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Ann TatlockBethany House / 2011 / ePubOur Price$9.694.0 out of 5 stars for Promises to Keep - eBook. View reviews of this product. 29 Reviews
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onedesertroseSt. Paul, MNAge: 55-65Gender: female5 Stars Out Of 5Keeping PromisesMay 10, 2011onedesertroseSt. Paul, MNAge: 55-65Gender: femaleQuality: 5Value: 5Meets Expectations: 5Janis 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. -
jaygarzSalt Lake City UTAge: 55-65Gender: female5 Stars Out Of 5Favorite New AuthorJune 10, 2011jaygarzSalt Lake City UTAge: 55-65Gender: femaleQuality: 5Value: 5Meets Expectations: 5CB 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. -
Sweet DivaUSAAge: 35-44Gender: female5 Stars Out Of 5Loved it!April 29, 2011Sweet DivaUSAAge: 35-44Gender: femaleQuality: 5Value: 5Meets Expectations: 5Set 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. -
jilloIllinoisAge: 55-65Gender: female5 Stars Out Of 5Excellent writing with details and suspenseApril 21, 2011jilloIllinoisAge: 55-65Gender: femaleQuality: 5Value: 5Meets Expectations: 5Not 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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S ScalesTexasAge: 25-34Gender: female5 Stars Out Of 5A real story filled with real emotionsApril 19, 2011S ScalesTexasAge: 25-34Gender: femaleQuality: 5Value: 5Meets Expectations: 5The 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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