The Vow

Baker’s creativity shows as she develops her characters giving us a better view into their lives. I was stressed more reading this second book in the series, but it was because I was becoming more invested in the characters. Eager to read #3 The Ranch!!

I love how amazing the kids are! Such great personalities. This makes me want to be a better mom. It reminds me that you can make a better life for yourself and family if you work hard. And those romances! Can’t get better than a cowboy declaring his love, saving your life, and always taking care of the things too hard to do by yourself. Even with all the friend drama, and sticky legal situations it’s still a dreamy book!

I loved this book! I am really drawn to books that are told from various characters’ perspectives and enjoyed the addition of Donna as a main character and narrator in this book. Baker does an amazing job making you feel empathetic to characters who may be perceived as the “villain.” I’m excited to see what happens next with all of the lovable characters in this series.

Ok, don’t get me wrong. The book is good and I’m very glad to have read it. But it does fall a bit into Second Book Syndrome. We do add a new main character, which adds a new layer of problems and personalities. Relationships move along some. Some problems are resolved. But I definitely didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first. I think my biggest disappointment is in Abigail’s big conflict—the reasoning behind the promise she made really falls flat to me and stubbornly clinging to it without discussing it with the person she needs to discuss it with seems a little ridiculous for such a practical thinker. I did like the addition of the new main character, Donna, and the development of both her and Amanda. Amanda Saddler’s role in this one is great! I loved learning more about her. The book has definitely set me up to want to read more and see where these characters end up. Can’t wait for book three!

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters more. Like Amanda I wish I was more like Abigail, gets my children to follow directions and listen easily, is able to get them to do chores without whining, keeps and clean house, gets work done in a reasonable amount of time, even gets a workout in. But alas I think I’m more of an Amanda. I liked the growth we see in Amanda in this book. She’s not as self centered and we see her really caring about those around her. The addition of Donna was good and definitely not how I expected things to go by the end of this book. I look forward to the next!

Abigail and Amanda never saw themselves running a ranch, far from their busy city lives. And they never saw themselves living and working together as they raised their children. But after a rocky start they’re starting to get the hang of it…and even to consider the possibility of finding love again. Things are looking up until they meet Donna. Suddenly their future hangs in the balance: the months they’ve spent, the trials they’ve gone through, and the old lives they left might all be in vain if they lose the ranch. With the stress and the betrayal, it’s harder than ever to open their hearts, but maybe that’s just what they need as they face adversity. I loved seeing the continued character development, especially for Amanda. She has already grown so much from the woman we first met in The Bequest: she is learning to care about others, to take control of her own life, and to work hard. But this book really kicked it up a notch, delving into the question of identity. Does she make herself into a copy of Abigail, the woman who seems to have it all together, or can she find her own strengths and be her own person? I also love Ms. Baker’s unique talent of taking a seeming villain and reminding us that life isn’t black and white: people rarely hurt others just to be cruel. It’s often out of desperation to protect themselves or those they love. And redemption is never impossible. So if you’re looking for a book with feisty heroines with grit, tons of action and twists (with the perfect blend of humor), and swoon-worthy guys who don’t give up when love is hard, The Vow is for you!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! In life, we make many vows and promises, but don’t always keep them. Find out what vows and promises were made and whether they will be kept in this continuation of Abigail and Amanda’s stories. You don’t want to miss out on this story!

I loved returning to Birch Creek Ranch! Abigail and Amanda are such great characters, and it’s lovely to see them grow and blossom in their own ways. This story was packed with so much great stuff, but it also flew by (I read it in less than a day). Now I’m on the edge of my seat for the next one!