Loved this book. Historical dramas are interesting. American pioneers were either nuts or very brave. Moving to a hostile environment, and making a life for themselves.

Wes and Charlotte met in unfortunate circumstances. But decided to marry and make a life for themselves.

Great story. Well written. Easy to read.

Loved it

Enjoy!

Title: Forever’s Promise
Author: Missouri Vaun
Summary: Wesley Holden migrated west with her brother, Clyde, to build a life neither of them could hope for back East. To share the homestead claim, Wesley had to disguise herself as a man. As brothers, Wesley and Clyde began to carve a new home out of the Kansas frontier. When Clyde is unexpectedly killed, Wes is left alone with the farm, determined to carry on, but more isolated as the days pass.
Romanced and abandoned, Charlotte Rose embarks on a journey west in search of a better life. But the trip is cut short by disaster. Even worse, Charlotte can’t return home because she discovers after arriving in Kansas that she’s pregnant. Her only hope is to find a frontier husband. Desperate and out of options, Charlotte is resolved to win Wes’s heart.
Allowing Charlotte to get too close is dangerous. If Wes marries, she’ll have to reveal her secret and risk everything for a woman who might never really love her, but resisting Charlotte is easier said than done.
Copy provided by @netgalley in exchange for honest review.
Likes: Historical lesbian fiction is always a win for me and I was impressed by the way the author was able to create tension between the main characters and drive the plot. Not a lot of spice but I’ll definitely recommend this as your next read.
Dislikes: The ending felt rushed after the slow burn between the two main characters. I’ve read similar story lines before so there won’t be a ton of surprises for some readers.

Forever's Promise is a good choice for readers who enjoy westerns, or historical fiction.
It's a nice light read, perfect for just before bed, or when you don't have the energy for something more complicated.

I particularly enjoyed watching Charlotte and Wes come to understand and then care for each other, and finally come together as a team.

This book was just what I needed!

Thanks to the author for providing me with some Western escapism, and BSB & Netgalley for the ARC.

Wes and Charlotte's super low stakes love story was a general delight. I read this historical sapphic tale in one slow afternoon and you should too.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books, Inc. and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

Forever’s Promise by Missouri Vaun

Intriguing, interesting, and informative look at two women who find one another and create a partnership in what I have found online to be a marriage with a “female husband”.

What I liked:
* Wesley “Wes” Holden: grew up in Tennessee hills, orphaned young, sister to Clyde, never interested in marrying and staying in Tennessee – wanted more
* Clyde Holden: quiet, supportive of Wes, taught his sisters skills she needed, taken advantage of and made a laughingstock, died too young
* Charlotte Rose: hard worker, lost her mother at 16, on her own working hard for at least three years, taken in by a conman, travels west wanting more
* Ben and Maddie: nearest neighbors to the Holden homestead, helpful, goodhearted, could be a support in the future
* The discussion of male-female roles and expectations in this era and how some people did not fit into those expectations easily
* The development of the relationship between Wes and Charlotte
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That I cared for the two women and hoped they would find solutions to move forward

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how difficult it would have been to be either Charlotte or Wes and making the decisions that they did

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and BoldStrokesBooks for the arc – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

In "Forever's Promise," Missouri Vaun weaves a mesmerizing and emotionally charged romance that unfolds against the rugged backdrop of the Kansas frontier. With skillful prose, Vaun takes readers on a journey through love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of two women who defy societal norms to build a life of their own.

Wesley Holden's journey west with her brother, Clyde, is one of survival and determination. Disguising herself as a man to share a homestead claim, Wes embarks on carving a new life on the wild frontier. However, tragedy strikes when Clyde is unexpectedly killed, leaving Wes to carry on alone, haunted by grief and isolation.

Enter Charlotte Rose, a woman seeking escape from her past, who sets her sights on the rugged terrain of the west to forge a better life. Unexpectedly finding herself pregnant, Charlotte's hopes are dimmed, and she resolves to find a frontier husband as her only chance of survival. But destiny has a different plan as she sets her heart on Wes, a woman with her own secret to keep.

Vaun's richly drawn characters come alive, exuding authenticity and vulnerability that tugs at the heartstrings. Wes's struggles with her identity and the dangers of allowing herself to be vulnerable make her a complex and captivating protagonist. And Charlotte's tenacity in pursuing Wes, despite the risks, reveals her strength and unwavering determination.

The romance that unfolds between Wes and Charlotte is a slow-burning fire, fanned by the winds of uncertainty and societal expectations. Their chemistry sizzles off the pages, and readers will find themselves rooting for their love to triumph against all odds.

"Forever's Promise" is a novel that goes beyond the confines of genre. Vaun's storytelling transcends the traditional romance, blending elements of historical fiction with heartfelt emotion. The richly depicted landscapes of the Kansas frontier mirror the emotional terrain of the characters, making the setting an integral part of the narrative.

As the story unfolds, readers are enveloped in a world where love is a risk worth taking, and the pursuit of happiness defies societal norms. Vaun's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from heartache to hope, ensures an unforgettable reading experience.

"Forever's Promise" is a captivating and evocative romance that leaves a mark on the reader's heart. Missouri Vaun's storytelling brilliance shines through as she crafts a tale of love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of frontier dreams. This is a book to be savored and cherished, to the transformative power of love against all odds.

"A breathtaking emotional journey that will stay with you long after you turn the final page."

"A spellbinding fusion of romance and historical fiction, beautifully crafted by an exceptional storyteller."

"Vaun's characters leap off the page with authenticity, making 'Forever's Promise' an unforgettable reading experience."

"An exquisitely written slow-burn romance that will steal your heart."

"An evocative and powerful tale of resilience, love, and self-discovery."

"Missouri Vaun's skillful blend of genres creates a novel that defies expectations and captures the soul."

"A gripping frontier love story that will transport you to another time and place."

"A beautifully depicted setting that becomes a character in itself, enhancing the emotional impact."

"A diverse and inclusive romance that celebrates love in all its forms."

"A thought-provoking narrative that will ignite meaningful conversations in book clubs everywhere."

"Prepare to be immersed in a world of passion, heartache, and unforgettable characters."

"An exploration of love's transformative power, masterfully penned with poignant prose."

"A novel that touches the heart and showcases the strength of the human spirit."

"Vaun's latest work is a shining example of romance at its finest."

"A captivating and beautifully executed romance that will leave you breathless."

"An exquisite portrayal of the journey to finding oneself and a soulmate."

"A poignant and timeless love story that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds."

"A must-read for fans of both romance and historical fiction genres."

"A tender and gripping romance that defies conventions and warms the soul."

"In 'Forever's Promise,' Missouri Vaun has crafted a literary gem that transcends genres and leaves a mark on the heart."

Two women thrown together by chance, bonding over not living the lives most women of the era do. Wes and Charlotte meet when Charlotte stumbles up on Wes's cabin in the middle of no where after her stage coach is attacked. There is tension as Wes is masquerading as a man to be able to have her freedom, but she comes to trust Charlotte enough to reveal the truth. This leads to them growing closer, and Charlotte coming up with the idea that they should marry, helping both of them.
This is a low stakes book and easy read. Seeing both women from vastly different walks of life, come together and find common ground on wanting to carve out a life for themselves in the frontier, and slowly fall in love made this a sweet read.

Sweet story about two women building a life on the frontier. Minimal angst, which makes the story almost too easy to really be a romance, but I appreciated the small trials the women went through as their relationship grew. This story happens in a time when women really have no rights, so to be able to live as a couple was really an anomaly. I like most historical romances and this one didn't disappoint. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author.

I am Not usually a historical novel reader so when this popped up on the NetGalley site I was a tad hesitant to read it, however the blurb sounded interesting. I had read a Missouri Vaun book only once before and enjoyed it so I took a punt and chose it.

Well I throughly enjoyed this slow burn love story between Wes, a woman in the Wild West who has to dress/live as a man to carve a life on the land in harsh conditions with her brother. But when Wes faces one of the biggest challenges in her life she finds Charlotte taking shelter in her home after she survived a stage coach robbery.

Both women are alone in the world and find together they may just be able to survive and flourish in a male dominated world.

Wes is so different from any “man” Charlotte has encountered and she finds herself attracted to him. Wes feels like someone just turned the sun back on in her gloomy world the moment she encountered Charlotte. Beautifully written characters, one really gets a sense of how life was back in the frontier days. I loved these women and will seek out More from this author.

Back in the day going west was what everybody did, if you wanted a chance to have your own land you knew when you got to your destination you had your work cut out for you. Nothing to work with but some minor tools, shovels, if you were lucky you might have a rifle, etc. Wesley Holden had made the journey with her brother Clyde but while traveling they decided Wesley would be safer presenting herself as a man. After a year of hard work Clyde has an accident, leaving Wes on her own.
Charlotte Rose didn’t have that great a start and when her mother died she found herself working as a chambermaid. It’s while she’s working she made a big mistake when a man told her a whole lot of lies, leaving her with only a ticket. She wanted to travel to California but now she’d be traveling by herself. While riding in a stagecoach they were attacked, everyone was killed but Charlotte survived, barely.
On foot she makes her way to Wes’s farm, will he help her. Now pregnant she only hoped Wes would allow her to stay.
Ms Missouri has done a wonderful job bringing the west alive with the open spaces and the people who settled there. Great characters, interesting plot makes for a very entertaining read.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this enlightening book

wesley and brother clyde had emigrated west to find a new life for themselves, they claimed a farm and built a small house on their holding ... life was good if hard

then one day clyde went out hunting and never came back.... wes found him the next day dead...

charlotte rose had been left high and dry so now she found herself with only a couple of options.... left with a coach ticket for out west or stay where she was and that wasnt really an option

charlotte and wes are about to meet ...they both have secrets but will they be able to trust each other with them....

an interesting read... that kept me reading right till the end...with some decent characters ..who doesnt like a western thats a bit like little house on the prairie

Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a arc via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

This is a romance set in the mid 1800’s between two female characters Wes Holden and Charlotte Rose. Wes come to Kansas to establish a farm with her brother and takes on the role of male because this how she feels most comfortable.When Clyde dies in an accident, Wes is left alone continued to farm their land,
Charlotte has been abandoned by a man with whom she thought she had a future. she is also pregnant and decides to head out West to find a better life. However, unplanned events find her coming across Wes’s farmhouse.

What follows is a slow burn romance with very likable characters, I say it was a bit of short book how ever I recommend to these who love a good old fashioned romance set in the mid 1800s.

This is a story about Wesley Holden, pretending to be a man in the Kansas prairie in the 1800s. Charlotte Rose is maid in a hotel in St Louis who’s been jilted by a-man who runs off and leaves her with stagecoach ticket west. Charlotte discovers she’s pregnant at the same time she accidentally stumble s on Wes’s farmstead.

This was a slow burn western romance with likable characters and very little angst. Also a very short book almost a novella.

I’ve enjoyed Vaun’s writing and will read another book of hers in the future.

ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

This slow burn period piece is well written. The characters were great. Ms., Vaun did an excellent job with the scenery. I enjoyed the journey with this nice summer read. I recommend, 4 stars.

Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is a romance set in the mid 1800’s. As with most of Ms. Vaun’s books, she does a very good job of describing the environment in which she sets her story. It is obvious that she has done her research prior to writing this book.

The two main characters are Wes Holden and Charlotte Rose. Wes has come to Kansas to establish a farm with her brother. Because she has always felt like a man, Wes takes on the attributes of being a male.

Charlotte has been abandoned by a man with whom she thought she had a future. In addition, she is pregnant and decides to head out West to find a better life. However, unplanned events find her hurt and alone until she comes across Wes’s farmhouse.

The author does a great job of developing the characters and readers will cheer them on. There was not much drama in the story. Instead, it was just a story of how two women overcome their fears and move into a relationship. This was fine with me, but my only complaint is that the story could have been longer. It felt like it ended too soon.

I recommend this book for a good summer read. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The „Old West“ and a f/f relationship
I really liked that Missouri Vaun explored how women fared in the „Old West“: not many options were open for women at that time. Either married and mother or a woman of disrepute to survive or in a few cases disguising as a man and living a solitary life.
The story which Vaun unfolds is likely, well researched and shows the dangers and joys of living at the (then) new frontier of expansion in Kansas. People were poor, had to survive on their own, good neighbours were a boon but usually far away, any injury could be life-threatening.
And there are the joys of self-reliance, of building your future with your own hands, of having the wide skies above you and be free. I loved how both the dangers and joys come across this novel. Vaun paints a very vivid picture of daily life in the era of homesteading in the 1850s. This period piece was well done (not counting one anachronism which is easy to overlook in a time where everyone has a watch and time-keeping is no issue at all).
The romance is understandably a slow burn until secrets are revealed and overcome. The plot itself could have had a bit more depth and substance.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.

Sweet story about two women building a life on the frontier. Minimal angst, which makes the story almost too easy to really be a romance, but I appreciated the small trials the women went through as their relationship grew.

Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley!

I am learning to enjoy historical fiction. There was a time not long ago when I would look past stories about moving west and acquiring land. Now I find as long as I select the "right" author, and Missouri Vaun is that author, I am full steam ahead. What really captivates me with her writing is her ability to describe the setting and showcase the characters. Clyde and Wes Holden decide to migrate west looking for a sense of place and independence. Unfortunately, Clyde dies and Wes is left to continue their dream, alone until Charlotte Rose enters her life. Charlotte, pregnant and to some extent heart broken is determined to make a life with Wes. I enjoyed how the story is told as the two of them work together to make a life on the homestead. Sweet story with an emotional pull.

As someone who loves historical romances, and has read quite a lot of them already, I must admit it was not the best of the bunch.
I liked the characters and their development but it felt shallow from time to time. I enjoyed the storyline and all, just sometimes the writing felt a little easy.

If you haven't read many historical fiction, in this time period I'm sure you'll enjoy it quite a lot, for more experienced readers, this might seem a little too simple.

Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a arc via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

A historical fiction which isn't always my cup of tea, but Vaun usually always delivers both in description and writing from back then which I find interesting and engaging. This was somewhat missed the mark though. I felt like it could have been developed more.

Wes dressed as a man in order to get property with his brother as she thought it was the only way, but tragedy happens and she believed she'll be all alone until Charlotte shows up, scared and alone. Not to mention pregnant.

Wes gives her a place to stay and they grow closer and closer until Wes's secret is revealed.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend, but not my favorite of Vauns books.