Imperfect Promise
Set on the frontier during turbulent times, this story carries its gritty and prideful characters through tragedy and mistakes, as they fulfill an imperfect promise
Former gunfighter Cortland Enders is about to go to prison when the woman he works for invents a scheme to save him. Sienna Harris, widowed owner of the Circle H, makes a deal with the judge-Cort will serve his three-year sentence running the ranch, bound to it as her new husband. The marriage is in name only, enabling Sienna to leave the ranch to Cort after she dies of the cancer that’s consuming her. Getting Cort to accept the deal proves more difficult. Some years back, Sienna’s first husband, Wade, gave the young gunslinger a place at the Circle H to soothe his tormented soul. Cort owes Wade Harris a debt and agrees only after Sienna plays on his loyalty to them both. Lark Garrin is on the run from a vicious outlaw, Will Cardin. Needing a place to hide, she ends up in Ogallala, at a “ribbon dance” for women seeking husbands. Cort is dispatched to this dance at Sienna’s request. He isn’t looking for a wife but needs to find his wife a companion. Tempers flare when Lark discovers Cort is already married, until Sienna explains her duties. Accepting Cort’s protection is Lark’s salvation, until Cardin gets close and she flees again. Overcoming impossible odds, Cort uses his skills as a tracker and gunfighter to find her and set her free.
DETAILS
HARDCOVER
Publisher : Five Star (November 17, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 305 pages
ISBN-10 : 1432879448
ISBN-13 : 978-1432879440
Item Weight : 14.4 ounces
Dimensions : 5.7 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
"We all want to escape into a great book. And, while taking you on a fictional journey, Ms. Lane provides enough back story with twists and turns to keep the plot moving forward and readers eagerly turning pages. I won’t give the story away, but I highly recommend cozying up by the fire on a cool winter night to read Susanna Lane’s Imperfect Promise. You won’t be disappointed."
"Lane's style of writing is easy to follow with clear, crisp sentences and realistic dialogue. The highs and lows of emotion displayed by the characters keep the reader engaged in the storyline. I particularly liked that the female characters portrayed were strong, shrewd, fierce, and smart. Since I found myself so engrossed in the story it was easy to finish the book in one afternoon. My interest was piqued needing to know how the story ended. Fans of “Imperfect Promise” will rejoice to know it's the first book in a series of three. Lark and Cort's story continues but may take a backseat with the introduction of new characters."
"This book is like a switchback river. It starts in one direction, then switches to another. The characters are complex, likeable, and full of grit. If you love historical romance with lots of conflict, this book is worth the journey."
"Imperfect Promise is an exciting, rousing adult western that breathes life into the ways and landscapes of the west."
As soon as I started this book, I knew that I wasn't going to want to put it down. I was hooked and devoured this book in an afternoon. I had to know how everything would play out with Lark and Cort. I enjoyed the characters very much, and the plot is very engaging and entertaining. Very good story."
Susanna Lane is the recipient of the prestigious WILLA Literary Award 2026 for Historical Romance, the 2022 Western Writers of America Spur Award, and the Silver Medal at the 2022 Will Rogers Medallion Awards.
