A Promise of Forgiveness is a tale of Amish life and the way of the Englisher. When Samuel "jumps the fence" years ago and suffered greatly for it, he struggles to forgive himself for the mess he made for his Amish family. Naomi, trying to recover as a widow of a betrayal by her husband, struggles to put it behind her. Upcoming, events test her strength and ability to forgive.

The storyline is a touching one, at times gut-wrenching, and brings forth lessons of forgiveness and redemption. The characters are well-developed and show weaknesses as well as a great strength to do God's will in spite of hanging on to the guilt.

There are lots of twists that kept me wondering about the mysteries woven within the pages. The ending wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it.

A PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS by Jo Ann Brown is the story of Naomi Ropp who is an Amish widow who has moved back to her parent’s house with her twin toddlers. A PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS is the second book I’ve read by Jo Ann Brown but it definitely won’t be the last. I loved this story from the very first page and I’m sure you will too. It is the second book in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series and I’m so excited to continue with the series. I found myself thinking about Samuel and Naomi long after I finished their story. I was totally invested in their lives and was cheering for them the whole time I was reading. Often, I was yelling at Naomi not to make the choices she was making and sometimes I was laughing out loud at the things she was saying.

A PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS is about Naomi learning to trust her heart and Samuel as well as Naomi letting go of the past. Jo Ann Brown sure knows how to make the reader feel as if they are right there at the kitchen table with the family dealing with all their troubles. She made me sad, then the next moment I was smiling and giggling out loud! You can never go wrong with a Jo Ann book if you are a fan of the Amish genre. All of her characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a family can stand before it completely breaks down and splits. Flashbacks to when Naomi and Samuel were teenagers give the reader a taste of what they were like back then and what they were going through.

A PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS is a heart tugging story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this heartwarming story, it was very hard to put down! All of the Amish value their family time at the kitchen table. It is where they come together after a long, hard day of work. Is there a place at the table for Naomi and Samuel? A PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS brought back many memories of my own family dinners at our kitchen table and I found myself smiling while reading. I couldn’t wait to finish this wonderful story to see if Samuel was able to find balance in his life or would he just keep working while life passed him by.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Just Read Publicity Tours through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This poignant story, second in the "Secrets of Bliss Valley" series by Jo Ann Brown, may affect readers differently. One reader might think to themselves that this author gets it. "I had something awful happened to me, and it circles around in my head and just won’t let go." While another reader might think, "I just don’t get it. That happened years ago. Why doesn’t she just 'get over it'." I fall into the former category.

Naomi Ropp is a widow with very feisty two-year-old twin boys whose favorite word is “fun”. Naomi also has a remarkable memory. Too remarkable sometimes. Her life, other than the birth of her sons, has not been a particularly happy one. Her now dead husband, Marlin, was … Well, I’ll let you the reader find out why I wouldn’t waste one nanosecond mourning him.

At least she had the farm. Until two Englischer strangers appear at her door with documents that say Marlin never bought the farm. She has ten days to be out. She and the twins move to Bliss Valley where she grew up to live with her Daed, (…you will like her father) who has a buggy repair business.

But who is standing by her Daed, as she halts the wagon …? Samuel King!
He and his two friends made her life unbearable growing up. And she remembers every horrible thing he (they) did or said to the exact number of years, days, and minutes. Yes, she has THAT kind of memory. Worse yet, he is Daed‘s assistant?!

There is much more to this book. Such as:
— A new-born boppli is left on the porch of the dawdi haus.
— Samuel was severely injured in a car wreck and will never be the same man he was.
— A woman appears claiming that Naomi is her … … …

"A Promise of Forgiveness" has plots and sub-plots. The story has been carefully thought out by the author. The characters are rich, and the author gives you the time to know them. The pacing is excellent. There are some characters that are charming and others that you can’t stand.

Bullying in any form causes pain to the victim. Depending on the type of bullying, it can resonate within the victim over and over. Abuse in a marriage isn’t always physical. Verbal bullying is painful too — just in a different way.

As you read, keep in mind that Naomi has suffered from both. And even when you do not have her unique kind of memory, an action or a phrase can suddenly appear and repeat over and over in your head.
Why?
Because it hurt the person. Deeply.
They don’t want to remember it. They just do.
It is hard to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply — no matter how it was done.

Please do not think this is a “downer” story. It isn’t. People triumph in "A Promise for Forgiveness." Joyful things happen. God’s love is shown through others. It is a wonderful story.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher, Harlequin – Romance, via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

Rating: 5 stars.
Cover rating: Very nice. Attractive.
Series & number: Secrets of Bliss Valley, #2.
Pages: 336.
Expected publish date: February 22, 2022.
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Run date on my blog: Jan 23, 2022. Blog: https://lyndapbookreviews.idogenealogy.info/
I will update this edit on that day & add link(s) to where posted. Will post to Goodreads 11/28/21

This is a Clean Amish Romance, and this is the second book in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series. I loved the characters in this book, and I feel that the characters are really developed. All the characters in this book is overcoming so much. There is a twist at the end, but I did see it coming/guessed what it was. I still really enjoyed reading the reveal of the twist, and I loved the ending so much. This is a Amish Romance that is so much more the a romance because this book as so much going on. All the Jo Ann Brown books I have read as this Amish twist on hate to love Romance, and this book is no different. The Hate to Love thing going on in this book I felt was a little over done. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired Trade) or author (Jo Ann Brown) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. This book is schedule to be release on February 22-2022.

A Promise of Forgiveness is written by JoAnn Brown. This is part of the Love Inspired Trade series. This is the second book in the Bliss Valley series. I have read book one. Like all Love Inspired they can be read as a stand alone. In this story we will see Amish widow, Naomi and her twin boys back at her parent's home in Bliss Valley. Oh, how my heart hurt for her. She clearly has some healing to do. The one thing that I love about this author is the fact that she creates real, unique characters. You can feel their emotions as you read. Naomi has a hard time letting go of the past.

We also see Samuel, who did not always treat Naomi the right away. He is shocked to see her back in town, with her children. He knows he needs to make things right, but since she has such a hard time letting go of the past, can he show her the man he has become?

I love the Love Inspired Trade series! It gives you more of a chance to know the characters. You see more of their story. In this one, it is well written, engaging and unique. I received a copy of this book through JustRead and the author, all thoughts are my own.

The beginning of this book quickly drew me in, surprise after surprise drops then we get to the second chapter and each continuing and the surprises kept dropping, what a page turner.
Forgiveness, is again part of this second book in the Bliss Valley series, and yes, they can be read alone.
I never saw how it would all play out, love how this author’s mind works, it is a gift!
Now I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

Naomi and Samuel’s story in A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown, book two in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series, is an emotional, tug at your heart strings, sweet Amish romance. In this sweet, heartwarming story we witness Naomi learning to trust her heart as well as Naomi and Samuel letting go of the past. Naomi Ropp is a recent widow with twin two-year-old mischievous boys, trying to recover from the betrayal of her now deceased, abusive husband. After a recent change in circumstances, Naomi is returnied to her father’s home in Bliss Valley, shocked to learn that her father has Samuel King working for him and living in the dawdi haus. Samuel and two of his friends were her tormentors when she was a teenager. If that isn’t enough, Naomi is confronted by a woman who tells her an bizarre tale about her parentage. Not knowing what to make of this information she decides to put it on the back burner for now. Then a newborn is found abandoned on the porch of the dawdi haus. Thankfully, Naomi is certified as a foster parent and able to take in the boppli. When another tragedy occurs, forcing Samuel and Naomi to work together to care for the members of her family, feelings grow between them; but Naomi still struggles trusting Samuel. Samuel must find a way to show Naomi that he has changed and is sorry for what happened in the past. Throughout, Naomi’s endurance and strength will be tested as well as her ability to forgive; especially forgive her former tormentors.

Ms. Brown wrote a wonderfully sweet, uplifting and moving story with an abandoned baby, a busy buggy business, an impressive memory, a lost sister, abuse, bullies, and finding forgiveness. The story is a touching one, at times gut-wrenching, and brings forth lessons of forgiveness and redemption. I highly recommend A Promise of Forgiveness to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

A Promise of Forgiveness is the second book in this series and it is an amazing one. Filled with an incredible heartfelt story and characters that wrapped themselves around my heart, this is a story that I fell completely in love with. A few of the characters that appeared in the first book make an appearance in this one, as well as one of the secondary storylines continues in this book. I found this delightful and perfectly done. With that being said, I do believe that this could be read without reading the first one, if one chooses to do so. I absolutely cannot wait for the next in the series to be released!

Inspirational and Touching

Before I say anything else, I have to say that A Promise of Forgiveness is a definite must read. This is the first book I've read by author Jo Ann Brown, so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, once I began reading this wonderful and touching story, I did not stop until I had finished the entire book.

Naomi Rupp and Samuel King have a history that stems back to their school days. That history placed Samuel in Naomi's "never want to see you, do not want to have anything to do with you, and I do not trust you" list. So, imagine the shock Naomi felt when she returned home to live with her father and found Samuel working there alongside her father. Naomi, being a widowed mother of twins, has nowhere else to go, but the thought of having to see Samuel every day doesn't sit well with her. Between what Naomi went through with Samuel and with her deceased husband, she struggles greatly with trust and forgiveness. And yet forgiveness is something that she and Samuel have in common, that is forgiving others, repenting and seeking forgiveness from others, and forgiving themselves.

While forgiveness is at the core of Naomi and Samuel's story, there are also elements of intrigue, surprise, sadness, and entertainment mainly supplied by two little boys that have a streak of energy and curiosity which sometimes has just a little naughtiness tied in. The author's writing was so vivid that as I read it I could feel everything the characters were feeling way down in the deepest part of my core. Everything about this book made it an absolutely wonderful inspirational and touching read.

I can't say enough about this book, but there is one thing I can guarantee. I can assure you that although this was the first book I've read by Ms. Brown, it most definitely is not going to be my last.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13

How long did Naomi Ropp hang to the promises of God? Six years, three months, two weeks and five days, she had been married to her husband Marlin. She had been freed from her despair with his death and by doing so came to learn the depth of his depravity in their marriage. As an Amish man, he did not live by word of God but for himself and his legacy proved so. The only good thing in their marriage was their twin boys. Forced to come home to Bliss Valley to live with her widowed father, she is able to have confidence in God's goodness again. Upon returning home, her father has employed an old nemesis of Naomi. Samuel King who had made her life miserable when they were younger. Samuel had left the Amish only to come back a humble man to make things right and proof himself a man whose heart is after God.

So with that set up Naomi has a struggle of forgiving men and trusting. She is also confronted about a family secret that was buried with her mother that she uncovers. Samuel is dealing with coming back to the Amish faith after hurting his community with his selfishness. There is more to Samuel when it comes to his own family that has never supported him. His sister unexpectantly comes into life and along with that a healing of the heart. With the development of Naomi and Samuel, they both come full circle to the realization of what forgiveness is. Forgiveness comes in many different ways but the result is always redemption. Life instead of death. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest reaview.

Author JoAnn Brown returns to Bliss Valley in this second book of her Secrets of Bliss Valley series. Don’t be concerned if you haven’t read book one, A Wish for Home. I haven’t and could follow this book just fine. But I will go back and read book one simply because I thoroughly enjoyed A Promise of Forgiveness.

A Promise of Forgiveness is just that; forgiveness. There is so much for Samuel and Naomi to be forgiven for, and to forgive. Even though it’s the Amish way, will they be able to? Grudges have power over us. Brown wrote this “theme” in such a way that the reader sees the need to forgive even in their own life. Very powerful.

Throw in a pair of rascally twins, a beautiful baby, and a stubborn father and you have the recipe for a lot of laughter. I highly recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

A Promise of Forgiveness was a very good book! It is the second book in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series, but could be enjoyed as a stand alone novel if you haven’t read book one, A Wish for Home. However, there are some connections to that first novel that make this one even richer upon reading it.

The main characters, Naomi and Samuel, had a lot to overcome in their lives. Naomi carried a deep hurt from her marriage that had been festering for years. Now a widow, she hoped to start over, yet when she moved in with her father, she discovered that Samuel, another man who brought a lot of hurt into her life over the years, was her father’s new assistant.

Samuel regretted the way he treated Naomi and he bore the scars from bad decisions he had made. He also carried immense hurt from an unloving mother. As he helped out around the house and in the workshop, Samuel hoped that Naomi could tell that he was a very different man than he used to be. Yet, Naomi struggled to forgive him.

This book had so many twists and turns and events that shaped the various main and side characters in this story. The theme of forgiveness was prevalent, as was the reminder that God shows us grace. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.