🏚️⚒️🪛🧰🎀 “A Promise for His Daughter” (2022) 🎀 🧰🪛⚒️ 🏚️ – Book Review

 

MY REVIEW

 

 

Paperback: 224 Pages

Publisher: Love Inspired (April 26, 2022)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1335759263

ISBN-13: 978-1335759269

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

 

“His latest project has a two-year-old surprise

 

The house he wants to restore

 

The family he wants to build

 

Fatherhood wasn’t what Bradley Ainsworth expected to find at Henny House. The run-down Victorian is his best shot at proving himself as a historic renovator, but the new owner has no interest in recreating the past. Claire Woodbury and her foster daughter, Emily, are focused on the future—until everyone learns that Emily is Bradley’s daughter. Does that future have room for him as a father…and more?”

 

Thank you in advance to the author, Danielle Thorne, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.

I’m definitely a fan of the Love Inspired (LI) and Love Inspired Suspense (LIS) lines from Harlequin Books. I even recently started reading the Love Inspired Trade (LIT – bigger and longer books). Clean, inspirational reads that anyone of any age can enjoy. They do have some elements of the Christian faith in them. This is usually not a main element, but fundamental to the story.

 

And, any LI book is good in my opinion – even if they’re by a new-to-me author such as this one. And, this is the author’s second LI release.

 

The cover is just adorable! And, definitely drew me right to the story. And, what a story it is.

 

Don’t get me wrong – most all of these books have a “HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER” (HEA) end. But, sometimes it is the backstory as well as the journey, that takes place that draws the reader in. Thorne did a magnificent job with the backstory as well as the “journey” that it was hard to believe I’d reached the end of the book when I did.

 

The characters – Claire, Bradley, Emily, Aunt Vi, and Diane are such a delight. Others like Laurel – not delightful.

 

While I grew up in a larger city, I do tend to like the small-town feel. And, the plot of this was cute and yet sad. There were some heartfelt moments, hilarious moment, and moments of sweetness. It was easy to see Claire’s dilemma between losing Emily and seeing the littler girl reunited with the father she didn’t know.

 

Obviously the death of a parent is traumatic, which is how Claire comes into custody of little Emily. Thorne raises awareness of how important good foster care is for kids like Emily. Claire was Dori’s college friend and thus a good fit to take Emily after Dori’s death and Dori’s parents putting the little one into foster care.

 

Another fun aspect is the “renovation” on Henny House. Not only has Claire inherited the home from her foster mother, but Ms. Henny left her funds to cover. Unfortunately, the funds don’t seem to be enough to cover the poor aging house. But, Claire wants to update or rather renovate the house (pretty good idea for safety and compatibility issues) too.

 

On the other hand, Bradley wants to “restore” it to its previous glory. It helps that the restoration would get him on the historical board. And, obviously that will prove to his parents that his choice of career was indeed valid.

 

One contentious point for Bradley and Claire? A gazebo attached to the side of the house. Claire wants it gone to add “symmetry” to the design of the house, Brad wants to keep it as that is one point the board is clear on. Though I have to admit, I was a bit peeved with Claire, but also understood her.

 

That’s not the only complication – Bradley notices that little Emily reminds him of someone. He soon learns that Emily is Dori’s and his. Bradley and Dori had a short-lived marriage that was annulled, though he did love her.

 

Another complication? Bradley likes Claire and feels bad for wanting the house and his repeated attempts to buy it. It doesn’t help that his Aunt Vi is in matchmaking mode.

 

Once Claire realizes that Bradley is Emily’s father, they take it one day at a time as Claire helps him towards officially becoming the little girl’s father. Of course, Bradley is trying to figure out how to tell his family – especially his parents. He knows that he’ll disappoint them even more with the news.

 

Claire and Bradley both have an issue with Laurel who is getting pushy about the restoration despite Claire’s wishes and wants for HER home. The woman is SO pushy she is even shoving paint sample cards at the two.

 

This is definitely a very sweet read that balances not just the restoration/renovation, but Bradley and Emily’s relationship along with Bradley’s relationship with Claire.

 

The relationship is more of a “slow-burn” as the two navigate Bradley’s new role, the renovation/restoration, and Claire’s own self-discovery.

 

I adored this so much and couldn’t put it down. If I hadn’t had a few “time-sensitive” reviews between the time I started this and finished it – I would’ve likely finished it within a day or two. It was very easy to read and such a great fit for the Love Inspired line.

 

The only issue I had was the lack of resolution with Bradley’s parents. Did they leave or what? Though to be honest, I’m glad they’re gone if they are.  

 

There were also attitudes towards Claire not being Ms. Henney’s “real” family as well as Laurel referring to Emily as a “homeless child”.

 

Of course, I had to side with Bradley on the fried kudzu. Despite knowing what it is and researching it – that’s definitely a no for me.

 

Those who adore home renovation/restoration are certain to enjoy this. As a spoiler – you’ve got to read this to find out about the gazebo. One interesting aspect of that – when does someone’s home become a historical landmark against their wishes. And, who should win – the homeowner or a historical board. I really loved that angle and how it didn’t really separate Claire and Bradley in their “friends-to-more” romance.

 

Those who’ve read the author’s first book and those who love the Love Inspired line won’t be disappointed. I know I’m definitely looking forward to another book by the author.

 

 

RATING:

 

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Danielle Thorne is a Southern girl who treasures home and family. Besides books, she loves travel, history, cookies, and naps. She’s eternally thankful for the women she calls friends. Danielle is the author of over a dozen novels with elements of romance, adventure, and faith. You’ll often find her in the mountains or at the beach. She currently lives south of Atlanta with her sweetheart of thirty years and two cats.

 

 

She can also be found on the following social media networks:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanielleThorne/

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordaniellethorne/

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanielleThorne

 

Website: https://www.daniellethorne.com/

 

 

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