Review: love's promises
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 22, 2014
Monica is used to getting her own way. When her plans to build her father’s last home are thwarted Monica is less than happy. The TRPA(Tahoe Regional Planning Agency) has refused her request to allow her to build on prime property in the Tahoe Basin area. All of her angst is poured out on Greg who works for the TRPA and she is determined to get around any rules in order to fulfill her dream and accomplish her father’s last wishes. Greg is just as determined to protect the area that he loves. As the two of them try to find common ground an attraction springs between them. Unfortunately Monica is afraid of commitment. She perceived her parents’ relationship as one-sided and it has made her unable to make commitments in her own life. Fear of becoming a doormat to someone Monica exerts her independence to the exclusion of all relationships. Will she be able to accept the love that Greg describes or will she continue in her lonely life?Love’s Promises touches on so many issues that at some points I was emotionally overwhelmed. From Monica’s unrealistic view of her parents’ relationship, her grating desire to have her own way (which wore me out at the beginning), the steamy relationship between Monica and Greg, to the environmentalism all wrapped into a fairly quick read. I enjoyed reading how Monica changed as Greg showed her what a real relationship between a couple in love could be. As each one of Monica’s defenses peeled away the reader could see her faith and potential grow. She became a more softened and caring human being rather than the overbearing-grating woman that she started out as. I’m not sure that Love’s Promises would be considered a Christian novel, but there are definite signs of faith throughout the story. Greg and his family talk about faith in God as well as Monica hearing the voice of her mother through her memories. There are some “iffy” passages in that Greg’s friend begins to call Monica a b-word but is cut off by Greg. There are some sexually charged situations where Greg and Monica want to cross the line into the bedroom but both are determined to remain celibate. There are also a couple of references to “the Broad” from an unsavory character that totally fits his personality and what he would say. Having lived near and visited the Tahoe area I appreciated the environmental aspects of the story, it is a beautiful area and I am thankful that there are people willing to fight to preserve it for our future. For a little bit of romance, a little bit of suspense and danger, and a little bit of saving the environment you will find Love’s Promises has it all.