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The Promise of Rayne
Rayne Shelby has spent her entire life trying to earn the approval of her high-powered family, with the hope of one day managing her late grandfather’s prestigious Idaho lodge. But when she makes a mistake that puts her future in jeopardy, she faces an impossible defy her family or deny her dream. The only way to fix the mess she’s created is to enlist the help of her neighbor, Levi, the apprentice of her family’s greatest enemy. And if Rayne gets caught crossing the divided property lines, the consequences will be irreparable.
Levi Harding has never forgotten the August night he shared with Rayne when they were teens—or the way she later rejected him. Despite his warring instincts, he can’t ignore her plea for help or the spark that’s ignited between them. But now, as wildfires bear down on their town and family secrets are revealed, their newfound alliance might just go up in smoke.
Levi Harding has never forgotten the August night he shared with Rayne when they were teens—or the way she later rejected him. Despite his warring instincts, he can’t ignore her plea for help or the spark that’s ignited between them. But now, as wildfires bear down on their town and family secrets are revealed, their newfound alliance might just go up in smoke.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
115 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Deese
19 books2,194 followersNicole Deese is a Christy and Carol Award-winning, bestselling author of hope-filled, humorous, and heartfelt contemporary romance novels. When she's not sorting out character arcs and story plots of her own, she can usually be found listening to an audiobook and multitasking at least four different chores at once. She’s a hoarder of sparkling water, a lover of long walks and even longer talks with friends, and a seeker of fun and adventure at all times.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
August 15, 2023
um, ok, WOW, how did I not know this gem from Nicole Deese existed???
Levi and Rayne = Romeo and Juliet. So stinkin' cute.
Rayne is raised to hate Levi's family, but she has always felt drawn to their property for reasons she can't remember.
We follow Rayne discovering the truth about her family and watch her fall in love with Levi.
Absolutely loved it. Super fast read. Definitely recommend!
No language. Mild kiss scenes. Light faith content.
Levi and Rayne = Romeo and Juliet. So stinkin' cute.
Rayne is raised to hate Levi's family, but she has always felt drawn to their property for reasons she can't remember.
We follow Rayne discovering the truth about her family and watch her fall in love with Levi.
Absolutely loved it. Super fast read. Definitely recommend!
No language. Mild kiss scenes. Light faith content.
June 16, 2019
4 Stars!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Good character isn't produced overnight; it's grown over many seasons. In the same way you sort the good apples from the bad, the marks of poor characters are just as easy to detect.”
I absolutely loved this book!! It takes so many of my favorite characteristics and makes sort of an all in one! There is romance, family secrets, mystery, forbidden love, self discovery and faith. The characters are wholesome and give you all the good feels.
I love stories that are based around faith, forgiveness and hope without all the fluff. And I really appreciated that this felt like a realistic story from start to finish. I look forward to reading more from this author!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Good character isn't produced overnight; it's grown over many seasons. In the same way you sort the good apples from the bad, the marks of poor characters are just as easy to detect.”
I absolutely loved this book!! It takes so many of my favorite characteristics and makes sort of an all in one! There is romance, family secrets, mystery, forbidden love, self discovery and faith. The characters are wholesome and give you all the good feels.
I love stories that are based around faith, forgiveness and hope without all the fluff. And I really appreciated that this felt like a realistic story from start to finish. I look forward to reading more from this author!
November 3, 2016
The tale of star-crossed lovers Rayne and Levi reflects themes of family loyalty, trust, and the unconditional love of the Savior. Rayne has never made it a secret that her priorities lie with running the lodge that is her beloved grandfather's legacy. Dealing with difficult relatives makes it both hard and easy to turn to Levi when he offers friendship. I admired her compassionate and open nature, but was frustrated that she was cowed by her domineering uncle and father. The family dynamics and mysterious secrets are a huge part of what gets in the way of Rayne and Levi's relationship. I loved the fun they had as they opened up to each other despite working for "enemy" camps, and the way Levi encourages her to be herself and supports her dreams is endearing. The chemistry between them is crackling hot and the tension builds as they grow closer together yet keep their romance under wraps. The family secrets are alluded to throughout the book so I could hardly wait until they were finally revealed to Rayne so she could see everyone for who they truly were. A wonderful clean contemporary romance!
(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.)
(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.)
February 23, 2017
I always enjoy Ms. Deese's contemporary romances. They're always filled with complex characters, intriguing plots and swoony romance. I'm also a fan of the whole "forbidden love" troupe and thought it was handled really well here. There is quite the mystery surrounding these two families that have sworn to never have anything to do with each other. When desperate times call for desperate measures, Rayne finds herself turning to her enemy, Levi Harding for help. The one-time deal turns into something more and the two can't seem to stay away from each other. I liked Rayne and Levi, both are interesting characters and both are extremely loyal to their families.
I thought this was well written, kept me wanting to figure out what their feud was all about. I wish Rayne could have stood up for herself more, but I thought she was believable. Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a fun setting. I have a feeling we'll be returning to this small town in Idaho, at least I hope we get Gia's story.
If you enjoyed this one and are looking for something similar, give House Divided a try.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: Mild, non-preachy
Source: Netgalley
I thought this was well written, kept me wanting to figure out what their feud was all about. I wish Rayne could have stood up for herself more, but I thought she was believable. Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a fun setting. I have a feeling we'll be returning to this small town in Idaho, at least I hope we get Gia's story.
If you enjoyed this one and are looking for something similar, give House Divided a try.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: Mild, non-preachy
Source: Netgalley
November 2, 2016
Rayne is from a very powerful, controlling, and influential family. Years ago, there was a falling out with a close neighbor and family friend and now everyone on that property is an enemy, including hard-working Levi.
My husband and I grew up pretty close to one another and I can't image life if our families were enemies. This story is kind of like a modern day Romeo and Juliet, with a few twists. Neither family would be happy to find Rayne and Levi consorting around town together, whether publicly or privately, as it's strictly forbidden, yet there's something there that continuously draws these two together. I could feel the nervous hesitation on Rayne's part, as they cautiously forge a friendship. Levi's mild frustration is evident in their encounters, on many levels, as he struggles to find a balance that keeps everyone around him happy.
The moments of trust, doubt, deceit, angst, and love are woven throughout in a masterfully brilliant way. The reader is emotionally engaged with these characters and their situations to the point of feeling like a secondary character in the book. I found myself wanting to tell a few people off, as well as swooning over some sweet and stolen moments, multiple times. Watching the sparks fly between these two almost started a wildfire of my own in my heart.
Things come to a head as this town bands together to help those affected by a raging wildfire. Eyes are opened with the smoky air; hearts are stained with the sooty ash; and true feelings are recognized with the threat of danger. I loved every moment that I spent in Idaho, being a part of this story!
Content: mild moments of peril; mild, swoony romance; very mild reference to religion.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own and I received no compensation for them.*
My husband and I grew up pretty close to one another and I can't image life if our families were enemies. This story is kind of like a modern day Romeo and Juliet, with a few twists. Neither family would be happy to find Rayne and Levi consorting around town together, whether publicly or privately, as it's strictly forbidden, yet there's something there that continuously draws these two together. I could feel the nervous hesitation on Rayne's part, as they cautiously forge a friendship. Levi's mild frustration is evident in their encounters, on many levels, as he struggles to find a balance that keeps everyone around him happy.
The moments of trust, doubt, deceit, angst, and love are woven throughout in a masterfully brilliant way. The reader is emotionally engaged with these characters and their situations to the point of feeling like a secondary character in the book. I found myself wanting to tell a few people off, as well as swooning over some sweet and stolen moments, multiple times. Watching the sparks fly between these two almost started a wildfire of my own in my heart.
Things come to a head as this town bands together to help those affected by a raging wildfire. Eyes are opened with the smoky air; hearts are stained with the sooty ash; and true feelings are recognized with the threat of danger. I loved every moment that I spent in Idaho, being a part of this story!
Content: mild moments of peril; mild, swoony romance; very mild reference to religion.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own and I received no compensation for them.*
February 10, 2017
This is the first Christian fiction book that I have read, so I wasn't too sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised, though! The story combines so many elements that are characteristic of books I love: mystery, forbidden romance, family secrets, and self-discovery. This was a compelling read that had me speeding through to unravel the secrets.
I won a Kindle version in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won a Kindle version in a Goodreads giveaway.
October 31, 2016
After loving so many of Ms. Deese's past stories, I was eagerly anticipating this newest one. There's just something compelling about the characters she writes and the stories she creates around them. Rayne and Levi are two perfect examples of this! I remember reading where she stated this book was one of her hardest to write and I think it shows. There's so much going on for the reader to see beyond just the words on the page, the writing pulls at you to seek deeper in between what the characters are saying and doing, to see their hearts and all the unknowns that they're trying to hide. This book felt like Ms. Deese had taken her already amazing writing abilities and delved into their heart and soul, opening them up and finding more hidden layers yet to be discovered. I love when an author causes me to see deeper into the story and feel each emotion of the characters!
Rayne and Levi feel very fleshed out, with so much going on in their hearts and minds. To the point that when one or the other is not in the current scene, it feels like they are clearly still moving in the background even if we can't see them. They aren't perfect people, they both make some mistakes and they hurt each other more than once, yet the emotions that build between them are raw and genuine. They're aided by the fact that they have a bit of a past, which sets up these current interactions and helped me feel like their relationship wasn't moving too fast. I loved Rayne especially, even during the moments when I wanted to shake her so she would wake up to realizing how toxic her family is! And Levi...oh my goodness how I loved that man. He is so completely wonderful! I confess to swooning pretty often over him. ;) Their romance will melt your heart!
Yet it's not just the characters that I loved. It's the symbolism of the surrounding fires going on, the way Ms. Deese uses each situation to set up the next one, to push our characters further down their respective journey's. Each moment builds on another which builds on another, until I was on pins and needles wondering how all the secrets would finally get out and what that would do to my beloved Rayne! The tension builds steadily and I was so ready for our characters to finally get their happy ever after.
In short? I loved this story! I think you just might, as well. So you should read it! And then thank me later, okay? ;)
**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Rayne and Levi feel very fleshed out, with so much going on in their hearts and minds. To the point that when one or the other is not in the current scene, it feels like they are clearly still moving in the background even if we can't see them. They aren't perfect people, they both make some mistakes and they hurt each other more than once, yet the emotions that build between them are raw and genuine. They're aided by the fact that they have a bit of a past, which sets up these current interactions and helped me feel like their relationship wasn't moving too fast. I loved Rayne especially, even during the moments when I wanted to shake her so she would wake up to realizing how toxic her family is! And Levi...oh my goodness how I loved that man. He is so completely wonderful! I confess to swooning pretty often over him. ;) Their romance will melt your heart!
Yet it's not just the characters that I loved. It's the symbolism of the surrounding fires going on, the way Ms. Deese uses each situation to set up the next one, to push our characters further down their respective journey's. Each moment builds on another which builds on another, until I was on pins and needles wondering how all the secrets would finally get out and what that would do to my beloved Rayne! The tension builds steadily and I was so ready for our characters to finally get their happy ever after.
In short? I loved this story! I think you just might, as well. So you should read it! And then thank me later, okay? ;)
**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 2, 2016
Nicole Deese is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I haven't read all her books- just a couple but I'm such a fan of the ones I have read. When I saw this new book up on NetGalley I was so excited!
I loved the tension that existed from the very beginning of this book. It felt so real and strong. Rayne and Levi are fantastic characters with depth and humanity. Their struggles, their feelings and their decisions felt authentic and real. The whole book just had a meaty feel to it. I loved it.
It's a forbidden love, a family feud, buried secrets and a raging wildfire all conspiring against two genuinely good people who want to want to contribute positively to society and live peaceably. At times, the forces against them seemed too overwhelming but I always felt that thread of hope from both of the main characters. It had me fully invested and rooting for the good of all. I really loved this book!
Content: Clean
-I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
I loved the tension that existed from the very beginning of this book. It felt so real and strong. Rayne and Levi are fantastic characters with depth and humanity. Their struggles, their feelings and their decisions felt authentic and real. The whole book just had a meaty feel to it. I loved it.
It's a forbidden love, a family feud, buried secrets and a raging wildfire all conspiring against two genuinely good people who want to want to contribute positively to society and live peaceably. At times, the forces against them seemed too overwhelming but I always felt that thread of hope from both of the main characters. It had me fully invested and rooting for the good of all. I really loved this book!
Content: Clean
-I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 22, 2016
This is my favorite Nicole Deese book to date for so many reasons, but I will give you three. Number One: Levi. Charming, swoon-worthy, a little on the edgy side, fiercely loyal and a perfect match for Rayne. Number Two: The family intrigue. Everyone from Gia to her father to Cal were in depth, believable characters who added so much dimension to both Rayne's character and the plot (sorry, no spoilers here!) Number Three: The writing. Wow. As usual, Ms. Deese's words are vibrant and alive while the story keeps you turning page after page.
Fresh writing, complex characters both good and bad, and a emotional journey that will leave you thinking about this book for days. I would give it more stars if I could, but I promise you, this book is absolutely worth your time to read.
Fresh writing, complex characters both good and bad, and a emotional journey that will leave you thinking about this book for days. I would give it more stars if I could, but I promise you, this book is absolutely worth your time to read.
March 3, 2020
Another good contemporary romance from Nicole Deese. In this novel, I especially loved a secondary character.
November 6, 2016
Rayne has been groomed her entire life to be the perfect politicians daughter. She has done everything she has ever been told to do. But no matter what she does, she can never measure up to what her father and uncle want her to be. She always seems to disappoint them.
But that never stops her. She continues to make sacrifice after sacrifice in hopes to prove to her father and uncle that she can carry on the legacy of the Shelby Lodge. She has big dreams of turning it into exactly what her grandfather wanted it to be. A place where the community can gather together to celebrate good times as well as come together in bad times and in times of need.
One mistake. Just one. That's all it takes to put her future at the lodge in jeopardy. But with so much on the line, she can't afford to disappoint her uncle again. So, she does the unthinkable. She seeks help from Levi, who is the apprentice to her family's biggest enemy, Ford Winslow.
Levi knows all about the feud between the Shelbys and Ford. He knows the lies that have been told and all the damage that has been done to his employer. But there is just something about Rayne Shelby that he just can't say no to. He agrees to help... for a price.
But once the arrangement has been completed, he has a hard time staying away from Rayne. He feels drawn to her, protective of her. He's determined to get her to open her eyes and see all the lies and damage her family has done over the years. Only then will they be able to move forward to the future.
But with no real answers from her uncle, Rayne is forced to set out on the path of discovery. Discovery of who she is, discovery of what her grandfather's legacy truly is, discovery of love, discovery of truth, discovery of forgiveness.
In the end, Rayne will discover the truth. She will discover that she's enough. She will discover where she's meant to be and who she's meant to be with. She will discover The Promise of Rayne.
Wow! Just wow! Those were my thoughts the moment I finished this book. Nicole Deese has a way of kidnapping you from real life, placing you in her books and taking you on an adventure with her characters. You feel like you are right there with them, experiencing everything they are, feeling everything they do. She has you rooting for the good guys, wanting to crush the bad guys and of course swooning over all the sweet, romantic moments. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more by her!
And of course no review would be complete without a casting. These two are definitely swoon worthy, am I right?! *dreamy sigh*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*
But that never stops her. She continues to make sacrifice after sacrifice in hopes to prove to her father and uncle that she can carry on the legacy of the Shelby Lodge. She has big dreams of turning it into exactly what her grandfather wanted it to be. A place where the community can gather together to celebrate good times as well as come together in bad times and in times of need.
One mistake. Just one. That's all it takes to put her future at the lodge in jeopardy. But with so much on the line, she can't afford to disappoint her uncle again. So, she does the unthinkable. She seeks help from Levi, who is the apprentice to her family's biggest enemy, Ford Winslow.
Levi knows all about the feud between the Shelbys and Ford. He knows the lies that have been told and all the damage that has been done to his employer. But there is just something about Rayne Shelby that he just can't say no to. He agrees to help... for a price.
But once the arrangement has been completed, he has a hard time staying away from Rayne. He feels drawn to her, protective of her. He's determined to get her to open her eyes and see all the lies and damage her family has done over the years. Only then will they be able to move forward to the future.
But with no real answers from her uncle, Rayne is forced to set out on the path of discovery. Discovery of who she is, discovery of what her grandfather's legacy truly is, discovery of love, discovery of truth, discovery of forgiveness.
In the end, Rayne will discover the truth. She will discover that she's enough. She will discover where she's meant to be and who she's meant to be with. She will discover The Promise of Rayne.
Wow! Just wow! Those were my thoughts the moment I finished this book. Nicole Deese has a way of kidnapping you from real life, placing you in her books and taking you on an adventure with her characters. You feel like you are right there with them, experiencing everything they are, feeling everything they do. She has you rooting for the good guys, wanting to crush the bad guys and of course swooning over all the sweet, romantic moments. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more by her!
And of course no review would be complete without a casting. These two are definitely swoon worthy, am I right?! *dreamy sigh*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*
November 7, 2016
Y’all.
This book. It gets inside your heart and won’t let go.
So does Levi (SWOON).
Levi and Rayne are kinda like Romeo and Juliet, only way more interesting. And they don’t die at the end. (that’s not really a spoiler; it’s ok) Despite their instant (and sizzling) attraction that’s withstood both the test of time and the barrier of being “off limits”, Rayne still can’t quite find herself free to relax in their relationship. I personally think this is because Levi keeps kissing her senseless and she can’t think straight, but that’s just me.
Levi has his faults, sure, but he’s mostly just delightfully swoonworthy. And the boy can KISS!! And while he’s yummy in his farming clothes, he’s even more so when he gets gussied up. Whew. Keep those fans and fainting couches handy for this one, y’all.
So, yes there’s Levi. But that’s not even the best part of Nicole Deese’s latest book. The Promise of Rayne puts both bitterness and mercy in the spotlight and does so without being preachy. In one gut-punch moment of the story, the stark chasm between the two is hauntingly clear and it’s a scene I know I will be thinking about for a long time to come.
