“There’s not any one of us who never had to face challenges. The difference is what you do about it.”—From Lasting Promise

Lasting Promise, a novel by Susanna Lane, the third book of the “Promise” series, takes place mostly in Dakota Territory, beginning 1879.

Gus Quaid has suffered the terrible loss of his wife. Ten years ago, she was taken by Brule Sioux during a raid at their ranch. As a way of searching for his wife, he works off and on as an Army scout, rounding up renegades. He longs to return to his horse ranch, but finding his beloved wife is of uppermost importance. When in a Fort Benton saloon, he eyes a fiery woman, a stunning beauty. Intrigued, he approaches her, but is soundly rejected.

Victoria (Tori) Barrett has been betrayed–twice–and is determined to not have that happen again. When she sees big, handsome Gus Quaid, she at first rebuffs him, but then sees a way out of her present situation. With Gus as her protector, she leaves Fort Benton bound for a destination far enough away that she can’t be found.

As Gus and Tori travel first by boat, then by train, they learn about one another, their desperation, fears, and weaknesses. They finally arrive in Ogallala, Nebraska and, to their surprise, they find common ground: two of Gus’s best friends, brothers, have a ranch there, and to Gus’s surprise the same ranch is owned by Tori’s family. But will her past catch up with her and ruin her future? Will Gus be able to overcome his terrible loss and have a life with Tori?

Lasting Promise is a story with many facets. Author Susanna Lane deals with the two diverse personalities with aplomb—Gus’s situation and heartbreak, and Tori’s fear and desperation. This story is captivating and at times gritty. Susanna Lane builds suspense while giving the reader a strong sense of place and attitudes of the times.