BLUE MOON PROMISE (Under Texas Stars) by Colleen Coble

Lucy March is not sure what she's going to do. She's lost her job at the dressmakers and she's being evicted from her home. On top of that she's caring for her younger brother and sister because her their mother (Lucy's step-mother) took off shortly after their father was killed in a buggy accident. Lucy would like to provide a good home for them but she's not sure how she'll do that. The Lord seems to answer her plea by way of Henry Stanton. Henry says he wants to help her but the only way he will is if she agrees to marry his son, Nate, by proxy. After much thought, she reluctantly agrees. Nate is dismayed to find out what his father has done. How could he marry him off without his knowledge and especially to someone who looks so unfit for ranch life. Not only that, but she has younger siblings that are now his responsibility. Slowly but surely though, he begins to see that she's made of tougher stuff then he thought. They are trying to do the right thing but obstacles seem to be popping up everywhere and danger seems to be lurking just around the corner.

This is definitely going down as a favorite of mine. There were so many things I loved about this story. It's easy to read but the storyline is so tightly knit. It seems like there was no extra words anywhere. It all meant something. I really like that! The characters are so full of life and interesting to spend time with. I had so much admiration for Lucy. She inspired me with her courage and determination. Nate was such an awesome guy but a little rough around the edges. Nothing Lucy couldn't fix, of course! The kids are absolute gems. The way the story played out was so realistic and true to life. The slow build between Lucy and Nate is absolute torture but keeps you quickly flipping those pages, right to the very end. I couldn't put it down and when I absolutely had to, I found myself anxious to get back to it. It's got mystery, danger, romance and a great spiritual message about letting God take control. I think this is one of Colleen's best work. Blue Moon Promise is one I highly recommend. A thank you goes to Thomas Nelson who provided me with this complimentary copy through Netgalley for my review. Great job, Colleen!!!
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 14, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1595549153
ISBN-13: 978-1595549150