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Texas Promise #1
Tomorrow's First Light
Marrying a stranger to keep the woman's siblings out of an orphanage is one thing, but when more children than expected pour out of the stagecoach, what’s a man to do?
Nervous about meeting her fiancé for the first time, Ellie Spritzer’s lifelong hope of finding love is about to end—or rather, begin. She never imagined her quest for love would take her to the other side of the country with all eight of her siblings in tow, but after her mother dies unexpectedly, what choice does she have? At least the man she’s been writing for the past year is still willing to marry her and take in her siblings… or so she thinks until she arrives in the dusty town of Twin Rivers, Texas.
Growing up an orphan, Sam Owens never had a place to call home or a family to love. So if his wife-to-be needs to bring three of her siblings with her, he has no complaints about having a ready-made family. But his mail-order-bride doesn’t arrive with three. She arrives with eight.
Sam can’t make himself turn away children in need. But as a beginning rancher, he doesn’t have the resources to care for so many people. When sinister forces threaten the things Sam and Ellie both hold dear, can they figure out how to keep their fledgling family together, or will they lose the very things they cherish most?
Tomorrow’s First Light is the first book in the Texas Promise Series by bestselling Christian romance author Naomi Rawlings. If you like tender marriage-of-convenience stories, you’ll love this heartwarming tale filled with hope and new beginnings.
Texas Promise Series
Book 1—Tomorrow’s First Light (Sam and Ellie)
Book 2—Tomorrow’s Shining Dream (Daniel and Charlotte--available 2020)
Book 3—Tomorrow’s Constant Hope (Wes and Keely--available 2020)
Book 4—Tomorrow’s Steadfast Prayer (Harrison and Alejandra)
Book 5—Tomorrow’s Lasting Joy (Cain and Anna Mae)
Nervous about meeting her fiancé for the first time, Ellie Spritzer’s lifelong hope of finding love is about to end—or rather, begin. She never imagined her quest for love would take her to the other side of the country with all eight of her siblings in tow, but after her mother dies unexpectedly, what choice does she have? At least the man she’s been writing for the past year is still willing to marry her and take in her siblings… or so she thinks until she arrives in the dusty town of Twin Rivers, Texas.
Growing up an orphan, Sam Owens never had a place to call home or a family to love. So if his wife-to-be needs to bring three of her siblings with her, he has no complaints about having a ready-made family. But his mail-order-bride doesn’t arrive with three. She arrives with eight.
Sam can’t make himself turn away children in need. But as a beginning rancher, he doesn’t have the resources to care for so many people. When sinister forces threaten the things Sam and Ellie both hold dear, can they figure out how to keep their fledgling family together, or will they lose the very things they cherish most?
Tomorrow’s First Light is the first book in the Texas Promise Series by bestselling Christian romance author Naomi Rawlings. If you like tender marriage-of-convenience stories, you’ll love this heartwarming tale filled with hope and new beginnings.
Texas Promise Series
Book 1—Tomorrow’s First Light (Sam and Ellie)
Book 2—Tomorrow’s Shining Dream (Daniel and Charlotte--available 2020)
Book 3—Tomorrow’s Constant Hope (Wes and Keely--available 2020)
Book 4—Tomorrow’s Steadfast Prayer (Harrison and Alejandra)
Book 5—Tomorrow’s Lasting Joy (Cain and Anna Mae)
329 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2019
1345 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Rawlings
37 books973 followersNaomi Rawlings is the author of historical Christian novels, including the Amazon bestselling Eagle Harbor Series. While she'd love to claim she spends her days huddled in front of her computer vigorously typing, in reality, she spends her time homeschooling, cleaning, picking up, and pretending like her house isn't in a constant state of chaos. She lives with her husband and three children in Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula, along the southern shore of Lake Superior where they get 200 inches of snow every year, and where people still grow their own vegetables and cut down their own firewood--just like in the historical novels she writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
February 21, 2019
I love mail order bride and marriage of convenience stories, so I was very eager to read Tomorrow’s First Light. I am happy to report that it is a wonderfully written novel and a favorite of mine for sure!
This story is a new series, yet Ellie and her siblings do appear in the Eagle Harbor novels, too. So, if you have read those books, then you may recognize Ellie Spritzer. However, if you haven’t read them, don’t worry. This series is a new start for Ellie and her siblings.
In Tomorrow’s First Light, Ellie and Sam have such great chemistry and plenty of nervousness with each other to keep things tense for awhile! Sam definitely struggles with learning to be open with his wife and even with his friends. This is due to his backstory as an orphan and creates some additional problems that must be overcome.
I love the cast of characters that the author introduces us to in this book and am looking forward to reading the future novels in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
This story is a new series, yet Ellie and her siblings do appear in the Eagle Harbor novels, too. So, if you have read those books, then you may recognize Ellie Spritzer. However, if you haven’t read them, don’t worry. This series is a new start for Ellie and her siblings.
In Tomorrow’s First Light, Ellie and Sam have such great chemistry and plenty of nervousness with each other to keep things tense for awhile! Sam definitely struggles with learning to be open with his wife and even with his friends. This is due to his backstory as an orphan and creates some additional problems that must be overcome.
I love the cast of characters that the author introduces us to in this book and am looking forward to reading the future novels in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
March 3, 2019
I'm excited for this new series set in the West from author Naomi Rawlings! It's loosely connected to her Eagle Harbor series, but follows Ellie and her siblings on their new venture to Texas. I admired Ellie for her determination to keep the family together, and Sam is patient and accepting of them all. I enjoyed their sweet relationship, even if it grew slowly because of all their chores and the children preventing them from spending quality time together. The dispute over Sam's ranch land brought tension and a real sense of anxiety to the plot, especially when it became apparent that corruption was at the root of the problems. Sam has a strong group of friends ready and willing to support him, once he figures he can't do it on his own... almost too late. Some scenes were told from the perspective of Daniel, the young sheriff, and I'm looking forward to the coming books telling the stories of Sam's friends.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
June 14, 2025
I enjoyed this mail-order bride story to the unique dusty, desert setting! If you've read the Eagle Harbor books, you'll enjoy seeing some of the same reoccurring characters, but don't worry, totally not necessary to read before starting this one, it's more like having DVD extra knowledge into the making of. :) I got surprised by the ending. Looking forward to this series.
February 26, 2019
I loved, loved, loved Ellie Spritzer’s and Sam Owens story. This is my favorite book by Naomi Rawlings! I could relate to it quite a bit. I am the mother of a dozen children and only one has flown the nest so a book filled with childish antics was a pure delight. I also lived in Yuma, Arizona and even though this takes place in Texas the description of the hardscrabble,dry ground and immense heat brings back memories of living in Arizona. I love mail-order brides but they can become ho-hum after awhile if you read enough of them. Not the case in this one, Sam goes to meet the stagecoach expecting to be greeted by his bride to be and 3 of her siblings when lo and behold all 8 of her siblings tumble out of the stagecoach while arguing loudly. Now I think that would make almost any man run for the hills, beautiful woman with those children or not. This man, no not so much! This man wants a ready made family because of what happened to him in his growing up years and he will do all to ensure this wife and family thing works out. Like in any marriage hardships do follow but with God's guidance they do make a beautiful couple determined to serve God and weather all storms through faith.
Kindle Edition, 295 pages
Published February 25th 2019 by Cedar Lake Press
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Kindle Edition, 295 pages
Published February 25th 2019 by Cedar Lake Press
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 21, 2025
2.5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading. I liked Sam right from the start and disliked Wes. I still don’t know why he was so nasty at the beginning. He was downright rude! But I liked Daniel, so I was glad he was in the story more at the beginning than Wes was.
And Ellie. I liked her and her siblings though there did need to be more communication between her and Sam. And more trust. But that came and they learned. I liked watching them both learn to trust and communicate even if it did take a lot longer than I wanted it to and some awkward scenes.
The Christian aspects were good, and I liked the story-line of learning to trust and work together, and the importance of family and friends.
There were things that I could have done without and that lowered my rating some. I got really tired of finding out that the fabric of Ellie’s clothes were so thin it was almost like touching her skin. Come on! I got it the first time since it also mentioned her clothes were old, so I was okay with that, but I didn’t need it repeated with other clothes. I also didn’t like the scenes of husband or wife undressing. I don’t care if they are husband or wife, I’m not her husband or his wife and I don’t want to be in the same room with them when it happens.
For those reasons I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone under 20. And even then be warned.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading. I liked Sam right from the start and disliked Wes. I still don’t know why he was so nasty at the beginning. He was downright rude! But I liked Daniel, so I was glad he was in the story more at the beginning than Wes was.
And Ellie. I liked her and her siblings though there did need to be more communication between her and Sam. And more trust. But that came and they learned. I liked watching them both learn to trust and communicate even if it did take a lot longer than I wanted it to and some awkward scenes.
The Christian aspects were good, and I liked the story-line of learning to trust and work together, and the importance of family and friends.
There were things that I could have done without and that lowered my rating some. I got really tired of finding out that the fabric of Ellie’s clothes were so thin it was almost like touching her skin. Come on! I got it the first time since it also mentioned her clothes were old, so I was okay with that, but I didn’t need it repeated with other clothes. I also didn’t like the scenes of husband or wife undressing. I don’t care if they are husband or wife, I’m not her husband or his wife and I don’t want to be in the same room with them when it happens.
For those reasons I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone under 20. And even then be warned.
February 25, 2019
TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE
Once again, Ms. Naomi Rawlings has wowed me with another book, a new series that is a spin-off from her Eagle Harbor series. The story is a clean Christian story with Godly principles, human emotions, troubles from the past, and new beginnings and a future. The story is not preachy but does contain Bible passages.
Mail-order bride, Elle Spritzer, has corresponded with Texas rancher, Sam Owen’s for over a year, and now is traveling from Eagle Harbor, Michigan to Twin Rivers, Texas to marry him. He knows she has eight siblings and has even consented to her bringing two teenaged boys, Martin and Leroy, and baby sister, Lynette. Sam inherited a twelve-thousand-acre ranch in a will, something an orphan would never expect to happen—and now he has a wife and children on their way—his life’s dream coming true.
The plot will include a shock when Sam arrives in town to meet the stagecoach and not only will the four people he was expecting to arrive, but there will be five other siblings in tow. Sam, understanding what it is like as an orphan, won’t turn the children away—but this will change things for him and Ellie. Both Sam and Ellie have their secrets, and issues that create angst and misunderstandings, but when they are honest with each other, they both find that where one is weak, the other is strong, and they are perfect together. Sam also has good friends from his childhood, friends that come through during times of trouble and hardships.
“I don’t care about what kind of family you came from. I care about the family I can make with you going forward, right here in Twin Rivers.”
I love the communication between Sam and Ellie, especially when they finally open up to each other. Ellie proves to be supportive of Sam when it looks like he will lose the ranch, and he refuses to allow the children to be divided up. When they each seek the Lord, asking for guidance and trusting God in everything, things fall into place.
“We’re a family, you, me, and the whole pile of young’uns you brought with you, for richer or poorer, for better or worse. I don’t want anyone to question that in the future.”
Once again, Ms. Naomi Rawlings has wowed me with another book, a new series that is a spin-off from her Eagle Harbor series. The story is a clean Christian story with Godly principles, human emotions, troubles from the past, and new beginnings and a future. The story is not preachy but does contain Bible passages.
Mail-order bride, Elle Spritzer, has corresponded with Texas rancher, Sam Owen’s for over a year, and now is traveling from Eagle Harbor, Michigan to Twin Rivers, Texas to marry him. He knows she has eight siblings and has even consented to her bringing two teenaged boys, Martin and Leroy, and baby sister, Lynette. Sam inherited a twelve-thousand-acre ranch in a will, something an orphan would never expect to happen—and now he has a wife and children on their way—his life’s dream coming true.
The plot will include a shock when Sam arrives in town to meet the stagecoach and not only will the four people he was expecting to arrive, but there will be five other siblings in tow. Sam, understanding what it is like as an orphan, won’t turn the children away—but this will change things for him and Ellie. Both Sam and Ellie have their secrets, and issues that create angst and misunderstandings, but when they are honest with each other, they both find that where one is weak, the other is strong, and they are perfect together. Sam also has good friends from his childhood, friends that come through during times of trouble and hardships.
“I don’t care about what kind of family you came from. I care about the family I can make with you going forward, right here in Twin Rivers.”
I love the communication between Sam and Ellie, especially when they finally open up to each other. Ellie proves to be supportive of Sam when it looks like he will lose the ranch, and he refuses to allow the children to be divided up. When they each seek the Lord, asking for guidance and trusting God in everything, things fall into place.
“We’re a family, you, me, and the whole pile of young’uns you brought with you, for richer or poorer, for better or worse. I don’t want anyone to question that in the future.”
May 21, 2019
Having enjoyed Rawlings’ books set in Eagle Harbor, I have been looking forward to the next ones from this author. This particular novel begins a new series, following several characters to Texas as they begin a new life, and while I was wondering how things might change with the setting, I found I really enjoyed the emerging cast of characters and location.
Ellie has a heavy burden, caring for herself and eight siblings. Many circumstances have led to this, but she feels abandoned and unworthy of love, happy to just have someone who provides a place for her and her family. Though she yearns for love, she's afraid she'll never have it, but a small part of her still clings to the hope of it.
The spiritual side of the story is often painful as the main character tries to process the difficulties she has experienced in her life, fearing the bad things are punishment for past sin, and not even her own. And Sam understands God's love and provision for him but still struggles to let go of his past as a lonely orphan, afraid to accept help. They teach each other learn to trust, and a beautiful love grows from there.
And while the setting is very different from the prior series, this one has been impeccably researched for the reader. There is lots about the area, including snakes and dehydration, history, and ranching and rustling, all helping to flesh out characters’ motivations as well as giving dimension to the location.
This is a fantastic start to the series, with Ellie and her siblings being the tie between Eagle Harbor and Twin Rivers. And just as the cast of characters in Michigan captured my heart, these new friends in Texas are doing the same, despite the drastically different setting. I highly recommend it to fans of Rawlings, and those who enjoy historical romance, mail-order bride stories, or western and ranch settings. This one is a keeper!
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Ellie has a heavy burden, caring for herself and eight siblings. Many circumstances have led to this, but she feels abandoned and unworthy of love, happy to just have someone who provides a place for her and her family. Though she yearns for love, she's afraid she'll never have it, but a small part of her still clings to the hope of it.
The spiritual side of the story is often painful as the main character tries to process the difficulties she has experienced in her life, fearing the bad things are punishment for past sin, and not even her own. And Sam understands God's love and provision for him but still struggles to let go of his past as a lonely orphan, afraid to accept help. They teach each other learn to trust, and a beautiful love grows from there.
And while the setting is very different from the prior series, this one has been impeccably researched for the reader. There is lots about the area, including snakes and dehydration, history, and ranching and rustling, all helping to flesh out characters’ motivations as well as giving dimension to the location.
This is a fantastic start to the series, with Ellie and her siblings being the tie between Eagle Harbor and Twin Rivers. And just as the cast of characters in Michigan captured my heart, these new friends in Texas are doing the same, despite the drastically different setting. I highly recommend it to fans of Rawlings, and those who enjoy historical romance, mail-order bride stories, or western and ranch settings. This one is a keeper!
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
December 3, 2019
A great book to start the new series!! I can’t brag on Naomi Rawlings enough— I always get so swept into her characters and am always eager to read about the potential couples in the series. I already can’t wait for every other couple to get together in the series! This story was light hearted and sweet- just what I want when reading a western romance!
June 29, 2022
Just okay
I'm the sort of person who has unnaturally high standards and while the concept of this novel seemed promising, the story itself was merely okay. I wasn't a fan of the dialogue in many places (stilted, unnatural) and also not too terribly keen on scripture placement (forced more often than not). The characters had a lot of potential that was never realized and the end came so suddenly and was so forced-wholesome that I rolled my eyes at it. I like cheese as much as the next person but I don't appreciate writing that tries that hard to manipulate me into feeling something.
With this being a series it's possible that some of the character stuff gets sorted out later, but I haven't decided yet on if I want to read the next book or not. Nothing about this novel really stood out to me except how mediocre everything was, but I don't like to judge too fully based on just one book, either.
If you're just looking to pass an afternoon or two and you want simple Christian-flavored entertainment, this story will do the trick. But if you're desperately seeking deep, emotional and thought provoking romance with Christian morals as a backbone this one sorta misses the mark...at least for me.
I'm the sort of person who has unnaturally high standards and while the concept of this novel seemed promising, the story itself was merely okay. I wasn't a fan of the dialogue in many places (stilted, unnatural) and also not too terribly keen on scripture placement (forced more often than not). The characters had a lot of potential that was never realized and the end came so suddenly and was so forced-wholesome that I rolled my eyes at it. I like cheese as much as the next person but I don't appreciate writing that tries that hard to manipulate me into feeling something.
With this being a series it's possible that some of the character stuff gets sorted out later, but I haven't decided yet on if I want to read the next book or not. Nothing about this novel really stood out to me except how mediocre everything was, but I don't like to judge too fully based on just one book, either.
If you're just looking to pass an afternoon or two and you want simple Christian-flavored entertainment, this story will do the trick. But if you're desperately seeking deep, emotional and thought provoking romance with Christian morals as a backbone this one sorta misses the mark...at least for me.
March 11, 2019
Tomorrow’s First Light (2019) by Naomi Rawlings is the first book in the Texas Promise series. This novel recently released on February 25, 2019 so it is now available wherever books are sold. With a full-time job, and a very busy six-year old at home, this book took me three days to read. I received a copy of the novel in eBook format from the author to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this excellent story 5+++ STARS. This novel is Christian Historical Romance.
Tomorrow’s First Light is a FANTASTIC read. I enjoyed every minute of this book. The descriptions of the setting made me feel like I was in Texas with Ellie and Sam. The characters are well crafted, endearing, and very realistic. The many themes discussed in this novel are timely, and very worthy of consideration for self-reflection. And, Tomorrow’s First Light is a perfect Western. There’s grit, struggle, romance, true heroes, and really bad guys. If you love a great Western, this is definitely the book for you!
Sam is a superb hero! He’s super sweet, very manly, and incredibly protective. When he makes mistakes, he immediately addresses the issue and asks for forgiveness. My favorite aspect to his character is how well he reads Ellie’s feelings and body language. For example, Ellie freezes up when she is scared or nervous. It’s like she becomes a brick of ice. At first, her physical reactions hurt Sam’s feelings, but then he begins to watch her. He realizes that this is just Ellie’s way. It does not mean she doesn’t appreciate or like her husband. Quite the contrary. Ellie likes her new husband just fine, it’s just that new things scare her. So Sam puts aside his immediate feelings and helps Ellie release her fears. Yes, Sam is a dreamboat hero — he is handsome, intelligent, God-fearing, and protective — but what makes him especially swoon-worthy is his ability to see who his wife truly is. I really love that about his character.
