A Promise of Forgiveness

Secrets of Bliss Valley #2

by Jo Ann Brown

“Jo Ann Brown’s writing is both powerful and charming. She provides a respite from the cares of the day and gives the invitation to join her for a journey of peace that lingers in the heart.”
—Kelly Long, national bestselling author

Every little secret is a chain to the past…

For Amish widow Naomi Ropp, moving back to her parents’ Bliss Valley home—with her boisterous twin toddler boys—is a chance to start over and bury the painful secrets of her marriage forever. But her life is turned upside down once again when she learns she’s not the only one hiding things. The parents she believed were always open and honest have been keeping a secret her whole life. And now her only confidant is her father’s new employee—a handsome Amish man who was once her childhood tormentor.

Samuel King knows more than anyone should about mistakes—and the way he treated Naomi is at the top of his list. But the shock of seeing her pretty face again is quickly overshadowed when they find a slumbering boppli abandoned on his porch. Caring for the sweet newborn together is finally bringing some peace to their troubled pasts. But when a spark leads to growing feelings as they start to look toward the future, Samuel must find a way to convince Naomi to trust the man he's become…and the promise of new love.

SECRETS OF BLISS VALLEY

Secrets of Bliss Valley

A must-read novel from Love Stories to Uplift and Inspire.

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Audiobook

336 pages, Paperback

Published February 22, 2022

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Clean Amish Romance, and this is the second book in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series. I loved the characters in this book, and I feel that the characters are really developed. All the characters in this book is overcoming so much. There is a twist at the end, but I did see it coming/guessed what it was. I still really enjoyed reading the reveal of the twist, and I loved the ending so much. This is a Amish Romance that is so much more the a romance because this book as so much going on. All the Jo Ann Brown books I have read as this Amish twist on hate to love Romance, and this book is no different. The Hate to Love thing going on in this book I felt was a little over done. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired Trade) or author (Jo Ann Brown) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS by Jo Ann Brown is the story of Naomi Ropp who is an Amish widow who has moved back to her parent’s house with her twin toddlers. A PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS is the second book I’ve read by Jo Ann Brown but it definitely won’t be the last. I loved this story from the very first page and I’m sure you will too. It is the second book in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series and I’m so excited to continue with the series. I found myself thinking about Samuel and Naomi long after I finished their story. I was totally invested in their lives and was cheering for them the whole time I was reading. Often, I was yelling at Naomi not to make the choices she was making and sometimes I was laughing out loud at the things she was saying.

A PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS is about Naomi learning to trust her heart and Samuel as well as Naomi letting go of the past. Jo Ann Brown sure knows how to make the reader feel as if they are right there at the kitchen table with the family dealing with all their troubles. She made me sad, then the next moment I was smiling and giggling out loud! You can never go wrong with a Jo Ann book if you are a fan of the Amish genre. All of her characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a family can stand before it completely breaks down and splits. Flashbacks to when Naomi and Samuel were teenagers give the reader a taste of what they were like back then and what they were going through.

A PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS is a heart tugging story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this heartwarming story, it was very hard to put down! All of the Amish value their family time at the kitchen table. It is where they come together after a long, hard day of work. Is there a place at the table for Naomi and Samuel? A PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS brought back many memories of my own family dinners at our kitchen table and I found myself smiling while reading. I couldn’t wait to finish this wonderful story to see if Samuel was able to find balance in his life or would he just keep working while life passed him by.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Just Read Publicity Tours through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Description: Naomi Ropp has moved back in with her parents along with her twin toddler sons. There are several key people holding secrets. Her parents. Samuel King, who now works for her father — he and Naomi have a history she doesn’t want to remember. Naomi and her husband, now dead,

Review
This poignant story, second in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series by Jo Ann Brown, may affect readers differently. One reader might think to themselves that this author gets it. I had something awful happen to me, and it circles around in my head and just won’t let go. While another reader might think, I just don’t get it. That happened years ago. Why doesn’t she just “get over it”. I fell into the former and not the latter category.

