Rumors and Promises
Rumors and Promises book cover

Rumors and Promises

Paperback – April 16, 2016

by
Price
$9.21
Format
Paperback
Pages
350
Publisher
Heritage Beacon Fiction
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-1941103661
Dimensions
6 x 0.88 x 9 inches
Weight
1.14 pounds

Description

Praise for Rumors and Promises: Kathleen Rouser will entice book lovers with descriptive detailxa0and an engrossing storyline full of drama, hints of humor, andxa0plenty of romance in Rumors and Promises . They will also enjoyxa0the Bible verses sprinkled throughout and the message of hopexa0and redemption told in a non-preachy manner. An all-aroundxa0delightful read that I highly recommend!~ Sharlene MacLarenAuthor of 16 faith-based, bestselling novelsincluding the Tennessee Dreams seriesxa0Set in 1900 in a fictional Michigan town, Rumors and Promises isxa0a tender story of two people whose love is tested against difficultxa0and trying circumstances. Author Kathleen Rouser takes the readerxa0on a journey of betrayal and loss and rumors determined to ruinxa0the best of reputations.~ Jill Eileen SmithCBA best-selling author of The Crimson Cordand The Wives of King David series Rumors and Promises is a poignant story of God's mercy andxa0unconditional love. Kudos to Ms. Rouser for crafting a touchingxa0and thought-provoking tale of forgiveness in all its forms.~ Marianne EvansAward-winning author of Devotion Kathleen Rouser has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could read. She desires to create characters, who resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their everyday lives. Previously a homeschool mom, she more recently has been a college student and is sometimes a mild-mannered dental assistant by day. Along with her sassy tail-less cat, she lives in the Midwest with her hero and husband of 33 years, who not only listens to her stories, but also cooks for her.

Features & Highlights

  • Bookvana Awards Winner
  • Sophie Biddle, an heiress on the run with a child in tow, considers herself abandoned by her family and God. Wary, self-reliant Sophie is caught off guard when meeting a kind, but meddling and handsome minister at the local mercantile. In 1900, Reverend Ian McCormick is determined to start anew in Stone Creek, Michigan, believing he has failed God and his former flock. He works harder than ever to forget his mistake, hoping to prove himself a most pleasing servant to his new congregation and once again to God. While Sophie seeks acceptance for the child and a measure of respect for herself, the rumors swirl about her sordid past. Should Ian show concern for Sophie's plight, he could risk everything - including his position as pastor of Stone Creek. Now the pair must choose to trust God and forgive those who slander and gossip, or run. Will the scandals of their pasts bind them together forever, or drive both deeper into despair?
  • Written for the General Market (G) (I)
  • : Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational nature.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(90)
★★★★
25%
(75)
★★★
15%
(45)
★★
7%
(21)
★
23%
(70)

Most Helpful Reviews

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like she was raised

I recently had the pleasure of reading Kathleen Rouser's new book, Rumors and Promises. I was swept up in the tale of young Sophie Biddle and her daughter as she's thrown into a world of having to provide for herself instead of living in the lap of luxury, like she was raised.

A meddling minister, Ian McCormick and his sister, are determined to help Sophie. He's dogged by his past failures and wants to assist however he can, without drudging up his past mistakes.

Sophie passes her daughter off as a younger sister, but her conscience is pricked by the lie. Trying to avoid rumors and speculations of her sordid past, will she ever be able to find love and acceptance and a promise of tomorrow?

Kathleen Rouser has a wonderful way of describing things and pulling the reader into her story. Her dialogue, setting descriptions, and historical accuracy makes her an author I'll be reading in the future.

This book was provided free for review by Heritage Beacon Fiction - 2016.
1 people found this helpful
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Heart touching.

Although the story was very heart touching, it was way to long. I had listened to it on Kindle, for about 7 hours. Had to go to bed. I was shocked to see I was only at 51%. Was so relieved when it was finally over. Way to drawn out.
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Sweet story with great message!

This is such a sweet story. Kathleen writes so beautifully that you feel like you know the characters in the book. I love how she took the themes of grace and forgiveness and took me in a different direction than anticipated. I love it. The Sequel to this book, Secrets and Wishes gets 5 stars as well. I missed the characters when put the book down for a while. (Amazon wont let me review that one for some reason).
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Review: Rumors and Promises

`Rumors and Promises` is a historical fiction/romance novel written by author Kathleen Rouser. Kathleen Rouser has loved making up stories ever since she was a young child. She desires to create characters who resonate with her readers.

My favorite character is Sophie, who has class but she is not arrogant. She is also the mother of little Caira, who she claims to be her sister. Ian, the town pastor, discovers the secret. So what will he do with this new secret? Will he want to marry Sophie? If so, will it be just to protect Sophie or because he loves her and her daughter? I was captivated when little Caira went missing.

The introduction to Gertrude Wringer and her niece was rather comical. It reminded me of Nelly Olsen and her mom on `Little House on the Prarie` t.v. series. Nora being a bit snooty and her aunt saying, `Nora is a modest, accomplished woman.`

I chose this book because Kathleen is a new-to-me author and I like the cover of the novel. However, I felt this 350-page novel could have been much condensed without losing the plot and still keeping the reader's interest. I did like this book and give it 4.5* out of 5*.

Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
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Pleasantly surprised

"A pleasant story full of drama, suspense, conflict, and forgiveness. I was surprised at my own curiosity about main character Sophie Biddle's mysterious past and read hopefully that her sorrow would turn into joy.
After the first chapters, I wanted to know what had happened that Sophie was hiding from, why was she so afraid that her and her child's true identity might be discovered, and how was she ever going to make it as a single mother in a small town in the 1900's? As the story unfolded, I became acutely aware of how little protection women had in those times as victims of any kind of abuse and that it was even more impossible for them to find justice. That theme was woven into the story very well.
I liked the examples of loving, kind-hearted people caring for Sophie and her child and who helped her and defended her. They were in stark contrast to those who wanted to act superior and judgmental. Here's where I wish modern readers would absorb the messages contained in the story especially that Love is the substance of the two greatest commandments.
Rumors and Promises showed that the church should be a "hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints." Read this book to increase your hope that such a condition is possible given courage and grace".
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A Grace Filled Story!

Loneliness and regret create a heavy shroud, too heavy for a lovely single mother to bear. Determined to create a new life for herself and her young daughter, "Sophie Biddle" recreates herself in Stone Creek, Michigan, answering an advertisement for a housekeeping assistant, dreaming of owning her own sewing business one day. After meeting the town's kind, handsome minister and his widowed sister, Sophie's musical talents once again become a salve to her soul, but they also open a window to her past that she is terrified will eventually illuminate her secrets.

Reverend Ian MCormick is intrigued by his potential new parishioner and her young sister, offering them assistance in any way that he can. Her beautiful eyes speak of sadness, and her heart, he learns quite by accident, holds deep sorrow. Shielding her the best that he can from the town's malicious gossipers, Ian struggles to keep his feelings at bay, while at the time praying for a way to scale Sophie's defenses.

It's going to take a miracle for this story to have a happy ending, but Ian and Sophie love a God who can "make all things new".

I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
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A wonderful historical romance!

Yearning for safety, acceptance, and permanence, Sophie Biddle and her daughter Caira move to Stone Creek, Michigan to work in a boardinghouse. In order to keep her true identity hidden, and to be accepted into the community of the small town in 1900,Sophie introduces Caira as her sister, both having been orphaned.

As Sophie works hard at the boardinghouse, she is endeared by the owner, and the local (single) pastor and his sister. As these relationships develop, she is slowly able to trust God again, and accept that she is a worthy and honorable person, despite rumors to the contrary.

Reverend Ian McCormick must forgive himself and accept God's forgiveness for a mistake he made in the past. Only then would he be able to allow himself to consider entering into a romantic relationship.

The author portrayed Sophie in a way that made me want to cheer for her when things finally went her way. That said, she faced some heavy opposition from influential townspeople, which made for an interesting and believable read.

Fans of historical fiction and romance will want to lose themselves in this book!

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
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A poignant story of hope and forgiveness!

This is very much a character-driven story of belonging and forgiveness. Sophie and Ian
are endearing and instantly relatable. Kathleen Rouser brings the reader on a journey into a realistic and quaint small town with all its charms and a few difficult personalities. The sense of community Ian wants to establish and Sophie desires to be a part of is not easily obtained by either, yet the message of hope and acceptance is steadfast through all the ups and downs these two characters face.

I enjoyed the way the secondary characters have prominent roles and vibrant personalities. Whether it was Ian's sister, Maggie, or Sophie's little one, Caira, the supporting cast helped to reveal another side of the main characters. They also were important to the story progression and enhanced the overall feel of community Sophie longed for.

Kathleen presented the story with a necessary delicate approach, handling topics of deception, abuse, and isolation with care. The themes of forgiveness and God's grace were clearly communicated in a way that made my heart happy for the journey these characters took. Most important, to me, was the message of faith being useless without action -- that we are to live out what we claim in our hearts and share the message of grace through our actions.

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary review ecopy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
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Five Stars

A good clean read flowing with a spiritual rhythm.
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Wonderful Read!

Rumors and Promises by Kathleen Rouser is an uplifting story featuring a young, single mother trying to establish a life for her tiny daughter and herself amidst discrimination at every turn. As the book unfolds, despair turns to hope through plot twists and faithfully loving characters.

Being a mother of a toddler myself, I identified with the heroine immediately and was swept into her plight. Rouser did an wonderful job at fleshing out her characters and bringing their stories to life. The plot was ever changing, keeping me turning page after page. I easily fell into Rouser's story and enjoyed her storytelling ability.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

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