I was drawn to this by the title and also the synopsis. Rayne is a person who likes to help people and this is not as easy as it seems especially in a town in Idaho where there are many families who cause rivalry. I enjoyed the secrecy and ins and outs of the forbidden love story and the pace of the book.

Thanks to Nicola Deese and Waterfall Press for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars

"The Promise of Rayne" by Nicole Deese is a contemporary fiction, set in Idaho with two deeply rivalrous families, as well as a forbidden love story. Many secrets, lies, powerful and looming relatives with the contrasting, good-hearted and charitable Rayne, putting the secrets together to resolve her own conflicts. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

The Promise of Rayne
by Nicole Deese
Pub Date 01 Nov 2016
Waterfall Press
General Fiction (Adult) | Religion & Spirituality



I am reviewing a copy of The Promise of Rayne through Waterfall Press and NetGalley:


Rayne Shelby has spent a lifetime trying to earn the approval of her high-powered family, with the hope of one day managing her late grandfather’s prestigious Idaho lodge. But after making a mistake that puts her families very future in Jeopardy she faces an impossible choice: defy her family or deny her dream. The only way to fix the mess she’s created is to enlist the help of her neighbor, Levi, the apprentice of her family’s greatest enemy. And if Rayne gets caught crossing the divided property lines, the consequences will be irreparable.



Levi Harding has never been able to forget the August night he shared with Rayne when they were teens—or the way she later rejected him. Despite his warring instincts, he can’t ignore her plea for help or the spark that’s ignited between them. Now as fires bare down on the families lodge and family secrets are revealed, their newfound alliance might just go up in smoke.



I give The Promise of Rayne five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this title. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into it. I like Christian fiction, but this was just too shallow and predictable. Thanks again and best of luck!

Again Nicole captures such beauty and talent in her characters. I have read every single book by her and she never fails to leave you breathless with such love, charm, and deep passion for on another. I wait on pins and needles for when she posts on her sites when she is going to release another book! She is a hot cup of cocoa on a cold winters day.

Heartfelt, meaningful page turner that shows God's love in the midst of romance. I loved the characters and the author's writing is stellar. She is definitely someone to watch!

Have I read everything Nicole Deese has written? Yes.
Have I loved pretty much everything I've read of hers? Yes.
Was this book everything I thought it would be? Yes.

There, we got that out of the way. Now you know how much I love Nicole Deese. Her books are lighthearted, fun, easy reads with characters I can cling to and stories that touch my heart.

Can we talk about book boyfriends for a sec, though? Because, sure, I could rave about this book and her writing and how the story developed and kept me turning pages with its intrigue and all that. But, what I really want to talk about is Levi. :-)

I've read plenty of books with swoon-worthy heroes. Books with heroes I could connect to. Ones that were "real" and not too handsome, too smart, too muscular, too perfect. And I truly appreciate those kinds of heroes because let's face it--have any of us met and/or married the perfect man? (All joking aside, I think I did, but we're talking alternate reality here, so stick with me.) My point is, I've read about many a hero I would have loved to have been the real deal in my own life. (Haven't we all?) But I've never had a book boyfriend. Until now. Ahhh.... Levi. I have officially made him my book boyfriend. Because I love him. And he is exactly what I would imagine a book boyfriend to be.

He's edgy, hard-working, creative, and fiercely loyal. I also imagine him to be drop-dead gorgeous, because who reads a romance novel and imagines an ugly hero, but I digress. Levi didn't need good looks. The guy was amazing. And now I'd like to live in Shelby Falls. That is all.

You'll enjoy the book because in true Deese fashion, it's sweet, there's some depth to it, and there's definitely sparks. Lots of push and pull between Rayne and Levi, a tale of forbidden love, of family secrets, of sacrifice.

You'll take away something for yourself in reading this book as well, all wrapped up in a character named Ford who "refused to allow [someone's] hatred to corrode his soul. He'd refused to allow bitterness to corrupt his character. He'd refused to allow anger to taint his compassion. And he's chosen to forgive his enemies and to love them too." I think that's a lesson we could all apply to our lives, don'tcha think?

But trust me on this: you'll LOVE the book because of Levi. :-)
Okay, okay... and Rayne, too.

Ms. Deese obviously is an author to watch! This story is right on the spot concerning the importance of finding and fighting for the right values in life (including the value of oneself as the heir to the Kingdom). Heroine Rayne needs to find this for herself as she ventures from the family-pleaser into an adventurer and truth-finder when meeting Levi, who can turn her fears down. Ms Deese can rightely identifies some of the real-est problems of today´s world - shallowness and looking for one´s value in the wrong places - and she can obviously go quite deep.
Yet - while I am loving the premise of this novel, I also find the execution being clichey (as if the message won the war over the story). While Levi is hot, he is also the perfect "saviour" to the clueless, worried Rayne - how about if she helps him growing, too? Also the villains and the good ones are mostly one-dimensional. There is only one more colourful character: Rayne - and here I need to go back to the praise, because people like Rayne truly exists (most of us can identify with some of her behaviour and/or character settings). This concrete Rayne is the product of her upbringing and her family, but we all are a "product" of something, looking for the way (in the better case! We also can end up bitter because of the trespassings against us (and some of these stories are cruel and ghastly, no judging here!)). So while she can make me angry, I can also identify with her.
So - while I stay behind my honest criticism, I also see the potential here - and I like what I see.

#1: The inspiring message


The Promise of Rayne is not only a book with entertainment value. It's one that comes with an inspiring message that struck a chord with me from the first few chapters.

Rayne Shelby, our main protagonist, an accomplished young woman...but a lost one.

True, she has the work around her late grandfather's lodge to keep her busy and she's known the members of the Shelby Falls community all her life. But she doesn't fit in. She spends her days donning different roles, different versions of Rayne in order to please her family and those around her. And along the way she's lost sight of who she is.

The Promise of Rayne teaches us to embrace who we are.

It's overall message is one of acceptance and love. No matter your history, your family, your baggage - peace and love are possible if you trust in and stay true to yourself. Rayne transforms from a meek follower of cruel family traditions, to an independent young woman who is secure in her beliefs, her wants, and her place in the world.

Through Rayne's - and Levi's - journey of self-discovery, we as readers are given the chance to reflect a little. As you read The Promise of Rayne you begin to consider your own life and whether or not you know who the true version of who you are.


Here are some of my favourite lines that highlight this message:


'"I don't have to convince you who I am."
"You shouldn't have to convince anyone of who you are - but I have a feeling you've spent most of your life doing just that.'


"You were right when you said I don't fit in with my family. I never have. But I fit there (the lodge). I belong there. That lodge isn't just my grandfather's legacy - it's mine too. I won't leave it."

I enjoyed this story very much but it's been a couple days since I finished reading it and I've already forgotten most of the details. There was definitely a Romeo and Juliet vibe going on but without the tragic ending. Levi and Rayne were likable enough but theirs wasn't the kind of earth shattering love that breaks your heart and wrecks your emotions. I enjoyed the story while I was reading but it was easily forgettable.

Absolutely loved this book. I read it as an ARC back in 2016 and still think about it from time to time (2018). It's one of those stories that sticks with you. Fantastic characters and a story line that is pure beauty.

Oh man! Another great book by Nicole Deese! I loved it all. The love, the swooning, the grace and forgiveness. Such a wonderful book showing that even the most hidden secrets are no match for the light of love. Definitely recommend!
*I received a NetGalley copy of this book in return for an honest review*

This book was decent but there wasn't enough going on for my taste. it was decently written and the characters were alright it just wasn't an outstanding read.

This was an incredibly beautiful story about love and family. I loved how Rayne loved so deeply. She was loyal, to a fault, and was genuine and kind and loving, even when her own family were horrible to her.

Levi was incredible, too. Even with his family history, he was willing to risk his heart because he still believed in love. He believed in Rayne and felt certain that she would be able to see her value.

I won't give away the story but I feel the author did a wonderful job with the character development. I felt like I wanted Rayne and Levi and Ford and Gia as friends. I wanted to throttle Rayne's father and her Uncle Cal, and her cousin, Celeste.

The story was clean but had lots of passion and demonstrations of love, the best kind of romance in my book. The passion was palpable and believable, too. This is the first book I have read by this author but I am sure it won't be the last.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book that I read by this author...hopefully not the last. Great read!

I am sorry to say that this title was archived before I had a chance to read it. :(

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. What a beautiful story. This book has layers and layers or emotion. Rayne is a character I love. Strong, smart and determined. The problem is she is part of a very prominent and controlling family. Cue the guy to not to fall in love with. This story unravels long told lies and secrets. It also demonstrates love, forgiveness and perseverance. Loved this! Highly recommend!

"Desperation undermines wisdom."

Rayne Shelby has made a grievous mistake in her climb up the management ladder of her family's prestigious forty-three bedroom Shelby Lodge, there are no locally made table favors for Governor Shelby's black tie banquet and no time to order them, unless . . . . . Rayne crosses the threshold of the neighboring Winslow orchard and farm, handing a lucrative business deal to a well known family enemy. Pure desperation drives Rayne across the bordering fence line, and Levi Harding, Ford Winlow's apprentice, strikes a deal all his own.

"Every opportunity comes with a price tag. Either sweat or sacrifice. Or sometimes both."

Levi Harding is rendered nearly speechless when a raven haired beauty appears like a mirage from his past. Rayne Shelby still has the ability to steal his breath away, but it has been nine years since they have had a conversation and that one ended very badly. He can only assume that she is still controlled by her family, a puppet just waiting for her strings to be pulled and words to be put into her mouth. But when they form a temporary truce from family feuding, Levi finds Ford Winlow's wise words to be prophetic, "Love isn't measured by what we gain. It's measured by what we give away."

Melodic, mesmerizing conversations permeate this lovely, romantic story and I enjoyed reading every one of them. Even though I was gifted a copy of this book, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Promise of Rayne by Nicole Dees is the story of Rayne Shelby, a woman who has spent most of her life in the shadow of her family’s powerful name and history. While trying to earn their approval, she seeks perfection while managing the family lodge. Until one day, when one mistakes dashes her dreams and jeopardizes her future. She realizes that she faces a choice: defy her family or deny her dreams. Levi Harding remembers the brief romantic night he had with Shelby as teens and was deeply hurt by her rejection. But when Rayne comes to him seeking help, he cannot resist. The spark is renewed between them but their new relationships is put at risk as a wildfire threatens everything they hold dear and old family secrets are revealed. Will Rayne and Levi be able to hold on to their relationship? Will the family secrets tear them apart?
The Promise of Rayne is a classic story of woman held tight by her family’s control and power and the man who seeks to break her of that hold. I enjoyed Rayne as a woman who cherishes her memories of her beloved grandfather and resents her uncle’s hold on her and refusal to let her grow. I also enjoyed Levi as the man from the wrong side of the tracks who sees Rayne as the brilliant woman she is and is drawn to her. The story has drama, suspense and shocking turns as the story unfolds. I recommend The Promise of Rayne.

The Promise of Rayne
is available with all major booksellers
in paperback and eBook

The Promise of Rayne by Nicole Deese is a stunning must read. From the beginning, I was swept into the lives of Rayne and Levi, characters who refused to leave my mind even as their story ended.
This is the first book of Deese's that I have had the honor of reading - and it won't be the last. What attracted me most to her writing is her ability to create diverse and multidimensional characters that come alive before your eyes. And through these characters Deese weaves a beautiful theme of grace planted in a plot fraught with deep rooted family secrets with an imminent threat to their livelihoods. With expertly timed tension, riveting dialogue, and humor amid drama, this story is one I will not forget.
I'm sincerely hoping this is not the last I will see of these characters. I have a suspicion there is much more of the story to tell, and I am eagerly awaiting its release!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.