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Customer Reviews for Bethany House Publishers Promises to Keep - eBook
Bethany House Publishers Promises to Keep - eBook
Eleven-year-old Roz (Rosalind) Anthony and her family have just moved to Mills River, Illinois, to escape an abusive situation. Only days after settling into their new home, they are surprised to find the previous owner, Tillie Monroe, on their front porch reading the newspaper. Though her sons have sold the house and sent her to a facility for the aged, she is determined to die in the place she lived her life and somehow manages to find her way "home" day after day. Feeling sympathy for the elderly woman, Roz's mother allows Tillie to move back in.
Mara Nightingale becomes Roz's first friend in Mills River. In spite of their many differences, the girls discover they have something in common that binds them together-both are hiding secrets. So they make a promise -"cross my heart and hope to die"-never to tell anyone else.
Average Customer Rating:
(29 Reviews) 29
Rating Snapshot (29 reviews)
5 stars
12
4 stars
9
3 stars
5
2 stars
2
1 star
1
24 out of 2983%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Promises to Keep - eBook
Review 1 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Favorite New Author
Date:June 10, 2011
jaygarz
Location:Salt Lake City UT
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
CB introduced me to Ann Tatlock and I really enjoy her books. I recently purchased a NOOK and this was my 1st
ebook from CB. It won't be my last! Promises To Keep was a sweet story which views life through the eyes of the young (Roz) and the old (Tillie). It's one of those that you start and can't put down and wish for more after the last page.
ebook from CB. It won't be my last! Promises To Keep was a sweet story which views life through the eyes of the young (Roz) and the old (Tillie). It's one of those that you start and can't put down and wish for more after the last page.
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Review 2 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
A simple, thoughtful story
Date:July 24, 2011
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
What secrets do you keep from people around you? In Ann Tatlock's book, Promises to Keep, Tatlock writes a simple, but poignant story about lives crossed in secrets. Told through the eyes of young Rosalind Anthony, who is working to unfold her own life, walks the reader through the lives of her family on the run from an abusive father and husband to her mother. Roz, who she is affectionately nicknamed, seeks to understand who she is in a coming of age story where innocence is lost through the promises that are broken in her life.
A simple story told very well. This is thoughtfully written and worth the time in reading.
Bethany House Publisher provided this book for free as a part of their blogger book review.
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Review 3 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Very slow moving
Date:June 8, 2011
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
2
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
I thought this was a pretty good book. It was a little slow moving to me, but I tend to like the suspense-filled books the most. The story line was good, but I could sense the ending very early on. The early part of the book where the family meets Tillie was probably the best part of the book if you ask me. I'm pretty sure I'd have been a little shocked if a random old lady showed up on my porch one morning! If you don't mind the slow progression of the story, this is a good book to read, but if you're like me and like suspense - you may want to skip this one!
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Review 4 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
The second half of the book is worth it
Date:May 31, 2011
Nicole
Location:Chicago, IL
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
Promises to Keep, written by Ann Tatlock, is a story about a preteen girl, Roz, and her life after moving to a new town. Once in the town of fictional Mills River, IL, her family discovers they have a new house guest, Tillie, a rather eccentric, but wise 70 year old woman, who also, in my opinion, happens to be the best thing the family encounters.
I enjoyed the book, however, I felt like it was a slow read up until half way through. The book has 47 chapters, but is 345 pages long, so you can see that the chapters are short. This I viewed as a disadvantage because I would read only one chapter at a time, and be OK with that. I didn't feel like there was enough of a pull to make me read the next chapter in the same sitting. However, it could be an advantage for someone who doesn't have a lot of time on their hands and wants a book that they can read a chapter in five minutes. If you have the patience to make it through the first half, the second half is well worth it. I flew through the final chapters on the book. Although it was rather predictable, there was still the desire to see what would happen, and yes, some surprises!
The characters in the novel are complex, yet likable (well, at least most of them!) Ms. Tatlock did a wonderful job of developing the characters, and the different stories they all told in one novel.
