Author Shelley Shepard Gray has written a faith-based story that places her Amish characters in unusual circumstances even as they stay true to the beliefs that are the foundation of their Amish faith. Grace's job as a pet sitter isn't the norm for a nineteen year old Amish woman and John Michael is employed as a Hart County fireman. There are other interesting characters such as Jennifer and Dorma but the one that almost steals the book is an adorable but cantankerous little dachshund named Snooze that Grace is in charge of. He puts Grace in several unpredictable situations and he provides readers with many laughs!

I enjoyed "His Promise: An Amish Christmas in Hart County" and I recommend it to anyone who likes Christmas stories mixed with Christian romance and Amish fiction. I believe that readers of the previous books in this series will especially like that Gray briefly mentions some of those prior storylines as she concludes The Amish of Hart County series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher but a favorable review was not required. ( )

His Promise is a part of The Amish of Hart County series, but it can be read alone. I thought His Promise was well-written with steady pacing. Grace is a kind yet naïve woman who has a pet sitting service. She is the quietest member of her family and, while she loves her family, she needs some time alone now and then. Grace’s generosity comes pouring out of the pages as she goes out of her way to help someone in need. John Michael felt he at home with the King family, but he felt he needed to stay away after he broke things off with Beth. John Michael now realizes that he handled the breakup of his relationship with Beth incorrectly (he was too abrupt). John Michael is a firefighter which is a dangerous and unusual professional for someone who is Amish. Some of the Christian themes prevalent in His Promise are honoring God, prayer, have faith, helping others and all things are possible with God. The Christian elements are woven into the story seamlessly. His Promise has a lovely ending that readers will appreciate. I did not understand why John Michael nor Grace ever spoke with their parents, a deacon, or the Bishop when someone in their community needed assistance. I like that they were helping the individual, but it was not a long term solution. Part of the Amish culture is the sense of community so this seemed out of place. I am giving His Promise 4 out of 5 stars. There are recipes at the end of the book along with discussion questions. His Promise contains romance, suspense, mystery, faith, family, generosity, a cute dog, and the spirit of Christmas. ( )

Grace is a pet sitter, working over the Christmas season. Staying in the home of Englishers and taking care of their dog is a lonely job, with her friends and family off visiting others out of town. She takes the dog for a walk across the fields, and he promptly runs away. Help arrives in the form of her sister’s former boyfriend, the one whom Grace secretly liked. She had hardly seen him during the three years since the breakup, but it doesn’t take long before she - and John, now a fireman - realize they both have feelings for each other. There are complications due to his past relationship, and dealing with the reactions of her family won’t be easy. Adding to the stress is a series of arson fires and robberies. The author does a good job of setting up obstacles and resolving the difficulties. Though entertaining, it is also a thoughtful tale. ( )

I've enjoyed this series and was glad it included a Christmas story. The characters are well developed and beloved, even the dog. ( )

I loved how the characters here had compassion for those less fortunate in their community, and how the two main individuals come to basically the same conclusion at the same time from different places.
How can a couple have a romance when the girl’s family really dislikes the fellow? Answers are about to come and maybe they are right about him, but you will need to find out for yourself.
We also get to spend some time with a cute, maybe, little pup.
Throughout the challenges that seem to be happening, fires, robberies etc. we get to find out what is really important, and it is not the Christmas tree with the dog bones!
This is a quick read, and I loved being back in Hart County and with the people that I have a fondness for.

I received this book through Edelweiss and the Publisher HarperCollins, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )