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The Fulfillment: A Tear-Jerking Historical Romance About Brothers Bound by a Passionate Love Triangle
New readers will fall in love with New York Times bestselling author LaVyrle Spencer's unforgettable novels—and for those who have already read her timeless romances, rediscover the passion and magic . . . .
Two brothers work a rich and bountiful land—and one extraordinary woman shares their lives. To Jonathan Gray, Mary is a devoted and giving mate. To Aaron, she is a beloved friend. But seven childless years of marriage have forced Jonathan to ask the unthinkable of his brother and his wife—binding the two people he cares for most with an act of desire born of compassion . . . awakening Mary to the pain of infidelity, and to all the bittersweet joy and heartache that passionate love can bring.
Two brothers work a rich and bountiful land—and one extraordinary woman shares their lives. To Jonathan Gray, Mary is a devoted and giving mate. To Aaron, she is a beloved friend. But seven childless years of marriage have forced Jonathan to ask the unthinkable of his brother and his wife—binding the two people he cares for most with an act of desire born of compassion . . . awakening Mary to the pain of infidelity, and to all the bittersweet joy and heartache that passionate love can bring.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
213 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
LaVyrle Spencer
105 books1,588 followersLaVyrle Spencer is an American best-selling author of contemporary and historical romance novels. She has successfully published a number of books, with several of them made into movies. Twelve of her books have been New York Times bestsellers, and Spencer was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 1988.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
June 24, 2013
4 stars
Wow! This book left me feeling emotionally exhausted but satisfied. The Fulfillment is a poignant read that transports the reader back to the hardships and struggles the American farmstead faced during the early twentieth century. It also had me experiencing an array of conflicting emotions due to the books storyline. I'm not one for reading infidelity plotlines but this one was unique in it's delivery.
Jonathan, who is sterile due to a childhood illness and is the books secondary hero, asks his wife, Mary, the heroine, and his younger brother, Aaron, who is a bachelor and the story's main hero, to sleep together in hopes of producing a child he can raise as his own. I guess you could call it rationalization on my part, because cheating is cheating no matter how you slice it, but, still, I overlooked much when it came to this book–hence the emotional conflict.
I felt the author gave a very realistic and heartbreaking portrayal of the inherent consequences and turmoil this type of unorthodox decision creates for all involved. In addition, I found myself genuinely liking, and rooting for, these imperfect characters–more so for Mary and Aaron than for Jonathan–and hoping somehow they all could achieve their happily-ever-after. I also appreciated that the few love scenes between Mary and Aaron were sensual and passionate, while remaining tastefully done.
That said, there were times I found myself becoming bored and even skimming a few pages during the extensive and tedious details given to the hardships and struggles that running a farm and maintaining the homestead would have entailed.
The Fulfillment is a well written, emotional, and thought-provoking book with a very satisfying, yet somewhat bittersweet ending. How could it not be?!
Wow! This book left me feeling emotionally exhausted but satisfied. The Fulfillment is a poignant read that transports the reader back to the hardships and struggles the American farmstead faced during the early twentieth century. It also had me experiencing an array of conflicting emotions due to the books storyline. I'm not one for reading infidelity plotlines but this one was unique in it's delivery.
Jonathan, who is sterile due to a childhood illness and is the books secondary hero, asks his wife, Mary, the heroine, and his younger brother, Aaron, who is a bachelor and the story's main hero, to sleep together in hopes of producing a child he can raise as his own. I guess you could call it rationalization on my part, because cheating is cheating no matter how you slice it, but, still, I overlooked much when it came to this book–hence the emotional conflict.
I felt the author gave a very realistic and heartbreaking portrayal of the inherent consequences and turmoil this type of unorthodox decision creates for all involved. In addition, I found myself genuinely liking, and rooting for, these imperfect characters–more so for Mary and Aaron than for Jonathan–and hoping somehow they all could achieve their happily-ever-after. I also appreciated that the few love scenes between Mary and Aaron were sensual and passionate, while remaining tastefully done.
That said, there were times I found myself becoming bored and even skimming a few pages during the extensive and tedious details given to the hardships and struggles that running a farm and maintaining the homestead would have entailed.
The Fulfillment is a well written, emotional, and thought-provoking book with a very satisfying, yet somewhat bittersweet ending. How could it not be?!
August 15, 2020
This was kind of a sick mess. Way back in the 80s, there was The Fulfillment of Mary Grey which starred the very cute Lewis Smith. Lo and behold, this book was the inspiration for that mess.
PLOT
Jonathon and Mary have been married for seven years and are childless. Jonathon had the mumps as a child and fears/knows/obsesses he’s sterile. His more fun, younger brother Aaron lives with them. Aaron has just been kicked to the curb by the young girl, Priscilla, he’s been sparking and leading on for the past year. Big points off for Aaron as he and Pris had sex and he has no desire to marry her. He tells her he would be happy to have more sex, but marriage is a no go, the silver tongued devil. Given the era I found this to be very ungentlemanly of him.
J has an epiphany. He’ll have his brother get his wife pregnant while he goes off on his annual cow buying excursion. No biggie. Just friends up until now, Aaron and Mary are horrified at Jonathon’s suggestion which makes the fact they jump into bed about 5 minutes after he leaves a little bizarre. Mary was in for a surprise, a good surprise. Turns out there is more to having sex than lying back and thinking of Minnesota. Aaron has the moves. Aaron has the moves because he once went to the big city and ended up sparking some Wicked City Women whereas poor sterile Jonathon has only had one woman and apparently has no creativity or imagination.
Jonathon comes back with a bull that he falls in love with. He purposely doesn’t have sex with Mary so he will know that the baby is is brother’s. WHAT????? The hell? He ignores Mary his now pregnant wife, but talks to the bull a lot. I’m not kidding either.
There’s a lot of loud silence in then house if you know what I mean because…awkward squared.
A tornado comes and Jonathan runs to save the love of his life: Vinnie the bull.
Things don’t go well.
Now that Jonathon’s dead the two find their way back and yuck. HEA.
The movie ended up far differently. Jonathon still dies by bull, but Aaron and Mary don’t end up together. Leave it to Hollywood to change a HEA to bittersweet angst, or maybe they were just punishing the three of them. Jonathon has to die for coming up with the stupid scheme, and the two cheaters are kept apart.
PLOT
Jonathon and Mary have been married for seven years and are childless. Jonathon had the mumps as a child and fears/knows/obsesses he’s sterile. His more fun, younger brother Aaron lives with them. Aaron has just been kicked to the curb by the young girl, Priscilla, he’s been sparking and leading on for the past year. Big points off for Aaron as he and Pris had sex and he has no desire to marry her. He tells her he would be happy to have more sex, but marriage is a no go, the silver tongued devil. Given the era I found this to be very ungentlemanly of him.
J has an epiphany. He’ll have his brother get his wife pregnant while he goes off on his annual cow buying excursion. No biggie. Just friends up until now, Aaron and Mary are horrified at Jonathon’s suggestion which makes the fact they jump into bed about 5 minutes after he leaves a little bizarre. Mary was in for a surprise, a good surprise. Turns out there is more to having sex than lying back and thinking of Minnesota. Aaron has the moves. Aaron has the moves because he once went to the big city and ended up sparking some Wicked City Women whereas poor sterile Jonathon has only had one woman and apparently has no creativity or imagination.
