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This I Promise You
What if finding your heart’s desire means entrusting it …just once more … to the one who broke it?
It should not have come as a surprise to school Teacher Adelyn Ormond when she was jilted at the altar,
Promises are meant to be broken.
When her supervisor tasks her with galvanizing support for a local food bank, she directs her energy toward the underprivileged in her community—some of whom are her own students. Problem is, the responsibility requires her to involve celebrity chef, Bryan J. Carlyle, her almost-husband whose participation assures great results.
For all his success, Bryan hasn’t come up with a recipe for how to be restored to his family. Doesn’t help that abandoning Adelyn threatens to spoil his reputation and ruin his career. But when he encounters hungry children scrounging for food behind his restaurant, he agrees to get behind Adelyn’s worthy cause. The collaboration with Adelyn might shed light on the incriminating image he’d discovered minutes before the ceremony—her lip-locked with another man after the rehearsal dinner.
Can Adelyn trust Bryan to make good on his promise—without risking her heart? Will the love that led them to the altar be the key ingredient for reconciliation? Maybe. But his absence on the big day to which he’d committed might be beyond forgiveness.
It should not have come as a surprise to school Teacher Adelyn Ormond when she was jilted at the altar,
Promises are meant to be broken.
When her supervisor tasks her with galvanizing support for a local food bank, she directs her energy toward the underprivileged in her community—some of whom are her own students. Problem is, the responsibility requires her to involve celebrity chef, Bryan J. Carlyle, her almost-husband whose participation assures great results.
For all his success, Bryan hasn’t come up with a recipe for how to be restored to his family. Doesn’t help that abandoning Adelyn threatens to spoil his reputation and ruin his career. But when he encounters hungry children scrounging for food behind his restaurant, he agrees to get behind Adelyn’s worthy cause. The collaboration with Adelyn might shed light on the incriminating image he’d discovered minutes before the ceremony—her lip-locked with another man after the rehearsal dinner.
Can Adelyn trust Bryan to make good on his promise—without risking her heart? Will the love that led them to the altar be the key ingredient for reconciliation? Maybe. But his absence on the big day to which he’d committed might be beyond forgiveness.
- GenresChristian FictionRomance
ebook
First published May 4, 2022
6 people are currently reading
696 people want to read
About the author
Mary A. Felkins
15 books103 followersMary A. Felkins is a multi-published, award-winning author of closed door romance whose novels deliver no shortage of sizzle, sass, and passion. She is a blogger and a member of ACFW, My Book Therapy, Novel Academy, and FHLCW. (Faith Hope and Love Christian Writers)
She can be lured from her creative writing space if presented with an unopened bag of Peanut M&Ms. A surprise appearance by her teen idol, Donny Osmond, would also do the trick—although she’d likely pass out. If she likes your first or last name, expect it to show up in one of her novels.
To receive Mary’s author newsletters with social and exclusive author updates, subscribe via email at www.maryfelkins.com. FREE novella to new subscribers!
She can be lured from her creative writing space if presented with an unopened bag of Peanut M&Ms. A surprise appearance by her teen idol, Donny Osmond, would also do the trick—although she’d likely pass out. If she likes your first or last name, expect it to show up in one of her novels.
To receive Mary’s author newsletters with social and exclusive author updates, subscribe via email at www.maryfelkins.com. FREE novella to new subscribers!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 31, 2022
A novella that captures you and never let's go! This I Promise You by Mary Felkins is set in New Orleans and is the prequel Novella to her new series, The Heart of Moreland Manor. The book follows Adelyn an elementary teacher whose heart is so beautiful and set on making a better learning space for her students. Once upon her time her and celebrity chef had a shot at love but Bryan left her at the altar. This is a good read!
A huge thanks to Just read tours for my complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are entirely my own
A huge thanks to Just read tours for my complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are entirely my own
July 10, 2022
This I Promise You by Mary Felkins takes place in New Orleans and is the prequel Novella to her new series, The Heart of Moreland Manor. Adelyn is an elementary teacher whose tender heart worries about her students having enough to eat. Bryan Carlisle is a celebrity chef with a TV show, restaurant and elite cooking classes. One of his biggest regrets is leaving Adelyn at the altar and the absence of his family in his life.
