Love's Enduring Promise....
926980
I just finished watching the movie having TIVO'd it several days ago. I particularly enjoyed January Jones' portrayal of Missie Davis. Another Hallmark masterpiece worth watching over and over again!!  KUDOS!
2068461
I was ready for this love story. Not as edgy or spicy as some of her others. But genuine and still not backing down from some hard realities of life: cancer, dreams unfulfilled, bad press. Young love endures.
483861
The review that follow is a partial review. To read the full review, please visit [...]
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When love spans hundreds of miles, across two countries, and connects two lost souls long before they will ever physically meet, you know that something special is in the works. My True Love is truly something special!

The daughter of the laird of Dunniwerth, Anne Sinclair's childhood was a bit hard, though to an outsider they would think she had it all. And in many ways she did--but she wasn't spoiled by it, and her parents taught her to be giving, to be kind, and to be a hard worker. But at times having parents that expected so much from her was hard. It was during times like these that Anne wished for someone to talk to.

One night, when Anne was only 8, she had a vision, and in this vision she clearly saw a young boy, sitting in a castle, hearing the cries of his mother laboring in another room. Soon a woman comes in and tells the boy that his mother has passed on, as well as the babe. Anne watches as this strong boy, so young and yet already so old, breaks down and cries. Touched by the emotions and the connection she feels with this unknown boy, Anne begins to cry ,too. For the rest of her life, she continues to see visions of the boy--always random, always one sided. But as she grows, the boy does too, and by the time she is in her early 20's, she's watched Stephen grow up to become a man. She loves him, yet she's never really met him, and he has no idea she even exists.

When her father begins pushing for her to marry, she decides it is time to take her life into her own hands, and off she goes to find Stephen. Even if a relationship doesn't come out of it, she has to see him, touch him, at least once before she returns home and settles into a life that her parents want her to have.

Stephen, now the earl of his family's castle is intrigued by the stubborn lass that shows up on his grounds. What is it about her that has captured his attention so? She seems to know him, recognized him first thing and knew of his childhood hiding place--is she a witch, to know so such things? He doesn't believe so, but that still doesn't explain the way she acts, nor the words he has caught her saying (such as "I've seen you my whole life", though they've never met). Regardless, he finds himself starting to care for her, and he wants to protect her, to get out of the trouble he is in with the crown so that he might have a chance at a life with her. But will her secret tear them apart--or will it be her father who keeps them apart?

I can't say enough great things about this book! It simply blew me away. Within the first few pages, I was hooked, and for the first time in a long time, I entered into a story where I didn't want to put it down. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough (clich, but so very true!), and I was even teary eyed during a few of the more emotional scenes. I could feel the love between Anne and Stephen, first as she was growing up (and loved the image of the boy), then later as she finally realized that regardless of the visions she had of him, she loved the man he had become, not just the child she wanted to comfort.

The writing was excellent; Karen has a talent for words and the characters were very nicely done. I loved many of the quotes and passages from this book, and while most of them are more meaningful when reading the entire story, they are also very potent on their own. A rare treat, and something that not many authors can do.

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This review is property of NightOwlReviews
4949426
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."  This verse from St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians is what immediately came to mind as the closest association to this beautiful love story.  Even after four decades since their bitter separation, Jack and Libbie found each other again.  This story was a demonstration of love between a man and a woman, between friends, among family members.  Sadly, it also showed that what may be thought of as familial love was actually not.  Not that there was any cruel intention, but what was construed as love through protection, really was debilitating and suffocating.  We have to be careful how we love, in my opinion.  If it does not bear, believe, hope and endure, it most likely is something else.

Simply written, but with much emotion, this is a book to savor; one which you will read slowly to stretch the hours.  It breaks and warms the heart at the same time; just like true love.
820389
To Love and Cherish
By Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

Melinda Colson longs for true love and marriage and has her heart set on Evan Tarlow, the assistant groundskeeper for the Bridal Veil Island Resort.  Melinda is determined to wed Evan before the resort season ends and she is forced to return to Cleveland with her employer.  But it seems she's just going to have to come right out and propose to the man, because he can't seem to grasp her not-so-subtle hints..... Evan is in love with Melinda, but a promise to himself from the past keeps him from asking for her hand.  Melinda returns to Cleveland dismayed.  Meanwhile, a hurricane strikes the island and surrounding communities and leaves a terrible path of destruction.  Melinda risks everything she has to race back to the island in search of Evan.  Will she find her true love safe, and will he FINALLY take Melinda for his wife?

This is a charming story set in the late 1800s complete with social class distinctions and rules.  I enjoyed the overall theme of the book.  However, the action was a little slow for me at times.  I wanted some sections to hurry up and be over so I could find out what was coming next.  Call me impatient!  I love the steady character Evan shows throughout the book - fixed on fulfilling his promises to himself, and set on being a better man than his father.  Melinda is probably more like me - determining what God has planned, and setting it in motion for myself......not exactly what He desires!  Redemption is the theme of her story though, as it is for us.  We can learn to wait on God and make sure we do WHAT He has in mind WHEN He has it in mind.  Overall I give this book a B - charming, but a bit slow.  Not my favorite from these generally stellar authors.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
512940
Evans has a masterful way of making his readers fall in love with his characters...while they discover love in his story. Always uplifting and hopeful.. sometimes predictable...but, a fine story of love, forgiveness and redemption.
3108241
Oh how I enjoyed this story. Spencer and Tia's story was a joy to read. Their past breakup was riddled with misunderstandings, deception and betrayal...BUT, through it all their Love for one another was still strong. Their "chance" meeting and initial "TOUCH" renewed everything that they thought they would never feel again. Even though Spencer started out with less than honorable intentions, his Love for Tia caused him to follow his heart, instead of the dollar. And even though she was devastated by his betrayal, she found that Love is thicker than mud, and the mess he made could never destroy the love that she had for him. The power of love that causes us to forgive, helped them both "Trust their Love" and "Just One Touch" brings a Happily Ever After.

Once again Ms. Norfleet gives and adventure to remember for true romantics!
M.
2878987
Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock [Bethany House (February 1, 2011)] is the story of family, new beginnings, and love that supersedes the ties of blood.  It is the story of eleven-year-old Rosalind's search to find a new life while struggling to let go of the old, and the story of the elderly Tillie who refuses to be led down a path different from the one she knows in her heart has been set before her.

I fell in love with Promises to Keep on the first page.  The well-developed characters leaped out of the book and into my heart at the start, keeping me turning page after page from beginning to end, and feeling as if I'd be leaving behind a host of new friends when I closed the cover for the last time.

Tillie's girth, her sparkling blue eyes, and her loving patience created the prefect grandmotherly-figure; one I could just imagine running to and whose arms I could picture falling into when times were tough and nothing but a grandmother's love would heal the hurt.  Young Roz's adolescent spunk, her cautiousness, and her naive trust made for an interesting, yet realistic, picture of a girl caught between the need for the safety of childhood and the longing for a more independent role in her own life.  Mrs. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Grandfather, Roz's dear friend Mara - all came to life in the pages of this story, some in a way I could love, others in a way I grew to despise.

As I read Promises to Keep, I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I leered.  Ann Tatlock is indeed a masterful story teller, and Promises to Keep is certainly a book worth reading!

I  received this book free for the purpose of reviewing it.  I received no other compensation for this review.  The opinions expressed in this review are my honest opinions.  Your experience may vary.
3828906
Ms. Majors debut novel, Still The One, is a sweet tale of love lost, hearts broken and the journey to reconnect two lonely souls. Lainie and Ethan were to be married, until a terrible misfortune led to her calling off the wedding. They meet ten years later, leery and untrusting of each other, certain any feelings that may remain have been buried deep, with little chance for resurrection. Forced to work together, Lainie and Ethan discover their love for each other hasn't died. It's very much alive and patiently waiting to be rekindled. With a tears-in-your-eyes moment of peril and destruction leading to a satisfying ending, this book is a keeper for your home shelf, as you'll remember the characters long after you've finished reading the book. Great story, Ms. Majors! I look forward to reading your next novel.
2265735
this love story is for those of us that had a real love at a young age that didn't work out at that point in time, but gives you hope that maybe someday life will give you what you had plus so much more... it's a must read series!!! hope you enjoy it as much as I have
2644049
An emotional journey of everlasting love! When faced with the possibility that something she believed to be true might have been far fetched, a woman travels through her memories to recall the love story that defined her life. Going back and forth between present time and the past, we learn about the life that Emma lived and watch her granddaughter try to secure the truth for her. The characters are well developed and the storyline is intriguing. We are left wondering until the very end what truly happened, and it doesn't disappoint in the emotion and depth of mystery. There was a little lag in parts that could have been improved upon, but overall, a really stunning read!

Emma Temple has lived a full life filled with love, loss and accomplishment. She's happy to fill her artistic heart with the painting that has brought her joy throughout so many of her ninety years along with loving memories of the past. When a scandal makes it's way into her life, she's left bewildered and doubting things she thought were true from the past. Could it be possible that the portrait the love of her life, Patrick Adams painted and gifted to her wasn't actually his work?

Laura Taylor trusted in her grandmother's painting enough to secure a student loan to attend a prestigious school of music using it's value to secure the funds. Now that it's validity is in question thanks to an art dealer, she's struggling to figure out how to prove it is authentic. She's on the verge of losing everything, and if she finds out that Patrick didn't actually paint the gift of love he bestowed upon her grandmother, it will break Em's heart!
1227518
What exactly is a love story if not a sordid saga of tumult, exultation, and longing? In the saccharine-lite "Voice of Innocence" author Lindsay Detwiler chronicles the oft-rugged terrain of first love.

The story is one of true love and devotion above all else. However, intertwined with the outpouring of one of life's truest emotions is a story that is at once both modern and timeless. Emma and Corbin are the lovestruck couple here, and not without their own set of problems. Corbin is convicted of a murder he didn't commit and finds himself not only in prison, but torn apart from his one true love.

Naturally, with him being locked away and ostracized for society, Emma finds herself having to life a life that is Corbin-free. She misses her betrothed heavily, however, she manages to forge a life for herself that is independent.  Faced with Corbin's release from jail, she and him must question the boundaries of their love, and if it still exists at all.

Don't worry - Detwiler doesn't pile on the schmaltz when dissecting the power of first loves and its inevitable impact on the rest of our lives. It's an interesting take on what defines the state of contentment that we are so conditioned to crave and actively search for.

Like this review? Read more like it at www.readingotherpeople.com
4365598
This Path We Share- Reflecting on 60 Years of Marriage, Author Lois Tschetter Hjelmstad

Author Hjelmstad takes you along on her journey as she reflects and reminisces on her meeting, courtship and 60 year marriage between one man and one woman- Lois Tschetter and Les(Lester S.) Hjelmstad. It is one journey you do not want to miss; their story, epitomizes the traditional marriage vows- "..for richer or poor, for better or worse, in sickness and health till death do us part." At the publishing of this book, the only part they had not experienced was "...till death do us part."

As one reads This Path We Share, one discovers some major factors as to why Mr. and Mrs. Les Hjelmstad's marriage survives at least 60 years- they fell in love and remain in love; they continue to find ways to rekindle and keep love alive; they maintain consideration and respect for each other, their commitment to each other and their marriage remains steadfast and whenever possible each places the well-being and needs of the other, first.

This Path We Share - Reflecting on 60 Years of Marriage is inclusive of lovely poems and a number of love letters. It is a beautiful romance and love story that lasts 60+ years; the trials, tribulations and losses which the couple endures make the story even more poignant. A story to inspire those who are married; for those in love; those who hope to be in love one day and those who still believe in love.

Lois and Les Hjelmstad, yours is a story that inspires and is inspiring. Thank you for sharing and showing the world that the institution of marriage lives! You both have shown the beauty of starting, continuing and preparing to end your lives with the same person that has and will always be there and supportive of the other until death do you part. Congratulations to you and others who have gotten to this milestone- 60 Years of marriage!

  Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author of "Slinging Stones..."
  Former Co-founder& Director of Parents Focused on Education
4474262
For love some say, "I would crawl on my knees through the scorching sand to find you. I would swim across a shark-filled ocean to get to your love. I would battle the most ferocious army to be by your side. And in Cs Patra's "Lengths for Love" the reader will discover someone who will do whatever it takes for love. And love is just that--love. A searching, stretching, and sacrificial longing that can only be satisfied by its genuine expression.

In "Lengths for Love" the reader will be immersed in a fascinating tale about:

* The search for love
* An adventure fueled by a need and a wish
* Vampires, emotional requests, and desire

I always enjoy zombie, werewolf, and vampire stories. Often, vampire stories have a more profound attraction due to the ascendancy of love within the genre--and "Lengths" delivers. This volume is not just for those who love reading vampire stories; it's a unique and enchanting look at the length a person will go for love. "Lengths" will captivate your core biddings as it stirs your heart; for love endures all things and love never fails.
1353763
We all are seeking redemption. It is sweet and what our soul longs for. Our main character, Kitty was seeking love and has a country song goes, found it in all the wrong places. Lacking in love, she did not appreciate in the man she married. She did not marry for love or even for loyality but for conveience and selfish reasons. What made this story intriguing was her husband knew her very well and was intentional in his relationship with her. When he calls her on her bluff of her unfaithfulness, that is when Kitty becomes reflective in who she really is. She becomes a woman trying to do good works to make ammends but in the end realizes her heart has not changed. Her redemption is not strong, but weak. I am not sure if her redemption is in realizing her weakness and doing so, works on changing her circumstances by starting over with her father. In the end, it left me a little unsatisfied
981310
The author definitely delivers...Thandi's Love is a timeless love story demonstrating that true love endures all hardships. The characters were so well developed, I grew a personal connection with each one. I especially liked Victor. In the beginning, he seemed to be misunderstood, but as the author pulled back each layer, his own heart-wrenching story was revealed, and his intentions for Thandi were both true and honorable. This timeless story touched my heart. At times, I wanted to jump in and save her, and others, I found myself cheering her on! I would definitely recommend reading this book. It's a story you won't soon forget!
3826718
An enchantingly romantic story of love and loss. From the first few pages D.K.'s words grab a hold of your heart strings and doesn't release them even as you read the last pages of this story. Her words provoke you to remember to treasure all you have as it can change in the blink of an eye.