Men of Midas #2
By Victoria BylinReverend John Leaf is not proud of his past, but a stint in prison was just what he needed to turn his life around. Unfortunately, a heart washed clean by the gift of salvation can't erase the sins of the past, and John Leaf's past has come to Midas in the form of Abbie Windsor, the woman he loved and left years ago.
Abbie has a problem; her teenage daughter Susanna has run away in search of her father. The father who did not she existed, and this unknown, missing daughter is John's greatest fear come true. He knows he isn't father material and he should never be one, he knows the darkness that lives within him.
Now this book came with a content warning of references of past domestic violence being referenced. In my opinion it is a little more than that as it actually occurs to another character in the book's real time. It is also a major factor throughout the book because Abbie is still dealing with the scars mentally, physically, and emotionally through the majority of the book. Which, unfortunately, is how real life happens, one doesn't just survive abuse and move on as if nothing traumatic occurred. It shapes one's future interactions and is evident in how Abbie deals with those people in her life and defines her feelings and reactions to John.
This book definitely left me with mixed feelings. I had to take this book slowly and was not able to read through it quickly as I often do.
Was it well-written? Yes.
Were the characters engaging? Yes.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes and no.
I feel this book would help those who haven't suffered abuse to get a glimpse into what friends or family who have might be silently experiencing. So yes, but with a warning that it could be a tad unsettling to the reader.
What I did not like: The main characters engaged in premarital relations which resulted in an unplanned pregnancy. This in turn led to Abbie's marriage to her abusive husband.
Too much physical intimacy for my tastes or comfort level.
Nakedness of Abbie, which I realize was to drive home the extent of the abuse she suffered under her husband.
This is a story of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. It is a glimpse into the mercy of God in allowing one to accept the healing power of Salvation. Of working through hidden pains.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
About the Book
Title: The Preacher's Promise
Series: Men of Midas #2
Author: Victoria Bylin
Publisher: Independently published
Release Date: June 4, 2026
Genre: Western Historical Christian Romance
Because Love is Worth the Risk
Reverend John Leaf wasn’t always the man he is now—a fact driven home when a letter arrives from a fifteen-year-old girl claiming to be his daughter. What John fears most in this world is passing on his bad blood to a child. But if the letter from Susanna Windsor is true, he’s already done exactly that.
His fears are confirmed when Abigail Windsor, once Abbie Moore, arrives in Midas. Widowed and accompanied by her incorrigible son, Abbie needs John’s help. Her daughter Susanna has run away from her Washington, DC home and is searching for him—not in Midas but in Bitterroot, Wyoming, where John’s most feared enemy has sworn revenge on him.
Susanna is in danger. So are John and Abbie for entirely different reasons. Only love can heal past hurts and the emotional wounds left by Abbie’s violent marriage. But with love comes risk—and danger in the form of Ben Gantry, a man determined to exact revenge on John and his family.
https://www.amazon.com/
Available in Kindle Unlimited
Content Note: past domestic violence referenced
