Promise Kept

Harland Creek #1

by Jodi Allen Brice

Lying on her job application wasn’t the best way to kick off her fresh start in a small town, but Heather Smith is out of options. She desperately needs the job, or she will soon be without a place to live. Even so, Heather truly likes Elizabeth Harland, the old woman who hired her as her caregiver, and is eager to work hard and prove she’s right for the task.

Now, if she could just figure out why a local farmer keeps casting suspicious glares her way...

Sure, Grayson McCade has his hands full with his farm. That doesn’t change the fact that he considers the residents of Harland Creek family, and he takes time to look out for them all. The second he learns a newcomer has been hired to care for Elizabeth, he worries the kind-hearted old woman is being scammed.

Acting on what he believes to be the best of intentions, he sets out to uncover the truth about Heather’s past. Will the secrets revealed tarnish Heather’s new start before it even begins? Or will Grayson help make Harland Creek the home her heart longs for?

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance, Christian

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2021

Reviews

[Emma.catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short, but sweet, small-town story.

💖 “At Harland Creek we are more than neighbors, we are family.” 💖

There is nothing not to like about this sweet, heartwarming story. It is light and easy to read, yet leaves behind a meaningful message 🥰 I found the narrative to be both compelling and endearing. And, the characters both real and entertaining.

If you enjoy Christian fiction, Jodi is your girl 🙌🏼

Thank you so much to Kellie for introducing me to Jodi’s books 📚😍🥰💖🌟

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and such a lovely story of love, devotion and friendship!! I really loved it very much. I didn't want to leave Heartland Creek!!

[TMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a whole lot different than my usual reads. You know the dark, dreary and mysterious ones.

I loved everything about Hartland and more. I loved the togetherness, the friendship, the warmth, the easy nature, and just being able to find yourself. The novel was everything and more and I found myself wishing badly to be in hartland badly. I was that addicted.

Although the formatting gave me a headache, my main issue with the book was the romance. It’s a small town romance but there’s almost no evidence of there being a proper romance between Heather and Grayson, felt like they were neighbours more than romantic interests.

Probably more focus on their romance would’ve helped the book more.

Overall the time spent with This book was addicting, endearing and absolute fun.

I hope to be able to read more books by Brice soon.

Until the next read,

-TMR

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Smith was looking for a new beginning and was lead to the small southern town of Harland Creek through a newspaper advertisement. It was providential that she became the caretaker for elderly Elizabeth Harland as she recuperates from surgery. Right away we see the wisdom of Elizabeth and her kindness toward Heather as she recognizes that she needs a home and a job and someone to care about her.

The setting of a flower farm was so unique and gave me a sense of peace as I can imagine walking through fields of bright hues and fragrance. Heather began to take on more duties at the farm and works with the handsome Grayson McCade, who is the farmer next door. I loved seeing Elizabeth doing some matchmaking as she contrives opportunities for the couple to spend time alone doing things for the farm. She saw that both would be good for each other and love could be theirs if they could trust each other and open their hearts.

I listened to the audiobook version and the time flew as the story unfolded. E.L. Beckett's performance added richness to the story as she portrayed each of the the characters. The pacing was perfect and tone matched that of the story that gave it depth.

This is book one in the Harland Creek series and can be read as a standalone, but there are several other townspeople who I found endearing. I am looking forward to reading about them and returning to Harland Creek. Promise kept reminded me of authors like Jan Karon and Philip Gulley. I recommend reading this uplifting, clean romance of second chances. Once you read this book you will want to read the next one right away.

I was given a review copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[LadyAileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Promise Kept è il primo volume della serie Contemporary Romance Harland Creek, chiamata così per il posto dove sono ambientate le storie. I libri possono essere letti singolarmente perché ogni volume vede protagonista una coppia diversa.
Le vicende sono raccontate attraverso il doppio punto di vista ma quello della protagonista femminile è dominante. Heather è una ragazza che ha bisogno urgentemente di un lavoro così dopo aver letto un annuncio si presenta a casa di Elizabeth Harland, un’anziana che ha bisogno di una badante per pochi mesi. Heather è felice del suo lavoro e della cittadina ma Grayson McCade, agricoltore del posto la guarda con sospetto…
È una storia molto semplice e lineare. Ricorda moltissimo una di quelle trame dei film della Hallmark, fatta di buoni sentimenti e nessuna volgarità o scene hot.
Ci ritroveremo nella tipica cittadina idilliaca, dove tutti si conoscono e si aiutano a vicenda. La lettura non è troppo impegnativa oltre a essere breve. È scorrevole e coinvolgente nella sua semplicità.
Il livello di sensualità è bassissimo rendendone la lettura adatta a tutti.
Solo due aspetti non mi hanno convinto: Primo, lo sviluppo della storia d’amore. Secondo me, ci ritroviamo per gran parte del romanzo che i due stanno iniziando a conoscersi e purtroppo a poche pagine dalla fine (come se qualcuno andasse di fretta) improvvisamente si giurano amore. Due, l’evoluzione dei due protagonisti. Si poteva fare di meglio perché evolvono poco.
Primo libro che leggo di quest’autrice e sicuramente le darò un’altra possibilità.

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather arrives in Harland Creek, after applying to be a caregiver to Miss Elizabeth, who is recovering from hip surgery
Heather has never had a stable home, friends or family
She loves everything about the farm… Except the neighbor Grayson, who seems suspicious of her.
Grayson has his walls up, knows that small-town living isn’t for everybody, and wonders why it appeals so much to Heather.
I love small town books, and this was no exception… I found it very interesting that this was a flower farm, something I have never read about before.
I read this book in one sitting, and this was my first book by this Author, and you should know I download it booked two before I even finish book one! And I

[Lynda Sliger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story a lot. It had some situations I was familiar with myself, and it was good to see a happy ending coming for people in those situations. Finding a job with little experience can be a hard thing, keeping the job and hoping your next will follow tugs at my own heart strings.

Heather Smith is arriving in town with all her hopes pinned on a job posting she was responding to. She has experience working with the elderly, as a caretaker, though no official resume showing such. Upon meeting her client things do start to look up for her, though previous habits when learned young can be hard to break.

Greyson McCade has had a rough time lately. His long-time girlfriend/fiancée left him because she wanted more than what their small town could offer her. Since then he has difficulty trusting women aside from his sister and a few close friends. So naturally he is suspicious of a new young woman in town, and is concerned that she may be using one of those friends. The more he gets to know her, he start to feel attraction growing though he hasn't cleared the problems in his mind.

When trouble brews will the tender relationship between these two hold fast, or be dashed on the rocky shore of doubt? Read the book to find out, you won't regret it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promis Kept
Harland Creek Series, Book 1
Jodi Allen Brice, author
I enjoyed this sweet faith-based story very much. I hope to read more about Heather and Grayson in the future books. Maybe a wedding down the road.

I listened to the audio version of the book and enjoyed the soothe voice of the narrator.

I was gifted a copy of the audiobook from the author. I leave this review in exchange for the book. I do so with much pleasure.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather answered Elizabeth's ad for a caregiver. She drove from Atlanta Georgia to Harlan Creek Mississippi to take the job. She packed everything she owned in her car hoping that she would get the job and she did.

Elizabeth owns a flower farm and Heather helps her with the harvest. This is the first time that Heather has ever harvested flowers before but she has a notebook and pen that she writes everything down so that she remembers what she has to do and in what order.

Then she meets Elizabeth's neighbor Grayson who distrusts most women that he doesn't know. Will they be able to work together to do the harvest.

Check out the book. I really enjoyed it I think you will too

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet inspirational romance set in contemporary Mississippi small town. There were a lot of characters from the town who were mentioned so I’m supposing that they will be featured in further installments of this series. There was an editing problem near the end of this Kindle ebook version where a scene was repeated. Otherwise an enjoyable quick read.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Sad, then happy. Heather was in foster care all her life.

[Kishs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice wholesome romance about a girl trying to find her place in the world and ending up finding romance along the way.
I loved it. Great storyline. I love Jodi's Arkansas Werewolves series and hope those continue with their action packed stories. But this is a nice relaxing romance story if you just want to sit and relax after work or on a lazy weekend this is the book for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Parhelion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean, small town romances (and I'll admit, I'm not someone who enjoys clean, small town romances but I've been reading an awful lot in the genre to get a feel for it lately).

