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The Promise
Old wounds, new challenges, and the courage to face them all!
Wendy’s reunion with her half-sister in Nashville is thrown off course by a detour to Kayla’s father’s bar where Kayla introduces Wendy as a friend. Fearing she’ll never reconcile with her mother, Wendy returns to Blue Ridge and discovers a woman connected to her past has reserved a room at Hilltop.
Erica’s role as a juror in a domestic abuse case begins to feel all too personal as suppressed memories from her childhood emerge, forcing her to question her relationship with Brad Barkley. Will she find the courage to overcome the pain she’s kept hidden for so long? Abby’s unexpected request only adds to the weight on her shoulders.
Amanda thought she could handle anything life threw her way, but sharing her home with Millie has tested her patience to the limit. As Millie’s stay drags on, Amanda looks forward to regaining her space—until a new challenge arises in the form of a meeting request from Wendy’s father-in-law. Will this be yet another of Gunter’s schemes, or something even more disruptive?
Wendy’s reunion with her half-sister in Nashville is thrown off course by a detour to Kayla’s father’s bar where Kayla introduces Wendy as a friend. Fearing she’ll never reconcile with her mother, Wendy returns to Blue Ridge and discovers a woman connected to her past has reserved a room at Hilltop.
Erica’s role as a juror in a domestic abuse case begins to feel all too personal as suppressed memories from her childhood emerge, forcing her to question her relationship with Brad Barkley. Will she find the courage to overcome the pain she’s kept hidden for so long? Abby’s unexpected request only adds to the weight on her shoulders.
Amanda thought she could handle anything life threw her way, but sharing her home with Millie has tested her patience to the limit. As Millie’s stay drags on, Amanda looks forward to regaining her space—until a new challenge arises in the form of a meeting request from Wendy’s father-in-law. Will this be yet another of Gunter’s schemes, or something even more disruptive?
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2025
58 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Pat Nichols
25 books273 followersWelcome to my author page. I'm delighted you stopped by.
Pat Nichols is an award-winning author who is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Having retired from a corporate career, she draws on her experiences working with women from all walks of life to write emotion-filled, faith-driven contemporary women’s fiction. Book one in her new multiple-book series, Blizzard at Blue Ridge Inn, introduces three women who meet for the first time at a historic inn where secrets unravel, destinies collide, and nothing is as it seems. Pat and her high-school sweetheart husband of fifty-plus years live in the Atlanta area. They have two children and four grandchildren. One precious granddaughter lives with the angels. Pat enjoys riding in her hubby’s corvette, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite indulgence? Dark chocolate.
I'd love to give you a free copy of my award-winning short story. Simply come on over to www.patnicholsauthor.blog and sign up for my newsletter. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Pat Nichols is an award-winning author who is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Having retired from a corporate career, she draws on her experiences working with women from all walks of life to write emotion-filled, faith-driven contemporary women’s fiction. Book one in her new multiple-book series, Blizzard at Blue Ridge Inn, introduces three women who meet for the first time at a historic inn where secrets unravel, destinies collide, and nothing is as it seems. Pat and her high-school sweetheart husband of fifty-plus years live in the Atlanta area. They have two children and four grandchildren. One precious granddaughter lives with the angels. Pat enjoys riding in her hubby’s corvette, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite indulgence? Dark chocolate.
I'd love to give you a free copy of my award-winning short story. Simply come on over to www.patnicholsauthor.blog and sign up for my newsletter. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 20, 2025
The Promise, by Pat Nichols, the fifth book in the Blue Ridge Series is finally available. I was lucky enough to receive and advance copy and can only say that now I can’t wait for the sixth book to be published!
Whether or not you have read the previous four books in the Blue Ridge Series, The Promise is a must read. It follows the life journeys of three amazing women. The earlier books explain how these women met and have evolved over time. I would encourage everyone to read all four books as Pat is a truly gifted writer at developing characters and you will relate to their emotions and their processes in working through their issues .
In The Promise, all three women, Wendy, Erica, and Amanda are living in the Blue Ridge area sharing ownership and responsibilities for the Hiltop Inn and Spa. While the Inn is doing well financially, all three women face challenging events that force them to revisit troubling moments in their past and come to peace with them. It is impossible to read about these challenges and each woman’s struggles in facing them without becoming emotionally involved with each character.
