I loved The Temporary Wife (I think I reviewed that separately), and I have to say A Promise of Spring also touched me. One of the reasons I read historical romance is to distance myself from getting too caught up, I am removed by time. That wasn't the case this time. A Promise of Spring (while slow moving in some parts) hit a note with me when it comes to "the one that got away." I think most women can relate to the pain of that first love that we thought was so real, only to have it dashed at our feet, and the difficulty with laying it aside when new "real" love comes along. Ms. Balogh covered the emotional spectrum beautifully.