1790 – Massachusetts
America’s war for freedom from England has been over for seven years, but the wounds of that conflict still plague the minds and hearts of the residents of Deer Run.
Young American veteran Nathaniel Stearns, suffering from the memories of war that haunt him in the night, has withdrawn to a life of isolation. He still awaits his father who never returned from the war—a mystery that haunts him as well.
He is brought out of his self-imposed exile by a near-tragedy in the woods that brings him face-to-face with nineteen-year-old Sarah Thomsen. This chance encounter opens a crack into the door of his heart as mutual affection quickly blooms.
But slander and lies soon mar the budding romance, rendering both Sarah and Nathaniel wounded and untrusting as their faith in both their God and each other is shattered. Set in 1790 and filled with rich detail of the era, The Promise of Deer Run continues the story of the Thomsen family as they struggle to survive in the aftermath of the war that birthed the United States.
“Cooper doesn’t romanticize American history. Readers of historical romance who don’t believe graphic love scenes are essential to a good story will adore Cooper’s work.
A joy to read.” — Kirkus Reviews