Penny A. Zeller

This is book four in the Wyoming Sunrise series and I was sad for it to come to a conclusion. I loved that at the end the author tells us where they are now so nothing is left hanging. This is a beautiful story of second chances and the power of a grandmother’s prayers. The characters are very real and believable and you find yourself being immersed in their stories. When the three orphan children come on the scene I am putty in their hands as my heart was full of so much empathy for them. So much is going on in this book that you become throughly engaged to see what happens next. I don’t want to spoil it by saying too much, but just know it is well worth investing your time and heart in. It can be read as a stand-alone but I wouldn’t have wanted to miss anything in this series. I did not want to stop reading once I started.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.… (mais)

Penny Zeller's "Wyoming Sunrise Series" concludes with book four, Love's Promise, and it is a top notch wrap up of the entire series. In this story we meet a redeemed young man whose grandmother had adopted and raised. She prayed fervently for him through his turbulent childhood and young life when he went astray.

As the story opens in Love's Promise, we meet Silas who is now a rancher and who has lovingly attached himself to an older couple providing help as needed and finding much love in return. Soon their needs bring their granddaughter, Amaya, to assist.

As the story develops, Silas' past catches up with him and brings trouble to the community.

Thrown into this mix, Silas discovers three young children living on their own with no one accountable for them. He solicits the community's assistance in caring for the children until a permanent solution can be found.

As the author fleshes out the characters, she weaves an especially endearing story. Not just sweet living but with adventure and danger compounding the action.

I highly recommend this entire series; but if you can only read one, then Love's Promise is the winner.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.… (mais)

“But I know without a doubt that the Lord is the giver of second chances, and He gave me a second chance. My Oma never once stopped praying for me.”

Penny Zeller always draws me into her historical romance novels that are peppered liberally with faith and humor. The faith aspect isn’t overbearing, just right for the situation. The humor keeps me in stitches, and the clean romance keeps me reading. This is Love’s Promise, book four of the Wyoming Sunrise series. It could be read as a standalone, but old friends appear to help flesh out the book.

The year is 1897. Loner Silas McFadden has a ranch outside town, but often rides with the Poplar Springs, Wyoming, posse when trouble arises. “Grandmama“ Alvarado, a good friend who with her ailing husband owns a mercantile, asks Silas to meet her granddaughter, Amaya’s, stagecoach. Silas is amazed at what he finds when he first meets Amaya.

Amaya and Silas develop a friendship and more as they work to help Amaya’s grandfather’s health improve and also help a very-worn out “Grandmama.”

There are so many humorous moments in the book. When I realized again just who Sheriff Ambrose Miller Eliason is, along with his friend, Grumbles. How seriously Ambrose takes his position! When Silas goes (of course, only as moral support) with his lovelorn friend to the town matchmaker! That whole thread is a hoot!!

There are also some very sad times, as we see into both Silas and Amaya’s respective pasts. One is not sure of acceptance from people or God, and finally gets this great advice: “When we are truly His, nothing and no one can snatch us from His hand. When you make mistakes, and you will, you will remain His. Held forever in His grasp from now through eternity.”

In the meantime, both Silas and Amaya have lost someone very dear to them, and that influences their future steps. Unfortunately, the past catches up with Silas, before he is ready to share it with his new friends in this new town.

If not Ambrose, my fave characters would be the three orphan siblings who are discovered outside of town. Their story thread is tragic and uncertain. Grandmama has to remind Amaya, “God will take care of them, Amaya. He loves them even more than you do.” This is a great reminder for any of us who worry about loved ones of any age. We need to pray and do what we can, but refuse to fret, realizing the Almighty holds our loved ones in His loving Hands.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. I also purchased my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotable:

“If you keep your eyes on Jesus, you’ll have no room for fretting.”… (mais)

Sweet story to finish the series. Silas and Amyia both are hesitant to get closer, each for different reasons. God's forgiveness and faithful wisdom weave throughout the story. Lots of good people who tug on your heartstrings. Danger, misunderstandings and heartache.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#LovesPromise #PennyZeller #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalFiction… (mais)