Bottom Line: The Promise of Rayne is a romance, yes – and a darn good one – but it’s so much more. It’s a convicting look at how bitterness can tear a person apart and how its flames spread to everyone that person touches. It’s a sobering example of the way “desperation undermines wisdom“, but it’s also a tender picture of the power of forgiveness in action as well as an inspiring fight song for mercy. Do not miss this book! (I’m even hoping there’s a series to come – I’m not ready to give up these characters quite yet.)
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
This book. It gets inside your heart and won’t let go.
So does Levi (SWOON).
Levi and Rayne are kinda like Romeo and Juliet, only way more interesting. And they don’t die at the end. (that’s not really a spoiler; it’s ok) Despite their instant (and sizzling) attraction that’s withstood both the test of time and the barrier of being “off limits”, Rayne still can’t quite find herself free to relax in their relationship. I personally think this is because Levi keeps kissing her senseless and she can’t think straight, but that’s just me.
Levi has his faults, sure, but he’s mostly just delightfully swoonworthy. And the boy can KISS!! And while he’s yummy in his farming clothes, he’s even more so when he gets gussied up. Whew. Keep those fans and fainting couches handy for this one, y’all.
So, yes there’s Levi. But that’s not even the best part of Nicole Deese’s latest book. The Promise of Rayne puts both bitterness and mercy in the spotlight and does so without being preachy. In one gut-punch moment of the story, the stark chasm between the two is hauntingly clear and it’s a scene I know I will be thinking about for a long time to come.
Bottom Line: The Promise of Rayne is a romance, yes – and a darn good one – but it’s so much more. It’s a convicting look at how bitterness can tear a person apart and how its flames spread to everyone that person touches. It’s a sobering example of the way “desperation undermines wisdom“, but it’s also a tender picture of the power of forgiveness in action as well as an inspiring fight song for mercy. Do not miss this book! (I’m even hoping there’s a series to come – I’m not ready to give up these characters quite yet.)
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
April 24, 2017
Full review on Faithfully Bookish http://www.faithfullybookish.com/revi...
Small town. Family drama. Small business. Political posturing. Secrets. Idaho. Loyalty and love.
Rayne Shelby is an honest, hard-working, and compassionate young woman who dreams of honoring her grandfather’s legacy by managing the family’s lodge. With the help of his mentor, who is more of a father figure than an employer, Levi Harding has pulled himself up by the bootstraps and become a successful entrepreneur.
As teenagers, Levi and Rayne shared a brief yet special connection before her high-powered family came between them. Years later, they still have that spark and let the wooing commence! I love, love, love the wooing!!! This is another fabulous story from Nicole Deese and I highly recommend it!
I requested the opportunity to read and review this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Small town. Family drama. Small business. Political posturing. Secrets. Idaho. Loyalty and love.
Rayne Shelby is an honest, hard-working, and compassionate young woman who dreams of honoring her grandfather’s legacy by managing the family’s lodge. With the help of his mentor, who is more of a father figure than an employer, Levi Harding has pulled himself up by the bootstraps and become a successful entrepreneur.
As teenagers, Levi and Rayne shared a brief yet special connection before her high-powered family came between them. Years later, they still have that spark and let the wooing commence! I love, love, love the wooing!!! This is another fabulous story from Nicole Deese and I highly recommend it!
I requested the opportunity to read and review this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 11, 2016
Nicole Deese has crafted a page turning contemporary romance set against the backdrop of growing danger and a long-running family feud. Levi and Rayne make a great romantic pairing - flawed and relatable with chemistry that makes their story unputdownable.
November 8, 2016
After seeing many friends read, review and love this book I was pretty excited that I was able to grab it and read it as well. I found myself really wondering about the character of Rayne at the beginning. Her background was sad, even though she had a big well to do family, her mother passed away when she was young, her grandfather who was the next closest person to her also passed away when she was very young. She was left to family members who were very expectant about what she did, who she socialized with and how she conducted her life at all times of the day. Her grandfather was a politician and her father is as well, leading her to be groomed to say, do and act a certain way.
Rayne has one dream and all that she has done in her life up to the point of the book opening has culminated towards that dream. If she can pull off this one event without a hitch then her uncle Cal will be promoting her to managing and running the family Lodge in Shelby, ID by herself. She has big dreams of how to move forward with her family legacy and knows that the direction she wants to go will only happen if she is in charge. One eensy, weensy, teensy tiny detail...she messed up big time. Ugh, if only her uncle Cal hadn't wanted that custom item for the gift bags to be handed out at her father's fundraising dinner. Out of all the many details, that was the one that was forgotten. It's ok right? She can just call up her next door neighbor, run on over and grab some of his custom items from the local business, right? Wrong! Due to the major family upset over Ford Winslow, the neighbor, the cursed neighbor, who swindled their family out of the family orchard/farm and property right next to the family Lodge, she can't talk to or even step foot on the property to purchase those items from Levi, Ford's right hand man and son figure. Oh Levi, the boy who has intrigued her for years yet is he worth talking to just once to save herself from her uncle's anger, or is he worth talking to and risking her chance at her precious dream?
Lots and lots of secrets have been concealed and there is no one to shed the light on those secrets. Yet one small, seemingly insignificant choice can cause a downward spiral of destruction for all that Rayne hold's dear. Yet might it bring her freedom? Freedom from the constant pressure of being perfect, of being a puppet, of being suppressed to be who she really is inside? The person she hides to conform for the chance at a dream.
The writing was very well done and the reveals timed perfectly. I was guessing different scenarios and results and I think I was guessing a little too far fetched. I had many different thoughts that kept me waiting for the big reveal and I had a little ahhha moment when it came. The characters were all so diverse that it gave a well rounded feel to the book. The overbearing character, the follower character, the passive character, the humble loving character, the protective character, the patient character. Plus several others which usually fill the personalities within a family.
This book was about the healing of a family and discovery of one's self. As well as love and forgiveness. Some very, very mild religious elements. A prayer for protection and a small moment talking about forgiveness. The romance was very clean, just some sweet and swoony kisses. I know I didn't really talk much about the romance story of the book, Rayne and Levi have lots of history and lots of healing to overcome. Will their love for each other transcend those boundaries enforced by her family for almost two decades or will they walk away from the amazing chemistry that has been building for years all for the sake of a long held dream and legacy?
If you enjoy a good interwoven story and a love story threaded throughout, I would recommend this book for YA and older.
Thank you Waterfall Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Happy Reading!!!
Rayne has one dream and all that she has done in her life up to the point of the book opening has culminated towards that dream. If she can pull off this one event without a hitch then her uncle Cal will be promoting her to managing and running the family Lodge in Shelby, ID by herself. She has big dreams of how to move forward with her family legacy and knows that the direction she wants to go will only happen if she is in charge. One eensy, weensy, teensy tiny detail...she messed up big time. Ugh, if only her uncle Cal hadn't wanted that custom item for the gift bags to be handed out at her father's fundraising dinner. Out of all the many details, that was the one that was forgotten. It's ok right? She can just call up her next door neighbor, run on over and grab some of his custom items from the local business, right? Wrong! Due to the major family upset over Ford Winslow, the neighbor, the cursed neighbor, who swindled their family out of the family orchard/farm and property right next to the family Lodge, she can't talk to or even step foot on the property to purchase those items from Levi, Ford's right hand man and son figure. Oh Levi, the boy who has intrigued her for years yet is he worth talking to just once to save herself from her uncle's anger, or is he worth talking to and risking her chance at her precious dream?
Lots and lots of secrets have been concealed and there is no one to shed the light on those secrets. Yet one small, seemingly insignificant choice can cause a downward spiral of destruction for all that Rayne hold's dear. Yet might it bring her freedom? Freedom from the constant pressure of being perfect, of being a puppet, of being suppressed to be who she really is inside? The person she hides to conform for the chance at a dream.
The writing was very well done and the reveals timed perfectly. I was guessing different scenarios and results and I think I was guessing a little too far fetched. I had many different thoughts that kept me waiting for the big reveal and I had a little ahhha moment when it came. The characters were all so diverse that it gave a well rounded feel to the book. The overbearing character, the follower character, the passive character, the humble loving character, the protective character, the patient character. Plus several others which usually fill the personalities within a family.
This book was about the healing of a family and discovery of one's self. As well as love and forgiveness. Some very, very mild religious elements. A prayer for protection and a small moment talking about forgiveness. The romance was very clean, just some sweet and swoony kisses. I know I didn't really talk much about the romance story of the book, Rayne and Levi have lots of history and lots of healing to overcome. Will their love for each other transcend those boundaries enforced by her family for almost two decades or will they walk away from the amazing chemistry that has been building for years all for the sake of a long held dream and legacy?
If you enjoy a good interwoven story and a love story threaded throughout, I would recommend this book for YA and older.
Thank you Waterfall Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Happy Reading!!!
April 28, 2017
Rest assured when you commit several hours of your precious time to The Promise of Rayne, you've placed yourself in the capable hands of an author who knows what she's doing behind the keyboard. To simply say The Promise of Rayne is satisfying sounds rather bland, but it's a testament to the skill and care with which the story of Rayne Shelby is crafted.
Page by page, Nicole Deese develops a character whose worldview has been tainted by paternalistic lies, shallow success, and political ambition. Despite this handicap, Rayne Shelby's generous and compassionate heart cannot be stifled, and that chink in her armor is all that's needed for family rival Levi Harding to slip past her defenses. Levi is everything you want in a hero: charming, confident, and obstinately loyal.
The novel moves at even pace until the fabric of Rayne's family secrets begin to unravel. That's the point at which I kept reading just ONE MORE chapter, long past bedtime. Once sparked, the kindling of lies and deceit catches, engulfing Rayne's whole world in flames just as wildfires encroach on her beloved Idaho lodge.
Fire strips bare every tangled, misguided misperception, leaving Rayne a fresh, fertile ground to choose love over hate, mercy over justice, and compassion over self-righteousness. These faith messages are merged seamlessly with the narrative.
The Promise of Rayne will leave you with hope in your heart, mercy on your lips, and an eye for handsome cowboy-farmers with impressive stone-skipping skills.
(I received an advance copy from NetGalley.)
Page by page, Nicole Deese develops a character whose worldview has been tainted by paternalistic lies, shallow success, and political ambition. Despite this handicap, Rayne Shelby's generous and compassionate heart cannot be stifled, and that chink in her armor is all that's needed for family rival Levi Harding to slip past her defenses. Levi is everything you want in a hero: charming, confident, and obstinately loyal.
The novel moves at even pace until the fabric of Rayne's family secrets begin to unravel. That's the point at which I kept reading just ONE MORE chapter, long past bedtime. Once sparked, the kindling of lies and deceit catches, engulfing Rayne's whole world in flames just as wildfires encroach on her beloved Idaho lodge.
Fire strips bare every tangled, misguided misperception, leaving Rayne a fresh, fertile ground to choose love over hate, mercy over justice, and compassion over self-righteousness. These faith messages are merged seamlessly with the narrative.
The Promise of Rayne will leave you with hope in your heart, mercy on your lips, and an eye for handsome cowboy-farmers with impressive stone-skipping skills.
(I received an advance copy from NetGalley.)
August 4, 2019
The beautiful cover tricked me. I had to stop myself immediately. I don't have a clue why people find this kind of books interesting. My impression was that it had no personality. Like watching puppets trying to speak like humans. Reading this was like I had to push forward as if I was stuck in a mud pool.
October 26, 2016
Nicole Deese has done it again! Another sweet romance in typical Deese style: fun, sentimental, thought-provoking, with a surprising twist at the end.
April 2, 2024
This book was so good! Loved the forgiveness and redemption themes it had. The characters had good chemistry and were relatable. The story had a good pace as well. Definitely need to read more Nicole deese.
June 24, 2017
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Rayne Shelby is from a wealthy, powerful family that has the town of Shelby, Idaho named after them. The family owns the large redwood style Shelby Lodge that has been in the family for a couple of generations and Rayne has lived in the lodge since her mother died when she was a young girl. She loves the lodge and wants to have a larger part in running the lodge. She has worked her whole life toward that goal and in having a part in helping out in the community. The Shelby family have been in politics for years and now her father is the current governor of Idaho. All of this is to say, that as a Shelby, much is expected of Rayne. Her uncle Cal runs the family with an iron fist and that includes making sure that the family members make no mistakes that damage the family reputation.
But Rayne needed to fix a mistake made when she forgot to order some local products as a gift for guests at a dinner fund raiser for her father's campaign at Shelby Lodge. Cal had asked her to take care of ordering gifts for the event but Rayne forgot. Out of desperation, she secretly goes to the Second Harvest Farm owned by a neighbor, Ford Winslow, to buy something to fix her mistake. Levi Harding works for Ford and is very involved in the business. She and Levi met nine years ago when he first came to the area as an eighteen year old homeless boy. Ford took Levi in and gave him a job and home. Now he looks at Levi as a son. When Rayne met Levi at that time, she was reaching out to a kid who needed a friend. But, the Shelby family and Ford Winslow are enemies and Cal forbade the friendship. Now, Levi helps Rayne out by selling her the products she needs to cover her mistake. Unfortunately, Cal found out what she did and gave her a hard time.
Rayne is so different from the rest of her family with the exception of her cousin Gia and the two are like sisters. They have been close all of their lives and Gia is one person that Rayne can turn to when she is having problems with the rest of the family. Rayne has a kind nurturing spirit in the midst of a self centered family. It was so maddening to see how she was treated by her uncle and even her father. Levi comes to care for Rayne and tries to let her know that she should stand up for herself but she is so afraid of losing her place in the family and working in the lodge. There are lots of things going on in the dynamics of the family and the situation of the conflict with Ford. Levi knows things that went on eighteen years ago to cause the rift but he can't tell Rayne because he promised Ford that he would never share what he knew. On top of all the conflict, wildfires are prevalent in the area and creeping closer to the lodge and farm next door adding danger to the already tense time.
This is a wonderfully deep, thought provoking book that takes one on an emotional ride that is frustrating and stressful at times. We see how faith, love and forgiveness are important to working through problems. And in the end, we see what is really important end in the end. Then there is the mystery of the past events that caused the feud between the Shelby family and Ford Winslow that is a surprise twist. Highly recommended read!
Rayne Shelby is from a wealthy, powerful family that has the town of Shelby, Idaho named after them. The family owns the large redwood style Shelby Lodge that has been in the family for a couple of generations and Rayne has lived in the lodge since her mother died when she was a young girl. She loves the lodge and wants to have a larger part in running the lodge. She has worked her whole life toward that goal and in having a part in helping out in the community. The Shelby family have been in politics for years and now her father is the current governor of Idaho. All of this is to say, that as a Shelby, much is expected of Rayne. Her uncle Cal runs the family with an iron fist and that includes making sure that the family members make no mistakes that damage the family reputation.
But Rayne needed to fix a mistake made when she forgot to order some local products as a gift for guests at a dinner fund raiser for her father's campaign at Shelby Lodge. Cal had asked her to take care of ordering gifts for the event but Rayne forgot. Out of desperation, she secretly goes to the Second Harvest Farm owned by a neighbor, Ford Winslow, to buy something to fix her mistake. Levi Harding works for Ford and is very involved in the business. She and Levi met nine years ago when he first came to the area as an eighteen year old homeless boy. Ford took Levi in and gave him a job and home. Now he looks at Levi as a son. When Rayne met Levi at that time, she was reaching out to a kid who needed a friend. But, the Shelby family and Ford Winslow are enemies and Cal forbade the friendship. Now, Levi helps Rayne out by selling her the products she needs to cover her mistake. Unfortunately, Cal found out what she did and gave her a hard time.
Rayne is so different from the rest of her family with the exception of her cousin Gia and the two are like sisters. They have been close all of their lives and Gia is one person that Rayne can turn to when she is having problems with the rest of the family. Rayne has a kind nurturing spirit in the midst of a self centered family. It was so maddening to see how she was treated by her uncle and even her father. Levi comes to care for Rayne and tries to let her know that she should stand up for herself but she is so afraid of losing her place in the family and working in the lodge. There are lots of things going on in the dynamics of the family and the situation of the conflict with Ford. Levi knows things that went on eighteen years ago to cause the rift but he can't tell Rayne because he promised Ford that he would never share what he knew. On top of all the conflict, wildfires are prevalent in the area and creeping closer to the lodge and farm next door adding danger to the already tense time.
This is a wonderfully deep, thought provoking book that takes one on an emotional ride that is frustrating and stressful at times. We see how faith, love and forgiveness are important to working through problems. And in the end, we see what is really important end in the end. Then there is the mystery of the past events that caused the feud between the Shelby family and Ford Winslow that is a surprise twist. Highly recommended read!
November 4, 2016
The Promise of Rayne by Nicole Deese – Compelling and Complex, a Contemporary Romance
For Rayne Shelby, accomplishing one career aspiration has become her purpose. Her long held dream has been to take over the family lodge. Her uncle keeps a tight rein on the family, but in his absence (traveling with her politician father as his campaign manager), Rayne is ready to step out of his shadow. And then she makes one mistake. A mistake that, in the eyes of her uncle, is proof positive she’s unable to “protect” the Shelby family name.
Levi is a successful business man whose past is riddled with scars. He’s also happens to have a soft spot for Rayne, and has ever since their senior year. Only trouble is, Levi is associated with the man, Rayne’s family blames for derailing their heritage.
Why I let myself be surprised the sway of a good, no brilliant contemporary novel I don’t know. In my mind, I recognize how fond I am of the genre, but as I begin reading a new novel, I underestimate the depth of my respect for the genre. If that makes any sense. "The Promise of Rayne" is, easily one of the sweetest contemporary novels I’ve been privileged to read.
Though the outside of this novel isn’t typical to the contemporary romance brand, this one follows in the same path set out by predecessors. All of the prerequisites are present so as to ensure readers will have a pleasant experience but this one still breaks rules. The Promise of Rayne breaks out of a box and tells its own story in its own time. The skill with which Nicole weaves this story is wonderful. I lost count of the number of times I was transported into this world by just the words Nicole put to paper. The story isn’t just a journey, the writing that conveys it is as well. Every nuance is considered with care and written with consideration.