If I have an issue with The Promise, it is that when the reader finds themselves at the last chapter, they realize that not every challenge is going to be completely resolved in book five. Readers are going to have to wait for book six for more closure on these women’s lives. I found myself chuckling in the days after I finished The Promise because Pat had created such real characters that I found myself thinking about Erica, Amanda and Wendy as if they were real people and wondering how they were currently dealing with unfinished bits and pieces in their lives. They had all become friends that I would have loved to have called and checked in on how they were doing. It takes a great book and a really talented author for that to happen! The fact that I could be so drawn in to a plot and characters is why I say that The Promise is definitely a must read for everyone!
Whether or not you have read the previous four books in the Blue Ridge Series, The Promise is a must read. It follows the life journeys of three amazing women. The earlier books explain how these women met and have evolved over time. I would encourage everyone to read all four books as Pat is a truly gifted writer at developing characters and you will relate to their emotions and their processes in working through their issues .
In The Promise, all three women, Wendy, Erica, and Amanda are living in the Blue Ridge area sharing ownership and responsibilities for the Hiltop Inn and Spa. While the Inn is doing well financially, all three women face challenging events that force them to revisit troubling moments in their past and come to peace with them. It is impossible to read about these challenges and each woman’s struggles in facing them without becoming emotionally involved with each character.
If I have an issue with The Promise, it is that when the reader finds themselves at the last chapter, they realize that not every challenge is going to be completely resolved in book five. Readers are going to have to wait for book six for more closure on these women’s lives. I found myself chuckling in the days after I finished The Promise because Pat had created such real characters that I found myself thinking about Erica, Amanda and Wendy as if they were real people and wondering how they were currently dealing with unfinished bits and pieces in their lives. They had all become friends that I would have loved to have called and checked in on how they were doing. It takes a great book and a really talented author for that to happen! The fact that I could be so drawn in to a plot and characters is why I say that The Promise is definitely a must read for everyone!
February 25, 2025
The Exclusive Wives Club has evolved into the Victory Sorority Sisters and the ladies have lots going on at the Hilltop Inn & Spa. Each of the three “wives” are facing personal challenges. You can feel the bond that Erica, Amanda and Wendy have formed but like in real life, they have their differences. Erica’s daughter, Abby, confronts some new surprises in this book, while Erica has some decisions of her own to make. Amanda is also on a new path. Where will it take her? Wendy is still dealing with more issues from her past.
The characters from this Blue Ridge series are well developed and the story keeps you fully invested. If only we all had a safety net of friends like these ladies.
Although Pat Nichols continues with a great story, this book left me feeling let down. I was terribly disappointed with the ending. Although Wendy experiences some positive resolution, I just felt that there were too many other loose ends. I had lots of questions but no answers. Of course, I’ll be waiting for the next book so that I can get my questions answered.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
The characters from this Blue Ridge series are well developed and the story keeps you fully invested. If only we all had a safety net of friends like these ladies.
Although Pat Nichols continues with a great story, this book left me feeling let down. I was terribly disappointed with the ending. Although Wendy experiences some positive resolution, I just felt that there were too many other loose ends. I had lots of questions but no answers. Of course, I’ll be waiting for the next book so that I can get my questions answered.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
March 2, 2025
This is my ARC review of The Promise, Book 5 in the Blue Ridge Series. Amanda, Erica and Wendy continue to rebuild their lives after a con man married them at the same time then turned their worlds upside down. They've started a business together and continue to grow and expand their vision while not letting a jerk define their mistake in trusting him. Wendy has remarried, given birth and growing her new family. Some unexpected family surprises come her way in this installment. Erica is still debating whether to move forward with her new love interest while her daughter is instrumental in helping an abandoned infant. Amanda is debating on whether she should ever open her heart again when a new man, along with a new career opportunity, show up in her life. Millie is nosy and meddlesome as ever. I really hope she gets a dose of her own medicine in a future book! Another heartwarming installment of 3 strong women whose friendship continues to endure the highs and lows of life and love in a small town.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
“Promise” = Undertaking and/or Aptitude
Ms Nichols has packed “The Promise” with detail and characters’ commitments and achievements. She includes all the members of the Awesam team and their ‘significant’ others’, thereby ensuring that readers’ interest levels remain constant in the saga’s development. An interesting aspect of this book is that the inn is not the focal point of the story, becoming more of a background element as each woman implements new ambitions for personal advancement.
