Is he ready for fatherhood? He doesn’t think he deserves a family… But now he has a daughter. Stunned to discover he has a child, Wes Bishop isn’t sure he’s father material. But his adorable daughter needs him, and he can’t help feeling drawn to her mother, Laurel Donovan–a woman he’s finally getting to know. But can this sudden dad overcome a past tragedy that has him convinced he’s not … has him convinced he’s not meant to be a husband or a father…and make a promise of forever?
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A Father’s Promise is a great start to this new series set it Bliss, Texas. I thought that the way Wes reacted to finding out that he was a father was simply wonderful. Even though he didn’t believe he should have a family, once he discovered that he had a daughter, he was completely devoted to her.
The way Wes and Laurel related to each other throughout this story seemed very realistic to me. They had a connection through their daughter, but they both felt uncertain about each other. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop as trust grew between them.
Laurel carried a lot of hurt because of her absentee father. Those feelings and insecurities impacted the way she related to Wes. I thought that the author showed her vulnerability in a very truthful way and I enjoyed Laurel’s emotional journey.
This story was wonderful from start to finish and I am happy that this is only the very first book of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this first book in a new series by Mindy Obenhaus. I loved the small town setting of Bliss and the way people rally around one another. I also liked how Laurel and her three close friends are independent women.
What stood out the most to me was how Laurel and Wes relate to each other. Even though there were misunderstandings and sometimes very realistic “snipping” at each other, they were both quick to own up to it and make things right with the other.
Laurel and Wes both had issues to deal with which stemmed from things that happened to them in their pasts. I enjoyed seeing how God was woven into the story and the hope that He can work all things for good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This inspirational romance set in the inviting town of Bliss, TX had engaging characters and a plot with some nice twists. I enjoyed reading it and received it as part of a BookSweeps prize package (thank you for participating, Mindy); the opinions in this review are my own.
What touched my heart so much about this book is the way baby Sarah-Jane loved her new daddy (Wes) from the moment she met him. Although she hadn’t met him until she was about 14 months old, her heart knew he was special in her life! She practically leapt into his arms and always had a heart stopping smile for him when he entered a room. How could that not melt a dad’s heart? Wes didn’t know he was a father but when Laurel told him, he is overcome, of course. It doesn’t take long for him to warm to the idea though and bond with Sarah-Jane. He realizes that he’ll do anything for that precious baby. However, it takes a little longer for Laurel and Wes to come to terms with their relationship. Although they are attracted to each other, of course, they really don’t know each other! But, living in Bliss, Texas shows all of them how wonderful this town can be to bringing everyone together! Loved this book!
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I have read many books by author Mindy Obenhaus and really enjoyed them so I was happy to be able to review A Father’s Promise. I enjoyed Laurel and Wes’s story very much. There was so much for each of them to deal with throughout the story. They both struggle dealing with trust issues. Each has a good support group. And I love Laurel’s extended family!
This story is set in a small town where everyone knows everyone else, and is very family oriented. Irma and Joyce are adorable, what I would give for neighbors like these two fun characters. And the rest, you just need to read this book for yourself. Even though this is a small book, it is packed full of intriguing story. As well as faith woven into the lives of the characters, love, redemption, forgiveness and grace. Now this makes for a very nice story!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This was a sweet romance about second chances, forgiveness and family.
Retired from the Navy, Wes goes to visit his sister in Bliss Texas were he runs into Laurel who he hasn’t seen in years since a convention in Las Vegas. Laurel is now a single mom to Sarah-Jane and trying to make a difference in the small Texas town all while trying to keep a secret that could alter lives forever.
Easy to read story with great characters and full of emotion. I loved reading about God’s love and his hand in their individual lives. I really enjoyed reading it!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you in advance to the author, Mindy Obenhaus, along with JustRead Publicity tours for providing a complimentary copy of this book to review. A positive review was not requested or required. All words are my own.
Obenhaus is an author I’ve had the privilege of reading a previous novel of. That was the emotional “Her Rocky Mountain Hope” which was book #5 of the Rocky Mountain Heroes series. I enjoyed book #5 so much that I, with some difficulty, tracked down the previous four novels. And, while I haven’t read them – they are on the TBR list that for some of us readers; never ends.
This book had such a journey and history to me. The first copy never made it to me and is in transit somewhere as of this review. I did get a replacement, which made it. Talk about the message of God has his own plans …
Anyway …
There is SO much goodness in this novel it is hard to know where to start. I truly don’t. There is just a lot to love about this novel.
I LOVE stories set in Texas, preferably those in small towns; add in the SUPER-CUTE, absolutely ADORABLE cover with that baby (awww) … this is a perfect summer read. Okay, let me amend that – perfect ANYTIME read. Texas, babies, and cute guys? I’m in!
The characters were SO realistic that it was as if I knew these people. I definitely identified with Laurel the most, and that was surprising. I was born in Grand Prairie, Texas (and lived in the Dallas area for several years) so there is that connection. I also LOVED the Dallas Cowboys (and just recently found my t-shirt), I still drink Coke, I totally understand the rejection of a parent (father), and I have about the same feelings about dating. Most of the foods in chapter 15 are my favorites (except potato salad).
The Bluebell Ice Cream reference makes me miss it SO much and made me feel like I was at home. It definitely should be the official Ice Cream of Texas, and for a short time I had it in my area (praying for it to return someday). In addition, I grew up in and currently live in the Las Vegas, NV area. I especially loved the reference on pg. 107 about “what happens in Vegas” (with reference to the one-night-stand). Kudos and thank you to the author for that.
I was also raised by my mother and grandmother for several years. So it is VERY little surprise that I truly enjoyed Obenhaus’ realistic writing in this novel.
I adored how Wes wanted to jump right in and be a father to that cute little girl without hesitation. His attention and devotion to her was beautiful and endearing.
Obenhaus doesn’t make us wait too long to learn about Wes’ tragedy or the big reveal – most of this is done by the end of chapter 3. As the story progresses, it is sad to see that Wes doesn’t feel worthy of having his own family, culminating with the complete reveal in chapter 14. The fear of failure was definitely understandable.
The other characters were great in their own way. I did feel a bit overwhelmed with how many people were in the story. However, I definitely can’t wait to read their stories in this series. Since this is the first book of the series, it is obvious it is a standalone read, but I am sure it won’t remain that way.
The side story, of the work on Irma’s home, seemed to act as a metaphor for what was going on in Wes and Laurel’s lives.
Obenhaus also gives the reader two gut-wrenching stories for the price of one. So this is one of those “grab the tissues” and curl up kind of reads.
There was some stress of will/won’t he return for Laurel which was at times annoying, but completely understandable given the character’s past with her father. In addition, Wes’ conflict between doing humanitarian work in Iraq or staying close by for the baby was definitely nail-biting.
One thing that I wished had been addressed was the motive/reason for Laurel’s grandmother returning some letters. I wanted to know more about that to truly understand what happened, and where that story line was going.
Obenhaus’ writing is just beautiful – weaving at times a light-hearted and heart-warming tale, but adding in the realism of abandonment, death, and redemption. She isn’t shy when tackling them and knows how to tug at the heartstrings. I didn’t really want to put this book down. So, I am certain her fans and those of the genre would be delighted to read this latest offering. It is her tenth (10th) LOVE INSPIRED novel and what a treat it is.
Since it is “LOVE INSPIRED”; which is a more Christian/faith themed line; there will be references to God, faith, even bible quotes. This has some strong themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness. The tone isn’t preachy, but this book does tend to go heavier than some. The message that Obenhaus delivers is that God is in control – he has a plan/purpose for all of us despite the pain and tragedies we go through.
A FATHER’S PROMISE is the first book in a new series and I loved every minute of it. The story takes place in Bliss, Texas and Mindy Obenhaus describes it so beautifully that I am ready to pack my bags and go see it for myself. What more could you ask for right? A FATHER’S PROMISE deals with so many different emotions that one minute I was giggling and the next tearing up. I love when an author can do that to their readers! Don’t you just love second chance romance stories?
