The Promise (Golden City, #3)

by A B Michaels

[Lynn]

Part of the Sinner's Grove series, The Promise is a heart-warming tale of love and hope set against the devastating earthquake in San Francisco in 1906. 

Charlotte 'Charlie' Lindemann is in San Francisco with her young sister 'Berry' Beryl. They are staying with their widowed aunt Marget, who's health and mobility has suffered since the death of her husband and son. Away from home, it's a time of reflection for eighteen year old Charlie. Her sweetheart Richard Klausen wants to announce their engagement but she's not so sure of how she feels about the man she's known most of her life. The quake changes everything when amid the chaos, she sees a soldier who's kindness and looks take her breath away. 

Benjamin 'Ben' Tilson left his homestead in Oregon to become become a soldier. Now aged twenty-three he's only five months away from civilian life again. The only thing he knows about his future is that he wont be working on the farm. After a night out resulting in a fight, he and a friend miss the last ferry back to their company's barracks, so bed down in the Army stables. The noise of spooked horses awakens them near dawn and alerts them to what is about to happen. Earthquake. The ensuing mayhem brings Ben face to face with a young woman who's looks literally take his breath away. With a promise to fulfil, he doesn't know if he will ever see her again, but determination, despite the desperate time spurs him on. 

"Why did he ask if I was the one?" 
"Because you are," she said "You are the one."

A beautiful love story interwoven with fascinating historical facts, the author creates vivid imagery with words that transported me back in time, bringing the story to life. This is the first book I have read by this author although I am aware of the other books in this series. I own two and now I need to bring them to the top of my TBR list because The Promise has reminded me why I was drawn to this multi-genre series in the first place. The writing is sublime, the protagonists are strong, showing depth of their character during a time of adversity. Yet, the story is bursting with hope which develops into an overwhelming sense of love conquers all. 

Lastly, as a keen cook and baker, any novel that mentions food and then adds recipes at the end deserves an extra star. 

***arc generously received courtesy of the author via Tasty Book Tours***