Promise: John & Zoe

by Cindy Kirk

She thought love had failed her. Will his promise be the forever she’s been waiting for?

Zoe Goodhue came home to Good Hope with a broken heart and no plans to risk it again. Then she finds herself working alongside John Logan—the man who makes her believe in love, family, and forever once more.

But John carries a secret that could shatter the fragile trust growing between them. In a town built on connection and community, Zoe must decide if she can open her heart to a second chance… or walk away before it’s broken again.

A heartwarming romance filled with family, friendship, and hope, Promise is perfect for fans of small-town second-chance romance books who believe true love is always worth fighting for.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers' Best Award Winner, a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.

A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.

Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.

Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.

Reviews

[Ann-marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We first met Zoe (# Thankful in Good Hope)coming to Good Hope to live with a dad she did not know before. Fast forward years later and she is now an adult who has come back to Good Hope to help her father with his coffee business. A year ago she was slated to get married and was left abandoned by her fiancee. Her father has decided to expand his coffee business and hires a company to help with the expansion. When Zoe goes to meet the representative its none other than her ex best friend John.
Zoe is not pleased with this and tells him upfront that she does not want to talk about the past and just focus on the plans to expand her father's business. As time goes by and they are spending time together working on the business, Zoe realizes that the John she knew for the short time a year ago is a wonderful human being and she should not judge him because of Eric. The story flows effortlessly with the building of their friendship that turns to more. We get a peek of Brynn and Callum (Book one next generation couple)and few other originals characters from the original series.
This new series is a breath of fresh air. It is like walking into an atmosphere that you know will have you smiling ear to ear.

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an Advanced Reader copy of this book. I absolutely love this continuation of the characters from Good Hope. This group of books on the offspring are so good.

This book in particular focuses on Ryder’s daughter, Zoe. Zoe is helping her Dad with his business, the Daily Grind. John a friend from her time in Austin comes to help her and they discover they are great business partners as well as friends.

I think it is nice to be able to see how the siblings have grown and still have the town and their parents involved in the stories. This makes you feel like you are a part of the Good Hope community.

Thank you Ms. Kirk for always giving us something wonderful to read!

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe Goodhue moved back to Good Hope when her engagement ended. When her dad gets hurt, she agrees to work with John Logan to help take Daily Grind chain national. She just has one problem - John Logan was going to be the best man at the wedding that didn’t happen. So Zoe makes John understand that she has no interest in discussing the past. Since they know each other it makes it easier to work together. The longer they are working together their friendship gets stronger and feelings develop. Until John reveals that he knew her fiancé was cheating on her. Zoe wants to know how long it was going on and how long he knew. Will Zoe and Logan be able to work through her anger and feeling betrayed?

[Patti Matterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can understand Zoe’s feelings for John at the beginning and her caution since he was her ex’s friend. In her caution she got to know John and to see how genuine he was. It was easy to care for him.

I thought her mother, Trinity, was great in her care for Zoe and her hurt feelings. She helped Zoe find a way to see and process how to look at what she thought of as betrayal. Please read what that is and enjoy the sweet story of John and Zoe.

[Melissa W · Rating 5 out of 5]

You could just feel the hope and promise through this whole book! I also loved the advise the was given by Zoe's mom. Sometimes when you are in a situation you only feel how you want to feel. You have to take a step back to see things from a different perspective. Zoe and John really were the best match for each other!

Thanks, Cindy Kirk for another great ARC!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story as this series continues in Good Hope. John and Zoe make a great team but will this lead to more. These Good Hope characters make you want to be part of them, to share the love and support. Another feel good read as only Cindy can deliver. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Denise Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd Book of the Next Generation series is, Promise: John & Zoe. Zoe is well known to the readers of Good Hope as she is the daughter of the local coffee business owner, Ryder Goodhue.

Zoe is all grown up, a college graduate with a broken heart from a broken engagement when she returns home after living in Austin Tx.

As it turns out, she is returning just in time as her dad, who has an upcoming surgery scheduled is in need of her to take the reins in coming up with a game plan on growing the business and expanding to other towns and states. Ryder brings in a consulting company to help Zoe and work closely with her as they come up with ideas to present to Ryder. Little did she know that the person sent to work with her was the good friend of Zoe’s ex-fiancé, Eric, who was to be the best man in the wedding that never took place. The person, John, was someone that Zoe also considered a friend but was hurt immensely when he did not reach out to her after the engagement was broken.

With their past as it is, Zoe made it clear that she wants no discussion too the past and what happened in Austin. As you read this wonderful story there are questions that will need to be answered. The number one question is whether Zoe and John are going to even be able to let bygones be bygones and be able to work together and be productive to planning the expansion.

There are secrets that Zoe has no idea that John has when it comes to her time in Austin and with Eric. He must decide whether it is something he is going to disclose to her with his concern as to what this is going to do with the working and personal relationship he is trying to build.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Susan Roncevich · Rating 5 out of 5]

John and Zoe’s story is another romantic story set in the small town of Good Hope. A daughter coning home and realizing this small town filled with friends who care are where she feels more at home. The unforgettable matchmakers, Katherine, Ruby and Gladys, still weave possibilities in finding your one true love and John and Zoe want to believe that is a possibility for them.

Zoe Goodhue quit her job after her father was injured while playing dodge ball on a trampoline. Zoe was not sad about leaving her job at the Bayshore Hotel as she had a boss who micro-managed her every move. It was her landing place after her fiancé, Erik, shockingly broke off their engagement. She came back to Good Hope to help out with her father’s coffee shop, the Daily Grind. He was in the process of making plans for national expansion of the Daily Grind before his accident.

John Logan was supposed to be the best man at Zoe and Erik’s wedding. He had also been a good friend to Zoe. To her surprise, John shows up in Good Hope to help her father for two months in mapping out the plan for the expansion of the Coffee Shop. Since Zoe will be the one working with John instead of her dad, there is an awkwardness between them. However, as they work together, they feel a connection and attraction they cannot deny. Was Zoe’s feeling moving too fast? John was different than Erik and could Zoe let down her guard and possibly get her heart broken again.

This book is a beautiful example of second chances, forgiveness and believing in love again. Good relationships are built on trust, kindness and someone who shows up. I loved this emotional and heartwarming story and I recommend the book to anyone who loves romance.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a next generation book I want to go back and read the books about their parents. Go back to the time when they were kids. It makes me very nostalgic. I can't believe that Good Hope is still thriving and captivating readers just as much now as it did when we first started this adventure. Thank you, Ms. Kirk! You give readers the love story and community that we did not know we needed. As I said, we are back in Good Hope. Zoe Goodhue is helping out at the Daily Grind. Her dad got hurt and is unable to handle the planned expansion. Zoe is more than capable. She came back to Good Hope after a public break up from her fiancé. She did a little wound licking now she is ready to find her spot in the world.

Unfortunately, her past made its way into her present in the form of her ex-fiancé's best man. John Logan was pleasantly surprised to find out that Zoe would be his contact in helping Daily Grind expand. He had always liked Zoe and wondered what she was doing with his friend. These two have a misunderstanding that readers will be on pins and needles to see how it is revealed. Zoe and John start spending time together. They are so cute when they finally let their feelings lead the way. I love that Gladys, Katherine and Ruby still play a part in matchmaking. This couple is no different. Zoe has some thinking to do when she finds out that John played a role in her break up with her ex-fiancé. Will she forgive him? Will John fight for what he wants? Nothing and no one can tear me away from Good Hope. Good Hope is my happy place. So happy to read about the next generation creating families and coming back home.

