ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
ABOUT THE BOOK
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. When danger stalks the Anthonys, Tillie exhibits unimaginable courage and selfless love in her determination to protect the family she has adopted as her own.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Promises to Keep, go HERE.
Watch the book trailer:
Julia's Take:
It can be difficult to pull off an adult level book with a child as a main character, but Ann Tatlock really pulls it off here.
I have to mention I love the simplicity of this cover. I used to wear my hair in two braids when I was a little girl and somehow looking at the cover I was "pulled" into Roz's world.
Tatlock's characters all come alive. I will often avoid a book about abuse, especially involving children. Tatlock pulls off a difficult topic sensitively, yet realistically. My heart broke for Roz as her innocence was shattered about life, and her father.
Yet, ultimately this is a book about love, human and divine and its power to break barriers. Tillie brings heartwarming humor to the story and shows Roz the power of a father's love.
Mara and Roz's friendship brings in the topic of race at a time when the South is desegregated in name only. Ultimately this entire book has a beautiful thread of what it means to desire the love of a human father. In the end its real message about the love of a heavenly Father that can fill the void.
9 comments:
I'm so glad to hear this was a worthwhile book. I've read almost all of Ann Tatlock's other books. (I enjoyed them all but especially loved A Room of My Own and All the Way Home.) Thanks for sharing your opinion.
I'm going to have to check this book out. Sounds very interesting.
I love chocolate and I love books so sounds like a great giveaway too!
gravesok@sbcglobal.net
Yea...great books! I'd love some Godiva Chocolates...My favorite dessert is anything ooey/gooey, rich and sweet!
I'dl ike to be intered into both drawings. Thanks for opportunity!
lgm52 (at) hotmail (dot) com
I thoroughly enjoyed Jody's book. I'm her critique partner and have been privileged to read The Doctor's Lady in manuscript form twice. Her readers are in for another treat.
Please don't enter me in the drawings. I have an autographed copy of The Preacher's Bride, and I no longer eat chocolate. Don't ask me how much shortbread I consume, though. =)
I have no dignity here and I will jump up and down for The Preacher's Bride. I have wanted this for awhile. I'm unable to eat chocolate so you must take pity on me.
Thanks for the great interview, Julia, and I'm so excited to see Jody's new cover as well.
Have a sweet V Day, ladies!
Great book review. I have just ordered The Preacher;s Bride and hope to love it as well!
I love the special way you celebrate Valentine's Day...the kids will remember this for the rest of their lives!
I really want to read this book...please include me!
alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com
Don't enter me....just wanted to say I have read the book and really loved it. I look forward to Jody's next book.
(can't eat chocolate).
love chocolate and love books so enter me for both and thanks.
the idea of the string attached and going to each spot is great. I love decorating the table also; I use red heartshaped paper doilies, pink red and white balloons with 'I love you' on them, etc.
yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
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