Ellie is a wonderful heroine. I really love her character, and found I could relate to her quite a bit. Unfortunately, Ellie has a few hang ups. Ellie believes that her life is cursed, and that God is constantly punishing her and her siblings for the sins of their parents. Her life has been a series of bad thing after bad thing, so she naturally believes that this means God is seeking revenge against her. There does come a moment when Ellie realizes that God does love her, and that she has spent her whole life being a Negative Nellie. She has chosen to see all of the bad and ignore all the ways God has blessed her, protected her, and provided for her. Once she changes her perspective her whole life changes for the better. It’s almost like scales fall from her eyes and then Ellie is able to see the truth about herself, her life, and the path God has set her upon.
I can relate to Ellie. For most of my life, I felt just life Ellie: I was sure my life was cursed. I believed I was Job 2.0. I always saw the glass half empty, and I kept a running tally of all the ways God hated me. But then my daughter was born, and against all odds, survived her very tumultuous birth. I would like to say the scales fell from my eyes immediately after my child came into this world, but that is not the case. My perspective change happened after a simple phone call. But before I explain the phone call, I need to share one bit of background info. I can never have anymore children. My miracle daughter is all I will ever have. The scary nature of her early birth and my near death means that another pregnancy is sure to kill me. It took me a second to reconcile that, but I promise I am 1000% OK with this outcome. God knew my emotional and mental limitations before I ever did, and He knew one kid is all I can handle. But back to my phone call. My daughter and I spent three months in the hospital after her birth. A few weeks after we got home, my dad called me. He was worked up and MAD. My dad was a fireman. He was mad that day because he went on a call to a young woman who was having a baby. This woman was YOUNG — like 19. She was on her fifth kid. Each kid had a different daddy. My dad was mad because he didn’t think it was fair for this young woman to have so many kids out of wedlock and with different men, when his own daughter almost died giving birth to one baby. He didn’t think it was fair I could never have kids again. In that instant, because my dad was so mad and hurt for me, I realized just how BIG God loves me. God loves me so much He blessed me with a dad who cared so hard for his hurting daughter. God loves me so much He kept me from dying before I got to meet my child and watch her grow up. God loves me so much He gave me a miracle. I am SO grateful to God for this phone call from my dad. It took away Negative Nicole and changed the way I see things. My life, like Ellie’s in this novel, is better because I see God in it every day. I no longer see the ugly. I now see the beauty. God is SO good.
Tomorrow’s First Light is a truly wonderful story. I enjoyed every page, and will miss my time with Ellie and Sam. If you are looking for a well-written Christian Western, then I HIGHLY recommend Tomorrow’s First Light.
Tomorrow’s First Light is a FANTASTIC read. I enjoyed every minute of this book. The descriptions of the setting made me feel like I was in Texas with Ellie and Sam. The characters are well crafted, endearing, and very realistic. The many themes discussed in this novel are timely, and very worthy of consideration for self-reflection. And, Tomorrow’s First Light is a perfect Western. There’s grit, struggle, romance, true heroes, and really bad guys. If you love a great Western, this is definitely the book for you!
Sam is a superb hero! He’s super sweet, very manly, and incredibly protective. When he makes mistakes, he immediately addresses the issue and asks for forgiveness. My favorite aspect to his character is how well he reads Ellie’s feelings and body language. For example, Ellie freezes up when she is scared or nervous. It’s like she becomes a brick of ice. At first, her physical reactions hurt Sam’s feelings, but then he begins to watch her. He realizes that this is just Ellie’s way. It does not mean she doesn’t appreciate or like her husband. Quite the contrary. Ellie likes her new husband just fine, it’s just that new things scare her. So Sam puts aside his immediate feelings and helps Ellie release her fears. Yes, Sam is a dreamboat hero — he is handsome, intelligent, God-fearing, and protective — but what makes him especially swoon-worthy is his ability to see who his wife truly is. I really love that about his character.
Ellie is a wonderful heroine. I really love her character, and found I could relate to her quite a bit. Unfortunately, Ellie has a few hang ups. Ellie believes that her life is cursed, and that God is constantly punishing her and her siblings for the sins of their parents. Her life has been a series of bad thing after bad thing, so she naturally believes that this means God is seeking revenge against her. There does come a moment when Ellie realizes that God does love her, and that she has spent her whole life being a Negative Nellie. She has chosen to see all of the bad and ignore all the ways God has blessed her, protected her, and provided for her. Once she changes her perspective her whole life changes for the better. It’s almost like scales fall from her eyes and then Ellie is able to see the truth about herself, her life, and the path God has set her upon.
I can relate to Ellie. For most of my life, I felt just life Ellie: I was sure my life was cursed. I believed I was Job 2.0. I always saw the glass half empty, and I kept a running tally of all the ways God hated me. But then my daughter was born, and against all odds, survived her very tumultuous birth. I would like to say the scales fell from my eyes immediately after my child came into this world, but that is not the case. My perspective change happened after a simple phone call. But before I explain the phone call, I need to share one bit of background info. I can never have anymore children. My miracle daughter is all I will ever have. The scary nature of her early birth and my near death means that another pregnancy is sure to kill me. It took me a second to reconcile that, but I promise I am 1000% OK with this outcome. God knew my emotional and mental limitations before I ever did, and He knew one kid is all I can handle. But back to my phone call. My daughter and I spent three months in the hospital after her birth. A few weeks after we got home, my dad called me. He was worked up and MAD. My dad was a fireman. He was mad that day because he went on a call to a young woman who was having a baby. This woman was YOUNG — like 19. She was on her fifth kid. Each kid had a different daddy. My dad was mad because he didn’t think it was fair for this young woman to have so many kids out of wedlock and with different men, when his own daughter almost died giving birth to one baby. He didn’t think it was fair I could never have kids again. In that instant, because my dad was so mad and hurt for me, I realized just how BIG God loves me. God loves me so much He blessed me with a dad who cared so hard for his hurting daughter. God loves me so much He kept me from dying before I got to meet my child and watch her grow up. God loves me so much He gave me a miracle. I am SO grateful to God for this phone call from my dad. It took away Negative Nicole and changed the way I see things. My life, like Ellie’s in this novel, is better because I see God in it every day. I no longer see the ugly. I now see the beauty. God is SO good.
Tomorrow’s First Light is a truly wonderful story. I enjoyed every page, and will miss my time with Ellie and Sam. If you are looking for a well-written Christian Western, then I HIGHLY recommend Tomorrow’s First Light.
February 25, 2019
Tomorrow’s First Light is the exciting first in the Texas Promise series and re-introduces Ellie, one of our friends from the Eagle Harbor series. Events take place in Texas in 1885, with an arranged mail-order marriage, a built-in family, mysteries, and a spiritual lesson that is excellent for this reader.
