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A Heart Speaks
Back by popular demand, here are two of the beloved New York Times bestselling author's favorite novels--Forsaking All Others and A Promise to Cherish--together in one volume. These love stories have passed the test of the time and are sure to enthrall fans new and old.
Forsaking All Others
Spirited Allison Scott thought she had everything -- a promising career and Jason, an exciting lover. Together, as photographer and model, they would make it to the top. Then Jason left, shattering her heartfelt dreams.
Allison's new model, Rick Lang, has Jason's perfect good looks, but is charming and attentive as well. He seems to good to be true -- and Allison doesn't trust him one bit. But his tender lovemaking and persistent caring began to wear down her defenses. Still she fears the ultimate betrayal -- his rejection of her love.
A Promise to Cherish
Lee Walker strode through a man's world with the proud strength of her Cherokee ancestors, outbidding the toughest competition in the construction industry -- and hiding the hurt of a secret loss.
Then she unwittingly switches suitcases at the airport with rival Sam Brown. She has his sexy briefs and risqué magazine. He has her sealed bid - and the chance to steal the deal... When he wins -- and proceeds to turn on his charm -- she quivers with rage! But his very presence unlocks a sensuous stirring that has been ice-bound since her heart-wrenching divorce. She yearns to revel in passion and give in to love, but she's learned that such tender emotions invite only pain and sorrow...
"You will never forget the incredible beauty and sensitivity of LaVyrle's gifted pen." -- Affair de Coeur
Forsaking All Others
Spirited Allison Scott thought she had everything -- a promising career and Jason, an exciting lover. Together, as photographer and model, they would make it to the top. Then Jason left, shattering her heartfelt dreams.
Allison's new model, Rick Lang, has Jason's perfect good looks, but is charming and attentive as well. He seems to good to be true -- and Allison doesn't trust him one bit. But his tender lovemaking and persistent caring began to wear down her defenses. Still she fears the ultimate betrayal -- his rejection of her love.
A Promise to Cherish
Lee Walker strode through a man's world with the proud strength of her Cherokee ancestors, outbidding the toughest competition in the construction industry -- and hiding the hurt of a secret loss.
Then she unwittingly switches suitcases at the airport with rival Sam Brown. She has his sexy briefs and risqué magazine. He has her sealed bid - and the chance to steal the deal... When he wins -- and proceeds to turn on his charm -- she quivers with rage! But his very presence unlocks a sensuous stirring that has been ice-bound since her heart-wrenching divorce. She yearns to revel in passion and give in to love, but she's learned that such tender emotions invite only pain and sorrow...
"You will never forget the incredible beauty and sensitivity of LaVyrle's gifted pen." -- Affair de Coeur
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
82 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
LaVyrle Spencer
106 books1,603 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 14, 2014
3 stars for two stories.
FORSAKING ALL OTHERS.
I did not like the plot, but I enjoyed the book because the writing was so good. It’s full writing. I liked the happy ending. There were some touching scenes. It’s half the length of a regular novel.
STORY:
Allison is a gifted photographer. She needs a male model for a current photography job and gets Rick through an agency. He is physical perfection. He models to support his passion painting wildlife. He falls for Allison immediately. She won’t allow herself to love Rick because she can’t get over her former boyfriend who used her, stole from her, and left her.
ABOUT THE BIG SEPARATION
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 164 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: none to mild. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: around 1982 Minneapolis, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Copyright: 1982. Genre: contemporary romance.
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A PROMISE TO CHERISH.
A fine story until two major fights which brought it down to a 3 for me. The fights were not fun to read about. This was the love of her life, but she was being stupid with stubbornness. Her actions annoyed me.
The main story was good. She is part American Indian working as a water/sewer construction job estimator. She works for an unethical slob. She meets Sam who owns a competing company.
It’s half the length of a regular novel.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 159 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: none to mild. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: around 1983 Kansas City, Missouri, and Denver, Colorado. Copyright: 1983. Genre: contemporary romance.
FORSAKING ALL OTHERS.
I did not like the plot, but I enjoyed the book because the writing was so good. It’s full writing. I liked the happy ending. There were some touching scenes. It’s half the length of a regular novel.
STORY:
Allison is a gifted photographer. She needs a male model for a current photography job and gets Rick through an agency. He is physical perfection. He models to support his passion painting wildlife. He falls for Allison immediately. She won’t allow herself to love Rick because she can’t get over her former boyfriend who used her, stole from her, and left her.
ABOUT THE BIG SEPARATION
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 164 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: none to mild. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: around 1982 Minneapolis, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Copyright: 1982. Genre: contemporary romance.
------------------------------------------------------------------
A PROMISE TO CHERISH.
A fine story until two major fights which brought it down to a 3 for me. The fights were not fun to read about. This was the love of her life, but she was being stupid with stubbornness. Her actions annoyed me.
The main story was good. She is part American Indian working as a water/sewer construction job estimator. She works for an unethical slob. She meets Sam who owns a competing company.
It’s half the length of a regular novel.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 159 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: none to mild. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: around 1983 Kansas City, Missouri, and Denver, Colorado. Copyright: 1983. Genre: contemporary romance.
September 15, 2011
I bought this book thinking that it was one that I hadn't read....turns out I had. It two books combined under a new title. "Forsaking All Others" and "A Promise to Cherish". Reread them anyway.
September 20, 2023
reading romance written in the 1970s is almost science fiction now!
I read and loved LaVyrle Spencer’s novels back in the early 90s. Grieved when she retired while simultaneously ecstatic that she truly achieved the golden ring of financial independence through her art. I hope she and her family have enjoyed every hour of it!
Rereading this one now as I’m about to visit Kansas City, MO for the very first time, and her description of Lee’s day exploring that city with Sam Brown has lived rent free in my head for the past thirtyish years. While the male-female dynamics may read a little differently now, her writing of the fun they had as their relationship developed is truly timeless.
I read and loved LaVyrle Spencer’s novels back in the early 90s. Grieved when she retired while simultaneously ecstatic that she truly achieved the golden ring of financial independence through her art. I hope she and her family have enjoyed every hour of it!
Rereading this one now as I’m about to visit Kansas City, MO for the very first time, and her description of Lee’s day exploring that city with Sam Brown has lived rent free in my head for the past thirtyish years. While the male-female dynamics may read a little differently now, her writing of the fun they had as their relationship developed is truly timeless.
November 21, 2024
This book is 2 books in one, I liked the first book it was definitely a new concept I've never read before and the way she writes tension is amazing. However the second book called a promise to cherish, I give a one star. I'm a big fan of her writing because she really makes characters understandable, but the choices that this male interest made were quite dishonorable and I full heartedly wish the last 3 chapter didn't ruin his character :(
August 14, 2020
Spencer is a masterful wordsmith.
I have admired Spencer's writing for years. She keeps the reader engaged in the characters vand plot from beginning to end. I only hope she is not going the way of Steele with her increasingly explicit sex scenes. Anyone who writes as beautifully as she doesn't need to go the way of the typical romance novel to keep her loyal audience happy.
I have admired Spencer's writing for years. She keeps the reader engaged in the characters vand plot from beginning to end. I only hope she is not going the way of Steele with her increasingly explicit sex scenes. Anyone who writes as beautifully as she doesn't need to go the way of the typical romance novel to keep her loyal audience happy.
October 4, 2019
2 good love stories in this book. Always a pleasure to read LaVyrle Spencer's books
January 31, 2020
Old fashioned mores where sexual advances by a boss to a subordinate where acceptable made this unpalatable and a “did not finish” for me.
February 25, 2021
I originally read these stories a VERY, VERY, VERY long time ago. They're still sweet.
September 30, 2021
another collection of love stories
December 24, 2022
Easy to read and enjoyable.
June 25, 2023
I read the first of the two books in this volume. The title is "Forsaking All Others".
May 23, 2024
This was 2 books in one. Forsaking All Others and A Promise to Cherish in A Heart Speaks
Want to read
August 17, 2010Forsaking All Others: Spirited Allison Scott thought she had everything -- a promising career and Jason, an exciting lover. Together, as photographer and model, they would make it to the top. Then Jason left, shattering her heartfelt dreams.
Allison's new model, Rick Lang, has Jason's perfect good looks, but is charming and attentive as well. He seems to good to be true -- and Allison doesn't trust him one bit. But his tender lovemaking and persistent caring began to wear down her defenses. Still she fears the ultimate betrayal -- his rejection of her love.
Allison's new model, Rick Lang, has Jason's perfect good looks, but is charming and attentive as well. He seems to good to be true -- and Allison doesn't trust him one bit. But his tender lovemaking and persistent caring began to wear down her defenses. Still she fears the ultimate betrayal -- his rejection of her love.
A Promise to Cherish: Lee Walker strode through a man's world with the proud strength of her Cherokee ancestors, outbidding the toughest competition in the construction industry - and hiding the hurt of a secret loss.
Then she unwittingly switches suitcases at the airport with rival Sam Brown. She has his sexy briefs and risque magazine. He has her sealed bid - and the chance to steal the deal...When he wins - and proceeds to turn on his charm - she quivers with rage! But his very presence unlocks a sensuous stirring that has been ice-bound since her heart-wrenching divorce. She yearns to revel in passion and give in to love, but she's learned that such tender emotions invite only pain and sorrow...
