There’s a new book in Sheri Smith Shonk’s winsome Houses of Hope series!
A Promise to Keep
Brenna Ellsworth is going home to Laurel, Missouri with her toddler son Wyatt and precious little else. When life throws yet another curve ball at her, it is almost too much to bear. On the verge of collapse, God sends help in the form of Jamie Walton, firefighter-paramedic and baby wrangler who extends a hand and more until she can once again stand on her own.
With the group of James family and friends we have grown to love in the small towns of Laurel and Owens Valley, Missouri, Brenna learns that God was with her always, even when she didn’t know Him. She learns that men who dance in the kitchen, put out fires and rescue llamas named Bunny just might show her what God’s true rescue means. Enjoy this fifth book in the Houses of Hope series. Small-town Christian romance with flawed characters who meet the love, grace and redemption of Jesus and find hope and love in a sometimes dark and lonely world.
My thoughts: Sheri Smith Shonk has woven such a compelling cast of friends, many of whom have had challenging pasts. In this one there’s a house to restore, hearts to mend, generous young folks who do life together and are sincere about their faith, news about new babies, restoration, and reconciliation. Oh yes, A Promise to Keep is also a winsome love story.
The Author
Sheri Smith Shonk is a vivid storyteller. Her novels awaken the senses as the setting, the smell of bread baking, the sound of music and laughter permeate the pages of her writing. Raised in Northern California, she now resides in small-town Iowa with her husband and youngest two of her ten children. She loves spending time with her family, snuggling with her spoiled cats and oversized dog and learning new things. She enjoys good music, particularly contemporary Christian or jazz and often listens while writing.
“My desire is to write stories of real, flawed characters that experience the grace and restoration of God in a very real way, giving hope and light in a sometimes very dark world.”
Sheri earned a Bachelors of Writing with fiction concentration at Southern New Hampshire University and as a life-long learner will continue to learn all that she can about her craft so that she provides her readers with the best possible stories of hope and healing.
Please have a look at Sheri’s other books.
It is so great that you help support the works of Iowa authors, Joy.
I’ve even met Sheri! She taught a self-publishing workshop at the last conference I was able to attend.
Do you happen to follow ‘almost iowa’?
https://almostiowa.com/2025/01/23/snob-chips/
Yes, isn’t he a character!
Indeed!!
The book sounds like a winner!
The book appears to be really good, as does the series. It’s nice of you to bring it to my attention, Joy.
Sheri taught a self-publication workshop at the last conference I went to, so I’ve met her!
Great!
Great review!!!
Thank you, Linda!
Thanks for introducing us to Sheri and her wonderful book, Joy!
Glad to, Lauren. I met Sheri at the last conference I attended. She taught a workshop on self-publishing.
How wonderful, Joy! I’m attending the San Francisco Writers Conf. next month, and I will definitely be sitting in on the self-publishing workshops. I can’t wait!
Terrific, Lauren! I’m disabled and can no longer attend, but I soaked up so much when I got to go!
Shonk’s book/series sound like they are wholesome and enjoyable to read. Thank you for introducing your readers to her, Joy. 🙂
Thank you, Nancy.