Naomi Ropp is a widow with very feisty two-year-old twin boys whose favorite word is “fun”. Naomi also has a remarkable memory. Too remarkable sometimes. Her life, other than the birth of her sons, has not been a particularly happy one. Her now dead husband, Marlin, was … Well, I’ll let the reader find out why I wouldn’t waste one nanosecond mourning him.

At least she had the farm. Until two Englischer strangers appear at her door with documents that say Marlin never bought the farm. She has ten days to be out. She and the twins move to Bliss Valley where she grew up to live with her Daed, (…you will like her father) who has a buggy repair business.

But who is standing by her Daed, as she halts the wagon …? Samuel King!
He and his two friends made her life unbearable growing up. And she remembers every horrible thing he (they) did or said to the exact number of years, days, and minutes. Yes, she has THAT kind of memory. Worse yet, he is Daed‘s assistant?!

There is much more to this book. Such as:
— A new-born boppli is left on the porch of the dawdi haus.
— Samuel was severely injured in a car wreck and will never be the same man he was.
— A woman appears claiming that Naomi is her … … …

A Promise of Forgiveness has plots and sub-plots. The story has been carefully thought out by the author. The characters are rich, and the author gives you the time to get to know them. The pacing is excellent. There are some characters that are charming and others that you can’t stand.

Bullying in any form causes pain to the victim. Depending on the type of bullying, it can resonate within the victim over and over. Abuse in a marriage isn’t always physical. Verbal bullying is painful too — just in a different way.

As you read, keep in mind that Naomi has suffered from both. And even when you do not have her unique kind of memory, an action or a phrase can suddenly appear and repeat over and over in your head.
Why?
Because it hurts the person. Deeply.
They don’t want to remember it. They just do.
It is hard to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply — no matter how it was done.

Please do not think this is a “downer” story. It isn’t. People triumph in A Promise for Forgiveness. Joyful things happen. God’s love is shown through others. It is a wonderful story.

I received a complimentary e-ARC of this book from the publisher, Harlequin – Romance Love Inspired, via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions expressed are completely my own.


Title: A Promise of Forgiveness
Series: Secrets of Bliss Valley, #2
Author: Jo Ann Brown
Genre: Amish
Publisher: HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: February 22, 2022
Format: Kindle (read), Paperback
Pages: 329
Source: NetGalley
Cover: Very Nice. Attractive.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi Ropp is a recent widow with twin two-year-old mischievous boys. After a recent change in circumstances, Naomi is returning to her father’s home in Bliss Valley. She is shocked to learn that her father has Samuel King working for him and living in the dawdi haus. Samuel and two of his friends were her tormentors when she was a teenager. Samuel started a rumor that sent her straight into the arms of her deceased husband. Still reeling from the fact that Samuel will be living and working nearby, Naomi is confronted by a woman who tells an extraordinary tale. She does not know what to make of the information she has been told and decides to put it on the back burner for now. Then a newborn is found on the porch of the dawdi haus. Thankfully, Naomi is certified as a foster parent and takes in the boppli. Another tragedy forces Samuel and Naomi to work together to care for the members of the family. Feelings begin to develop between them, but Naomi does not trust Samuel. Samuel must find a way to show Naomi that he has changed and is sorry for what happened in the past. Can Naomi forgive Samuel in order to have a bright future? A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown is the second novel in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series. It can be read as a standalone if you have not read A Wish for Home. I thought this touching story was well-written with developed, realistic characters. A Promise of Forgiveness is a multiplot novel. I liked how everything worked together into one complex tale. The story moves along at a good pace and the book held my attention. Bullying and verbal abuse are addressed in the book. Verbal abuse as well as bullying can be devastating to an individual and It can have long term effects. I like how the author addressed this topic. We get to see how Naomi, who remembers everything, deals with both of these topics. The smallest thing can bring it all to the forefront. It can be hard to forgive a person who has caused such lasting damage. I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story and left me smiling. A Promise of Forgiveness is an uplifting tale with an abandoned baby, busy buggy business, a poorly papa, a memorable memory, a lost sister, bad bullies, and finding forgiveness.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish Fiction is my favorite Genre of all time to read. A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown is Book 2 in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series. I had the pleasure of reading Book 1 and was very excited to read Book 2.

Naomi Ropp is returning home with her Toddler Twin sons, after the recent death of her husband. She wants to leave the past behind her, especially her troubled marriage. Upon returning home to live with her Father, she discovers he has hired Samuel King to work in his place of business. Naomi Ropp is all too familiar with Samuel King, as he was her Childhood Bully. He is excited that Naomi is back in town and is hoping for a second chance with her. They are both surprised when they find an abandoned baby on the porch. They decide to care for the newborn together. Will the newborn baby help the 2 reflect on the past ? Will Naomi and Samuel be able to forgive the past and have a Second Chance at love?

I was reeled into this storyline from the very first few pages. The author does a great job at connecting the Characters to each other and to the story. Naomi Ropp is trying to start life anew and when she runs into Samuel King, she is cautious but gracious. Samuel King hasn't seen Naomi in several years and he knows he will have to show Naomi that he is changed man and has regret for being a bully when they were younger. I really LOVE watching their friendship and relationship come together in this book. I also really LOVE that the author tackles a couple of sensitive topics, Bullying and Marriage Abuse, with grace. Those topics are not normally seen in Amish Fiction, and the author does a GREAT job! FANTASTIC BOOK!!

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise of Forgiveness is a tale of Amish life and the way of the Englisher. When Samuel "jumps the fence" years ago and suffered greatly for it, he struggles to forgive himself for the mess he made for his Amish family. Naomi, trying to recover as a widow of a betrayal by her husband, struggles to put it behind her. Upcoming, events test her strength and ability to forgive.

The storyline is a touching one, at times gut-wrenching, and brings forth lessons of forgiveness and redemption. The characters are well-developed and show weaknesses as well as a great strength to do God's will in spite of hanging on to the guilt.

There are lots of twists that kept me wondering about the mysteries woven within the pages. The ending wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13

How long did Naomi Ropp hang to the promises of God? Six years, three months, two weeks and five days, she had been married to her husband Marlin. She had been freed from her despair with his death and by doing so came to learn the depth of his depravity in their marriage. As an Amish man, he did not live by word of God but for himself and his legacy proved so. The only good thing in their marriage was their twin boys. Forced to come home to Bliss Valley to live with her widowed father, she is able to have confidence in God's goodness again. Upon returning home, her father has employed an old nemesis of Naomi. Samuel King who had made her life miserable when they were younger. Samuel had left the Amish only to come back a humble man to make things right and proof himself a man whose heart is after God.

So with that set up Naomi has a struggle of forgiving men and trusting. She is also confronted about a family secret that was buried with her mother that she uncovers. Samuel is dealing with coming back to the Amish faith after hurting his community with his selfishness. There is more to Samuel when it comes to his own family that has never supported him. His sister unexpectantly comes into life and along with that a healing of the heart. With the development of Naomi and Samuel, they both come full circle to the realization of what forgiveness is. Forgiveness comes in many different ways but the result is always redemption. Life instead of death. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest reaview.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise of Forgiveness was a very good book! It is the second book in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series, but could be enjoyed as a stand alone novel if you haven’t read book one, A Wish for Home. However, there are some connections to that first novel that make this one even richer upon reading it.

The main characters, Naomi and Samuel, had a lot to overcome in their lives. Naomi carried a deep hurt from her marriage that had been festering for years. Now a widow, she hoped to start over, yet when she moved in with her father, she discovered that Samuel, another man who brought a lot of hurt into her life over the years, was her father’s new assistant.

Samuel regretted the way he treated Naomi and he bore the scars from bad decisions he had made. He also carried immense hurt from an unloving mother. As he helped out around the house and in the workshop, Samuel hoped that Naomi could tell that he was a very different man than he used to be. Yet, Naomi struggled to forgive him.

This book had so many twists and turns and events that shaped the various main and side characters in this story. The theme of forgiveness was prevalent, as was the reminder that God shows us grace. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

(4.5 stars)

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...

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Secrets of Bliss Valley and I think that after reading this one I would say to read the first one in the series first so that you get to know some of the characters better. That being said I caught on pretty quickly and lost myself in the story. All of the characters are relatable and put you through a state of all of your emotions. You want to cheer and pray right alongside them.

This is a heartwarming story and the epilogue tied thing up nicely and leaves you smiling. I definitely recommend this one!

I received a copy of this book through Just Read Tours. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to say right off that I highly recommend this novel! I took my time to read this book because I wanted to savor it. I knew it was going to be awesome So many things that I absolutely loved about this book partly because I can relate to Naomi with all my heart on this one. Samuel was a perfect example of how certain things can happen to a person on a life's journey too. Brown has a wonderful way of bringing her characters to life and staying true to real life situations that life might throw at us. I especially enjoyed the mystery that was woven into the story to make it even more exciting! And secrets! Oh my! Lots of good things in this book! This is one story you don't want to miss and if you're like me you'll fall in love with the characters like I did! My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in Bliss Valley with more emotion and angst in the mighty fine storytelling style of Jo Ann Brown. Love how she wrestles an issue to ground and makes her characters face their demons...and conquer them. :-)

So, we have an enemies to lover trope with a very prickly, unyielding heroine who understands her Amish teaching of forgiveness but can't quite apply it to the tormentor of her youth. Naomi still comes across in an engaging way though, and that's because we get insights into her past up front so I was all on pins-and-needles feeling her pain.

Gah, but she's endured a lot!!!!! And just when she has no other recourse but to return to her father's house with her adorable (and extremely mischievous) toddlers in tow she walks straight into the catalyst that started it all. Not only does Samuel work with her dat but he lives on the property!

For his part, Samuel is a reformed man -- by way of some very harsh life lessons -- but Naomi isn't willing to accept that he has changed. She wants him gone but her dat needs his help in this buggy repair shop so they are at loggershead from the get go. Honestly, sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into Naomi and other times I just wanted to give her a big ol' comforting hug. Samuel feels pretty much the same way too. :-)

And as if life isn't complicated enough, an abandoned baby ends up in their care and...well, I won't say what else happens because it's not in the synopsis and I don't like to post spoilers. Let's just say the ensuing read (er...listen, for me) was unstoppable!

This is the second book in Brown's Secrets of Bliss Valley series (and oh my -- those secrets!) but I think it would read well as a standalone as well. There's a bit of a carry over secondary plot thread but it's explained enough to make things clear. (If you have read the first book, you'll be happy to catch glimpses of Adam and Lauren in this one. )

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi Ropp has experienced much heartache in her life, including betrayal in her teenage years and then later by her husband. After the death of her husband, she’s moved back home to Bliss Valley to live with her dad and have a stable home for her two young sons. Naomi soon finds her life taking a completely different turn than she could have ever imagined through a series of events that shake Naomi to her core. In order to move forward, Naomi must decide if she can find it in her heart to forgive those who have wronged her. As God works in her life, Naomi finds that God is gently leading her to a deeper trust and faith and a future that’s brighter than she’s ever known before.


Naomi’s story is an emotional one. She showed great courage and strength, even as she struggled to forgive. I loved reading about her journey and deeply admired her commitment to her family. The only drawback in this storyline was that it got a little tiresome at times reading about Naomi’s hurt when she was a teenager. I was ready for her to mature and move on in the story earlier than she did. However, this is still a beautiful story of growing in faith, hope, and love. Jo Ann Brown is a talented Amish author and I’m already looking forward to reading her next book.


