Review - - A Promise of Forever

A Promise of Forever

by Sheryl Lister

Firefly Lake - Book 3

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 19, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Terri Rhodes loves her husband—when he’s actually present. Their whirlwind marriage was a steamy fairy tale for about a year. They moved to Firefly Lake, made amazing friends . . . but over time, Jon’s legal practice and Terri’s work as an ER nurse have turned them into ships passing in the night. What she wouldn’t give to connect with Jon the way they used to before the long hours and unexpected tragedy broke both their hearts.

Jon can’t stand to see his beautiful wife in pain—or talk about his own. He couldn’t admit there was a problem until Terri got his attention in the worst way: by walking out. Jon will do anything to get her back, like leaning on their new friends in the Supper Club and taking her on dates that prove their chemistry is as hot as ever. He has to believe it’s not too late to prove to the woman he loves that his heart and ears are open. And that no matter what, he’s not giving up.

PJ's Thoughts:

I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy. Book three, A Promise of Forever wraps things up with a story that was both charming and deeply emotional. Expect to laugh, cry, and sigh with heartfelt delight.

The four women at the heart of Serenity's Supper Club are friendship goals. I love how they rally for one another, offering support when needed and straight talk when appropriate. They are one another's biggest cheerleaders and Terri needs all of them when her marriage hits the rocks. 

I've also enjoyed how the new husbands from books one and two have formed their own bonds, pulling Jon into their circle in this book. As much as Terri needs her girls, Jon needs the brothers even more. The life-long toxic influence of Jon's father has Jon's marriage teetering on the brink. I love that the author uses strong, confident, happily married Black men to show Jon that being vulnerable,  sharing your feelings, and asking for help doesn't make you weak but, in fact, makes you stronger. 

The progression of Jon's and Terri's marriage from tension to separation to reunion unfolds in a thoughtful, organic, and authentic manner that kept me engaged and involved from beginning to end. The stakes of their actions are realistic and relatable, their love for one another palpable, but the issues between them not easily mended. The hard work they put in - especially Jon - had me celebrating their HEA with smiles and tears. 

If you enjoy charming, heartfelt, small-town romance with relatable, fully-dimensional characters, strong friendships, supportive community, drool-worthy food, emotional heft, and swoon-worthy happy endings, give A Promise of Forever a try. It has my enthusiastic recommendation, as do books one and two, A Table for Two and A Perfect Pairing.