Although the story is a drama, there is some humor and light-hearted moments as well, which is appreciated and frankly, needed, because the topics in the book are rather deep and complex.
All in all, my review of the book is average. There are elements I liked (the characters), but others I could do without (disliked the short chapters!) I may read more of Ms. Tatlock's work in the future if her books come across my path, but I won't go out of my way to.
I enjoyed the book, however, I felt like it was a slow read up until half way through. The book has 47 chapters, but is 345 pages long, so you can see that the chapters are short. This I viewed as a disadvantage because I would read only one chapter at a time, and be OK with that. I didn't feel like there was enough of a pull to make me read the next chapter in the same sitting. However, it could be an advantage for someone who doesn't have a lot of time on their hands and wants a book that they can read a chapter in five minutes. If you have the patience to make it through the first half, the second half is well worth it. I flew through the final chapters on the book. Although it was rather predictable, there was still the desire to see what would happen, and yes, some surprises!
The characters in the novel are complex, yet likable (well, at least most of them!) Ms. Tatlock did a wonderful job of developing the characters, and the different stories they all told in one novel.
Although the story is a drama, there is some humor and light-hearted moments as well, which is appreciated and frankly, needed, because the topics in the book are rather deep and complex.
All in all, my review of the book is average. There are elements I liked (the characters), but others I could do without (disliked the short chapters!) I may read more of Ms. Tatlock's work in the future if her books come across my path, but I won't go out of my way to.
**I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
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Review 5 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Promises to Keep
Date:May 18, 2011
Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock is different than much of the fiction that I've read recently. It's what I would call "literature." I think the back of the book calls it "contemporary fiction." In other words ... it's not simply a romance ... there's a bit more going on.
The story is told from the perspective of 11-year-old Roz Anthony. She and her family have just moved to Illinois to get away from her father, whom she misses very much. She doesn't understand why they had to leave her father and desperately wants him to be part of their family again. She befriends another girl in her class who has her own "daddy issues" and they become fast friends. Many other "minor" plot lines weave in and out of this "main" story and enhance what Roz is going through.
A few times I wished that the author would speed through a particular conversation or scene to get to another point, but for the most part the story flows really well. Also as likeable as Tillie (Roz's surrogate grandmother) is, Roz's mom got on my nerves for most of the book. I felt like she should just wake up and snap out of it! But ... the author's rendition of this character is probably a little more true-to-life than my wishful thinking. I also felt that the blurb on the back of the book was a bit misleading. I picked up the book thinking it would be suspenseful and somewhat action-packed, but that was certainly not the case.
Overall, I felt like this was a well written and enjoyable novel.
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Review 6 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Keeping Promises
Date:May 10, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Janis Anthony decides to leave her abusive husband, Alan, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, taking their three children, Wally, Rosalind (Roz) and Valerie along. With the help of her father (Grandpa Lehman), they purchase a home in Mills River, Illinois.
Within a few days of settling in, Tillie Monroe, the former owner of the house, appears on their porch, reading their Sunday paper. She explains that she and her husband built this house, raised their family there, and that she has every intention of dying in ‘her’ house, as did her husband. Though Tillie’s son continues to return her to the old folks’ home, she ends up back at ‘her’ house. Soon she ends up living there, and she turns out to be a blessing in disguise in more ways than one. In fact, you, too, will come to love and appreciate Tillie and her love and wisdom.
For those who grew up in a family with a mother and father, you will learn from Ann Tatlock’s book, Promises to Keep, the hardships of being in a single-parent family. Some of the challenges include a teenager who’s angry at life and wants to move on, the audacity of a mother dating someone other than daddy, the shenanigans pulled on that other someone, handling disciplinary problems alone, and the challenges of making ends meet on a mother’s salary.
