The Baby Promise

Home on the Ranch #1

by Carolyne Aarsen

On leave from the army, Nick Colter heads to a quiet Alberta ranch to fulfill a promise. His buddy left behind a pregnant wife in need of protection and friendship that only Nick can provide. Despite years in combat, he isn't prepared for the battle to earn wary Beth Carruthers's trust. There is more than grief in her beautiful blue eyes, and caring for her becomes more than an act of duty. He wants to bring a smile to her face…and restore faith and love in her heart. Yet the secrets she harbors may destroy the one chance at family he thought he'd never find.

Genres: Love Inspired, Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Christian

218 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 21, 2010

About the author

Even with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com

Reviews

[Melody Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had difficulty getting into the book and it did not hold my attention.I didn't care for the storyline although I love most anything with a baby in it. To me, the story moved at a very slow pace.

Beth was a bitter woman who lost her husband to the war. She has a right to be bitter but she holds onto her secrets way to long.

Nick was her late husband's best friend. He made a promise to look out for Beth and the baby she was carrying. I liked him but I feel he was weak as the hero.

Others have rated this highly so you should give it a try and see what you think. Although I love Christian based books, this was just to slow and frustrating for me but you may love it.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A woman's not as upset about the death of her husband in Afghanistan as her inlaws and his war buddy think she should be. Still, they stand by her as she's expecting a baby. But will she stand by them?

Decent story about how God sometimes has other plans.

[Sonnetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader will fall in love with Nick. I love how this story progresses. There was no rush. The author's tribute to the military was so appreciated. It gives the reader a glimpse into the lives of our men and women who serve and the family they leave behind.

[Spring Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet story. I'm glad Beth didn't stay bitter for too long--I have a hard time with overly-difficult protagonists. I enjoyed the story, particularly the chemistry between Beth and Nick. I can imagine two people going through a traumatizing event and ending up attached to one another...although they did already have sparks. What a piece of work her dead husband, Jim, was; he had the wool pulled over everyone's eyes. Jim's parents could have taken more responsibility for their son turning out to be so horrid, but at least they owned up to the fact that he was. Also, I thought the dad should have left the ranch to Nick and Beth instead of them having to buy into it. Regardless, it was a good read, even through so much sadness. However, I would have liked to see that Shellie get her proper comeuppance--especially after she had the audacity to cast the blame on Nick. Anyhow...well done.

[Debbie Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

didnt like the beginning at all everybody this poor girl came in contact with was mean. her inlaws her mother and brother her boss. However it got better and had a sweet ending.

[Denise Sawyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your typical Love Inspired book. But a nice story with a couple of surprises.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was very moving.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romance. Emotional surprises.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like how all of the characters came together in the end with the realness of what had happened in their lives.

[Sara Beeson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book was slow paced. Majority of the book almost felt like the beginning and then it was over.

[Janice Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely romance.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational Romance.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice "inspirational" book. It deals with mourning in various ways...an elderly couple coming to terms with the way they thought their son was versus what he really was like. The young woman with a newborn baby that was going to divorce him before he died but he didn't know. And the best friend soldier that was with him when he died. The author mixes faith and enough of searching out and finding God again within this book.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick Colter's buddy Jim died in his arms. Jim makes him promise to take care of his wife and unborn baby. Beth Carruthers is relieved when news of her cheating husband's death reaches her. How to get through the next step of grieving with Jim's parents and army buddy will test her.

[Tammy Cable · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the card making & scrap booking references as they are one of my hobbies. The story was realistic but parts hit a little bit close to home and I felt uncomfortable. I'm glad that the story was written and can imagine how it will help many turn to God for their peace and comfort!

[Michelle Cortez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really adorable, made me smile a lot. Sad that Beth had to go threw a lot of stupid crop with her ex that passed, but I loved how the author put in Nick, who was sweet as pie into the book. Nick made me think of my husband a lot :)

[pamela kroese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring story dedicated to servicemen!

as an aunt who has a nephew who has served in the Air Force for over 6years i appreciate these books! I also love how Carolyne brought out the aspects of guilt & Gods forgiveness throughout the story!

[Crissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Little Cozy Read, Loved It!

[Sue King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read!

[Sharon Sherman · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting afternoon read.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love it i love books that are love story's and that honer god

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a nice refreshing read, no racy parts, and it's love inspired and I loved it.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story. I wish that there was a bit more depth to the characters but over all the plot and characters were not weak or rushed.

[Mary Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy, safe read that didn't demand too much from the reader. It was fairly predictable without a lot of suspense.

[Neva Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Lynz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great book for a wintertime in home snuggled in a blanket and hot cocoa:)

[Phyllis Swain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soldier Nick Coulter keeps apromise to a fellow soldier who died.

[Maria]

I didn't really get into it but I liked that it was based in Alberta which is my home

[Elizabeth]

I Loved This Book.