Cover Image: Crossing Promises

Crossing Promises

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I'm a big Kimberly Kincaid fan, her books never disappoint. Her heroes are just the right kind of alpha and her heroines are always strong!

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I really wanted to love Kimberly Kincaid’s Crossing Promises, but sadly I found it a bit lacking. I was looking forward to the third Cross brother finding love and while I liked quite a few things that happened in this story, the romance wasn’t one of those. Crossing Promises as a romance didn’t work for me, but as part of the Cross family series I wouldn’t have missed it.

As I stated in reviews of the previous books, I loved the bond between the four men who make up the Cross family. There is no doubt they each felt the loss of the family matriarch deeply and in different ways, and despite they didn’t always see eye to eye, they were there for one another even when they didn’t always understand the choices each of them made. As the brother’s found love and women started infiltrating their testosterone filled world, it was interesting seeing them welcome them and adapt to a new normal. This continues in Crossing Promises as their lives are changed in many ways during the course of this book. The scenes between these men are some of my favorite in this book and as they try to bond with their half sister Marley, it proves that despite losing their mother when they were younger and they are rough around the edges, they are good men.

Owen Cross is the eldest son and his legacy is Cross Creek Farm and he has his mother’s voice reminding him almost daily “family and farm” to make sure he understands what is important in life. Owen loves both fiercely and honestly is a workaholic when it comes to the farm because he wants it to succeed, he wants to leave this legacy for future generations, he wants to honor his mother’s dying words, and because he truly loves the land and what it bears. Owen has always been a little short tempered, a bit gruff, and a whole lot stubborn and so I was excited to see who would win his heart, make him want to knock off an hour early or sleep late one morning, and I really had nothing against Cate McAllister whose tragedy has been the talk of the town for three years. It was easy to see there was attraction between Owen and Cate from the minute she started working at Cross Creek, but there was just something about the way they interacted that seemed stilted. In part I think it was despite the fact these two promised to be upfront and honest with one another from the start, their relationship was a bit superficial. They didn’t really talk about important things because they agreed to be casual, but as it move to more than that I never felt like they had those important conversations one does when committing to a relationship which of course came back to bite them in the a$$. While I felt for Cate because her life was pretty much upended twice, for some reason she annoyed me, you’d think she’d be a sympathetic character but instead she just came across as a woman with a chip on her shoulder about almost everything. Owen really grew on me over the course of this book and I began to see how much his work meant to him and why. He was wonderful at helping Cate see she could do whatever she wanted, helping her build her self esteem, and giving her opportunities, but I honestly felt the relationship was one sided in that regard. The ending was way too abrupt considering the problem between them was huge and the solution one sided and given without a decent amount of thought or discussion, something I think Owen would have talked with his father and brothers about to make sense of it, not just the sister he barely knows.

I enjoyed Crossing Promises, but I didn’t love it; I needed more to feel comfortable with this paring and the decisions they came to in order to be together.

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Heartwarming & sexy all rolled into one! With the third book in the Cross Creek series, we finally get big brother Owen's story. Throughout the series he's been the most serious and brooding brother as he pushed everybody hard to keep the farm running no matter what. Now that they've had some success and there's a promising future, he's starting to feel a yearning for the happiness his brothers have settled into. When the woman he sets his heart on ends up being resistant to a happily ever after, can he convince her to take a chance on him? The main characters were a joy to get to know, and their connection was really sweet. I also enjoyed getting an update on some of our favorite previous characters. I couldn't love the Cross's more!

As the oldest Cross sibling, Owen has always been the one that felt the passion of the farm in his blood the most. He lives and breaths his work and will do anything to make sure Cross Creek not only survives but thrives for generations to come. The big thing holding him back at the moment is the back long of administrative duties piling up in the office. When he hears Cate is willing to take the job on, he jumps at the chance!

Cate McAllister works as many jobs as she can manage to try to pay down the debt her husband left behind when he died 3 years ago, so when Owen mentions a need, she offers her services. She's basically just been going through the motions since she lost the family she had put so much effort into, so the attraction she feels towards Owen is surprising. She's never planning to settle down again, but if he's game for a no-strings fling, so is she!

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Kimberly Kincaid has written a really sweet romance book. I really enjoyed the characters in this stories and I really loved the relationship between the two main characters. I really enjoyed the strong relationship between the four brothers in the story.This was the first book of this author that I have read and cant wait to read more.

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The best one yet! He's the oldest and has the most responsibility. Other books in the series have shown him as the serious brother; the brother who has to have everything just right. He took on the weight of the family at a young age and made a promise to his mother. She struggles with guilt after losing her husband and daughter, but she is surviving. Working at the ranch was a chance she took. The heat between the two is inferno rated. The charm and chemistry of their relationship makes this the best of the series.

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The third book in this series and it is about the older brother Owen Cross who really only thinks about the farm and how he make it better and or the vegetables that they grow. Cate McAllister is working part time at the local diner as a waitress and the days she works she brings in her fresh baked cookies. She is also a widow for three years and while she is still working past her pain and loss she also lost her daughter in the car accident. Now after Owen and Kate talk he hires her for an accounting job at their farm. It has really gotten out of hand since their business has taken off. You immediately get Owen’s not so sunny attitude when she actually cleans the office and puts everything on computer, what an awful thing she did. Being the not speaking type of man that he is he of course says the wrong thing with the wrong tone, and hence she leaves thinking she has been fired. When she goes to do the only thing that gives her solace baking her oven goes out. When he finds out he does the only thing that he knows to apologize, and that is fix it. Once that hurdle is past they both begin to open up and as they begin to get closer they also begin to become scared of what might happen. When that happens they each must decide what they really want. If you have been reading the series you also know about the sister you who showed up in book #2 and part of this book is about her as well. Overall this is a good book to add to the series and you get a nice catch up on both of the other two brothers and what is going on with them. I really enjoyed this book.

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CROSSING PROMISES –Kimberly Kincaid
Cross Creek, Book 3
Self-Published
ISBN: 978-1980361237
March 2018
Contemporary Romance

Millhaven, Virginia – Present Day

Owen Cross has dedicated himself to the family farm, even as his brothers Eli and Hunter have found love. But the hard work on the farm means the paperwork is being neglected and he and Hunter decide to hire someone to do that. To his surprise, Cate McAllister offers herself and Owen accepts. She proves to be a hard worker. With Cate around all day, Owen finds himself growing curious about her, even having some naughty thoughts about what he’d like to do with her.

Three years ago, Cate lost her husband and only child in a car accident. Everyone in town knows about Cate’s sad history and she prefers not to talk about it as she wants to maintain her composure. However, their deaths have left her with a pile of debts that has her working several jobs. Owen’s job offer means steady, full-time employment and the pay is excellent. One of Cate’s stress relievers has been baking and she gets the itch often. One day while on her lunch break, she decides to use the Cross family kitchen to bake and Owen walks in, surprised to see what she’s doing. He’s not one to say a lot, so Cate thinks he doesn’t like it. But to her surprise, Owen likes to cook also. They’re a match made for the kitchen.

The Cross Creek farm is a family run operation that has seen its share of changes the past year with Hunter and Eli finding love. Eli left the farm to seek his dream as a world-traveling journalist with his girlfriend, Scarlett (their story is told in CROSSING THE LINE). Hunter is about to marry Emerson (their story is in CROSSING HEARTS) and they want the ceremony to be held on the farm. This brings Cate into the planning as she proves to be efficient and knowledgeable. Owen feels like the world is changing and leaving him behind, so it’s no surprise that Cate soon has his ear—and heart. Their lives are different, but they’re alike in so many ways. An attraction simmers between them, but soon it’s something they can’t ignore. Cate can’t see their affair as anything but brief, but the connection between them is intense.

Cate found herself pregnant right out of high school and married the father, but the marriage had issues. She loved her daughter but felt trapped because she wanted to spread her wings and her husband made her put family first. Cate’s dreams are to open a bakery, but she has no money and lacks self-esteem. It takes Owen to force her to think about herself for once. To her surprise, she loves baking for others. Will she realize her dream of opening a bakery?

In CROSSING PROMISES, the romance between Owen and Cate starts slow, but once they decide to have sex, things really heat up, much to their surprise. Both wonder if they’re going too fast, but their desire for each other doesn’t allow them to stop. Just as life seems perfect for Owen and Cate, life throws a wrench into their happiness. Grab a copy of the engaging CROSSING PROMISES to find out if they finally end up happily-ever-after.

Patti Fischer

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** spoiler alert ** I have thoroughly enjoyed the Cross Creek stories...those Cross brothers are really something! I was pretty sure I wanted Eli to be my new book boyfriend until we finally got Owen's story. Not sure what it is about a slightly emotionally awkward, but brutally honest man that gets me every time...(probably because they all seem to be expert cooks...and experts at things that don't require words ;)!) But back to the story...Cate and Owen's story was just perfect. I want to say the ending was super refreshing and a big shout-out/thank you to Kimberly Kincaid for recognizing and supporting that women can have all types of different views about having children, and that the choice to not have them (or honestly, just not wanting them) doesn't make a woman any less worthy of love and a husband...there are all types of families and they don't have to include 2.5 kids. I really enjoyed this one and I hope Ms. Kincaid continues the series with a romance for Marley....something tells me she could tame the jerk from the rival farm...just a suggestion :)

I received a copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Anyone who has been raised on a farm knows just how tough it can be, some years are better than others. No matter how well you do there is never enough hours in a day to get things done. Animals must be feed, fences must be fixed, hay, grain must be brought in and all this must be done around Mother Nature. No one knows this better than Owen and his brothers, with a father who is getting old who needs to be watched and make sure his health stays good why not letting him know what they are doing the boys are dividing up their time between their father and getting the work done. Something must give and it looks like the paper work is what is set at bay. That is until Owen hires a lady to do the work. The problem is said lady doesn’t have a clue just how to go about it. Mess after mess she finally gets her act together and pulls the paperwork together making a great start on the mess the boys have made of it taking them out of the past and bring them up to date with a little thing we call a computer and new programs.

Owen is a delightful character he is quiet and very awkward when around people more so when around women he doesn’t know just what to say to them. His mind goes blank, and he usually puts his foot in his mouth. He so wishes he could be more like his smooth talking brothers. I do like how he tells it like it is but at times he could use a filter. For the reader it gives us a few laughs and chuckles and a very enjoyable read. Cate is likable at times I had to shake my head at her for punishing herself for things out of her control. She has tons of baggage with a past like hers it would be hard not to. Guilt can really do a number on your mind making you think you shouldn’t be happy, have love, or even get a job you really want. Cate loses her husband in a car accident she learns about all the debt her husband left her. She has no choice but to work two or more jobs to pay it back. Life has not been easy for her, now with doing the books for Own making more money she might just see daylight before to long. All that is left is to fight the feeling she has for him and to stop messing up his kitchen with her stress relieving cooking. Own is looking for a family she had one and lost it leaving her feeling less of a woman and not ready to go down that road again.

I really enjoyed the humor I did laugh a few times and even chuckled. There is a part that is kind of confusing toward the end but it does have a great ending. The characters are very likable, the plot is very well-thought-out, I enjoyed the twists and turns along with the budding romance and how Own’s brothers ribbed him. It was just wonderful how Own encouraged Cate to go for the gold with her baking and wanting to own a bakery. The author kept the book moving at a nice pace, filled it with romance, a little drama, lots of love, issues to work out while building it around a family who knows how to love, forgive and give support and their time why making your smile. It was a very enjoyable read that I feel most will really enjoy.

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I've wanted Owen's story since we me the Cross brothers. I absolutely loved how much he loved Cross Creek and family and how he always put both first. Yes he is pretty gruff and not as easy-going as either of his brother, but his personality fit him perfectly.

Cate McAllister is a widow who lost her husband and daughter in a car wreck three years ago. She is still digging out of the debt her husband left her in following his death and finding a job as the bookkeeper for Cross Creek turns out to be the best thing to happen to her. Not only does she get paid to get all the books done at Cross Creek, she has the opportunity to bake and add even more much needed income. She also finds herself attracted to a man for the first time since her husband died. I loved the chemistry between Cate and Owen, though I felt like they needed to talk a bit sooner about exactly what they wanted in the future.

I really liked Cate and Owen as a couple. Owen saw Cate as stronger than she ever saw herself in the past and also supported her dreams of being a baker. I honestly was a little glad her husband was dead already as she shared how he talked to her and treated her through her memories and conversations with Owen.

I also enjoyed getting to know Marley, who is the half sister to the Cross brothers. I loved that she seemed to connect with Cate first, as Cate just listened and let Marley be, but also could see Marley really wanted to be a part of her family, even if Marley wasn't ready to be around her dad yet. I loved that Marley was the one to help Owen see the light when there were issues with Cate and their plans for the future.

Crossing Promises was another winner in the Cross Creek series. As each of the brothers has now gotten their story, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Marley gets her story next. I actually know who I would love her to end up with and hope I'm guessing right as to who her hero will be. Kimberly Kincaid once again delivered a sweet, sexy, and emotional story for her readers and I highly recommend it.

Rating: 4 Stars (B+)

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4.25 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Oh Kimberly Kincaid and her hot Cross brothers. This time it’s Owe ‘s story, and the broody and oh so serious oldest brother meets his match in Cate McCallister. There was something familiar and beautiful about this one for me. Cate doesn’t believe she can have anything she really desires after years of being told that, and then in the aftermath of losing her husband and daughter. Owen has tunnel vision to make Cross Creek Farm the best, and he’s succeeding at that. But as his brothers tell him, there’s more to life than just the farm. I loved their dance of sass and honesty with each other. I loved even more Owen’s dirty mouth and his total hotness! I connected with Cate in many ways, and I connected with Owen in others. The two figuring out that family is having the other and being happy, yeah that just hit me square in the heart. Sure hope we are getting Marley’s story next!!

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Cate and Owen
We once again are off to visit Cross Creek. We have the pleasure of once again meeting up with the brooding cranky older brother Owen . He has always put farm and family first not taking time to find that right one for him.
Cate has been through love, loss and terrible heartbreak. She has come to realize that she can never walk into a room and not feel like someone is feeling sorry for poor Cate. She is tired of living in the shadow of her ghosts and past. What happens when Cate needing a change goes to work for the cantankerous Owen . We have daily butting of heads, sassy comebacks and no backing down from either character. You will have the pleasure of revisiting with all your favorite characters from the past and find and new and fascinating journey with Owen and Cate.
Loved Cate and Owen.
~~Michele McMullen ~~ (l

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Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

This is the third in the series and finally it is Owen’s turn. Being the oldest he has had a lot of responsibilities but love has not been something he has wanted but lately after seeing his younger brothers fall in love.

Cate is treated differently since her family was killed in an accident and she is tired of being treated with kid gloves. When Owen hires her everything changes.

I have enjoyed this series very much. I was so excited for Owen’s story and it did not disappoint. Kincaid is growing with each story she writes and will soon be a go-to name in the literary world.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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This book was very different to me in the line of romance. The main male character was quiet. Usually they have a voice. He was opinionated and very driven. If you like good romance books, this is a keeper! Owen hires Cate to do their farms bookkeeping and even questions himself a couple of times as the days go by, but when she proves herself, he has no more questions. Owen has dedicated his life to their family farm and he does whatever he can to protect it. Cate is a very heavily burdened young woman. Not only in her mind from past incidences, but burdened with financial setbacks, she struggles to make ends meet. Cate is fearful, yet confident. She is sassy, yet uncertain. When Owen offers her the job, she is leery at first, but accepts. She outdoes herself with the books and then furthers her confidence by succeeding with her baking explorations, thanks to Owen and his confidence in her. As Owen and Cate learn about each other, things look up (and down) with their relationship. This book kept me on the edge. Then the plot twist at the end made it even more enjoyable! The more I read the less I wanted to put the book down! Kimberly Kincaid is an author I will continue to read, and seek out.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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This is the 3rd story in the series and I really liked the previous two books but this one was missing something. Owen is the oldest and feels the most responsible for the farm. He wasn't particularly likeable in the previous books so I thought it might be interesting to see how he turned out. It just seemed like the romance part wasn't there, like getting to know one another.

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Owen took to heart "farm and family"
He is the only son left that is single. It bothers him and it doesn't bother him.
Cate lost her family years ago and is struggling to move on, but when Owen offers her a job her life is about to change. As much as she feels guilty for her past she decides to open up.
Together they will work together to keep the farm going and he will encourage her. They have their ups and downs. DO they have the drive to work things through.

This was an awesome book I couldn't put it down.


** I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review**

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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: CROSSING PROMISES by Kimberly Kincaid https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aD2
Publication Date: March 5, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars

This is my favorite Cross Creek story. A unique decision had Owen and Cate making a vow of honesty from the start, and I didn’t realize how refreshing that would be in a romance. They made such a lovely couple; easily working together to broaden the other’s view on life, the future, and family. I would like to say that Cate’s stand on “family” at the end of the book, was one that I can relate to and respect. It was another refreshing bit of real-life that was handled wonderfully. This sweet and sexy novel was a pleasure to read.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle $3.99 http://amzn.to/2sbruKA
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✦Cross Creek Series by Kimberly Kincaid✦
1. Crossing Hearts ➢ Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-7NT | Kindle http://amzn.to/2ii9DY4
2. Crossing the Line ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2udTvxG
3. Crossing Promises ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2sbruKA
You can borrow for free via Kindle Unlimited if you are a member. If you're not a member you can signup for a Free 30-Day Trial Here: http://amzn.to/2t4xstj

#CrossCreekSeries #KimberlyKincaid #CrossingPromises

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Heartwarming, emotionally engaging and sweetly thrilling romantic journey for two people that were not really looking for love but found it in-spite of themselves.

Owen Cross is the classic alpha male older brother holding down the family farm and keeping everyone together, he is gruff, lonely and has a huge heart. Cate McAllister is a sassy, sexy and smart as a whip widow next door with a past she like to keep to herself. Including all the debut that her late husband left her in and she really is not wanting to depend on another man again (no strings for this girl). Highly entertaining late night cuddled in bed read that I really enjoyed.

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Oh how I love the Cross brothers and Owen is no exception. Owen is the oldest and the farm is everything to him, working long hours to make sure everything is done. His mother drilled into him prior to her dying, family and farming both very important. He had the farm but nobody to share it with until he hired Cate. Cate is a young widow living with a terrible guilt for many years. Cate has a love baking. Soon Owen will bring Cate out of her comfort zone, but will it be enough for their HEA>

Loved this book. Great chemistry and flirting between Owen and Cate. Loved how Owen got Cate to follow her dream of baking. I must admit I was a little miffed at Cate at the end, hopefully things can change in the future. I'm hoping we get more of Marley in upcoming stories. Please don't read this book while hungry. I highly recommend this book!!

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