A Promise for Spring is a beautiful offering from Kim Vogel Sawyer. Set in the author’s home state of Kansas, I was swept back to 1874 from the first page.

A Promise for Spring By Kim Vogel Sawyer England-born Emmaline Bradford pledged her life to Geoffrey Garrett and then bid him farewell when he sailed to America. Although Geoffrey anticipated only a short separation, several years passed before he was able to send for Emmaline. By then the fiery flame of her youthful love had all but died. Shocked by the conditions on Geoffrey’s Kansas sheep ranch, Emmaline wishes to return to England immediately. Geoffrey offers a compromise: If Emmaline promises to stay until spring, he’ll pay her return fare if she decides to go back to her home country. When spring arrives, will Emmaline return to England, or will she marry Geoffrey and carve out a life with him in Kansas?

This book has the sweet touch of romance that I’ve come to expect from Kim’s historicals. I longed for Emmaline and Geoffrey to resolve their differences, but it wasn’t a done deal. Instead, there were many times I wondered if it would be possible. Emmaline is completely out of her element – unable to even cook a simple meal, while Geoffrey struggles to understand her reluctance to embrace him.

The supporting characters play key roles, adding to the Emmaline’s and Geoffrey’s challenges. Then there’s the setting and nature. Think plague proportions. Everything seems stacked against them as they try to rediscover their love. If you love historical romance, this book will not disappoint. Instead, it will remind you why you love this genre and books by this talented author.