This was the second book by Ms. Deese I've read and she hasn't disappointed me.

The Promise of Rayne was a sweet, sweet story.

What stood out for me was the descriptive storytelling.
Ms. Deese has a way with words!
Very easy to visualize the story as you go along.
There were many heartfelt quotes, I hope to remember.
One being - “Love isn't measured by what we gain. It's measured by how much we give away.”

Whether they were main or minor players, I enjoyed each of the characters.
There were a few I would like to see step on a Lego barefoot.
But you could understand why they had made the life choices they chose.
They were not beyond redemption.

I felt the lodge and the farm were as much a part of the story as the main characters.
Both places rich in their individual history.

The romance... delightful!
Not rushed, felt believable.
I loved Rayne and Levi as a couple and as individuals.
They weren't perfect, they were flawed humans like the rest of us.

Also, enjoyed learning more about the Shelby family and their history in Shelby Falls, Idaho.

Keeping my review spoiler free, I will say there were a few twists in the story.

I'd recommend this book.
Especially if you enjoy clean romance.
The story is laced with Christian themes (not preachy or beating you over the head)

As a hint, I wouldn't mind visiting Shelby Falls again.


I received this electronic book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this opportunity!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Rayne Shelby grew up in her grandfather’s lodge and has always dreamed of running it someday. To do that, she will have to win the approval of her domineering uncle. When she forgets to do something important for a fundraising event at the lodge, Rayne has to decide between admitting her mistake to her uncle and likely losing the chance at her promotion or going to Levi Harding for help. Levi is the apprentice of their neighbor, Ford Winslow, the Shelbys’ sworn enemy, and if her uncle finds out Rayne went to Levi for help, she will be in serious trouble. Rayne decides to take the risk, and a tentative friendship develops between Rayne and Levi.

This is a clean Christian romance with an emphasis on the power of grace and forgiveness. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and trying to figure out what the secret was between the Shelbys and Ford Winslow. The main characters were well-developed, but some of the side characters were flat, coming off as completely good or completely evil.

Rest assured when you commit several hours of your precious time to The Promise of Rayne, you've placed yourself in the capable hands of an author who knows what she's doing behind the keyboard. To simply say The Promise of Rayne is satisfying sounds rather bland, but it's a testament to the skill and care with which the story of Rayne Shelby is crafted.

Page by page, Nicole Deese develops a character whose worldview has been tainted by paternalistic lies, shallow success, and political ambition. Despite this handicap, Rayne Shelby's generous and compassionate heart cannot be stifled, and that chink in her armor is all that's needed for family rival Levi Harding to slip past her defenses. Levi is everything you want in a hero: charming, confident, and obstinately loyal.

The novel moves at even pace until the fabric of Rayne's family secrets begin to unravel. That's the point at which I kept reading just ONE MORE chapter, long past bedtime. Once sparked, the kindling of lies and deceit catches, engulfing Rayne's whole world in flames just as wildfires encroach on her beloved Idaho lodge.

Fire strips bare every tangled, misguided misperception, leaving Rayne a fresh, fertile ground to choose love over hate, mercy over justice, and compassion over self-righteousness. These faith messages are merged seamlessly with the narrative.

The Promise of Rayne will leave you with hope in your heart, mercy on your lips, and an eye for handsome cowboy-farmers with impressive stone-skipping skills.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.