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Keeping His Promise: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance – A Love Inspired Small Town High School Sweethearts Story
To find their way forward they’ll need to face the past
After receiving an ominous letter, security specialist Brandt James returns to the hometown he escaped — and finds the girl he left behind. Ashamed of his past, Brandt is determined to avoid her and focus on his investigation instead, but Berkley Metcalfe never forgot the foster boy who stole her heart. Or the promise ring he gave her. As old feelings reignite, the childhood sweethearts face painful memories and her wealthy family’s disapproval. But Brandt’s keeping a secret from Berkley, and the truth could cost them their second chance…
After receiving an ominous letter, security specialist Brandt James returns to the hometown he escaped — and finds the girl he left behind. Ashamed of his past, Brandt is determined to avoid her and focus on his investigation instead, but Berkley Metcalfe never forgot the foster boy who stole her heart. Or the promise ring he gave her. As old feelings reignite, the childhood sweethearts face painful memories and her wealthy family’s disapproval. But Brandt’s keeping a secret from Berkley, and the truth could cost them their second chance…
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published February 25, 2025
15 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Linda Goodnight
222 books521 followersNY Times and USA Bestseller, Linda Goodnight writes novels of faith and family that point to hope through Christ. Her emotional stories have won the RITA , the Carol, the Reviewer’s Choice, and numerous other industry awards. Her two great passions are faith in Jesus and her large extended family. (And pie. she loves pie.)
Readers may connect with Linda through her website at www.lindagoodnight.com or on Facebook.
Readers may connect with Linda through her website at www.lindagoodnight.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 14, 2025
This book had alot of triggers, affair, abuse, suicide, lies, secrets. It was too much for me.
October 1, 2025
Unfortunately, this didn't work for me.
First of all, I just can't with the names. Brandt and Berkley and Astin and Simmons, I feel like I'm reading a snooty history of English cars or something. Second, the "God stuff" is laid on with a thick trowel, to the point of being downright manipulative. The judgment flies fast and loose, too, around drug abuse and suicide, things so shameful that they must be kept secret in order to protect a family's Good Name. Yikes. Brandt, our hero, carries around a lot of guilt and feels he must protect Berkley from the truth about her precious golden boy brother, when the truth of the matter is, nothing that happened was his fault.
As for the mysterious letter that draws him back to his hated hometown, the resolution of that little side plot defies logic. A helluva lot of things had to fall into place for that bit to come to fruition and sorry, but I can't suspend my disbelief that much.
First of all, I just can't with the names. Brandt and Berkley and Astin and Simmons, I feel like I'm reading a snooty history of English cars or something. Second, the "God stuff" is laid on with a thick trowel, to the point of being downright manipulative. The judgment flies fast and loose, too, around drug abuse and suicide, things so shameful that they must be kept secret in order to protect a family's Good Name. Yikes. Brandt, our hero, carries around a lot of guilt and feels he must protect Berkley from the truth about her precious golden boy brother, when the truth of the matter is, nothing that happened was his fault.
As for the mysterious letter that draws him back to his hated hometown, the resolution of that little side plot defies logic. A helluva lot of things had to fall into place for that bit to come to fruition and sorry, but I can't suspend my disbelief that much.
April 22, 2025
Linda Goodnight writes a heartwarming tale of a man who must confront the darkness from his past to find healing so that he is free to love the woman he left behind.
I love the way the author introduces suspense elements as Brandt comes back to his hometown. He must figure out if a mysterious letter is a threat or something else. He's also thrown in close proximity with his high school sweetheart. He's afraid she'll discover the secret about him that caused him to leave suddenly years ago.
Berkley never stopped loving Brandt. She's dedicated her life as a social worker to helping kids who had a past similar to his. through many twists and turns in this story, will Brandt and Berkley find their way back to each other while relying on God?
Fans of clean Christian romance with strong suspense elements will love this story.
I love the way the author introduces suspense elements as Brandt comes back to his hometown. He must figure out if a mysterious letter is a threat or something else. He's also thrown in close proximity with his high school sweetheart. He's afraid she'll discover the secret about him that caused him to leave suddenly years ago.
Berkley never stopped loving Brandt. She's dedicated her life as a social worker to helping kids who had a past similar to his. through many twists and turns in this story, will Brandt and Berkley find their way back to each other while relying on God?
Fans of clean Christian romance with strong suspense elements will love this story.
October 7, 2025
Great 2nd chance at love story
Brandt is back in the town he never wanted to see again for his foster brother's dream to resurrect their foster mother's legacy in Mamie's House of Hope. Berkley is the girl he never forgot from a prominent family. But now she is a social worker, working with House of Hope. Brandt carries a secret guilt that kept him away for 15 years. Can they work past all that has kept them apart? Read this to find out. Read the books in order to get the most from each one.
The pace is relaxed and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses but no steam. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. This is a sweet story about 2 people from very different backgrounds who loved as teenagers, but then split up.
Brandt is back in the town he never wanted to see again for his foster brother's dream to resurrect their foster mother's legacy in Mamie's House of Hope. Berkley is the girl he never forgot from a prominent family. But now she is a social worker, working with House of Hope. Brandt carries a secret guilt that kept him away for 15 years. Can they work past all that has kept them apart? Read this to find out. Read the books in order to get the most from each one.
The pace is relaxed and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses but no steam. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. This is a sweet story about 2 people from very different backgrounds who loved as teenagers, but then split up.
March 19, 2025
Heartwarming
Berkley and Brandt's story is absolutely wonderful! My heart went out to Brandt and all he'd been through. His investigation and the heavy secret he's been carrying for years have a touch of mystery that kept me glued to the pages, trying to figure everything out. That, along with his reconnecting with Berkley, made this story of forgiveness, second chances, overcoming, inspiration, and romance with a touch of intrigue excellent and heartwarming.
Book Quote:
"God had other plans. He always knows what we need before we do."
Berkley and Brandt's story is absolutely wonderful! My heart went out to Brandt and all he'd been through. His investigation and the heavy secret he's been carrying for years have a touch of mystery that kept me glued to the pages, trying to figure everything out. That, along with his reconnecting with Berkley, made this story of forgiveness, second chances, overcoming, inspiration, and romance with a touch of intrigue excellent and heartwarming.
Book Quote:
"God had other plans. He always knows what we need before we do."
October 10, 2025
I liked that the heroine, Berkley Metcalf was a compassionate and caring social worker, who cared deeply for kids. I liked that the hero, Brandt James had found the courage to overcome a abusive childhood. The foster parents were portrayed as saintly people and biological parents who struggled with addiction were painted less favorably. This seemed a bit too black and white to me and caused me to raise an eyebrow, but overall this was a good story by a fantastic author and I will continue to read her books.
April 26, 2025
Redemption!
Brandt comes back for the house dedication and gets what sounds like trouble from his past. He is still in love with Berkley Metcalf but feels guilty about the death of Astin Metcalfe, and the other Metcalfs still don’t trust the bad kid from the past. Add in a half brother abandoned at the hospital and anger deepens. I absolutely loved the ending but I’m not giving it away.
Brandt comes back for the house dedication and gets what sounds like trouble from his past. He is still in love with Berkley Metcalf but feels guilty about the death of Astin Metcalfe, and the other Metcalfs still don’t trust the bad kid from the past. Add in a half brother abandoned at the hospital and anger deepens. I absolutely loved the ending but I’m not giving it away.
June 9, 2025
Another beautiful story!
I loved this book so much and it’s yet another example of why Linda Goodnight is one of my all time favorite authors! It is a beautifully written story with loveable characters and sweet and clean romance. Linda sets the scenes just right, without overdoing, and brings flawed, relatable characters to life, as they seek God’s healing and guidance in their lives.
I loved this book so much and it’s yet another example of why Linda Goodnight is one of my all time favorite authors! It is a beautifully written story with loveable characters and sweet and clean romance. Linda sets the scenes just right, without overdoing, and brings flawed, relatable characters to life, as they seek God’s healing and guidance in their lives.
January 19, 2025
This was a prize book included with the swag from Tina Radcliff. Thank you Tina. This story is very emotional. I enjoyed this book. It is the type that you say just one more chapter. You keep hoping the mystery is resolved. When it is it is a shock. One you never saw coming. Grateful for the best ending.
March 25, 2025
Brandt gets a strange letter in the mail that causes him to return to the town he grew up in and hated. There he reacquaints with Berkeley, his high school sweetheart. I liked the part o out his best friend running the foster home that he grew up in and the girlfriend who was the social worker, as well as the abandoned infant. A little too pat and godly for my taste.
January 9, 2026
I’m still smiling.
“Keeping His Promise was Such a good book. The twists and turns that life gave foster kid Brant and rich girl Berkeley kept my attention from the beginning.
I am looking forward to re-reading it.
Linda Goodnight is an excellent writer of clean, faith based stories that like chocolate candy, one piece is not enough.
“Keeping His Promise was Such a good book. The twists and turns that life gave foster kid Brant and rich girl Berkeley kept my attention from the beginning.
I am looking forward to re-reading it.
Linda Goodnight is an excellent writer of clean, faith based stories that like chocolate candy, one piece is not enough.
January 28, 2026
Beautiful story, beautifully written!
The cast of characters are made so real through Linda Goodnight’s writing. The story is a beautiful picture of forever love, forgiveness and redemption. If one wants to read a clean, uplifting story with a beautiful Christian message, this is it!
The cast of characters are made so real through Linda Goodnight’s writing. The story is a beautiful picture of forever love, forgiveness and redemption. If one wants to read a clean, uplifting story with a beautiful Christian message, this is it!
December 28, 2024
Very emotional book. Secrets and promises are sometimes very hard to do and cause lots of pain etc. definitely recommend this book, I shed a few tears.
Read
February 2, 2025Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
House of Hope (Book #2)
Miniseries
House of Hope (Book #2)
Read
February 2, 2025Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
House of Hope (Book #2)
Miniseries
House of Hope (Book #2)
March 20, 2025
Loved this book- kept me engaged and I didn’t want to put down. An inspirational great read!
March 30, 2025
This is the second book in Linda Goodnight's "A House of Hope" series. I love her writing, and this series has me looking forward to the next ones. Highly recommend 😊
August 7, 2025
This is a very touching story
And tragic. It is indeed sad to see how abuse wreaks lives. But God is a healer. He restores us.
And tragic. It is indeed sad to see how abuse wreaks lives. But God is a healer. He restores us.
November 18, 2025
This book had me in tears. Knowing how God works in such ways is so amazing
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews