"Cooper doesn't romanticize American history. Readers of historical romance who don't believe graphic love scenes are essential to a good story will adore Cooper's work. A joy to read."
Kirkus Reviews, 'The World's Toughest Book Critics' — full review below
The Story It's 1790 and the American Revolution has been over for seven years. Nathaniel Stearns, a veteran Continental soldier, still awaits the return of his father, who seemed to vanish as the battles ended. Growing embittered and isolated, Nathaniel is haunted by painful memories of war and scarred from betrayal in love. The young man has turned away from faith. The only hope he clings to is that perhaps his father still lives.
Then he discovers his hope is shared by a young woman, Sarah Thomsen, who understands loss and the longing for a father. Their hearts are drawn together quickly as this unexpected connection grows. But jealousy, slander, and misunderstandings ignite a fire of doubt and mistrust—destroying their relationship.
Can two souls longing for healing and trust love again? Can faith—and a family—be restored? Discover for yourself in The Promise of Deer Run.
The Series The Promise of Deer Run is the second novel in author Elaine Marie Cooper's Deer Run Saga. The story opened with The Road to Deer Run. There will be a third, concluding book soon.
Kirkus Reviews: The Promise of Deer Run Cooper follows up 2010's The Road to Deer Run with another story of complicated love in early America. In 1790, Continental army veteran Nathaniel Stearns returns to Deer Run and learns of his beloved younger brother's death and his mother's departure for Boston. Waiting alone in Deer Run for his father's avowed arrival, Nathaniel is haunted by memories not only of combat, but of love affairs gone wrong. His only diversion—other than alcoholic benders with the equally troubled Dr. Burk—is the lovely Sarah Thomsen, grown to adulthood during his absence. However, wealthy dairy farmer Richard Beal has made clear his interest in the comely Sarah and how can Nathaniel compete? Fortunately, Sarah's fascination with Nathaniel equals his attraction to her, with nothing to stand in their way—until Beal makes a shocking accusation against Nathaniel. Disillusioned, Sarah ends their relationship, and, disheartened that the woman he loves refuses to give him a chance to explain, Nathaniel falls into deeper despondency. Meanwhile, Mary and Daniel Lowe, whose love story was told in the series first installment, face difficulties resulting from their growing brood and farm losses; Sarah's mother Ruth Eaton copes with her ailing husband; and Sarah's brother, James Thomsen, confronts his own heartache. Ironically, James' tragedy plays a role in Sarah and Nathaniel's saga. Like The Road to Deer Run, Sarah and Nathaniel's story doesn't end with their proclamation of love, proving that happily ever after is often accompanied by new challenges. Again, Cooper skillfully thrusts the reader into the realities of late-18th century life in New England, where a good meal is a blessing and a minor ailment can become life-threatening. While the romances she creates are realistically multidimensional (with an occasional tendency toward sentimentality), Cooper doesn't romanticize American history. Readers of historical romance who don't believe graphic love scenes are essential to a good story will adore Cooper's work. A joy to read.
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