[Marcia Perdieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a great fan of sequels, and Cindy Kirk is the master! Promise follows the relationship of Zoe Goodhue and John Logan. Zoe is the daughter of Ryder and Trinity Goodhue, the owner of The Daily Grind coffee shop. Zoe and John are brought together by chance when John’s colleague is unable to go to Good Hope and help Ryder set up a plan to nationalize The Daily Grind brand. After Ryder injures his knee, he pulls Zoe “back into the fold” of the family business to work with John. Now it gets very interesting since Zoe knew John from before she returned to Good Hope after her wedding plans went south a year before. She was close friends with John, as he was her ex-fiancé’s best friend. That ended with the cancellation of her wedding. Although the start of their reacquaintance was rocky, they soon start to reestablish their friendship and realize that there is something more between them that has a lot of promise!! Promises can be a tricky thing along with assumptions. John and Zoe find this out the hard way. Keep reading to find out how John and Zoe navigate their assumptions, feelings, and aspirations to finally get together. It’s a great ride!!

[Anita (Hearts and Whodunits) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe Goodhue came home to Good Hope with a broken heart. Then she finds herself working alongside John Logan, the man who changes her mind about love. But John carries a secret that could shatter the trust growing between them. In a town built on community, Zoe must decide if she can open her heart to a second chance or walk away before it’s broken again.
Every time I read a Cindy Kirk romance, I find teachable moments and themes that touch my life and I hope touch everyone else's. I believe the theme in this story is about believing in yourself and not settling for a love that is not true. This story, like all the others in this series and the Good Hope series, are filled with wonderfully created characters in a town that I would move to if it actually existed. This is a town where everyone knows and respects their neighbor, there are social programs that help families in need and a community that actually cares. If you want to read a clean, and charming romance, look no further! Thank you, Ms. Kirk, for the opportunity to read this romance. This review is my honest opinion.

[Susan McClintock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of this spinoff series that follows the children of the original couples from the Good Hope series. We first met Zoe Goodhoe in “Thankful in Good Hope,” where she was a frightened 11-year-old who had just lost her mother and was taken in by her father, unaware of her existence. Now, as an adult, Zoe is recovering from her fiancé breaking up with her right before their wedding. She returns to Good Hope and takes over a project for her injured father to expand his coffee chain. Coincidentally, the project manager he hires is John Logan, her former fiancé’s best man. Despite being friends, Zoe was disappointed that John hadn’t contacted her after their breakup. The beginning of their working relationship was challenging, given all of Zoe’s unresolved issues from the breakup. However, working together allows Zoe to overcome her issues and see John in a different light. This delightful small town romance features two likable main characters and all of the rest of town of Good Hope. I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher for my honest review.

[Danielle Merritt]

Promise John & Zoe is the 3rd book in the Next Generation of Good Hope books by Cindy Kirk.

This book focuses on Zoe Goodhue who has returned to Good Hope to help her dad Ryan with his coffee business going national. To help Ryan do this, John Logan has also come to Good Hope. Ryan has injured himself which means that Zoe needs to work with John to achieve Ryan’s goals.

Zoe & John know each other – John was her ex-fiancé’s best man. Zoe tells John that she doesn’t want to talk about her past – only the job at hand. John was privy to the reason behind Zoe’s breakup but doesn’t want to tell her as he has feelings for her.

The more Zoe & John work together, the more their friendship grows & more feelings develop. This is until Zoe learns that John knew the reasons behind the breakup & call things off.

Can Zoe & John work things out? One will have to read this next instalment by Ms Kirk. You won’t be disappointed that you did.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back in Good Hope and I'm delighted! This time it's Zoe (Ryder and Trinity’s daughter), who has returned home after a broken engagement and John (friend of Zoe's ex-fiance) who is in town to work on a project for Zoe's father. Zoe feels betrayed and does not want to speak to John, but following an operation, Ryder is unable to work and so Zoe has to take on the project working with John,

Zoe and John were friends and as she spends time with him, she sees what a kind and thoughtful man John really is. John has always liked Zoe and feels as though there is a real connection between them. But will this be enough and what will happen when Zoe discovers the truth, can she overcome more feelings of betrayal?

This was another wonderful visit to Good Hope, one of my very favourite places and it is always so so good to meet some of our favourite characters from previous books. Well done Cindy, another 5 star read for me. Looking forward to a return visit!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe and John had been friends when she was in Texas and engaged to his friend. The engagement ended and she moved back to Good Hope. She came back and now she was handling her dad’s business due to an injury that sidelined him. Her dad was bringing someone in to help with the business and it ended up being John. They just worked together at the start but eventually they ended up in a relationship. There was a misunderstanding that threatened to come between them due to the breakup of her engagement. Fortunately they were able to work through it.

It’s been fun to start reading the stories of the next generation of Good Hope. And we have the opportunity to see how the families have all grown. I have enjoyed this entire series and always look forward to the next one.

** I have received an ARC for my honest review.

[RCSue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in Good Hope! Again! This time it’s Ryder and Trinity’s daughter Zoe, back in town after a broken engagement, she has to work on a project for her dad, with her exe’s best man, John. Zoe does not want to be around him, she just wants to move forward with her life. But John was also a friend of hers during the courtship and engagement, and she finds that he really is that nice, interesting man from her memory. Alas, they fall in love, and are just getting to start their happily ever after when a truth is unveiled. Will they survive this betrayal? I’ll give you one guess.

This is a great romance with closed door lovin’. Don’t miss this one and if you haven’t read the original Good Hope series, you are missing out.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe is returning to Good Hope after the end of her engagement to Erik. She is also back to help her father develop the Daily Grind into a national brand. He brings in John, who was Erik's best friend and would have been best man at their wedding to help Zoe grow the business. With her broken heart, Zoe swears to be more cautious giving away her heart again. When she discovers John has held a secret from her, Zoe must decide if John can re-earn her trust.

An enjoyable trip back to Good Hope. The characters are reliable and enjoyable to read. Ms. Kirk's descriptions of the setting make you feel like you are actually in Good Hope during the fall and winter seasons. It was enjoyable reading about another festival that occurs in Good Hope.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe has come back to town after a nasty breakup. When her dad is injured and can't run his coffee business, she quits her job at the hotel and takes it over. She is ready to meet the person her dad has hired to look into taking his coffee store to other places. She isn't sure how she feels about the person being John, her ex-fiance's best man. Since he has always been attracted to her, he is thrilled at the opportunity to work with her, get to know her better as well as prove to her he is a good guy. She reluctantly agrees to spend time with him and finds she likes him. It's not all smooth sailing as problems and misunderstandings crop up. It will lead to Zoe deciding about forgiveness, her future and her happiness.

[George]

This third book in the Good Hope Next Generation seies is a winner. Unlike the previous books in the series, one of the main characters is new to Good Hope.John Logan is new to Good Hope, while Zoe Goodhue is an old character and .is the daugĥter of Ŕyan, who is the owner of the Daìĺy Grind,a coffee shop. Zoe returns to Good Hope to work on expansion plans for her father's coffee shop, ànd John Logan is a consultant brought in to ḥelp with the expanion plan̈s. John and Zoe know each other from timle spent in Austin Texas, where Zoe was engaged to John's best friend for a while.

Zoe and John start bulding a con̈nection. Cindy Kirk does an excellent job describing the progression of their relationship. I loved this book!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I sound like a broken record, but Good Hope books are like a warm hug when you need it most, and this newest installment is no exception!

Zoe is a character that I remember well from her parents story in the main series (Thankful in Good Hope) and I was so sad to find out about her heart break! It’s never easy to get over a love, but it’s even harder when you realize there were secrets involved.

We watch Zoe realize she gave a lot of herself over to that past relationship and she’s working on finding herself again. Thankfully, John is there! John and Zoe were friends and through business, have come back together. Together, Zoe and John move through the unknown and into the future.

This is a great story of realizing your worth and trusting yourself. Highly recommend!

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy Kirk continues to amaze and delight with the continuation of the Good Hope series in this Good Hope - The Next Generation series. This is the third in the series but can be read as a stand alone, however I suggest reading the previous Good Hope series for character backgrounds as well as the pure entertainment of both series. Zoe is first introduced to us as a child in Thankful in Good Hope but now she is an adult and has returned to Good Hope after the break up of her engagement as well as to help her father with his business while he is recuperating from an injury. Zoe has never been interested in working for the Daily Grind but with her dad hurt, she agrees to meet with John Logan to work on the national expansion but is leery of working with him since he was supposed to be the best man at her wedding. John has secretly been in love with Zoe since he met her but she was engaged to his friend and now as they grow closer, a secret he is carrying may destroy the relationship that is budding between the two. This is a beautifully written, sweet romance of finding the one you are meant to be with and realizing that love is worth fighting for. The characters are engaging and draw you in with each line written.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that Zoe and John found something in the other person that they needed. John seemed to help Zoe heal. I enjoyed the experiences they had leading up to them realizing how they felt about each other. I also liked that Good Hope was so welcoming to John.

Zoe's reaction to John's decision was interesting to me because I could legitimately see the situation from both sides. I missed the Gladys, Ruby, and Katherine interfering in people's relationships even if they really aren't gone in a sense.

This was a sweet romance surrounded by the feel good vibe of Good Hope and the people who live there.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[MRS TRACEY JOHNSTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautifully written book by the amazing author Cindy Kirk. Filled with romance, hope and lots of life lessons along the way, I completely devoured this book, becoming immersed in the character’s life.

If you are like me and love a romantic read, set in a small town, you will absolutely love this book. Set ten years after the original Good Hope series, the children of that series now grown up.

Focusing on two main characters, Zoe and John. Broken hearted Zoe, will she find love again? Can Zoe learn to trust another man with her heart? Will John be that man? You will have to read it to find out. I promise you will not he disappointed.

[Camiba · Rating 4 out of 5]

John & Zoe’s story is perfect for readers who love a slow burn romance. Zoe, spurned by her ex-fiancé returns home to work for her family’s coffee shop only to find herself working with John, her ex’s best friend. As their time together grows, so does their friendship, and desires. While both are all in with their newfound romantic relationship, it’s not without trials to overcome. Their story is one that many readers may find relatable - pushing forward from past hurts and leaning to open up and trust again. Those familiar with Good Hope will also enjoy visits from favorite town residents and vicariously attend the whimsical holiday festivities.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Next Generation in Good Hope is a wonderful series. Book 3 has Zoe coming back home after her dad's injury to help out. She is recovering from her cancelled wedding and all the emotions that it entails. John (her ex's best man) is who she will be working with to put her father's plans in motion. Will they be able to work together? Will John be able to tell her that he knew about her ex? Will she stay and see things through or leave? I received this as an ARC reader and am giving my review freely.

[Cathy Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of all of Cindy Kirk’s “Good Hope” books. This specific one is in her new generation series. The author reminds us all throughout the story of many previous characters from former books. With that being said, I felt a huge connection to this new story and read it all in one sitting. If you want to read a feel good love story, this one is for you. Couldn’t recommend it more highly. Great job Cindy Kirk!

[Elly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past meets present with an upgrade

Zoe and john have an unusual past together and thanks to an injury sidelining Zoe's dad they are reintroduced. Zoe learns to navigate her feelings of the past and the reintroduction of who she is. John is navigating his feelings for her and what would be his sense of loyalty to his friend. So many beautiful twists and turns.


***i received an Advanced reader copy of the book in exchange for my honest review

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very heartwarming story about two people who meet again and find themselves drawn to each other as they work together on a big project. I loved the easy pace, the care in approaching things cautiously as their relationship develops. John and Zoe appreciate the little things, the importance of family, and they find the rightness of belonging in Good Hope, together. This visit left me feeling warm and satisfied.

[Jenn Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the first set of books from Good Hope were great but the Next Generation might be better! I love reading about John and Zoe and finished the book in one day. Despite her broken heart Zoe couldn’t fight the connection she shares with John. Taking a chance is scary but is it worth the risk? I loved seeing how Zoe was able to find peace and heal her heart. I highly recommend reading along through the Next Generation stories from Good Hope!

[Sarah Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

📕 ARC REVIEW 📕

🌟🌟🌟🌟

An easy read of working together to friendship to forever.


I love how much Zoe loves her family and I love how over time she releases their connection and gives him the chance he deserves.

I love we get some of the other characters we remember and love.

A nice addition to the series.