A Quiet Promise

Barrington Family Saga #2

by Anita Stansfield

James turned Eleanore to face him, and she crumbled in his arms, sobbing against his chest while the empty ache of losing her baby swirled into the heartbreak of having fear and secrecy shatter the perfect happiness she'd found in embracing the gospel.

Is it possible that the peace the Barrington family has found in their new Iowa surroundings will be destroyed by persecution born of ignorance and fueled by blind bigotry? Will personal sorrow and loss stretch their faith to the breaking point? And how can James find the courage to give his heart to God — to trust Him in his hour of greatest need?

“You're a good man, James. I know it and God knows it. But I wonder what kind of fear is wrapped around your heart, with pride there to protect it? And don't tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. I, of all people, know your heart. What are you afraid of, James? That if you wholly give your heart to God, He will hurt it?”

Join the Barringtons as they continue their odyssey of faith — a journey of love and spiritual testing with unimaginable eternal consequences.

Tender, compelling, and stirring, this superb love story transcends the mundane and reaches richly into the realms of the inner spirit. LDS best-selling author Anita Stansfield once again demonstrates her unparalleled gift for storytelling in this absorbing and powerful historic epic.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Lds, Religion, Fiction, Christian Fiction

278 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Anita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.

"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."

"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."

Reviews

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the audiobook: You can access it through the Deseret Book Plus Program. Its not available through Audible.



This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
A Quiet Promise is the second book in the Barrington Family Saga series. And this is a story that continues right from the first book "In Search of Heaven" This is where we see our couple James and Eleanore embracing their life in Iowa, we see the challenges that they face as a couple in this book but also wanting to grow their family. I really am loving the setting and the aspects that this author is showcasing here. But keep in mind that there are some trigger warnings you might want to know of before reading this. This is an author that will put her character through difficult challenges. I loved the focus on the LDS faith and seeing the cultural aspects of what they faced in this time period.

First Line
James Barrington stepped out of his Iowa home and walked through the woods toward the river that ambled through his property.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: James
The Heroine: Eleanore

Summary
James and Eleanore are settling in their home in Iowa and even though Eleanore has learned more about the faith she has learned to love and has captivated her heart, her husband is more apprehensive due to the way the area has reacted to members living in the area and the violence that have been acted against them. James is determined to protect his wife no matter what even if that means keeping their true beliefs a secret from everyone they know. But there is a yearning in their family for more than what they have. To be part of this great community of saints, but they know their time in Iowa is what is right even though its hard but their family will be facing some rough challenges ahead which will push the boundaries of their relationship.

What I Loved
A Quiet Promise was a beautiful story that I just wanted more of. But it was a rough story especially in the third act to read. I think if it was a regular romance, I might have DNF it but I know what this author does, I just was hoping she wouldn't go across this boundary if I am being honest. But I was able to get through it as I could see what the author was trying to do here. We such such realistic reaction to the challenges that they face here. What was most beautiful about this book was the connection between James and Eleanore. I loved their relationship, seeing their marriage really strengthen through the trials, seeing them meet Joseph Smith and spend time in Nauvoo and seeing their faith in each other just grow so deeply.

What I Struggled With
This is what kept me from 5 starred this book. So the third act was really rough. But in the story you do see the heroine have a couple of miscarriages and their son is actually killed in this book. That will not be for everyone. My issue is the son played such a important role and it was really really rough seeing him die. So if a death of a child like this is rough....I wouldn't recommend this series. This author does tend to kill off side characters to showcase real life and challenges people go through but for a romance it might not work for all readers

Narration
I adored this narration and she does really great with proper romances and I loved that the accents were softer in this, made it a more likeable read.

Overall View
A Quiet Promise was a heart wrenching but deeply layered story of healing, faith and the deep promise of love that carries you through the joy and the rough spots in life.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Inspirational Romance, Historical Romance
Character Types: Protector
Themes: Tear Jerker, Heart/Emotional, Kids/Children, PTSD
Tropes: Epic Love

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Gerald Lund
Traci Hunter Abramson
Sarah M Eden

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes you will want to read this series in order

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.