Jonathon comes back with a bull that he falls in love with. He purposely doesn’t have sex with Mary so he will know that the baby is is brother’s. WHAT????? The hell? He ignores Mary his now pregnant wife, but talks to the bull a lot. I’m not kidding either.
There’s a lot of loud silence in then house if you know what I mean because…awkward squared.
A tornado comes and Jonathan runs to save the love of his life: Vinnie the bull.
Things don’t go well.
Now that Jonathon’s dead the two find their way back and yuck. HEA.
The movie ended up far differently. Jonathon still dies by bull, but Aaron and Mary don’t end up together. Leave it to Hollywood to change a HEA to bittersweet angst, or maybe they were just punishing the three of them. Jonathon has to die for coming up with the stupid scheme, and the two cheaters are kept apart.
October 3, 2015
I was looking forward to reading this because the last, and only, book I read of LaVyrle Spencer's, Morning Glory, I absolutely loved. The premise for this book sounded intriguing, if a little predictable (because, really, there's only one way there could be an HEA). I didn't like it, though.
I didn't find any of the characters particularly likable, though Jonathan wasn't that bad and I actually kind of found him to be okay. I do believe that he wanted Mary to have a child with Aaron because he wanted her to experience motherhood, something she was deprived of because of his inability to sire. He was a little strange with his fascination and connection to Vinnie, but I felt he was genuine and liked him nonetheless. Even though Mary and Aaron thought he was just putting them into this position because he wanted an heir of his own, I choose to believe that wasn't the case. I found him to be rather endearing, actually, with his ability to connect to animals rather than humans. I think that if he only wanted an heir, he could easily have left that up to Aaron and his eventual children.
Aaron and Mary, I didn't like at all. I found them to be incredibly selfish and annoying. I thought I might eventually grow to like Aaron, but it never happened. Right from the beginning I was put-out with him and his treatment of Priscilla. He did her wrong because he led her on -- he knew what he was doing and he did it anyway because he's selfish. Priscilla thought he wouldn't propose marriage because he thought she was cheap for having slept with him before a proposal or marriage but he tells her that's not that case but she doesn't really believe it. SO, she tells him she won't sleep with him again and if he wants her "favors," she demands marriage in return.
What does he say?
What a fucking asshole.
Then, later, he tries to "apologize" but finds that she's gone to the dance without him. He's irked but feels that "maybe he deserved it." Maybe? Maybe he deserved it after what he said?
Anyway. So, at the dance he approaches her again but she tells him she's decided not to wait around for him.
I completely agree. He's the one who said he wasn't going to propose...so why should she "put all [her] apples in one basket"...? Well, Aaron doesn't agree with this sentiment and says:
Aaron was the one that told her he wasn't going to propose because he's "just not ready for it yet," even though they've pretty much been seeing one another exclusively for a year and have slept together. He's an immature asshole who, after being denied, turned into an even bigger ass. He's the one who told her that he's going to step aside and "leave and make way for somebody who’ll think of marriage first and haylofts second" and that, "with [him] aside, other fellows might feel more welcome around here." He's the one who told her that, although he still wants her, "wanting and marrying are two different things to a man." So, when she decides to pursue other avenues and does what he suggests, he's a bitter asshole.
He's seriously one of those guys who tells you you're pretty but is quick to call you a whore when he doesn't get what he wants.
I didn't like Mary, either. I wasn't feeling her from the start because the author took every opportunity to liken her to a child. She's said to look like a child, act like a child, speak like a child. She's described as being a "childlike woman," having a "child-woman's body," a "schoolgirl." She's "like a child" and that she has a "childlike face"/"child's face" and she's "as enchanting as a schoolgirl."
That is literally what is said.
I honestly felt like putting the book down simply for that because I was so disgusted with the constant comparison to a child. This infantilization of her is seriously vomit-inducingly repulsive.
Moving on, I didn't find the relationship between Aaron and Mary to be at all believable. When Jonathan first introduces the idea, they're both understandably against it. They become awkward as a trio but there are no introductions or awakenings of other feelings. Aaron and Mary's resistance towards the idea continues for two months afterwards. However, Aaron then becomes aware of her because she looks pretty after having decided to dress up for the dance. A week later, Jonathan leaves for Minneapolis. They go from this awareness to sleeping together, and then being comfortable with having done it, physical affection and romance way too quickly.
Jonathan leaves on Sunday after Church and they sleep together that night. They're affectionate the next day and then Aaron is wining and dining her with wine and flowers that night. The next day, they're trying on his parent's wedding clothes and he expresses wanting her as his bride and they exchange I Love Yous. And then Jonathan returns that day (Tuesday). It made absolutely no sense and was absolutely unbelievable.
The spent seven years together as in-laws and, other than brotherly/sisterly, they had no other feelings towards one another. Then, abruptly, they're exchanging I Love Yous within two days/nights of sleeping together??? When they first sleep together, there's absolutely no awkwardness between them and they are, instead, bantering and joking about wenches and dragons. I expected there to be some acclimation to their new circumstance because...well, hello!! You just slept with your brother-/sister-in-law. Instead, there's an immediate settlement into domestic bliss?? He gets her into his mother's wedding dress and is telling her that "[she] will always be [his] beautiful bride."
When she tells Aaron that she's pregnant, he tries to convince her to run away with him because he thinks that this "changes everything." That, again, makes absolutely no sense because the reason Jonathan asked them to sleep together in the first place was in order to conceive a child. And now he thinks that it "changes everything" and they, him and Mary, should pack up and go elsewhere and leave Jonathan?
Mary is no better in the selfishness department. This is another reason that I didn't like her. She's upset that, upon Jonathan's return, he shows no outward jealousy (the reader is told Jonathan feels a "hollowness" upon realizing that Aaron and Mary have, indeed, slept together). She wants his love in order to get through this pregnancy and I just couldn't help disliking her. She wants him to love her and be jealous that she'd slept with his brother and they conceived a child...even though she loves Aaron. She wants him to show his jealousy as a sign that he cares, even though it's his brother she loves, it's his brother's child she carries, it's his brother who she wants to sleep with. How selfish can you be to be demand that? And then to be angry when you don't get it?
I didn't find any of the characters particularly likable, though Jonathan wasn't that bad and I actually kind of found him to be okay. I do believe that he wanted Mary to have a child with Aaron because he wanted her to experience motherhood, something she was deprived of because of his inability to sire. He was a little strange with his fascination and connection to Vinnie, but I felt he was genuine and liked him nonetheless. Even though Mary and Aaron thought he was just putting them into this position because he wanted an heir of his own, I choose to believe that wasn't the case. I found him to be rather endearing, actually, with his ability to connect to animals rather than humans. I think that if he only wanted an heir, he could easily have left that up to Aaron and his eventual children.
Aaron and Mary, I didn't like at all. I found them to be incredibly selfish and annoying. I thought I might eventually grow to like Aaron, but it never happened. Right from the beginning I was put-out with him and his treatment of Priscilla. He did her wrong because he led her on -- he knew what he was doing and he did it anyway because he's selfish. Priscilla thought he wouldn't propose marriage because he thought she was cheap for having slept with him before a proposal or marriage but he tells her that's not that case but she doesn't really believe it. SO, she tells him she won't sleep with him again and if he wants her "favors," she demands marriage in return.
What does he say?
Meaning to hurt her, he backed a step away, bowed slightly, and said with quiet sarcasm, “Ah, yes, if favors they could be called.”
What a fucking asshole.
