Review of Promises to Keep

Promises to Keep

Ann Tatlock

Bethany House

ISBN 9780764208096

   Roz Anthony and her family move to Mills River, Illinois to escape an abusive situation with the father. Not long after moving there, the former owner, Tillie Monroe, ends up on their porch having escaped from an old folks home. Tillie is convinced that the home still belongs to her and returns repeatedly even after her son demands she stays away. Janis Monroe feels sorry for Tillie and asks her to move in. It turns out, Tillie is an angel in disguise for the Monroe family.

   Mara Nightingale, a young Negro, becomes friends with Roz. This story is based in the early 60's during the time of Vietnam so befriending a Negro was out of the ordinary. Both young girls are drawn to each other. Both have secrets that they are keeping between the two of them and thus, 'promises to keep.'

   By the end of the story, evil is stalking the Monroes and Tillie shows her total love and devotion to the  family.

   This was a wonderful story from a bygone era. A story of friendship, love, devotion, and lies. The storyline flowed nicely from the beginning to the end and is told through the eyes of young Roz. All of the characters are brought to life through the eyes of Roz. Janis was a strong woman in her own right considering the time this book is set in. Not many women would have ventured out on their own and faced such an uncertain future with no means of financial support. Her son, Wally, from her first marriage was an angry and bitter young man because of his step father. Roz was a fairly intelligent young girl except when it came to her father. She was a bit naive and I became frustrated with her on numerous occasions. All in all this was a great story and I highly recommend it.

   I want to thank Bethany House for providing me with a copy of the book to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any way except for receiving a copy of the book.

I give Promises to Keep 4.5 out of 5 stars