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Pendleton Promises #3
Sarah: Sweet Historical Romance
She desires his heart.He longs for her love.Can they find common ground when he returns forever altered by the war.In a world turned upside down by World War I, all Sarah Richards desires is to love Brett Rawlings and build a future together. After graduating high school a year early, she’s ready to dive into her dreams of college and a home filled with laughter and love. But one impulsive decision threatens all her aspirations—as well as her relationship with Brett.
As the war rages on and men head off to fight, sixteen-year-old Brett reluctantly follows his twin brother, Ben, sneaking off to France to join the American Expeditionary Forces. As the months pass, Ben thrives amidst the chaos of battle, while Brett finds himself haunted by the girl he left behind and the uncertainty of his own heart. When Ben reveals a life-altering secret, the bond between the brothers is shattered, forcing Brett to grapple with betrayal as he faces the brutal realities of war.
Brett returns home a changed man, burdened with memories too heavy to bear, yet yearning to mend the fractures of the past. Will Sarah still be waiting for him, or have time and truth forged an unbridgeable chasm between them?
Find out in this heartfelt historical romance that weaves a tale of hope, grace, forgiveness, and sweet, enduring love.
As the war rages on and men head off to fight, sixteen-year-old Brett reluctantly follows his twin brother, Ben, sneaking off to France to join the American Expeditionary Forces. As the months pass, Ben thrives amidst the chaos of battle, while Brett finds himself haunted by the girl he left behind and the uncertainty of his own heart. When Ben reveals a life-altering secret, the bond between the brothers is shattered, forcing Brett to grapple with betrayal as he faces the brutal realities of war.
Brett returns home a changed man, burdened with memories too heavy to bear, yet yearning to mend the fractures of the past. Will Sarah still be waiting for him, or have time and truth forged an unbridgeable chasm between them?
Find out in this heartfelt historical romance that weaves a tale of hope, grace, forgiveness, and sweet, enduring love.
- GenresRomance
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2025
73 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Hatfield
164 books1,325 followersA hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 30, 2025
The rambunctious Rawlings twins have grown up and fallen in love, but there’s a war going on. Their story is full of twists and turns, love and heartbreak, and lots of family. Shanna Hatfield tells her stories so well and sucks you in from beginning to end. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
May 1, 2025
This book was very good, but it was definitely an emotional read! Have tissues handy! The author relates a war-time story that brings in many true events and elements of the time. It was obvious that much research went into this book. Brett and Sarah were childhood sweethearts with dreams of a wonderful future together. Then events took place that side tracked those dreams but made way for this sweet and emotional story of found family, hope, forgiveness, and a lot of love. Loved it!
May 24, 2025
LOVED IT couldn’t put it down
Over the years I’ve read so many of Shanna Hatfield’s books , I love them all , but the Pendleton Promise books are my favorite! I’ve waited a long time for Sarah and Brett’s story and it did not disappoint.
When Sarah Richard’s received a mysterious note from Brett asking her to meet him to run off and get married Sarah was so excited. Sarah has loved Brett since they were children, so when he asked her to keep it a secret she jumps at the chance to marry him . But what happens when Sarah discovered that not only was it not Brett she married but his identical twin brother Ben who she loathe . To make matters worse is the twins ran off to join the war , nobody knows where Ben and Brett are only to leave Sarah married in name only and pregnant by the brother she hates.
Brett Rawlings has loved Sarah since the first day of school. He’s only ever loved Sarah , his dreams of a future for them together raising a family. But Ben his identical twin brother always was getting in trouble, had to have everything his way , he was heading down a troubled path . When Ben decided at sixteen they were going to run off and fight the Germans Brett couldn’t let him go alone. He didn’t want to leave behind everyone he loved but he’s always watched out for Ben , he couldn’t let him head off to war alone. He only hoped when he got back from war ( if he got back ) that Sarah would marry him as they always dreamed of. War is awful, nothing Brett could imagine compared to the reality .
Shanna Hatfield is an amazing author, her characters are so real that I feel I know them all. I highly recommend “Sarah” you won’t be disappointed . I absolutely loved Sarah and Brett’s story.
Over the years I’ve read so many of Shanna Hatfield’s books , I love them all , but the Pendleton Promise books are my favorite! I’ve waited a long time for Sarah and Brett’s story and it did not disappoint.
