What do you think?
Rate this book
Heart of Texas #8
Return to Promise
Come back again to Promise, Texas, in this classic favorite Western romance series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.
The ranching town of Promise is a good place to live, to raise a family, to spend the rest of your days with the person you love. Cal Patterson and his wife, Jane—also known as Dr. Texas—certainly think so. The last thing they expect is a threat to their happiness. But in September, disagreements begin to escalate—with the “help” of an attractive young woman who’s got her eye on Cal.
After months of emotional upheaval brought on by doubts about their marriage, the two separate, and Jane returns to her childhood home in California, taking their children. Cal, now alone on his ranch, is forced to confront what he really wants in his life, what he needs. Jane is confronting the same questions…. How seriously does Cal take his marriage vows? And how important is Promise to Jane? Is there hope for a reconciliation—in time for Christmas?
Originally published in 2000
The ranching town of Promise is a good place to live, to raise a family, to spend the rest of your days with the person you love. Cal Patterson and his wife, Jane—also known as Dr. Texas—certainly think so. The last thing they expect is a threat to their happiness. But in September, disagreements begin to escalate—with the “help” of an attractive young woman who’s got her eye on Cal.
After months of emotional upheaval brought on by doubts about their marriage, the two separate, and Jane returns to her childhood home in California, taking their children. Cal, now alone on his ranch, is forced to confront what he really wants in his life, what he needs. Jane is confronting the same questions…. How seriously does Cal take his marriage vows? And how important is Promise to Jane? Is there hope for a reconciliation—in time for Christmas?
Originally published in 2000
250 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2000
882 people are currently reading
1605 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
881 books20.2k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
May 21, 2021
This is a romance, and this is the 8th book in the Heart of Texas series. This is a short book, and I listened to the audiobook for this book. The narrator was good but not great. I really feel this book was more like a novella. This book was all about a wife and husband not talking out their problems, and they almost get divorce because of them not talking out their problems. I liked this book, but it is not my favorite Debbie Macomber. This is also one of Debbie Macomber's older books. (*)
September 24, 2018
Um livro muito pequenino mas amoroso e, parece-me, bastante real a mostrar como coisas sem jeito nenhum podem criar problemas.
October 22, 2022
I have really loved this series. This particular installment was unique in that there was not a new romance introduced, but featured the marital struggles of one of the couples who married in an earlier book in the series. I highly recommend this series and suggest that it be read in chronological order with this book at the end. This is really a recap of what is happening with all of the couples introduced in the earlier books.
November 25, 2024
This book was so cheesy and overly dramatic for no reason.
I loved it
I loved it
January 13, 2017
A short story about Jane and Cal. Both of them needed to resolve their issues, expecially Cal who is a bit headstrong and sometimes an a@@ ;)
I'm saying hello to this series. I liked it very much and I recommend it!
I'm saying hello to this series. I liked it very much and I recommend it!
May 3, 2021
Cal Patterson and his wife Jane live in Promise, Texas. Everything in their life seems to be going ok. Well until Jane has to fly to California because her father has fallen and broken his hip. Also Nicole Nelson has come back to town to break up their happy marriage.
December 27, 2017
Cute light hearted reading. Love all of Macomber's books.
July 8, 2021
Annoying, surface level characters in an otherwise good plot.
January 7, 2024
Quick read!
February 5, 2024
DNF. I couldn't get into a story about a married couple fighting about the rodeo.
December 16, 2021
I tried but I'm up to about 120-130 pages and this story just is not holding my attention. The married characters are so unlikeable - stubborn, uncommunicative. The wife, a doctor, is a doormat - she cannot talk to her parents OR her husband. I find it questionable as to how this woman ever made it through med school - much less speaks to patients. The entire town is a bunch of busy bodies who make huge assumptions about people they've apparently known forever and think the worst rather than deciding that the "other woman" might be the person who needs to be examined more closely. I know that it's easy to think the worst of people, but c'mon. The plot is thin. So with unlikeable characters and a thin plot and so far this is not a Christmas story (as portrayed), I'm done with this. I cannot fathom how this got such good reviews. Must have been on the strength of her other books. Go with this only if you need to get to sleep - it's better than Ambien.
June 27, 2025
Fun easy cozy. Not her best.
December 22, 2020
I am a new fan to Debbie Macomber, but I adore her Christmas stories as they remind me of sitting with my grandma to watch the Hallmark movies. So when this book was gifted to me in a huge stockpile I knew it had to be a Christmas read.
Return to Promise was an unusual read. I'm normally use to the intended couple not being together at the time of the story, so to be trusted upon a marriage was new. However it didn't take time for me to adjust and pray Cal would do the right thing. FOR THE CHILDREN AT LEAST! I would say despite being out of my norm of romance reads this was a wonderful casual read that reminds readers love language is important. You can say you love your significant other, but actions must be done to prove it, too, or worries will creep in.
I recommend Return to Promise for those who like romance novels and slice of life. This is not for anyone who likes slow burn romances or any type of build up. The spark has happened. This is more about how to keep the flame burning when life attempts to snuff it out.
Return to Promise was an unusual read. I'm normally use to the intended couple not being together at the time of the story, so to be trusted upon a marriage was new. However it didn't take time for me to adjust and pray Cal would do the right thing. FOR THE CHILDREN AT LEAST! I would say despite being out of my norm of romance reads this was a wonderful casual read that reminds readers love language is important. You can say you love your significant other, but actions must be done to prove it, too, or worries will creep in.
I recommend Return to Promise for those who like romance novels and slice of life. This is not for anyone who likes slow burn romances or any type of build up. The spark has happened. This is more about how to keep the flame burning when life attempts to snuff it out.
August 14, 2023
Promise is a good place to live, raise a family & spend the rest of your days with the person you love. Cal Patterson and his wife, Dr. Jane certainly love the place. The last thing they expect is a threat to their happiness. But then, disagreements begin to escalate—with the “help” of an attractive young woman who’s got her eye on Cal.
After months of emotional upheaval brought on by doubts about their marriage, the two separate, and Jane returns to her childhood home in California, taking their children. Cal, now alone on his ranch, is forced to confront what he really wants in his life, what he needs. Jane is confronting the same questions…. How seriously does Cal take his marriage vows? And how important is Promise to Jane? Is there hope for a reconciliation—in time for Christmas?
(copied from Google)
After months of emotional upheaval brought on by doubts about their marriage, the two separate, and Jane returns to her childhood home in California, taking their children. Cal, now alone on his ranch, is forced to confront what he really wants in his life, what he needs. Jane is confronting the same questions…. How seriously does Cal take his marriage vows? And how important is Promise to Jane? Is there hope for a reconciliation—in time for Christmas?
(copied from Google)
December 29, 2019
I enjoyed ‘Return to Promise.’ It was a little quirky ... and I found myself chuckling throughout. Cal and Jane are going through a rough patch in their marriage. Jane, originally from California has lost her Father and is in a spot of her life where she’s just not sure what to do. Cal, a rancher in Texas loves his life ...but doesn’t really express his gratitude towards his wife and mother of his children. When they have an explosive fight; the same night as the memorial for Janes Father, Cal decides to head back Texas and leaves his wife and children ...hoping Jane will come to her senses.
.
I loved the small town affect throughout the story. Everyone and their mother was involved with the gossip of these two ...and all have to share a little input with what they need to do to save their marriage. A lot of phone tag and ‘did you hear ...’ this is what made me chuckle. Light and fun throughout, for sure !! Overall Rating :: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
.
I loved the small town affect throughout the story. Everyone and their mother was involved with the gossip of these two ...and all have to share a little input with what they need to do to save their marriage. A lot of phone tag and ‘did you hear ...’ this is what made me chuckle. Light and fun throughout, for sure !! Overall Rating :: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
May 28, 2020
I almost put this book away and didn't finish it when I read that bull riding involved a saddle horn. Wrong! Bronc riding involves a saddle. Not bull riding.
I reluctantly set aside that error to learn that rancher Cal Patterson can be too stubborn for his own good, particularly when it comes to assuming that his wife, Dr. Jane, knows he would never cheat on her. But Jane has a lot on her mind, too, and fears that the innuendos a scheming woman spreads around town represent the truth, even though Cal denies it.
How are they going to work things out and get back together is the problem that has to be solved. And, as expected, they finally manage.
I reluctantly set aside that error to learn that rancher Cal Patterson can be too stubborn for his own good, particularly when it comes to assuming that his wife, Dr. Jane, knows he would never cheat on her. But Jane has a lot on her mind, too, and fears that the innuendos a scheming woman spreads around town represent the truth, even though Cal denies it.
How are they going to work things out and get back together is the problem that has to be solved. And, as expected, they finally manage.
October 15, 2020
Return to Promise ( Heart of Texas #8) was another great read by Debbie Macomber. Cal and Jane live in Promise, Texas and believe that it is a great place to raise their family. They never thought that anyone in Promise would become a threat to their marriage. They start to have disagreements that escalate when an attractive young woman has her eyes on Cal. After months of this they decide to separate and Jane takes the kids back to her childhood home in California. Cal is alone on the ranch and has to decide what exactly he wants and needs in life. I enjoyed reading Cal and Jane’s story and can’t wait to read more by Debbie Macomber.
August 3, 2023
Worst of her books. Could be my hopeless romantic bias and the situation with Nicole Nelson, the homewrecker. But it wasn't a romance. The happy ending seemed like an afterthought. The entire book as the last one in the Texas series seems an afterthought. I'm starting to realize Macomber's books are a hit or a miss. This one was a miss. Being an author of so many books, to spice it up I can see why she went with a different storyline like this. But I hated it. There was a feeling of frustration, despair and sadness. They reconciled, but that time apart, especially with babies, will never be able to made up or given back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
Debbie Macomber's Return to Promise was just what I needed after reading so many thrillers.
I was looking for something lighter, and this book was the perfect palate cleanser. There was one sentence with an ellipsis, but that isn't something I typically see in Macomber's writing.
This love story began with just the right amount of drama to draw me in and keep me interested. It's a charming romance that beautifully portrays the challenges one can face in marriage. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read!!
I was looking for something lighter, and this book was the perfect palate cleanser. There was one sentence with an ellipsis, but that isn't something I typically see in Macomber's writing.
This love story began with just the right amount of drama to draw me in and keep me interested. It's a charming romance that beautifully portrays the challenges one can face in marriage. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read!!
December 24, 2018
This book was a tad awkward to get into because I haven't read any of the other Promise books. This book was a part of a two book Christmas book so I didn't realize that one of them was part of a series. Regardless, after I figured out who everyone was, I enjoyed it. The story is so reflective of most (if not all) marriages and the problems that can occur. I loved how truthful it was and the way the author brought the story to an end. Thankfully, this Christmas story had a happy ending!
January 1, 2021
Although I liked this story, I couldn't quite accept the premise that the argument between Cal and Jane escalated to the point that it did. A total and complete lack of communication, with no effort on either part. That said, not having read the previous books in this series (which is why I dislike and try to avoid series!), perhaps I would have bought into it more if I had more character background. Nevertheless, it was a good book.
May 18, 2022
My god the husband was the biggest man baby & full of stupid stubborn pride. I actually felt sick reading about how he treated his wife.
She's away taking care of a sick dad & fragile mom with 2 little ones all day but he can't bother to do laundry or dishes for 3 weeks.
The description of the other woman was really gross.
There was no satisfactory resolution either; the wife & mom took most of the blsme when really Cal was a jerk
She's away taking care of a sick dad & fragile mom with 2 little ones all day but he can't bother to do laundry or dishes for 3 weeks.
The description of the other woman was really gross.
There was no satisfactory resolution either; the wife & mom took most of the blsme when really Cal was a jerk
January 4, 2018
Love Triumphs!!!
A wonderful story of love in Promise, Texas!!!
I'm sad that this is the end of the series, but it's never really the end because I can go back to the beginning and start the adventures all over anytime. Thank You, Debbie Macomber for bringing us the people of Promise, Texas!!!
A wonderful story of love in Promise, Texas!!!
I'm sad that this is the end of the series, but it's never really the end because I can go back to the beginning and start the adventures all over anytime. Thank You, Debbie Macomber for bringing us the people of Promise, Texas!!!
September 7, 2018
No substance, I must have missed something. Beginning and end where is the story. I did not enjoy this book, there was no story line at all..
No substance in this story, I kept going back to see if I missed something. Wish there was a body to this book beginning and end,nothing in between
No substance in this story, I kept going back to see if I missed something. Wish there was a body to this book beginning and end,nothing in between
September 26, 2018
Faith Renewed
Cal and Jane Patterson must overcome pride and stubbornness to save their marriage. Although they love each other, outside influences come between them. The people of Promise offer support and advice. If you've read the earlier Heart of Texas books you will especially enjoy this one.
Cal and Jane Patterson must overcome pride and stubbornness to save their marriage. Although they love each other, outside influences come between them. The people of Promise offer support and advice. If you've read the earlier Heart of Texas books you will especially enjoy this one.
January 3, 2024
A feel good Christmas story! Carl and Dr. Jane had been married for 5 years. They had two children. They had a good marriage, but there were issues. Carl did many things without thinking how it affected his wife. Dr. Jane went ahead and did things without Carl, never letting him know how much it affected her. Could woman come between them?
November 4, 2017
disappointing ending to a wonderful series.
this short novel is unlike the rest of the series, and not up to Macomber usual standard. too much stubborness and just not that interesting of a story line.
this short novel is unlike the rest of the series, and not up to Macomber usual standard. too much stubborness and just not that interesting of a story line.
January 27, 2018
Return to Promise
This story has a cautionary tale. A marriage that seemed to be great...Until someone from his past wants him. What happens next to the marriage was a wake up call for him.
This story has a cautionary tale. A marriage that seemed to be great...Until someone from his past wants him. What happens next to the marriage was a wake up call for him.
March 17, 2018
Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors and it was good to visit Promise again. It had been so long since I read any of this series that it took me a bit to remember the characters, so this could also be read as a standalone.
July 22, 2018
Love Endures A Test
This book is about a woman trying to break up a marriage. But in the end the husband and wife find their way back to each other. Recommend to all who like love stories.
This book is about a woman trying to break up a marriage. But in the end the husband and wife find their way back to each other. Recommend to all who like love stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews