Blog & Review Tour: A Promise in Provence by Kyle Hunter

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Promise in Provence by Kyle Hunter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Promise in Provence
Series: Provence
Author: Kyle Hunter
Publisher: Monceau Publishing
Release Date: May 7, 2019
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Lauren is at a turning point. If only she knew where to turn. Her long-term relationship with Mark is fading fast. Instead, she feels drawn to Jean-Pierre, an attractive Frenchman she’d met the previous summer. When she’s laid off from her job as a chef, she decides to go see him in Provence, France.

Mark can’t get Lauren out of his heart, even though it’s been close to a year since she asked him to give her space. When she goes to France, he’s afraid he’ll lose her for good. That is, until he decides to go there, too, as a last-ditch effort to win her back.

At first, Lauren is angry that Mark follows her to France. But a joint desire to help a young refugee boy leads them to work together. Lauren finds herself torn between the two men. Worse, she’s confronted with obstacles in helping the boy and even greater obstacles within herself.

My Review 💜

It has been awhile since I've read a book that has a central focus that is on a journey to self-discovery that has such an authentic feel, but A Promise in Provence gives you this often messy and frustrating journey, amid a picturesque and idyllic backdrop.

For the past year Lauren Abbott has been unsettled, slowing moving into an emotionless state in every aspect of her life, including her job and relationship with her boyfriend, Mark. Mark McCCandless knows deep down that him and Lauren are meant to be together, and will do whatever it takes to keep Lauren in his life, even if that means letting her go. His heart and strength are admirable, but I can't help but feel that he is a doormat, which frustrates me so much because he is such an amazing guy, but he is the one that allows it. I guess that's what love can do to a person.

Lauren was a character that I struggled to connect with. Through the majority of the novel Lauren comes across as completely self-centered, especially when it comes to stringing poor Mark along. keeping him on the hook, pushing her friends away emotionally, and then leaving everything to go to France to "find herself." Yet, the second she gets to France she gets involved with someone else instead of focusing on herself, taking stock, and trying to figure out what put her in her unemotional hole.

I understand that Lauren's character has been through a lot, but her selfishness was grating to me, and I found my feelings for her and her situation going back and forth, like a see-saw, that finally settled on acceptance, as she slowly began to redeem herself in my eyes.

All in all, this novel was a great escape. I loved reading about all the places that both Lauren and Mark visited while they were in France. Oh how I wish I could see these places firsthand but the vivid word pictures were a great substitute, painting dreamy images in my mind.

I enjoyed the overall storyline, and the writing itself, but I do have to admit I was a tad let down by the ending, though it was very sweet. I just felt like there was a pretty good build up and was left wanting more for these characters. Still, it makes me want to go back and read the first book in the series to see where it all began. Maybe if I would've read Prodigals in Provence I would've liked Lauren's character more.

My Rating: ★★★★

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kyle Hunter loves to read and write stories about strong women (and men) who still have flaws, but are ready to pursue their dreams, even if it takes them out of their comfort zone . . . or their country. She writes inspirational romance novels and women’s fiction with a twist: her characters sometimes go places. Take a trip with them and experience their journeys. See how their lives unfold as they make decisions to trust God (or not) in their next steps, learning about themselves and their faith, and finding love along the way! Kyle lives in North Carolina but spent over a decade in France, where some of her characters find themselves.

CONNECT WITH KYLE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card + Love in Provence series 2-in-1 ebook set!

A Promise in Provence JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 12, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 19, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.