Review: Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock

ISBN #: 978-0-7642-0809-6

Page Count: 343

Copyright: 2011

Book Summary:

(Taken from back cover)

A mother fleeing unspeakable danger to keep her children safe ...

Two young girls guarding secrets in a "cross my heart and hope to die" pledge ...

A father desperate to be reunited with his family ....

Mandy's Review:
Book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review

Cover

I like the cover ... the little girl with pigtails just reminds me of simpler times and of the sweetness of childhood.

Plot

The story takes place in the 1960s when civilization was on the cusp of sexual and recreational reformation.  We meet a mother who moves her children away from their abusive alcoholic father.  While in their new home in the new town, they meet an elderly lady who has one last wish that she is determined to see through.  Will their past catch up with them?  Will the elderly lady get her wish?

Main Characters

Rosalind - A little girl who desperately misses her father and doesn't completely understand why they left him behind.  She wants to believe that he'll change for the better because she wants them all to be a family again.

Tillie - An elderly lady who wants nothing more than to die in the same house her husband and she built.  She is patient, kind and can be the life of the party.

Alan - An alcoholic father who hunts down his family and tricks Rosalind into believing his lies.  Her belief in him allows him to use her in helping him into their home with possibly dangerous consequences.

Overall

I love a book that has short chapters as it seems to go faster while reading ... like this one is set up.  I would consider this an easy read.  Ann Tatlock has a gift of writing that will keep you engaged in the story until the very end.