Tanner Harlow is a talented landscape designer, quietly building a name and a solid future when he finds himself needing to be the temporary guardian to his eleven-year-old half-sister. Tanner loves her, but can’t see himself as a father figure or imagine how he’s going to build his business during his busiest season with a child in tow until his newest client—his high school crush who still makes his heart pound—has a proposition that will help them both as long as Tanner can resist the tempting lure of the girl next door.
Elementary school teacher Francie Tate moved back to Marietta to be close to her ailing father. She plans to settle in and fix up her little bungalow before the school year starts, but definitely needs help with the neglected yard. She’s shocked when the landscaper she hired turns out to be a class mate. Tanner used to be shy in school, but he isn't the same kid anymore–he’s tall, sexy, and has the most striking brown eyes she's ever seen. When Francie learns of Tanner’s need for child care, she impulsively offers to watch his half-sister for the summer in return for some landscaping and renovations around the house.
It seems like a win-win, but Francie didn’t bargain on falling in love.
Kaylie Newell lives in Southern Oregon with her husband and two daughters. She’s the proud author of over a dozen romances, including the RITA® finalists, Christmas at The Graff and Tanner’s Promise.
The conflict needed a serious shot in the arm. Hero's mother has died and he's taking temporary custody of his 12-year-old half-sister for the summer until she moves to Hawaii to live with their aunt. He's working to get his landscaping business off the ground and needs a babysitter. His old high school crush (the heroine) agrees to watch the girl in exchange for a break on her landscaping bill. He's mooned over her since high school when she was the head cheerleader dating the jerk football quarterback and knows he doesn't stand a chance with her even though he's no longer the shy kid who stutters.
The conflict basically centers around the main couple still thinking they're in high school. They're 26, and yet somehow still think they're both the same people they were at 17. There's nothing standing in their way other than they won't talk to each other. And I don't care how much a jerk the heroine's ex is - the hero's obsession with him (he's convinced the heroine still has a thing for him) is problematic. Naturally there's a scene late in the book where Jerk Ex says something crude about the heroine and the hero threatens him - which I'm thinking was supposed to show how protective the hero is, but given his hang-up over Jerk Ex comes off entirely different.
I found both characters rather immature and too stuck on their high school personas. I probably would have loved this as a young baby romance reader, but I'm old, cranky and jaded now so....meh.
I loved this book! Tanner is such a kind, compassionate, loving man you can't help but fall in love with him. He hasn't let his rough childhood make him bitter. Now life is dumping on him again. His mother just passed away and he finds himself responsible for the care of his 12 year old sister until his aunt can take her to Hawaii at the end of summer. He's just getting his landscape business off the ground so taking time off isn't an option. So as he goes to meet his latest client he has no choice but to take his sister with him. Francie just returned to Marietta and bought a house she's trying to fix up. She's surprised the landscaper she called turns out to be Tanner Harlow. A boy she knew in school but hadn't seen since. He's no boy now, he's a man and a sexy one at that. When she notices the young girl that comes to work with him each day Francie offers to hang out with her so Tanner doesn't have to worry about her. Over the summer the three of them form a special bond but with summer winding down and the project nearing completion will Tanner go after what he really wants or will he let this summer become a memory?
This is a very well done book and one I would definitely recommend.
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review 4.5 stars. I loved this story and its hero, Tanner Harlow. The strong, silent hero, wearing an innate sadness and loneliness, and the “I’ve-loved-you-for-years” are amongst my favorite tropes and Kaylie Newell does write them superbly! The mingling of past and present – and future, with Tanner’s brothers’ stories to come and, I hope, his wonderful little sister, Maddie, too – is fantastic in its depth, for such a quick read (I’ve read it in one setting). Glimpsing the hurt, shy little boy in the tall “stoic, sexy, brooding” man and watching Francie and Maddie’s trust in him is an emotional ride, full of endearing moments. I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
Why does love have to be complicated for Tanner? Tanner young and single, has just taken temporary custody of his half sister, who is eleven. His sister would like to make this permanent but Tanner does need see himself as a full time father. Tanner has also has reconnected with his high school crush, Francie who has just moved back to Marietta.
Loved these characters, they all showed such emotions. They all showed such growth in their personal lives and finally finding their HEA. I did not want to see this book end. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend.
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.
"The Setting sun lit the Montana Sky in a slow bleed of fluid purples and burnt oranges the likes of which Tanner Harlow hadn't seen since he was a kid." A great start to the first book in the Harlow Brothers series, Tanner's Promise by Kaylie Newell. Great characters and character development. I especially enjoyed the connection between Tanner and his sister Maddie. Looking forward to seeing what the next book brings to us.
I really enjoyed this cute romance. I loved watching Tanner slowly realize that the town liked him and that he was worthy of love and had the ability raise his little sister. Francie and Tanner were really cute together and I was rooting for them. I also loved the relationship between Tanner and his little sister. It was really sweet. I highly recommend his one and want to read the others in the series.
Awesome book! I read this whole book in one day while waiting in a airport and on my flight. This is book one in The Harlow Brothers Series. I can hardly wait for the next one. Life is complicated and our childhood impacts our life, but only if we let it. These are the themes this book touches on. This is a great read, well written with a good ending.
This is the first book that I have read by Kaylie Newell and it was incredible. I loved this book from the very first sentence. I felt so many different types of emotions when reading this book. For me this book was about second chances at living life for Tanner and Francie. Tanner grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and he didn't really have a very good parental figure to help guide him. As a kid he had a really bad stutter and was tease a lot because of it. Francie grew up on the other side of the tracks with two parents. Her mom had her doing pageants and other things she really was not interested in doing. Tanner and Francie knew each other in high school and to me I think that even though they didn't realize it they were falling in love way back then. Now many years later they meet again but both are trying to out run demons from their past. Tanner mom's has just passed away and he is looking after his sister for the summer. He is so unsure of so many things. He is so afraid of living and failing at life. Francie is so afraid to live her life how she wants because she is so afraid of hurting people. In Tanner's Promise this book is about working through your demons and learning that even though living life is frightening not living life can be just as bad. It is about learning to let of your past and live your future. This book had me in tears at so many points in the book. It just tore at everyone of my heart strings. Honestly I do not think I have ever read a book that has effected me as much as this one. At the beginning when I said this book was incredible it really is but it is so much more too. I cannot wait to read about Tanner's brothers. Thanks so much for the chance Net Galley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked everything about the realistic, heartfelt Tanner's Promise by Kaylie Newell. I have read another story written by her, also published by Tule Publishing but this is my favorite. It looks to be the start of the series, so I am looking forward to more of the Harlow Brothers in the future.
Tanner has overcome many of life’s obstacles to become an outstanding individual that you would want in your community. While he was my favorite of the couple along with his little sister, Francie Tate was no slouch in the admirable department either. I think that there are many of us females who can identify with her desire to keep everyone happy by not making waves with others. It was good to see her grow some backbone before the story concluded.
My only confusion was in the blurb, it mentions her “ailing father” but he made no appearance in the book, with only a comment once or at most twice. Francie’s mother has more of an appearance in the story than he does. Still, I enjoyed this story of family very much, just think that the blurb is misleading. Most of the time I give these short books 4 Stars, enjoyable for the moment but then I move on to another story. Tanner’s Promise is a cut above that.
4.5 Stars An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really liked Tanner's story and can't wait to read the stories for the other brothers. Tanner is trying to start a business and take care of his little sister. They are still mourning their mother's death. She wasn't always much of a mother, but they loved her. Tanner isn't sure he could raise a little girl, so he will be sending his sister to live with their aunt after summer is over. Francie is a grade school teacher and is trying to fix up her new home. She needs something done with the yard and has hired someone to take care of it. Tanner shows up and all the old feelings from high school show up with it. Tanner had loved Francie back then and she always felt protective of him. He had a stutter and everyone, including her boyfriend, made fun of him. Now he is all grown up and the stutter is gone. As Francie helps him care for his sister, they grow closer. He knows she is too good for him, but he can't help himself, he just has to be with her. How can he let his sister go and he really shouldn't get any closer to Francie, but he can't help it, he just has to be with her.
Just a really nice contemporary novel. High school classmates reunite when she returns to the town as a third grade teacher. He is a budding landscape designer raising his 12-year-old sister. I really liked their interaction and how they dealt with some emotional baggage from the past. There were genuine tears at the end. This RITA finalist shows rock solid writing and realistic behavior. I really liked it.
This was a heartwarming story, Tanner is a lovely guy who has been through a lot. It was lovely to see how much Tanner and Francie grew through the book.
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No matter the authors, their stories or characters, the setting of Marietta, Montana is truly a favorite of mine. Tanner’s story, the first in the Harlow brothers series, has left me already waiting for Luke and Judd’s stories.
In Tanner and Francie the author has crafted a love that planted itself within these two at a young age with it finally coming to fruition years later. The story is rife with the couple’s chemistry...their first meeting after years apart was certainly sigh worthy. The myriad of genuine feelings the author was able to evoke was amazing...the lasting affects that the torment Tanner suffered long ago was so tangible and realistic it was heartbreaking. The tenderness Tanner’s little sister Maddie generated in him also left quite a lasting impression.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Tanner’s Promise is my first read by Kaylie Newell and it was delightful! Tanner is a fabulous character and definitely grabs hold of your heart from early in the book. The story has great world building, an easy ebb and flow and is just a wonderful read. It's heartfelt, passionate and will make you cry; I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
Tanner is HOT! I don't care how he looked or acted in high school.... he is a class act now.
Tanner and Francie both grew up together in a small town - same high school classes and everything. Francie was the popular girl and Tanner was the awkward guy with a stutter. Tanner always had a crush on her and she always admired his bravery. 8 years later Tanner owns his own business, has grown into his body, no longer stutters and is the temporarily guardian to his 12 year old sister. Sounds dreamy, right? What starts off as friendship between the two slowly builds into love. And let me tell you, this was a very sweet love story with two insecure souls. I loved this book from start to finish. I sure hope his brothers both get there own books next.
This is my first book by this author. This appears to be the first book in a new series.
I’m always hesitant to read books that feature children. As someone who doesn’t have children of my own, I often find it difficult to relate to the struggles parents face. So, I was a bit hesitant when I decided to pick up this book. But I also happen to love a good second chance romance. I also love seeing people grown and change. If you’re anything like me, I’m happy to say Maddie was well a well-developed and complex character in her own right. She was very purposefully included in the book and didn’t detract from the central love story.
Both Tanner and Francie were well-developed characters that I grew to care about as I read the story. I really wanted the two of them to be happy and let go of the scars of their past. The plot was relatable, I’m sure I would react in much the same way as the they did should I find myself in a similar situation.
There were a couple of intimate scenes in the book. However, they were few and chaste enough I wouldn’t have a problem with my mother reading this book.
Tanner’s Promise certainly falls more on the side of women’s fiction than romance. There’s Tanner and Maddie’s grief at the loss of their mom. Overbearing family members who believe they know best and an 11-year-old who is mature beyond her years.
I enjoyed watching Tanner and Francie as they dealt with the ghosts of their past and came to terms with the decisions they made in high school.
Lack of cowboys aside, I only have one complaint. The synopsis talks about Francie’s ailing father. I think he might be mentioned once in passing at the beginning of the book, and that’s it. The lack of her father confused me, if my dad was ill enough to necessitate my moving home, you can bet I would be visiting him every chance I got and his well-being would be on my mind at all times. Francie didn’t once think about him.
Overall, Tanner’s Promise was a perfect summer read. Ms. Newell gave us the right balance of angst, tension, and hope. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of romance in their women’s fiction.
Aug 2, 2018 ready to post on thursday Tanner’s Promise by Kaylie Newell Book 1 of The Harlow Brothers series Description: Tanner Harlow is a talented landscape designer, quietly building a name and a solid future when he finds himself needing to be the temporary guardian to his eleven-year-old half-sister. Tanner loves her, but can’t see himself as a father figure or imagine how he’s going to build his business during his busiest season with a child in tow until his newest client—his high school crush who still makes his heart pound—has a proposition that will help them both as long as Tanner can resist the tempting lure of the girl next door. Elementary school teacher Francie Tate moved back to Marietta to be close to her ailing father. She plans to settle in and fix up her little bungalow before the school year starts, but definitely needs help with the neglected yard. She’s shocked when the landscaper she hired turns out to be a class mate. Tanner used to be shy in school, but he isn’t the same kid anymore–he’s tall, sexy, and has the most striking brown eyes she’s ever seen. When Francie learns of Tanner’s need for child care, she impulsively offers to watch his half-sister for the summer in return for some landscaping and renovations around the house. It seems like a win-win, but Francie didn’t bargain on falling in love. This is Tanner Harlow and Francie Tate's story. “One hundred and eight Bramble Lane? Hope I’m not too early.” Francie turned at the sound of the low, male voice. She didn’t care who it was. Didn’t care if it was the IRS coming to audit her for eternity. She wanted to kiss his feet. Standing outside the screen door was a tall, broad-shouldered man. Worn, dirty jeans, white T-shirt that was dirty, too. His baseball cap rode low over his eyes, and he leaned against the doorjamb with the casual confidence that only a man who was incredibly tall could pull off without looking too cocky. His dark hair was shaggy and stuck out from underneath the cap, brushing the nape of his neck. Her first thought was hot. Holy crap, this guy is hot. Her second was that he looked familiar. Francie looked at the guy on her porch again and smiled. The landscape designer. Of course. That’d explain the dirty jeans. The deliciously dirty T-shirt that was a loose fit, but it did absolutely nothing to hide the defined chest underneath. And there it was again—the sense that she knew him from somewhere, but she couldn’t figure out where. First of all, nobody she knew was that tall. She’d remember the height alone. It kind of commanded attention. But the way he held himself, that slight tilt to his shoulders, nagged at her subconscious. She walked over to the screen door, her bare feet padding on the hardwood floor. “Quaking Aspen Landscape?” She remembered the name because it was so pretty. Aspens were her favorite. I highly recommend reading. "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book." Tanner’s Promise by Kaylie Newell is a wonderful well written 5 star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Kaylie Newell Kaylie's Books with Tule: Falling for the Ranger Men of Marietta Christmas at the Graff Holiday at the Graff Tanner’s Promise The Harlow Brothers Luke’s Gift The Harlow Brothers COMING SOON
If you’re a reader who categorizes your stories by trope then Tanner’s Promise is going to be a grab bag of surprises for you. Since Tanner and Francie were classmates at one time, and there was a bit of a crush going on, you might see this as a second chance romance… or you might also see it as a friends to much more romance. Me? I simply see it as a very good, intriguing romance and let the characters tell me their unique story.
Tanner certainly isn’t a ladies man, but is is devoted to one thing right now… building his business. When he has to step into a father’s role, temporarily at least, it’s a bit of a culture shock for him. He loves his little half-sister, Maddie, he really truly does — but a work-site is no place for a kid, but with no choice she tags along on the job. His newest client just might have a solution — and she just might capture his heart, again, as well.
Francie didn’t expect to be back home in Marietta, but life and one ill father changed those plans. So, she has a tiny house that needs some love especially the yard. She never expected the landscaper to turn out to be an old shy classmate, who certainly isn’t so shy now. She also didn’t expect the adorable little girl who also showed up for work each day, and once she realized the situation Francie stepped in to offer an option. Yes, she certainly could entertain Maddie and enjoy it as well… but it also gave her another connection to Tanner as they all spent one summer together. Maybe by summer’s end that growing love between them could become a full time occupation.
I loved Tanner’s Promise. I enjoy a story where a character is taken outside of their personal comfort zone and learns something new about themselves. And watching former classmates reconnect and discover the people they are today is also an enjoyable experience. Tanner and Francie fit well together, there was no great stretching of the imagination to make them fit. At times, Maddie stole the show and my heart. Kids and puppies will always do that to me. I had fun on this trip back to Marietta, my favorite fictional town, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the rest of the Harlow brothers. An interesting, satisfying series that’s off to a great start, I’d definitely recommend Tanner’s Promise to any reader who simply loves to fall in love with characters.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I loved, loved, loved Tanner’s Promise by Kaylie Newell, her first book in The Harlow Brothers series. This wonderful story is not quite a second-chance story or friends to lovers trope, but the hero and heroine were high school classmates. Tanner Harlow has quietly been building his landscape business using his landscape designer degree. After the death of his mother he finds himself as the temporary guardian to his eleven-year-old half-sister. Tanner loves his sister but has no idea how he’s going to be able to build his business during his busiest season while keeping his sister with him. Luck is on his side when his newest client, his high school crush, has a solution that would benefit them both. Francie Tate, an elementary school teacher, moved back to Marietta so she could be close to her ailing father. Her little bungalow needs some fixing up, but the neglected yard needs a lot of help. Imagine her surprised when the landscaper she hired turns out to be her class mate Tanner. When Francie learns of Tanner’s need for child care, she impulsively offers to watch his half-sister for the summer in return for some landscaping and renovations around the house. This deal seemed like a win-win, but neither Francie nor Tanner planned on falling in love with each other or with Tanner’s sister.
I enjoyed seeing the main characters grow and become more confident throughout this story. Tanner learned that he was not only capable of parenting his sister but that his work was in high demand. Francie was able to stand up for herself instead of trying to please others, but especially her mother and her high school ex-boyfriend. Despite obstacles Tanner and Francie didn’t anticipate they were able to create a friendship that was respectful and loving.
I totally loved reading this book and didn’t want to put this book down. Ms. Newell wrote a wonderful and emotional story which drew me in, making me forget the world around me and did not let me go until I turned the last page, loving the characters she created. I highly recommend this book to other reader and look forward to the future books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Tanner was talking to his Aunt Vivian and she said it would make sense if Tanner kept his half sister -Maddie who was twelve- for the summer and then in the fall she would come get Maddie and take her back to Hawaii. Tanner’s mother had only been dead for twelve hours and Tanner had learned it only took twelve hours to turn everything you knew about your life on it’s head. . But Tanner had just got a loan to start his landscaping design business which was named Quaking Aspen Landscape and he needed time to devote to his workmor he would retire a gardner. Tanner didn’t trust many humans . Francie was so proud she had bought a little fix me up home all on he rown without any help from her parents and on a teacher’s pay. But it did need some work especially outside needed some landscaping for sure. She also needed to knock down a wall inside but she didn’t have the money. She had moved back as her father was ailing and she got a job as a teacher in the elementary school. Francie seen tanner at her door and he looked familiar but Francie hadn’t been in Marietta very long. Then Francie realized where she had known this man it was Tanner from HS. He had a bad stutter than and he pulled at Francie’s heartstrings, Francie’s boyfriend at the time- Guy- had picked on Tanner a lot. No matter how often Francie had intervened. Francie hadn’t seen Tanner in eight to nine years. But he had changed he had a obvious late growth spurt and the stutter was gone. They talked about people from H S including Guy. When Looking outside Francie seen the girl in Tanner’s truck and here heart went out to the girl and she told Tanner to have here come in for lemonade but tanner said no, But after a bit Francie tell Tanner she will watch Maddie for nothing and he can do some work in the yard and some work inside the house and Tanner agreed. Tanner and Francie are very attracted to each other. I loved this book. It was an easy sweet read romance that I highly enjoyed. I loved Maddie and how she interacted with her brother and Francie and she definitely added to this book. I loved Tanner and and Francie together and how they interacted together. I loved the pace and the plot. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.
This went from doubtful to I loved it! The first few chapters were written with a lot of cliche sentences & I thought great, I can't count on any originality here. (If you read the book you'll understand my point). But yay, that changed quickly as well as did my low opinion. Yes, there were still some very sugary moments for my taste but I was so into the story & loved Tanner (yum) & Francie so much that I was determined to overlook them.
Small town romances, when written well, are quickly growing on me. I'm loving the simple life, the family values & the support of the townspeople. This story brings together two people that knew each other through the school years, and although they were not close friends, the promise of a relationship becomes the focus as they become familiar again, when Francie returns from receiving further education.
Both characters were living with & striving to overcome childhood scars. Francie was raised by a Southern Belle mother, insisting on proper behavior, smiles for everyone, entering her into pageants & coaching her to accept even hurtful comments with a smile & never rock the boat. She felt stifled & tired of pleasing others while sacrificing her own voice & opinion.
Tanner, his two brothers & much younger sister were raised, barely, by a mother who entertained boyfriends through a revolving door. Their father was never in the picture so they looked after each other & raised themselves. The lack of love & attention from their mother left a lasting effect on Tanner, so much so, that he developed a debilitating stutter that remained until he was in his mid-teens.
Then there's Maddie, Tanner's eleven year old younger sister. She is fun, sensitive like her brother, sweet yet persuasive. She added so much to this story.
This couple had many doubts about themselves, the relationship & fears about a possible future. A few obstacles & unexpected occurrences impeded their happiness but in the end everything was resolved. I'm so happy I didn't allow a few early chapters to limit or halt my enjoyment of this book. My determination to give this author a chance paid off. It was such a wonderful story!
Tanner is setting up a landscaping business in his hometown Marietta. When his mother passes away he becomes his sister Maddie’s temporary guardian. Tanner isn’t sure he can give the preteen the care she needs, but he loves her dearly and is very protective of her. That’s why he doesn’t want Maddie to stay at home by herself when he’s working. Fortunately the ideal solution presents itself. Tanner’s next project is at the house of his high school crush. Francie is a teacher and doesn’t mind spending time with Maddie during the summer holidays. That also means Tanner will see her regularly, will his heart be able to handle this?
Tanner wasn’t popular in high school and when Francie sees him for the first time after many years she’s stunned. The lanky, awkward stuttering boy has grown into a gorgeous muscled man who knows exactly what to say. There’s definitely an attraction, but their past is something they have to put behind them first. Will they be able to deal with what went wrong in high school, so they can start looking at the future instead? Tanner isn’t ready for any kind of commitment, will spending time with Maddie and Francie change this?
Tanner’s Promise is a wonderful romantic story. Tanner had a tough life when he was a kid. He didn’t have an easy time at home and school was horrible. He wants things to be different for his sister and will do anything to make Maddie happy, even if it means letting her grow up elsewhere while it would break his heart. He’s such a kind and gentle man, but hasn’t received much love in return. Francie can change that, however, she has to deal with a part of her personality first that keeps getting her in trouble. I couldn’t wait to see where that would lead. Francie and Tanner have plenty of chemistry and their connection is deep and genuine, which is something I really liked. I also loved how they care about Maddie, she’s an adorable young girl and a real asset to the story. Kaylie Newell’s main characters are fantastic and constantly put a big smile on my face.
Marietta is a terrific location to read about. I enjoyed finding out more about this cosy small town a lot. Kaylie Newell’s vivid descriptions are making her setting come to life in a delightful way. I also admired how she creates a lovely heartwarming atmosphere that fabulously unites the place and the people she writes about. Tanner’s Promise has the exact right vibe, plenty of charm and beautiful meaningful relationships. I absolutely loved this amazing book.
Francie's mother Loretta is a former Miss Montana and has brought up her daughter to always smile (even when she doesn't want to) and not say anything negative. So it's no wonder that she ended up being the girlfriend of the football captain, Guy, in high school even though he wasn't the nicest guy! She can recall how he always picked on Tanner because he stuttered until one day Tanner had enough and broke Guy's nose!😏 She finally had enough shortly thereafter and broke it off with Guy! Then she went away to school to get her teachers certification, but, now 8 years later she's back because her father isn't doing well. She's run into Guy a few times and he keeps asking her to go meet him sometime for coffee and she keeps bowing out, she doesn't want anything to do with him! So what if he is still rich? He's still a jerk! Now she's in her bungalow and the creep who's supposed to be giving her a quote is making her uncomfortable! Thankfully the landscaper has arrived! Hopefully he'll be better than this guy! When they realize who each other is they are happy to see one another! Tanner has his little sister Maddie in the truck along with his dog Charlotte and once Francie realizes this asks if they want some lemonade. It seems that Tanner has custody of Maddie since their mother has recently died. She wants to stay with her big brother only their Aunt Vivian wants to take her to Hawaii! What kind of summer is Maddie going to have? Will Tanner let their Aunt take her? Will he get the job of landscaping Francie's yard? Will they get over their differences? Only one way to find out, read this great story by Kaylie Newell. Can't wait to see what's in store next!
Tanner Harlow's mother died and now he and his two older brothers (Luke & Judd) are in charge of their 11-year-old half sister, Maddie. But Luke is in Afghanistan and Judd is working as a pilot, so in the meantime Tanner is the only person Maddie can count on, that is until Tanner reunites with his high school classmate, Francie Tate. She will take care of his sister while he works on her house's landscape. It sounds like the perfect deal but then...
Tanner and Francie start having feelings for each other, and he hasn't forgotten all he suffered through high school and doesn't know whether or not he can trust Francie with his heart.
Tanner's Promise takes Tanner on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness and love. He has to learn how to let go of the past and trust he can have both Maddie and Francie in his life. It is a journey filled with pain and vulnerability but so much love and hope as well; not just love related to the developing romance feelings between Tanner and Francie, but also the sibling love Tanner and Maddie have for each other.
Kaylie Newell does a good job showing us a dysfunctional but yet loving family. I loved every moment Tanner, Francie, Maddie and Charlotte spent together; but I would've loved to read more of them in the end, especially the epilogue... it didn't even focus completely on the main characters and by the time the book was over, I was left with a bittersweet taste.
Still, I will read the other books in the series (already started book 2, haha) and hopefully get the resolution for Tanner, Francie and Maddie that I wanted in this book.
I have been waiting for this Marietta book to come out for a while and when it did Tanner Harlow's school life reminded so much of my school life that it simple blew me away. I sat and read this book in one sitting. It is no surprise to those who know my reviews that I would be reading this Marietta based book because well it has become by adopted hometown. But this book touched more to me than simply being part of a community that touches my soul. This book is about three brothers who are there for their tween step-sister. Tanner had issues in school and when his mom passes he is left to take care of his step-sister who needs him more than ever. Sadly his Aunt wants to pull his sister away and take her to Hawaii to live with her there after the summer months are over and this is just part of the storyline that gets to me. Tanner owns a landscaping company, no he is not a gardner or a yard boy as some seem to think. Boy do I know that feeling in life. Then he runs into the girl who seems to be the only one who saw him when he was in high school. Like really saw him and not his stutter... Francie Tate. She is back in Marietta and is a school teacher herself. This is one of those books that once I picked it up it was like Kaylie Newell was writing for me to read this. Like she knew I WAS going to read this and she was saying "I see YOU and I know You and You are Important to Me. I can not wait for the next Hallow brother's story and to see who he meets in Marietta and how they interact with these three.
I’m not ashamed to say I reached for the tissues more than once while reading Tanner’s Promise. This book is just so gorgeous! There’s 26 year-old Tanner, having lost his mother and suddenly finding himself raising his 11 year-old sister Maddie, who is adamant she doesn’t want to go and live with their aunt. It’s so easy to see just how confused and conflicted Tanner and Maddie are as they come to terms with both their grief and their new living conditions, but to make things more challenging for Tanner, there’s Francie, the girl he’s had a crush on since he was a gangly 15 year-old. Francie has her own issues to deal with - she’s tried not to make waves so long that it is difficult for her to confront challenging situations and her feelings for Tanner are definitely confronting. Add a mother who has always been just that little bit judgemental and a douchebag ex-boyfriend and she has plenty to deal with. This story is packed with emotion from start to finish as Tanner and Francie learn to love each other while also coming to terms with their teenage selves. Of course Maddie is a key figure in this story too, and I couldn’t help but feel for her. I absolutely adored this story. I’m sorry it’s taken me a while since its release date to dive into the pages, but the wait was worth it. This is a truly lovely story!
Where is the maturity between these supposed adults. Their time from high school seems to dominate this story and their lives. Francie is a shadow in her own life. She cannot stand up to her mother, cannot say no to anyone or anything, even if it is something she doesn’t want to do, nor is she honest with herself. She is weak. Tanner, who has the good sense to know his limitations and understands the balance needed in regards to starting a new landscaping business, versus his ability to raise his 12 year old half sister, seems obsessed over Francie’s ex, the high school bully who made his life hell. He has fairly good reasons to be that way after how Guy treated him but it is Francie’s inability to say no, or tell someone to get lost, which she readily admits to knowing is her major flaw, is what causes these feelings and concerns for Tanner. I wanted them to act like the adults they were supposed to be. Maddie was a sweetheart but we never got to meet his two brothers. They never made an appearance. I am left feeling I have no reason to read more in this series.
I really loved this book, set in the fictional town of Marietta, Montana. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. We meet Tanner and Francie, former classmates who’ve both recently returned to Marietta. Tanner has started his own landscaping business and after the recent death of his mother, has taken temporary custody of his sister Maddie. Francie’s father is ill so she’s moved back and gotten a job as a teacher at the grade school. Francie has purchased a fixer up home and has hired Tanner to do the landscaping. When Francie notices Tanner bringing his little sister along for work, she offers to watch Maddie. The three become very close and Francie and Tanner fall in love. Maddie is to go live with her aunt and uncle in Hawaii at the end of the summer but she wants to stay with Tanner. The 5 star book tells us of their story and relationships. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to book 2.