Ellie Spritzer wants a husband who will love her for who she is, despite her closely held family secrets. She and Sam Owens meet through an agency that introduces prospective brides and grooms, corresponding for about a year before they agree to marry. Ellie’s mother died, so it is important to Ellie to find someone who will allow her to bring her three youngest siblings, 6-year-old twins and a one-year old babe while a family member takes in her other siblings. All was going well except a letter seems to have been lost along the way.
Sam Owens grew up in an orphanage, never knowing his parents or if he had any siblings. He wants a family of his own, and likes what he has read so far in Ellie’s letters. While Sam was writing to Ellie, he inherited his ranchland from a man he used to work for, built a house and barn on it, and purchased a hundred head of cattle. He didn’t tell anyone about Ellie until the very last minute, which upset his close, life-long friends. The surprise was on Sam. When the stage arrived, eight – count ‘em, eight – children piled out along with his fiancé. Then, Sam learns that his ranch has been taken from him. He now has nowhere for Ellie’s family or his cattle.
Spiritual battles are throughout this breathtaking novel. Ellie has long believed that her family was cursed due to the secrets of the past. Leaving Eagle Harbor apparently didn’t make a difference; she now believes God’s punishment is extended to Sam. She thinks she’s made a mess of everything. She then hears the sister of one of Sam’s old friends, Charlotte, irate because Sam should have married her rather than bring a stranger into his home. Even if Charlotte’s father wouldn’t accept an orphan for a son-in-law. Ellie’s sixteen-year-old brother Leroy wants her to send all the children back to Eagle Harbor. Leroy knows she has spent her life caring for them, and he wants her to be happy, but she wants her family with her.
I like Ellie. A lot. She has learned to do much with very little. She has just a tiny bit of faith, yet knows just enough about law and not enough about grace to understand what the Lord might have in store for her. The primary characters are three-dimensional; we get to know Sam and Ellie very well throughout this drama.
This story was very hard to put down! The contrasts between Texas and Northern Michigan, especially to this reader who left Michigan for the Arizona desert, is very well drawn. Sam and Ellie face many challenges, from their marriage to her siblings to having to leave his land and find a place for everyone to stay. Sam will do anything to keep the children from going to an orphanage, and his faith in God is strong. From the time he was a lad, he believed a verse from scripture that says, “Two are better than one”. Now he has an opportunity to prove that in the Lord’s strength! I highly recommend this Christian historical novel for women of all ages who appreciate well-written, inspirational fiction with likable characters who face challenges with prayers and scripture.
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the author, and this is my honest review.
Ellie Spritzer wants a husband who will love her for who she is, despite her closely held family secrets. She and Sam Owens meet through an agency that introduces prospective brides and grooms, corresponding for about a year before they agree to marry. Ellie’s mother died, so it is important to Ellie to find someone who will allow her to bring her three youngest siblings, 6-year-old twins and a one-year old babe while a family member takes in her other siblings. All was going well except a letter seems to have been lost along the way.
Sam Owens grew up in an orphanage, never knowing his parents or if he had any siblings. He wants a family of his own, and likes what he has read so far in Ellie’s letters. While Sam was writing to Ellie, he inherited his ranchland from a man he used to work for, built a house and barn on it, and purchased a hundred head of cattle. He didn’t tell anyone about Ellie until the very last minute, which upset his close, life-long friends. The surprise was on Sam. When the stage arrived, eight – count ‘em, eight – children piled out along with his fiancé. Then, Sam learns that his ranch has been taken from him. He now has nowhere for Ellie’s family or his cattle.
Spiritual battles are throughout this breathtaking novel. Ellie has long believed that her family was cursed due to the secrets of the past. Leaving Eagle Harbor apparently didn’t make a difference; she now believes God’s punishment is extended to Sam. She thinks she’s made a mess of everything. She then hears the sister of one of Sam’s old friends, Charlotte, irate because Sam should have married her rather than bring a stranger into his home. Even if Charlotte’s father wouldn’t accept an orphan for a son-in-law. Ellie’s sixteen-year-old brother Leroy wants her to send all the children back to Eagle Harbor. Leroy knows she has spent her life caring for them, and he wants her to be happy, but she wants her family with her.
I like Ellie. A lot. She has learned to do much with very little. She has just a tiny bit of faith, yet knows just enough about law and not enough about grace to understand what the Lord might have in store for her. The primary characters are three-dimensional; we get to know Sam and Ellie very well throughout this drama.
This story was very hard to put down! The contrasts between Texas and Northern Michigan, especially to this reader who left Michigan for the Arizona desert, is very well drawn. Sam and Ellie face many challenges, from their marriage to her siblings to having to leave his land and find a place for everyone to stay. Sam will do anything to keep the children from going to an orphanage, and his faith in God is strong. From the time he was a lad, he believed a verse from scripture that says, “Two are better than one”. Now he has an opportunity to prove that in the Lord’s strength! I highly recommend this Christian historical novel for women of all ages who appreciate well-written, inspirational fiction with likable characters who face challenges with prayers and scripture.
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the author, and this is my honest review.
March 7, 2019
What a great start for Naomi Rawlings' newest series! For those who have read her Eagle Harbor series, Tomorrow's First Light focuses on Ellie Spritzer, oldest sister of the unruly Spritzer clan.
When a family secret comes to light, Ellie chooses to pack up all eight of her siblings and head as far from Michigan's UP as she can get. She's been writing with Sam Owens through a mail-order bride service, and he's asked her to marry him. He knows she's bringing three of her siblings with her. It's supposed to be her two oldest brothers, who can help Sam on his ranch, and their baby sister, but when her aunt hears of the scandal touching the family, she backs out of taking the other five. Ellie can't put them in an orphanage. She's been caring for them most of her life, so she packs them all up, sending Sam a letter to let him know.
Sam can't believe his eyes when he goes to pick his new bride up from the stage. He knew she was bringing three siblings, but it looks like she fooled him and brought them all. Is that any way to start a marriage? Growing up in an orphanage, mistreated by the "house parents", Sam's greatest longing has always been for a home and family of his own, but eight children at once? How can he trust Ellie again when she lied to him about something this big? Plus, he has enough money saved to get five people through until he sells his cattle. How in the world is he going to feed double that?
When Ellie realizes that Sam never got her letter, she is horrified, and offers to take the children and go ... somewhere. Sam refuses her offer. He still needs a wife and he still wants a family. Soon though, Sam has other worries that take precedence over the complications Ellie has brought with her. Someone is laying claim to his land, and he must get to the bottom of it. He has a family to support. How can he do that if he doesn't have his ranch?
I am a huge fan of Naomi Rawlings. Her stories made me want to visit tiny Eagle Harbor just to see the wild majesty of Lake Superior. (I didn't make it QUITE there, but Munising, MI gave me a pretty good feel for life in the UP.) Now, she's moved the Spritzer clan - and I do mean, clan - to Texas, with all the problems, and all the joys, that a family of nine children can have. Some of the scenes are pretty funny. Being a farm girl myself, I laughed at the scene where they were making steers out of the bull calves, but I can see where someone who had never been around cattle would be appalled. I also loved how she had Sam and Ellie get to know each other gradually, before bringing them together as husband and wife.
If you love sweet historical fiction, with some suspense, and a whole lot of romance, you will enjoy Tomorrow's First Light. Sam and Ellie's story is so sweetly told, and there are foretastes of the books to come in the series. I definitely recommend this book!
I received this book from the author, but all opinions expressed in my review are MINE!
When a family secret comes to light, Ellie chooses to pack up all eight of her siblings and head as far from Michigan's UP as she can get. She's been writing with Sam Owens through a mail-order bride service, and he's asked her to marry him. He knows she's bringing three of her siblings with her. It's supposed to be her two oldest brothers, who can help Sam on his ranch, and their baby sister, but when her aunt hears of the scandal touching the family, she backs out of taking the other five. Ellie can't put them in an orphanage. She's been caring for them most of her life, so she packs them all up, sending Sam a letter to let him know.
Sam can't believe his eyes when he goes to pick his new bride up from the stage. He knew she was bringing three siblings, but it looks like she fooled him and brought them all. Is that any way to start a marriage? Growing up in an orphanage, mistreated by the "house parents", Sam's greatest longing has always been for a home and family of his own, but eight children at once? How can he trust Ellie again when she lied to him about something this big? Plus, he has enough money saved to get five people through until he sells his cattle. How in the world is he going to feed double that?
When Ellie realizes that Sam never got her letter, she is horrified, and offers to take the children and go ... somewhere. Sam refuses her offer. He still needs a wife and he still wants a family. Soon though, Sam has other worries that take precedence over the complications Ellie has brought with her. Someone is laying claim to his land, and he must get to the bottom of it. He has a family to support. How can he do that if he doesn't have his ranch?
I am a huge fan of Naomi Rawlings. Her stories made me want to visit tiny Eagle Harbor just to see the wild majesty of Lake Superior. (I didn't make it QUITE there, but Munising, MI gave me a pretty good feel for life in the UP.) Now, she's moved the Spritzer clan - and I do mean, clan - to Texas, with all the problems, and all the joys, that a family of nine children can have. Some of the scenes are pretty funny. Being a farm girl myself, I laughed at the scene where they were making steers out of the bull calves, but I can see where someone who had never been around cattle would be appalled. I also loved how she had Sam and Ellie get to know each other gradually, before bringing them together as husband and wife.
If you love sweet historical fiction, with some suspense, and a whole lot of romance, you will enjoy Tomorrow's First Light. Sam and Ellie's story is so sweetly told, and there are foretastes of the books to come in the series. I definitely recommend this book!
I received this book from the author, but all opinions expressed in my review are MINE!
February 24, 2019
Tomorrow’s First Light by Naomi Rawlings is a delightful Christian historical romance set in 1885. It is the first book in the Texas Promise series and what a warm and wonderful series that promises to be.
A main theme is taking care of widows and orphans. Hearts and homes are opened to a family of nine siblings as a rancher gets more than he bargains for with his mail order bride.
God is with us in the good and the bad times. He is with us even when we cannot see or feel Him. God walks alongside us at all times in life.
It is life not God that deals us blows. “Was she doing something wrong? Was that why God never answered her prayers?” God is faithful. He always answers our prayers in His time and in His way.
We are not responsible for the sins of our parents. The circumstances surrounding our births do not mean we are cursed. Life can be hard but God is faithful “Did God love her in spite of all the bad things that had happened to her?” We must hang on to God and on to hope at all times that all things will work out for the best.
Naomi Rawlings has created a wonderful new set of characters. The children are a handful of unique personalities that endear themselves to the reader. There is a core friendship group that support each other. As new relationships begin, the reader’s heart is warmed.
There is a rescue in the book that mirrors God’s rescue of each and every one of us. When we are stuck in our sin, God comes close, draws us near and pulls us out of our sin and into a relationship with Him.
I adored Tomorrow’s First Light. I adore all Naomi Rawlings novels. They are warm and wonderful, grounded in God and always leave me smiling.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
A main theme is taking care of widows and orphans. Hearts and homes are opened to a family of nine siblings as a rancher gets more than he bargains for with his mail order bride.
God is with us in the good and the bad times. He is with us even when we cannot see or feel Him. God walks alongside us at all times in life.
It is life not God that deals us blows. “Was she doing something wrong? Was that why God never answered her prayers?” God is faithful. He always answers our prayers in His time and in His way.
We are not responsible for the sins of our parents. The circumstances surrounding our births do not mean we are cursed. Life can be hard but God is faithful “Did God love her in spite of all the bad things that had happened to her?” We must hang on to God and on to hope at all times that all things will work out for the best.
Naomi Rawlings has created a wonderful new set of characters. The children are a handful of unique personalities that endear themselves to the reader. There is a core friendship group that support each other. As new relationships begin, the reader’s heart is warmed.
There is a rescue in the book that mirrors God’s rescue of each and every one of us. When we are stuck in our sin, God comes close, draws us near and pulls us out of our sin and into a relationship with Him.
I adored Tomorrow’s First Light. I adore all Naomi Rawlings novels. They are warm and wonderful, grounded in God and always leave me smiling.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
March 23, 2019
A Mail-Order Bride with several siblings in tow!? Sign me up! I remember seeing Ellie in Ms. Rawlings previous series, and I was happy to see her have her own story. And what a story it was! I loved the opening scenes between Sam and his buddies. I was literally laughing out loud, especially when they made their "pact". Rawlings had my attention from the very beginning, between that and Ellie's journey to get to Texas. I liked the sparks between Sam and Ellie, which seemed to happen about as soon as they met. Sure, there were a couple of awkward moments, but for a couple that hadn't met in person before, I could see the attraction early.
Romance aside, Rawlings has a way of bringing troubles, tension, and yes triumphs in a way that has you on the edge of your seat. I flew through the pages of this book, and am sad to see how long it's going to be until the next edition comes out! But, if that means plenty of time for Ms. Rawlings to bang out another wonderful story such as this, it'll be well worth the wait! Travel back to historic Texas, and be mesmerized by the wonderful characters and setting. I certainly was!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Romance aside, Rawlings has a way of bringing troubles, tension, and yes triumphs in a way that has you on the edge of your seat. I flew through the pages of this book, and am sad to see how long it's going to be until the next edition comes out! But, if that means plenty of time for Ms. Rawlings to bang out another wonderful story such as this, it'll be well worth the wait! Travel back to historic Texas, and be mesmerized by the wonderful characters and setting. I certainly was!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 18, 2019
"Tomorrow's First Light" by Naomi Rawlings is the first book in the Texas Promise Series. It is a heartwarming tale, brimming with hope and bright new beginnings. A mail-order bride, Ellie Spritzer marries Sam Owens, just to keep her eight siblings out of an orphanage. Ellie's lifelong quest for love takes her, with all her siblings in tow, to Twin Rivers, Texas, where Sam Owen resides. An orphan, Sam never had a home or family to love. When Ellie and all her siblings appear on his doorstep, in dire need of his heart and home, Sam just cannot turn them away. Yet, as a new start-up rancher, he does not have the resources to care for such a large family. When evil threatens all that Sam and Ellie hold dearest to their hearts, they struggle to keep their precious, fledgling family together under one roof. When Ellie comes to terms with her questioning faith, and learns to trust God no matter what happens, the Almighty Father intervenes to vanquish evil and save all that Sam and Ellie cherish most. Naomi Rawlings makes her characters speak from the heart and her books appeal to the hearts of readers worldwide. I highly recommend the Texas Promise Series and the Eagle Harbor Series. Excellent reading!
March 5, 2019
A new author for me. Won’t be the last book I read by Ms. Rawlings though. Looking forward to the next entries in this series—can’t wait to find out if any of the men get their heads shaved.
For those of you wondering, there is a touch of religion, but it’s by no means preachy or out of place. Rawlings does a good job of making any religious references an organic part of the story.
This is a clean read.
For those of you wondering, there is a touch of religion, but it’s by no means preachy or out of place. Rawlings does a good job of making any religious references an organic part of the story.
This is a clean read.
May 4, 2022
This book stayed clean throughout the entire story. It had some intense moments but mostly a pretty nice even feeling to it. I really like the characters and I like the writing of this author.
January 21, 2025
Nice US mail order bride read.
February 20, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much! The characters were easy to like from adults to the children. A great story about love and commitment, loving like Christ would Friendship and forgiveness. I was easily drawn into the story and couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read this authors next book!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
February 26, 2019
Tomorrow's First Light
Book One in the Texas Promise Series
Naomi Rawlings is author of the Eagle Harbor book series. She connects both series through Ellie.
Ellie was a baker in Eagle Harbor, Michigan but now she has embarked on a new adventure. She is a mail-order bride for Sam the rancher. He is from Twin Rivers, Texas.
I loved this book. I especially liked Sam, Ellie's rancher husband. Sam is expecting Ellie (his mail-order bride) and three of her siblings to arrive on the stage but is surprised when Ellie and her eight siblings step off. Instead of backing out of their arrangement, Sam promptly marches Ellie down to the church to get married. Sam never waivers in his commitment to his family. He frequently tells Ellie "two are better than one".
This book is full of surprises. I could not put it down since I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Cattle rustlers, land swindlers, and miscommunication are a few of the obstacles Sam and Ellie must confront and conquer.
Naomi Rawlings does a great job sharing God's love through her writing. She is not preachy but rather very subtle in her presentation.
I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own
Book One in the Texas Promise Series
Naomi Rawlings is author of the Eagle Harbor book series. She connects both series through Ellie.
Ellie was a baker in Eagle Harbor, Michigan but now she has embarked on a new adventure. She is a mail-order bride for Sam the rancher. He is from Twin Rivers, Texas.
I loved this book. I especially liked Sam, Ellie's rancher husband. Sam is expecting Ellie (his mail-order bride) and three of her siblings to arrive on the stage but is surprised when Ellie and her eight siblings step off. Instead of backing out of their arrangement, Sam promptly marches Ellie down to the church to get married. Sam never waivers in his commitment to his family. He frequently tells Ellie "two are better than one".
This book is full of surprises. I could not put it down since I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Cattle rustlers, land swindlers, and miscommunication are a few of the obstacles Sam and Ellie must confront and conquer.
Naomi Rawlings does a great job sharing God's love through her writing. She is not preachy but rather very subtle in her presentation.
I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own
July 25, 2025
I really wish there was a .5 star option. This book wasn’t quite a 4 star, not quite a 3 star. So, solid 3.5. If you’re looking for ooey, gooey sweetness, predictability and a female lead that’s kind of annoying (was it REALLY that shocking that calves were being branded and castrated on a working ranch?), this is the book for you! Also annoying that the author referred to a mare as getting an injury “as a young colt”. 😑 Young female horses are called fillies, males are colts, and the gender neutral term would be foal. If you’re going to be specific in a book, do the research to figure out what the correct terminology is. Anywho.
August 11, 2024
Ohh I had such high hopes for this one!
This was my first read by Naomi Rawlings. The blurb is what drew me in. I love stories about big families, about adoption/foster, and mail-order bride stories and this was all of that in one.
Starting off strong, I love love love the large family storyline and the struggles and joys Sam and Ellie had taking care of all of Ellie’s siblings. The way Sam and the kids became close and bonded was just so heart warming and literally brought me tears, it was just so good.
Also, I think Ellie is one of the strongest female characters I’ve read about in a while. Like excuse me, she becomes basically a mother to her eight siblings, moves all of them across the country (I can’t even imagine), and marries a stranger to keep her family together all in the span of a couple months. I know I would’ve had a few breakdowns along the way for sure.
However, and this is a big one for me, it’s the romance and “physical-ness” in the book that I just can’t get over. Sometimes, romantic elements help to bring the message of the book along. But sometimes, it feels like the message is there just to carry the romantic elements, and make them the focus of the book. Although this was in the context of marriage, which was really great, I felt like it was a little too much for a Christian novel. Maybe my standards and expectations are a little too high, but honestly I like them that way.
If it wasn’t for the cracked-open-door romance, this book would’ve been perfect.
This was my first read by Naomi Rawlings. The blurb is what drew me in. I love stories about big families, about adoption/foster, and mail-order bride stories and this was all of that in one.
Starting off strong, I love love love the large family storyline and the struggles and joys Sam and Ellie had taking care of all of Ellie’s siblings. The way Sam and the kids became close and bonded was just so heart warming and literally brought me tears, it was just so good.
Also, I think Ellie is one of the strongest female characters I’ve read about in a while. Like excuse me, she becomes basically a mother to her eight siblings, moves all of them across the country (I can’t even imagine), and marries a stranger to keep her family together all in the span of a couple months. I know I would’ve had a few breakdowns along the way for sure.
However, and this is a big one for me, it’s the romance and “physical-ness” in the book that I just can’t get over. Sometimes, romantic elements help to bring the message of the book along. But sometimes, it feels like the message is there just to carry the romantic elements, and make them the focus of the book. Although this was in the context of marriage, which was really great, I felt like it was a little too much for a Christian novel. Maybe my standards and expectations are a little too high, but honestly I like them that way.
If it wasn’t for the cracked-open-door romance, this book would’ve been perfect.
September 13, 2023
This is a sweet historical romance reminiscent of the "Love Comes Softly" series by Jannette Oke. I enjoyed the story of a Texas rancher and his "mail order bride" from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Although they corresponded for a year, meeting in person brings challenges for Ellie and Sam, especially when Ellie has to bring her 8 younger siblings with her from Michigan. It was definitely more than Sam bargained for but as an orphan he always dreamed of having a family. Together they must overcome the challenges of making ends meet, adjusting to married life and keeping their ranch when there is another owner claiming their land. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 30, 2025
I started this book because I was needing an audio book so I could knit. I am glad I found it. I really enjoyed this book and am hoping I will be able to read the rest of the series.
Ellie is desperate to leave the town in Michigan where her sibling and herself grew up. Sam wants a wife and a family only he did not bank on eight children at the start of that marriage.
I thought that the story line of the book was well paced and engaging. Although the book was focused on Sam and Ellie’s relationship with each other it was not over baring for the story line.
Ellie is desperate to leave the town in Michigan where her sibling and herself grew up. Sam wants a wife and a family only he did not bank on eight children at the start of that marriage.
I thought that the story line of the book was well paced and engaging. Although the book was focused on Sam and Ellie’s relationship with each other it was not over baring for the story line.
August 6, 2025
I liked the main characters. The story kept me moving along to the end—wanting to know how it ended. I don’t know that I want to read on in the series. I am curious to read about Daniel but not if he ends up with Wes’ sister.
The resolution here felt sudden in some ways after the pace of the book up to that point.
This was a nice story.
The resolution here felt sudden in some ways after the pace of the book up to that point.
This was a nice story.
September 21, 2024
This was a very easy, predictable story to read. I liked it because it was not sad therefore great to read when you need a lightly emotional story. It was easy to put down and pick up later. (Not a cliffhanger by any means). I will read the next in the series.
January 23, 2025
Pretty good
There were a few rough patches that slowed the pacing and more religious fever than I care to read about, but overall, it was not bad. I liked the characters and the setting. Interesting storyline and nice wrap up. Needs a little work and less religion.
There were a few rough patches that slowed the pacing and more religious fever than I care to read about, but overall, it was not bad. I liked the characters and the setting. Interesting storyline and nice wrap up. Needs a little work and less religion.
May 7, 2023
sweet easy read
I like the idea behind the story, but I look for more depth when reading novels. The characters were well developed but the story was fairly predictable.
I like the idea behind the story, but I look for more depth when reading novels. The characters were well developed but the story was fairly predictable.
February 26, 2019
In Book 1 of the Texas Promise Series by author Noami Rawlings, Tomorrow’s First Light (the romance of Sam and Ellie), Sam is willing to marry a stranger to keep the woman's siblings out of an orphanage. Yet when more children than expected pour out of the stage coach, what’s a man to do? Nervous about meeting her fiancé for the first time, is Ellie Spritzer’s lifelong hope of finding love is about to end? Or is it about to begin? How could she even imagine that her quest for love would take her to the other side of the country? That’s exactly what she did after her mother died unexpectedly with her siblings in tow. What choice does she have? At least the man she’s been writing for the past year is still willing to marry her and take in her siblings. That’s what she thinks until she arrives in the dusty town of Twin Rivers, Texas.
Sam Owens grew up an orphan and never had a place to call home or a family to love. So he agrees for his wife-to-be to bring three of her siblings with her. He has no complaints about having a ready-made family until his mail-order-bride arrives with eight children instead of the three siblings he had agreed to.
Sam just can’t make himself turn away children in need even though as a beginning rancher, he doesn’t have the resources to care for so many people. Then sinister forces threaten the things Sam and Ellie both hold dear. Can they figure out how to keep their fledgling family together? Will they lose the very things they cherish most? I loved this Christian romance of a tender marriage-of-convenience story with a heartwarming tale filled with hope and new beginnings.
Sam Owens grew up an orphan and never had a place to call home or a family to love. So he agrees for his wife-to-be to bring three of her siblings with her. He has no complaints about having a ready-made family until his mail-order-bride arrives with eight children instead of the three siblings he had agreed to.
Sam just can’t make himself turn away children in need even though as a beginning rancher, he doesn’t have the resources to care for so many people. Then sinister forces threaten the things Sam and Ellie both hold dear. Can they figure out how to keep their fledgling family together? Will they lose the very things they cherish most? I loved this Christian romance of a tender marriage-of-convenience story with a heartwarming tale filled with hope and new beginnings.
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March 3, 2019Tomorrow's First Light is the first book in the series of 5 in the Texas Promise series by Naomi Rawlings. The story is a Christian fiction story which takes place in Twin Rivers, Texas. Ellie Spitzer moves with her 8 siblings to Twin Rivers from Eagle Harbor to be Sam Owen's mail order bride. They wrote each other for a year and decided to marry. Ellie's Mother died before she traveled to Twin Rivers and her Father had passed away previously. Her aunt would not take any of her siblings so she had to bring them with her to Twin Rivers. Sam thought she was only bringing 3 siblings. She did not want to put her siblings in an orphanage. Sam lives on a ranch with cattle but does not have very much money. It is big surprise to see all of Ellie's siblings when she arrives to Twin Rivers. Sam had a heart for the situation Ellie was in because He grew up in an orphanage. It takes time for the two newly married couple to adjust with all of their life challenges. Sam's land is threatened to be taken away. How will they survive when their land is threatened? How will Ellie and Sam handle the financial challenges of all the children and very little income. The characters are well described. The story is beautifully written. The Christian themes are written beautifully in the story. Sam and Ellie speak of how the Lord is always working good in their trials and how God cares for them. Thank you so much to Naomi Rawlings for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book. I hope it is very successful. It is nice to read a Christian book with a wonderful message.
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