Keys of Promise #2

 

Published July 5th 2016

 by Fleming H. Revell Company  

Synopsis:

Her future--and her heart--hang in the balance.Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to faraway Key West. Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future: make the dangerous journey from Nantucket to Key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life.

But when Prosperity arrives penniless in the South, she is dismayed to find David has not been eagerly awaiting their reunion. In fact, he is married to someone else. Scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, Prosperity gains the friendship--and the affection--of a kind doctor. Could he be the answer to her loneliness? Or will her life be upended by circumstance yet again? 

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Meet the Author:

 

Christine is a small-town Michigan girl who has lived in every corner of the state's Lower Peninsula. From a young age, she knew she wanted to do something in the arts. After trying her hand at music and art, she returned to her first love -- story. She feels blessed to write Christian fiction and to be twice named a finalist for Romance Writer's of America's Golden Heart® award.
When not at the computer keyboard, she loves to hike and explore God's majestic creation. Her heart is in women's ministries, especially women's Bible study, and she loves to facilitate small group study in her church or online at Women's Bible Cafe, where she is blessed to co-lead a small group. These days, she and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys.

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My Thoughts:

Christine Johnson brings us the second installment in the Keys of Promise series.   A few characters are revisited from the first book, but this is definitely a stand alone book.  This is the story of Prosperity Jones who in a few short years lost her father in a whaling accident, her fiance` left for his post after joining the army, and just recently lost her mother after years of caring for her.  She has endured so much heartache in the last few years.  This character touched my heart.  The loss of a mother can have a huge impact on a young woman.  Being left with few resources she makes the decision to travel to Key West to join her fiance`, David Latham, knowing this will be a fresh start for her and a much needed sense of security.  

Unfortunately upon her arrival to Key West turns out to not be what she expected.  David has not only married another woman, but they are expecting their first child.  Prosperity is reeling over David's betrayal and the hatred his wife harbors for her.  

Finding herself close to destitute and being a resourceful woman, Prosperity seeks lodging and a job.  She was hired as a laundress at the local hospital and draws the attentions of Dr. Clayton Goodenow.  She and Clayton share a common interests and quickly become friends.  Just as she is getting adjusted to her new life in the Keys David suddenly reappears in her life.  

This story is about betrayal, forgiveness, faith and love.  Prosperity shows her strength of character in many ways.  I was drawn to the character.  She has endured so much heartache, but she decides to not let it define her even though this is a struggle.  Her faith truly defines her as a person.  This plot has twists the reader doesn't expect and will keep them turning the pages.  This is a sweet book that anyone who loves romance will enjoy.  

*I received this book from the publisher as part of their book blogger program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Keys of Promise #1

Published June 2, 2015

Publisher: Revell

Brief Description:

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O'Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.
As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.
From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.  

What a wonderful story!!!!!!

Yes, if you like historical romance then I would definitely recommend it.  Christine Johnson takes the reader to Key West, Florida during the mid 1800's and give them a glimpse of the unrest in the area experienced while trying to rebuild after a hurricane struck 4 years earlier. 

We are introduced to Elizabeth Benjamin and Rourke O'Malley. 

4 years ago Elizabeth made a rash decision that could have cost her not only her life, but also that of her brother, Charlie, if not for Rourke's timely intervention.  Just days later she was sent to Charleston to find a proper husband at her parents' request.  Elizabeth's heart has always belonged to one man and she has not meet anyone who can replace him or his memory.  Upon hearing of her mother's death she returns to the Keys and vows to follow her father's wishes.  She hopes to make up for all the pain she caused years ago. 

I was drawn to Elizabeth's character immediately.  She is a lovely, young woman who wants to make amends for the pain she has caused, but she also is trying to figure out exactly where she fits in at home.  Unfortunately while grieving the loss of her mother she is put in an unwanted position by her father.  She has always wanted her father's approval, but is she willing to sacrifice her life to fulfill his wishes.  Suddenly family secrets are revealed and Elizabeth realizes she must make a decision, but what will she choose?
This is a story about forgiveness and hope.  I really liked this story a lot.  I was cheering for Elizabeth and Rourke through the entire story. 

This is the first story I've ready by the author, but it definitely won't be the last. 

I received this book from Revell for a honest review without bias or outside influence.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

http://www.christineelizabethjohnson.com/

Christine Johnson grew up in small-town Michigan, where tales rise taller than old-growth forest. God blessed her with a love of story, which thus far has led to two RWA Golden Heart® award finals and publication with Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired Historical line. When not at the computer keyboard, she loves to explore God’s majestic creation.