sole provider for his grieving daughter. Tate's marriage had been less than ideal, so he has no time for romance. Renee is a loyal daughter that has given up everything for her handicapped mother. Renee is trying to make up for her past mistakes which included giving up her baby. Both Tate and Renee were thrown together and there was an attraction between them that both did not want to acknowledge. I enjoyed reading about their journey to forgiving their pasts and moving forward. I recommend to anyone that loves sweet clean romance.
I received a copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I received a copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
November 21, 2020
Secrets...
A woman feels guilty but is determined to try & help her mother get out of a wheelchair. A single father trying to start life in a new town after the death of his wife in a car accident. Attracted to each other but knowing their future is headed on different paths, will they take a chance to discover the possibilities of a shared future. The secrets they keep from each other could draw them closer & help them find happiness if they trust in God. Is their faith & desire for a family strong enough?
The negatives to the story was a lot of repetitive thoughts of the characters. Sometimes the story made it sound like weeks had passed and yet then within a few sentences it was described as only a day or two. Several times words were in the wrong tense of speech but I was able to figure out what the author meant. Overall I enjoyed the story.
A woman feels guilty but is determined to try & help her mother get out of a wheelchair. A single father trying to start life in a new town after the death of his wife in a car accident. Attracted to each other but knowing their future is headed on different paths, will they take a chance to discover the possibilities of a shared future. The secrets they keep from each other could draw them closer & help them find happiness if they trust in God. Is their faith & desire for a family strong enough?
The negatives to the story was a lot of repetitive thoughts of the characters. Sometimes the story made it sound like weeks had passed and yet then within a few sentences it was described as only a day or two. Several times words were in the wrong tense of speech but I was able to figure out what the author meant. Overall I enjoyed the story.
March 3, 2020
Renee Albertson has faced some difficult choices in her life and is selling her scrapbook store in order to pay for her mother’s medical treatment. Years ago, Renee also made the heart wrenching decision to give up her unborn baby for adoption when she realized that she would need to be the full-time caretaker for her mother who was confined to a wheelchair. Attorney Zach Truscott is handling the sale of the shop and raising his young daughter, Addison, after the recent death of his wife. As Zach spends time with Renee, helping Addison make a scrapbook, he begins to have feelings for Renee. Secrets are revealed in this sweet romance that offers hope, love and healing. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
March 4, 2020
What God brings together.
Zach lost his cheating wife to an accident now he has his daughter Addison to think about. Moving to a smaller town to help his father with his law practice he finds himself attracted to Renee. Renee a single lady has one thing on her mind to help her mom yet she finds she is also attracted to Zach. Then there is one super big twist. This book will touch your heart in so many ways with sadness, joy, heartache and, love. This faith-based book was a splendid way to spend my afternoon I hope you take the time and enjoy it also. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Zach lost his cheating wife to an accident now he has his daughter Addison to think about. Moving to a smaller town to help his father with his law practice he finds himself attracted to Renee. Renee a single lady has one thing on her mind to help her mom yet she finds she is also attracted to Zach. Then there is one super big twist. This book will touch your heart in so many ways with sadness, joy, heartache and, love. This faith-based book was a splendid way to spend my afternoon I hope you take the time and enjoy it also. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 5, 2020
I liked this story as it unfolded. The characters and their lives were so interwoven together that it made a beautiful tale once all of the pieces were connected. Renee was such a selfless person with her love for her mother and the baby she felt she had to give up so she could take care of her mom full time after the car accident. I was so glad that Zach and Addison came into her life when they did to bring the story full circle. I cannot wait to read Evangeline's story in the next book in the series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
March 8, 2020
A wonderful book about such a delicate matter is told in such a beautiful way. I absolutely loved this book. The book draws you into the story and it is very hard to put down. The author has developed characters that you get to see on many different levels and circumstances. The community and friends add another sweet level to this new series. You cannot help falling in love with the people in these two families as they find such a tremendous HEA. Personally, I am anxious to read more of this new series by Carolyne Aarsen.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest, and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest, and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
October 22, 2020
Can This Work
Renee runs a craft store in addition to taking care of her Mom, who was crippled in a car accident eight years ago. She certainly has no time for romance. While trying to sell her store to raise money for her Mom to enter a lengthy new treatment in another city, she meets their lawyer's son, a widower with a daughter, and finds him extremely attractive. But she doesn't have time for time for romance!! Tate's priority is his daughter Addison. Those are the main characters in this layered story which deals with some difficult problems in life. Some of the themes in it are Sacrifice, love of family, faith, guilt, relationships, and more.
Renee runs a craft store in addition to taking care of her Mom, who was crippled in a car accident eight years ago. She certainly has no time for romance. While trying to sell her store to raise money for her Mom to enter a lengthy new treatment in another city, she meets their lawyer's son, a widower with a daughter, and finds him extremely attractive. But she doesn't have time for time for romance!! Tate's priority is his daughter Addison. Those are the main characters in this layered story which deals with some difficult problems in life. Some of the themes in it are Sacrifice, love of family, faith, guilt, relationships, and more.
March 4, 2020
Renee made such a sacrifice imo for her mother. Things aren't exactly as they "appear" in regards to Zach and his deceased wife. Addison, Zach's daughter brings these two together. Loved how Renee and Addison bonded so quickly. The struggles Renee and Zach face are tugged at my heart and caused me to cheer for them to get together and forgive and move on from the past. True forgiveness comes from the Lord and I loved how this author wove that into her story. Her mom and his dad added so much and loved the advice they gave. Really sweet ending.
March 5, 2020
I am so excited for this new series by Carolyne Aarsen; nobody does a better job with a series that highlights broken people in broken families and how God is a God of second chances. I loved this story about Zach, an attorney who is a widower with a young daughter and Renee, the owner of the shop next door who is dealing with the guilt of giving up her child for adoption when she was a young single mom while devotedly assisting her handicapped mother. There are lots of twists and turns in the plot and there is a lot of heartwarming romance. I loved it! Highly recommend!
October 19, 2020
Beautiful Story
Renee have up her little girl almost 9 years ago because she knew she couldn't take care of her and her mom. Present day, she is selling her business to pay for a special therapy for her mom, and meets her attorney's son. Tate moved back to get his daughter situated after his wife's death. He ends up meeting Renee in his father's office. But what really brings him together is when his daughter wants to a scrapbook in her shop. She figured out Addison is the little girl she gave up.
Renee have up her little girl almost 9 years ago because she knew she couldn't take care of her and her mom. Present day, she is selling her business to pay for a special therapy for her mom, and meets her attorney's son. Tate moved back to get his daughter situated after his wife's death. He ends up meeting Renee in his father's office. But what really brings him together is when his daughter wants to a scrapbook in her shop. She figured out Addison is the little girl she gave up.
February 28, 2020
This story will make you smile; it will make you feel; and, it may make you cry. All the emotions of a wonderful book. It’s about second chances, renewing faith and accepting grief as it creeps into our lives when its least expected. The book has a “feel-good” theme to me as I too fell in love with Addison. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves life, hugs children and enjoys family. Thanks to the author for giving me an ARC to enjoy.
March 4, 2020
I loved this book about a daughter who gave away her baby girl so she could care for her mother who had been paralyzed in an accident. It is all about love and forgiveness when she falls in love with the man who adopted her daughter. God returned her daughter in His time, and gave her a lasting love.
I was given a copy of this book by the author, but my review is voluntary. And I hope you read and love this beautiful book as much as I do!
I was given a copy of this book by the author, but my review is voluntary. And I hope you read and love this beautiful book as much as I do!
March 5, 2020
Ever Caring (Family Promises Book 1)
A great story of loving and caring for family. Rene had an accident driving her mother, which resulted in injuries to her mother resulting in her being in. Wheelchair. Rene had given up her daughter at birth in order to care for her mother. The daughter ,she gave up at birth, returned in her life as the daughter of Rene’s attorney. Must read to find out what happens next.
A great story of loving and caring for family. Rene had an accident driving her mother, which resulted in injuries to her mother resulting in her being in. Wheelchair. Rene had given up her daughter at birth in order to care for her mother. The daughter ,she gave up at birth, returned in her life as the daughter of Rene’s attorney. Must read to find out what happens next.
January 20, 2022
Ever Caring is the first in Carolyne Aarsen's Family Promises series. Like all of her books, this is a clean, Christian romance. Both Renee and Tate have troubling pasts with some guilt and concern in taking care of her mother and his daughter. Are they able to let go of their secrets and open themselves up for a chance at true romance?
This is a heartwarming story of commitment and second chances. I look forward to reading the following books in this series.
This is a heartwarming story of commitment and second chances. I look forward to reading the following books in this series.
May 23, 2022
Winner Winner
If you have ever had the pure unadulterated love of a child, your child or not, then you can't help but shed a tear. When things are revealed you can almost feel the blood drain from Renee's face, and feel her pain. Excellent story development. Caring for a family member can make you loose your identity, so happy to see the release for Renee. Definitely worth the read.
If you have ever had the pure unadulterated love of a child, your child or not, then you can't help but shed a tear. When things are revealed you can almost feel the blood drain from Renee's face, and feel her pain. Excellent story development. Caring for a family member can make you loose your identity, so happy to see the release for Renee. Definitely worth the read.
March 2, 2020
Renee is selling her store and her house to leave her hometown and get all the help her mother needs to walk again. She is carryng the guilt for a mistake she made eight years ago that meant for her mother to be in a wheelchair and for her to give her daughter in adoption. But widower Zach is now in town with her litle girl. Can Zach and Renee have a chance of happiness and love with all the secrets they share? A sweet love story
March 3, 2020
The characters were well done—hard to do when one is a child!
The emotions were all over the place... such sadness and anger that you wanna cry and then such love and hope... that you wanna cry... OK, have tissues for this one.
There's no preaching in this story, but the characters go to church and pray about decisions.
The emotions were all over the place... such sadness and anger that you wanna cry and then such love and hope... that you wanna cry... OK, have tissues for this one.
There's no preaching in this story, but the characters go to church and pray about decisions.
March 5, 2020
This story was sweet, sad sometimes heartbreaking and a touch predictable for me personally. The story touched me and had me turning the pages to find out how it would all work out. I liked the love and respect that shone through, the support of friends and family and the strength shown by Zach and Renee. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
March 6, 2020
I loved this book! I cried for Rene, and laughed at her friends antics. And to see these wonderful characters have their faith as their core, was inspiring! If you like clean inspirational stories, I highly recommend "Ever Caring." I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
May 10, 2020
Coming back together
Coming back together. This book was a sweet story if hard choice and maybe not the best reasonings but in the end they figure it out to be happy together as a family. It was a good story. Sometimes it felt like some of the reasonings were a little off at times. But I enjoyed the story.
Coming back together. This book was a sweet story if hard choice and maybe not the best reasonings but in the end they figure it out to be happy together as a family. It was a good story. Sometimes it felt like some of the reasonings were a little off at times. But I enjoyed the story.
May 19, 2020
love reading stories from this author. The characters come alive and you share in the emotions they are feeling. A very enjoyable read and I always enjoy visiting with recurring characters who seem like old friends by the time the series is finished. She always deals with present every day problems in a caring manner. Cant wait for more of this series!
November 9, 2020
A Pleasant, Easy Read
An interesting plot made this clean, inspirational romance enjoyable. I thought there was maybe a bit too much back and forth between the hero and heroine. But for a cozy read in your favorite place with your favorite beverage, it's good. If you enjoy clean, inspirational romance, you might like to give this one a try.
An interesting plot made this clean, inspirational romance enjoyable. I thought there was maybe a bit too much back and forth between the hero and heroine. But for a cozy read in your favorite place with your favorite beverage, it's good. If you enjoy clean, inspirational romance, you might like to give this one a try.
December 3, 2020
Endearing
Mystery book reader mostly but this book has its mysteries buried in the past. The five main characters were each weak in some aspect but in the end overcame those weaknesses. As a father who adopted the issues face d by the child (bullying, feeling less worthy) are real but adoptive parents do so out of love and want. Good read.
Mystery book reader mostly but this book has its mysteries buried in the past. The five main characters were each weak in some aspect but in the end overcame those weaknesses. As a father who adopted the issues face d by the child (bullying, feeling less worthy) are real but adoptive parents do so out of love and want. Good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews