Description: Naomi Ropp has moved back in with her parents along with her twin toddler sons. There are several key people holding secrets. Her parents. Samuel King, who now works for her father — he and Naomi have a history she doesn’t want to remember. Naomi and her husband, now dead,
Review
This poignant story, second in the Secrets of Bliss Valley series by Jo Ann Brown, may affect readers differently. One reader might think to themselves that this author gets it. I had something awful happen to me, and it circles around in my head and just won’t let go. While another reader might think, I just don’t get it. That happened years ago. Why doesn’t she just “get over it”. I fell into the former and not the latter category.
Naomi Ropp is a widow with very feisty two-year-old twin boys whose favorite word is “fun”. Naomi also has a remarkable memory. Too remarkable sometimes. Her life, other than the birth of her sons, has not been a particularly happy one. Her now dead husband, Marlin, was … Well, I’ll let the reader find out why I wouldn’t waste one nanosecond mourning him.
At least she had the farm. Until two Englischer strangers appear at her door with documents that say Marlin never bought the farm. She has ten days to be out. She and the twins move to Bliss Valley where she grew up to live with her Daed, (…you will like her father) who has a buggy repair business.
But who is standing by her Daed, as she halts the wagon …? Samuel King!
He and his two friends made her life unbearable growing up. And she remembers every horrible thing he (they) did or said to the exact number of years, days, and minutes. Yes, she has THAT kind of memory. Worse yet, he is Daed‘s assistant?!
There is much more to this book. Such as:
— A new-born boppli is left on the porch of the dawdi haus.
— Samuel was severely injured in a car wreck and will never be the same man he was.
— A woman appears claiming that Naomi is her … … …
A Promise of Forgiveness has plots and sub-plots. The story has been carefully thought out by the author. The characters are rich, and the author gives you the time to get to know them. The pacing is excellent. There are some characters that are charming and others that you can’t stand.
Bullying in any form causes pain to the victim. Depending on the type of bullying, it can resonate within the victim over and over. Abuse in a marriage isn’t always physical. Verbal bullying is painful too — just in a different way.
As you read, keep in mind that Naomi has suffered from both. And even when you do not have her unique kind of memory, an action or a phrase can suddenly appear and repeat over and over in your head.
Why?
Because it hurts the person. Deeply.
They don’t want to remember it. They just do.
It is hard to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply — no matter how it was done.
Please do not think this is a “downer” story. It isn’t. People triumph in A Promise for Forgiveness. Joyful things happen. God’s love is shown through others. It is a wonderful story.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher, Harlequin – Romance Love Inspired, via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
#APromiseOfForgiveness #JoAnnBrown #NetGalley