Let me start with what I liked about the book. I found myself caring for the characters. That's important for me. I liked Heather's backstory. I enjoyed the tension that existed between her and Grayson, and the way he didn't trust her and had to overcome that. I liked that she had to open herself up to be vulnerable. I liked the supporting characters. I liked the fact the author has some knowledge on flower farming, and that came across and was a central part of the story, not just a pretty backdrop.

But I only gave it 3 stars. Why?

The writing was decent, though at times not excellent, and sometimes not great. I'm starting to think it's typical of the genre, but I want to see the character's feelings, not be told them, and not be shown them and then told them (just in case I missed it). Readers deserve a bit more credit than that.

Also, I didn't like where the romance went. Initially, the tension was great. But then suddenly, the things keeping them apart were no longer issues... they didn't grow through it. There was no real one incident to bring them together. Later, something happens that breaks them up, which is horrible and heart wrenching and exactly what romance readers want. It was excellent! Grayson lets Heather down. He walks away at her lowest point, when she is terrified. He abandons her and doesn't trust her because of his own trust issues. It's excellent. And then it is ruined, because he wins her back after such a hurtful action merely by giving her a few gifts over the span of a few days. It should have come at a greater cost to him. It needed to show him growing through his own trust issues and proving himself to be trustworthy to her. But it didn't, and part of the reason is because this happened so late in the book, and I suspect because its part of a series, so I'm assuming more might happen in later books. This crisis and the opportunity to resolve it felt badly placed and underutilised. And it felt like... Grayson, mate... you're a good bloke. I like you. I really want you to get with Heather. But far out dude, you need to win her back better than that.

Overall, an enjoyable book, but there were a few things that brought it down. I would definitely consider reading more by the author.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this first book I have read by Jodi Allen Brice. Promise Kept (Harland Creek Series #1) has all the things I love in a great story. These are normal people who are far from perfect, take the quilting bee gossip that got a bit out of hand as an example but people who help not hurt others. In fact they are like the people I know in my small town, good people who are nosy, meddling and caring too.

While the story is not preachy it portrays Christians in a positive manner. These are not critical or judgmental but willing to mentor others. Elizabeth Harland is one of those characters. I could only hope to be like her, knowing when to help and when to let the other learn to stand on their own is wisdom. Heather Smith is looking for something that she has never had a home. Her past is part of the intrigue of the story. As her life is revealed I kept thinking that there must be more because she has nothing to be ashamed of in her life. The twist near the end says exactly that even if it is something of a surprise. Grayson McCade made me want to shake some sense in him sometimes; smart but dumb too. Yet I did love his sister, Olivia, now hoping that she gets her story soon. Plus there were other supporting characters I liked too.

I highly recommend Promise Kept if you are looking for a strong story that is clean while also pointing to the goodness and blessings of God.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through Booksprout which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Harland Creek, Heather has come to start a new job and a new life . She is going to take care of Elizabeth a sweet woman who also grows the best flowers on her farm . Grayson McCade is the farmer next door and the man who thinks the residents of the town as family . So when Heather comes to town he starts to think the worst and will do anything to find out her past but there is more and will he will be able to heal the hurt and make Harland Creek her home .
Oh these characters in this book are so sweet . I truly like Grayson and Heather . Heather has had such a hard life in the foster system so she is still a little naive and shy around people . But like all good heroines she is tougher then she seems and so wants to fit in somewhere . Elizabeth and Agnes these ladies are a hoot . They are old and wiley , they will tell you to your face what is going on and how it is going to happen. They are always getting into everyone's business and trying to fix everyone up . Then there is Grayson he is an all around good guy who wants to help everyone out . He is the guy everyone goes to for help . He is sweet but there is also a sadness to him which we do find endearing through out the book . There are moments you do want to slap him upside the head a few times because he is being block headed . They are such fun characters that you get to know and start to love .
This is one of those books that will put you in a good mood . It is about small town life and the love that can happen before you know it. The author writes such a sweet romance with a hint of a mystery inside the story. This is the first book I have read by this author . I really love her style of writing and the fact that it is such a heart warming book . It shows that two people that have had very different pasts can come together and fall in love. So if you want a sweet series to read check out Harland Creek and the woman that will steal your heart. A great read for the long winter nights

[Lisa Howeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promises Kept is a sweet book about life in a rural farming community in the South. The characters are enchanting and captured the heart of this reader within the first few pages. Brice has created rich scenes and rich characters, to the point you feel like you are right there, in the moment, getting to know the charming and intriguing residents of Harland Creek.
Heather Smith wants a home, not a house, but a home and she hopes she’s found it in the little town of Harland Creek, at the farm of Elizabeth, an elderly flower grower who needs a caretaker while she recovers from hip surgery.
Home isn’t all she finds when she arrives in Harland Creek, Mississippi, though.
She also finds good friends and maybe romantic love in the form of handsome farmer Grayson McCade, who has built some walls up around his heart as well.
It’s clear from the start that Heather is guarded, nervous, running from a past she hopes doesn’t catch up to her. She’s lonely and she needs more than a place to live – she needs a place for her heart to grow. She finds that among the people of the small town she’s arrived in, especially in Elizabeth, Agnes, and Grayson.
If you enjoy sweet, wholesome romances with an encouraging message, then you will enjoy Promises Kept.

[Judith Sparkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cercavo una lettura non impegnativa ma nemmeno troppo scontata e mi sono imbattuta in questa serie, merito anche delle belle copertine. Questa storia mi è piaciuta molto, è scorrevole e ben scritta. Anche la traduzione con well read translation mi ha soddisfatta. Heather è una donna che cerca di ricostruirsi una vita e le circostanze fortuite la conducono in un piccolo paesino da Elizabeth: un'anziana alla quale serve una badante. La donna saprà conquistare la fiducia della sua datrice di lavoro nonché proprietaria del terreno sul quale coltiva bellissimi fiori...e poi c'è il vicino della fattoria accanto che non è indifferente alla bella Heather. Tra raccolte di tulipani, visite alla fattoria, incursioni in paese e tanto altro ancora Heather riuscirà a fare amicizia con gli accoglienti abitanti del posto e a sentirsi a casa. Consigliato se cercate una lettura pulita, romantica e rilassante.

[Priscilla King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather is one of those young people who've grown up in foster care and, as a ward of a Welfare State, are not prepared to earn a living when they're thrown out into the grown-up world at nineteen. But she's lucky; she's willing to work as a personal assistant for one of the increasingly rare older women who have kept their homes, rather than being hustled into an apartment project where they can be sicker more often (ka-ching!) and die faster. A little wholesome romance follows but, although it (just barely) meets the requirements to be called a romance, this is really a novel about the friendship between a homeless young person and a lonely old person.

So, for young readers, it might be called inspirational or even aspirational. For older readers I think it should be required reading. It'll make us reconsider whether it's not a positive duty to hold on to our homes in order to be able to offer room-and-board-and-a-small-allowance to people who would otherwise be homeless.

[D.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series that I read and overall it was a pretty good read. Heather is looking for a place to call home. Grayson heart was broken by his high school sweetheart and he has yet to move on. When Heather moves to town as an caretaker for Grayson elderly neighbor, Grayson immediately judges Heather unfairly. Heather grew up in the foster care system that has left an impact on her. I will admit I was really frustrated with Grayson as he kept judging Heather because of her looks and not by her actions. When a misunderstanding lands Heather in trouble, Grayson immediately believes she is guilty even though he was just hours before stating how he was attracted to her. This was an very engaging story and I will definitely read the next stories in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise Kept by Jodi Allen Brice is a small-town romance. It's the first book from the Harland Creek series.

One of the most endearing love stories I have ever read is this one. For those who enjoy clean romance novels and don't mind religious references, it's ideal.


The narrative first centers on Heather accepting a position as a caregiver. She was well-received by all, demonstrating her reliability and diligence as a worker. It was pretty touching how she fell in love with the town and the farm. My heart broke at the point where she talked about growing up.
There were many amusing moments, particularly on the quilting night and when the females gossiped. It was a cute love story.
The moment when she went to Grayson's property was my favorite.

This is a lovely romantic book that you should read if you're looking for one.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia let former coworker and schoolmate Alexandra walk all over her, constantly complaining and treating her like an extra unpaid wedding planner to the point of where Olivia was making herself sick. On top of that she had to deal the lecherous fiancé who was her ex constantly hitting on her. Her best friend Sam has been in love with Olivia for years, but she rejects him when he tells her afraid to ruin their friendship and I think Nicholas made her a little distrustful of a man’s romantic intentions. That Sam would think she would want to be with a man who was marrying another woman made me shake my head. Doesn’t he know what kind of person his best friend is? But then I guess it added to the drama in the story.

[Tammy Schafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice easy read

I enjoyed this book. It was just a pleasant “read by the pool” kind of read. The characters were likable, and you were able to get a good feel for them without getting to deep and turning the book into anything more than a light afternoon read. My only criticism is the constant use of the word “snort”. No one speaks or laughs- they all “snort”. It paints an unpleasant look in my minds eye but I guess I can understand a loud guffaw being also described as a snort, but it was used endlessly throughout the story when describing just a simple statement and I found it distracting.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson and Heather

Grayson was a farmer in Harland Creek, MI
Heather was a care taker for Elizabeth Harland recovering from hip surgery.

Grayson and Heather meet, when Elizabeth’s flower farm needs to be harvested.
At first their was tension between them, Grayson thinking Heather is taking advantage of Elizabeth.

After a few issues about their pasts was resolved their relationship ended well.

This book was a second chance romance an a good start to the series. It has
romance, some emotions and happily ever after.
Good Job Jodi !!!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise Kept (Book 1 of Harland Creek Series) by Jodi Allen Brice, was a simplistically sweet and clean romance. Heather, a young woman moves to Harland Creek to recreate herself, after a jaded childhood in foster care. Grayson, the neighbor to her employer, is a nosy, protective yet handsome man that drives her crazy! As they learn to trust and let their past hurts go, they see the potential of true love in each other! A very heartfelt story, and there are more to come in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trisha c · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story surrounds Heather Smith and the challenges that follows her .
Grayson is weary of her when she appears from Georgia to be a caretaker for his next door neighbor. Both have trust issues.
their romance literally bloomed over time .
There is drama, catty gossipy women, new friends , and Elizabeth a woman she finally can call family.
I loved listening to this sweet small town romance narrated by E.L. Beckett. She gave each character their own voice and personality. I was gifted this audio and offered my honest review.

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather has aged out of foster care. She went to the library and searched some
towns and found Haran Creek. She checked the ads in the paper and found
a job listing for a caregiver.

Answering the ad, Elizabeth hires her as her caregiver after her hip surgery.

Elizabeth runs a flower farm and Heather helps her with that too.

Heather met Grayson, who also came to the farm to help Elizabeth with
the flowers during the harvest.

All is going well until ............. will Heather have leave the only home she
really loved.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise Kept is the first book in a new series by Jodi. I have read the other first so I have gone back to the beginning. The characters are so well-written that I honestly swear they are very real! You also feel that you are connected to them. It's a great first book and I know that the others are just as good. I highly recommend this book and the series too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the the narration of E.L. Beckett

This book is full of humour , emotional, and heartwarming, filled with drama, and secrets. Heather comes to town as the caretaker to Elizabeth, who is recovering from a hip operation. Grayson, is the next door farmer, who is very is protective of Elizabeth. With hurt pasts and miss trust , can love and forgiveness find its way.

I have learnt a little more about growing flowers.

LOVED

[Deb Blackbourn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Home

Heather leaves the Foster Care System very unsure of herself. She is seeking to find a place she will feel “at home”. She becomes a caretaker for Elizabeth, who is recovering from a hip transplant. Elizabeth owns a flower farm. Heather meets Elizabeth’s neighbor, Grayson. There are suspicions, questions; but when Heather is arrested for auto theft, all suspicions come to light. Will Heather find her new home?

[Margarita Ja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love It!

I loved this book, from page one, and I stayed up until I fell sleep with my iPod in my hands, couldn’t stop reading the book!
It’s amazing, how little we know about things that goes on in life, I heard stories about foster system, but it’s hard to understand, how people can be horrible to children, and this story shows one child that never got bitter about her misfortune. I loved the book, thank you!