A FATHER’S PROMISE will surely pull at your heart strings and make it very hard for you to put down. If you are like me, you won’t be able to stop until you know what happens to all of these beautiful people in Bliss. Reading how Laurel and Wes responded to each other is very funny since both are so stubborn. Is it possible for them to get a second chance at love if they would just stop and listen to the other? I’m not going to tell you, but I will say that you really should read A FATHER’S PROMISE and get to know this lovable small town. Also, a big secret is revealed that shocks both Wes and Laurel to their cores. That’s all I can say!
A FATHER’S PROMISE is an awesome way to spend the afternoon or evening. I’m so excited to continue with the series and learn more about my new found friends. Once you start A FATHER’S PROMISE you won’t be able to put it down and will find yourself cheering for Wes and Laurel and little Sarah Jane too as they try to navigate their way through a very different and unique situation. Be prepared to have Sarah Jane steal your heart! Mindy Obenhaus will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. All opinions are my own.
Mindy Obenhaus is back with this second chance romance, set in the town of Bliss, Texas.
Laurel Donovan comes to Bliss for a new start, she is befriended by other women who are all active members of the community. Laurel is the mother to a young daughter, Sarah Jane, who is adorable and loved by all. I admired her optimism and strong faith.
Wes Bishop is a Veteran, who wants to make up for lost time with his daughter. I like how he is cool headed and rational, he takes the time to connect with Laurel and Sarah Jane, who adores him. He has changed a lot in the last 2 years, and wants to be a better man.
I loved the friendships in this book and how Laurel’s friends and the town all embrace her and her daughter, even playfully fighting over babysitting privileges.
This is a wonderful new series, very entertaining and highly enjoyable. I loved the community of Bliss, and can’t wait to return in the future. This is a heartwarming read, with great character interaction, faith, friendships, and family. A fantastic start to a new series, well paced, with great characters that you can cheer for all the way through. You’ll definitely want to pick this one up before it’s gone!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
“Dreams were fragile things. One little slip and they could shatter into a million pieces.”
Mindy Obenhaus has a way of creating redemptive stories nestled within a delightful small town atmosphere. This inaugural book in her new series set in Bliss, Texas is simply charming and heart-warming. Laurel is a fiercely independent yet tender-hearted single mother, working hard to raise her infant daughter. Wes is a retired navy man, looking for a purpose and a place in the world. He is capable, intelligent, protective, and loyal. Laurel and Wes both have come a long way since they initially met two years ago and now need to figure out how to do life side-by-side since they share a daughter. Their conversations and thought processes are real and down-to-earth; Sarah-Jane’s almost-toddler antics are sweet and endearing. There is forgiveness and reconciliation at the core of the plot and the freedom that comes from both is evident throughout the story.
I’m excited to get to know Laurel’s friends Rae (Wes’ sister), Christa, and Paisley as they find love in Bliss, TX. I received a copy of the book from the publisher/author via JustRead Publicity Tour and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
A Father’s Promise by Mindy Obenhaus is just too wonderful!
The book cover is so beautiful and attractive.
This is the first book of Mindy Obenhaus that I am reading and this won’t be the last hopefully.
Welcome to a little town called “Bliss” in Texas. I want to live in such a town where everybody knew each other and they are so thoughtful.
I was swiping each page on my screen to read the next word, sentence or paragraph.
Laurel is a good mum,let’s give her some credit. Wes is a character you really need to read about.
I don’t want to ruin the book by giving you spoilers but you really need to read this book.
It is a Christian fiction book,no doubt about it.
One thing I am thankful about in this book is that I get to see fatherhood through Wes eyes. I am so familiar with the love from mothers but this is the first time I am reading in great depth about fatherhood.
I think I finally caught the story behind the book title ” A Father’s Promise”.
I recommend this book to lovers of children especially young parents or parents generally. You will learn a lot from this plot. I promise.
A family is complete when there is a loving father and a caring mother together in a home.
This book needs 7 stars rating please. I read it in one sitting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and I voluntarily reviewed it. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.