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Love's Promises
For Monica Scott, building her late father’s house at Lake Tahoe isn’t an option—it’s a necessary distraction from confusing memories and an uncertain future. But a handsome planner working for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is keeping Monica from moving forward with the project. Never mind that he’s young and charming with a great sense of humor. No one is going to stop Monica from making her father’s dream—and her own—a reality.
All Greg Linsey wants is for his work to mean something. His job at TRPA gives him the opportunity to fight for the environment he loves and make a difference in his small corner of the world. But with the sophisticated Monica Scott’s arrival, his dedication is tested as never before, especially when Monica turns to his unscrupulous nemesis for assistance.
As Greg and Monica’s animosity turns into something far sweeter, can they learn to accept each other’s promises and avoid the growing danger to their lives and hearts?
All Greg Linsey wants is for his work to mean something. His job at TRPA gives him the opportunity to fight for the environment he loves and make a difference in his small corner of the world. But with the sophisticated Monica Scott’s arrival, his dedication is tested as never before, especially when Monica turns to his unscrupulous nemesis for assistance.
As Greg and Monica’s animosity turns into something far sweeter, can they learn to accept each other’s promises and avoid the growing danger to their lives and hearts?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2014
3 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Leesmith
13 books35 followersSandra began writing in the eighties and was multi-published in category romance, contemporary fiction, and teenage self-help books. After a life-changing experience, she returned to finish her teaching career. Retired from teaching, she is pursuing a career in writing.
The writing styles changed over the years so Sandra had to relearn the craft and start from square one. She adores a good romantic tale and strives to tell them as well.
During the hot summers she and her husband travel throughout the United States in their motorhome. Her favorite travel experiences are to see and enjoy God's beautiful creation. She loves the national parks and monuments where nature is preserved for all to see and enjoy.
The writing styles changed over the years so Sandra had to relearn the craft and start from square one. She adores a good romantic tale and strives to tell them as well.
During the hot summers she and her husband travel throughout the United States in their motorhome. Her favorite travel experiences are to see and enjoy God's beautiful creation. She loves the national parks and monuments where nature is preserved for all to see and enjoy.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 25, 2014
Love's Promises takes place in the 1980s. I really didn't notice anything that would make me think it was a historical book, but from my understanding, it was important to set it during that time period to make some of the work with TRPA appropriate. I'd never heard of the TRPA, so I learned a few things from my reading. That's always a bonus!
I had fun in this book! Greg is one quirky fellow. He snaps his fingers a good bit, and honestly, I had a hard time picturing it. I found myself randomly snapping my fingers in certain scenes in an attempt to better imagine it. As I've mentioned before, as far as covers go, this is one of my favorites featuring a guy. Especially seeing the cover, I was easily able to picture the cover model as Greg, crinkles and all. ;)
Monica has a somewhat feminist mindset through much of the book, and I was a little worried with where exactly the story would go. (I'm not a feminist. I could go into great detail about exactly where I stand on the subject, but I won't bore you. I'm not always against someone who labels themselves "feminist", though. Just depends.) I was worried about Monica's stand on the subject at first, but I was very pleased with the way things tied up, and I believe those on both "sides" would be pleased, too. I really enjoyed seeing Monica's growth, both environmentally and with various relationships, past and present.
Aside from the romance, I really enjoyed the suspense addition to Love's Promises. We get to see a good bit from the villain's point of view, too.
Overall, as always, I enjoyed myself in another of Leesmith's books!
I had fun in this book! Greg is one quirky fellow. He snaps his fingers a good bit, and honestly, I had a hard time picturing it. I found myself randomly snapping my fingers in certain scenes in an attempt to better imagine it. As I've mentioned before, as far as covers go, this is one of my favorites featuring a guy. Especially seeing the cover, I was easily able to picture the cover model as Greg, crinkles and all. ;)
Monica has a somewhat feminist mindset through much of the book, and I was a little worried with where exactly the story would go. (I'm not a feminist. I could go into great detail about exactly where I stand on the subject, but I won't bore you. I'm not always against someone who labels themselves "feminist", though. Just depends.) I was worried about Monica's stand on the subject at first, but I was very pleased with the way things tied up, and I believe those on both "sides" would be pleased, too. I really enjoyed seeing Monica's growth, both environmentally and with various relationships, past and present.
Aside from the romance, I really enjoyed the suspense addition to Love's Promises. We get to see a good bit from the villain's point of view, too.
Overall, as always, I enjoyed myself in another of Leesmith's books!
April 22, 2014
Monica is used to getting her own way. When her plans to build her father’s last home are thwarted Monica is less than happy. The TRPA(Tahoe Regional Planning Agency) has refused her request to allow her to build on prime property in the Tahoe Basin area. All of her angst is poured out on Greg who works for the TRPA and she is determined to get around any rules in order to fulfill her dream and accomplish her father’s last wishes. Greg is just as determined to protect the area that he loves. As the two of them try to find common ground an attraction springs between them. Unfortunately Monica is afraid of commitment. She perceived her parents’ relationship as one-sided and it has made her unable to make commitments in her own life. Fear of becoming a doormat to someone Monica exerts her independence to the exclusion of all relationships. Will she be able to accept the love that Greg describes or will she continue in her lonely life?
Love’s Promises touches on so many issues that at some points I was emotionally overwhelmed. From Monica’s unrealistic view of her parents’ relationship, her grating desire to have her own way (which wore me out at the beginning), the steamy relationship between Monica and Greg, to the environmentalism all wrapped into a fairly quick read. I enjoyed reading how Monica changed as Greg showed her what a real relationship between a couple in love could be. As each one of Monica’s defenses peeled away the reader could see her faith and potential grow. She became a more softened and caring human being rather than the overbearing-grating woman that she started out as. I’m not sure that Love’s Promises would be considered a Christian novel, but there are definite signs of faith throughout the story. Greg and his family talk about faith in God as well as Monica hearing the voice of her mother through her memories. There are some “iffy” passages in that Greg’s friend begins to call Monica a b-word but is cut off by Greg. There are some sexually charged situations where Greg and Monica want to cross the line into the bedroom but both are determined to remain celibate. There are also a couple of references to “the Broad” from an unsavory character that totally fits his personality and what he would say. Having lived near and visited the Tahoe area I appreciated the environmental aspects of the story, it is a beautiful area and I am thankful that there are people willing to fight to preserve it for our future. For a little bit of romance, a little bit of suspense and danger, and a little bit of saving the environment you will find Love’s Promises has it all.
Love’s Promises touches on so many issues that at some points I was emotionally overwhelmed. From Monica’s unrealistic view of her parents’ relationship, her grating desire to have her own way (which wore me out at the beginning), the steamy relationship between Monica and Greg, to the environmentalism all wrapped into a fairly quick read. I enjoyed reading how Monica changed as Greg showed her what a real relationship between a couple in love could be. As each one of Monica’s defenses peeled away the reader could see her faith and potential grow. She became a more softened and caring human being rather than the overbearing-grating woman that she started out as. I’m not sure that Love’s Promises would be considered a Christian novel, but there are definite signs of faith throughout the story. Greg and his family talk about faith in God as well as Monica hearing the voice of her mother through her memories. There are some “iffy” passages in that Greg’s friend begins to call Monica a b-word but is cut off by Greg. There are some sexually charged situations where Greg and Monica want to cross the line into the bedroom but both are determined to remain celibate. There are also a couple of references to “the Broad” from an unsavory character that totally fits his personality and what he would say. Having lived near and visited the Tahoe area I appreciated the environmental aspects of the story, it is a beautiful area and I am thankful that there are people willing to fight to preserve it for our future. For a little bit of romance, a little bit of suspense and danger, and a little bit of saving the environment you will find Love’s Promises has it all.
April 26, 2014
Review originally posted on i blog 4 books: http://iblog4books.blogspot.com/2014/...
Sandra Leesmith has again written a story that makes me want to take a vacation! She has a way of making her settings come alive and draws readers in to make them want to stay a while. In Love's Promises, we meet Monica and Greg and get an insider's view of what life is like in Tahoe. There are instant sparks when these two meet, but Sandra does a great job of allowing the relationship to develop a little slower (but not too slow!).
I also enjoyed reading about the challenges of developing property in this area. Set in the 80s, the story takes place when people were just beginning to think about their impact on the environment. It's definitely a struggle to find the balance between progress and conservation, but it was interesting to see how Monica and Greg worked through this challenge—and how it nearly derailed their personal relationship. On a deeper level, Monica is facing tons of challenges personally. I don't want to give too much away, but I loved how things were resolved in the end. Perfect!
If I could change one thing about this book, I wish that Greg wasn't quite so perfect. He seemed a little too good to be true at times, but every girl needs a knight in shining armor, and he makes for a good one. :)
Overall, Love's Promises is a great book. I definitely recommend it if you enjoy contemporary romance! [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Note: While this book is written for the general market, it's a very clean read!
Sandra Leesmith has again written a story that makes me want to take a vacation! She has a way of making her settings come alive and draws readers in to make them want to stay a while. In Love's Promises, we meet Monica and Greg and get an insider's view of what life is like in Tahoe. There are instant sparks when these two meet, but Sandra does a great job of allowing the relationship to develop a little slower (but not too slow!).
I also enjoyed reading about the challenges of developing property in this area. Set in the 80s, the story takes place when people were just beginning to think about their impact on the environment. It's definitely a struggle to find the balance between progress and conservation, but it was interesting to see how Monica and Greg worked through this challenge—and how it nearly derailed their personal relationship. On a deeper level, Monica is facing tons of challenges personally. I don't want to give too much away, but I loved how things were resolved in the end. Perfect!
If I could change one thing about this book, I wish that Greg wasn't quite so perfect. He seemed a little too good to be true at times, but every girl needs a knight in shining armor, and he makes for a good one. :)
Overall, Love's Promises is a great book. I definitely recommend it if you enjoy contemporary romance! [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Note: While this book is written for the general market, it's a very clean read!
April 25, 2014
Love's Promises by Sandra Leesmith is quite different from any Christian fiction that I've read. It's not really the theme or the romance that sets it apart, but rather the setting and the fact that the story focuses a lot on the environment and ecology. I really enjoyed the fact that the setting (Lake Tahoe) played such an important role in Monica and Greg's relationship. However, as a romance I felt it lacked a bit. I can't put my finger on it, but they didn't mesh as well as the Margo and Zane from Love's Miracles, a story that I really enjoyed. I think the fact that they jumped from a professional relationship where they clashed over pretty much everything into one of a romantic nature so quickly that threw me. I think if it had been a bit more fleshed out and moved a little more slowly, the connection would have been there for me. Even though I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous novel I read by this author, I still enjoyed the story. Lake Tahoe is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit, even more so because of having read this story. I really felt as if I was there myself, experiencing the beauty of the water, mountains, and forests.
*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I express are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I express are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
April 21, 2014
LOVE'S PROMISES is a story about Monica Scott’s determination to build a house, designed by her father, on an environmental sensitive plot of land in the Tahoe Basin area of California in the 1980’s. Her plans are thwarted by Greg Linsey, an agent with the organization charged with protecting the quality of life in the area.
Well-motivated characters and the different ways love is expressed, fill this story with thoughtful inspiration. I enjoyed the sense of hiking and exploring the beautiful scenery of Lake Tahoe, so lovingly described by Sandra Leesmith.
Favorite quotes: A slight breeze rushed through the trees. The cool air refreshed his exerted body. Birds sang. Squirrels scattered in front of him. Pleasure coursed through Greg as the stirrings of spring transferred from nature to him. He looked around and thanked God again for His wonderful creation, and thanked his forefathers for the wisdom to preserve it. For the first time in months, peace settled in his heart.
“That’s called love. It’s the way love works. You put someone else before yourself. In appreciation, that person does the same.”
Sandra Leesmith gives the reader the experience of traveling.....both through this beautiful area and on a special journey of faithful love in LOVE'S PROMISES. I loved it!
Well-motivated characters and the different ways love is expressed, fill this story with thoughtful inspiration. I enjoyed the sense of hiking and exploring the beautiful scenery of Lake Tahoe, so lovingly described by Sandra Leesmith.
Favorite quotes: A slight breeze rushed through the trees. The cool air refreshed his exerted body. Birds sang. Squirrels scattered in front of him. Pleasure coursed through Greg as the stirrings of spring transferred from nature to him. He looked around and thanked God again for His wonderful creation, and thanked his forefathers for the wisdom to preserve it. For the first time in months, peace settled in his heart.
“That’s called love. It’s the way love works. You put someone else before yourself. In appreciation, that person does the same.”
Sandra Leesmith gives the reader the experience of traveling.....both through this beautiful area and on a special journey of faithful love in LOVE'S PROMISES. I loved it!
April 23, 2014
I loved the gorgeous setting in Lake Tahoe, the battle between developers and environmentalists, and sailing on Lake Tahoe! This would be a good read for anyone who enjoys sweet Christian romance. 3.6 Stars
September 16, 2016
I loved this book. It is well written with well developed characters. I loved the fact that it was set at Lake Tahoe. Having lived near Lake Tahoe for about 6 years, made the scenery come alive for me. I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 28, 2014
3.5 stars! Full review to come on April 23 for the Love's Promises Blog Tour.
August 18, 2016
It is a great book to read
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews