Historical Fiction, Review

Last Promise by Scarlett Dunn

Last Promise by Scarlett Dunn - Faithfully Bookish reviewFor British heiress Mary Ann Hardwicke, the Wild West is the perfect place to make her own life and escape the stifling privilege of an arranged marriage. Hard at work proving her independence, it’s little wonder she has no time for handsome cowboy Luke McBride. No matter that he somehow understands the freedom she so badly needs—how could she trust such a wild spirit, much less find a way to love him?

Like the broncs he busts, Luke doesn’t see himself settling down in one place, let alone with one woman. So at first, Mary Ann is just an intriguing challenge. But her determination and bravery are sparking a longing to prove he can be the truly good man she deserves. Now as their enemies work to separate them, they will take a dangerous gamble on faith to claim an enduring love.

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My Thoughts

Scarlett Dunn is a new author to me. The cover drew me in and I was intrigued by the story teaser. Mary Ann Hardwicke is a brave lady for traveling so far to protect herself. I loved the way she dove into hard work for the first time in her life, Wyoming was a giant leap from her luxurious life in England.

Luke McBride certainly likes the ladies yet he’s opposed to following the trend his brothers have set, marriage. So, here’s the issue that kept me from really enjoying this story, Luke’s habits regarding the second floor of the saloon are overwhelmingly justified within the book since he isn’t married and the women who work there need to earn a living.

While I understand that this attitude was likely the norm during this time period, I expected the book to mention redemption or repentance because of its classification as a Christian title. Luke did not seem repentant, he only apologizes to one woman he had dated and doesn’t say anything about regretting his visits to the working women.

Last Promise had an exciting storyline with mystery, romance, and complex characters but that one glaring issue really held the book back in my opinion. If you are just looking for a clean romance, this story is good but it falls short for me in the Christian genre.

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Scarlett DunnScarlett Dunn lives in Kentucky surrounded by all manner of wildlife, and enjoys long “God walks” where most inspiration strikes. Possessing an adventurous spirit, and a love of history, particularly the pioneers of the West, she has a special place in her heart for all cowboys, past and present.

Connect with Scarlett
Website | Facebook | Goodreads


Do you hold characters in Christian fiction to a higher standard than other genres?

8 thoughts on “Last Promise by Scarlett Dunn”

  1. I had the same thoughts about the first book in this series… it fell short of what I would classify as “Christian” and that’s one of the reasons.

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    1. Seems like Christian and inspirational are used interchangeability sometimes and shouldn’t be. Different expectations apply.

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  2. Wow, thanks for the heads up! I love a good redemption story, but repentence is one of the biggest parts of being Christian, and I agree with your assessment about Luke being a less than stellar example of true conversion.

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    1. Thanks for commenting, Karen! I honestly felt uncomfortable through most of the book but just kept hoping for that redemptive moment. I guess you can’t win them all.

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  3. I do hold the characters to a higher standard. I know that we are all human and even our most favorite characters make mistakes. But I agree, I would think repentance and redemption should have played a significant role. Thank you for your honesty, your review was very well written. I know that this probably won’t fit my taste.

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    1. Thank you, Rachel. I agree characters shouldn’t be perfect, no one is. Christians just strive to live by the Good Book. Sin is sin and I don’t like to see it sugar coated or brushed off as inconsequential.

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