Compassion for Erica is easily understood (if a little frustrating at times!) as she delays her relationship decisions and silently deals with her doubts about Abby’s recovery while Abby, herself, remains positive and looks forward to new challenges. Wendy’s complicated family relationships are intriguing, and the reader is kept entertained with Amanda and Millie’s semi-serious disputes, especially as Millie continually confronts Amanda about her single status.
I am voluntarily sharing my opinion of a review copy received from the author.
Ms Nichols has packed “The Promise” with detail and characters’ commitments and achievements. She includes all the members of the Awesam team and their ‘significant’ others’, thereby ensuring that readers’ interest levels remain constant in the saga’s development. An interesting aspect of this book is that the inn is not the focal point of the story, becoming more of a background element as each woman implements new ambitions for personal advancement.
Compassion for Erica is easily understood (if a little frustrating at times!) as she delays her relationship decisions and silently deals with her doubts about Abby’s recovery while Abby, herself, remains positive and looks forward to new challenges. Wendy’s complicated family relationships are intriguing, and the reader is kept entertained with Amanda and Millie’s semi-serious disputes, especially as Millie continually confronts Amanda about her single status.
I am voluntarily sharing my opinion of a review copy received from the author.
February 20, 2025
delightful addition to this second book of the three women who were so cruelly taken advantage of by a con man. But Amanda, Erica and Wendy have come out of his deception as close friends and owners of a lovely inn. They have each found happiness, if not contentment. Wendy is enjoying being married to Chris and being a mother to baby Ryan. Erica has a new man in her life, who wants to make it permanent, if only Erica could commit. And Amanda is busy also, but is beginning to wonder if she will ever find the time or person to love again. As these women navigate their new way of life, the author has brought these characters to life with their ups and downs, but through it all it is the steadfast knowledge of what they each have been through that has made them stronger together.
It’s going to be hard to wait to read what is next for these extraordinary women! Thank you to the author for the arc. This review is my honest opinion.
It’s going to be hard to wait to read what is next for these extraordinary women! Thank you to the author for the arc. This review is my honest opinion.
February 20, 2025
Tears at the end, but Happy Tears
The three women who survived the many challenges they had faced, weren't finished with challenges just yet. While their business is very successful, there are decisions to be made that aren't going to be easy to make. Can Erika trust to love again? Will she lose her chance at love? Will Amanda ever let herself even try to love again? Find how extended family works it's way in with plenty surprises. And, if you remember, Wendy's mother gave her away when Wendy was only five years old. Will there be or could there ever be forgiveness and reconciliation? A must-read for this book in the Blue Ridge series. This is book number five, so be sure to read the first four books in this series by Pat Nichols to come to know and love these strong women. I highly recommend the entire series.
The three women who survived the many challenges they had faced, weren't finished with challenges just yet. While their business is very successful, there are decisions to be made that aren't going to be easy to make. Can Erika trust to love again? Will she lose her chance at love? Will Amanda ever let herself even try to love again? Find how extended family works it's way in with plenty surprises. And, if you remember, Wendy's mother gave her away when Wendy was only five years old. Will there be or could there ever be forgiveness and reconciliation? A must-read for this book in the Blue Ridge series. This is book number five, so be sure to read the first four books in this series by Pat Nichols to come to know and love these strong women. I highly recommend the entire series.
February 21, 2025
Book 5 in Pat Nichols's Blue Ridge Series hits all the feels. I laughed, cried, and rejoiced.
Three women, one husband. And this was just the beginning. Throw in a renovated old home-become-business-venture, a handsome attorney, a crotchety neighbor-turned-executive chef (don’t forget to add award-winning or she’ll have a choice word or two to say) and this story becomes unputdownable. Add a dog, some cats, a kiss or two, and relationships that teeter on the edge (what will they do?) and The Promise becomes another winner from this Southern author. If you’ve read the first four books in this series, you will love book five and wait anxiously for book six. So many surprises in each book. I highly recommend The Promise and the entire series.
In full disclosure, I received an advance copy of this book with no expectations. The views and opinions here are my own.
Three women, one husband. And this was just the beginning. Throw in a renovated old home-become-business-venture, a handsome attorney, a crotchety neighbor-turned-executive chef (don’t forget to add award-winning or she’ll have a choice word or two to say) and this story becomes unputdownable. Add a dog, some cats, a kiss or two, and relationships that teeter on the edge (what will they do?) and The Promise becomes another winner from this Southern author. If you’ve read the first four books in this series, you will love book five and wait anxiously for book six. So many surprises in each book. I highly recommend The Promise and the entire series.
