Serena Miller's A Promise to Love ~ Reviewed

A Promise to Love

By Serena B. Miller

Published by Revell

ISBN# 978-0800721176

332 Pages

Back Cover: 

Ingrid Larsen, a young Swedish immigrant, arrives in Michigan in 1871 to search for her brother who has disappeared into the woods to work the dangerous lumber camps. Destitute and barely hanging on to hope, she encounters a newly-widowed farmer who is struggling to raise five children on his own. Marriage would solve both of their problems, and so Ingrid proposes to a man she barely knows. She will fight to protect her new family--but the hardest battle of all will be winning the heart of her new husband.

Review: 

This historical opens in White Rock, Michigan, 1871. Joshua Hunter’s life has taken an unexpected turn. Ingrid’s world is rocked too. She’s employed as Milicent’s house keeper as she searches for her twin brother in America. Joshua and Ingrid’s lives intersect in a most unusual way.

By the looks of the front cover you’d never expect a novel that brings to life I Cor 13 in the most natural, heartfelt way. I was hooked from the first page as I felt for Ingrid and Joshua’s struggle. The story is gripping. I stood amazed as Ingrid walked out her faith through the pain of hardship as she pressed into God’s word and showed a love to others beyond herself. It was inspiring not preachy!

This novel was based on the authors’ grandmother’s life. Serena dedicated the book to her, “to my grandmother, Elizabeth Allen Bonzo, who married for love – who endured in that love – and by enduring healed a broken family.” Wow, boy did she!

Ingrid reminded me a little of the character Julie Andrews played in the Sound of Music.  Julie Andrews’s character cared for the Van trap children stood up to their father when necessary and was surprised when she fell in love with their father.

Joshua Hunter is in need of someone to care for is five children. Ingrid’s complied to care for the little ones and Joshua. Ingrid experiences a love she only dreamed of for her own children and husband. The children welcome her in unexpected ways, but Joshua is still grieving the loss of his wife. He’s thankful to have Ingrid’s help but doesn’t notice her beyond that.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” 1 Cor 13:7 Ingrid shows all these things to the Hunter family. Her faith in God shines as she allows him to work through her and love them. She longs for someone to love her in the same way. Can she be satisfied if Joshua never loves her like that?

This book has so many surprises, plot twists and turns I couldn’t put this book down. It’s an inspiring and amazing story. Especially to know it was based on this authors’ grandmother. I’m thankful for the review copy that introduced me to a brand new author and her compelling encouraging story I highly recommend.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

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