Hometown Promise was a wonderfully tough read for me. I loved the overall narrative, and connected with several of the characters, but what made it a tougher read for me was one of the main protagonists.

I know that Christians are not supposed to judge others but I fought how I felt about Juliane the entire time I read this novel. I felt like she was superficial and two-faced, and even though Lukas had a checkered past I felt like he was much more authentic and compassionate than Juliane claimed to be. Even though her story does show awareness and redemption over time, I still fought to sympathize with her, and honestly didn’t didn’t care for her character at all. But that is in no way a reflection of the novel itself, but my personal opinion alone, as the rest of the novel is wonderful.

My favorite part of this story was not the relationship between Lukas and Juliane, but the banter and obvious love between Lukas and his grandfather, Ferd. Ferd reminded me so much of my late grandfather, which is most likely why I enjoyed their relationship so much. You can see the effort and incredible strides that Lukas is making, and it is commendable, and seeing how his efforts bless others in his life was so inspiring.

Forgiveness, redemption, and true change abounds in Hometown Promise, and it is a truly inspiring and entertaining read that will not disappoint.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )

After an absence of eleven years, party boy Lukas Frey has returned home to Kellersburg, Ohio to be close to his grandfather. At least, that is the way he is remembered by Juliane Keller. Although she remembers that Lukas has a beautiful singing voice, she is both surprised and horrified to find him at the first practice of her church’s musical. What’s even worse is that he is taking over the male lead that is usually performed by her cousin and she is singing the female lead.

Even though Lukas apparently does not remember the incident that has caused her distrust, it weighs heavily in Juliane’s thoughts and the idea of performing with him is alarming to her. As if that isn’t enough, her sister Elise has left her job as a professional singer for a cruise line and is moving in with Juliane. This is yet another source of stress as Juliane has always felt she was on the losing end of an ongoing competition between them.

Juliane is more than a little surprised to find how much Elise has changed but is still wary about Lukas. There’s no question that they are attracted to each other, but can she open her heart and accept him now that he has turned around?

Ms. Whren does a wonderful job of providing ways for us to see Lukas at his best, as well as seeing him almost break when things become difficult. Juliane and Lukas both go through personal trials and we follow their footsteps as they allow their faith to bring them together.

Kellersburg seems like a nice place to live and the characters feel very real. I suspect that many readers know people much like them.

This is the first book in a three-part series, but each can be read as a standalone novel.

If you like a good Christian romance, then you need to pick up a copy for yourself. ( )