When Sarah Richard’s received a mysterious note from Brett asking her to meet him to run off and get married Sarah was so excited. Sarah has loved Brett since they were children, so when he asked her to keep it a secret she jumps at the chance to marry him . But what happens when Sarah discovered that not only was it not Brett she married but his identical twin brother Ben who she loathe . To make matters worse is the twins ran off to join the war , nobody knows where Ben and Brett are only to leave Sarah married in name only and pregnant by the brother she hates.
Brett Rawlings has loved Sarah since the first day of school. He’s only ever loved Sarah , his dreams of a future for them together raising a family. But Ben his identical twin brother always was getting in trouble, had to have everything his way , he was heading down a troubled path . When Ben decided at sixteen they were going to run off and fight the Germans Brett couldn’t let him go alone. He didn’t want to leave behind everyone he loved but he’s always watched out for Ben , he couldn’t let him head off to war alone. He only hoped when he got back from war ( if he got back ) that Sarah would marry him as they always dreamed of. War is awful, nothing Brett could imagine compared to the reality .
Shanna Hatfield is an amazing author, her characters are so real that I feel I know them all. I highly recommend “Sarah” you won’t be disappointed . I absolutely loved Sarah and Brett’s story.
May 22, 2025
Sarah was the apple of her father's eye while despised by her own mother, who used her as a servant. Just down the road were the Rawlings twins. Ben and Brett. Of the two, Brett was the wild one as Ben went along to try his best to keep him out of trouble. As they grew, Brett wanted whatever Ben had or desired, as a consequence, Brett knew that Sarah deeply loved Ben but only tolerated Brett, so Brett decided to take Sarah by fooling her into believing he was Ben. Sarah having her dreams and wishes fulfilled by Brett posing as Ben paid no attention to the small oddities she began to notice until it was too late. The rest of the story is based upon her troubles once she knows she is pregnant. Ben's father visits the town where they were married and is shocked to learn that his son is married, but loves Sarah as though she were family. Ben Father and Sarah keep the secret until the boys return home from thier adventure. This book touched my heart to the point of tears as Shanna perfectly displays all family interactions so perfectly.
May 22, 2025
Another great book by Shanna Hatfield! I was drawn in immediately to this story and wanted to know more about Sarah. Sarah makes a rash decision, due to being tricked, that changes her life. She finds forgiveness and strength and ends up being very blessed. It’s one where when it’s too good to be true it probably is and to not be sneaking off and doing things. The story also covers more sneaking of twin brothers Brett and Ben who go off to war in France at age 16. This forever changes their lives. Will Brett be able to forgive Ben or Sarah? Pick up a copy of Sarah to find out!
May 9, 2025
I feel like I have been waiting for this story for ages, I have wanted to know where those twins are and what they've been up to!!
As others have mentioned, it was an emotional read, so I was a little apprehensive before reading it because I just didn't want to hear any bad news. But my curiosity about the twins won out and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them. And yes, I did shed a tear or two at the start, and in the middle again! Such a great book about the impulsivity of young teenagers in love and how the consequences of their decisions can affect the rest of their lives, even when they're on the other side of the world at war, those decisions last forever.
Brett and Ben were both a little mischievous and adventure-seeking, but the realities of war really forced them to grow up. I struggled to think of Brett as only a 17 year old when he returned for Sarah, he had grown up so fast, too fast, he was an adult with his own sorrows.
Loved this so much, and I loved a story with lots of Caterine and Kade, they're such lovely people.
As others have mentioned, it was an emotional read, so I was a little apprehensive before reading it because I just didn't want to hear any bad news. But my curiosity about the twins won out and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them. And yes, I did shed a tear or two at the start, and in the middle again! Such a great book about the impulsivity of young teenagers in love and how the consequences of their decisions can affect the rest of their lives, even when they're on the other side of the world at war, those decisions last forever.
Brett and Ben were both a little mischievous and adventure-seeking, but the realities of war really forced them to grow up. I struggled to think of Brett as only a 17 year old when he returned for Sarah, he had grown up so fast, too fast, he was an adult with his own sorrows.
Loved this so much, and I loved a story with lots of Caterine and Kade, they're such lovely people.
