The Promise He Made

Secrets of Spirit Creek #2

by Linda Style

Since when does "be right back" mean in a few years? Serena Matlock has been asking herself that question ever since Cole St. Germaine took off. And now that he's back in Spirit Creek, he'll have to pony up a lot of apologies before she'll even consider forgiving him.

The real heartbreak, though, is that she still loves the idiot. Despite all the poor choices he's made, she knows he's a good man. But can they move beyond the chain reaction those choices kicked off? Or will he constantly remind her of the life-altering decision she had to make?

Genres: Romance

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2009

About the author

Linda Style is an award-winning, national bestselling author of 20 novels and two nonfiction books on how to write a novel. Her books are sold worldwide and in over a dozen languages.

Linda writes for both traditional publishers (Harlequin) and is also an independent author. Her awards include the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, the HOLT Medallion. the Golden Rose, Best Book of the Year, and the USA Today Best Romance of the year.

With degrees in Journalism and Behavioral Health, she's worked in a number of jobs, including, mental health specialist, writing instructor, and magazine editor. When not writing, she says she loves to travel and research her books, take photographs, play tennis, and hike in the mysterious Arizona mountains...the best place on the planet to make up new stories.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ~ Pulling herself up from teenage tragedy, Serena is finally doing well for herself. Moving back to Spirit Creek had been her wisest decision. Serena thought that dealing with her twin brother's drug addiction and his failing business were her only challenges. That is until Cole returns to town. She's shocked to see him and even more shocked when she learns he's helping her brother, Ryan, in his tour business. When Cole's mother called to say she was about to lose her house, Cole had to come. Learning she'd loaned her savings and co-signed a mortgage for Ryan's business, he knows the only out is to get the business in the black. Cole has a lot of 13 year old apologies to make; to the Sheriff for causing the accident that killed his daughter; to Ryan for nearly causing him to lose his leg; and to Serena for shattering her dream of a life together. But he's bitter too, because while he was waiting for his trial for the girl's death, Serena had broken off their relationship and she had refused his letters and calls. And so his dream of a life together was also shattered. There's still some spark between them, but Serena keeps Cole at a distance until she has to enlist his help when Ryan gets involved with newcomers to the area that reek of drugs and danger. Working to save Ryan, they discover they still have feelings for each other, only Serena is sure Cole will never forgive her when he learns her secret from all those years ago.

Serena had to make some tough choices as a teenager and these choices have shaped who she has become. She walks a fine line between protector and enabler when it comes to Ryan; and this is something she struggles with. Having Cole return forces her to look hard at herself and she regrets not telling him about the child she gave away. Cole pays everyday for the choice he made as a teenager. Facing the towns people again after 13 years, is something he needs to do in order to forgive himself. Seeing Serena, he quickly realizes that he's never stopped loving her, and his dream starts to live again. Ms. Style brought great depth to Serena and Cole's characters. I enjoyed very much reading their story. I also enjoyed visiting Spirit Creek again and look forward to another visit with Natalia's story.

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

With drug addiction and adoptions on the rise this is a compelling n moving story, and love truly a healing gift.

Serena graduation day was not a celebration but the rug pulled out from under her. Betrayal, death, long recovery and so much more. Cole the love of his life didn't stand by him but walked away, he did push her away but she didn't fight for him. A tragedy 13 years ago is raised to the surface when they are forced to help her twin his best friend. This is emotional complex and insightful for learning communication, forgiveness and understanding life is not black n White but messy " lived in" nothings perfect. Violence2, sex2


More reviews check out my blog: my2centsbookreviews.com The is!

[Charlotte Liebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE PROMISE HE MADE
by Linda Style

[Review by Charlotte Liebel (c)2011]


The Promise He Made is another of Linda Style's complicated and romantic novels. She follows the lives of several friends whom readers will remember from her previous book, The Mistake She Made .

Although I've read the book and returned to read favorite passages, I have delayed to write a complete and worthy commentary. I hope to return in a reasonable time with a full account of this exciting story. I promise.

~Charlotte Liebel
The Promise He Made by Linda Style