About the Book:
For Monica Scott,
building her late father’s house at Lake Tahoe isn’t an option—it’s a necessary
distraction from confusing memories and an uncertain future. But a handsome
planner working for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is keeping Monica
from moving forward with the project. Never mind that he’s young and charming
with a great sense of humor. No one is going to stop Monica from making her
father’s dream—and her own—a reality.
All Greg Linsey wants is for his work to mean something. His job at TRPA gives
him the opportunity to fight for the environment he loves and make a difference
in his small corner of the world. But with the sophisticated Monica Scott’s
arrival, his dedication is tested as never before, especially when Monica turns
to his unscrupulous nemesis for assistance.
As Greg and Monica’s animosity turns into something far sweeter, can they learn
to accept each other’s promises and avoid the growing danger to their lives and
hearts?
About the Author:
Sandra Leesmith loves to travel in her
RV and explore all of nature’s beauty, discover America’s history,
and
fellowship with the wonderful people she meets while on the road. She enjoys
reading, writing, hiking, swimming, and pickleball. Learn more about Sandra and
her books at
www.sandraleesmith.com.
You can connect with Sandra on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. You can also
find her and her talented writing buddies at the Seekerville blog.
My Review:
Monica is used to getting her own way. When her plans to
build her father’s last home are thwarted Monica is less than happy. The
TRPA(Tahoe Regional Planning Agency) has refused her request to allow her to
build on prime property in the Tahoe Basin area. All of her angst is poured out
on Greg who works for the TRPA and she is determined to get around any rules in
order to fulfill her dream and accomplish her father’s last wishes. Greg is
just as determined to protect the area that he loves. As the two of them try to
find common ground an attraction springs between them. Unfortunately Monica is
afraid of commitment. She perceived her parents’ relationship as one-sided and
it has made her unable to make commitments in her own life. Fear of becoming a
doormat to someone Monica exerts her independence to the exclusion of all
relationships. Will she be able to accept the love that Greg describes or will
she continue in her lonely life?
Love’s Promises touches on so many issues that at some
points I was emotionally overwhelmed. From Monica’s unrealistic view of her
parents’ relationship, her grating desire to have her own way (which wore me
out at the beginning), the steamy relationship between Monica and Greg, to the
environmentalism all wrapped into a fairly quick read. I enjoyed reading how
Monica changed as Greg showed her what a real relationship between a couple in
love could be. As each one of Monica’s defenses peeled away the reader could
see her faith and potential grow. She became a more softened and caring human
being rather than the overbearing-grating woman that she started out as. I’m
not sure that Love’s Promises would be considered a Christian novel, but there
are definite signs of faith throughout the story. Greg and his family talk
about faith in God as well as Monica hearing the voice of her mother through
her memories. There are some “iffy” passages in that Greg’s friend begins to
call Monica a b-word but is cut off by Greg. There are some sexually charged
situations where Greg and Monica want to cross the line into the bedroom but
both are determined to remain celibate. There are also a couple of references
to “the Broad” from an unsavory character that totally fits his personality and
what he would say. Having lived near and visited the Tahoe area I appreciated
the environmental aspects of the story, it is a beautiful area and I am
thankful that there are people willing to fight to preserve it for our future.
For a little bit of romance, a little bit of suspense and danger, and a little bit of
saving the environment you will find Love’s Promises has it all.
Review of Sandra’s books:
Paperback
coming soon!
GIVEAWAY:
Sandra is offering one reader a taste of
Lake Tahoe with a sweet prize pack: a signed paperback copy of Love's
Promises, a journal, a Lake Tahoe coffee mug, a pound of Millstone Velvet
Chocolate coffee, and a Hulet Glass chocolate drop! This giveaway is open to U.S.
residents only. You can enter to win via the Rafflecopter form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