May 12, 2025
The Author weaves a heart-wrenching story of the Rawlings twins, Ben and Brett, and their friend, Sarah. Though identical twins, they are not alike. Brett stole my heart; Ben frustrated me to no end. I wanted to jump into the story so many times and scold Ben for his rash decisions and selfish choices. I cried for Brett and the heartaches he faced, many of them alone. Sarah’s heart was also broken and life changed forever.
This is a very emotional story, with many fears, heartaches, and sadness; but there is a happy ending for Brett, Sarah, and little Marc.. Well worth the time spent reading. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
This is a very emotional story, with many fears, heartaches, and sadness; but there is a happy ending for Brett, Sarah, and little Marc.. Well worth the time spent reading. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
May 22, 2025
Sarah Richards and Brett Rawlings have loved each other forever! Brett is a twin and his brother, Ben, is quite a mischief maker. Ben decides that he and Brett need to join up to help fight in WWI, knowing they would get sent to France. Problem: they were still just 16! So, Ben finds a couple of guys in NYC, (while the boys were visiting their grandparents and helping out at their store) who did not want to return to their ship. Ben and Brett take their places, without even saying goodbye to anyone. But, an extremely crucial part of the story: before they went to NYC, Ben disguised himself as Brett and kept his hat down low on his head, so Sarah couldn’t see his eyes, and they eloped and she became his wife in every way that night. Then, they left, boarded those other guy’s ship, and stayed gone for many months. During this time, Sarah’s Dad realizes that Sarah doesn’t seem well and has her see his doctor friend. She is expecting a baby! It’s such a twisted nightmare, because she doesn’t know where the boys are and there’s no way to write or anything. Oh, your heart will soar and then be crushed during the reading of this beautiful book. It is an extremely well written story and I’m sure that this very thing most likely played out somewhere in America. You definitely do NOT want to miss out on this exceptional book! One of the best books I’ve read this year! I was fortunate enough to read an early copy and this is my very personal, unbiased review. 📕♥️
May 6, 2025
This book was so good I read it non-stop and then read it a second time but slower, so I could savour it (like a good chocolate). It was an emotional read that had me crying, wanting to Gibbs-hit some of the characters while wrapping others in a massive hug. I have never been so grateful for characters in a book stepping up and being awesome people ... they felt so real.
Sarah wasn't looking forward to her boyfriend Brett leaving for the summer and was devastated when it appears he, and twin brother Ben, have disappeared. Brett and Ben are determined to get to France and fight for their country - but war is never fun and has a way of showing people's true character - will it unite them or divide them? Unfortunately secrets have a way of coming out too and can have consequences that no one dreamt of.
A 5 star read for me. I have read the earlier books in the series which definitely help to understand the community of Pendleton and the families. I really enjoyed all the titbits of information true to the time period that were included in this story, which add a real richness and detail to the book. I definitely recommend you read this book (maybe with the tissue box handy).
Sarah wasn't looking forward to her boyfriend Brett leaving for the summer and was devastated when it appears he, and twin brother Ben, have disappeared. Brett and Ben are determined to get to France and fight for their country - but war is never fun and has a way of showing people's true character - will it unite them or divide them? Unfortunately secrets have a way of coming out too and can have consequences that no one dreamt of.
A 5 star read for me. I have read the earlier books in the series which definitely help to understand the community of Pendleton and the families. I really enjoyed all the titbits of information true to the time period that were included in this story, which add a real richness and detail to the book. I definitely recommend you read this book (maybe with the tissue box handy).
July 9, 2025
Wow—what a start! The book opened with Sarah accidentally marrying the wrong twin because of a cruel trick. I almost stopped reading because of how uncomfortable it made me feel, but I was glad I stuck with it. The way things came together later on made that tough beginning worth it.
Although I hadn’t read the first two books in the Pendleton Promises series, I had no trouble diving into the story and becoming invested in the characters and town. Kade (the twins’ dad) was a standout—perceptive and kind. Sarah’s father brought a gentle steadiness to the story, and I appreciated Rory, Brett’s loyal friend in action. On the flip side, Sarah’s mother—and especially Ben—played their roles well as antagonists.
The pacing was well done, and the author did a great job balancing the very different locations the characters passed through. It was definitely an emotional read, with strong themes of love, forgiveness, and growing up in the face of war. I would recommend it to fans of historical clean romance!
Special thanks to Wholesome Hearts Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
Although I hadn’t read the first two books in the Pendleton Promises series, I had no trouble diving into the story and becoming invested in the characters and town. Kade (the twins’ dad) was a standout—perceptive and kind. Sarah’s father brought a gentle steadiness to the story, and I appreciated Rory, Brett’s loyal friend in action. On the flip side, Sarah’s mother—and especially Ben—played their roles well as antagonists.
The pacing was well done, and the author did a great job balancing the very different locations the characters passed through. It was definitely an emotional read, with strong themes of love, forgiveness, and growing up in the face of war. I would recommend it to fans of historical clean romance!
Special thanks to Wholesome Hearts Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
June 6, 2025
This is wonderful story in the Pendleton Series. You can read it as a stand-alone, but if you have read any of the others, it's really fun to have previous book characters enter the story. We follow the life of Sarah, her family, a set of twins and their family who live in the small town of Pendleton during World War I. One of the twin brothers, Brett loves his high school sweetheart Sarah, and unbeknownst to anyone else, so does his twin brother Ben. On an impulse, Ben hatches a plan and pretends to be Brett and deceives Sarah and marries her without telling anyone. Before they leave to go work at their grandparent's store in New York, Ben convinces Brett that he will find a way to join the war. Alongside our time in Pendleton, we follow the twin brothers who successfully sneak off to join the war in France and fight on the front lines. Things back home take twists and turns along with the twins in France. We learn about horses in the war that I had never known about or given much thought about. You won't want to put this book down!
April 30, 2025
this is another great story. Sarah has loved Brett for a long time but she is reluctant to be around his twin ben. then ben does something that alters everyone , then the twin take off to stay with relatives in New York but secretly get on a ship for France and the war. i am skipping some things do not want to give anything away. Sarah is left to wonder what happened, but her mother is not very nice and Sarah is durn to the Rawlins family for support. love that Ilsa , Catrina, Aundy and nick are there for her. if you have read the other books you will want to read this one if you have not read them it is still ok to read this ii is a well written story about love and forgiveness and supporting each other no matter what has happened even if it is in a war zone. the descriptions both in America and in Europe are wonderful. i could not put the book down till the end. i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review
May 22, 2025
What a book! Each time I read a book by this author I feel at home. It's difficult to explain: I just want to stay there, continue with the characters and am still thinking about them days after I finish the story.
Sarah's story was no different. It's a hard one: a long way until she finds her happy ever after. Same for Brett. And it's hard to witness the awful behavior of Ben. If you've read other books settled in Pendleton written by this author, you probably heard about the "rascally Rawling twins". They were so close growing up that it's hard to see them drift apart. We hurt for Brett and Sarah, wih Ben as well, when we understand everything. I cried when I reached the climax and my heart ached for the characters.
And, as usual, the book is so accurate. I'm French, I know a lot about WWI and it's not a period I like: I have family members who went to war and some died. Still, the author manages to teach me things I didn't know or remember. At the end of the story, don't forget to read the author's note: she lists her sources and explain a lot of historical facts plus the inspirations for the book. I checked the facts and made researches because I wanted to know more about horses and other facts in WWI thanks to the book. And it helps me remember. Remembering those wo fought and fell for our freedom is important to me. And I'm grateful for the help the States gave to my country during WWI and WWII. With each book I read on the subject, I'm even more grateful. And scared by what human being is able to do to destroy. And amazed by all the good left in humanity.
I'm sorry if my english is not good but I'm still learning!
I was given an ARC copy (I'm very grateful) and this is my honest and personal opinion.
Sarah's story was no different. It's a hard one: a long way until she finds her happy ever after. Same for Brett. And it's hard to witness the awful behavior of Ben. If you've read other books settled in Pendleton written by this author, you probably heard about the "rascally Rawling twins". They were so close growing up that it's hard to see them drift apart. We hurt for Brett and Sarah, wih Ben as well, when we understand everything. I cried when I reached the climax and my heart ached for the characters.
And, as usual, the book is so accurate. I'm French, I know a lot about WWI and it's not a period I like: I have family members who went to war and some died. Still, the author manages to teach me things I didn't know or remember. At the end of the story, don't forget to read the author's note: she lists her sources and explain a lot of historical facts plus the inspirations for the book. I checked the facts and made researches because I wanted to know more about horses and other facts in WWI thanks to the book. And it helps me remember. Remembering those wo fought and fell for our freedom is important to me. And I'm grateful for the help the States gave to my country during WWI and WWII. With each book I read on the subject, I'm even more grateful. And scared by what human being is able to do to destroy. And amazed by all the good left in humanity.
I'm sorry if my english is not good but I'm still learning!
I was given an ARC copy (I'm very grateful) and this is my honest and personal opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
This book had All. The. Feels! I have been looking forward to this book that tells what the Rawlings twins did when they disappeared during the War, and only at age 16. We read about Sadie and Harley John, about Molly, and those stories were somewhat expected as we knew about their dreams and wishes from earlier books. This story, however, was completely unexpected. There was deceptions- on so many levels - heartbreak and pain, yet also joy, forgiveness and love. The author outdid herself in bringing us a book that touches our hearts and emotions. I was angry on Sarah’s behalf in so many situations. But loved seeing her resilience despite what life had thrown at her as well as seeing her choose joy.
This is a great story, and while it is a standalone, it is more appreciated and understood if you have already read the other books.
I received a book from the author, but this is my own voluntary review.
This is a great story, and while it is a standalone, it is more appreciated and understood if you have already read the other books.
I received a book from the author, but this is my own voluntary review.
May 22, 2025
Hours after her wedding, Sarah discovers she has married the wrong identical twin brother: Ben, rather than Brett.
They are only 16, and Ben lied about his age in order to marry Sarah. Since Sarah has been in love with Brett since childhood, she is devastated. It looks like that is not the only thing Ben has lied about. The same afternoon, the boys leave for their grandparents’ home in New York. From there, they leave for France to join the allied troops during WWI.
This is a very emotional story of love and war, loyalty and betrayal. The Christian theme of how God can bring joy from tragedy runs throughout the book. I love Shanna Hatfield’s historical books because she is so thorough in her research.
Favorite quote: “Last I checked, you aren’t in charge of God or His plans. We can’t begin to know where His hand is in all of this, but it’s there. Just trust Him.”
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
They are only 16, and Ben lied about his age in order to marry Sarah. Since Sarah has been in love with Brett since childhood, she is devastated. It looks like that is not the only thing Ben has lied about. The same afternoon, the boys leave for their grandparents’ home in New York. From there, they leave for France to join the allied troops during WWI.
This is a very emotional story of love and war, loyalty and betrayal. The Christian theme of how God can bring joy from tragedy runs throughout the book. I love Shanna Hatfield’s historical books because she is so thorough in her research.
Favorite quote: “Last I checked, you aren’t in charge of God or His plans. We can’t begin to know where His hand is in all of this, but it’s there. Just trust Him.”
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
May 22, 2025
This is an emotional and gut wrenching story.
Sarah Richards and Brett Rawlings have been in love with each other since they were very young. Sarah was out of school already, working for her father. Her dream is once Brett graduates, they will go off to college together.
Ben Rawlings is Brett's twin brother. Ben seems to have a jealousy of his brother. Ben starts going down a bad path in life. He does things that he knows will hurt Brett and even his parents.
When Brett and Ben Rawlings ran off to fight in WWI, they do break their parents heart and fill them with worry. Sarah is left with the same worry, but, also a devastating secret.
This story is wonderfully written. The emotions that the story brings out is the sign of an amazing writer. If you love to really experience the story through your emotions, this is a must read story!
Sarah Richards and Brett Rawlings have been in love with each other since they were very young. Sarah was out of school already, working for her father. Her dream is once Brett graduates, they will go off to college together.
Ben Rawlings is Brett's twin brother. Ben seems to have a jealousy of his brother. Ben starts going down a bad path in life. He does things that he knows will hurt Brett and even his parents.
When Brett and Ben Rawlings ran off to fight in WWI, they do break their parents heart and fill them with worry. Sarah is left with the same worry, but, also a devastating secret.
This story is wonderfully written. The emotions that the story brings out is the sign of an amazing writer. If you love to really experience the story through your emotions, this is a must read story!
July 1, 2025
"Oh! what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive!" (Sir Walter Scott's poem "Marmion") came to mind when I read Shanna Hatfield's "Sarah". Sarah has loved Brett since she met him in grammar school. His twin Ben is her nemesis, aggravating her every time he's near her. When war arrives on the European front, Brett and Ben want to join up but cannot due to their age and their dad's refusal. However, Ben devises a plan to go without permission. Will a secret destroy the relationship between brothers and between Brett and Sarah?
A slow start to the story almost had me not finishing. However, a plot twist snagged me into the story and I just HAD to finish. 'A sweet historical romance' is an accurate description.
Released May 22nd. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A slow start to the story almost had me not finishing. However, a plot twist snagged me into the story and I just HAD to finish. 'A sweet historical romance' is an accurate description.
Released May 22nd. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 12, 2025
World War 1 is making headlines and twins, Ben eager to enlist and Brett always watching out for his impetuous brother, sneak off to enlist. Brett and Sarah have always loved one another and Brett really does not want to leave her. But before that fateful journey, Ben who has tried to one up his brother all their lives, tricks Sara into marrying him. That one decision sets in motion a series of events that play out with faith, love, determination, forgiveness, and a willingness to overcome all the betrayal from the one that hurt them. Shanna does a superb job of fleshing out this story with a lot of historical background and I really did not want to turn the last page.
R. Fody
May 12, 2025
R. Fody
May 12, 2025
May 26, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book set during WWI. It was a sweet love story about Sarah and Brett and how Brett's twin brother, Ben liked to play pranks and only seemed to care about himself. Unfortunately those pranks carried lifelong consequences.
I enjoyed learning about Sarah's family and how different they were from Brett's family in Pendleton, Oregon. I cannot imagine how his parents felt when they discovered their sixteen year old sons were now soldiers in France. and there was no communication between them.
The book was well written and full of events based on facts as shared in the Author's Notes at the end of the book. There's even a recipe for Brett's favorite cookie. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I enjoyed learning about Sarah's family and how different they were from Brett's family in Pendleton, Oregon. I cannot imagine how his parents felt when they discovered their sixteen year old sons were now soldiers in France. and there was no communication between them.
The book was well written and full of events based on facts as shared in the Author's Notes at the end of the book. There's even a recipe for Brett's favorite cookie. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
May 3, 2025
This is such a touching story of love that survives betrayal, heartbreak, and the horrors of war. Sarah and Brett have loved each other since they were young, but when Brett's twin, Ben, deceives Sarah and convinces Brett to run away and fight in France in WWI their lives are changed forever. It is a long road home for Brett, and as he and Sarah learn to forgive and receive forgiveness they find healing and a deeper love than they thought possible. A vivid picture of what soldiers go through, but also what those who at home suffer as well.
I received a copy of this book from the author as an ARC but this is an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author as an ARC but this is an honest review.
May 11, 2025
One of the most powerful, emotional books I’ve read in a while. I have read the series, so I “grew up” knowing the twins. It definitely isn’t necessary, but recommended. The twins snuck off to help fight in the war at sixteen. Talk about growing up quick when you see and live the tragedies of war. What the twins endured there and Sarah endured on the home front was gut wrenching. I can’t remember crying that much over a book. I was a blubbering fool. I love being so invested in a book that I’m emotionally invested, that’s the sign of a great book. The good, clean romance left me sighing with happiness. I highly recommend it.
May 16, 2025
Great addition to the Pendleton Promises series by Shanna Hatfield.
The twins’ story is finally here!
I haven’t cried this much for a book in a long time. Be warned, get your hankies ready!!
Sarah and Brett have loved each other for years but his identical twin Ben tricks her into marrying him (using Brett’s name). Later that evening the boys leave for a visit with their grandparents in New York. They figure a way to join the military using other names and are off for France.
Deceit can cause so much pain to so many people!
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
The twins’ story is finally here!
I haven’t cried this much for a book in a long time. Be warned, get your hankies ready!!
Sarah and Brett have loved each other for years but his identical twin Ben tricks her into marrying him (using Brett’s name). Later that evening the boys leave for a visit with their grandparents in New York. They figure a way to join the military using other names and are off for France.
Deceit can cause so much pain to so many people!
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
May 24, 2025
A sweet and emotional story. Sarah has loved Brett since the first time she saw him. Brett felt the same way. Brett's twin, Ben, has always wanted what Brett has and always played pranks on Brett. When Ben takes a prank too far, it drives a wedge between them. Even though they are too young, Brett and Ben find a way to join the war in France. Both grow up very quickly. They left Sarah and their family at home with no way of knowing if they are alive or dead. When Brett comes home alone, he is afraid that things have changed too much for them all to be happy. I shed a tear in several parts of this story. Loved it!