I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can you expect happiness, if you can't forgive others, and you can't forgive yourself? This is an issue for both Naomi Ropp and Samuel King in this new book by Jo Ann Brown that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. I could imagine Naomi's hurt as she dealt with the actions of an unfaithful husband, and I suffered as she discovered a secret that could forever change the family life that she had known. I was so touched by her love for her two-year-old twin boys and her unwavering devotion for her ailing father, but it was her willingness to care for a deserted infant that stole my heart. Why did she deserve to be betrayed, and how could she ever overcome it?

Memorable characters, a sweet romance, and a strong faith message are all a part of this story that shares a lesson in letting go of the past, learning to trust and forgive, and looking toward the future. A Promise of Forgiveness is an entertaining book that kept me turning the pages and I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Just Read Publicity Tours through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown
Every little secret is a chain to the past…
For Amish widow Naomi Ropp, moving back to her parents’ Bliss Valley home—with her boisterous twin toddler boys—is a chance to start over and bury the painful secrets of her marriage forever. But her life is turned upside down once again when she learns she’s not the only one hiding things. The parents she believed were always open and honest have been keeping a secret her whole life. And now her only confidant is her father’s new employee—a handsome Amish man who was once her childhood tormentor.
Samuel King knows more than anyone should about mistakes—and the way he treated Naomi is at the top of his list. But the shock of seeing her pretty face again is quickly overshadowed when they find a slumbering boppli abandoned on his porch. Caring for the sweet newborn together is finally bringing some peace to their troubled pasts. But when a spark leads to growing feelings as they start to look toward the future, Samuel must find a way to convince Naomi to trust the man he's become…and the promise of new love.
This is Naomi Ropp and Samuel King's story.
Slippery little boys right out of the bathtub and wearing only a diaper weren’t easy to catch.
Naomi Ropp knew that from experience, but she hadn’t expected someone to knock on the front door as she was finishing her two-year-old twins’ bath.
She tried to grab them, but they eluded her. Tossing aside the towels she’d been gathering, she gave chase.
They were out of the bathroom,along the upstairs hall and down the stairs, giggling the whole way, before she could stop them.
Samuel King should have been prepared. When he’d accepted the job as Elvin Gingerich’s assistant, he’d known there was a gut chance he’d bump into Naomi sooner or later.
As the last three weeks had passed, he’d convinced himself he was in the clear because Naomi didn’t seem to visit her daed often.
He’d guessed she hadn’t recognized him when she first glanced his way. That wasn’t any surprise.
Even without the aftereffects of the car accident that had nearly killed him, he was taller than the last time she’d spoken to him.
I recommend reading.
A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jo Ann Brown.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational and Touching

Before I say anything else, I have to say that A Promise of Forgiveness is a definite must read. This is the first book I've read by author Jo Ann Brown, so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, once I began reading this wonderful and touching story, I did not stop until I had finished the entire book.

Naomi Rupp and Samuel King have a history that stems back to their school days. That history placed Samuel in Naomi's "never want to see you, do not want to have anything to do with you, and I do not trust you" list. So, imagine the shock Naomi felt when she returned home to live with her father and found Samuel working there alongside her father. Naomi, being a widowed mother of twins, has nowhere else to go, but the thought of having to see Samuel every day doesn't sit well with her. Between what Naomi went through with Samuel and with her deceased husband, she struggles greatly with trust and forgiveness. And yet forgiveness is something that she and Samuel have in common, that is forgiving others, repenting and seeking forgiveness from others, and forgiving themselves.

While forgiveness is at the core of Naomi and Samuel's story, there are also elements of intrigue, surprise, sadness, and entertainment mainly supplied by two little boys that have a streak of energy and curiosity which sometimes has just a little naughtiness tied in. The author's writing was so vivid that as I read it I could feel everything the characters were feeling way down in the deepest part of my core. Everything about this book made it an absolutely wonderful inspirational and touching read.

I can't say enough about this book, but there is one thing I can guarantee. I can assure you that although this was the first book I've read by Ms. Brown, it most definitely is not going to be my last.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.
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Review will be posted on my blog on January 22, 2022
Blog site: http://this-that-esto-aquello.blogspo...

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi and Samuel’s story in A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown, book two in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series, is an emotional, tug at your heart strings, sweet Amish romance. In this sweet, heartwarming story we witness Naomi learning to trust her heart as well as Naomi and Samuel letting go of the past. Naomi Ropp is a recent widow with twin two-year-old mischievous boys, trying to recover from the betrayal of her now deceased, abusive husband. After a recent change in circumstances, Naomi is returnied to her father’s home in Bliss Valley, shocked to learn that her father has Samuel King working for him and living in the dawdi haus. Samuel and two of his friends were her tormentors when she was a teenager. If that isn’t enough, Naomi is confronted by a woman who tells her an bizarre tale about her parentage. Not knowing what to make of this information she decides to put it on the back burner for now. Then a newborn is found abandoned on the porch of the dawdi haus. Thankfully, Naomi is certified as a foster parent and able to take in the boppli. When another tragedy occurs, forcing Samuel and Naomi to work together to care for the members of her family, feelings grow between them; but Naomi still struggles trusting Samuel. Samuel must find a way to show Naomi that he has changed and is sorry for what happened in the past. Throughout, Naomi’s endurance and strength will be tested as well as her ability to forgive; especially forgive her former tormentors.

Ms. Brown wrote a wonderfully sweet, uplifting and moving story with an abandoned baby, a busy buggy business, an impressive memory, a lost sister, abuse, bullies, and finding forgiveness. The story is a touching one, at times gut-wrenching, and brings forth lessons of forgiveness and redemption. I highly recommend A Promise of Forgiveness to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Cherese Akhavein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown is book 2 in the Secrets of Bliss Valley Series
Naomi Ropp is a sweet Loving widow who although has trouble settling her past she also wants nothing more than to give her twin boys the life they so deserve, one that will hopefully let them grow into strong, caring men such as her blessed Father.
Samuel King knows that once stupid mistakes of your youth form the foundation of your life it’s almost impossible to tear that foundation down and start anew however he also knows that through hard work and true Forgiveness it’s possible to build a new Surround around that broken foundation, the question is, Is he worth the effort?

Jo Ann Brown has developed wonderful characters with an In-depth storyline that will show you it’s possible to move forward and release all the pain from your past, to lean on those who you though were your strongest enemy, because once we set aside our own hurt, and realize they too have a past with all the pain and heartache you yourself may be feeling then you can start to both heal and build a solid foundation.
This book has not only a wonderful message but a loving story. I’m looking forward to the last book in the series with is A Search for Redemption I highly recommend this book as well as the series. Book 1 is A Wish for Home

[Connie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Promise of Forgiveness is written by JoAnn Brown. This is part of the Love Inspired Trade series. This is the second book in the Bliss Valley series. I have read book one. Like all Love Inspired they can be read as a stand alone. In this story we will see Amish widow, Naomi and her twin boys back at her parent's home in Bliss Valley. Oh, how my heart hurt for her. She clearly has some healing to do. The one thing that I love about this author is the fact that she creates real, unique characters. You can feel their emotions as you read. Naomi has a hard time letting go of the past.

We also see Samuel, who did not always treat Naomi the right away. He is shocked to see her back in town, with her children. He knows he needs to make things right, but since she has such a hard time letting go of the past, can he show her the man he has become?

I love the Love Inspired Trade series! It gives you more of a chance to know the characters. You see more of their story. In this one, it is well written, engaging and unique. I received a copy of this book through JustRead and the author, all thoughts are my own.

[Kimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown

This book was truly a book on working to forgive. Jo Ann Brown mentioned many questions and struggles that we go through when trying to forgive people. Completely normal thought processes but she does it in such a way that you can easily identify with the characters.

I loved the bit of background Jo Ann Brown gives on Naomi and Samuel at the beginning. It helped me get a good feel for where the characters were at in their lives and what had happened to make them who they are today. Naomi and Samuel were an interesting match, at first it seemed like they were total opposites. However, at the end Jo Ann Brown really showed how they were exactly right for each other all along.

Overall, an interesting storyline, a good cast of characters, and I enjoyed the detailed descriptions.
4 Stars.

The only thing that bugged me was how long it took Naomi to forgive. Just a personal thing since I am easier going than her so at times, I really did not understand why she was holding on to her anger so long.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author JoAnn Brown returns to Bliss Valley in this second book of her Secrets of Bliss Valley series. Don’t be concerned if you haven’t read book one, A Wish for Home. I haven’t and could follow this book just fine. But I will go back and read book one simply because I thoroughly enjoyed A Promise of Forgiveness.

A Promise of Forgiveness is just that; forgiveness. There is so much for Samuel and Naomi to be forgiven for, and to forgive. Even though it’s the Amish way, will they be able to? Grudges have power over us. Brown wrote this “theme” in such a way that the reader sees the need to forgive even in their own life. Very powerful.

Throw in a pair of rascally twins, a beautiful baby, and a stubborn father and you have the recipe for a lot of laughter. I highly recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now a widow, Naomi’s marriage was not a happy one, but she kept that unhappiness a secret. She soon learns that her mother was also good at keeping secrets, especially one that directly affects Naomi. To add to her unsettled life, she discovers that her father’s hired help is a man who made her life a misery growing up. He has changed, but she refuses to trust anyone now. An abandoned baby on his doorstep begins to draw these damaged people together. It’s quite a tale, more than just a romance, and deals with some serious issues in a kind and thoughtful manner. Well written with likable characters, this story will very much appeal to readers of Amish fiction.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of this book quickly drew me in, surprise after surprise drops then we get to the second chapter and each continuing and the surprises kept dropping, what a page turner.
Forgiveness, is again part of this second book in the Bliss Valley series, and yes, they can be read alone.
I never saw how it would all play out, love how this author’s mind works, it is a gift!
Now I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise of Forgiveness is another heart warming, inspirational Amish fiction book by JoAnn Brown. When Naomi Ropp is forced to be around Samuel King again, as a widow and mother of lively twin toddler boys, she can't get past the hurts of earlier school times when he constantly picked on her. This is a story of forgiveness and letting go of the past for both of them, that can be an inspiration to all of us. I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed.

[Shelley Marushak Langelaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story captured my heart and would not let go up until the very end - even then I was still captured. The story held pain and anguish as well as hope and forgiveness. I developed a connection with Naomi and felt as though I was walking alongside her on her journey.


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher, Harlequin – Romance, via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: A Promise of Forgiveness
Author: Jo Ann Brown
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

I enjoyed this romance, but Naomi really had a problem with holding a grudge. Like, to the extreme. And over something that seemed so childish and immaterial, too. She didn’t feel the slightest bit bad about wanting Samuel kicked out of her dad’s house. That really made it hard for me to like her, honestly. Despite that, I did enjoy this read.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.)

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Promise of Forgiveness is the second book in this series and it is an amazing one. Filled with an incredible heartfelt story and characters that wrapped themselves around my heart, this is a story that I fell completely in love with. A few of the characters that appeared in the first book make an appearance in this one, as well as one of the secondary storylines continues in this book. I found this delightful and perfectly done. With that being said, I do believe that this could be read without reading the first one, if one chooses to do so. I absolutely cannot wait for the next in the series to be released!

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amish & Mennonite, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Secrets of Bliss Valley (Book #2)

[JoAnn McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! Not your typical Amish book! So many twists and turns !
A great read!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this author. It seemed there was a lot going on in the storyline but everything came together for a nice ending.