Then, later, he tries to "apologize" but finds that she's gone to the dance without him. He's irked but feels that "maybe he deserved it." Maybe? Maybe he deserved it after what he said?
Anyway. So, at the dance he approaches her again but she tells him she's decided not to wait around for him.
"Why should I put all my apples in one basket? Maybe I’ll pass a few around.”
I completely agree. He's the one who said he wasn't going to propose...so why should she "put all [her] apples in one basket"...? Well, Aaron doesn't agree with this sentiment and says:
“Passing your apples around already?” he couldn’t help taunting. “Look out, Priscilla, too many passes and you’ll be applesauce.”
Aaron was the one that told her he wasn't going to propose because he's "just not ready for it yet," even though they've pretty much been seeing one another exclusively for a year and have slept together. He's an immature asshole who, after being denied, turned into an even bigger ass. He's the one who told her that he's going to step aside and "leave and make way for somebody who’ll think of marriage first and haylofts second" and that, "with [him] aside, other fellows might feel more welcome around here." He's the one who told her that, although he still wants her, "wanting and marrying are two different things to a man." So, when she decides to pursue other avenues and does what he suggests, he's a bitter asshole.
He's seriously one of those guys who tells you you're pretty but is quick to call you a whore when he doesn't get what he wants.
I didn't like Mary, either. I wasn't feeling her from the start because the author took every opportunity to liken her to a child. She's said to look like a child, act like a child, speak like a child. She's described as being a "childlike woman," having a "child-woman's body," a "schoolgirl." She's "like a child" and that she has a "childlike face"/"child's face" and she's "as enchanting as a schoolgirl."
That is literally what is said.
She looked as enchanting as a schoolgirl.
I honestly felt like putting the book down simply for that because I was so disgusted with the constant comparison to a child. This infantilization of her is seriously vomit-inducingly repulsive.
Moving on, I didn't find the relationship between Aaron and Mary to be at all believable. When Jonathan first introduces the idea, they're both understandably against it. They become awkward as a trio but there are no introductions or awakenings of other feelings. Aaron and Mary's resistance towards the idea continues for two months afterwards. However, Aaron then becomes aware of her because she looks pretty after having decided to dress up for the dance. A week later, Jonathan leaves for Minneapolis. They go from this awareness to sleeping together, and then being comfortable with having done it, physical affection and romance way too quickly.
Jonathan leaves on Sunday after Church and they sleep together that night. They're affectionate the next day and then Aaron is wining and dining her with wine and flowers that night. The next day, they're trying on his parent's wedding clothes and he expresses wanting her as his bride and they exchange I Love Yous. And then Jonathan returns that day (Tuesday). It made absolutely no sense and was absolutely unbelievable.
The spent seven years together as in-laws and, other than brotherly/sisterly, they had no other feelings towards one another. Then, abruptly, they're exchanging I Love Yous within two days/nights of sleeping together??? When they first sleep together, there's absolutely no awkwardness between them and they are, instead, bantering and joking about wenches and dragons. I expected there to be some acclimation to their new circumstance because...well, hello!! You just slept with your brother-/sister-in-law. Instead, there's an immediate settlement into domestic bliss?? He gets her into his mother's wedding dress and is telling her that "[she] will always be [his] beautiful bride."
When she tells Aaron that she's pregnant, he tries to convince her to run away with him because he thinks that this "changes everything." That, again, makes absolutely no sense because the reason Jonathan asked them to sleep together in the first place was in order to conceive a child. And now he thinks that it "changes everything" and they, him and Mary, should pack up and go elsewhere and leave Jonathan?
Mary is no better in the selfishness department. This is another reason that I didn't like her. She's upset that, upon Jonathan's return, he shows no outward jealousy (the reader is told Jonathan feels a "hollowness" upon realizing that Aaron and Mary have, indeed, slept together). She wants his love in order to get through this pregnancy and I just couldn't help disliking her. She wants him to love her and be jealous that she'd slept with his brother and they conceived a child...even though she loves Aaron. She wants him to show his jealousy as a sign that he cares, even though it's his brother she loves, it's his brother's child she carries, it's his brother who she wants to sleep with. How selfish can you be to be demand that? And then to be angry when you don't get it?
August 22, 2025
This is the author's very first novel. It was published in 1979. It was inspired by her grandmother's story.
Minnesota 1910
Two brothers, Jonathan 28, and Aaron 24.
They shared the family farm equally, although the land had been left to Jonathan while the house had been willed to Aaron.
Jonathan was married to Mary for seven years, but the child they both wanted never arrived.
Jonathan was introverted, did not show his feelings or expressed affection. He was quiet and reserved, sort of the boring type.
Aaron was outgoing, talkative, expressive and fun.
Aaron and Mary were very close, with an easy way with one another, always having fun together, but they were strictly friends, observing the proprieties between brother and sister in law.
After reading a certain bible verse, an idea entered Jonathan's head. He did plenty of praying over it,
before gathering his brother and wife to tell them:
"This place needs children, and they won't spring from me. But you, Aaron, they could spring from you "
Aaron was upset "I am getting pretty damn sick of everyone in five counties pushing me to get married. Priscilla is pushing me to marry her and now you are pushing me Jonathan?"
"I am not talking about you and Priscilla. I am talking about you and Mary "
"Me and Mary? Christ almighty! You got some apologising. There's nothing between Mary and me"
"I know, but as l can't sire a child, l know that you can. No one will know that the child is not mine. It wouldn't be no bastard "
"I think the only bastard here is you " Aaron shouted.
"Mary" Jonathan said "l can see the need in you. You need what nature intended. Would it be unkind if Aaron could give you that? I'd just ask you both to think about it, and consider it."
A few weeks later, Jonathan informed them that he was leaving for the City. He was to be away for a few days.
Nothing was said but they all knew that he was going away to leave Aaron and Mary alone in the house.
What could go wrong, right? Well, everything...
SPOILERS
After dropping off Jonathan at the train station, Aaron and Mary returned home.
Mary was in her room preparing for bed when Aaron knocked:
"May l came in?"
He then asked her to take her braids out. He never saw her with her hair down before.
"I thought l could keep from coming to you, Mary "
"It’s wrong Aaron "
"It’s not wrong yet. All you have to do is say the word and l'll leave "
"I can't say it, Aaron "
That night Mary discovered passion for the first time in her life.
"My beautiful Mary girl. You've come to me as innocent as a bride, and l can't thank Jonathan enough. But l pity him his ignorance and what he's missed in you "
They spent two days and nights together. They confessed their love for each other.
The third day Jonathan returned back. He knew. He had second thought, that was too late now to consider.
Mary was expecting. Aaron wanted them to run away together to another State.
Mary told him that she had to get over her love for him and make a new life with Jonathan.
She reminded him that he had tried the City once and he hated it. It was farming that was his way of life. How could they go away from the farm?
He placed his hand on her stomach "This is where my life is. How can l live here without it and you?"
That night Mary told Jonathan about the pregnancy.
Jonathan thanked Aaron.
Aaron told him that if it was the other way around, he did not think he'd be thanking him. If Mary were his wife, he'd kill the man who laid a hand on her.
Jonathan asked "You love her then?"
"I love her, Jonathan. I reckon she's what l was looking to find, only l never knew it till this happened.
She was always too close for me to see"
"And what about Mary? Does she love you too?"
"She is your wife. That's for you to ask her, that's for her to say "
Jonathan told him that the only way out of this mess was for him to marry Priscilla.