In full disclosure, I received an advance copy of this book with no expectations. The views and opinions here are my own.
February 22, 2025
Pat Nichols' The Promise, like its name, promises readers yet another book in the Blue Ridge Series that entertains as well as tugs at your heart. The story reinforces the theme that, while someone can't change their past, they can rise above the difficulties and disappointments which occurred then. The main characters struggle with curves and challenges life throws at them, but friendship and faith help them to make big decisions and move forward. Would that we all could have friends like Wendy, Amanda, and Erica. Nichols makes these characters come alive on the pages of The Promise. And the book contains something for everyone--romance, health struggles, guilt issues, interpersonal conflict, politics, and child abandonment, just to name a few. A great read which I didn't want to end.
February 20, 2025
I love these ladies who make up the Victory Sorority Sisters and their extended families. These folks are a great example of what a family should be. The characters in this series are so real that I think you will be so caught up in their stories that you will want to be adding your opinion to their discussions. Some of their discussions may have you chuckling. As with previous books in this series, I wasn’t ready for this one to end. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own.
February 20, 2025
I received an ARC of this book. I love this series! This latest book continues the story of these remarkable women. As always, there are lots of unexpected surprises. I love these characters, they've become like old friends. The setting is so beautifully described that I feel as though I've been there before and I'm returning to a wonderful location. I can't praise this series enough. It will keep you guessing while it tugs at your heartstrings!
March 3, 2025
The Promise—Exciting!
The Blue Ridge Series continues with the exciting Book 5, The Promise. As in all of her books, Ms. Nichols writes captivating narrative with characters the reader will love. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but for the readers’ pure enjoyment, I urge you to read Books 1-4. As for me, I’m waiting with bated breath for Book # 6! I’m positive it will be spell-binding!
The Blue Ridge Series continues with the exciting Book 5, The Promise. As in all of her books, Ms. Nichols writes captivating narrative with characters the reader will love. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but for the readers’ pure enjoyment, I urge you to read Books 1-4. As for me, I’m waiting with bated breath for Book # 6! I’m positive it will be spell-binding!
February 26, 2025
Pat Nichols Brings It, Again!
I'm blessed to have received an advance copy, which is great because I've now read this beautiful story of real life multiple times. Each character is unique and brought to life beautifully. Their interaction and individual stories leave this reader wanting to know what lies ahead, and excited for the next book in the series.
I'm blessed to have received an advance copy, which is great because I've now read this beautiful story of real life multiple times. Each character is unique and brought to life beautifully. Their interaction and individual stories leave this reader wanting to know what lies ahead, and excited for the next book in the series.
February 24, 2025
Just like the rest of the books in this series, this one didn't disappoint on being a fascinating read. Although there is so much going on between the characters in this book, it's still a real page turner that kept me engrossed until the very end. I'm looking forward to more books by this author!
November 15, 2025
Not my usual read but this series is pretty good. It follows 3 women who over came a con man and made something of themselves. Feels like real characters . Once you start reading this series you can't quit.
February 3, 2026
So sorry I have to give this review
The first 2 books were so good. The next 2 got wordy and looong. But The Promise was dreadful. The book was long and boring. Very boring. Will Erika ever take the ring…at this point I no longer care! BOOORING!!!
The first 2 books were so good. The next 2 got wordy and looong. But The Promise was dreadful. The book was long and boring. Very boring. Will Erika ever take the ring…at this point I no longer care! BOOORING!!!
February 20, 2025
I loved this book. It was a fast read. It had everything I wanted in a sweet story. This series keeps getting better.
February 28, 2025
good book
It only took a little bit to be able to reconnect to the previous books in this series. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series in a few months.
It only took a little bit to be able to reconnect to the previous books in this series. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series in a few months.
March 4, 2025
quick read
Enjoyed the 5th book in this series. I felt it moved along on a slower pace, but I stilled enjoyed the book.
Looking forward to the next edition.
Enjoyed the 5th book in this series. I felt it moved along on a slower pace, but I stilled enjoyed the book.
Looking forward to the next edition.
September 21, 2025
Each book in this series has been a great read with a new storyline, and this is no exception. Wonderful series...ready for #6!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews