When fellow readers highly recommend an author, a book or a series to you, you know you’ll need to follow through with it.  I’m glad to say, “Yes, finally! I can say I’ve delved into the world of Courage to Dream series by Susan Anne Mason.”  And now, not only that, after reading Love’s Faithful Promise, it’s imperative that I head backwards and dig into Irish Meadows and A Worthy Heart, books 1 & 2 respectively of the Courage to Dream series.

Love’s Faithful Promise was everything I expected and much more.  From the get go, every book in this series have been added to my TBR list, but I just never had the chance to get a copy and read it.  The covers alone mesmerized me. And when I had the opportunity to review Love’s Faithful Promise (thank you, Bethany House), I had to jump at the chance. In honestly, I loved this cover the moment I saw it at this year’s Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR). I had the pleasure of meeting sweet Susan, and it made me even more anxious to get this series. 

OK, back to the book. Love’s Faithful Promise had it all. Characters that you’ll fall in love with, ones you’ll root for and the ones that just claims your heart even if they’re a minor character only.   Deirdre, Kathleen, Phoebe, Connor, Jo, Sean and of course Matthew all played a wonderful role in Love’s Faithful Promise that I couldn’t help but be excited for.  Tenacious and vivacious Deidre (Dee) and the reserved and serious Matthew made a compelling pair. From the beginning, I was onto their romantic story. How will two very career-oriented individuals living in different countries come to terms about their feelings? Then we had the bonus story of Connor and Jo! Connor, headstrong with a good heart, and Jo, quiet and loyal, their encounters to their beginning, will not be disappointing.

The O’Learys have surely rise to one of my favorite fictional families, up there with the O’Connors from Julie Lessman, the Porters from Becky Wade, the Binders from Cynthia Ruchti and the Staffords from Ruth Logan Herne.  The funny thing is? I’ve only read one book of the series, as of now. (That will surely change.)

Characters aside, the plot and pacing of Love’s Faithful Promise was spot on. The writing was engaging and entertaining.  The romance was realistic and o-so yummy, with its angst and sweet moments. Dee & Matthew’s first kiss, first hug, and first hand-holding does something in your heart – be it beat faster, stopped for a second there or just warm and fuzzy, it will get a reaction.  The message hits home. Go, reward yourself with Susan’s writings, especially with Love’s Faithful Promise. Feel free to gush all over it with me.