Mary had a baby girl. Not long after that, Jonathan died in a tornado.
Months went by.
Aaron told Mary "Jonathan is dead, and we can't keep him between us for ever. We're alive, Mary. You and l are alive and it's wrong to deny it any longer. I've loved you for so long. I thought you might have changed your mind about me with Jonathan gone "
"I was afraid of what people would say Aaron. I tried not to love you because it seemed we could never be allowed to without a scandal".
Aaron and Mary did have a HEA, but a bitter-sweet one.
This book was made into a movie in 1989, titled: The Fulfilment Of Mary Gray. Young Cheryl Ladd played Mary, and young Lewis Smith played Aaron.
The thing is that in the movie we have a different ending than the book. In the movie Mary and Aaron did not end up together after Jonathan's death, which ruined the movie in my opinion.
I am not at all sure if what Aaron and Mary did was justified, or if they were just another couple of cheaters.
I also wonder if this tactic was common place in the past for childless couples.
Minnesota 1910
Two brothers, Jonathan 28, and Aaron 24.
They shared the family farm equally, although the land had been left to Jonathan while the house had been willed to Aaron.
Jonathan was married to Mary for seven years, but the child they both wanted never arrived.
Jonathan was introverted, did not show his feelings or expressed affection. He was quiet and reserved, sort of the boring type.
Aaron was outgoing, talkative, expressive and fun.
Aaron and Mary were very close, with an easy way with one another, always having fun together, but they were strictly friends, observing the proprieties between brother and sister in law.
After reading a certain bible verse, an idea entered Jonathan's head. He did plenty of praying over it,
before gathering his brother and wife to tell them:
"This place needs children, and they won't spring from me. But you, Aaron, they could spring from you "
Aaron was upset "I am getting pretty damn sick of everyone in five counties pushing me to get married. Priscilla is pushing me to marry her and now you are pushing me Jonathan?"
"I am not talking about you and Priscilla. I am talking about you and Mary "
"Me and Mary? Christ almighty! You got some apologising. There's nothing between Mary and me"
"I know, but as l can't sire a child, l know that you can. No one will know that the child is not mine. It wouldn't be no bastard "
"I think the only bastard here is you " Aaron shouted.
"Mary" Jonathan said "l can see the need in you. You need what nature intended. Would it be unkind if Aaron could give you that? I'd just ask you both to think about it, and consider it."
A few weeks later, Jonathan informed them that he was leaving for the City. He was to be away for a few days.
Nothing was said but they all knew that he was going away to leave Aaron and Mary alone in the house.
What could go wrong, right? Well, everything...
SPOILERS
After dropping off Jonathan at the train station, Aaron and Mary returned home.
Mary was in her room preparing for bed when Aaron knocked:
"May l came in?"
He then asked her to take her braids out. He never saw her with her hair down before.
"I thought l could keep from coming to you, Mary "
"It’s wrong Aaron "
"It’s not wrong yet. All you have to do is say the word and l'll leave "
"I can't say it, Aaron "
That night Mary discovered passion for the first time in her life.
"My beautiful Mary girl. You've come to me as innocent as a bride, and l can't thank Jonathan enough. But l pity him his ignorance and what he's missed in you "
They spent two days and nights together. They confessed their love for each other.
The third day Jonathan returned back. He knew. He had second thought, that was too late now to consider.
Mary was expecting. Aaron wanted them to run away together to another State.
Mary told him that she had to get over her love for him and make a new life with Jonathan.
She reminded him that he had tried the City once and he hated it. It was farming that was his way of life. How could they go away from the farm?
He placed his hand on her stomach "This is where my life is. How can l live here without it and you?"
That night Mary told Jonathan about the pregnancy.
Jonathan thanked Aaron.
Aaron told him that if it was the other way around, he did not think he'd be thanking him. If Mary were his wife, he'd kill the man who laid a hand on her.
Jonathan asked "You love her then?"
"I love her, Jonathan. I reckon she's what l was looking to find, only l never knew it till this happened.
She was always too close for me to see"
"And what about Mary? Does she love you too?"
"She is your wife. That's for you to ask her, that's for her to say "
Jonathan told him that the only way out of this mess was for him to marry Priscilla.
Mary had a baby girl. Not long after that, Jonathan died in a tornado.
Months went by.
Aaron told Mary "Jonathan is dead, and we can't keep him between us for ever. We're alive, Mary. You and l are alive and it's wrong to deny it any longer. I've loved you for so long. I thought you might have changed your mind about me with Jonathan gone "
"I was afraid of what people would say Aaron. I tried not to love you because it seemed we could never be allowed to without a scandal".
Aaron and Mary did have a HEA, but a bitter-sweet one.
This book was made into a movie in 1989, titled: The Fulfilment Of Mary Gray. Young Cheryl Ladd played Mary, and young Lewis Smith played Aaron.
The thing is that in the movie we have a different ending than the book. In the movie Mary and Aaron did not end up together after Jonathan's death, which ruined the movie in my opinion.
I am not at all sure if what Aaron and Mary did was justified, or if they were just another couple of cheaters.
I also wonder if this tactic was common place in the past for childless couples.
dnf
June 28, 2020Audio 5 Stars
Story dnf @ 38%
Considering the story line, I was expecting an angsty, emotionally exhausting read. But the story is actually bordering on too sweet.
Story dnf @ 38%
Considering the story line, I was expecting an angsty, emotionally exhausting read. But the story is actually bordering on too sweet.
February 13, 2015
Another nice read from Ms Spencer.
I really loved Aaron and Mary. Jonathan I could take or leave him.
It really was tough for these farming people to try and survive and live off the land.
The brothers were polar opposites. I kinda saw what was coming. I mean, it had to happen, didn't it?
Together they worked the land.
Together they loved one woman.Mary was little more than a restless, impressionable young girl when she left Chicago for the wheat fields of a Minnesota farm, where she would become the wife of Jonathan's younger brother Aaron, she was a respected, trusted friend. But after seven frustrating childless years, the foundations of a strong and happy union have started to show signs of strain. And Jonathan turns to his brother Aaron, to ask of him what he could ask no other man.
I really loved Aaron and Mary. Jonathan I could take or leave him.
It really was tough for these farming people to try and survive and live off the land.
The brothers were polar opposites. I kinda saw what was coming. I mean, it had to happen, didn't it?
September 23, 2025
Reread Sept 2025:
Still a 5 ⭐ read...a beautifully woven story. I heard once this was inspired by her grandmothers' life and that makes it that much more interesting. I absolutely love the way LaVyrle Spencer writes...completely captivating.
Engaging, memorable and unique story of love in all its forms: love of family, reverance for nature, community, rural and farm life, of home, brotherhood, motherhood, friendship and romantic love. Three people carving out happiness and trying to do right by each other. There is no deception in this book. I was absolutely captivated page by page by Lavyrle Spencer's, honest, down to earth, lyrical prose which one can feel right into the bones. These are the type of books you treasure, the epic stories of bittersweet longing that you always remember. They don't write historical romance with this depth and detail anymore. This book is an 🇺🇸 treasure. I loved it so much.This is a book for an open-minded, perceptive reader who appreciates reading about the nuances of life...and of love; which is not always straightforward. Simply put: it's a really good story.
Still a 5 ⭐ read...a beautifully woven story. I heard once this was inspired by her grandmothers' life and that makes it that much more interesting. I absolutely love the way LaVyrle Spencer writes...completely captivating.
Engaging, memorable and unique story of love in all its forms: love of family, reverance for nature, community, rural and farm life, of home, brotherhood, motherhood, friendship and romantic love. Three people carving out happiness and trying to do right by each other. There is no deception in this book. I was absolutely captivated page by page by Lavyrle Spencer's, honest, down to earth, lyrical prose which one can feel right into the bones. These are the type of books you treasure, the epic stories of bittersweet longing that you always remember. They don't write historical romance with this depth and detail anymore. This book is an 🇺🇸 treasure. I loved it so much.This is a book for an open-minded, perceptive reader who appreciates reading about the nuances of life...and of love; which is not always straightforward. Simply put: it's a really good story.
June 24, 2022
I wasn't active on GR when I read this; maybe in 2019? Anyway, I remember this was a strangely compelling read despite the strange premise (the older brother asked the younger brother to sleep with the wife because he wanted a child. The older brother was slow, and the younger brother was a bit of a rake). Not my usual jam, but Ms Spencer made it work. I must commend Ms Spencer on the memorable plot (this one still sticks to my mind despite reading it a couple of years ago).
February 20, 2012
An old favorite of mine. Quite angsty. Don't read this if you have any "cheating" hot buttons. Which really I normally do, but somehow this one didn't push those buttons that hard for me, don't know why. Do know that they made this into the most abysmal TV movie and changed the ending which made the whole thing suck buckets of suck. Book is real good though.
August 9, 2018
Feels like a cop-out to me.
And weirdly (to me) focused on the land a lot more than the characters.
rating: ★½
And weirdly (to me) focused on the land a lot more than the characters.
rating: ★½
October 17, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this American historical with a forbidden love theme. Aaron was a man I adored; such integrity and selflessness but his passion and love were unending. Mary was likeable and naive in all senses. Aaron awakened her as a woman, a person in a way her husband could not. LaVyrle Spencer is a new to me author but one that has been recommended to me a few times. Her writing has a natural simplicity that aids your escape into her characters worlds. There was an element of predictability to this tale but it didn't diminish the enjoyment. I am really excited to read more from this author.
January 29, 2019
Just as Fulfilling the Second Time Around
I read The Fulfillment by LaVyrle Spencer almost 20 years ago and randomly found it again searching for historical romances. I picked it up again a couple of weeks ago and it was even better than I remembered. I am not one to read a romance with an infidelity plotline at all, but the way Ms. Spencer handles this topic is mastery. She makes it believable and she makes it so hard to judge any character in the book for what occurs. She takes what could have been a contrived and cliche plotline into an extraordinary book with a refreshing feel.
Jonathan and Mary Gray live on a farm in Minnesota in the early 1900s. Aaron, Jonathan's brother, lives with them and works the farm. Both brothers are tied to the land they work. Jonathan and Mary have been trying to have a baby for seven years and haven't been able to conceive. Jonathan suspects he is sterile and asks Aaron to sire the child he cannot. This sets in motion a chain of event which change all of the characters' lives forever. The book is written in third person, but the reader is able to get the POV from all three main characters. I have to say it is rare for an author to convey so much emotion in a reader for all of her characters. Ms. Spencer executes this flawlessly. You can relate and understand each character's motives. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster and I was so engrossed with the character's themselves that I, too, cried when they did and laughed when they were happy.
One thing I love about Ms. Spencer's historical romances is that they are truly authentic. She makes me feel like I'm there. She adds details to the time period, like the endless and hard work which occurred on a farm, the fellowship enjoyed on Sunday at church, the gossip that occurred when one went to "town" to shop and pick up supplies and the period dress of the time. I always feel like I'm transported back in time in her books.
This is such a wonderful book about love, family, willfulness, and what and how one decision can change the lives of a family forever. I have to say this is one of my favorite historical romances and I'm so glad I reread it. It was so worth the emotions and the healing at the end.
I read The Fulfillment by LaVyrle Spencer almost 20 years ago and randomly found it again searching for historical romances. I picked it up again a couple of weeks ago and it was even better than I remembered. I am not one to read a romance with an infidelity plotline at all, but the way Ms. Spencer handles this topic is mastery. She makes it believable and she makes it so hard to judge any character in the book for what occurs. She takes what could have been a contrived and cliche plotline into an extraordinary book with a refreshing feel.
Jonathan and Mary Gray live on a farm in Minnesota in the early 1900s. Aaron, Jonathan's brother, lives with them and works the farm. Both brothers are tied to the land they work. Jonathan and Mary have been trying to have a baby for seven years and haven't been able to conceive. Jonathan suspects he is sterile and asks Aaron to sire the child he cannot. This sets in motion a chain of event which change all of the characters' lives forever. The book is written in third person, but the reader is able to get the POV from all three main characters. I have to say it is rare for an author to convey so much emotion in a reader for all of her characters. Ms. Spencer executes this flawlessly. You can relate and understand each character's motives. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster and I was so engrossed with the character's themselves that I, too, cried when they did and laughed when they were happy.
One thing I love about Ms. Spencer's historical romances is that they are truly authentic. She makes me feel like I'm there. She adds details to the time period, like the endless and hard work which occurred on a farm, the fellowship enjoyed on Sunday at church, the gossip that occurred when one went to "town" to shop and pick up supplies and the period dress of the time. I always feel like I'm transported back in time in her books.
This is such a wonderful book about love, family, willfulness, and what and how one decision can change the lives of a family forever. I have to say this is one of my favorite historical romances and I'm so glad I reread it. It was so worth the emotions and the healing at the end.
July 26, 2012
I read this book about five years ago, and it's still one of my favorites. I fell in love with all of the characters, which just made it more heartbreaking. Even though its not very explicit, its still a very sensual book.
February 28, 2021
*3.5 stars!
February 21, 2019
Based on the synopsis alone, I would never have considered reading this book. After a beloved friend's gift and my recent love of the author, I decided to finally be brave. I devoured this in less than 24 hours. I've never felt so invested to a rural MN farm town at the turn of the century. Spencer has the amazing ability to take unassuming, ordinary lives and create the most gut wrenching and beautiful love stories. Aaron is an absolute dream; and I enjoyed his and Mary's journey.
January 16, 2012
Lavyrle Spencer's historicals never disappoint me. I'm sad to say, that is the last unread LS historical; I'm caught up with all of her historicals : (. Lavyrle tends to write about family and overcoming some sort of adversity. She writes some of the best characters- complex and very real. Her characters can be both strong and vulnerable. If you enjoy HR's, then you should pick up a LS book. I don't understand why her books aren't more popular.
So, The Fulfillment is a complex story and done so well. The story is about a wife and two brothers who live together to work a farm- one sterile and married brother and the other brother a fertile bachelor. The married brother poses an unorthodox solution to his fertility problem which is the catalyst for a very interesting story.
So, The Fulfillment is a complex story and done so well. The story is about a wife and two brothers who live together to work a farm- one sterile and married brother and the other brother a fertile bachelor. The married brother poses an unorthodox solution to his fertility problem which is the catalyst for a very interesting story.
February 5, 2018
An endearingly poignant novel of life in early twentieth century Minnesota.
February 14, 2024
3.25 Stars
This doesn't read like the author's first published book. While this won't be one of my favorites, I can't deny that Spencer's writing was strong from the start of her writing career. This is one of those stories that will simply rub some readers the wrong way since it deals with infidelity. I wasn't necessarily offended by the infidelity, but I did find the love triangle rather unappealing with a predictable outcome.
