Book Review: Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Frayed Promises
Series: Promised Destiny #2
Author: Lynn U. Watson
Publisher: Independently published
Release Date: April 2, 2025
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction/Romance

Late 1800s historical romance
Sequel to The BookFest® award winning, Tangled Promises

God gives impossibilities beautiful endings

Clara and Daniel Becker married secretly circumventing nobility’s rules. When denial no longer serves her, how does Clara hide the truth of their wedding night conception and their nuptials from her father, the Baron?

If Vati sends her away, Daniel promises to follow. But unexpected circumstances bring them face-to-face with the words of Proverbs 16:9. A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Her grandmother’s last warning spins like a tempest threatening to shipwreck their joy and fray every promise they have made.

A Life-Affirming Story

A portion of the royalties will go to support https://lifechoicesmemphis.org/

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More In This Series

About the Author

Award-winning author, Lynn U. Watson is the great-great-granddaughter of a baron from Southwest Germany. From stories whispered down generations to the vibrant threads of her own life, Lynn’s journey is a testament to creativity and compassion. Nurtured by her grandmother’s love of needlework, Lynn built a thriving custom clothing business, and with her husband, Steve, they created The Lynn’n Butterfly Collection (cross-stitch designs). In 2007, Lynn became a certified reflexologist, opening Footsteps in Eden, a haven where she uses touch therapy and prayer to relax her clients. She combines her passions and heritage Stepping through Time Stitching Stories of Faith. Lynn, Steve, and their feline overlord, Jasmine, call Bartlett, Tennessee home.

Connect with Lynn by visiting lynnuwatson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

It took a little time for me to really get into this story. At first, I just wanted to shake both  Clara and Daniel for their actions – marrying in secret when Clara knew her Vati would never approve, persisting in their intimate relationship and running the risk of a consequence that couldn’t be hidden. Yes, they were young and in love and defying the societal norms that forbade a relationship between the daughter of a noble house and a member of that house’s staff. The heart wants what the heart wants. I know, I know. And at first, I wanted to roll my eyes and sigh over their poor choices.

But somewhere along the way, this story really caught my heart. I think it was when Clara realized she was expecting and had to contemplate whether she should take the pennyroyal tea in an effort to rid herself of what many might see as an inconvenience. I wanted to cheer when she chose life! I was adopted as an infant. I’m sure at least one person in my birth mother’s family saw my existence as a tremendous inconvenience, and had abortion been as available and even accepted as it is now, I might not be here. So Clara’s choice made my heart happy.

And after that, I could hardly put the book down. Life happened in unexpected ways, and where Clara planned to travel to America with Daniel when the book opened, she found herself traveling in the company of a female friend and pregnant to boot. A pregnant woman appearing to travel without a husband could draw some undesirable attention, but thankfully, Max, a friend of Clara’s Onkel Martin, was traveling on the ship. He provided a helpful male presence, and we see in their internal monologues that Clara and Max find themselves almost unwillingly developing feelings for each other that are more than friendship.

Faith is central to the story.  Clara realizes how far she has drifted from God and wonders why He would put Max in her path when all she wants is Daniel. Max still mourns his wife’s death and doesn’t think he’s interested in a relationship, but he recognizes that God is telling him he has a role to play in Clara’s life. And the ending of the book makes it clear that man and woman may plan their steps, but the Lord truly directs their paths if they will just allow Him to lead.

Once it pulled me in, this story was a delight to my heart. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and characters wrestling with and living out their faith.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy from the author and JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a Frayed Promises prize bundle which includes a signed paperback copy of Frayed Promises, a 3.5″ square Frayed Promises related magnet, a bookmark, a Cross-Stitch pattern relating to book tagline, a Fairest Lord Jesus postcard (suitable for framing), and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 31, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 7, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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