August 17, 2012
Really, I just love Forsaking All Others. I read A Promise to Cherish only once, and I liked it pretty well (I'd give it 3 to 4 stars), but I've read Forsaking All Others countless times. It's the one that first got me into romance and has still remained my all-time favorite love story many years later.
The copy I own is old and quite abused with the cover torn off. I never keep books that are in such bad condition with this one exception. I had swiped this book from my grandmother's house, and now with her gone, I feel too sentimental towards it to swap it out for a newer copy.
The copy I own is old and quite abused with the cover torn off. I never keep books that are in such bad condition with this one exception. I had swiped this book from my grandmother's house, and now with her gone, I feel too sentimental towards it to swap it out for a newer copy.
June 14, 2012
Definitely "old" romance. I didn't care too much for the second story, but the first one was nice. A woman so hurt by a past love that she refuses to believe the handsome man coming on to her really wants her. It took a frustratingly long time for her to come around, but it was eautiful in the end.
October 23, 2010
I've really enjoyed other LaVyrle Spencer books but for some reason this one didnt do anything for me. Thet werent bad stories at all i just didnt like them as much as i've liked some of her other stuff. I enjoyed A Promise to Cherish for the dialog. loved it.
October 2, 2010
NOT the standard Spencer though I must admit I've not read any for ages and these two are earlier works. Maybe I've just lost my fluff tolerance somewhere along the way but these two just didn't strike much of an interest for me one way or another. Ho-hum time.
November 8, 2014
Re-read these books again in July 2014. Read first time back in 1987.
A Heart Speaks contains 2 short novels: A Promise to Cherish and Forsaking All Others.
Both are excellent books and both are great examples of the wonderful writing of LaVyrle Spencer.
A Heart Speaks contains 2 short novels: A Promise to Cherish and Forsaking All Others.
Both are excellent books and both are great examples of the wonderful writing of LaVyrle Spencer.
Read
September 19, 2008F Spe
Read
July 21, 2012meh. two love stories. sweetly written, but pretty predictable.
Read
August 6, 2012Read both stories but in separate volumes.
October 3, 2012
Kinda ok... Liked both stories ok...
January 13, 2014
entertaing
January 3, 2017
Star Rating: ★★½☆☆
Read
November 25, 2017Read: 2003
Rated: 9
Rated: 9
Read
June 21, 2018Back by popular demand, here are two of the beloved New York Times bestselling author's favorite novels--Forsaking All Others and A Promise to Cherish--together in one volume. These love stories have passed the test of the time and are sure to enthrall fans new and old.
Forsaking All Others
Spirited Allison Scott thought she had everything -- a promising career and Jason, an exciting lover. Together, as photographer and model, they would make it to the top. Then Jason left, shattering her heartfelt dreams.
Allison's new model, Rick Lang, has Jason's perfect good looks, but is charming and attentive as well. He seems to good to be true -- and Allison doesn't trust him one bit. But his tender lovemaking and persistent caring began to wear down her defenses. Still she fears the ultimate betrayal -- his rejection of her love.
A Promise to Cherish
Lee Walker strode through a man's world with the proud strength of her Cherokee ancestors, outbidding the toughest competition in the construction industry -- and hiding the hurt of a secret loss.
Then she unwittingly switches suitcases at the airport with rival Sam Brown. She has his sexy briefs and risqué magazine. He has her sealed bid - and the chance to steal the deal... When he wins -- and proceeds to turn on his charm -- she quivers with rage! But his very presence unlocks a sensuous stirring that has been ice-bound since her heart-wrenching divorce. She yearns to revel in passion and give in to love, but she's learned that such tender emotions invite only pain and sorrow...
Forsaking All Others
Spirited Allison Scott thought she had everything -- a promising career and Jason, an exciting lover. Together, as photographer and model, they would make it to the top. Then Jason left, shattering her heartfelt dreams.
Allison's new model, Rick Lang, has Jason's perfect good looks, but is charming and attentive as well. He seems to good to be true -- and Allison doesn't trust him one bit. But his tender lovemaking and persistent caring began to wear down her defenses. Still she fears the ultimate betrayal -- his rejection of her love.
A Promise to Cherish
Lee Walker strode through a man's world with the proud strength of her Cherokee ancestors, outbidding the toughest competition in the construction industry -- and hiding the hurt of a secret loss.
Then she unwittingly switches suitcases at the airport with rival Sam Brown. She has his sexy briefs and risqué magazine. He has her sealed bid - and the chance to steal the deal... When he wins -- and proceeds to turn on his charm -- she quivers with rage! But his very presence unlocks a sensuous stirring that has been ice-bound since her heart-wrenching divorce. She yearns to revel in passion and give in to love, but she's learned that such tender emotions invite only pain and sorrow...
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews