Promise to Marry

by Jeanne Hardt

Twenty years have passed since the war between the North and South ended, and life in Cades Cove, Tennessee has somewhat returned to normal. Livelihoods have been rebuilt, families have once again grown, and everyone is striving to overcome the pain of loss. But the lasting effects of the war remain.Noah Henry is approaching his twentieth birthday and still lives at home with his folks and eight siblings. He struggles to find privacy, and as a grown man, he’s ready for a family of his own.Years ago, he and Opal Jacobson made a promise to marry. However, Opal lives in Asheville, North Carolina, and seeing each other isn’t easy. They’ve kept their relationship alive over the years through correspondence, but her letters have stopped coming, and Noah needs to know why. He decides it’s time for an official proposal, so he sets off for Asheville, hoping she’s as ready as he is to finally tie the knot.Opal has other ideas. She spends her days helping her father tend the general store; she’s a business woman, not a farmer’s wife. The thought of living anywhere else doesn’t appeal to her, but a mysterious man, who arrives in town seeking employment, does.A promise is a promise.Yet sometimes, the best-laid promise may be impossible to keep.

498 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2021

About the author

Jeanne Hardt has always been involved in the creative arts in one form or fashion.

In November of 2010, a dream inspired her to write her first novel. Having moved from the Northwest to the South in the mid-nineties, she was drawn to Southern history.

Though she moved to Tennessee to pursue a career in music and acting, once she set her hands on the computer keyboard, she discovered her true passion and hasn’t stopped writing since.

Her stories are far from typical romances, though she promises a happy ending. She’s recently branched out into other genres, including young adult and contemporary women’s fiction. However, her true writing passion will always remain with historical fiction.

She currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, their little dog, Jax, and a multitude of dreams.

Reviews

[Joy Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impossible to put down!

Jeanne Hardt’s, Promise to Marry is a beautifully written story about how two young people deal with life’s complications in a much simpler time. Noah Henry is desperate to learn why his ‘promised’ Opal Jacobson has not returned his letters. While separated she has been duped by one of the most deceitful and loathing swindlers ever. I kept turning pages, so afraid for Opal. This is another riveting family saga from one of the best. Impossible to put down.

[Judy Pannell-Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Cades Cove book

jkgill55@gmail.com.

Great book as always , just finished "book 1" today & dowmloaded book 2 today too i am so excited to reada story line about Fern!!!! Thank you my dear sweet friend! I am so excited to start reading the next book starting tomorrow nigh!!!t. Everyone should buy this book!!!!! Keep up the good work Jeanne!!!! Love you girl!!!!!!!

[Melissa Cornett Vaught Coop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

The Cades Cove books are dear to me. It is one of my favorite spots to visit !! I was so glad to find Jeanne Hardt!! Never have I disliked a character like I did Micah!!

[Pam McCallister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[beverly Lax · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great series, especially

if you love Cades Cove and the Smokey Mountain in TN.