Love isn't measured by what we gain. It's measured by how much we give away.” - Nicole Deese, The Promise of Rayne
These characters tunnel inside your heart and don’t let go. True their story is one of secrets and heartbreak, but it also finds joy in unexpected places. The story stuck with me when I wasn’t reading, and I was loathe to put it down when it came time to break away. Rayne and Levi’s story is one of the best contemporary romances I’ve experienced because it isn’t all about the “wait” or anticipation of them being together. There’s a surprise element to their relationship that I 110% approved of.
If you like contemporary romance, make sure to pick up "The Promise of Rayne." It’s a delight from first page to final word, a final page that ends on a happy note, but left me wishing there was more. (I literally tapped to the next page thinking there was more yet to read.) Fans of authors like Melissa Tagg, Becky Wade, Amy Matayo or Tammy L. Gray will relish this new novel from Deese. It’s a must read for those of us who appreciate, understand and relate to the contemporary genre. There’s more than a love story inside these pages, and everything comes together in a promise of redemption. ❤
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
For Rayne Shelby, accomplishing one career aspiration has become her purpose. Her long held dream has been to take over the family lodge. Her uncle keeps a tight rein on the family, but in his absence (traveling with her politician father as his campaign manager), Rayne is ready to step out of his shadow. And then she makes one mistake. A mistake that, in the eyes of her uncle, is proof positive she’s unable to “protect” the Shelby family name.
Levi is a successful business man whose past is riddled with scars. He’s also happens to have a soft spot for Rayne, and has ever since their senior year. Only trouble is, Levi is associated with the man, Rayne’s family blames for derailing their heritage.
Why I let myself be surprised the sway of a good, no brilliant contemporary novel I don’t know. In my mind, I recognize how fond I am of the genre, but as I begin reading a new novel, I underestimate the depth of my respect for the genre. If that makes any sense. "The Promise of Rayne" is, easily one of the sweetest contemporary novels I’ve been privileged to read.
Though the outside of this novel isn’t typical to the contemporary romance brand, this one follows in the same path set out by predecessors. All of the prerequisites are present so as to ensure readers will have a pleasant experience but this one still breaks rules. The Promise of Rayne breaks out of a box and tells its own story in its own time. The skill with which Nicole weaves this story is wonderful. I lost count of the number of times I was transported into this world by just the words Nicole put to paper. The story isn’t just a journey, the writing that conveys it is as well. Every nuance is considered with care and written with consideration.
Love isn't measured by what we gain. It's measured by how much we give away.” - Nicole Deese, The Promise of Rayne
These characters tunnel inside your heart and don’t let go. True their story is one of secrets and heartbreak, but it also finds joy in unexpected places. The story stuck with me when I wasn’t reading, and I was loathe to put it down when it came time to break away. Rayne and Levi’s story is one of the best contemporary romances I’ve experienced because it isn’t all about the “wait” or anticipation of them being together. There’s a surprise element to their relationship that I 110% approved of.
If you like contemporary romance, make sure to pick up "The Promise of Rayne." It’s a delight from first page to final word, a final page that ends on a happy note, but left me wishing there was more. (I literally tapped to the next page thinking there was more yet to read.) Fans of authors like Melissa Tagg, Becky Wade, Amy Matayo or Tammy L. Gray will relish this new novel from Deese. It’s a must read for those of us who appreciate, understand and relate to the contemporary genre. There’s more than a love story inside these pages, and everything comes together in a promise of redemption. ❤
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
December 16, 2016
Whelp I just added another new to me author to my list that I plan on reading more of! I loved this book it kept me interested throughout, there was not one dull moment. I loved the attraction between the main characters Levi and Rayne. I loved her heart and how she didn't fit into her uncle's mold and thought the two of them made a great team. There were times I wanted to shake some sense into Rayne, but I can't spoil it for you to tell you why. I loved the depth of the story and the whole storylines(s) in general. If you like forbidden love storise, romance and a little bit of humor and drama, then this one is for you.
I was given a free copy from the author thru a goodreads give away but the review is my honest opinion!
I was given a free copy from the author thru a goodreads give away but the review is my honest opinion!
October 10, 2016
Oh man! Another great book by Nicole Deese! I loved it all. The love, the swooning, the grace and forgiveness. Such a wonderful book showing that even the most hidden secrets are no match for the light of love. Definitely recommend!
November 10, 2022
3.5 stars
I think having read Nicole Deese's recent works, I had different expectations for this book. This is definitely leans heavy on the romance and less than the deeper, faith-filled issues more present in her recent works. There wasn't as much of a faith element as I would have liked. I also appreciate that Deese's recent contemporary works are very grounded in reality. I think a lot of contemporary fiction can tend to have outlandish, dramatic plots, which aren't necessarily my favorite. While this book wasn't as far-fetched as some I've read, this book's plot and conflict between Rayne's family and their "enemies" just wasn't as relatable as I wanted it to be.
Besides that, I did like Rayne and Levi's character. I wasn't as prepared for the amount of romance and the mentioning of curves and muscles... While still an enjoyable read, I might stick to Deese's more recent works :)
I think having read Nicole Deese's recent works, I had different expectations for this book. This is definitely leans heavy on the romance and less than the deeper, faith-filled issues more present in her recent works. There wasn't as much of a faith element as I would have liked. I also appreciate that Deese's recent contemporary works are very grounded in reality. I think a lot of contemporary fiction can tend to have outlandish, dramatic plots, which aren't necessarily my favorite. While this book wasn't as far-fetched as some I've read, this book's plot and conflict between Rayne's family and their "enemies" just wasn't as relatable as I wanted it to be.
Besides that, I did like Rayne and Levi's character. I wasn't as prepared for the amount of romance and the mentioning of curves and muscles... While still an enjoyable read, I might stick to Deese's more recent works :)
October 15, 2016
The Promise Of Rayne
By: Nicole Deese
Wow, What a story Nicole Deese has written. The story and the characters both are amazing . She had me hooked right the start and did not let go till the end. This is my first to read of this author, but hopefully it will not be my last. The author pens a story that has you on the edge of your seat trying to read faster to see what is going to happen next. Two neighbors and they have been feuding for years.Neither is allowed to cross over the line onto the others property. Rayne Shelby has always worked hard and dreamed of one day running her late grandfather’s prestigious Idaho lodge. Will one mistake cost her ? Raine and Levi , two that are on the opposite sides of the line and forbidden to see each other. This is a very sweet heartwarming love story about Rayne and Levi and what they go through. What started this feud years ago and separated these two neighbors? Raine just has to now. I really felt sorry for these two..
I was given a complementary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a review.
By: Nicole Deese
Wow, What a story Nicole Deese has written. The story and the characters both are amazing . She had me hooked right the start and did not let go till the end. This is my first to read of this author, but hopefully it will not be my last. The author pens a story that has you on the edge of your seat trying to read faster to see what is going to happen next. Two neighbors and they have been feuding for years.Neither is allowed to cross over the line onto the others property. Rayne Shelby has always worked hard and dreamed of one day running her late grandfather’s prestigious Idaho lodge. Will one mistake cost her ? Raine and Levi , two that are on the opposite sides of the line and forbidden to see each other. This is a very sweet heartwarming love story about Rayne and Levi and what they go through. What started this feud years ago and separated these two neighbors? Raine just has to now. I really felt sorry for these two..
I was given a complementary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a review.
September 9, 2018
Love it! So much! Nicole Deese is a new favorite. I'm looking forward to reading all of her books and already dreading the day I catch up and have to wait for the next release.
March 8, 2017
Emotionally powerful
A great example of the strength in loving our neighbors and forgiveness. Sometimes family has nothing to do with blood.
A great example of the strength in loving our neighbors and forgiveness. Sometimes family has nothing to do with blood.
February 24, 2017
Rayne is the governor's daughter and has been raised to play the part of the loyal family member. Her dream is to run the family lodge and continue with the vision of her ancestors. So she is constantly having to prove herself to her heartless, lying, scheming Uncle Cal. Ironically, the only way she can prove herself to her uncle is by breaking their family's cardinal rule and fraternizing with the enemy.
The enemy is the farmer next door, Ford Winslow and his apprentice, Levi Harding. Once Rayne steps into Levi's world, she has a hard time completely shutting the door again. They had a brief history 9 years ago which her family quickly shut down before anything could really start between them.
In some ways Ford was my favorite character, even though we didn't see much of him in the book - but he's the man who has shaped Levi into becoming the man he is. It's through Ford that we learn about second chances, mercy, forgiveness and love. "Love isn't measured by what we gain. It's measured by how much we give away."
I love Epilogues, and I really felt like this story needed one. I hope this series continues on because I felt like I got to the end and still had questions about some of the characters, and about what comes next.
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited
The enemy is the farmer next door, Ford Winslow and his apprentice, Levi Harding. Once Rayne steps into Levi's world, she has a hard time completely shutting the door again. They had a brief history 9 years ago which her family quickly shut down before anything could really start between them.
In some ways Ford was my favorite character, even though we didn't see much of him in the book - but he's the man who has shaped Levi into becoming the man he is. It's through Ford that we learn about second chances, mercy, forgiveness and love. "Love isn't measured by what we gain. It's measured by how much we give away."
I love Epilogues, and I really felt like this story needed one. I hope this series continues on because I felt like I got to the end and still had questions about some of the characters, and about what comes next.
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited
December 29, 2016
Mercy -- I was so engrossed in this novel that I barely took time to breathe. Toe-curling romance, tummy-tied-in-knots angst, soul-stirring inspiration. The best way to enjoy this story is to totally immerse yourself in it...and don't come up for air until you reach the end!
Rayne captured my heart from the get go even though I wanted to shake some sense into her more than once. But she's a product of her upbringing and, like all of us, her views and opinions have been formed by her family, skewed though they may be. And if that isn't enough, her sense of self-worth relies heavily on what certain family members think about her. And it just seems like she can't do anything right.
Then there's Levi. Free-spirited, hard working and dashingly attractive. He's full of life and laughter and determination. And while he nurses some resentment towards Rayne for rejecting him in the past, there's no denying that she intrigues him in the present. And, oh goodness, does it get complicated! The romantic tension between these two is exquisite. A five fan alert to cope with all that delicious emotional overload.
Deese expertly does a slow-reveal of a past shrouded in mystery. I couldn't read fast enough to get all the facts! Family legacy is at the heart of this story -- how our actions shape the next generation's future. Whether that legacy is formed out of bitterness or forgiveness makes all the difference to the future. Sobering and inspiring.
A deeply satisfying novel that digs deep. Simply stunning.
Rayne captured my heart from the get go even though I wanted to shake some sense into her more than once. But she's a product of her upbringing and, like all of us, her views and opinions have been formed by her family, skewed though they may be. And if that isn't enough, her sense of self-worth relies heavily on what certain family members think about her. And it just seems like she can't do anything right.
Then there's Levi. Free-spirited, hard working and dashingly attractive. He's full of life and laughter and determination. And while he nurses some resentment towards Rayne for rejecting him in the past, there's no denying that she intrigues him in the present. And, oh goodness, does it get complicated! The romantic tension between these two is exquisite. A five fan alert to cope with all that delicious emotional overload.
Deese expertly does a slow-reveal of a past shrouded in mystery. I couldn't read fast enough to get all the facts! Family legacy is at the heart of this story -- how our actions shape the next generation's future. Whether that legacy is formed out of bitterness or forgiveness makes all the difference to the future. Sobering and inspiring.
A deeply satisfying novel that digs deep. Simply stunning.
November 1, 2016
This book, y'all! I don't even know if I can express how I feel about this book adequately. I love Nicole Deese! She is an amazing writer and this book proves my point. She had me on an emotional roller coaster of emotions. This story is a moving tale of forbidden romantic love with family betrayal, mystery, jealousy, forgiveness and unconditional love. The romance between the best hero ever and a sweet and naive heroine made me root for them as I turned the pages. The mystery and the ending took my breathe away. I didn't see it coming. I highly recommend this book and I certainly hope there is another very soon. *I was given this book for an honest review.
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