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Imperfect Promise
Former gunfighter Cortland Enders is about to go to prison when the woman he works for invents a scheme to save him. Sienna Harris, widowed owner of the Circle H, makes a deal with the judge-Cort will serve his three-year sentence running the ranch, bound to it as her new husband. The marriage is in name only, enabling Sienna to leave the ranch to Cort after she dies of the cancer that's consuming her. Getting Cort to accept the deal proves more difficult. Some years back, Sienna's first husband, Wade, gave the young gunslinger a place at the Circle H to soothe his tormented soul. Cort owes Wade Harris a debt and agrees only after Sienna plays on his loyalty to them both. Lark Garrin is on the run from a vicious outlaw, Will Cardin. Needing a place to hide, she ends up in Ogallala, at a "ribbon dance" for women seeking husbands. Cort is dispatched to this dance at Sienna's request. He isn't looking for a wife but needs to find his wife a companion. Tempers flare when Lark discovers Cort is already married, until Sienna explains her duties. Accepting Cort's protection is Lark's salvation, until Cardin gets close and she flees again. Overcoming impossible odds, Cort uses his skills as a tracker and gunfighter to find her and set her free. Set on the frontier during turbulent times, this story carries its gritty and prideful characters through tragedy and mistakes, as they fulfill an imperfect promise ...
305 pages, Library Binding
First published November 17, 2021
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 16, 2022
I found this book to be an engaging story of lives set on the plains of Nebraska in 1876. Those were turbulent times for ranching facing the lawlessness and hardships of the land.
Lane does an excellent job of developing likable and relatable characters. Their compassion, resilience, and sense of obligation are much to be admired as they face a variety of adversities with hopefulness.
Former gunfighter Cortland Enders is about to go to prison when the woman he works for invents a scheme to save him. Sienna Harris, the widowed owner of Circle H, makes a deal with the judge that Cort will serve his three-year sentence running the ranch, bound to it as her new husband. The marriage of convenience is a purely business arrangement enabling Sienna to leave the ranch to Cort after she dies of cancer.
Lark Garrin is on the run from a vicious outlaw, Will Cardin. She fears for her life from this abusive man. . When Lark and Cort happen to meet in Ogallala, Nebraska, both lives are changed forever when she agrees to move to the ranch to be Sienna's companion. As the story unfolds they both find themselves having made foolish promises, imperfect promises, despite their good intentions.
Lane's style of writing is easy to follow with clear, crisp sentences and realistic dialogue. The highs and lows of emotion displayed by the characters keep the reader engaged in the storyline. I particularly liked that the female characters portrayed were strong, shrewd, fierce, and smart. Since I found myself so engrossed in the story it was easy to finish the book in one afternoon. My interest was piqued needing to know how the story ended. Fans of “Imperfect Promise” will rejoice to know it's the first book in a series of three. Lark and Cort's story continues but may take a backseat with the introduction of new characters.
Lane does an excellent job of developing likable and relatable characters. Their compassion, resilience, and sense of obligation are much to be admired as they face a variety of adversities with hopefulness.
Former gunfighter Cortland Enders is about to go to prison when the woman he works for invents a scheme to save him. Sienna Harris, the widowed owner of Circle H, makes a deal with the judge that Cort will serve his three-year sentence running the ranch, bound to it as her new husband. The marriage of convenience is a purely business arrangement enabling Sienna to leave the ranch to Cort after she dies of cancer.
Lark Garrin is on the run from a vicious outlaw, Will Cardin. She fears for her life from this abusive man. . When Lark and Cort happen to meet in Ogallala, Nebraska, both lives are changed forever when she agrees to move to the ranch to be Sienna's companion. As the story unfolds they both find themselves having made foolish promises, imperfect promises, despite their good intentions.
Lane's style of writing is easy to follow with clear, crisp sentences and realistic dialogue. The highs and lows of emotion displayed by the characters keep the reader engaged in the storyline. I particularly liked that the female characters portrayed were strong, shrewd, fierce, and smart. Since I found myself so engrossed in the story it was easy to finish the book in one afternoon. My interest was piqued needing to know how the story ended. Fans of “Imperfect Promise” will rejoice to know it's the first book in a series of three. Lark and Cort's story continues but may take a backseat with the introduction of new characters.
