Reviewed for THC Reviews"4.5 stars" I'm pretty certain I read Love's Enduring Promise years ago in my teens, but prior to picking it up again, I couldn't really remember a thing about the story. As a consequence and knowing that this was a continuation of Clark and Marty's relationship, I was kind of expecting an epic love story which isn't quite what this novel is all about. The book opens about two years after the ending of Love Comes Softly. It is still primarily about Clark, Marty, and their growing family, but more like a series of snapshots of their lives together over a span of approximately twelve years. It is also about how the community in which they live and the people within it grow and change as time goes by as well. I didn't find this one to be quite as romantic as the first book of the Love Comes Softly series, probably because it doesn't focus in on the building of one couple's relationship, but I suppose there was enough romance present in the multiple courtships and marriages among secondary characters and the next generation of the Davis family to loosely characterize the story as a historical romance.Once again, I loved reading about life on the frontier, the sense of warmth and love that comes from family, friends, and community, and how they all share in the joy and sorrow, laughter and tears that life can bring. Most of the story is still told from Marty's point-of-view, but occasionally snippets of other character's perspectives pop up. Then Missie takes over some of the bits near the end, probably as something of a transition to the next book, Love's Long Journey, which will be her story. There are numerous mini sub-plots that highlight all the changes in the community. As more people come to the area, the residents welcome a new teacher, new preachers, and new neighbors. I particularly liked the part about the new preachers, because it highlighted a spiritual position with which I agree, that true spiritual sustenance doesn't come from big words or fancy sermons, but from an ability to sense an earthy oneness with God on a much simpler level. The people also say good-bye as some of their fellow residents move on and others pass on. I was very taken with a sweet side story about a young couple's much longed-for child not being exactly what they were expecting, but he ended up being a remarkable boy who was their pride and joy. There was also one of the many romances that ended in heartbreak, which also tore my heart open a little too, not just because of what the couple experienced but because of other issues which I'll address in a moment. Overall, every little piece of the narrative came together to make me feel like I was a part of this little frontier neighborhood.I would have to say that Marty is still the main character in this book. She strikes me as a no-nonsense kind of woman who works hard, and would do just about anything for anyone. She can be pretty stubborn and independent at times. She can also be fairly exuberant in her faith, and is eager to share it with others, but I wouldn't characterize it as being particularly overbearing or preachy. Underlying everything is a loving woman who is a great wife and mother. I was rather disappointed that Clark didn't play as much of a role in this book, but what we get to see of him through his interactions with Marty and their family, I could tell that he is the same kind, gentle man with a heart of gold. He is a loving, attentive and protective husband and father, always thinking of others before himself. Clark is just an all-around great guy. Clark and Marty's family grows by leaps and bounds until their little frontier home is just about bursting at the seams, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their interactions with each of the children and watching some of them grow up and move on to lives of their own.Overall, Love's Enduring Promise was a gentle book that was a joy to read, but there was one little part involving the secondary romance I mentioned earlier which left me rather troubled. It involved a white young man (a character I had come to care about a great deal) and an Indian girl (who was very sweet in her own right), which raised the issues of racism and prejudice. The couple was obviously very deeply in love and wanted nothing more than to be married, but not a single person in the story supported that desire (except for one short line from his sister who was immediately chastised by their mother for being naïve and having her vision clouded by her own upcoming nuptials). Marty came the closest by agreeing to meet the girl and talk to the boy's mother, but even she wasn't entirely on board with the relationship. What bothered me the most though was when the boy's mother essentially stated that it wasn't God's will for people of different races to be married and have mixed-race babies. I realize that prejudice of this nature was quite common back then, and that no matter what happened the couple would have faced a difficult road. However, they certainly wouldn't have been the first white/Indian pairing of the era, and since the only way to combat prejudice is for someone to stand up and say it's wrong, I couldn't help wondering if things might not have been different for them if well-respected members of the community like the Grahams and Davises had taken that stand instead of being wishy-washy about it. After all, they are supposed to be good Christian people and to me, that seems like the Christian thing to do. Admittedly, the girl's Indian grandfather wasn't any better, but since he had lost many family members in white attacks, I felt like he at least had a good reason for hating them. The main point I'm trying to make with my mini-rant, is that I felt the author opened a can of worms that ultimately went nowhere and then copped out on a very sensitive issue. However, I'm willing to admit that perhaps, I'm applying too much of my modern sensibilities to a historical fiction story that was written over thirty years ago. This was the one and only thing that kept me from giving this book the full five stars. Thankfully, it was a very small part of the overall narrative and otherwise, Love's Enduring Promise was an enjoyable, feel-good story that left me with warm fuzzies all over, and very much looking forward to revisiting Missie's book soon.
So I finished book two.It was great. The characters, plot, setting, action, romance, humor, and faith were all handled expertly and beautifully.I laughed (about Missie grumbling about “that Willie LaHaye”) and cried (with Marty at Missie's wedding) a bit in this one.It was, again, quite different from the movie.Though the whole western uneducated language was annoying as usual, I'm becoming accustomed to it. Not enjoying it, mind you, but it doesn't bother me hardly at all any more. I just hope I don't end up talking like that!One thing that I really enjoy about these books. I've noticed that it's really pulling me in. I'm anxious to hear what happens next to each and every character. They're really starting to feel like family – I love it.Another thing I really like – among other things – is the faith. It's not too profound and doesn't really have much Gospel in it, but it'll have small parts that let the author's faith slip through. I'm glad some are still spreading the Word.(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)Marty is a very endearing character. I usually wouldn't enjoy reading things from the view of someone older (she's, like, thirty-five in the end of this one). But I absolutely love reading from her perspective. She's so human, and endearing, and sweet. I can really relate – which kind of surprises me.Clark is also a sweetheart, of course. He's so kind and thoughtful and appreciative. (I can easily see why Nandry had a crush on him.) I loved how he was so sweet and let Clare tag along and help even though he was more of a bother than a helper. And then he understood Marty so well, and so sweet to her. I really don't mind his “That's right good coffee” anymore.Missie is really a sweetheart. I loved her little school days when she'd get back and happily tell Marty all about the day, then go dark with anger as she complained about “that Willie LaHaye”. So cute! She was always so sweet and such a good character. It's king of bittersweet to see her grow up and sad to see her go.Nandry – I thought she was really sweet. At first I really didn't know what to think of her. She was so shy and quiet. But she also completely loved babies and that was endearing. And then she grows up and you get to see that little tidbit from her view that shows so much. She and Josh are great together and I'm very glad she's happy.Clae was also wonderful. Though I have to admit, the parson's right, she does have an unusual name. I always liked her. She was kind and energetic and sweet. I think she and the parson are great together. And he's so charming too. I wonder if she'll go back to teaching now that Missie's leaving.Clare was so cute as a little thing. Hurrying after his pa so he could help with chores and show him how strong he was. Adorable! I really didn't see him too much as he kept growing though – I guess the focus was more on Missie.Arnie was cute as – well, I'd say “cute as a button” but buttons really aren't that cute and I'd be insulting the little guy by comparing him to a boring ole button. Whoever came up with that saying anyway?Luke – Well, I don't know hardly enough about him to write a full paragraph. He wasn't on the scene for very long. Oh, I do know that I had no idea Marty was pregnant with him until she was just about ready to have him. I guess I missed a paragraph or something.Okay. Now for other, outside-of-the-family characters.Tommie was really great. Though I kind of wish he'd married the Indian girl, I'm glad he's happy.I was a bit surprised at how little Ma Graham was in there. I expected her to be more involved.Oh yes, Willie. How could I have forgotten him? I absolutely loved his mischievous little ways. And he liked Missie right from the start. I'm glad he's so sweet and he's so perfect for Missie. They are absolutely adorable together.Wanda was really great and slightly sad. Rett is really a fascinating boy, despite his disability. Mr. Whittle was really nice. I wish he hadn't had to go. The preacher (don't even remember his name) was a bit annoying – way too highfalutin. I can't believe how Grant took up such a tiny place in this book and such a huge part of the movie. Wow.There was also a deep sense of community in this book that was lost on the movie. Out of all of the Love Comes Softly films, I can only remember one part with the actual town that they (the Davises) called their own. And that was when Missie had lunch with Grant, a scene that wasn't even in the book.Hmm. I think I might be starting to like the books better than the movies.
What do You think about Love's Enduring Promise (2003)?
I am not a romance person but I enjoy this series. However, a few things bug me about this book, including about 2/3 of the way through when Oke completely sidesteps the issue with the Graham boy. If a white christian male was going to marry a First Nations female of a different religion in the late 1800s, there would be HUGE controversy. I thought it was unrealistic how "okay" Marty and Ma (mostly Marty though) were with the situation. Even if they weren't racist, all Christians should be concerned about their children being "yoked with unbelievers". Marty just basically said that his emotions about this girl bypassed everything. Also, I though Oke resolved the issue in a poor way (SPOILER) by letting her get sent back to the reserve- the girl's grandfather had been resilient about going to the reserve and it seems like no one else had seen the couple together so it doesn't seem likely that she would actually get sent back to me. I felt like Oke had an opportunity to really get into this serious issue but she chickened out at the end. Also, I felt like the first 3/4 of the book were at a good pace and the last quarter was rushed through. At least 5, if not closer to ten, years were rushed through. I distinctly remember at one point Ellie was a new born and in the next paragraph (with very little indication) she was 3 years old with a new baby brother. It seemed like Oke was tired of the kids being young and sped towards growing them up so she could continue the series with Missy. Overall this book is still nice "brain candy". Also isn't it interesting how when the girls are moving out and getting hitched one imagines Marty to be 45+ but she's really just in her 30s? Crazy!
—Kristal
I didn't think I could read another book in this series after the first one because I cannot stand the writing style. It drives me crazy, but I promised the young girls at my church that I would give it another try. Even though I did like the book but haven't decided yet if I'm going to continue reading them or not. Part of me wishes that I had never watched the movies based on this series, because I love them so much and they are very different from the books. "Loves Long Journey" is my favorite and for the first time ever I'm afraid that the book is actually going to disappoint me.
—Sheila
Wonderful ... again. This one spans quite a few years, so moves very quickly ... but the stories of each time really help you know the family as it grows, along with all the neighbors. More importantly, it shares a life-style that would, in many ways, really be wonderful. They did work awfully hard, though ... makes me very grateful for all that I have.April 2015 ... once again a wonderful story, continuing the family life of Clark and Marty and their children. The good times, and the hardships, the tragedies, and the triumphs ... all the parts that make life truly wonderful. I love these stories. Very simply, easy reading, but delightful messages of faith and family.
—Joy Gerbode