One can hear about these issues, but it’s another to experience them through the eyes of a young girl who is living it all first-hand. This story is told from Roz’s point-of-view, and you become privy to her special heartaches, desires and secrets. Ann does a great job of bringing out characters that are so true-to-life, while at the same time tugging on your heartstrings at the broken hearts, fears, anger, and loneliness. It’s Roz’s close friendship with Mara that helps her through some of the tough times. They both love and miss their daddies, and make a ‘daddy wish’ pinky prayer promise, with a solemn promise to keep their secrets hidden.
Unbeknownst to Janis, Alan Anthony has also moved to Mills River, but keeps himself hidden from all but Roz, who aches to have her daddy back, if he keeps his promises to change. You’ll witness the unfair manipulations of a desperate dad who takes advantage of a very vulnerable girl who trusts him to make them a family again. Through the prayers of Tillie, we are privileged to see God turn the whole situation around.
The slower life of Mills River is a quiet respite after life in the city of Minneapolis. Having experienced both, I really enjoyed the lifestyle differences portrayed by Ann.
I won’t easily forget this book, now knowing more deeply the pains of losing a mother or father to divorce, and the deep desire of many of the children who want to see them reunite. The whole book is gently, yet decisively, written to keep your interest.
This book was provided by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. No monetary value was exchanged.
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Review 7 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:May 5, 2011
This book was a little slow moving for me in several places. I figured something significant was going to happen, figured it out, and then had to wade through several chapters before it actually happened.
Unfortunately, so many kids today are put in Roz's shoes. Their world is torn apart at such a young age because of their parents. They start in on the "if only's" and begin to believe anything and everything that is said, or promised to them. With a stronghold on their dreams, they can't see the big picture...many times the reason being why a split happened in the family. Roz is warned many times not to believe someone, yet she can't let go of her dream, which in turn almost costs her everything.
This was a very moving and powerful book as to what is going on in our world today. The only place of quiet rest is in the loving arms of God! Thank you Ann Tatlock for making that a significant point in your book.
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Review 8 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Challenging and Heart-Warming
Date:May 4, 2011
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
How interesting it was to read a story through the eyes of a character who is the same age as my daughter. Ann Tatlock in Promises to Keep does an excellent job of communicating the complexities of life as seen by a child and reminds the reader that life is never simple, even for a child. Roz is a character full of sweetness and hope despite all she has been through. I was completely taken into her story and found myself wanting to warn her, comfort her and shield her from her life’s woes.
I loved the deepening relationship between Roz and Tillie – the older mentoring the younger. The inexperience and longing of a child juxtaposed against the wisdom and patience of a life well lived gives the reader much to think about. There is always a child in need of guidance and it is our responsibility to understand the complexities of life seen through their eyes.
There were a few surprising plot twists that had me worried and elated, happy and sad, all at the same time. The climax and ending were unexpected and had me so wound up that I slammed the book down in my lap...much to the amusement of those around me. They concluded the book must have been good for me to react the way that I did. Despite being a challenging read for me, Promises to Keep is indeed a good book.
I give this book 4 stars out of 5.
I received this book free from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Review 9 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Very good read for young adults and adults.
Date:May 2, 2011
Terri Schmidt
Location:Maryland
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Promises To Keep by Ann Tatlock
Promises To Keep is a very engrossing story told from the viewpoint of 12-year-old Roz (short for Rosalind) Anthony. She is very mature for her age, perhaps because she has lived with much heartache in her young life. Roz lives with her brother Wally, her little sister Valerie, and their mother, Janis Anthony. They have recently moved from Minnesota to Illinois, with the help of Roz’s grandfather who lives in their new town. Roz did not want to move from her old home but knew that they had no choice. They had to get away from Roz’s father, whom we learn about bit by bit throughout the story.
On one of their first mornings in their new home the Anthonys meet an older woman named Tillie, whom they find sitting on their front porch reading their newspaper. Tillie insists that they are living in her house. Tillie’s story then becomes interwoven with the Anthony family’s story. I did not like the Tillie character at first, but I warmed up to her rather quickly. She lends a special warmth to the story, reminding one of a favorite grandmother.
The story takes place in the late 1960s, when the Vietnam war was still raging, drugs were becoming the activity of choice among teens and college students, and racism was still very much alive. The Anthony family finds their daily lives intertwined with those radical events, especially Wally, who is 17 when we are introduced to the Anthony family.
At her new school Roz meets her very first best friend, Mara, a young black girl the same age as her. The bond they form, especially because of their unique relationships with their fathers, becomes stronger than even some family relationships. Mara makes life bearable for Roz on some of Roz’s darkest days.
The story had me engrossed from the first page where we met Tillie. I found myself totally caught up in the Anthony family’s struggle to start life anew in a new state and town. I felt the chill that Janis Anthony felt whenever she thought about her previous life with her husband, an alcoholic with a horrible temper who did not want to give up his wife and children. Always at the back of her mind is that he will come looking for them. When he does not, however, she begins to think of life with a new suitor, a life that would be safe… I sympathized with Roz’s desire to have her family back together again, to have the innocence she deserved to have as a young girl.
This is a story that is both humorous and heart breaking, chilling and bittersweet. I believe it will appeal to a very wide audience. This was the first novel of Ann Tatlock’s that I had ever read. I feel certain I will be reading more of her future novels.
DISCLAIMER: I received a FREE advanced copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I did not have to do anything but write a review, regardless of whether it was positive or negative. No monies were involved.
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Review 10 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Loved it!
Date:April 29, 2011
Sweet Diva
Location:USA
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Set in the late 1960's, this is the story of a mother and her three children who flee Minnesota and an alcholic, abusive husband in the hopes of a better life ~ or just a safe one ~ in her hometown of Mills River, Illinois. Told from the perspective of the 11-year-old daughter is one that had me smiling, laughing, and almost crying at times.
Roz's childhood innocence and perspective are wonderfully displayed and had me hurting for her at times and wanting to reach out and help her make sense of her world when those around her are unable to do so. I could empathize with her older brother, Wally, and the anger and frustration he is dealing with from enduring years of watching helplessly as his mother was abused, and then, he as well in later years. As a mother, I found myself feeling for Janis, who is doing her best to provide for her family and make a new life.....while trying to heal and move on from her abusive past.
And then, there's Tillie. The family's unexpected "houseguest", at first considered a nuisance.....and then proven to be the family's rock. Tillie gives Roz and her little sister Valerie, the security they need, the solid figure on which to lean when everything seems unstable. As Roz especially journeys through a time of confusion and upheaval, Tillie is there. She subtly points Roz and her family to faith in God in a time where they are all learning how to cope with the loss of innocence, love and trust ~ and how to learn to love and trust again. The unexpected intrusion of Tillie into their lives is just what they needed and with her age-earned wisdom, eccentricities, gentle kindness and iron will, they learn how to find their Father....and learn what a true family is.
This is the first book I have read by Ann Tatlock and I found it to be very well crafted. The characters were well developed and ones that I could easily identify with. I love her use of words and phrases....tugging at your heartstrings, bringing a smile to your face, sometimes a giggle from within, and often a moment of reflection at the power of the written word. Although it is the first I've read, it will not be the last.
Many thanks to Bethany House, who provided this book in exchange for my honest review.
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Review 11 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Thought provoking
Date:April 28, 2011
Joyfull
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Promises to keep by Ann Tatlock was quite a thought provoking read. It is a story that deals with domestic abuse and the story is told through an 11 year old child nicknamed Roz. Roz and her family leave home to escape an alcoholic abusive father. In their journey to their new home they meet an elderly lady who becomes a part of their family and a key role in their journey. The story takes you through many different feelings, of suspense, sadness and hope. It was a refreshing read and I enjoyed it very much. To find out what happens to Roz and her family I recommend you read this book and enjoy the journey.
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free in exchange for my honest reviews.
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Review 12 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Excellent writing with details and suspense
Date:April 21, 2011
jillo
Location:Illinois
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Not at all what I expected when I purchased this book but goes way beyond my expectations. Excellent writing with lots of detail and suspense. Great storyline and lessons to be learned.
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Review 13 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:April 20, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Although I enjoyed Promises to Keep, it took me a while to get into it. Everyone's lives blend together like a patchwork quilt. Looking at only one part of the quilt may look strange, almost ugly. But, if you step back and view the whole quilt, it is a beautiful work of art. That is how I felt reading this book. If I had tried to write a review about it before I got halfway through the book, it would not have been a positive review. But, after stepping back and seeing the book as a whole, I would have to say it was a great book.
The characters are interesting, intriguing, even strange. You have...
Roz - the eleven year old girl whose life changes. She and her siblings have gone from living in the city with her mom and dad to living in a small town with just mom.
Wally - Roz's older half-brother. Wally's dad died in WWII, and his mom married Andy, Roz's dad. Wally hates Andy. But he loves his sisters and tries to keep them protected from Andy when he is drunk.
Valerie - Roz'a two year old sister. Roz helps take care of Valerie.
Janis - Roz's mom. She left her husband after finally getting tired of his drunkenness. She has since moved on, and has started dating someone else, even though her divorce isn't final yet.
Tillie - the elderly woman who used to live in the house Roz's family moved into. Tillie and her late husband had built the house. And Tillie didn't want to leave. It was her dream to die in the house. So, she moves back in; and Janis lets her. Tillie ends up being the "grandmother" of sorts to the children, helping with babysitting, cooking, and cleaning.
Andy - Roz's dad. He finds out where Roz and her family are living, and moves into town. He changes his name to hide his identity, but he secretly meets with Roz. He says he wants to amend things with his wife so they can be a family again.
Mara - Roz's best friend. No one expected Roz and Mara to become friends. In fact, when they first start hanging out, they get looked at funny. When they hold hands while crossing the playground, the other kids just stare. No one expects a white girl and a black girl to be best friends.
Every person in this book has an impact on Roz's young life. The choices that are made, the paths taken, the people met, and the friendships established. Each life is made up of many threads. Ann Tatlock does an excellent job portraying that in her book.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I received this complementary book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.
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Review 14 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:April 20, 2011
Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock is about a mother trying to keep her kids safe, two young girls who share secrets, a father desperate to reunite with his family, and an older woman who is determined to die in her home. This book was an interesting read, although I found it rather slow. The story line is good, but to me it just seemed to drag on and by the end you basically knew what was going to happen before it took place. The author does a good job of developing the characters and making you feel for what they are going through, but there are so many extra things in this book, that had I not been so interested in knowing how it ended I would not finished the book. I am a person who loves a good novel but this one just didn’t seem to hold my attention until we were about 50 pages from the end of the book.Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for sending me this book free to review.
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Review 15 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
A real story filled with real emotions
Date:April 19, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The world is confusing to little Roz. Her mom has moved their family away from her violent, alcoholic dad. Her mom is sad, scared and lonely. Her older brother is angry, while their little sister is just a baby. Soon another twist is thrown in as Tillie, an old lady, shows up at their home claiming to own it. Who can Roz trust? Will her father change? Will their family ever be all together again? Who is Tillie?
I wasn’t sure if I could identify with the main character in this story, since it’s told through the eyes of an 11 year old. However, I wasn’t too far in Promises to Keep before my heart broke for Roz and her family. I felt her hope and her confusion. Now Tillie – what a wonderful character! I need a Tillie in my life! This drama was very emotional and very real… covering both the good and bad of their lives. This is my first book by Ann Tatlock to read, but it will not be my last!
“Sometimes it’s the dream that holds you down and keeps you from flying, if it’s the wrong dream. You have to let it go if you’re ever going to soar.”
Disclosure: I received book free from Bethany House Book Reviewers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Review 16 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Not very influenced by Christ
Date:April 18, 2011
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
2
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
1
out of
5
Promises to Keep
a novel
by Ann Tatlock
a novel
by Ann Tatlock
Although I picked this book for review because of the description, which spoke mainly of Tillie, an older lady who does not wish to leave her home, and her struggle to convince the family who bought to allow her to move back in.
However, that is not really what most of the book is about, which was slightly disappointing to me - I really thought that would have been great for the main storyline.
The main theme of the book is Roz and her friend Mara's wishes - they both want - or think that they want - to be reunited with their Dads.
The biggest problem I have is the fact that Christ is hardly mentioned AT ALL. Salvation is not presented as a crucial part of life, but rather as something to talk about someday. It is mainly for this reason that I don't really recommend this book.
Another problem I have with this is the fact that several of the solutions to the problems occurred in the epilogue, rather than having a climax in the story itself. I don't really like this approach at all, since it seems as though the author was not quite sure how else to let things play out and so just told everyone what had happened and how it concluded.
3 out of 10 stars. ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishing Group for this review. I was not obligated to write either a positive or negative review - all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Review 17 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Loved this book
Date:April 15, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Promises to Keep
I received Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock free for my honest review from Bethany House Publishers. I have not read anything by this author and was very impressed by this book. This was one "sweet story".
I liked that the story was told in the first person of Roz who at age 11 is struggling with so many family issues. The story takes place back in the late 60's when the Vietnam war, free love, drugs and craziness was happening. Roz's mother flees from Minnesota and an abusive husband along with her three kids to her hometown. Her dad helps her buy a house but the owner Tillie keeps coming back wanting to live there. She wants to die in that house since she and her husband built it. Tillie is finally allowed to live there with the Monroes' to help the family with cooking and babysitting. Tillie's character was crafted masterfully along with Roz and Mara's character. Mara is a Negro and she and Roz become friends and share a secret with a "cross my heart and hope to die " pledge. This story took me back to a place of innocence, childhood friendships that I experienced in that era . Also a husband and father wants to reunite his family and will stop at nothing to accomplish that. The storyline takes so many turns and that kept me reading and trying to figure out where the author was going and how the story would end.
I absolutely loved everything about this book and highly recommend it. I am off to the library to pick up more books by this author.
I received Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock free for my honest review from Bethany House Publishers. I have not read anything by this author and was very impressed by this book. This was one "sweet story".
I liked that the story was told in the first person of Roz who at age 11 is struggling with so many family issues. The story takes place back in the late 60's when the Vietnam war, free love, drugs and craziness was happening. Roz's mother flees from Minnesota and an abusive husband along with her three kids to her hometown. Her dad helps her buy a house but the owner Tillie keeps coming back wanting to live there. She wants to die in that house since she and her husband built it. Tillie is finally allowed to live there with the Monroes' to help the family with cooking and babysitting. Tillie's character was crafted masterfully along with Roz and Mara's character. Mara is a Negro and she and Roz become friends and share a secret with a "cross my heart and hope to die " pledge. This story took me back to a place of innocence, childhood friendships that I experienced in that era . Also a husband and father wants to reunite his family and will stop at nothing to accomplish that. The storyline takes so many turns and that kept me reading and trying to figure out where the author was going and how the story would end.
I absolutely loved everything about this book and highly recommend it. I am off to the library to pick up more books by this author.
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Review 18 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
A Book Worth Keeping
Date:April 8, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
A Promise To Keep
Ann Tatlock
Bethany House
Christian Fiction
5 Stars
Ann Tatlock
Bethany House
Christian Fiction
5 Stars
Promises To Keep is a very deeply written novel about a mother and her three children who in order to protect their selves leaves her alcoholic and abusive husband and starts a life of freedom. Wally her oldest son could care less and seems to have quite a chip on his shoulder, after all its just his stepfather .The youngest daughter Valarie really does not understand and the one that it hurts the most is eleven year old Roz. Along with the bad times she remembers the good times they had together. When an older woman shows up on their front porch it doesn’t take long for them to discover who she is , why she is there and next thing you know she is living with them. Call her a Godsend, but Tillie Monroe is there to stay and teaches them all the value of a family. One soon learns that family is more them blood ties that holds them together. Roz makes a new friend and soon Mara and Roz find they have a lot in common. They both have a father who is not living with them, but all that is about to change. As Mara and Roz make a pact and call it their Daddy Deal they both pray that they will be reunited with their fathers, but trouble is brewing on the horizon for Roz. When her father shows up he promises her he has changed, but as the old saying goes can a leopard change his spots? Are these just promises to get them back in his life. When Mara says she needs to tell her mother Roz holds back. After all a promise is made to keep.
This is the first book of Ann Tatlocks that I have read and I found myself thoroughly involved in the plot. I read the book in two sittings. The characters are so likeable and so easy to become connected with and one could identify with their problems. The book is very well written and keeps the reader involved throughout. Excellent book recommended for everyone.
This book was provided to me by Bethany House for review purposes only. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are strictly by own view of the book
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Review 19 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
Good clean story, not doctrinally heavy
Date:April 7, 2011
Mary B
Location:Western New York
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock
I don’t know if this book is categorized as Christian fiction or not. I would say it is an interesting and clean story with a smidge of Christianity tossed in.
The story is told through the eyes and thoughts of an eleven year old girl whose family is torn apart by domestic abuse. It takes place in the 1960’s, an era of change. We are taken back to a time of racial tensions, war, drugs and changing family dynamics.
Roz, her mother, baby sister and teenaged brother, have escaped from her abusive father and are living near Roz’s grandfather and his second wife. He has managed to find them a large home. The problem is, the home used to belong to Tillie, and elderly lady whose son’s have sold her home and set her up in a retirement home. Unfortunately, Tillie still considers the home to be hers and keeps showing up on the front porch acting as if she still lives there. Tillie’s is an endearing, no nonsense, nurturing lady with a quiet but persistent faith. She is a Christian, and provides wisdom and comic relief throughout the story. Tillie ends up moving back into her old home and helping Roz’z mother with the housekeeping and babysitting, while she works.
Roz meets another young girl and forms a close friendship with her. Mara happens to be bi-racial, so we are exposed to the inequalities of that time. The girls share their secrets with each other, Roz, who dreams of reuniting with her father, and Mara, who struggles with the circumstances of her birth.
This book has a plot that keeps you interested and is full of secrets, intrigue, family relationships and social issues.
If you are looking for a book with the emphasis on faith and doctrine, this is not the book for you. However, if you are looking for a clean but not cheesy, thought provoking story, with unforgettable characters and circumstances, you will enjoy this one. Sensitive subject matter is handled in a very inoffensive manner, which makes this suitable for late teens and older.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BethanyHouse through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Review 20 for Promises to Keep - eBook
Overall Rating:
A book for a rainy day
Date:April 7, 2011
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
2
out of
5
Promises to Keep is the story of 11 year old Roz (Rosalind), who’s mother has just moved their family into the town of Mills River, Illinois after leaving their father behind in Minnesota to protect their family. Roz’s Mother Janis wants to start a new life, a life where her family can be safe; while Roz misses her father she does not understand why they cannot be a family. When Roz sees her father in town only her best friend Mara knows, is this too big a secret for the two girls to keep? Will Roz makes the right decision before something bad happens?
Promises to Keep is very well written and keeps you involved in the story until the very end. Ann Tatlock has crafted a story that keeps straight to the point, avoiding topics that would stray away from the story. Many sub-plots appear throughout the book but Tatlock makes a point of focusing on Roz and her story. At times the characters seem a little 2 dimensional and do not have the layers or character development throughout the story. I wish that the author would have chosen to add one or two of the subplots and developed those characters and introduced us to who they are a little more.
This book although predictable was very well written, and if the story doesn’t the authors writing style will keep you reading until the very end.
I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishing
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