October 27, 2023
This book was impossible to put down. Right off the bat, it hooks you, and I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish it. I was desperate to know how everything would play out. Would Lark escape Will Cardin? Would Cort ever be free to be with the woman he loved? What would happen to Sienna? Would everyone get a happily ever after? I devoured the book to find out.
Lane made her characters easily likable, but not without their flaws. Cort may have had a dark past, but he'd moved beyond it and worked hard to lead a better life. He was honorable and prideful. He stood up for what he believed was right even if it ended up with him in a world of trouble. Lark was young but had to grow up quickly to handle her father's burden and her own. She was selfless and it often got her into dangerous situations. Sienna was stubborn and intelligent. She protected the people she cared about and loved hard. Each of her stable hands grew on me until I felt connected to every character in the book.
The story itself wasn't any less wonderful. It had everything a reader could want out of a book. Romance and forbidden love? Check. Danger and adventure? Check. There was never a dull moment, and I loved every bit of it. I actually learned quite a bit too. I'm not very familiar with life on a ranch, especially one set in the 1800s. I gathered quite a bit from Cort and learned about what life was like on Circle H Ranch alongside Lark. It has me eager to read more stories set in Western times, especially if they're written by Lane.
Imperfect Promise is a page-turning, action-packed, romance that everyone absolutely needs to check out. You won't want to miss out on this incredible book!
Lane made her characters easily likable, but not without their flaws. Cort may have had a dark past, but he'd moved beyond it and worked hard to lead a better life. He was honorable and prideful. He stood up for what he believed was right even if it ended up with him in a world of trouble. Lark was young but had to grow up quickly to handle her father's burden and her own. She was selfless and it often got her into dangerous situations. Sienna was stubborn and intelligent. She protected the people she cared about and loved hard. Each of her stable hands grew on me until I felt connected to every character in the book.
The story itself wasn't any less wonderful. It had everything a reader could want out of a book. Romance and forbidden love? Check. Danger and adventure? Check. There was never a dull moment, and I loved every bit of it. I actually learned quite a bit too. I'm not very familiar with life on a ranch, especially one set in the 1800s. I gathered quite a bit from Cort and learned about what life was like on Circle H Ranch alongside Lark. It has me eager to read more stories set in Western times, especially if they're written by Lane.
Imperfect Promise is a page-turning, action-packed, romance that everyone absolutely needs to check out. You won't want to miss out on this incredible book!
November 22, 2021
Imperfect Promise, a novel by Susanna Lane fits the model of a perfect classical western. The story takes place beginning1876, Kansas.
Lark Garrin is on the run. She fears for her life from an abusive man who claims he “owns” her.
Cort Enders is in jail, facing three years in prison. But his employer, a ranch owner, makes an arrangement to conditionally “free” him to continue his work as ranch foreman. The arrangement involves a marriage of convenience, a purely business arrangement. The conditions are distasteful to Cort, but he has previously served time in prison; he can’t go back.
When Lark and Cort happen to meet in Ogallala, Nebraska, both their lives change. But Lark’s association with Cort complicates her life. She fears bringing danger to those she cares for. For Cort, nothing matters except Lark’s safety and happiness. They’re saddled with “foolish promises, imperfect promises, but good intentions.” And they face real danger in Lark’s pursuer, a known deranged killer.
Imperfect Promise is an exciting, rousing adult western that breathes life into the ways and landscapes of the west.
Lark Garrin is on the run. She fears for her life from an abusive man who claims he “owns” her.
Cort Enders is in jail, facing three years in prison. But his employer, a ranch owner, makes an arrangement to conditionally “free” him to continue his work as ranch foreman. The arrangement involves a marriage of convenience, a purely business arrangement. The conditions are distasteful to Cort, but he has previously served time in prison; he can’t go back.
When Lark and Cort happen to meet in Ogallala, Nebraska, both their lives change. But Lark’s association with Cort complicates her life. She fears bringing danger to those she cares for. For Cort, nothing matters except Lark’s safety and happiness. They’re saddled with “foolish promises, imperfect promises, but good intentions.” And they face real danger in Lark’s pursuer, a known deranged killer.
Imperfect Promise is an exciting, rousing adult western that breathes life into the ways and landscapes of the west.
April 26, 2022
I read an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of Imperfect Promise in two evenings and enjoyed it immensely. I found Ms. Lane’s first work of fiction to be an engaging Western Romantic tale whose style of writing draws you in on the first page. The story finds the leading characters, Cortland Enders and Lark Garrin running from their past as evil seem to follow them at every turn. On their side, is widow Sienna Harris with her own story to tell. Sienna is a ranch owner who is determined to bring Cortland and Lark together in an unconventional relationship despite Lark’s sense of propriety and Cort’s sense of duty to his wife. Sound intriguing? It is. We all need to escape in a great book and Ms. Lane provides enough back story and twists and turns in her first novel to keep the plot moving forward and readers turning pages while taking you on a fictional journey. I won’t give the story away, but I highly recommend cozying up by the fire on a cool winter night to read Susanna Lane’s Imperfect Promise.
November 17, 2021
Wow! As a born and bred East coaster, I have avoided westerns thus far but am happy to have had the chance to read this one. It is not unlike Netflix's popular Virgin River series, with well drawn out and likable characters, plenty of romance, and suspense. This novel checked all of the boxes for me, a good versus evil theme, romance and passion, a colorful variety of characters I cared about (and still do!), smart female leads, and an engaging pace. Who knew the ranch life hid so much drama, suspense, and romance? I guess I was late to the party, but this one is fun. I will look forward to the sequel.
December 10, 2023
Lane's story keeps the reader engaged to the last page. Set in the Wild West, Cortland Enders is a gun-slinging cowboy with a harried past, and he's gotten himself into trouble with the law for standing up to justice. He's saved by an old friend who provides him with a complicated deal to uphold. Part of that deal leads him to Lark, a young lady with a past of her own. As Cortland and Lark become smitten with each other, the situation that brought them together and the man who hunts Lark threaten to keep them apart. This is a love story with many twists and turns, but an ending that hits the mark.
July 14, 2023
I am not usually a fan of historical romances, but Imperfect Promise kept me interested in the characters and story line. A dying woman orchestrates the future in a most unexpected way. A young lady is running from an abusive and dangerous man. An ex-convict is released from prison in an extraordinary way. I recommend it.
June 7, 2024
"Imperfect Promise" received a western writers of America spur award! After reading it, I can see why. It delivers on many levels: action, emotion, and romance. I highly recommend it.
You don't need to be a fan of historical western romance to enjoy this novel. The characters and the story will keep you engaged and entertained.
I'm looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
You don't need to be a fan of historical western romance to enjoy this novel. The characters and the story will keep you engaged and entertained.
I'm looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
September 14, 2024
"Imperfect Promise" received a western writers of America spur award! After reading it, I can see why. It delivers on many levels: action, emotion, and romance. I highly recommend it.
You don't need to be a fan of historical western romance to enjoy this novel. The characters and the story will keep you engaged and entertained.
I'm looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
You don't need to be a fan of historical western romance to enjoy this novel. The characters and the story will keep you engaged and entertained.
I'm looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
November 26, 2023
On the run from her past, you can’t help but fall in love with Lark. Her incredible journey to find happiness has you captivated from the first chapter.
A story of determination and can it stand the test of time. Pick up a copy and grab a blanket and settle in for a good read.
Tina
A story of determination and can it stand the test of time. Pick up a copy and grab a blanket and settle in for a good read.
Tina
November 27, 2023
I loved this book! It's hard to pick my favorite main character. Well-written, great story, great author! I'm excited for book 2!
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May 23, 2025SM
November 8, 2023
As soon as I started this book, I knew that I wasn't going to want to put it down. I was hooked and devoured this book in an afternoon. I had to know how everything would play out with Lark and Cort. I enjoyed the characters very much, and the plot is very engaging and entertaining. Very good story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews