This was an interesting book. It has a mix of romance, time travel, and paranormal. I enjoyed both of the books in the series and will be interested in reading more.

I enjoyed this read, but it was a little slow at first. I liked the chemistry between the two main characters and if there is another addition to this series, I am invested enough into them that I would be interested in reading it.

Romance legend Jude Deveraux and best-selling author Tara Sheets take us back to Providence Falls with the enchanting second title in this series: An Impossible Promise.

Liam O’Connor is a man with a mission. He must do whatever it takes to ensure that the woman he loves more than anything else in the world falls in love – with somebody else. Liam is doing everything he possibly can in order for Cora McLeod to fall into another man’s arms. Liam had changed the course of destiny when over a hundred years ago he had fallen in love with Cora. Their love affair was intense, passionate and brief and the angels have been doing everything in their power to make sure that the balance of fate is restored. However, there is one small problem: Cora has started to develop feelings for the man she simply cannot have!

Liam and Cora are now police officers in Providence Falls and they have been thrust together as partners on a murder investigation. Forced to spends days in close proximity together, the chemistry between them is off the charts and temptation has become absolutely impossible to resist. Keeping Cora at arm’s length is becoming harder and harder with each passing day and although the angels want her to be with Finley Walsh, the headstrong cop cannot imagine being with anybody other than Liam.

Liam has only once chance to save his soul, but will his love for Cora leave him with no other choice but to let her go?

In An Impossible Promise, Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets have combined their storytelling powers to write a magical, captivating and heartwarming tale that will keep readers turning the pages all through the night. An Impossible Promise is a book that will make readers laugh out loud and have them shed a tear or two as they go on an emotional rollercoaster ride with Liam and Cora in this epic love story that transcends countries, continents and centuries.

An enjoyable romantic read full of pathos, mystery, drama and humor, readers will fall in love with Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets’ latest novel, An Impossible Promise.

Okay, I’m hooked. Also confused, frustrated and annoyed – but hooked. I have to find out how this whole soap opera turns out.

Which constitutes fair warning on two counts. Count number one, that the insane story begun in Chance of a Lifetime does NOT conclude in An Impossible Promise. Count number two, this series is one story broken up into chapters, not two separate stories with some kind of link between them. In other words, you have to start at the beginning and it’s not done yet.

The third book isn’t even announced yet. Hence both the frustration AND the annoyance. I want to know how this is all going to get resolved – if only to find out if ANY of my guesses are right. And I need to know that the answers will be forthcoming at hopefully the not too distant future, but at least at some fixed date in the future.

Let me explain, which isn’t going to be easy because this story, at least so far, completely broke my willing suspension of disbelief meter and then set it on fire. This story needs resolution in the hopes that at the end it will all make sense.

The concept for the whole thing, as I discussed in my review of the first book in the series last week, has a lot of potential. It’s a time travel romance with a bit of angelic interference taking the place of any SFnal handwavium that often powers the jaunt through time.

What makes this different from the usual run of such things is that Liam O’Connor doesn’t go backward in time – he goes forward. From 1844 to an undefined present day probably just pre-pandemic.

Way back when, Liam O’Connor messed with Cora McLeod’s destiny when he convinced her to run away with him rather than marrying the man her father picked out for her. Whatever that destiny was, it was so huge and important that the angels, two of them specifically, have given Liam a second chance to get it right by giving up the woman he really does most sincerely love.

The angels fast forward Liam to now, where Cora McLeod, still with the same name, has another chance to marry her destined mate, Finley Walsh. It’s up to Liam to put aside his own desires – and honestly Cora’s as well – to make sure that this time things turn out the way they were supposed to.

All the while pretending to be a 21st police detective in a tiny town in North Carolina, learning how to live in a world he never imagined, while helping Cora solve a series of murders that have everyone in town on edge.

While a couple of meddling angels blow celestial trumpets in his ears to remind him that he only has three months to fix what he broke long ago before he goes straight to hell.

Escape Rating C+: As I said at the top, I am hooked on this story, and eaten up with speculation about how the whole thing is finally going to be worked out. But, but, but there are a whole lot of things about this story that drive me crazy because they don’t make sense – or at least they don’t make sense without a whole lot more explication than we have so far.

Liam, at one point in this book, asks the angels who have stuck him in this situation whether they are really angels or whether they’re working for the other side. I do not blame him AT ALL for wondering. They say they’re working for the “greater good” and all that, but anyone who works for the so-called “greater good” without explaining a whole lot about whose good and why it’s greater makes me twitchy and gives me mad Albus Dumbledore vibes and not in a good way.

Liam was kind of “voluntold” to participate in this mess, but it seems like everyone else is being manipulated rather a lot in order to accept Liam’s place in the world and in all of their lives. It also feels like a vast coincidence, beyond any angelic arrangement, that all the people in Providence Falls are reincarnations of the people Liam and Cora knew in their first go around, that they ALL have the same names and they are all in the same relationships to Liam, to Cora, and to each other.

The long arm of coincidence does not stretch that far – even in fiction.

Aside from the setup, the big issue in this romance is the romance. Liam really does love Cora, past and present. Cora is falling for Liam, again, even though she doesn’t remember their first time around.

Because we experience the story from Liam’s perspective, he’s the one we have empathy for. We want him to get his HEA and there’s no way that happens if he fulfills his promise to the angels. The entire story goes against the grain of the way it’s being told, especially when Cora’s growing feelings for Liam are taken into consideration. That she is not getting to make her own choices just bites. Seriously.

That’s not to say that this incarnation of Finley Walsh isn’t a good guy or in any way unworthy – but he’s not Cora’s choice. Although at least the story gives us a little more depth about him in this second installment. I would be happy to see Finn get his own HEA, but so far at least I’m not on board with that HEA being with Cora.

That’s where all of my thoughts about how this is going to play out go pear-shaped. At the end of this book, Liam finally gets a full explanation of why Cora has to marry Finn – but we don’t see it. All we get is Liam’s epiphany that his wants don’t matter, that Cora’s destiny is too important for him to mess up.

The problem I’m having is that I just don’t believe it. I’m not convinced. At all. The angels could be manipulating him, they could have shown him something that leads to this conclusion without it being the truth, and they could still be demons. On an entirely other hand they could be demons like Crowley (in Good Omens) was a demon, meaning that they might be doing the right thing in the wrong way and for the wrong reasons. That’s actually an explanation I could seriously get behind.

But I want to know so, so badly. So I’m hooked. Along with being confused, frustrated and annoyed. The next book can’t come out soon enough. The horns of this particular dilemma are downright painful!

In An Impossible Promise we once again meet up with Liam, Cora and Finn. I the first book we learn that the angels have ordered Liam to bring Cora and Finn together in order to save his soul. You see, in 1844 Ireland, Liam stole Cora away from Finn and changed destiny. Now, over a century later, he is tasked with bringing them back together. Cora and Liam are police officers and partners in Providence Falls, North Carolina. They are working on a murder investigation and it just seems to bring them closer together. Finn is a lawyer, and as he and Cora are thrown together a few times, she also begins to feel something for this kind, caring and generous man. Cora needs to choose Finn, but what about her developing feelings for Liam.

This story begins shortly after Chance of a Lifetime ends. The premise of this series is reincarnation and that we are fated to be with someone. I just suspended my belief and went with the story. I really like Liam, Cora and Finn, which makes it hard to decide who is best for Cora. It is a bit of a love triangle, but not one I have ever seen before. Cora is a great character. She is strong, stubborn and independent and does not want to be told what to do. I really liked this Cora as opposed to the one in the past. There is a bit of a dual timeline and we get flashbacks to their first meeting in 1844, were we learn what happened to them, but most of the story takes place in the present. There is a crime, some mystery, a few twists and some suspense all well plotted with the pending romance. There is also humor as Liam does not understand the present as he seems to have come straight from the past, so he has problems understanding things like technology, going to the gym and fast food. If you believe in destiny or fated love, you will really enjoy this series. I enjoy the strong, well-developed characters. Once again, this story is not over, but I did like this ending more than the one in the first book. I now have to wait, probably close to a year to see who Cora chooses and if Liam will be able to finish his task and save his soul.

Spoilers

I don’t know how to feel about this because, just like in the first book, this one also ends with an unsatisfactory cliffhanger. The murder mystery aspect is compelling as is the ever evolving love triangle between Liam, Cora and Finn, but it’s so sad and frustrating that Liam has to suppress his feelings and go against his very nature in order to avoid the fiery pits of hell. While he is doing everything in his power, albeit begrudgingly, to get Cora and Finn together, Cora is starting to fall for him and won’t give up. It’s frustrating to know that readers will have to wait another year or so before they have a conclusion (assuming the authors conclude with the third book).

As for the murder investigation, it’s anybody’s guess. Clearly, Magnus is guilty of theft, at the very least, but I think Boyd, the police captain and Liam’s friend from his earlier life, is corrupt as hell. Just as Cora and Liam have the same personalities as they had in their past life, Boyd must as well…and he was a scheming, deceitful criminal who wasn’t averse to using violence. My guess is that he needs money to keep up with his high-maintenance wife’s spending habits and has resorted to getting it illegally. That’s really the reason for his extreme anxiety and volatility and why he’s trying to misdirect Cora and Liam.

So, although the writing is really good, it’s hard to judge the book when we don’t know how it’s going to wrap up. Will they discover that Boyd is a corrupt cop? Will Finn and Cora get together so that the mysterious future event will take place or will the angels somehow take pity on Liam, seeing that he’s a changed man, and let him return to earth and live out his love story with Cora? I’m Team Liam the whole way, but all signs are pointing to Finn and Cora. I recommend this story but warn readers that they’ll be frustrated when they face a long wait for the conclusion.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Mira through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This is the second instalment in a series and I had to read the first one as it's a book that can be read as a standalone.
It's a mix of genre: romantic suspense, romance, time travel, paranormal and some historical fiction.
It's a highly entertaining story because the mix works well and the authors developed two very interesting and likeable characters: Liam and Cora.
Liam is a fascinating rogue, you cannot help liking him. Cora is a strong willed and independent woman who knows what she wants and it's not easy to push her with a man as requested by the angels.
The plot is fast paced and full of twists, the mystery part is solid and I enjoyed it.
There will be another book in this series so be prepared to wait in order what will happen.
Recommended.
Many thanks to MIRA and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

An Impossible Promise is a tremendous follow-up to the first book in this series, 'Chance of a Lifetime' set in Providence Falls, North Carolina. The authors, Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets did a great job of crafting a story that stood on its own for anyone not having read book one, though reading the novels in chronological order is recommended.

For me, it was the characters that really made its story sing. The feelings of both protagonists really tugged at my heartstrings as love, passion and destiny are brought to the fore. I was completely drawn into the narrative as Liam O'Connor's gradual awareness of himself in emboldened, devil-may-care, Magnus Blackwell is realised, and this was really well portrayed by the author.

In this tale of time travel and reincarnation Liam and Cora McLeod are police officers in the present, working on a murder investigation. Liam fell in love with Cora back in 1844. Cora, Liam, and Finn Walsh's lives are intertwined each time they are reborn and lawyer, Finn is the man that Liam stole Cora from, way back. Now Liam must persuade Cora to marry Finn so that her life is not ended by tragedy.

Liam's struggles with the modern world provided some amusement and the element of mystery surrounding the murder investigation was good too although this aspect definitely took a back seat to the romance. If you believe in destiny or fated love, you will really enjoy this novel and series. A tremendously good tale, I'm a very happy reader!

An Impossible Promise by Jude Deveraux picks up not long after Chance of a Lifetime ended. It is best to read this series in order. I thought the book was well-written with developed characters. Liam is a delightful and handsome Irish rogue. Jude Deveraux is great at creating this type of character. Cora is a smart, feisty, independent, and a strong woman who has bad taste in men (she picks the wrong men to date). This is a dual timeline novel with chapters taking us back to Ireland in 1844 when Liam stole Cora away from Finn. Liam has two months left to make things right and save his soul. Cora cares for Finn but she has growing feelings for Liam. Liam and Cora are trying to solve the John Brady case when another murder occurs in Providence Falls. I thought the mystery was well-done. It is well-plotted with unique twists along the way. There is suspense and misdirection. You wonder who is telling the truth and who is lying through their teeth. I like the humor in the story. Liam encounters new items, terms, and situations that add levity to the tale. As with Chance of a Lifetime, we are left with unanswered questions at the end of An Impossible Promise. We must wait for the third and final Providence Falls novel to see how things turn out.

The Review

What a fascinating and engaging read! The author brilliantly finds a balance between passionate romance and mystery, drawing in a multitude of readers who can find a connection to it. The history, the more supernatural elements to the past-lives and destiny aspect of the narrative, and even the romance all sang in perfect harmony with one another as the story progressed, creating a perfect fusion of genres that many fans of contemporary women’s fiction and romance will love.

The characters really were the heart of this narrative. The growth that each of these characters saw and the torn feelings of the protagonists really tugged at the heartstrings as the question of whether passion and love could matter more than destiny and romance took center stage. Getting to see Liam find his reflection in newcomer Magnus and seeing Liam’s evolution as a result of this was amazing character writing on the author’s part, and really drew me into the narrative further.

The Verdict

A heartfelt, engaging, and soulful read, author Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets’s “An Impossible Promise” is a must-read contemporary romance of 2021. The perfect follow-up to the first book in this series, the authors did a great job of crafting a story that could stand on its own while providing fans of the series a new series of twists and turns in the growing mystery and leaves a massive cliffhanger that will leave fans and Liam both shocked at the importance of Cora’s destiny.

AN IMPOSSIBLE PROMISE is a slow burn contemporary story, but also A dual timeline going back to 1844, that I was pulled in to from the very first page. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because I love Jude Deveraux, but the cover really pulled me in. I would love to be able to walk through that field. I loved everything about this beautiful story and I’m excited to recommend it to my reading friends. These authors always have a way of grabbing their readers and they never let us go.

AN IMPOSSIBLE PROMISE really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. The story picks up a little while after the first left off. Liam comes from 1844 to the present and some of the new things he experiences are very funny. I will never eat another Oreo without thinking of Liam! In the present Liam and Cora are police officers and are focused on solving a case involving a gang, murder, and stolen money. Liam is trying to get Cora together with Finn but she’s more interested in Magnus! She has to marry Finn so that her life doesn’t end in tragedy.

AN IMPOSSIBLE PROMISE is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets were taking us and what would happen to Liam and Cora. There is so much heart in their writing that I’m always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see AN IMPOSSIBLE PROMISE becoming a big screen movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. Another cliff hanger!!!! These women are trying to kill me!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

At the beginning of the blurb, An Impossible Promise is compared to Outlander and The Lakehouse, and I'd have to agree - at least in part. It brings both storylines to mind, but it's still very much its own story. The relationship between Cora and Liam also makes me think of star-crossed lovers with the outside forces determined to keep them apart. This second in the trilogy is in the here and now for the most part with some flashbacks to past lives - yep, reincarnation is at the center of this love story. It's not all romance though, considering the profession these characters have in the present, we get some mystery-solving too. Since this is a continuing story, I'd recommend starting at the beginning. There's about a year between releases on these first 2, so I expect the same for the next, but with the excellent writing and storytelling, it's been well worth the wait.

Ok so let me start this review by saying I am a huge Jude Deveraux fan. That is a fact that will not change. I have devoured every book she has written multiple times. The characters she creates are like old friends I want to visit often.

Now with that said I will admit this book was not the usual Jude Deveraux writing I use to. Whether it was because it was once again a co-written book or something else I still had a hard time connecting with the characters. Much like the first book in this series.

There were parts in this book much as the first where I was completely caught up and thought now these are the characters and writing I know but then it would become disconnected from me. there wasn't an easy flow.

I really wanted to like Liam and Cora and honestly was rooting for Liam but as I continue on realized that I just wanted to say goodbye to them.

The story picks up a little while after the first left off. They are still in the midst of solving a murder. Liam is still torn between his love for Cora and saving his soul. Plus the Angels have added someone to the mix hoping to nudge Liam.

Once again the book moved slowly for me. I really had to make myself stay in the moment and read it. Without giving too much away things begin to change and involve in the second installment.

Overall for me, this was just an okay book, not a WOW!! one like in many other of Jude's books.

An Impossible Promise is the second book in the Providence Falls Trilogy. This is a trilogy I recommend reading in order so you have a little time to catch up before An Impossible Promise is published on September 21st. The first book, Chance of a Lifetime was pushed in September 2020. I could not wait for the second book after reading the first. The premise of the book reincarnation and Cora, Liam, and Finn's lives are intertwined each time they are reborn. In order to save his soul, Liam must convince Cora to marry Finn as marrying Finn is the only way to stop COra's life from ending in tragedy. The trouble is Cora and Liam loved each other in past lives and Liam does not want to let Cora go.

The book is set mainly in the present but there are flashbacks to 1844 and a past life Liam and Cora had. In the present Liam and Cora are police officers and focus on solving a case involving a gang, stolen money, and a murder. The primary storyline is Cora, Liam, and Finn and Liam's job to get Cora and Finn together. One of the things I love most about these books is Liam comes directly from 1844 so modern things such as fast food and oreo's are new to him. One scene in the book, Cora and Liam go to a gym and Liam is confused why people would pay to workout inside a building, especially when they are not defending themselves against anything. It is so funny to read his view on things we take for granted.

This is a wonderful series, especially if you like dual timelines and the thought that love can last over time. I can't wait to read the third and final book. Since books 1 & 2 were published in September, I hope September 2022 will hold the final book in the trilogy and I will learn what happens to Liam, Cora, and Finn.

This book picks up sometime after the first one finished.
It starts a little slow but builds as the story goes on. They’re still trying to solve a mystery but that seems to be pushed to the side. Liam is still doing his best to get Cora interested in Finn. However she only seems to have eyes for Magnus and I’m not sure why. The book kinda ends with a cliffhanger so now I have to wait til next year to find out what happens.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

Received a copy of this book for review. Overall it is a good read for me. Love the chemistry between the main characters. Love all the characters. What I love is that each of them does make a difference to the story as it developed. Like to read how the characters In the story are interrelated to each other. It make the story more exciting to read. The setting of the story is nice and is fit nicely to the story.

A continuation of the series. Liam is still on a quest from the angels to unite Cora and Finn. All while solving murders and other adventures. ARC from NetGalley.