Narrators:
Kathryn Laycock Little

[Mina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as compelling to me as the first installment. It almost sounded at times like a long, uninteresting family Christmas letter (I know, because I've written some of those. ;)) with updates on how the characters are growing, what their interests are, etc. The book feels very one dimensional. Even when characters are written with some depth, there is something trite about the deepness that still feels shallow. I'm not sure if that makes sense. But it's the same with the plot. You can almost predict the trials this family faces, predict their immediate reactions, and then predict how they will rise about it all.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and am really liking the whole series! I felt like I learned a lot about the power of faith when going through life's trials and actually wrote down some thoughts and points the characters made while reading the book to help me remember. I don't think I've ever done that while reading a fictional romance book! Some of the trials the characters face in this book, I am facing in life as of now and I really felt uplifted! After reading the book , I want to be a better person in all aspects of my life!

[Richard Fenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book it kept my interest all the way through and it was clean in words

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second vol. in the Barrington Family Saga is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit after much tribulation and sorrow. I was thinking at one time that James was just too perfect, but Anita shows him to have human frailties like us all. Eleanore is a person I connect with, as she always looks on the positive aspects of life, even in these pioneer times. I have the utmost of admiration for my 19 direct line Mormon Pioneer ancestors who went through what James and Eleanore went through. James was afraid to have Eleanore share her newly found faith and religion with anyone in their Iowa City Community, for fear they would be persecuted for their "strange" beliefs. The kind of love James and Eleanore share is one to treasure, even with James not being of the same faith. James has had to grapple with fears he had during his difficult childhood, not seeming to measure up to his parents' standards, having to live in the shadow of his older, deceased siblings. Even though the age difference is significant between James and Eleanore, they seem to have a deep understanding of what constitutes a good marriage. I'm looking forward to reading At Heaven's Door and Promise of Zion, the last two of this very rich saga. I highly recommend this entire series to anyone interested in Mormon Pioneer history.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one, too. This one as well as the previous book made me think about my testimony, specifically the Book of Mormon. This woman valued the book so much and it made me think about how important it is to me and that I should probably spend more time studying it. She wanted so much to be with the Saints and to really be apart of the Church. I have in my life all that she wanted and it made me appreciate it more. It also made me think of what I would be willing to sacrafice for my testimony and my God.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series, although I must warn you that they are extremely mushy gushy romantic. (Secretly, I don't mind so much, as long as it stays clean). This book, was slower, and pretty melodramatic, but still very well-written. The characters are believable and well-developed. These books have been my first taste of Anita Stansfield, and I have been very impressed with her story-telling abilities, and the research and documentation that covers her historical fiction.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am engaged enough in this series to Read all four books. I believe it is because there is wonderful character development and some unpredictability throughout the plot. I am also by nature a very nosey person and I simply must find out what happens to Eleanor and James. I don't know that I would recommend this book/series to readers who enjoy a meatier read. This book was better than volume 1. I look forward to reading vol 3 and 4.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars would be my actual rating. I enjoyed the book and finding out what continues to happen to the Barington family. I am beginning to wonder if I just enjoy reading about very sad things happening to very good people. I did find myself skipping over the continual mushy stuff told the same way over and over and I did not enjoy the recap of the first book. I read the first book! I liked it that is why I am reading the 2nd! :)

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story. It's nice to see her write about both people in the relationship having problems, not just one of them. I think that is more realistic. We all have our struggles in life and hopefully help our spouse when they are in need. I have to say that some things were repeated over and over and over. It got kind of mundane. But, over all I enjoyed it.

[Nancy Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vol.2 of the Barrington Family has just as much adventure for the period it is set in. The hardships, the good times and labors of love they show for family and friends who share with them the same way of life. As with the first book i couldn't put it down and was glad I order the whole set a one time.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an inspiring story with a beautiful message. It doesn't have as much plot as the first book in the series, but it chronicles the early days of the church from a point of view we don't often hear. One thing that stuck out to me this time through is that Eleanore really is a little too perfect.