I loved Adelyn and Bryan and was rooting for them to have a redeeming happily ever after. I enjoyed the food show spots and found myself craving gumbo as I wanted to head to beautiful New Orleans. This character driven story wonderfully combines thoughtful dialogue with real life issues such as food insecurity. I appreciated the depth of this delightful story.
This is a quick read I could not put down. It is the perfect opener to the author’s new series and I am excited to read the next book in the series. I recommend this great clean novella.
I was given a copy and not required to write a positive review.
I loved Adelyn and Bryan and was rooting for them to have a redeeming happily ever after. I enjoyed the food show spots and found myself craving gumbo as I wanted to head to beautiful New Orleans. This character driven story wonderfully combines thoughtful dialogue with real life issues such as food insecurity. I appreciated the depth of this delightful story.
This is a quick read I could not put down. It is the perfect opener to the author’s new series and I am excited to read the next book in the series. I recommend this great clean novella.
I was given a copy and not required to write a positive review.
August 10, 2022
A prequel novel to the Heart of Moreland Manor series, This I Promise You, is a light, quick, enemies to lovers, contemporary romance read. The story focuses on a woman that was jilted at the altar, but her ex comes back into her life and they have to learn to work together. A theme in the story is overcoming past misunderstandings and mistakes and learning to trust each other again. Readers will enjoy this prequel story.
Series: The Heart of Moreland Manor
Genre: contemporary, romance
Publisher: Gardenia Press
Publication date: May 4, 2022
Number of pages: 186
Other books in the series:
Prequal-This I Promise You
1-You Are the Reason
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Series: The Heart of Moreland Manor
Genre: contemporary, romance
Publisher: Gardenia Press
Publication date: May 4, 2022
Number of pages: 186
Other books in the series:
Prequal-This I Promise You
1-You Are the Reason
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
August 2, 2022
This I Promise you is a short, sweet novella. It is the prequel to the Heart of Moreland Manor series.
Adelyn and Bryan were to be married until a misunderstanding caused him to leave her at the altar. Fast forward a bit, and suddenly they are thrown back into each other’s lives.
Adelyn is a schoolteacher tasked with convincing her ex-fiancé, celebrity chef Bryan J Carlyle, to help out with the local food bank. He wants nothing to do with the organization, or her…until he finds a couple of children outside his restaurant digging through his dumpster for their next meal.
If you love a good redemption story, and are a fan of second chances, this is the book for you. I loved the character growth in this story. I felt like it was a little short, and would have loved more of Adelyn and Bryan’s story. But as it’s a prequel, that’s understandable. I can’t wait to read more of this series, and hope for a cameo or two!
I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All views and opinions are my own.
Adelyn and Bryan were to be married until a misunderstanding caused him to leave her at the altar. Fast forward a bit, and suddenly they are thrown back into each other’s lives.
Adelyn is a schoolteacher tasked with convincing her ex-fiancé, celebrity chef Bryan J Carlyle, to help out with the local food bank. He wants nothing to do with the organization, or her…until he finds a couple of children outside his restaurant digging through his dumpster for their next meal.
If you love a good redemption story, and are a fan of second chances, this is the book for you. I loved the character growth in this story. I felt like it was a little short, and would have loved more of Adelyn and Bryan’s story. But as it’s a prequel, that’s understandable. I can’t wait to read more of this series, and hope for a cameo or two!
I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All views and opinions are my own.
June 30, 2022
I enjoyed this novella from Mary A. Felkins. With her adept descriptors, I felt as if I were looking over the shoulder of a notable chef. This plus the realistic situations school teacher Adelyn Ormond, and chef Bryan J. Carlyle encountered made this a page turner.
If you enjoy glimpsing into the "foodie world," and heart-tugging plights such as aiding food insecure people, this is a great read for you.
Touches of romance, emotion, and faith are frosting on the cake.
If you enjoy glimpsing into the "foodie world," and heart-tugging plights such as aiding food insecure people, this is a great read for you.
Touches of romance, emotion, and faith are frosting on the cake.
August 3, 2022
What a charming prequel! If the rest of this series is anything like this beginning then we are all in for a treat!
Adelyn Ormond is trying to pick up the pieces of a broken heart. She was literally left at the altar by her fiancé, famed chef Bryan Carlyle, with no explanation whatsoever. So, instead of taking the path she thought her life would be taking at this point, she is going on her journey alone, filling her life with her young students, volunteering, and doing all she can to forget about the chef that shall not be mentioned.
Bryan feels the same as Adelyn, but he knows exactly why he walked out of their wedding. His whole world was turned on its axis by glimpsing one thing right before he was to walk out to marry the supposed love of his life, and instead of confronting Adelyn to find out the truth he ran. His cooking show took a major hit, as everything was very public, and he’s flailing and just trying to survive, just like Adelyn.
With Bryan being a chef, as well as the charity that Adelyn is working with, there is a lot of food talk and every time I picked up this book I would get hungry. The mouth watering descriptions sprinkled throughout are just delicious, and were one of my favorite parts of the story, as it gives the narrative such flavor.
Though This I Promise You has an incredibly predictable plot line, this doesn’t take anything away from its heart or message. Hunger is a major theme throughout the story, and this is a real problem in our country, and one that does not get near enough spotlight. I appreciate the author using her platform to bring attention to this very real need in our nation without being pushy, but instead showing the importance of feeding the hungry.
Though I loved the relationship with Bryan and Adelyn some of my favorite parts didn’t have to do with their relationship, but their relationships with others. Bryan putting the needs of others ahead of his own, and seeing the need firsthand, was beautifully written, and the reconciliations were such a wonderful picture of God’s grace and forgiveness.
I truly enjoyed reading This I Promise You and am excited to see where this series will take us!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Adelyn Ormond is trying to pick up the pieces of a broken heart. She was literally left at the altar by her fiancé, famed chef Bryan Carlyle, with no explanation whatsoever. So, instead of taking the path she thought her life would be taking at this point, she is going on her journey alone, filling her life with her young students, volunteering, and doing all she can to forget about the chef that shall not be mentioned.
Bryan feels the same as Adelyn, but he knows exactly why he walked out of their wedding. His whole world was turned on its axis by glimpsing one thing right before he was to walk out to marry the supposed love of his life, and instead of confronting Adelyn to find out the truth he ran. His cooking show took a major hit, as everything was very public, and he’s flailing and just trying to survive, just like Adelyn.
With Bryan being a chef, as well as the charity that Adelyn is working with, there is a lot of food talk and every time I picked up this book I would get hungry. The mouth watering descriptions sprinkled throughout are just delicious, and were one of my favorite parts of the story, as it gives the narrative such flavor.
Though This I Promise You has an incredibly predictable plot line, this doesn’t take anything away from its heart or message. Hunger is a major theme throughout the story, and this is a real problem in our country, and one that does not get near enough spotlight. I appreciate the author using her platform to bring attention to this very real need in our nation without being pushy, but instead showing the importance of feeding the hungry.
Though I loved the relationship with Bryan and Adelyn some of my favorite parts didn’t have to do with their relationship, but their relationships with others. Bryan putting the needs of others ahead of his own, and seeing the need firsthand, was beautifully written, and the reconciliations were such a wonderful picture of God’s grace and forgiveness.
I truly enjoyed reading This I Promise You and am excited to see where this series will take us!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
August 3, 2022
This prequel is a nice start to a new series and is a second chance love story. It was clear that both Adalyn and Bryan felt as if the other had wronged them six months earlier when Bryan left Adalyn at the altar on their wedding day. I was very curious how Adalyn was going to explain the image that caused Bryan to break their engagement. I was also curious about Bryan’s back story and why he kept who his family was hidden from everyone. These two major events in the story had some things in common, in my opinion. They involved a wrong perception of what had happened, combined with a lie, and a lack of trust between people who were supposed to love each other.
Bryan and Adalyn were both very wounded individuals because of events in their pasts. Adalyn was very sensitive about people keeping their promises and Bryan wanted honesty and desired being part of a family.
It was nice that Bryan and Adalyn were able to finally clear the air and allow truth to be heard in order to give their love a second chance. Hopefully these two characters learned the importance of communication and being willing to listen to each other when future troubles arise.
I read this book through Kindle Unlimited and also received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Bryan and Adalyn were both very wounded individuals because of events in their pasts. Adalyn was very sensitive about people keeping their promises and Bryan wanted honesty and desired being part of a family.
It was nice that Bryan and Adalyn were able to finally clear the air and allow truth to be heard in order to give their love a second chance. Hopefully these two characters learned the importance of communication and being willing to listen to each other when future troubles arise.
I read this book through Kindle Unlimited and also received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
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August 11, 2022Sweet & Simple, full of hope
A quick and sweet read. I liked Bryan's character... He had depth to him. The romance between him and Adalyn was sweet. I appreciated the woven themes of family, togetherness, promises kept. If you are looking for an easy, feel good read, definitely pick this book up.
A quick and sweet read. I liked Bryan's character... He had depth to him. The romance between him and Adalyn was sweet. I appreciated the woven themes of family, togetherness, promises kept. If you are looking for an easy, feel good read, definitely pick this book up.
July 22, 2022
This I Promise You is the prequel to the Heart of Moreland Manor series... and truly has me ready to read more! Being a novella, it was a very quick read. I believe it took me maybe around 2 hours from start to finish... not a long read at all. I have found that with some novellas, they leave me wanting more... and okay, this one did too but not for the same reasons. Despite it's shorter length, it felt complete and was packed full of so much great story.
The romance of course was fantastic. I always love a good second chance romance, and this was a good one. Beyond that though, there were good messages of forgiveness and reconciliation. There was a bit of a mystery there, making the reader wonder what it was that happened in their pasts, which added a lot of depth to the characters and their stories. What I enjoyed most though was that it really shined a light on food insecurities, which is such a real problem in our world, perhaps now more than ever. Food, in general, could almost have been another character in this story and added so much. This is definitely one NOT to be read on an empty stomach!
Overall, I found this to be a really good romance, with a lot of layers packed. I look forward to see what is to come in this series.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.
The romance of course was fantastic. I always love a good second chance romance, and this was a good one. Beyond that though, there were good messages of forgiveness and reconciliation. There was a bit of a mystery there, making the reader wonder what it was that happened in their pasts, which added a lot of depth to the characters and their stories. What I enjoyed most though was that it really shined a light on food insecurities, which is such a real problem in our world, perhaps now more than ever. Food, in general, could almost have been another character in this story and added so much. This is definitely one NOT to be read on an empty stomach!
Overall, I found this to be a really good romance, with a lot of layers packed. I look forward to see what is to come in this series.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 25, 2022
I enjoyed reading this story. It was fun to see a little bit behind the scenes of a cooking show. I liked watching the way Adelyn and Bryan interacted, despite their distrust of each other. I also liked seeing how Bryan worked through his problems with his family. How could Adelyn and Bryan resolve the issues they had with each other, and was it possible for the truth to come out in Bryan’s family about what had really happened to cause a seemingly insurmountable breach? Meanwhile, the hungry children in Adelyn’s school needed help. What could she do for them? What I did not appreciate was the frequent use of the word darn. To me, that word is offensive and not necessary.
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
February 10, 2025
I is award-winning book is for the lover of gourmet food and romance to spice up your life in a clean way, of course. The pages are full of amazing sounding dishes to delight the pallet. The author uses metaphors of cooking and food throughout, making your mouth water. She added a recipe to spice up the end of the book, but don’t go there before you read this sweet and savory dished up romance.
I love the cute artwork decorating each chapter’s breaks. The story opens with the mention of Bryan J. Carlyle, a heartthrob celebrity chef, but in the point of view of Adelyn Ormond, teacher of fifth-grade students. She discovers that the principal of the elementary school, where she teaches, asks her to make a special request of a well-known man—who jilted her at the altar on her wedding day, at the saying of the vows and you guessed it—Chef Bryan Carlyle—the one man who she never wants to see again.
Adelyn’s heart broke that day when he left her, wearing a designer wedding dress, standing with the minister in front of hundreds of people, and walking out of her life. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I’ll just say they both had been wounded in their pasts and those things developed their sensitivities to right and wrong, just and unjust, and truth and lies.
As a schoolteacher, Adelyn learns that there are various students who don’t know from where or when their next meal will come. Way too often, growling stomachs and glassy sleepy eyes meet her as she tries to teach them. She knows full stomachs make children learn better, and she determines to do something about it on a personal level as well as on a grand scale—hence—Chef Carlyle.
On the flip side, Chef Carlyle has want for nothing, living in an upscale neighborhood in New Orleans, ownership of a booked-up swanky restaurant, a fine cooking school, and a cooking show where he dazzles his audience, preparing his signature dishes. That is until the world uncovered that he left his betrothed at the church. Now, his audience is shrinking and his agent is breathing down his neck to bring the ratings up.
Mishaps on the set and smaller crowds in attendance causes Bryan to flub shows and seems to be losing his edge, making him face another lecture from his agent.
Behind the restaurant, a unique encounter brings him face to face with those in need and it so happens that they are the same children that Adelyn desires to help. God brought them together to see eye-to-eye on the needs of others. Bryan is faced with a problem of his own when his past comes into his realm of fantastic sauces and spicy Cajun dishes.
The climax is a fundraising event to garner large donations of unperishable food and money for the underfed. Adelyn is the one in charge of the huge undertaking and Bryan is the special feature chef, a sort of poster child, to bring in the media and sizable crowds.
Enter sickness, misunderstandings, and snafus.
Through it all, God takes them on a quest to face issues and learn from them.
Sparks fly between them, but no worries as this is a clean romance with a strong Christian message.
I love the cute artwork decorating each chapter’s breaks. The story opens with the mention of Bryan J. Carlyle, a heartthrob celebrity chef, but in the point of view of Adelyn Ormond, teacher of fifth-grade students. She discovers that the principal of the elementary school, where she teaches, asks her to make a special request of a well-known man—who jilted her at the altar on her wedding day, at the saying of the vows and you guessed it—Chef Bryan Carlyle—the one man who she never wants to see again.
Adelyn’s heart broke that day when he left her, wearing a designer wedding dress, standing with the minister in front of hundreds of people, and walking out of her life. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I’ll just say they both had been wounded in their pasts and those things developed their sensitivities to right and wrong, just and unjust, and truth and lies.
As a schoolteacher, Adelyn learns that there are various students who don’t know from where or when their next meal will come. Way too often, growling stomachs and glassy sleepy eyes meet her as she tries to teach them. She knows full stomachs make children learn better, and she determines to do something about it on a personal level as well as on a grand scale—hence—Chef Carlyle.
On the flip side, Chef Carlyle has want for nothing, living in an upscale neighborhood in New Orleans, ownership of a booked-up swanky restaurant, a fine cooking school, and a cooking show where he dazzles his audience, preparing his signature dishes. That is until the world uncovered that he left his betrothed at the church. Now, his audience is shrinking and his agent is breathing down his neck to bring the ratings up.
Mishaps on the set and smaller crowds in attendance causes Bryan to flub shows and seems to be losing his edge, making him face another lecture from his agent.
Behind the restaurant, a unique encounter brings him face to face with those in need and it so happens that they are the same children that Adelyn desires to help. God brought them together to see eye-to-eye on the needs of others. Bryan is faced with a problem of his own when his past comes into his realm of fantastic sauces and spicy Cajun dishes.
The climax is a fundraising event to garner large donations of unperishable food and money for the underfed. Adelyn is the one in charge of the huge undertaking and Bryan is the special feature chef, a sort of poster child, to bring in the media and sizable crowds.
Enter sickness, misunderstandings, and snafus.
Through it all, God takes them on a quest to face issues and learn from them.
Sparks fly between them, but no worries as this is a clean romance with a strong Christian message.
May 24, 2022
Fifth-grade teacher Adelyn Ormond has a heart for children. Aware of how some of her students deal with food insecurity, she’s determined to make sure the fundraiser for the local food bank associated with the school’s backpack program, which provides nutritional needs for the kids, is successful. The only problem—she’s been tasked to work with a successful chef—the very one who left her at the altar without giving her a chance to explain an embarrassing photo.
Chef Bryan Carlyle wants to avoid involvement with his former fiancée and the fundraiser, but when he sees for himself the need, he can’t turn away from helping.
Adelyn struggles with promises broken throughout her life. Bryan carries a burden he’s never been willing to share with her. Both are loyal to the people they love.
This lovely novella leading into the author’s Heartland of Moreland Manor series is written with beautiful prose. I appreciate reading a sweet romance that also includes depth. This one not only brings to the forefront the reality of physical hunger but also the struggle with broken promises, how assumptions and miscommunication (or lack of) can destroy relationships, and the need to give and receive forgiveness.
One of the things I loved about this book as the tale unfolded … The “ah-ha” moment I experienced as I discovered how the author was inspired by a well-known and beloved Bible story and with subtle cleverness wove that plot into this one.
I sincerely enjoyed this contemporary romance, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 26, 2022
This book is a novella, so it’s a quick read. It’s a sweet romance and very clean, but it doesn’t always have warm, fuzzy feelings. Bryan and Adelyn met at the alter, but he couldn’t say I Do. His friend had shown him a picture before the ceremony that made him think that Adelyn was unfaithful to him. She was humiliated and he never talked to her after that.
Now, six months later they were about to be thrown together. She was an elementary teacher and he a rich celebrity chef in New Orleans. Her passion was to try and help those poor students who didn’t have enough to eat at home. Bryan’s passion was to promote himself, because he was an arrogant snob.
Her school was about to have a fundraiser to help the food bank and they designated Adelyn to convince Bryan to be the celebrity entertainment. She tried and tried to call him and even showed up at his tv studio. He was such a jerk! What was going to happen if she couldn’t pull him in for the fundraiser?
This Christian romance teaches about caring, forgiveness, and humility. I didn’t like the character Bryan. But, maybe you will. It’s a nice little love story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. Affiliate link included. Full Disclosure Here.
Now, six months later they were about to be thrown together. She was an elementary teacher and he a rich celebrity chef in New Orleans. Her passion was to try and help those poor students who didn’t have enough to eat at home. Bryan’s passion was to promote himself, because he was an arrogant snob.
Her school was about to have a fundraiser to help the food bank and they designated Adelyn to convince Bryan to be the celebrity entertainment. She tried and tried to call him and even showed up at his tv studio. He was such a jerk! What was going to happen if she couldn’t pull him in for the fundraiser?
This Christian romance teaches about caring, forgiveness, and humility. I didn’t like the character Bryan. But, maybe you will. It’s a nice little love story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. Affiliate link included. Full Disclosure Here.
January 29, 2023
This I Promise You is the prequel to The Heart of Moreland Manor series.
It features school Teacher Adelyn Ormond and celebrity chef, Bryan J. Carlyle.
They were almost married, but things didn't exactly go as planned.
They both are searching, searching for more of a meaning in life.
When Adelyn's school assigns her to work with Chef Bryan for a food drive her gentle and kind heart can't say no even though she'd rather be anywhere but with the man who left her at the altar. Though she may not admit it to herself, she still loves him.
Chef Bryan is also hiding a secret that is holding him back in life and causing him anguish. A lie told has caused relationships to be destroyed. He desperately wants to resolve this but isn't sure how to.
Adelyn struggles with promises that have been broken throughout her life.
Beautifully told the author illustrates how we need to not only give but to receive forgiveness.
It also helps to remember when someone talks to you really listen to what they have to say.
Nice detail given about the characters which helps you to connect with them.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
It features school Teacher Adelyn Ormond and celebrity chef, Bryan J. Carlyle.
They were almost married, but things didn't exactly go as planned.
They both are searching, searching for more of a meaning in life.
When Adelyn's school assigns her to work with Chef Bryan for a food drive her gentle and kind heart can't say no even though she'd rather be anywhere but with the man who left her at the altar. Though she may not admit it to herself, she still loves him.
Chef Bryan is also hiding a secret that is holding him back in life and causing him anguish. A lie told has caused relationships to be destroyed. He desperately wants to resolve this but isn't sure how to.
Adelyn struggles with promises that have been broken throughout her life.
Beautifully told the author illustrates how we need to not only give but to receive forgiveness.
It also helps to remember when someone talks to you really listen to what they have to say.
Nice detail given about the characters which helps you to connect with them.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
July 2, 2022
This I Promise You, a prequel to Mary Felkins’ novel You Are the Reason, the reader is introduced to Adelyn Ormond, a schoolteacher passionate about the lack of nutrition that the children in her classroom are receiving due to their poverty-stricken backgrounds. She is asked by her principal to head up a campaign to raise funds to provide the children with the food they need. This would involve including celebrity chef Bryan Carlyle, the man who had very recently left her at the altar before completing their wedding vows. Adelyn is challenged to re-build trust in the one who had broken his promise to love her forever. In scripting this heartfelt story, Felkins demonstrates her skill as a writer with her use of strong sensory images, allowing the reader to experience the smells, tastes, feelings, and sounds her characters are experiencing. I could literally smell the frosting on the pink and lime green cupcakes she brings to the children, and taste the spices in the Creole dishes chef Bryan created. Felkins further demonstrates her talent as she has cleverly and almost imperceptibly woven in the familiar biblical story of Joseph and his brothers as Bryan reunites with his father and brothers near the end of the story. If the prequel is any indication of what is the come in Book 1 of the Moreland Manor Series, readers are in for another heart-warming story with a message of faith and trust.
August 13, 2022
This I promise you is the perfect opener for the new series written by Mary A. Felkins.
It’s the prequel in the series: The heart of Moreland Manor and follows the story from Adelyn Ormond and Bryan Carlyle.
Adelyn is an elementary teacher who is trying to support the local food bank and especially those who are desperately in need. When Bryan comes into the picture, she is not happy, because he had left her at the altar. But Bryan needs an opportunity like this to uplift his reputation and this is the perfect time. Adelyn knows that getting help from Bryan will help her project, but will it help the pain in her heart?
This book was a perfect prequel to the series and I can’t wait to read more books in this series. It was very well outlined and every character had his own role without making the story slow down.
If you love a clean, christian romance with second chances and a food project, and you have little time, this is the perfect book for you!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author through JustRead Tours and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
It’s the prequel in the series: The heart of Moreland Manor and follows the story from Adelyn Ormond and Bryan Carlyle.
Adelyn is an elementary teacher who is trying to support the local food bank and especially those who are desperately in need. When Bryan comes into the picture, she is not happy, because he had left her at the altar. But Bryan needs an opportunity like this to uplift his reputation and this is the perfect time. Adelyn knows that getting help from Bryan will help her project, but will it help the pain in her heart?
This book was a perfect prequel to the series and I can’t wait to read more books in this series. It was very well outlined and every character had his own role without making the story slow down.
If you love a clean, christian romance with second chances and a food project, and you have little time, this is the perfect book for you!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author through JustRead Tours and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
August 7, 2022
This is a special inspirational contemporary romance. Adelyn is an elementary school teacher who has a heart for children who are food-insecure. We meet Jace, one of her students, who is one such child and he and his family give us a first-hand look at a struggling family who is desparate to put food on the table. Adelyn is also fresh off being left at the alter by a celebrity chef, Bryan. Adelyn is helping to put together a fundraiser for a local food pantry and her school committee wants her to enlist the help of Bryan, whom they think will bring lots of good publicity to the event. Through the coordination of this event, Adelyn and Bryan are thrown together again and have the opportunity to address the misunderstanding that left Adelyn standing at the alter alone. Bryan’s character growth and the glimpse of food-insecure students make this a very inspiring read which I think fans of contemporary inspirational fiction will enjoy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 4, 2022
Loved this sweet and poignant romance of second chances. Two adults with secrets in contemporary New Orleans--he a renowned chef, she a former dancer turned elementary school teacher with a tiger mom heart--have a bitter past of disillusionment based on falsehoods. Thrown together to work a miracle for Second Harvest, they reluctantly explore the issues that caused their devastating left-at-the-altar moment six months earlier.
