The Promise. Robyn Carr

The Promise
Robyn Carr
Published: Harlequin Mira
Date: 24th June 2014
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 363
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Scott Grant has a bustling family practice in the small Oregon community of Thunder Point. The town and its people have embraced the widowed doctor and father of two, his children are thriving, and Scott knows it's time to move on from his loss. But as the town's only doctor, the dating scene is awkward. That is, until a stunning physician's assistant applies for a job at his clinic.

Peyton Lacoumette considers herself entirely out of the dating scene. She's already been burned by a man with kids, and she's come to Thunder Point determined not to repeat past mistakes. When Scott offers her a job, at a much lower salary than she's used to, Peyton is surprisingly eager to accept…at least for now. She's willing to stay for a three-month trial period while she explores other options.

Scott and Peyton know the arrangement is temporary—it isn't enough time to build a real relationship, never mind anything with lasting commitment. But love can blossom faster than you think when the timing is right, and this short visit just might hold the promise of forever.

The Promise is #5 in the Thunder Point series by Robyn Carr.  This is Scott's story, he has been in the small community for awhile now, and his ability to untiringly provide medical support to his community is top notch.  Now into the mix just by chance Peyton, a physician's assistant decides to spend three months in the practice as she is between jobs and just needs to regroup.

Peyton is well qualified, hardworking and responsible.  She comes from a family with Basque connections.  She has just come from a broken relationship and has also lost her job.  Ted Ramsdale a cardiologist has really used Peyton, and with a sad heart she has decided it is time to move on. I particularly liked the eventual confrontation between these two where Peyton gives out a few home truths. Ted and his children have used and abused her.  Consequently Peyton is not looking for a relationship, especially someone who is a widower with children. It certainly activates her fears.

Soon Peyton finds herself welcomed and incorporated into the friendly, family-like community of Thunder Point.  It also gives the reader the opportunity to catch up with other favorite characters.  Updates for Sarah  and Cooper especially and a little of Al and his charges, Rawley and Carrie as well. Devon forms a good bond with Peyton as they work together.  I enjoyed the little snippets of Rawley and how his story is developing. He is one of my very favorite characters in this series.

The first part of the book sets up a developing relationship between Scott and Peyton.  The second half of the book provides the conflict, when Ted reappears into Peyton's life.  There are choices she must make. Confronted by the suave, good looking, rich Ted, Scott is thrown off kilter.  He begins to doubt himself and loses faith in the values and self that he offers to Peyton and to the world.  Peyton and Scott have so much in common, yet will their insecurities and fears rob them of the early possibility of the promise of a life long relationship. 

There was much to relish in this book. I especially liked Peyton's Basque family, they were like a microcosm of the Thunder Point community.  Her parents have a strong relationship and fantastic family values and a strong work ethic.  While this book is essentially a romance, it is more as well. Again Robyn Carr has the reader exploring issues through the lives and situations of the characters.