Quick, easy read.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely didn't enjoy it as much as the first one, but it was still good. I know will finish out the series. I really like the characters of Eleanore and James Barrington. I love reading about their progress in their belief of the gospel. The trials the early saints endured only strengthen my testimony.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

The heartache of miscarriage has never affected me personally but I have known many friends and family members who have dealt with it. The character's grief was poignant and brought tears to my eyes. To lose a child was equally difficult to read about. Again, I reflected on my blessings and the joys children bring to me each day.

[Joanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I love their faith. Although it is a little unrealistic to have prayers answered so quickly and clearly as they did so often. Not that I don't believe in miracles, I just don't believe they happen so clearly all the time. I also like hearing about the early days of the gospel from this point of view.

[Lorena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it rather shallow. It's pretty hard to have much character development when the characters are pretty much perfect.

For how perfectly understanding James is in every way, he does not respond with much empathy when Eleanore says she doesn't want to risk getting pregnant and losing another baby.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really quite 3 stars, but closer to 3 than 2. I was interested enough to finish the book, but admit that I skimmed quickly through the many repetitive parts -- so much crying and declaring love... Not sure I'll read the rest of the books in this series, I think I can guess how the rest of the story goes.

[Kay Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great book, and it answered the questions that I had about James in the first book! It is a relatable, and compelling book with deep insights on giving our hearts to God! It is not enough merely to have a belief in Christ, but more importantly it is to have full trust in Him who knows us all completely, and yearns for our eternity to be full happiness!!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a good book although it took me awhile to get into it.. it's volume 2 so you should have already read volume one, we shouldn't have to rehash volume 1 in the first half of the book!

Altogether it was a fun read and I'm headed to the library to get the next one.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I stumbled across this series. I love reading it. It's clean, enjoyable, it's history, and there is a great love story involved. This particular book was slow in a few spots, but loved the characters and can't wait to see what happens next to the Barrington family.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Also a good book but after the first in the series, this one was a bit harder to get through. It's got a lot more of a sad feeling to it but yet uplifting too somehow. I love how much the characters have evolved and who they have become.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED! LOVED! LOVED!! Man alive I am so happy I am reading this series. It is so good, and it plays with your emotions. It makes me think of what I Would do back in the day if I were in her shoes. Go get it already!

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to this on audiobook. I loved volume 1 and now listing to volume 2. So far just as great as the first. The reader is fantastic. I have fallen in love with James & Eleanor Barrington and their travels to America and her search for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

[Ryceejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also my second time reading this volume. It was great, but I didn't like it as much the second time. Cute and sweet, but nothing exhilarating that made me squirm while I read it (squirming is a good sign). =]

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book. This one is a little harder to read cause it has alot of heartache parts in the book. It was hard to get through cause it was very sad. But you have to amire the faith that this family has. It was a good book made me want to be a better person. But beware it is a sad book.

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this while I was pregnant and became disinterested so I set it aside (I had weird opinions of books while pregnant this time). I just finished this and really enjoyed it now that I'm not pregnant. :)

[Maggie]

The second in the series of the sequel The Barrington Family Saga. Come and join the Barrington family as they continue their odyssey of faith. A journey of love and spiritual testing with unimaginable eternal consequences.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did #1, so I had to do #2. Oh good, there's a #3 and #4 too. Listening to it in the car makes me feel like a good multitasker. They're entertaining, but Eleanore is such a whiner and James is so stubborn!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of repetition in this book. So if you did not read the first one you got all the information in this one. So I did not like that about it. I think that if a book is in a series it does not need to update the reader much about the previous book.

[Nephi Jenks · Rating 4 out of 5]

PG. Relatively benign other than the death of a loved one.
I liked this book and I can relate to the infertility issues. I wanted to cry at some parts for that reason alone, which may not have been good at work (laughing is bad enough.)