June 18, 2025
Sarah: Sweet Historical Romance (Pendleton Promises)
This is one of the most beautiful, romantic, and heartfelt books I've read in a long time! The first page pulled me in and never left me go!. Shanna knows how to write a book that pulls at my heartstrings and I cried my heart out many times throughout this book for so many reasons. Sad and happy tears that kept me rooted to all the happenings surrounding me. I loved and cared about each of the well written characters of Sarah, Brett and Ben! This book will be in my mind for a long time and would love to read again some day when my emotions are ready. It was wonderful meeting up with all my much loved characters from the previous books and who each played a big part. Well done, Shanna Hatfield! Highly recommended! JudyE
This is one of the most beautiful, romantic, and heartfelt books I've read in a long time! The first page pulled me in and never left me go!. Shanna knows how to write a book that pulls at my heartstrings and I cried my heart out many times throughout this book for so many reasons. Sad and happy tears that kept me rooted to all the happenings surrounding me. I loved and cared about each of the well written characters of Sarah, Brett and Ben! This book will be in my mind for a long time and would love to read again some day when my emotions are ready. It was wonderful meeting up with all my much loved characters from the previous books and who each played a big part. Well done, Shanna Hatfield! Highly recommended! JudyE
June 27, 2025
Sarah loved Brett Rawlings, but his twin brother Ben was another thing. Ben was always into mischief, or wrong doings, and Brett went along to try and keep him out of too much trouble. Ben was determined to fight in France during WWI, but they were only 16. When Ben came up with a plan, Brett agreed to go too, hoping to watch out for him. Before they left, Ben pretended to be Brett and eloped with Sarah, who thought she was marrying Brett.
After a year in France, a changed Brett arrives home. He and Sarah have some things to work out. Shanna Hatfield’s Sarah is a poignant story of love lost, the horrors of war, and of love regained. I read this on #NetGalley.com.
After a year in France, a changed Brett arrives home. He and Sarah have some things to work out. Shanna Hatfield’s Sarah is a poignant story of love lost, the horrors of war, and of love regained. I read this on #NetGalley.com.
May 4, 2025
Childhood friends Sarah Richards and twins Brett and Ben Rawlings have been friends since they were young children. At the age of 16 their lives drastically changed. A touching story of love, lies and betrayal taking place during World War l. You’ll find yourself getting wrapped up in their lives and having a hard time putting this book down. As an added bonus Shanna Hatfield interweaves actual facts giving you a history lesson as well. I received an ARC copy of Sarah and this is my honest opinion.
May 10, 2025
This book grabbed my attention in the first page and I couldn’t put it down.I was outraged at the deception forced on Sarah right at the beginning. If you want tears, joy, horror and inspiration,not necessarily in that order, then this is the book for you. It goes from loving families to horrible battlefields and back. Sarah is a strong young woman and her faith helps her through the trials she has to face. It does have a sweet happily-ever-after. I truly enjoyed this story and I’m sure you will too.
May 22, 2025
Sarah Richards has been smitten with her long time friend Brett Rawlings. Brett has a twin named Ben who has always been a bit of a wild card and as he aged he acted out and did things he shouldn’t. When Sarah gets a note to meet Brett and marry she didn’t hesitate she knew she wanted only him for her future. After she marries she realizes the deceit and that she was married to Ben a man she didn’t love. This was an incredibly intriguing read that I couldn’t put down. A romance that includes faith, love, hope, trials of life and love all to keep you riveted to the pages of the book.
June 13, 2025
Sarah believes she’s marrying the love of her life—only to discover she’s been deceived by his identical twin. Before she can come to terms with the betrayal, both brothers disappear to enlist in World War I. What follows is a powerful story of a young woman grappling with an unexpected marriage, an unplanned pregnancy, and the emotional fallout from two brothers locked in a complex and deeply personal rivalry. The vivid descriptions of the war are both harrowing and unforgettable. I couldn’t put it down—and I highly recommend this book!
August 23, 2025
I do enjoy a good historical romance and Sarah's story is set in the interesting time period of the World War I era. She hangs out with twins named Brett and Ben who are hard to tell apart that want to go help win the war even though they are 16. Their stories are told together mostly from Sarah's or Brett's points of views showing what life is like at home and in the war. The author doesn’t try to sugarcoat what war is and doesn't get too graphic either; just enough to get the point of what is happening. The author notes are worth a read and stands alone fine.
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