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Vows
One kiss... could change her life forever.
Emily -- With her sky-blue eyes, big dreams, and strong will, she was engaged to a man whose touch left her aching for something more.
Tom -- The new man in town, he was a handsome and infuriating devil who challenged her heart's destiny... with a single, stolen kiss.
She was a feisty tomboy; he was her father's rival in business. Whenever they met, sparks flew. Until she showed him how feminine she could be. Until he showed her how true passion could feel. Until they both realized the importance of taking vows with someone you truly love...
Emily -- With her sky-blue eyes, big dreams, and strong will, she was engaged to a man whose touch left her aching for something more.
Tom -- The new man in town, he was a handsome and infuriating devil who challenged her heart's destiny... with a single, stolen kiss.
She was a feisty tomboy; he was her father's rival in business. Whenever they met, sparks flew. Until she showed him how feminine she could be. Until he showed her how true passion could feel. Until they both realized the importance of taking vows with someone you truly love...
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1988
105 people are currently reading
1011 people want to read
About the author
LaVyrle Spencer
105 books1,593 followersLaVyrle Spencer is an American best-selling author of contemporary and historical romance novels. She has successfully published a number of books, with several of them made into movies. Twelve of her books have been New York Times bestsellers, and Spencer was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 1988.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
February 12, 2017
¡Preciosa! ❤️
¡Me encanta cómo escribe esta autora!
¡Me encanta cómo escribe esta autora!
May 27, 2025
4.5 stars
Emily, her mother Josie, father Edwin, and younger brother moved to Wyoming territory to give her mother, dying of consumption, a chance at recovery, but to no avail. Josie is now bedridden. The house is in disarray, Emily has too many chores, and she’s feeling pressured by Charles.
With her face buried in her arms, Emily thought of Charles. Plain, good, hard-working Charles who had been her playmate since childhood, who’d been so devastated by the news of her leaving Philadelphia that he’d made the monumental decision to come along with her family to the Wyoming Territory and make his start in the world.
Charles, whom she was so grateful to have at first, living in a new place where there were few other young people her age. Charles, who was becoming insistent about setting a date for their wedding when she wanted instead to learn veterinary medicine first. Charles, to whom she felt betrothed even before she was.
Charles, whose kisses leave her unmoved when she can’t avoid them.
When Tom Jeffcoat arrives in town to open a blacksmithing forge and livery, he raises Emily’s ire by mistaking her for a boy as she treats a horse in her father’s livery stables and makes her angrier still when he buys the land across the street for his rival business.
Since Charles quickly becomes a good friend of Tom’s, he wishes Emily would try to get along with him. You know the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for…”
Meanwhile, back at Emily’s home, Josie has written to her bubbly, unconventional cousin Fannie to please come and help manage the house as she’s no longer able to. Fannie, the woman Edwin has never been able to erase from his heart in spite of twenty-two years of faithful, dutiful marriage.
And the moral of this book is: you can’t make yourself love somebody just because you should, and you can’t stop yourself from loving somebody just because you shouldn’t. The lesson is learned at a very high price and is paid by every character in this book. Growing pains are hard. Good people are hurt.
The angst is real.
Emily, her mother Josie, father Edwin, and younger brother moved to Wyoming territory to give her mother, dying of consumption, a chance at recovery, but to no avail. Josie is now bedridden. The house is in disarray, Emily has too many chores, and she’s feeling pressured by Charles.
With her face buried in her arms, Emily thought of Charles. Plain, good, hard-working Charles who had been her playmate since childhood, who’d been so devastated by the news of her leaving Philadelphia that he’d made the monumental decision to come along with her family to the Wyoming Territory and make his start in the world.
Charles, whom she was so grateful to have at first, living in a new place where there were few other young people her age. Charles, who was becoming insistent about setting a date for their wedding when she wanted instead to learn veterinary medicine first. Charles, to whom she felt betrothed even before she was.
Charles, whose kisses leave her unmoved when she can’t avoid them.
When Tom Jeffcoat arrives in town to open a blacksmithing forge and livery, he raises Emily’s ire by mistaking her for a boy as she treats a horse in her father’s livery stables and makes her angrier still when he buys the land across the street for his rival business.
Since Charles quickly becomes a good friend of Tom’s, he wishes Emily would try to get along with him. You know the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for…”
Meanwhile, back at Emily’s home, Josie has written to her bubbly, unconventional cousin Fannie to please come and help manage the house as she’s no longer able to. Fannie, the woman Edwin has never been able to erase from his heart in spite of twenty-two years of faithful, dutiful marriage.
And the moral of this book is: you can’t make yourself love somebody just because you should, and you can’t stop yourself from loving somebody just because you shouldn’t. The lesson is learned at a very high price and is paid by every character in this book. Growing pains are hard. Good people are hurt.
The angst is real.
January 11, 2019
Me ha gustado muchísimo esta historia tan dulce y tierna. Ellos luchas e intentan contener ese amor que es cada vez más fuerte y tu lo lees y se te queda cara de tonta de lo bonito que es. He adorado a Tom con sus gestos y valentía, y a Emily. Y que decir de la historia de amor de la pareja más madura preciosa¡¡ He adorado a Fannie, una mujer adelantada a su época y con su sensatez y sensibilidad conquista a todos. Lavryre consigue transmitirte tanto y escribe tan bien que los momentos demasiado descriptivo se los perdono. eso sí, he echado de menos un epílogo, porque se resisten algunos autores a escribir un epílogo.
Una hstoria muy sencilla pero que la he disfrutado muchísimo.
Una hstoria muy sencilla pero que la he disfrutado muchísimo.
February 15, 2017
Adoro las historias de esta mujer. Dos libros leídos, y los dos me han encantado <3
June 15, 2014
Really liked it.
It’s about promises and vows – that are better when broken.
Edwin loved Fannie when they were young, but his parents wanted him to marry Josephine. So he married Josephine and moved with her to Wyoming, so he wouldn’t see Fannie every day. He did not love Josephine but he honored his wedding vows and tried to give her a good life. Twenty-two years later Josephine is dying from an illness. Josephine asks Fannie to come live with them to run the home during her last days.
Emily is Edwin’s daughter. Charles has loved her since they were children. He moved to Wyoming to be near her. For years, he’s been asking her to marry him. Finally in a weak moment Emily says yes.
Tom arrives in town to start a business. He and Emily have a hate-thing going on, but underneath they are drawn to each other. Tom has become Charles’ best friend. Tom doesn’t want to lose his best friend, and Emily feels guilt because she made a promise to marry Charles. Her feelings for Charles are like a brother. Her feelings for Tom are electric.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 390 pages. Swearing language: moderate including religious swear words. Sexual language: none to mild. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting 1888 Sheridan, Wyoming. Copyright: 1988. Genre: western historical romance.
It’s about promises and vows – that are better when broken.
Edwin loved Fannie when they were young, but his parents wanted him to marry Josephine. So he married Josephine and moved with her to Wyoming, so he wouldn’t see Fannie every day. He did not love Josephine but he honored his wedding vows and tried to give her a good life. Twenty-two years later Josephine is dying from an illness. Josephine asks Fannie to come live with them to run the home during her last days.
Emily is Edwin’s daughter. Charles has loved her since they were children. He moved to Wyoming to be near her. For years, he’s been asking her to marry him. Finally in a weak moment Emily says yes.
Tom arrives in town to start a business. He and Emily have a hate-thing going on, but underneath they are drawn to each other. Tom has become Charles’ best friend. Tom doesn’t want to lose his best friend, and Emily feels guilt because she made a promise to marry Charles. Her feelings for Charles are like a brother. Her feelings for Tom are electric.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 390 pages. Swearing language: moderate including religious swear words. Sexual language: none to mild. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting 1888 Sheridan, Wyoming. Copyright: 1988. Genre: western historical romance.
November 26, 2023
Probably my favourite LaVyrle Spencer I've read so far. Amazing, captivating page turner which features a sizzling slow burn enemies to lovers and a passionate, heartsoaring last chance romance story line. A splendid book in every way. Highly recommend.
June 3, 2013
This is my favorite LaVyrle Spencer book. I loved Tom and Emily, and always wanted Ms. Spencer to write a sequel with Charles as the hero. Sadly, she's retired now...I'll never get my wish.
July 4, 2013
This story did not work for me for two reasons: I didn’t admire the main characters, and the romantic conflict involved betrayal, which I detest.
Emily is a tomboy heroine who thinks she is better than others. She considers her best friend, Tarsy, silly and shallow. A rancher who does not show adequate respect for Emily’s veterinary expertise needs to be taught a lesson. When Emily feels unwanted attraction toward Tom, a blatantly masculine newcomer, she treats him with open scorn, as if blaming him for her inability to control her own emotions.
Tom is not much better. He is attracted to Emily, who is engaged to Tom’s new best friend, Charles. Hoping to disguise what is going on between him and Emily, Tom pretends to be enamoured with Tarsy.
I accept that people fall in love and sometimes need to break existing commitments. However, what makes me dislike Tom and Emily is that even after they have declared their love for each other, even after Tom has asked Emily to marry him and Emily has agreed, they continue to deceive Charles and Tarsy. Emily wants to “cement the promises” made by Tom before dumping Charles. Tom is using Tarsy for sexual gratification and to stave off loneliness.
When Emily and Tom finally get around to telling the truth, they are surprised and hurt when Charles and Tarsy turn vicious. Tom earns an extra black mark for not having the guts to dump Tarsy himself, but letting Emily break the news. Emily feels no shame for failing to protect her friend, although she knows Tarsy is in love with Tom and is allowing him sexual liberties in the hope of marriage.
On the whole, Tom sounds pretty flighty with his emotions. He comes into town because he’s just been dumped by Julia, his former fiancée, whom he claims he loved. He takes up with Tarsy, warning her that he is not looking to marry. Then he changes his mind, thinking that he is likely to end up marring Tarsy because she is the best the town can offer. Then he decides he wants to marry Emily and proposes to her, and yet he continues to keep company with Tarsy.
I really didn’t want to see Tom and Emily get a happy ending, and was disappointed when they did.
Another negative was the very slow pace, with lots of description about scenery and clothing people were wearing and very little happening at times.
Emily is a tomboy heroine who thinks she is better than others. She considers her best friend, Tarsy, silly and shallow. A rancher who does not show adequate respect for Emily’s veterinary expertise needs to be taught a lesson. When Emily feels unwanted attraction toward Tom, a blatantly masculine newcomer, she treats him with open scorn, as if blaming him for her inability to control her own emotions.
Tom is not much better. He is attracted to Emily, who is engaged to Tom’s new best friend, Charles. Hoping to disguise what is going on between him and Emily, Tom pretends to be enamoured with Tarsy.
I accept that people fall in love and sometimes need to break existing commitments. However, what makes me dislike Tom and Emily is that even after they have declared their love for each other, even after Tom has asked Emily to marry him and Emily has agreed, they continue to deceive Charles and Tarsy. Emily wants to “cement the promises” made by Tom before dumping Charles. Tom is using Tarsy for sexual gratification and to stave off loneliness.
When Emily and Tom finally get around to telling the truth, they are surprised and hurt when Charles and Tarsy turn vicious. Tom earns an extra black mark for not having the guts to dump Tarsy himself, but letting Emily break the news. Emily feels no shame for failing to protect her friend, although she knows Tarsy is in love with Tom and is allowing him sexual liberties in the hope of marriage.
On the whole, Tom sounds pretty flighty with his emotions. He comes into town because he’s just been dumped by Julia, his former fiancée, whom he claims he loved. He takes up with Tarsy, warning her that he is not looking to marry. Then he changes his mind, thinking that he is likely to end up marring Tarsy because she is the best the town can offer. Then he decides he wants to marry Emily and proposes to her, and yet he continues to keep company with Tarsy.
I really didn’t want to see Tom and Emily get a happy ending, and was disappointed when they did.
Another negative was the very slow pace, with lots of description about scenery and clothing people were wearing and very little happening at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2024
It's crime how poorly Charles, the "other man" (i.e. the heroine's poor fiancé) was treated.
Similar to Bitter Sweet, Vows was pure romanticism. Individual happiness was the be-all and end-all and who cares if other people end up as collateral damage? They're just the side characters so it's fine if their feelings are discarded.
The secondary romance between the heroine's father and her aunt (a second chance romance) started off promising. But after a while, it became all telling and no showing. I was hoping for a subtler parallel between the ongoing romances but it was so in your face and fairytale-like. As the story progressed, the characters felt less gritty and unique and more one-dimensional and simple. Towards the end, the initially strong heroine seemed to have lost all her spunk and personality.
Similar to Bitter Sweet, Vows was pure romanticism. Individual happiness was the be-all and end-all and who cares if other people end up as collateral damage? They're just the side characters so it's fine if their feelings are discarded.
The secondary romance between the heroine's father and her aunt (a second chance romance) started off promising. But after a while, it became all telling and no showing. I was hoping for a subtler parallel between the ongoing romances but it was so in your face and fairytale-like. As the story progressed, the characters felt less gritty and unique and more one-dimensional and simple. Towards the end, the initially strong heroine seemed to have lost all her spunk and personality.
March 6, 2017
Un 4,5 a una historia preciosa donde el amor crece poco a poco y como a regañadientes.
Personajes y ambientaciones únicas.
Recomendadísimo.
Personajes y ambientaciones únicas.
Recomendadísimo.
April 16, 2025
I've read this maybe 4 times now and get something new from it each time. this book is not for the faint of heart. it is complex and compelling and delicious even, or maybe because of, the imperfect characters.
original review: I read this book again immediately after I finished my initial read. It's just perfect.
original review: I read this book again immediately after I finished my initial read. It's just perfect.
June 14, 2022
Another hit from my girl LaVyrle! I enjoyed that this book featured two love stories, with one obviously taking center stage. The love triangle drama was real in this- if you don’t like that trope, steer clear. I loved that the heroine was a bad-A “tomboy” who stuck to her goals of wanting to be a veterinarian and that the hero was fully supportive. I knocked it a star only because it was a little too long for the story being told. But still fully recommend it to anyone interested in some good love triangle messiness! 😝
July 22, 2017
3.5..Un libro sin sorpresas, bastante sencillo, precioso como todos los de esta mujer, no llega a Maravilla, ni a Los dulces años...pero merece la pena
September 2, 2024
Vows is a nice Spencer book… an emotional story with great everyday characters. It’s 1888, Tom arrives in Sheridan Wyoming having decided to settle there and set up a livery blacksmith business. He immediately meets Emily at the established livery in town which is owned by her father. Emily’s mother is slowly dying from consumption which gives a sadness to the entire story, and adds a secondary love story… Emily’s father and her aunt who’s come to take care of her mother.
Emily and Tom immediately clash… she hates him for his plans to compete with her father. He calls her a tomboy because she wears pants. Emily also has a dear friend whom she’s known since childhood, Charles, and long ago he decided they should marry.
There’s a love triangle thru out the story… Emily, Tom and Charles plus add Emily’s good friend Tarsy into the mix. It’s a plot that slowly develops until nearly the end of the story when the situation explodes mightily. For me the storyline was a bit too slow, sad and a tad too sugary sweet. Only one slightly steamy scene at the very end of the book tho much longing throughout.
Overall, a nice Spencer HR tho not memorable for me. Hard to explain… it gave me melancholy vibes. Alas, Vows just wasn’t my cup of tea. Nevertheless, because it’s a Spencer and has terrific writing it’s 3.5 rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Emily and Tom immediately clash… she hates him for his plans to compete with her father. He calls her a tomboy because she wears pants. Emily also has a dear friend whom she’s known since childhood, Charles, and long ago he decided they should marry.
There’s a love triangle thru out the story… Emily, Tom and Charles plus add Emily’s good friend Tarsy into the mix. It’s a plot that slowly develops until nearly the end of the story when the situation explodes mightily. For me the storyline was a bit too slow, sad and a tad too sugary sweet. Only one slightly steamy scene at the very end of the book tho much longing throughout.
Overall, a nice Spencer HR tho not memorable for me. Hard to explain… it gave me melancholy vibes. Alas, Vows just wasn’t my cup of tea. Nevertheless, because it’s a Spencer and has terrific writing it’s 3.5 rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
April 16, 2025
God, I loved this book. A girl is affianced to a nice man, but her head is turned by the hot new guy in town... even though she kind of hates him. Her mom is dying, and her kickass aunt -- who is her dad's One Who Got Away -- comes to stay and take care of the mom, her sister. It's juicy as all hell, yet LaVyrle doesn't write it as a soap opera. There's plenty of drama, sure, but it's all handled sensitively and realistically.
Also, our FMC, Emily, is a queen.
Both Emily and Tom Jeffcoat, the MMC, are hot as hell separately and blazing together. The yearning! The sexual tension! The heartbreak! I stayed up way too late reading this book. I'm a LaVyrle fan forever.
Also, our FMC, Emily, is a queen.
"Emily." [Charles, her fiance] took her shoulders and pivoted her around to face him. "You'll like housework better when the house is your own."
She stared into his familiar eyes and answered frankly, "I doubt it, Charles."
"I want children, Emily, don't you?"
"Right now I want a certificate of veterinarian medicine much more than I want children."
Both Emily and Tom Jeffcoat, the MMC, are hot as hell separately and blazing together. The yearning! The sexual tension! The heartbreak! I stayed up way too late reading this book. I'm a LaVyrle fan forever.
September 21, 2017
Y por fin terminé! Me ha costado llegar al final pero a pesar de eso ha sido satisfactorio. Es una historia muy bonita la Emily y Tom , a pesar de que no soy muy fan de las protagonistas mal educadas. De todos modos la chica cambia. El chico es un bombón en todos los sentidos. Y es muy interesante el paralelo con la historia de Edwin y Fannie. El final tiene un par de momentos predecibles pero como Lavyrle es una genia con las palabras y relata las escenas con una delicadeza enorme , entonces igual se disfruta aunque una ya imagine lo que va a suceder. Y hasta me quedé con ganas de saber si no habrá una continuación para saber algo más del pobre Charles . Tres estrellas y media para Emily y Tom
July 30, 2011
I read all of Lavyrle Spencer's books years ago. Many of them I read twice. This one I've read over and over. It's my favorite romance novel by far. The story is so sweet and emotional. I may have to go read it again now.
August 19, 2015
It's been a long time since I picked up a historical romance. I loved this! I was invested in the characters right away. Spencer writes very beautiful detailed stories. I can't wait to read more of her work.
July 23, 2019
"A pesar de tener claro que esta historia iba a ser previsible, lo que realmente me ha decepcionado es cómo ha sido contada. No logré conectar con casi ningún personaje y fui incapaz de creerme los romances que se iban se iban desarrollando. No es un libro que resulte excesivamente tedioso, pero tampoco es adictivo. Podría haber sido mejor".
Reseña completa: https://entrelalecturayelcine.blogspo...
Si pudiera, le daría un 2,5/5, pero me veo incapaz de darle un 3/5 porque sé que lo más positivo que le he visto es que es una novela relativamente fácil de leer. La historia en sí no me ha dejado huella.
Reseña completa: https://entrelalecturayelcine.blogspo...
Si pudiera, le daría un 2,5/5, pero me veo incapaz de darle un 3/5 porque sé que lo más positivo que le he visto es que es una novela relativamente fácil de leer. La historia en sí no me ha dejado huella.
May 30, 2019
3.5 stars
July 27, 2019
Qué manera de renegar con este libro!
Pero es que los protagonistas me cayeron muy mal y cuando esto sucede la lectura se vuelve cuesta arriba. En algunos casos excepcionales el desagrado por los personajes principales no mancha demasiado la historia, pero con Promesas no pasó porque el romance entre ellos es la trama principal y nop... no me gustaron, no me convencieron y no me creí su amor.
Veamos, tenemos a Tom que llega a Sheridan con la promesa de un pueblo en crecimiento. Allí planea instalarse como herrero y anexar un establo, ni bien llega pide algunas señas sobre el pueblo. Cuando se dirige al establo para dejar sus caballos y carreta almacenados conoce a su co-protagonista en un encuentro lleno de malentendidos. Emily es una muchacha que no cumple con lo que se espera de las jóvenes de la época, le gusta pasar el tiempo trabajando en el establo junto a su padre, está estudiando para convertirse en veterinaria, se viste con ropas de hombre y no es muy ducha en las tareas domésticas. Así que el primer encuentro con Tom este la confunde con un muchacho, mete la pata haciendo comentarios desafortunados y al enterarse que planea abrir un establo se vuelve su enemigo declarado.
Emily vive hace un par de años en este pueblo junto a su familia compuesta por su padre Edwin, su madre Josephine y su hermanito Frankie. Se mudaron hasta estas tierras con la esperanza de que el clima de ese lugar mejorara el estado de salud de la madre. Pero eso no sucedió y ésta agoniza media novela aquejada por una enfermedad terrible que la consume lentamente. La enfermedad de la madre provocó que la rutina familiar cambiara drásticamente ya que no puede ocuparse de las tareas domésticas, las cuales se reparten entre todos con quejas y disgustos sumados al hecho de tener que cuidar de la enferma. Esto fue una de las primeras cosas que me molestaron de la historia, el hecho de que la familia solo apreciara a la madre como la esclava que se ocupa del hogar y que al enfermarse les arruinara su paz hogareña. A raíz de esto, Josephine termina invitando a su prima Fannie para que venga a ayudarlos con las tareas del hogar y cuidar de ella en lo que le quede de vida. Pero entre Fannie y Edwin hubo un amorío juvenil que ninguno parece haber olvidado ni superado.
Con la familia de Emily también vino el amigo de toda la vida, Charles. Este muchacho es la única cosa buena de este libro, el tipo más bueno, amable, paciente, generoso y desinteresado del universo. Y así como es de bueno todo el mundo lo da por sentado y lo pisotea, lo traiciona y lo lastima de forma muy cruel. Quiero robarme a Charles para hacerlo feliz y que nadie le haga más daño nunca más. Bueno derrapé porque amé a Charles durante todo el libro y me la pasé enojada por lo mal que lo tratan los otros personajes. Y no, no lo maltratan pero se cagan en él y le ven la cara continuamente.
En fin, volviendo a la historia, Charles está perdidamente enamorado de Emily y quiere casarse con ella. Le vive insistiendo y Emily lo rechaza continuamente porque lo quiere como a un hermano pero nunca le dice lo que realmente siente por él de forma clara y concisa. Así que el pobre Charles le anda por detrás, la ayuda, la apoya y piensa que tarde o temprano ella lo terminará aceptando. Un día parece que por un comentario malinterpretado acepta casarse con él y Charles es la persona más feliz del universo, pero Emily está como... uy en qué me metí.
Se acuerdan del otro protagonista? Bueno, Tom empieza a construir su negocio y su casa en el pueblo ayudado por Charles que es carpintero. Así se van haciendo muy buenos amigos y se hacen varias confidencias, entre ellas nos enteramos que Tom está desencantado con las mujeres porque estuvo comprometido y ella lo terminó dejando para casarse con otro. Cuando me enteré de esto pensé que, si había sufrido esa situación, no iba a ser tan choto de terminar enamorándose de la prometida de su amigo... pero qué ingenua esta Antonella, bah era sabido que iba a pasar y por eso me la pasé renegando toda la lectura. Me chocaba que los otros dos se enamoraran, según ellos, siendo que ella estaba comprometida y él era el "mejor amigo" de su prometido. Además, Tom me cayó muy mal por comentarios machistas y desubicados que hace. Cuando cuenta lo que pasó con su prometida demuestra estar sumamente despechado y tenerle bastante rechazo a las mujeres, a las que trata de perras, volubles y prácticamente interesadas. También habla de su ex prometida como si hubiese sido algo de su propiedad que otro hombre le robó y se la pasa tratando de marimacho a Emily hasta que la empieza a ver vestida como "mujer".
Además ambos consideran que aman al otro casi sin conocerse y por haber cruzado un par de palabras sinceras después de pasarse los primeros capítulos gruñéndose. Y no, chicos, seamos buenos! Lo que ustedes sienten es atracción, no amor posta. Y cuando empieza a haber mayor atracción entre ellos se la pasan hablando del pobre cornudo de Charles mientras se besuquean y manosean. En serio? Me encanta cómo respetan y consideran a su amigo, eh, para amigos como ustedes dos quién necesita enemigos?
Y Emily no se salva en la volteada, pensaba que por el tema de que quiere ser veterinaria y que no es sumamente femenina me iba a caer bien. Pero lamentablemente con el correr de las páginas mi opinión sobre esta muchacha fue decayendo cada vez más y más. Primero que sus amor por la veterinaria se va volviendo cada vez más algo secundario a medida que su romance va creciendo. Y segundo que tiene una "amiga" muy coqueta y superficial que empieza a salir con Tom en un principio y a ella tampoco le importan los sentimientos de su amiga, a la que considera una tonta y no entiendo por qué la aguanta si tanto la irrita. Pero lo cierto es que la personalidad de Emily termina siendo bastante remilgada, no fue lo que parecía, los comentarios sobre su forma de vestir y su personalidad sí le terminan afectando y medio va modificándolos con el correr de las páginas. Y lo que más me molestaba de ella era justamente esa falta de carácter a la hora de sincerarse con las personas que la rodeaban y no decirles la verdad sobre lo que sentía. Primero nunca le dice a Charles que no lo quiere como hombre, que no le mueve un pelo ni siquiera cuando están a punto de casarse. Ni que hablar que tampoco rompe su compromiso cuando empieza a besuquearse con Tom, lo extienden muchísimo al golpe de gracia para terminar con una escena bastante deplorable donde los dos tontos quieren demostrar quién es más macho desquitándose a trompadas. Emily finje que su amistad con Tarsy es sincera pero piensa muy mal de ella, la envidia y tampoco es honesta con ella hasta que ya es demasiado tarde.
Entiendo que la época en la que la historia está contextualizada influye un montón en las formas de ser, las costumbres y las mentalidades de la gente. Pero me molestaron tantas actitudes, comentarios y pensamientos machistas que abundan en esta novela. Desde la idea de que la mujer tiene que estar dedicándose a la casa con una sonrisa y dedicación, los comentarios con toques de misoginia de Tom y de otros hombres también, las relaciones de amistad tan falsas y superficiales donde ideas machistas tiñen muchas interacciones, entre otras.
En cuanto al estilo de Spencer, sigo admirando su capacidad para describir paisajes y sensaciones. Pero en este libro no pude apreciar el romance por todas las cosas que ya dije, los protagonistas me desencantaron mucho que no me involucré ni un poco con su relación y me la pasé quejándome por lo desconsiderados y egoístas que eran al avanzar en un amorío sabiendo que estaban traicionando al pobre Charles que no se merecía tal deshonestidad de su parte. Además Charles fue tan buen tipo hasta el final con estos dos incluso cuando ninguno se merecía el cariño y dedicación que les profesaba. Así que estoy enojada por la forma en que trataron al único personaje rescatable y adorable de esta historia. Exijo una secuela donde Charles encuentra su final feliz bien merecido.
Pero es que los protagonistas me cayeron muy mal y cuando esto sucede la lectura se vuelve cuesta arriba. En algunos casos excepcionales el desagrado por los personajes principales no mancha demasiado la historia, pero con Promesas no pasó porque el romance entre ellos es la trama principal y nop... no me gustaron, no me convencieron y no me creí su amor.
Veamos, tenemos a Tom que llega a Sheridan con la promesa de un pueblo en crecimiento. Allí planea instalarse como herrero y anexar un establo, ni bien llega pide algunas señas sobre el pueblo. Cuando se dirige al establo para dejar sus caballos y carreta almacenados conoce a su co-protagonista en un encuentro lleno de malentendidos. Emily es una muchacha que no cumple con lo que se espera de las jóvenes de la época, le gusta pasar el tiempo trabajando en el establo junto a su padre, está estudiando para convertirse en veterinaria, se viste con ropas de hombre y no es muy ducha en las tareas domésticas. Así que el primer encuentro con Tom este la confunde con un muchacho, mete la pata haciendo comentarios desafortunados y al enterarse que planea abrir un establo se vuelve su enemigo declarado.
Emily vive hace un par de años en este pueblo junto a su familia compuesta por su padre Edwin, su madre Josephine y su hermanito Frankie. Se mudaron hasta estas tierras con la esperanza de que el clima de ese lugar mejorara el estado de salud de la madre. Pero eso no sucedió y ésta agoniza media novela aquejada por una enfermedad terrible que la consume lentamente. La enfermedad de la madre provocó que la rutina familiar cambiara drásticamente ya que no puede ocuparse de las tareas domésticas, las cuales se reparten entre todos con quejas y disgustos sumados al hecho de tener que cuidar de la enferma. Esto fue una de las primeras cosas que me molestaron de la historia, el hecho de que la familia solo apreciara a la madre como la esclava que se ocupa del hogar y que al enfermarse les arruinara su paz hogareña. A raíz de esto, Josephine termina invitando a su prima Fannie para que venga a ayudarlos con las tareas del hogar y cuidar de ella en lo que le quede de vida. Pero entre Fannie y Edwin hubo un amorío juvenil que ninguno parece haber olvidado ni superado.
Con la familia de Emily también vino el amigo de toda la vida, Charles. Este muchacho es la única cosa buena de este libro, el tipo más bueno, amable, paciente, generoso y desinteresado del universo. Y así como es de bueno todo el mundo lo da por sentado y lo pisotea, lo traiciona y lo lastima de forma muy cruel. Quiero robarme a Charles para hacerlo feliz y que nadie le haga más daño nunca más. Bueno derrapé porque amé a Charles durante todo el libro y me la pasé enojada por lo mal que lo tratan los otros personajes. Y no, no lo maltratan pero se cagan en él y le ven la cara continuamente.
En fin, volviendo a la historia, Charles está perdidamente enamorado de Emily y quiere casarse con ella. Le vive insistiendo y Emily lo rechaza continuamente porque lo quiere como a un hermano pero nunca le dice lo que realmente siente por él de forma clara y concisa. Así que el pobre Charles le anda por detrás, la ayuda, la apoya y piensa que tarde o temprano ella lo terminará aceptando. Un día parece que por un comentario malinterpretado acepta casarse con él y Charles es la persona más feliz del universo, pero Emily está como... uy en qué me metí.
Se acuerdan del otro protagonista? Bueno, Tom empieza a construir su negocio y su casa en el pueblo ayudado por Charles que es carpintero. Así se van haciendo muy buenos amigos y se hacen varias confidencias, entre ellas nos enteramos que Tom está desencantado con las mujeres porque estuvo comprometido y ella lo terminó dejando para casarse con otro. Cuando me enteré de esto pensé que, si había sufrido esa situación, no iba a ser tan choto de terminar enamorándose de la prometida de su amigo... pero qué ingenua esta Antonella, bah era sabido que iba a pasar y por eso me la pasé renegando toda la lectura. Me chocaba que los otros dos se enamoraran, según ellos, siendo que ella estaba comprometida y él era el "mejor amigo" de su prometido. Además, Tom me cayó muy mal por comentarios machistas y desubicados que hace. Cuando cuenta lo que pasó con su prometida demuestra estar sumamente despechado y tenerle bastante rechazo a las mujeres, a las que trata de perras, volubles y prácticamente interesadas. También habla de su ex prometida como si hubiese sido algo de su propiedad que otro hombre le robó y se la pasa tratando de marimacho a Emily hasta que la empieza a ver vestida como "mujer".
Además ambos consideran que aman al otro casi sin conocerse y por haber cruzado un par de palabras sinceras después de pasarse los primeros capítulos gruñéndose. Y no, chicos, seamos buenos! Lo que ustedes sienten es atracción, no amor posta. Y cuando empieza a haber mayor atracción entre ellos se la pasan hablando del pobre cornudo de Charles mientras se besuquean y manosean. En serio? Me encanta cómo respetan y consideran a su amigo, eh, para amigos como ustedes dos quién necesita enemigos?
Y Emily no se salva en la volteada, pensaba que por el tema de que quiere ser veterinaria y que no es sumamente femenina me iba a caer bien. Pero lamentablemente con el correr de las páginas mi opinión sobre esta muchacha fue decayendo cada vez más y más. Primero que sus amor por la veterinaria se va volviendo cada vez más algo secundario a medida que su romance va creciendo. Y segundo que tiene una "amiga" muy coqueta y superficial que empieza a salir con Tom en un principio y a ella tampoco le importan los sentimientos de su amiga, a la que considera una tonta y no entiendo por qué la aguanta si tanto la irrita. Pero lo cierto es que la personalidad de Emily termina siendo bastante remilgada, no fue lo que parecía, los comentarios sobre su forma de vestir y su personalidad sí le terminan afectando y medio va modificándolos con el correr de las páginas. Y lo que más me molestaba de ella era justamente esa falta de carácter a la hora de sincerarse con las personas que la rodeaban y no decirles la verdad sobre lo que sentía. Primero nunca le dice a Charles que no lo quiere como hombre, que no le mueve un pelo ni siquiera cuando están a punto de casarse. Ni que hablar que tampoco rompe su compromiso cuando empieza a besuquearse con Tom, lo extienden muchísimo al golpe de gracia para terminar con una escena bastante deplorable donde los dos tontos quieren demostrar quién es más macho desquitándose a trompadas. Emily finje que su amistad con Tarsy es sincera pero piensa muy mal de ella, la envidia y tampoco es honesta con ella hasta que ya es demasiado tarde.
Entiendo que la época en la que la historia está contextualizada influye un montón en las formas de ser, las costumbres y las mentalidades de la gente. Pero me molestaron tantas actitudes, comentarios y pensamientos machistas que abundan en esta novela. Desde la idea de que la mujer tiene que estar dedicándose a la casa con una sonrisa y dedicación, los comentarios con toques de misoginia de Tom y de otros hombres también, las relaciones de amistad tan falsas y superficiales donde ideas machistas tiñen muchas interacciones, entre otras.
En cuanto al estilo de Spencer, sigo admirando su capacidad para describir paisajes y sensaciones. Pero en este libro no pude apreciar el romance por todas las cosas que ya dije, los protagonistas me desencantaron mucho que no me involucré ni un poco con su relación y me la pasé quejándome por lo desconsiderados y egoístas que eran al avanzar en un amorío sabiendo que estaban traicionando al pobre Charles que no se merecía tal deshonestidad de su parte. Además Charles fue tan buen tipo hasta el final con estos dos incluso cuando ninguno se merecía el cariño y dedicación que les profesaba. Así que estoy enojada por la forma en que trataron al único personaje rescatable y adorable de esta historia. Exijo una secuela donde Charles encuentra su final feliz bien merecido.
June 28, 2023
5 Angst-ridden Tomboy Stars!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve had this on my bookshelf for so long and I’m just mad I didn’t read it sooner! First off, though I loved this, I definitely can say it won’t be for everyone…
This is a real depiction of what happens when you marry the wrong person and love another, and when you’re promised to one man- but love another. Yes, there are two love stories in this one! One with our heroine and the other with her father and his lifelong love. So, this one isn’t for the people who want nice, happy, carefree couples with no obstacles even remotely resembling cheating. (To be clear, there is no cheating with our main couple.)
It also isn’t for people who hate the triangles! It’s always clear who belongs with who, but there’s still gonna be folks who hate it. And I’m sorry, but that’s real life. It can’t all be butterflies and rainbows in romance so I appreciated the gumption it took to write this- even though it was in the 80s when people didn’t bitch about their books so much. 🤷🏻♀️
Don’t get me wrong, I felt really bad for Charles, but you got the feeling he was gonna be alright at the end. After all, all of them had a great friendship. He just needs time, but as they said, he’ll come back around. Trust me, I’m not always in the mood for a triangle either, but if I could handle this one, anyone can! Lol
I also loooved the fathers love story with Fannie. Sooo many couples back in the day must’ve gone through the same thing… parents pushing an arranged marriage, but it’s not with who they really should be with. Again, it’s very real for that time especially. Plus, their chemistry was hot too! 🔥
All in all, I loved it from start to finish and had a hard time putting it down. Amazing storytelling, great, fleshed out characters, and plenty of angst to keep you turning the pages. Love! 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve had this on my bookshelf for so long and I’m just mad I didn’t read it sooner! First off, though I loved this, I definitely can say it won’t be for everyone…
This is a real depiction of what happens when you marry the wrong person and love another, and when you’re promised to one man- but love another. Yes, there are two love stories in this one! One with our heroine and the other with her father and his lifelong love. So, this one isn’t for the people who want nice, happy, carefree couples with no obstacles even remotely resembling cheating. (To be clear, there is no cheating with our main couple.)
It also isn’t for people who hate the triangles! It’s always clear who belongs with who, but there’s still gonna be folks who hate it. And I’m sorry, but that’s real life. It can’t all be butterflies and rainbows in romance so I appreciated the gumption it took to write this- even though it was in the 80s when people didn’t bitch about their books so much. 🤷🏻♀️
Don’t get me wrong, I felt really bad for Charles, but you got the feeling he was gonna be alright at the end. After all, all of them had a great friendship. He just needs time, but as they said, he’ll come back around. Trust me, I’m not always in the mood for a triangle either, but if I could handle this one, anyone can! Lol
I also loooved the fathers love story with Fannie. Sooo many couples back in the day must’ve gone through the same thing… parents pushing an arranged marriage, but it’s not with who they really should be with. Again, it’s very real for that time especially. Plus, their chemistry was hot too! 🔥
All in all, I loved it from start to finish and had a hard time putting it down. Amazing storytelling, great, fleshed out characters, and plenty of angst to keep you turning the pages. Love! 💕
August 16, 2012
Excellent romantic read, a true love triangle. We see this plot in so many movies, TV shows and other books. This one is truly happy and sad. Sad because the spurned man is truly likeable, not a bad bone in his body. Yet you can't but be happy for the two lovers, they are soul mates. How can you hold that against them. I'll be frank this isn't as good as Morning Glory, perhaps writers only can write one masterpiece and everything else lacks a little. I absolutely don't want to put anyone off from reading this, it's sweet and likable. Very! I rarely re-read but Morning Glory was the exception. As for this story it focuses on frontier life, small booming town in the mid-west 1880's timeframe was excellently described in this book. And like all of LaVyrle Spencer's work, she makes you feel for all the characters included. The love triangle is the main plot theme, but the back drop is marry for duty is always wrong as seen through the eyes of her parents and eventually by the lovers.
August 3, 2021
Re read 2021 - 2/3 stars. I’ll never reread this again.
Great book, but this historical jerry springer shit show always made me feel like shit afterward because of the love triangle.
Charles was the sweetest guy ever, and he loses the gir that he’s been in love with since he was 13, 😭Tom is the sweetest H ever too (but he seems to fall in love too often). This is exactly why I friggin hate love triangle books..sigh.
4 stars when I first read it 15 yrs ago.
5 stars when I read it 20 yrs ago.
Great book, but this historical jerry springer shit show always made me feel like shit afterward because of the love triangle.
Charles was the sweetest guy ever, and he loses the gir that he’s been in love with since he was 13, 😭Tom is the sweetest H ever too (but he seems to fall in love too often). This is exactly why I friggin hate love triangle books..sigh.
4 stars when I first read it 15 yrs ago.
5 stars when I read it 20 yrs ago.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2011
I LOVED Morning Glory, but Vow was just awesome. Tom and Emily are such lovable characters and the story telling is fantastic. I also learned a little more about horses. :) I'm still looking for a Spencer book that doesn't leave me snot sobbing all over myself at some point, but Vows wasn't it. I can't wait to pick up another of her titles.
September 18, 2017
Another wonderful love story from Lavyrle Spencer.
April 15, 2022
Beautiful slow burn love story.
June 1, 2022
Me pregunto, ¿cómo transmitir lo que es un libro de LaVyrle Spencer a un público que lleve poco en romántica? ¡Es que no tiene nada que ver con lo que se publica ahora...! Son novelas trabajadas, auténticas, que quieren reconstruir todo un mundo pasado, se toman su tiempo... Esta se ambienta en un Oeste en construcción, con gente normal y corriente que intenta prosperar en Sheridan (Wyoming), a finales del siglo XIX, en medio de las Rocosas.
Allí llega Thomas Jeffcoat, un veinteañero con ganas de comerse el mundo… esto, buscarse la vida construyendo una herrería y un establo para caballos. Oye, cada uno tiene sus sueños, y los de los protagonistas de L. Spencer son vulgares como la vida misma. Choca con la hija del otro herrero, Emily Walcott. La animadversión entre Emily y Tom es pública, todos saben que se llevan como el perro y el gato. Lo que ignoran, incluso ellos mismos al principio, es que en el fondo sienten una gran atracción mutua. Un amor de lo más inconveniente.
Crítica más amplia en mi blog.
Allí llega Thomas Jeffcoat, un veinteañero con ganas de comerse el mundo… esto, buscarse la vida construyendo una herrería y un establo para caballos. Oye, cada uno tiene sus sueños, y los de los protagonistas de L. Spencer son vulgares como la vida misma. Choca con la hija del otro herrero, Emily Walcott. La animadversión entre Emily y Tom es pública, todos saben que se llevan como el perro y el gato. Lo que ignoran, incluso ellos mismos al principio, es que en el fondo sienten una gran atracción mutua. Un amor de lo más inconveniente.
Crítica más amplia en mi blog.
August 7, 2020
Me ha gustado pero no me enamoró como acostumbra la pluma de Lavyrle 😭. No conecté con los personajes, de ninguna de las parejas protagónicas y además no me gustó como se dio la relación entre Emily y Tom porque Charles me pareció una gran persona que no merecía lo que le hicieron y por otro lado, Fannie y Edwin tampoco me cayeron bien, independientemente de que se amaran desde antes, él era un hombre casado y por eso no me conmovió “su amor” 😭.
No voy a negar que el libro me atrapó y entretuvo pero no fue una experiencia bonita en esta historia 🥺.
No voy a negar que el libro me atrapó y entretuvo pero no fue una experiencia bonita en esta historia 🥺.
August 7, 2024
Lavyrle has a special way of telling stories. Her details and character development are just soooo good. It’s beautiful really. This story was super captivating. I could not stop reading. I did have a hard time with how wonderful Charles (the first fiance) was and how hurt he was in the end. I hated it. It actually took away some of my enjoyment because I was feeling so sorry for him. But the story was beautiful and I enjoyed it so much.
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