They both learn that the past can never stay buried, and excavating the childhood pain and trauma of their upbringing is the best way they can heal. But healing their relationship is another question.
I appreciated the author's tale of learning how our past shapes us and leads us to respond to present circumstances in both positive and challenging manners. Those who enjoy light allegory, inspirational pure romance will love This I Promise You.
March 3, 2023
Really enjoyed this new-to-me author. For a short story the characters were developed enough to be comfortable with their strengths and struggles. Both broken by earthly fathers, trying to let their godly Father heal them. Loved the use of scripture and prompting by the Spirit. Looking forward to more good reads by Ms. Felkins.
July 9, 2022
A stunning story of forgiveness and reconciliation! If you think you know Joseph's story from the Old Testament you have to check out Bryan and Adelyn's story!
Ooh, and be prepared to have your taste buds tingling. To use a quote from Felkins's book, "A decadent slice of pure joy."
Ooh, and be prepared to have your taste buds tingling. To use a quote from Felkins's book, "A decadent slice of pure joy."
July 11, 2022
loved it!
A touching story of faith, forgiveness, redemption and grace. You’ll want to read Bryan and Addie’s story. Felkins has a definite knack with words. So good!
A touching story of faith, forgiveness, redemption and grace. You’ll want to read Bryan and Addie’s story. Felkins has a definite knack with words. So good!
August 2, 2022
REVIEW:
This book is a light-hearted read that packs a big punch into less than 200 pages. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the Christian values it portrayed. My only complaint is that the author chose to highlight the real need of food insecurity through the story of one African-American family when the rest of the characters are seemingly white. This gave the book (at times) an undercurrent of "white savior complex" which I did not enjoy. While I do not think that was the intent of the author, I felt there could have been a way to address this topic more gracefully in the novella.
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ORIGINAL POST:
Thank you to Gardania Press for the ebook! I have been looking to read more Christian authors and am hoping Mary A. Felkins can be a new go to in the romance genre.
If you are interested in this book, the entire Heart of Moreland Manor is currently available through Kindle Unlimited.
This book is a light-hearted read that packs a big punch into less than 200 pages. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the Christian values it portrayed. My only complaint is that the author chose to highlight the real need of food insecurity through the story of one African-American family when the rest of the characters are seemingly white. This gave the book (at times) an undercurrent of "white savior complex" which I did not enjoy. While I do not think that was the intent of the author, I felt there could have been a way to address this topic more gracefully in the novella.
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.
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ORIGINAL POST:
Thank you to Gardania Press for the ebook! I have been looking to read more Christian authors and am hoping Mary A. Felkins can be a new go to in the romance genre.
If you are interested in this book, the entire Heart of Moreland Manor is currently available through Kindle Unlimited.
September 18, 2022
Mary A. Felkins serves a deliciously enjoyable read, sure to satisfy, in this "Jilted Bride" story. New Orleans chef Bryan Carlyle and teacher Addie Ormond get a second chance on love in a delightful prequel to the Moreland Manor series.
June 5, 2022
This was a lovely story that kept me up reading. The road to success doesn't always mean money and fame. When Adelyn Ormond must approach her almost husband, Bryan Carlyle, he learns this lesson. A story that shows the blessing in doing what is right and good may turn up some great surprises. I recommend this book from a fine author, Mary A. Felkins.
June 24, 2025
This I Promise You was such a neat beginning to Mary A. Felkins Heart of Moreland Mannor series. She set it up in a way that made me fall in love with the characters, the town/setting, and the possibilities of future stories. It was a quick read at (I think) 180ish pages, but it was intentional and very well developed! I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series (for those of you with Kindle Unlimited its available there!)
5 Stars. For a great start to this lovely series, and for making me fall in love with Adelyn and Bryan and their enemies to lovers' story!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest thoughts.
5 Stars. For a great start to this lovely series, and for making me fall in love with Adelyn and Bryan and their enemies to lovers' story!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest thoughts.
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