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Hometown Holiday Heartstrings #5
The Promise of Picnics
An ex-con youth pastor. A single mom who won’t step foot in church. A match made in heaven? They don’t think so.
A pastor? Not for Lisa Appleton. She’s not exactly on speaking terms with the Almighty, nor is she remotely interested in giving love another chance. So she’s a little ticked when her matchmaking friend tries to set her up with the new youth pastor in town. But when an emergency leaves her and her three daughters temporarily homeless, Pastor Ric warmly opens his doors.
Ricardo de Leon paid for the mistakes of his past—for seven years without freedom. A changed man, he never dreamed transitioning to a small town—and new culture—would be this hard. Since he has dedicated himself to service to God and God alone, he doesn’t think twice before lending a helping hand to Lisa, who makes her distrust of him clear.
What neither of them counted on? Falling in love.
The Promise of Picnics is the final book in the Hometown Holiday Heartstrings series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but when reading out of order, there may be minor spoilers.
A pastor? Not for Lisa Appleton. She’s not exactly on speaking terms with the Almighty, nor is she remotely interested in giving love another chance. So she’s a little ticked when her matchmaking friend tries to set her up with the new youth pastor in town. But when an emergency leaves her and her three daughters temporarily homeless, Pastor Ric warmly opens his doors.
Ricardo de Leon paid for the mistakes of his past—for seven years without freedom. A changed man, he never dreamed transitioning to a small town—and new culture—would be this hard. Since he has dedicated himself to service to God and God alone, he doesn’t think twice before lending a helping hand to Lisa, who makes her distrust of him clear.
What neither of them counted on? Falling in love.
The Promise of Picnics is the final book in the Hometown Holiday Heartstrings series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but when reading out of order, there may be minor spoilers.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2022
14 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 13, 2022
As widowed mum of three with a bad history with men and no time for God, Lisa knows that everyone always leaves, so getting close to others is a bad idea. When her best friend tries to set her up with the new youth pastor, she's livid - perhaps the more so because she's attracted at first sight. Ric is very far from proud of the life he's lived, but he's now committed his life to God and is doing his best to serve him, however little he feels he deserves the title 'pastor'. When Lisa's house needs renovating and she's desperate to find somewhere for the four of them to stay for a couple of weeks, the only option seems to be to share Ric's large house - but is spending that time together safe? Will each be willing to open themselves up to love - or will the attempt destroy their carefully constructed lives?
Boy these two had a load of baggage each! As a result, this is far from what I would call a light read, but it is definitely an inspiring, heart-warming and intensely satisfying read. With their respective backgrounds, they each had a lot to work through, and it was inspiring to watch them do so, though also somewhat heart-wrenching at times. I particularly liked the way that picnics were woven through the story - a most apposite title, giving many delightful moments. Really hoping there will be more books coming in the series - it's lovely to see little bits of the future life of previous couples even though each book is a self-contained romance. All in all, an amazing story that I can definitely see myself rereading.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
Boy these two had a load of baggage each! As a result, this is far from what I would call a light read, but it is definitely an inspiring, heart-warming and intensely satisfying read. With their respective backgrounds, they each had a lot to work through, and it was inspiring to watch them do so, though also somewhat heart-wrenching at times. I particularly liked the way that picnics were woven through the story - a most apposite title, giving many delightful moments. Really hoping there will be more books coming in the series - it's lovely to see little bits of the future life of previous couples even though each book is a self-contained romance. All in all, an amazing story that I can definitely see myself rereading.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
June 8, 2022
So many things can be said of Emily Botrous’ writing. She always has well-developed, though often heavily flawed, characters; a story line that is intricately woven around them as well as letting us see other characters from this series. And while there is a HEA, that is not what makes you love this story. While other books in this series deal with heavy topics, The Promise of Picnics is on a completely different level! I like the way Ms. Botrous is not afraid to deal with such topics, but in a way that shows God’s grace, love, forgiveness and redemption. As stated by Pastor Ric, “I’m not an example of how bad you can be—I’m an example of how good God is”.
I really did love this book. I was completely drawn into the story. Loved the interaction between Ric and Lisa and adored her daughters, even the teen with her eye rolls and such blunt honesty. There are secrets, as well as painful, embarrassing and even scary actions from their pasts, misunderstandings, fear of abandonment and a twist towards the end that I seriously did NOT see coming. I cannot recommend this book enough!
I received an ARC of this book by the author, but I freely give my honest review.
I really did love this book. I was completely drawn into the story. Loved the interaction between Ric and Lisa and adored her daughters, even the teen with her eye rolls and such blunt honesty. There are secrets, as well as painful, embarrassing and even scary actions from their pasts, misunderstandings, fear of abandonment and a twist towards the end that I seriously did NOT see coming. I cannot recommend this book enough!
I received an ARC of this book by the author, but I freely give my honest review.
June 14, 2022
I enjoyed this emotional, thought provoking book and the journey it took the characters to find their faith and forgiveness for their past in order to become who they were meant to be.The main character, Ricardo, was an intriguing character. It was interesting to learn he was a pastor after learning so much about his past. I came to admire his character.I also liked Lisa, a single mom of three daughters who really seemed to need faith to be a part of her life. I enjoyed learning about her character and what caused her to be who she was today. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
June 14, 2022
Lisa had a past full of bitterness and baggage. When Pastor Ric comes along, will she be able to forgive herself and others and put the past in the past? I love Emily's stories because very real things are happening in the characters' lives. I love to see how God works through those things to bring them closer to Himself. Very well done!!!
June 14, 2022
Lisa and Ric are hurting people with pasts they still regret. I love how the author used these characters to emphasis the promise that we can be forgiven by the Lord for anything. Enjoyed watching these two try to stay out of each others radar but still felt the tug to be in it. Her children we so adorable, yes even the teenager. We all have pains and questions. Of course there is angst including learning to trust again, forgive and receive forgiveness. One of my favorites in this series. Loved the ending and the title.
June 16, 2022
This one of the best books I have ever read. Not only was it a very moving romance, but this book was thought provoking and made me look at myself and my beliefs and fears. There is so much going on in the lives of Ric and Lisa that you never want to stop reading. There are many lessons and reminders here. You will find prejudice, fear, misconceptions, forgiveness and God's love. Thank you Emily for writing such a meaningful story.
June 20, 2022
"He always said 'a picnic is full of promise.' When we have something to be celebrated, we have a picnic. When we have something to mourn, we have a picnic. Basically we have a lot of picnics."
This book is about noticing memorable moments. Promises are a key component. Learning to count on each other can be hard. Trusting God no matter what is even harder. This book portrays promises perfectly.
Normally I would be rather sad that this is the last book in a series that I have greatly enjoyed. But it is such a lovely conclusion to the Hometown Holiday Heartstrings books by Emily Dana Botrous that I could not stay sad for long. In fact, I am quite certain, this one was my favorite one of the series. That is saying a lot - I really enjoyed the other title too! Because it was so touching, I will admit that I did cry in certain places. But I also smiled so often.
Pastor Ric and Lisa both have a complicated past, and both have overcome a lot of hurt. A relationship between them seems impossible. As a reader, I definitely wished a few times for a simpler storyline and a quicker happily ever after. There are so many layers to this one. Secrets are revealed that I didn't see coming. But these are the details that added so much depth to the story. A beautifully woven tale full of hope and restoration. And Jesus. Lots of Jesus!
Enough details are provided in this book that one can follow along without reading the other books first. BUT the titles in the series are definitely connected. Readers will fully appreciate the characters if all of books are read in order. Familiar characters do come back again.
This one was definitely a five-star read for me. A big thank you to the author for letting me read this one early. I requested to read and review it. All opinions are my own.
P.S. Isn't the cover wonderful?
This book is about noticing memorable moments. Promises are a key component. Learning to count on each other can be hard. Trusting God no matter what is even harder. This book portrays promises perfectly.
Normally I would be rather sad that this is the last book in a series that I have greatly enjoyed. But it is such a lovely conclusion to the Hometown Holiday Heartstrings books by Emily Dana Botrous that I could not stay sad for long. In fact, I am quite certain, this one was my favorite one of the series. That is saying a lot - I really enjoyed the other title too! Because it was so touching, I will admit that I did cry in certain places. But I also smiled so often.
