To Love and To Promise

Brionney and Jesse #1

by Rachel Ann Nunes

When Brionney Fields marries handsome, charming Derek Roathe, she feels her life is a Mormon fairy tale come true. And when baby Savannah comes along, she's sure of it. Then, with a horrifying discovery, the dream is shattered and her fairy tale begins to unravel. Trying to pick up the bits and pieces of her life, she wonders if she'll ever be able to take a chance at love again. The answer finally comes, but is Brionney ready for it? Can she set aside a world of pain for the hope of true love? She's heard all the promises before, but they've been empty and tainted by lies. Why should she believe them now? In this compelling and emotional story of love, betrayal, and soul-wrenching challenges, acclaimed author Rachel Ann Nunes creates memorable characters and dramatic moments that will live in the reader's mind and heart long after the book is closed. Join Brionney as she leans that the road to true love and happiness is never easy . . . but in the end it's worth every prayer, every tear, and every leap of faith along the way.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Lds, Romance, Christian Fiction, Religion, Chick Lit, Adult

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Rachel Ann Nunes (pronounced noon-esh) learned to read when she was four and by seventh grade knew she was going to be an author. Now as a stay-at-home mother of seven, it isn't easy to find time to write, but she will trade washing dishes or weeding the garden for an hour at the computer any day! Her only rule about writing is to never eat chocolate at the computer. "Since I love chocolate and writing," she jokes, "my family might never see me again."

Rachel has over sixty published books, including the popular Ariana series and the award-winning picture book Daughter of a King. She enjoys hiking, swimming, spending time with her family, reading, and visiting far off places.

For more information or to join her e-mailing list, visit http://www.RachelAnnNunes.com.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read it before, but just re-read it. I love Rachel's books. This book is about hope and getting through tough times...inspirational fiction.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost hate books like these.... They just keep you going and going and you just have to keep reading cause you need to know what happens!!!!
This is an LDS romance- so the author is putting the main character through every trial imaginable.
I liked it, although it was very cheesy and the main character cried too much.

[Brenna Holloway · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you loved this book… ( @haylie I am sorry) , do not read this review because I am just a HATER, continue loving it.


I literally hated everything about this book. It highlighted the things I hate most about the LDS church. ( coming from an active member who loves the church) Quick marriages. Constant unprepared pregnancy, and EVERYONE is pregnant, using a bishop as a counselor rather than actual professional help, peoples morals are black or white, judgmental members that think they are better than everyone… She didn’t even learn from her first marriage that you have to know the person first. She did it AGAIN… WHAT. 4 MONTHS AFTER A DIVORCE!!? AND THEN WANTS ANOTHER BABY IMMEDIATLY??? AHHHHHHH!! I just think brionney is the dumbest woman alive. Especially for not seeing Derek was a bad guy and then wanting to stay with him after he almost killed their daughter! Also why would that man even be able to step foot near that child after nearly killing her. WHAT. NO WAY IN HELL. And then he hit a child with witnesses??? And we’re just gonna move on??? No charges ?? Also brionney needs to see a psychiatrist to help her with her disordered eating, if I had to hear her say she’s fat and fish for compliments one more time j swear I would DNF this book. It was cringey and cheesy the whole time. Way to quick of resolutions, way to far fetched scenarios. Okay last thing…. I know Jesse was supposed to be perfect Prince Charming. But all I felt was CREEP vibes, he was trying to hang out with a baby before he was friends with Brionney. He was like begging to hang out with a baby…… uh… weird. Their whole relationship was ick. I feel like they skipped the friendship part of dating, and that’s also a thing Mormons do that irks me. Phew. I needed that rant because I had to push to finish this book.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was full of dramatic climaxes and fast resolutions over and over again. The relationship between Brionney and her first husband, Derek, was the only issue that I felt was developed. After that promising beginning, problems keep coming on hard and fast. Then, they are easily and quickly solved. She probably could have divided the book into two and developed the ideas better. I did like the characters.

Nunes is a pretty good writer, and the book probably deserves more than 2 stars, but this is only the second of her books that I've read and they both had similar dramatic, upsetting plot elements that stressed me out. I'll probably read another of her books to give her another chance because I really like LDS romance novels in general.

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty sad book, her husband cheats on her and leaves her, her baby almost dies, she has a miscarriage, her ex-husband comes to try to take her baby away, etc. It's kind of a lot of heartache for one book. It also really irritates me how quickly she falls in love after her devastating divorce. I'm not saying that can't happen, but she trusted men again pretty fast after she swears them off and it was too fast for my taste. I do really like Jesse, he's a great character who helps you believe in good decent men again after reading all about Derek. Even though it's depressing, I do like this book.

[Brecken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than it started out to be! I was worried I couldn't finish it because it was so sad straight from the get-go. But it truly was only realistic, the entire story, and I fell in love with the characters for their strength to overcome their trials and weaknesses and grow as a confident strong person. You watch them through the period of two years and it is heartrending and enthralling to be a part of each step as you see the kinds of things people everyday have to deal with in their life. It puts a little but of reality and respect back into your thoughts.

[Maaike · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first section is a little choppy, as though Nunes was having a hard time writing the feelings that Brionney feels towards Derek before his betrayal. But the second half, in which she falls in love again, is sweet and wonderful and full of realistic heartbreak that the reader can immediately connect with. However, I would definitely read this before reading her book about Savannah and Tyler in her Huntington series. It creates a sweet form of closure as you read the later book, so for that reason I would suggest reading this one.

[Angee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this author while browsing the LDS-fiction at the library. I really like her. I liked this book: showing hope and happiness after and during trials. I gave it a 4 because some of it hit just a little too close to home, and effected me very deeply, bringing back hard memories. Maybe that's what makes a good book though: relating to the reader in such a deep way. Anyway, great read! I can't wait to read more of her books!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

published 9/99; This is a side book to the Ariana series. Books tells the story of what happened to Brionney, Zack's sister. I continuet to enjoy the way that Nunes wraps gospel principles of faith and endurance into her stories. She is refreshing and entertaining - wish the library would carry more of her books. This I had to borrow from a friend.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Browning Fields marries Derk Roche. Has a daughter Samatha. He gets into PRono and meets someone on Internets. Degreades her. She falls in love with Jesse hwo promises to love her and never leave her. Then Derek who has married Melissa fell away from church wants Samathis back in his life because Melissa can not get pregnant.

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing in several aspects. It was intense all her book to me seem intense, this one was real life experiences intense. I had to get through the first part fast because it hit my past to close. THen another part did. It's a great reading book, clean, intense, keeps you reading, and the character development is phenominal (hope I spelled that right)!

[Alysha Speer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book from Rachel Ann Nunes.

[Liesl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Ariana series. All of the books are hard to put down.

[Kaylee Boydstun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some time it takes awhile to heal.

[Adrienne Rowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is kind of sad but really good.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, I really like the part when she is getting to know her future second husband. BUT, there was just way too much emotion rammed into this book.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite book! I love the story, and the romance. Its clean, and has a happy ending. What could you not love.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book sometime in high school and I did not like it. It's a spin-off of the Ariana series....which I did like. I don't remember any specifics, I just remember that I didn't enjoy it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Own: Book

[Mckinzea]

I absolutly loved this book it is so cute!! I loved all the feeling in it.

[Veneita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a total page turner. And it makes me want to strangle her husband but I liked it.

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite. The story jumped around so much, and the main charecter started to drive my nuts. It ended too fast, and just wasn't that great.

[Connie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read some book by this author that were good, so I was very disappointed in this book. Not even worth reading. Really corny.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A modern issue LDS book. Brionney's marriage ends shortly after she gives birth to a baby. She struggles with realizing who she is, learning to trust and love again, and dealing with loss.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of the author's better books.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was just too depressing. I couldn't even finish it.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brionney’s story is beautiful!

Rachel Ann Nunes is my favorite author, so it’s no surprise that I loved reading this book a part of the wonderful Ariana series. Brionney is someone any woman can relate to. She has many struggles to overcome, but her family and faith help her get through it. I love her love story... without giving too much away, if you’ve ever been in a bad relationship and wondered if you’d ever find someone worthy of you, then you will really relate to Brionney and love her as much as I do.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book deals with being an LDS woman, a cheating husband, and a miscarriage. Kind of a roller coaster ride. She (Brionney) was a bit too emotional for me, but these are issues that women have to deal with.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This book was very interesting and since I've been through a lot of the things it hit home. It kept my interest and was hard to put down.