April 14, 2022
Re-read May 20, 2021
This is overall a story about sacrifice, and forgiveness. Both of ones self and of others.
Jonathan and Mary have been married for seven years and live on his and his brother Aaron’s family farm on Minnesota. The brothers each own the land and the house between them so they all make it work living and working the land together. The brother’s and Mary work tirelessly to maintain and live off the bounty of this land where Jonathan and Aaron grew up.
The story is told in multiple POV’s and starts immediately with Jonathan. He is certain now after seven years of marriage with Mary and no children that he is infertile due to having mumps as a child. He starts to ponder over this for quite some time and an idea that he takes from his faith and passages from the Bible describe what he feels fits the situation and he decides he wants his brother Aaron to father a child with Mary for them to raise as their own. He knows how much Mary wants a child and he wants to work the land to pass onto his own son one day.
Mary and Aaron are very close friends, as they would be living together throughout her and Jonathan’s marriage but it is not surprising when Jonathan approaches them with his plan that they are shocked. There has never before been anything between Mary and Aaron but a close brotherly friendship and they cannot understand how Jonathan would be content to agree to this and are very angry as you can imagine. This situation puts a strain on all of their relationships with each other.
Right away you can see how different the brothers are. Jonathan is very stoic and practical. While Aaron is fun loving and is in no hurry to settle down. Although Mary and Aaron have not agreed with his idea Jonathan sets up an opportunity that will leave them alone for several days and nights and as you can guess things get very complicated from there.
I don’t want to give to much else away, because the story is best enjoyed without knowing much of how this is moral dilemma is going to all work out in the end between all of them.
I really loved Aaron in this story, he is so caring, courteous and loving towards Mary from the start, even more so than Jonathan who as Mary’s husband does not seem to notice the little things or all that Mary does to keep the household running. He does not off his help to Mary with her what seem like her endless tasks. Mary is also a very like-able character in that she wants a simple life as she has found with Jonathan and has never realized anything was missing.
This book is rather short for a historical romance at 266 pages but it really packs an emotional punch and I found myself tearing up quite a bit. One quote that brought it all full circle and really summed up their moral dilemma for me was this one from Aaron.
“During the minutes he stood there, the baby had no part in his thoughts. Only Mary. She labored with a pain too deep for him to comprehend, and all he could do was futilely wish to share it, ease it some way. She possessed him in that time as surely as if they’d spoken vows. The false front he had shown in these past weeks had worked so well he’d convinced himself he was nearly free of her. But now, hearing her give birth to their child, she gave birth again to his love for her. ”
I am so glad I decided to re-read this favorite book of mine. LaVyrle Spencer’s books are comfort reads for me and this one is at the top of the list. She just has a way about her writing that makes you truly care for the characters. So please do yourself a favor and read anything by this author and I promise you will not be disappointed.
This is overall a story about sacrifice, and forgiveness. Both of ones self and of others.
Jonathan and Mary have been married for seven years and live on his and his brother Aaron’s family farm on Minnesota. The brothers each own the land and the house between them so they all make it work living and working the land together. The brother’s and Mary work tirelessly to maintain and live off the bounty of this land where Jonathan and Aaron grew up.
The story is told in multiple POV’s and starts immediately with Jonathan. He is certain now after seven years of marriage with Mary and no children that he is infertile due to having mumps as a child. He starts to ponder over this for quite some time and an idea that he takes from his faith and passages from the Bible describe what he feels fits the situation and he decides he wants his brother Aaron to father a child with Mary for them to raise as their own. He knows how much Mary wants a child and he wants to work the land to pass onto his own son one day.
Mary and Aaron are very close friends, as they would be living together throughout her and Jonathan’s marriage but it is not surprising when Jonathan approaches them with his plan that they are shocked. There has never before been anything between Mary and Aaron but a close brotherly friendship and they cannot understand how Jonathan would be content to agree to this and are very angry as you can imagine. This situation puts a strain on all of their relationships with each other.
Right away you can see how different the brothers are. Jonathan is very stoic and practical. While Aaron is fun loving and is in no hurry to settle down. Although Mary and Aaron have not agreed with his idea Jonathan sets up an opportunity that will leave them alone for several days and nights and as you can guess things get very complicated from there.
I don’t want to give to much else away, because the story is best enjoyed without knowing much of how this is moral dilemma is going to all work out in the end between all of them.
I really loved Aaron in this story, he is so caring, courteous and loving towards Mary from the start, even more so than Jonathan who as Mary’s husband does not seem to notice the little things or all that Mary does to keep the household running. He does not off his help to Mary with her what seem like her endless tasks. Mary is also a very like-able character in that she wants a simple life as she has found with Jonathan and has never realized anything was missing.
This book is rather short for a historical romance at 266 pages but it really packs an emotional punch and I found myself tearing up quite a bit. One quote that brought it all full circle and really summed up their moral dilemma for me was this one from Aaron.
“During the minutes he stood there, the baby had no part in his thoughts. Only Mary. She labored with a pain too deep for him to comprehend, and all he could do was futilely wish to share it, ease it some way. She possessed him in that time as surely as if they’d spoken vows. The false front he had shown in these past weeks had worked so well he’d convinced himself he was nearly free of her. But now, hearing her give birth to their child, she gave birth again to his love for her. ”
I am so glad I decided to re-read this favorite book of mine. LaVyrle Spencer’s books are comfort reads for me and this one is at the top of the list. She just has a way about her writing that makes you truly care for the characters. So please do yourself a favor and read anything by this author and I promise you will not be disappointed.
May 23, 2019
Mary and Jonathan live on a farm but the house is owned by Jonathan's brother, Aaron. Jonathan knows he is sterile so he proposes that Aaron sleep with Mary so she gets the baby she wants and Jonathan gets an heir and the child is still a Gray and no one will be the wiser. What he doesn't count on is the close friendship that Aaron and Mary have and how his request affects them. I probably read this years ago when I believed that there were happy endings and I probably would have given it 5 stars then. Now I am older and wiser and see that Jonathan was really kind of one dimensional. He wanted an heir and cared more about his Black Angus stud bull than he did Mary. The ending was kind of bittersweet but I think it was kind of predictable.
January 21, 2015
4 stars
December 25, 2015
DNF. This would be much better rewritten as a ménage story.
June 4, 2025
In rural Minnesota (1910) farmer Jonathan Gray decides to deal with his infertility by asking his wife, Mary, and his brother, Aaron, if they could sleep together so Mary can get pregnant. The cold proposition angers the two and introduces discord in their otherwise harmonious relationship, but it also triggers Mary and Aaron to view each other in a different light. One day, they go to a dance and realize that they have feelings for each other beyond being in-laws and friends...
It's my first LaVyrle Spencer book and I'm blown away. I highly recommended it for historical romance fans who want a break from dukes and ballrooms. Jonathan, Aaron, and Mary are regular, hardworking people striving to live a simple, contented life. It is a poignant story about not only romantic love, but love of land and family, community, and nature.
The chemistry between Aaron and Mary is sensual and palpable. Other readers can form their own judgment about what they did, but Jonathan did push the idea himself in a cold manner, and mostly conducted his role as a husband in the same way. Regardless, I loved how the three of them worked to find a way forward after the affair. They aired grievances, grappled with uncomfortable truths, but ultimately listened to each other and made promises for the future. There is no right or wrong, only honesty, and Spencer covers every bit on page.
The writing is filled with lush descriptions of nature and rural life in turn-of-the-century USA. The vibrant, fecund portrayal of spring almost felt like a premonition for Mary, a young, dutiful wife whose passions have yet to be awakened. The slice-of-life details were immersive and a reminder of how every item of food was literally farm-to-table back in the day. Even preparing a bath was a lot of work!
The purpose and meaning the characters found in the land, the flow they experienced in their day to day work, and the passing of seasons reminded me a bit of the farming scenes with Levin and the peasants in Anna Karenina, one of my favorite novels.
As with stories like this, there is only one path to an HEA, so the inevitable happens. But the resolution was sweet and tender and Aaron, who has somewhat always deferred to his brother, finally comes into his own.
Tropes: grim breeding / pregnancy by proxy / sperm donor
Content warning: infidelity
Steam level: 3/5 (a couple of full-length scenes and 1-2 smaller ones, with some euphemistic language)
Availability: Print, ebook, audio
Editions reviewed: Print and audio
It's my first LaVyrle Spencer book and I'm blown away. I highly recommended it for historical romance fans who want a break from dukes and ballrooms. Jonathan, Aaron, and Mary are regular, hardworking people striving to live a simple, contented life. It is a poignant story about not only romantic love, but love of land and family, community, and nature.
The chemistry between Aaron and Mary is sensual and palpable. Other readers can form their own judgment about what they did, but Jonathan did push the idea himself in a cold manner, and mostly conducted his role as a husband in the same way. Regardless, I loved how the three of them worked to find a way forward after the affair. They aired grievances, grappled with uncomfortable truths, but ultimately listened to each other and made promises for the future. There is no right or wrong, only honesty, and Spencer covers every bit on page.
The writing is filled with lush descriptions of nature and rural life in turn-of-the-century USA. The vibrant, fecund portrayal of spring almost felt like a premonition for Mary, a young, dutiful wife whose passions have yet to be awakened. The slice-of-life details were immersive and a reminder of how every item of food was literally farm-to-table back in the day. Even preparing a bath was a lot of work!
The purpose and meaning the characters found in the land, the flow they experienced in their day to day work, and the passing of seasons reminded me a bit of the farming scenes with Levin and the peasants in Anna Karenina, one of my favorite novels.
As with stories like this, there is only one path to an HEA, so the inevitable happens. But the resolution was sweet and tender and Aaron, who has somewhat always deferred to his brother, finally comes into his own.
Tropes: grim breeding / pregnancy by proxy / sperm donor
Content warning: infidelity
Steam level: 3/5 (a couple of full-length scenes and 1-2 smaller ones, with some euphemistic language)
Availability: Print, ebook, audio
Editions reviewed: Print and audio
May 24, 2013
4.5*
I love LaVyrle Spencer's writing and this book didn't disappoint me. Her writing sets the scene as well as any I've read. She immerses you in the place and time. In The Fulfillment the prose lulled me into the rhythm of farm life, with all it's hard work, joys and sorrows. I was continually amazed at Mary, and all the hard work she did daily just to keep life going. it makes my small amount of work pale in comparison.
Spencer took on an especially difficult topic with this book. I've seen, and even read books with the same topic, but they ended up mostly feeling tawdry, or, in the case of Sandra Brown's Play Dirty, the motives were completely different. Jonathan, sterile from mumps, decides to ask his brother Aaron to sire a child with Jonathan's wife, Mary. Both are appalled at the idea, but the suggestion brings up ideas and feelings long ignored and held at bay. Here Spencer shines, showing the change in attitudes, the stiffness, the awkwardness and embarrassment as the three try to return to their normal routine with the "elephant" now let loose to live in their house. As the book progresses, I'm amazed at how well Spencer gets the details and changing emotions of each character. It's compelling and bittersweet.
There are no villains or heroes here. There is a plain story told with surprising compassion for all involved. There are many ways the story could have ended, but as a romance I guess only one really works. I both wanted, and didn't want the ending to come.
The book would have been 5-stars if Spencer could have kept the tension and pace going to the end. Unfortunately, the book loses some emotional tension once the ending looks pretty certain, and while I still enjoyed it, the last few chapters felt a little like necessary filler. Still, this is highly recommended.
I love LaVyrle Spencer's writing and this book didn't disappoint me. Her writing sets the scene as well as any I've read. She immerses you in the place and time. In The Fulfillment the prose lulled me into the rhythm of farm life, with all it's hard work, joys and sorrows. I was continually amazed at Mary, and all the hard work she did daily just to keep life going. it makes my small amount of work pale in comparison.
Spencer took on an especially difficult topic with this book. I've seen, and even read books with the same topic, but they ended up mostly feeling tawdry, or, in the case of Sandra Brown's Play Dirty, the motives were completely different. Jonathan, sterile from mumps, decides to ask his brother Aaron to sire a child with Jonathan's wife, Mary. Both are appalled at the idea, but the suggestion brings up ideas and feelings long ignored and held at bay. Here Spencer shines, showing the change in attitudes, the stiffness, the awkwardness and embarrassment as the three try to return to their normal routine with the "elephant" now let loose to live in their house. As the book progresses, I'm amazed at how well Spencer gets the details and changing emotions of each character. It's compelling and bittersweet.
There are no villains or heroes here. There is a plain story told with surprising compassion for all involved. There are many ways the story could have ended, but as a romance I guess only one really works. I both wanted, and didn't want the ending to come.
The book would have been 5-stars if Spencer could have kept the tension and pace going to the end. Unfortunately, the book loses some emotional tension once the ending looks pretty certain, and while I still enjoyed it, the last few chapters felt a little like necessary filler. Still, this is highly recommended.
September 2, 2023
Just finished reading The Fulfillment by LaVyrle Spencer (1979), and then I immediately read it again. Yes!! I’m still trying to figure out why I was so emotionally overwhelmed and entranced by this story that I read it twice in a row…. I’ve never done that before with any book.
This story is not for everyone as it includes infidelity… which is grounded in an epic love story of three good people… no three way affairs, by the way.
Setting: rural Minnesota community in 1910 with endless hard work on the family farm.. pump at the kitchen sink, wood for the kitchen stove, oil lamps, milking cows, plowing and planting the crops, the outhouse, Sunday church, and strong fellowship with friends and neighbors.
Mary and Jonathan have been married seven years, and have no children and yearn to have a family. They share the farm with his younger brother Aaron … then Jonathan asks the unthinkable of Mary and Aaron. Mary is likable, loves her husband and they have a good marriage. Aaron has integrity and is completely selfless. They are shocked with this unthinkable request. Full of love, passion, and deeply emotional sex scenes this story is enthralling!
Spencer’s writing has a natural simplicity to it, so one can easily escape into the characters’ worlds .. reminds me of John Steinbeck’s novels.
After reading The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss, Spencer sent her The Fulfillment manuscript, the first story she had written. Woodiwiss read it, promptly sent it to her editor at Avon who purchased the novel which was published in 1979. The Fulfillment was made into a tv movie (1989) starring Cheryl Ladd … however, the ending was changed …it did not have a true HEA.
The Fulfillment is one of the very best books I’ve read this year… unusual and richly rewarding. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+❤️
This story is not for everyone as it includes infidelity… which is grounded in an epic love story of three good people… no three way affairs, by the way.
Setting: rural Minnesota community in 1910 with endless hard work on the family farm.. pump at the kitchen sink, wood for the kitchen stove, oil lamps, milking cows, plowing and planting the crops, the outhouse, Sunday church, and strong fellowship with friends and neighbors.
Mary and Jonathan have been married seven years, and have no children and yearn to have a family. They share the farm with his younger brother Aaron … then Jonathan asks the unthinkable of Mary and Aaron. Mary is likable, loves her husband and they have a good marriage. Aaron has integrity and is completely selfless. They are shocked with this unthinkable request. Full of love, passion, and deeply emotional sex scenes this story is enthralling!
Spencer’s writing has a natural simplicity to it, so one can easily escape into the characters’ worlds .. reminds me of John Steinbeck’s novels.
After reading The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss, Spencer sent her The Fulfillment manuscript, the first story she had written. Woodiwiss read it, promptly sent it to her editor at Avon who purchased the novel which was published in 1979. The Fulfillment was made into a tv movie (1989) starring Cheryl Ladd … however, the ending was changed …it did not have a true HEA.
The Fulfillment is one of the very best books I’ve read this year… unusual and richly rewarding. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+❤️
May 13, 2020
2020 Re-Read:
I read this a few years ago and LOVED it, but never owned the book. So when I found it in my used book store for 50 cents? I had to have it! This was just an epic love story that never gets old. A tale of two brothers, and the woman who loved them. It may sound hard to handle since - yes, there is cheating that goes on here.. but I felt so much for these characters and kept an open mind and I wasn’t disappointed. If you can’t handle that subject though, and hey, it’s not for everyone, then walk away right now. But if you’re willing to give it a chance, I urge you to. These characters are human and they made mistakes, but all three learned powerful lessons and did end up learning from their mistakes. It was even better the second time around. A true classic! ❤️
Original 2016 Review:
What a brave first novel! I love this author and though i like some more than others, this one was just suuuuch a good romance- I had a hard time putting it down! It wasn't all perfect, some things were too descriptive and I wanted to get to the good stuff, but man, the main storyline was just so juicy. From the start it was just one of those scenarios that I had no idea how there'd be a happy ending. Definitely keeps you intrigued all the way through to find out how this is accomplished. It's books like this that make me long for a sequel!
I read this a few years ago and LOVED it, but never owned the book. So when I found it in my used book store for 50 cents? I had to have it! This was just an epic love story that never gets old. A tale of two brothers, and the woman who loved them. It may sound hard to handle since - yes, there is cheating that goes on here.. but I felt so much for these characters and kept an open mind and I wasn’t disappointed. If you can’t handle that subject though, and hey, it’s not for everyone, then walk away right now. But if you’re willing to give it a chance, I urge you to. These characters are human and they made mistakes, but all three learned powerful lessons and did end up learning from their mistakes. It was even better the second time around. A true classic! ❤️
Original 2016 Review:
What a brave first novel! I love this author and though i like some more than others, this one was just suuuuch a good romance- I had a hard time putting it down! It wasn't all perfect, some things were too descriptive and I wanted to get to the good stuff, but man, the main storyline was just so juicy. From the start it was just one of those scenarios that I had no idea how there'd be a happy ending. Definitely keeps you intrigued all the way through to find out how this is accomplished. It's books like this that make me long for a sequel!
February 13, 2018
I didn't like brothers sharing knowingly a woman even for a cause. Nothing can justify amorality of it. Not romantic at all. It gave me a queasy feeling. And killing the husband brother to give way to H and h a way to be together is kind of cruel of the author. Couldn't she work out something else to make everybody happy?
Another thing I really found gross is h using DISH pan to take a bath! I wonder if she used the pan to wash dishes afterwards too.
Another thing I really found gross is h using DISH pan to take a bath! I wonder if she used the pan to wash dishes afterwards too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2011
The heroine's husband is sterile, so he asks her to sleep with his brother so they can have a child. And she does. Ick!!!! I couldn't like any of the characters. I thought they were all horrible!
October 12, 2019
Eis um livro da Lavyrle Spencer que me deixou melancólica e com o coração apertado. A complexidade do triângulo amoroso entre Mary, Aaron e Jonathan também me inquietou. Aqui, seguindo mais ou menos a enervante situação apresentada no livro Waking Up With The Duke (Lorraine Heath), Jonathan, estéril devido a uma caxumba na infância, propõe que sua esposa Mary tenha um filho com o seu irmão, Aaron. Ora, desafiar a ordem natural das coisas com mentiras ou meias verdades gera consequências as quais fogem do nosso controle. Não poderia ser diferente com esses três, os quais formam uma intrigante família. Com a morte dos pais, Aaron herdou a casa e Jonathan a fazenda. Assim continuaram quando Jonathan casou com Mary, uma pequenina mulher com rosto infantil que se integrou ao campo e ao estilo de vida, cuidando das necessidades domésticas dos homens por sete anos. Entre Mary e Aaron havia uma cumplicidade e amizade e nunca enxergaram um ao outro com outros olhos. O casamento de Jonathan e Mary era seguro, confortável e calmo, porém havia uma tristeza pela não concepção de um filho. Então, Jonathan idealizou um filho a ser concebido pelo irmão, como um acordo que não sairia dos eixos. Obviamente, os envolvidos prontamente rechaçam a ideia, porém o que não imaginavam é que a paixão nasceria entre o proibido. Eu gostei na narrativa, lenta, delicada, construindo uma história de amor a partir de algo inesperado. Os personagens são pessoas simples, do campo, sem grandes ambições, excessivamente passivos e aquiescentes. A carga dramática é bem construída, os personagens bastante realistas, porém faltou algo, uma certa intensidade daquela que nos faz economizar o término do livro. Enfim, um bonito livro, com um final um tanto agridoce.
June 29, 2020
Johnathan (28yrs old) and Mary (age unknown) have been married for seven years and live with Aaron (Johnathan’s younger brother by 4 years). The family house was left to Aaron and the farmland to Johnathan. Together the two brothers take care of the farm, with Mary tending to the household chores. Johnathan is sterile and asks Aaron to father a child with Mary, setting things in motion for the love triangle. Aaron and Mary refuse, but they have always been close friends and then come together on their own when Johnathan leaves for a few days to buy a bull.
The story really captures the hard work and life on the American farmstead during the early twentieth century. It was slightly predictable, as there is only one outcome to allow for Aaron and Mary to have an HEA.
While I was rooting for Aaron, my heart broke for Johnathan. Johnathan is reserved and does not express his feelings. There are moments when Johnathan recognizes that he was too late in acting on his feelings for Mary. This is especially true after he discovers that Mary slept with Aaron and internally he has some remorse. I do believe that Johnathan deeply loved Mary in his own way. After all, he knew Mary desperately wanted a child and he was willing to let his brother sleep with her to make it happen.
The story really captures the hard work and life on the American farmstead during the early twentieth century. It was slightly predictable, as there is only one outcome to allow for Aaron and Mary to have an HEA.
While I was rooting for Aaron, my heart broke for Johnathan. Johnathan is reserved and does not express his feelings. There are moments when Johnathan recognizes that he was too late in acting on his feelings for Mary. This is especially true after he discovers that Mary slept with Aaron and internally he has some remorse. I do believe that Johnathan deeply loved Mary in his own way. After all, he knew Mary desperately wanted a child and he was willing to let his brother sleep with her to make it happen.
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