Rumors and Promises by Kathleen Rouser

The bad news is that I have gone to so many doctors and therapy appointments with the kids this summer.

The good news is that my summer reading stack is slowly dwindling down!  I've gotten a lot of books read so I'm really hoping to sit down and catch up on some much needed reviewing.

I was so super stoked to start reading Rumors and Promises.  From the back: 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 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?

Sophie was on the run with her daughter, Caira.  Having a child out of wedlock forces her to assume the role of big sister to her daughter to preserve her child's reputation.  Sophie is running from it all. She hopes to start fresh in Stone Creek.  

Reverend Ian is also starting over after a tragic mistake.  When the two meet there is an instant connection but both resist because they can't let go of the pasts that haunt them.  Along the way we meet some wonderful secondary characters in the book.  Esther, the owner of the boardinghouse where Sophie works, brought a smile to my face often.  There were also a few characters ( Gertrude) that I would have happily thrown my shoe at.  

Can Sophie and Ian let go of their pasts and let God heal and restore them?  Will rumors and busybodies who need shoes thrown at them prevail?  Pick up a copy of Rumors and Promises and find out!  I thoroughly enjoyed this book!  I did receive a copy in exchange for a review, but I also ended up purchasing two for some book loving friends of mine.  So pick up your copy as well and enjoy a great read!  Happy Reading!