Pastor Ric and Lisa both have a complicated past, and both have overcome a lot of hurt. A relationship between them seems impossible. As a reader, I definitely wished a few times for a simpler storyline and a quicker happily ever after. There are so many layers to this one. Secrets are revealed that I didn't see coming. But these are the details that added so much depth to the story. A beautifully woven tale full of hope and restoration. And Jesus. Lots of Jesus!
Enough details are provided in this book that one can follow along without reading the other books first. BUT the titles in the series are definitely connected. Readers will fully appreciate the characters if all of books are read in order. Familiar characters do come back again.
This one was definitely a five-star read for me. A big thank you to the author for letting me read this one early. I requested to read and review it. All opinions are my own.
P.S. Isn't the cover wonderful?
July 8, 2022
I don’t even know how to talk about The Promise of Picnics, particularly since I’ve just finished reading it and am still processing all its deep layers. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time.
It’s a story about an ex-con who used to be in a murderous street gang but is now a youth pastor. Ric de Leon has many bitter regrets in his life. As he tells the teens in his new church, “I’m not an example of how bad you can be--I’m an example of how good God is.”
God brings into his path Lisa, a woman with a tarnished reputation. She’s broken by repeated abandonment, first from her father who walked away when she was 12, then a boyfriend who dumped her the day she told him she was pregnant. Her husband, who loved her despite her past, died in a freak accident.
Lisa resents God for all the pain he’s allowed in her life. She hasn’t set foot in church since the day she buried her husband. She’s not looking for a relationship, least of all with a pastor. But God has plans for Lisa and Ric that involve healing festering wounds, learning to give forgiveness and receive grace.
Ric and Lisa’s love story and journey of grace is my favourite so far of Emily’s excellent stories.
It’s a story about an ex-con who used to be in a murderous street gang but is now a youth pastor. Ric de Leon has many bitter regrets in his life. As he tells the teens in his new church, “I’m not an example of how bad you can be--I’m an example of how good God is.”
God brings into his path Lisa, a woman with a tarnished reputation. She’s broken by repeated abandonment, first from her father who walked away when she was 12, then a boyfriend who dumped her the day she told him she was pregnant. Her husband, who loved her despite her past, died in a freak accident.
Lisa resents God for all the pain he’s allowed in her life. She hasn’t set foot in church since the day she buried her husband. She’s not looking for a relationship, least of all with a pastor. But God has plans for Lisa and Ric that involve healing festering wounds, learning to give forgiveness and receive grace.
Ric and Lisa’s love story and journey of grace is my favourite so far of Emily’s excellent stories.
June 20, 2022
Wow just wow!! This book was soothing to the soul with the best life relateable reminders of God's forgiveness and unconditional love. You then see the characters either receiving or learning to give these things whether to others or themselves. Even with messy pasts, God redeemed Lisa and Ric!! Their story had me awwing, waiting in tense anticipation, and crying tears of joy. Even to the end, you never knew how different characters lives' would suddenly be intertwined!
Emily's writing style is never lacking to cause me to relate to and learn to love her characters. Their struggles, especially with finding identity in Christ and embracing His forgiveness, were just what I needed to be reminded of.
Grab this book for sweet romance and possibly even counseling thru the struggles this life brings!
Emily's writing style is never lacking to cause me to relate to and learn to love her characters. Their struggles, especially with finding identity in Christ and embracing His forgiveness, were just what I needed to be reminded of.
Grab this book for sweet romance and possibly even counseling thru the struggles this life brings!
June 15, 2022
This book is well written, has likeable and real characters. Yes it has strong Christian content with a much needed message of forgiveness, God’s love and grace, giving true hope. It was very believable, not at all preachy, rather presented from the point of view of one who has learnt things the hard way and wants to prevent others making the same mistakes, motivated by God’s love – humble not judgmental. I also liked seeing cross cultural differences from Ric’s point of view, being the only Hispanic in the area - from his food choices to when he was struggling with written English. Ric certainly didn’t fit the usual stereotype of a youth pastor given his tattoos and his time in prison but his heart was truly redeemed. A book to make you think while being enjoyable to read.
November 15, 2025
4.25 stars
Completed: Nov. 15/25
Series: Hometown Holiday Heartstrings, #5
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: CFG’s “food on the cover” — picnic foods
Book #150 of 2025: Emily Botrous delivers on sweet romance but keeping the story grounded in so much more. I enjoyed this story of two people who each made a lot of bad choices born out of difficult circumstances. Yet they found friendship, romance, growth, redemption (Lisa), and seeing God’s handiwork in their lives.
I always appreciate it when the title has meaning. This is a touching story of heartache, but it’s also a story of triumph. All glory to God.
Completed: Nov. 15/25
Series: Hometown Holiday Heartstrings, #5
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: CFG’s “food on the cover” — picnic foods
Book #150 of 2025: Emily Botrous delivers on sweet romance but keeping the story grounded in so much more. I enjoyed this story of two people who each made a lot of bad choices born out of difficult circumstances. Yet they found friendship, romance, growth, redemption (Lisa), and seeing God’s handiwork in their lives.
I always appreciate it when the title has meaning. This is a touching story of heartache, but it’s also a story of triumph. All glory to God.
June 11, 2022
Wonderfully inspirational story. Lisa has had a hard life, especially emotionally. Ric has a very dark and dangerous background. Their story of God’s forgiveness is simply amazing. Of course learning how to forgive themselves and accepting His love is a lot harder. Such an amazing storyline and wonderfully in depth characters. I absolutely loved this one. You won’t regret getting it.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
May 5, 2024
This was a fantastic Contemporary Christian fiction series conclusion! I loved not only the believable story and heartwarming characters, but also El Salvadoran culture. Many of the food made my mouth water as I read! Parent Guide: due to some situations, I would encourage you to pre- read this book before sharing with your older teens and above. I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2024
So moving! So real!
I would recommend this book to anybody. It has so many life lessons especially about forgiveness and not judging by appearances. It was also very real in terms of the pastor being very human and not a demigod as people often portray Christians especially pastors. This book is relatable and I love the way it was written. I have never written a review before but I had to for this one, it is really something special.
I would recommend this book to anybody. It has so many life lessons especially about forgiveness and not judging by appearances. It was also very real in terms of the pastor being very human and not a demigod as people often portray Christians especially pastors. This book is relatable and I love the way it was written. I have never written a review before but I had to for this one, it is really something special.
June 3, 2022
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Great characters.
The featured characters were all well done and wonderfully complicated. Plus we get a bit of an update on characters from previous books in the series, friends to Lisa.
Both main characters have so much to learn about grace and forgiveness... and family.
Great characters.
The featured characters were all well done and wonderfully complicated. Plus we get a bit of an update on characters from previous books in the series, friends to Lisa.
Both main characters have so much to learn about grace and forgiveness... and family.
June 8, 2022
I love this story between Lisa and Ric. It is very inspirational and heartwarming. It shows that even if you do bad things, all you have to do is ask God to forgive you. Knowing that you have been forgiven makes you want to live your life to please Him.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
June 27, 2022
Another fascinating read from Emily! Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. It’s a story of surrender, raw honesty and courage. It’s truly a joy to follow this unlike couple’s journey. I highly recommend this book! (Read all of her books, really. It’s fun to start with the first one and follow the story of all the different people in the “same town”)
June 19, 2022
This book exemplifies grace and forgiveness. It is the perfect ending to the series and I highly recommend it to everyone!! So worth the read!
April 15, 2024
Faith, family, danger, forgiveness, and more bring this story to life. Great read.
June 29, 2022
A most wonderful story!
I do not have words to express how much I enjoyed this book. There is such much emotion in it. The chemistry between Lisa and Ric is off the charts and the redemption stories, yes stories, are incredible. I seriously recommend you read it. You won't be disappointed, and you'll learn about a faithful God who is so so good despite the hard things life throws at us.
Love this author. She has fast become a firm favorite and an automatic buy.
I do not have words to express how much I enjoyed this book. There is such much emotion in it. The chemistry between Lisa and Ric is off the charts and the redemption stories, yes stories, are incredible. I seriously recommend you read it. You won't be disappointed, and you'll learn about a faithful God who is so so good despite the hard things life throws at us.
Love this author. She has fast become a firm favorite and an automatic buy.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews