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Tomorrow's Promise Collection #1
A Promise to Remember
When a car accident kills two teens from opposite sides of the tracks, the aftermath threatens to tear a community apart. On one side, Melanie Johnston - a grieving single mother - is convinced her son will be forgotten. On the other is Andie Phelps, a reserved woman who retreats even further into herself with grief.
These two sympathetic characters fight her own way through grief and pain - sometimes wisely and sometimes with choices that have the power to divide family, church, and even their small, seaside town.
These two sympathetic characters fight her own way through grief and pain - sometimes wisely and sometimes with choices that have the power to divide family, church, and even their small, seaside town.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2007
408 people are currently reading
1866 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Cushman
14 books184 followersAuthor Kathryn "Katie" Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy.
She is the author of ten novels, including the newly released, "The Plans We Made", which she co-authored with Lauren Beccue.
Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California.
Visit her Web site at www.kathryncushman.com
She is the author of ten novels, including the newly released, "The Plans We Made", which she co-authored with Lauren Beccue.
Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California.
Visit her Web site at www.kathryncushman.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
April 16, 2011
For a freebie, this turned out well beyond my expectation. I'm giving it 5 stars because it drew out all kinds of feelings and emotions from me while I was reading it - such a feat considering that I had plenty of breaks in between my reading times. Being a mother of teenagers, I can only imagine the pain that both Melanie and Andie went through. Losing a child is the worse thing imaginable, I don't think any other pain can measure up to it. But through all this pain, the book offered redemption. Others might frown on the religious tone of the book, but as a Christian, it was an essential element for me. Reading the book was like listening to a moving testimony - beats any theoretical sermon any time!
April 1, 2011
Ever since buying a Kindle, I've been reading a lot of books that I wouldn't have given a second thought to. But who am I to say no to a free book? This one really surprised me.
Two women from opposite sides of the track are bound together in a tragedy- a car accident that takes the lives of both their sons. Through the deaths, each women learns what it means to be a strong Christian.
Andie has it all on the outside- a nice house, a husband and good friends, and attends the right church. She has her hand in several charities and fundraisers. But she sees herself as to blame for her son's death- if only she had been a better mother. She has long abandoned the one thing that she took pleasure in- painting- in order to live up to her husband's expectations. He is desperately trying to close a deal that will solve some financial difficulties Andie knows nothing about. Since the death of their son, they are in a slow decline, tearing the marriage apart through lack of communication
Melanie is a single mother, trying to hold her life together for her daughter's sake, after the death of her son. While her children attend church, she wants nothing to do with it. In her anger and pain, she decides to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the other family. She just wants her son to be remembered. Through the lawsuit that steals the imagination of the court of public opinion long before it actually goes to court, she learns that forgiveness and kindness are more difficult.
Yes, it is a Christian book, and forgiveness certainly plays a starring role, but it doesn't come off as preachy. It is more about the raw emotional journey that happens when loved ones die unexpectedly- the things that can go wrong, and the things that ultimately can make a person stronger.
Two women from opposite sides of the track are bound together in a tragedy- a car accident that takes the lives of both their sons. Through the deaths, each women learns what it means to be a strong Christian.
Andie has it all on the outside- a nice house, a husband and good friends, and attends the right church. She has her hand in several charities and fundraisers. But she sees herself as to blame for her son's death- if only she had been a better mother. She has long abandoned the one thing that she took pleasure in- painting- in order to live up to her husband's expectations. He is desperately trying to close a deal that will solve some financial difficulties Andie knows nothing about. Since the death of their son, they are in a slow decline, tearing the marriage apart through lack of communication
Melanie is a single mother, trying to hold her life together for her daughter's sake, after the death of her son. While her children attend church, she wants nothing to do with it. In her anger and pain, she decides to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the other family. She just wants her son to be remembered. Through the lawsuit that steals the imagination of the court of public opinion long before it actually goes to court, she learns that forgiveness and kindness are more difficult.
Yes, it is a Christian book, and forgiveness certainly plays a starring role, but it doesn't come off as preachy. It is more about the raw emotional journey that happens when loved ones die unexpectedly- the things that can go wrong, and the things that ultimately can make a person stronger.
March 6, 2011
Perhaps another book that would be good for a book club. I enjoyed reading the book but I found I really, really had a hard time with Melanie. She is probably the one I should relate to the most, middle class, (I'm not a single mom), mother of more than one child, I have worked out of the home, but she drove me crazy. Maybe it is because I am so aware of the class warfare going on and the anti wealth attitude when it is someone else's money. I'm glad she turned around in the book and started to act the way her son would want her to be. Everytime the author used a phrase similar to "A single mother doesn't have time", I wanted to climb the ways and scream. I hated it. All mom's don't have time, particularly when there are other children to take care of. Life is life.
Andie on the other hand I could understand. She seemed to have give up many things in her life, and tried to still contribute to society. She worked, in a different way. I got her grief, her only child gone, and a marriage was crumbling which is so true when something happens that impacts a family so completely. One of the things I was taught when I started to work in newborn intensive care, is how many marriages fall apart because of the stress of a sick baby, and if the child dies how much more that risk increases. This was very accurate as I watched this couples life fall apart after the death of their teenage son and the cause of that death is revealed.
I was satisfied with the ending, and it is a book that makes you think. That is after all what the author intended.
Andie on the other hand I could understand. She seemed to have give up many things in her life, and tried to still contribute to society. She worked, in a different way. I got her grief, her only child gone, and a marriage was crumbling which is so true when something happens that impacts a family so completely. One of the things I was taught when I started to work in newborn intensive care, is how many marriages fall apart because of the stress of a sick baby, and if the child dies how much more that risk increases. This was very accurate as I watched this couples life fall apart after the death of their teenage son and the cause of that death is revealed.
I was satisfied with the ending, and it is a book that makes you think. That is after all what the author intended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2011
When it comes to book club selections, I always look in the back before I begin to see if they chose a book that has "suggested questions" and I skim them. This time I only read the first question and stopped because the question put in my mind I would be picking sides and I didn't want to start off with that in mind or any other leading questions.
The book itself starts off a bit gloomy with the death of two teenage boys through a car accident. You never learn more of the accident other than one had been drinking but wasn't intoxicated and one car was mangled and it was hard to even identify the body.
There is Melanie Johnston, a single mother working to support her son Jeff and daughter Sarah. She is outraged by the accident and loss of her son, determined that he will be remembered and leave behind a legacy, she files a lawsuit. In her grieving, looking for answers and ultimately trying to keep her daughter from the backlash of the lawsuit, she ends up attending her children's church. She finds support there and some answers. She works as a price checker and her job ends up providing some challenges due to the lawsuit.
Then there is the other mom, Andie Phelps that is grieving the loss of her only child, Chad. Her husband is so busy with work that she doesn't see much of him and they don't communicate much. They are wealthy and she is able to spend much of her time working on raising money for charities, helping at a soup kitchen, and painting some. While they are dealing with the loss of their son, they both have the burden of guilt for things they did or didn't do with their son.
Through the grief of these two families, the impact of the lawsuit on them and the community, you are able to see the affect that comes from their two worlds colliding. The end talks more of faith, forgiveness and then some. There is the tied-up happy ending (as happy as it can get) for the book. Definitely a good read.
The book itself starts off a bit gloomy with the death of two teenage boys through a car accident. You never learn more of the accident other than one had been drinking but wasn't intoxicated and one car was mangled and it was hard to even identify the body.
There is Melanie Johnston, a single mother working to support her son Jeff and daughter Sarah. She is outraged by the accident and loss of her son, determined that he will be remembered and leave behind a legacy, she files a lawsuit. In her grieving, looking for answers and ultimately trying to keep her daughter from the backlash of the lawsuit, she ends up attending her children's church. She finds support there and some answers. She works as a price checker and her job ends up providing some challenges due to the lawsuit.
Then there is the other mom, Andie Phelps that is grieving the loss of her only child, Chad. Her husband is so busy with work that she doesn't see much of him and they don't communicate much. They are wealthy and she is able to spend much of her time working on raising money for charities, helping at a soup kitchen, and painting some. While they are dealing with the loss of their son, they both have the burden of guilt for things they did or didn't do with their son.
Through the grief of these two families, the impact of the lawsuit on them and the community, you are able to see the affect that comes from their two worlds colliding. The end talks more of faith, forgiveness and then some. There is the tied-up happy ending (as happy as it can get) for the book. Definitely a good read.
June 21, 2017
Don't read without tissues. This one was very realistic. Well written.
July 20, 2019
This is a beautiful read!
January 11, 2022
A shining example of inspirational fiction. The story of two families who lost sons in a tragic accident. It is a come to forgiveness story that walks the rocky path of grief. It is well written from start to finish. The author paints a terrific picture of the two very different worlds the families come from. the inclusion of faith is not a preachy one but one of self-discovery.
The going back and reliving some of the story over and over again was a little annoying. I guess however in real life, this is what happens. A parent rethinking the incident to see what they could have done differently. A good little read if you can find a copy.
The going back and reliving some of the story over and over again was a little annoying. I guess however in real life, this is what happens. A parent rethinking the incident to see what they could have done differently. A good little read if you can find a copy.
October 12, 2024
This was actually the 2nd time I read this book. Once I started it I realized I had read it before but couldn't remember how it ended so I read it again. Two moms dealing with the losses of their teenage sons from a car wreck. The emotions, misjudgments, stereotypes, broken relationships, etc that are dealt with in the loss of their sons is the bulk of this story. This is a story of working through grief and how everyone deals with it in their own way.
Read
October 10, 2011First thoughts:
What to say...had very good imagery incorporated throughout the storyline, seeing the landscapes that were created was breath taking. The authors use of language fit perfectly into what a grieving person would say, do and feel. It felt really realistic; the characters didn't heal instantly and the conflicts that were introduced page after page would leave me in a puddle on the ground. But the author created strong characters; people I would in a wierd way idolize. Because in the end everyone has their own way of grieving and the deck they were handed was much greater than one I could envision. Something I really enjoyed was the character development, I loved to see a weak character become someone strong; someone willing to fight. And while said character was evolving a sense of their old character still shone through. The plot was exciting throughout; not of course in the thriller sense of exciting but in a sense that things kept happening, there was hardly a time the character had a breather before something new was introduced. But in essence the story was created beautifully and I loved the christian feel to it; I loved that questions were brought up and depicted how the author saw fit.
Summary:
Melanie and Andie come from two different lives. While Andie lives in luxary, a loving son named Chad and a husband who provided the "Bacon" for the house; she needn'th worry about providing for her family. She didn't even have to work. But for melanie a single mom of two; Jeff and Sarah, she works at the local grocery store as a price checker. She can barely provide for her family; but she's making due. These two unlikely people are brought together by the unthinkable. Both their sons are killed in a car accident, only the kids to blame.
This story really blossoms when the accident happens and we are brought into the worlds of these two moms. We are able to see the perspective of the moms and how they deal with their loss. And while Melanie doesn't believe in God she soon is introduced to the world her son and daughter are immeresed in. Melanie questions all she believes in and perhaps see's that the greatest gift of all is "God".
As for Andie a believer of God she deals with her husband Blair, a husband who has sapped her of life and soon she learns that Art is the only way to release the tension; the pain. And while her world falls apart she will on her own and with the help of God discover that its time to stand up and be who she is meant to be.
But will the two come together and forgive the other? Or will their hatred; pain cause a ripple in their lives? Leaving them bitter and sad?
Last thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book and though I thought it ended a little too quickly, I still liked the fact that not everything was necessarly solved. I loved the writing style; the concept of the two women and the development of something beautiful. I can't wait to discove some other writings by Kathryn. This is a book for any christian but be warned there are a lot of things brought up about God so if you feel uncomfortable reading in that kind of depth this is not a book for you. But in all I enjoyed this book and I feel a renewed sense of my faith.
What to say...had very good imagery incorporated throughout the storyline, seeing the landscapes that were created was breath taking. The authors use of language fit perfectly into what a grieving person would say, do and feel. It felt really realistic; the characters didn't heal instantly and the conflicts that were introduced page after page would leave me in a puddle on the ground. But the author created strong characters; people I would in a wierd way idolize. Because in the end everyone has their own way of grieving and the deck they were handed was much greater than one I could envision. Something I really enjoyed was the character development, I loved to see a weak character become someone strong; someone willing to fight. And while said character was evolving a sense of their old character still shone through. The plot was exciting throughout; not of course in the thriller sense of exciting but in a sense that things kept happening, there was hardly a time the character had a breather before something new was introduced. But in essence the story was created beautifully and I loved the christian feel to it; I loved that questions were brought up and depicted how the author saw fit.
Summary:
Melanie and Andie come from two different lives. While Andie lives in luxary, a loving son named Chad and a husband who provided the "Bacon" for the house; she needn'th worry about providing for her family. She didn't even have to work. But for melanie a single mom of two; Jeff and Sarah, she works at the local grocery store as a price checker. She can barely provide for her family; but she's making due. These two unlikely people are brought together by the unthinkable. Both their sons are killed in a car accident, only the kids to blame.
This story really blossoms when the accident happens and we are brought into the worlds of these two moms. We are able to see the perspective of the moms and how they deal with their loss. And while Melanie doesn't believe in God she soon is introduced to the world her son and daughter are immeresed in. Melanie questions all she believes in and perhaps see's that the greatest gift of all is "God".
As for Andie a believer of God she deals with her husband Blair, a husband who has sapped her of life and soon she learns that Art is the only way to release the tension; the pain. And while her world falls apart she will on her own and with the help of God discover that its time to stand up and be who she is meant to be.
But will the two come together and forgive the other? Or will their hatred; pain cause a ripple in their lives? Leaving them bitter and sad?
Last thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book and though I thought it ended a little too quickly, I still liked the fact that not everything was necessarly solved. I loved the writing style; the concept of the two women and the development of something beautiful. I can't wait to discove some other writings by Kathryn. This is a book for any christian but be warned there are a lot of things brought up about God so if you feel uncomfortable reading in that kind of depth this is not a book for you. But in all I enjoyed this book and I feel a renewed sense of my faith.
February 16, 2010
Two women struggling for a tragic loss, each on opposite sides of society. Can love broach the boundaries of hate and unforgiveness? Will either of these women accept God’s love and healing care?
This was my second book by Kathryn Cushman and I really enjoyed it. In the space of one night two women lose their sons in a tragic car accident. What ensues isn’t just about overcoming grief, but relationships, guilt, even a lawsuit and black mailing. Though while Kathryn’s books debate on high emotional topics, I always leave her writing satisfied and eager for more of her work. She has an honest, straight forward writing voice that speaks to the reader, drawing them into the story. Her characters live and breathe, becoming real to me in their trials and joys. At each turn something new is added to deepen the plot and cause more turmoil for the acting characters.
At one point I thought there could have been a bit more detail when one couple receives the lawsuit papers, but aside from that, I thought it was a great novel and would enjoy reading it again. I look forward to more by this author.
This was my second book by Kathryn Cushman and I really enjoyed it. In the space of one night two women lose their sons in a tragic car accident. What ensues isn’t just about overcoming grief, but relationships, guilt, even a lawsuit and black mailing. Though while Kathryn’s books debate on high emotional topics, I always leave her writing satisfied and eager for more of her work. She has an honest, straight forward writing voice that speaks to the reader, drawing them into the story. Her characters live and breathe, becoming real to me in their trials and joys. At each turn something new is added to deepen the plot and cause more turmoil for the acting characters.
At one point I thought there could have been a bit more detail when one couple receives the lawsuit papers, but aside from that, I thought it was a great novel and would enjoy reading it again. I look forward to more by this author.
October 26, 2021
The writing style of this book is not complex, but the topic is a difficult one to navigate. It is the story of the families of two high school boys who had a head on car collision and both were killed. One boy had a single mom who worked tirelessly to support him and his sister. The other was the only child of an affluent couple who were very active in the community.
Both families were angry. Each blamed the other boy for taking the life of their own. This story is about grief and how easily it can destroy a marriage and any family unit. It is about coming to grips with feelings, opening eyes and hearts to how another may be hurting, seeing how misdirected blame can destroy that which is good, learning to seek help for ones grief, and learning how to begin to let go of anger toward God. Finally, it is about forgiveness, moving forward with a hope and a purpose, and relishing the goodness and inspiration of two young lives taken much too soon.
Both families were angry. Each blamed the other boy for taking the life of their own. This story is about grief and how easily it can destroy a marriage and any family unit. It is about coming to grips with feelings, opening eyes and hearts to how another may be hurting, seeing how misdirected blame can destroy that which is good, learning to seek help for ones grief, and learning how to begin to let go of anger toward God. Finally, it is about forgiveness, moving forward with a hope and a purpose, and relishing the goodness and inspiration of two young lives taken much too soon.
February 15, 2023
This was a beautiful story about two women’s journey through loss, grief, acceptance and ultimately forgiveness.
Both women’s journeys were heartbreaking and the contrast between the two lifestyles, including how people supported each women played an impact in their healing journey.
I enjoyed how the focus throughout the book the story was on God’s love, forgiveness, and healing power.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
Both women’s journeys were heartbreaking and the contrast between the two lifestyles, including how people supported each women played an impact in their healing journey.
I enjoyed how the focus throughout the book the story was on God’s love, forgiveness, and healing power.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
June 8, 2017
Forgiveness
I admit, when I started this book, I really didn't think it would have much substance. I apologize to the author because I was very wrong. Having read this book I cannot remain unchanged. I want to seek the peace that Melanie and Annie found amidst their struggles. The story while sad, demonstrates the importance of forgiveness. Not only of those who have wronged, but ourselves as well. I highly recommend this book for an enjoyable, thought-provoking read.
I admit, when I started this book, I really didn't think it would have much substance. I apologize to the author because I was very wrong. Having read this book I cannot remain unchanged. I want to seek the peace that Melanie and Annie found amidst their struggles. The story while sad, demonstrates the importance of forgiveness. Not only of those who have wronged, but ourselves as well. I highly recommend this book for an enjoyable, thought-provoking read.
July 15, 2010
I very much enjoyed this book. Two families' lives are entwined through a horrible accident. Each person involved reacts to this defining moment in a different and complex way. As the story evolves, there are some wonderful lessons on forgiveness. Also, no matter what kind of bad choices we make, God can work with those choices and turn them into paths which lead us to Him.
January 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this book.
The caracters are so easy to connect with and I could feel some of their struggles.
I learned specially the fact that you should do what you know it's right no matter if it seems convenient or not according to your present circumstances, even if people suggest otherwise out of fear and doubt.
Great read about forgiveness!
The caracters are so easy to connect with and I could feel some of their struggles.
I learned specially the fact that you should do what you know it's right no matter if it seems convenient or not according to your present circumstances, even if people suggest otherwise out of fear and doubt.
Great read about forgiveness!
November 7, 2025
4.5 stars
A hard book because of the topics but excellent. Excellent writing, themes, spiritual content. It would make a wonderful discussion book for a book club.
This will not be my last KC book.
A hard book because of the topics but excellent. Excellent writing, themes, spiritual content. It would make a wonderful discussion book for a book club.
This will not be my last KC book.
January 27, 2022
touching
The story was really interesting and continued to move through the book.
It’s hard to imagine losing a child. Thanks to God I have not experienced that. Thanks ro God…hopefully he continues to protect me. Thanks again.
Betty
The story was really interesting and continued to move through the book.
It’s hard to imagine losing a child. Thanks to God I have not experienced that. Thanks ro God…hopefully he continues to protect me. Thanks again.
Betty
March 10, 2008
Two boys are killed in a car accident--one is rich, the other poor. Poor mom sues the rich parents. Ok book, but lots of holes in the plot.
January 22, 2022
I downloaded this as a freebie at the back end of last year, and didn't realise till I went to begin it that it is Christian fiction. I only have a read of the synopsis before I download a book and it sounded good to me. So I decided to give it a go and hope for the best. In the beginning "stuff" it credited Bible quotes so I rolled my eyes a bit but ploughed on......and really enjoyed it and I will download more in this series.
I'm not the least bit religious, so if you're the same don't be put off. The characters attend church but you're not getting it shoved down your throat, there are a few Bible passages referred to but that's the long and short of it......so it's just fine. It just means there's no bad language nor violence and we can all do with a break from that sometimes.
I was a little disappointed that we didn't learn more about the accident itself and how it actually occurred as it doesn't really explain it too well, so it's hard to apportion blame or figure out who's at fault. I would've been interested to learn how each of the parents initially reacted to the news as well, though I guess that's a bit salacious of me.
I jumped from taking first one side then the other in the machinations that ensued but you gradually learn to then look in the other direction as well and I was satisfied by the end.
I have knocked it back a star because there are some issues with formatting, I think it is, because I can't believe she writes them all wrong every time.....firstly, in the chapter list it has ascribed chapter numbers to the epilogue AND acknowledgements sections, which is clearly wrong and caught my eye right away.
Then on page 1 we had be cause as opposed to because, then page 8 offered up be- came and I wasn't thinking of going on much further. Each time Jeff's is written it gets a needless space as well (Jeff 's) which is highly distracting, as was in- consolable and wind- ing and work- ing...I packed in highlighting these in the end !! Yet when a hyphen WAS needed in back charge, it was omitted....irritating. A lot of words were dropped from sentences, too, like up/at/to.....and she writes french and not French. All errrs that should've been weeded out at a final proofreading exercise. I really hope the next book has those type of things removed and it would be perfect.
Loved the scene with the lobsters, Andie and Blair and there were some funny parts along with some sad little passages, too. The "extras" were some really nice characters as well (in most instances) and it was satisfying to witness people being nice to each other for a change.
I'm not the least bit religious, so if you're the same don't be put off. The characters attend church but you're not getting it shoved down your throat, there are a few Bible passages referred to but that's the long and short of it......so it's just fine. It just means there's no bad language nor violence and we can all do with a break from that sometimes.
I was a little disappointed that we didn't learn more about the accident itself and how it actually occurred as it doesn't really explain it too well, so it's hard to apportion blame or figure out who's at fault. I would've been interested to learn how each of the parents initially reacted to the news as well, though I guess that's a bit salacious of me.
I jumped from taking first one side then the other in the machinations that ensued but you gradually learn to then look in the other direction as well and I was satisfied by the end.
I have knocked it back a star because there are some issues with formatting, I think it is, because I can't believe she writes them all wrong every time.....firstly, in the chapter list it has ascribed chapter numbers to the epilogue AND acknowledgements sections, which is clearly wrong and caught my eye right away.
Then on page 1 we had be cause as opposed to because, then page 8 offered up be- came and I wasn't thinking of going on much further. Each time Jeff's is written it gets a needless space as well (Jeff 's) which is highly distracting, as was in- consolable and wind- ing and work- ing...I packed in highlighting these in the end !! Yet when a hyphen WAS needed in back charge, it was omitted....irritating. A lot of words were dropped from sentences, too, like up/at/to.....and she writes french and not French. All errrs that should've been weeded out at a final proofreading exercise. I really hope the next book has those type of things removed and it would be perfect.
Loved the scene with the lobsters, Andie and Blair and there were some funny parts along with some sad little passages, too. The "extras" were some really nice characters as well (in most instances) and it was satisfying to witness people being nice to each other for a change.
December 7, 2023
A Promise to Remember is a book in the Tomorrow’s Promise collection by Kathryn Cushman. When a tragic car accident kills two teenage boys from different economic classes, the aftermath threatens to tear apart a community as people start to take sides. Melanie Johnston is a grieving single mother. She is convinced that her son, Jeff, will be forgotten. Melanie is determined to make sure her son has a legacy to remember, Andie Phelps is a quiet woman who seemingly lives a life without any worry. After the death of her son, Chad, she retreats into her sorrow and pain, hiding from the world. As Melanie sues for wrongful death, their small seaside community starts to draw the battle lines. Both women must fight her own grief and pain, finding themselves struggling with faith and moving forward. Lives are forever changed with one simple decision.
A Promise to Remember is a difficult read. Filled with emotion, tough questions about fairness, faith, and what it means to have a legacy. Sympathizing with both women was easy, however, their choices raise questions about privilege, expectations and societal prejudices. Melanie and Andie were both relatable and realistic as grieving mothers whose social standing influenced their opinions and actions. The secondary characters are wonderful too as they play into the social prejudice, thinking they had right on their side. A certain character decides to play dirty and brings up a sordid past in order to discredit the other mother. I enjoyed the discussions of faith, heaven and a legacy worth leaving behind. A Promise to Remember is a story of forgiveness without being overly preachy. There were a few tears as I read, especially near the end. I highly recommend A Promise to Remember.
A Promise to Remember is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
A Promise to Remember is a difficult read. Filled with emotion, tough questions about fairness, faith, and what it means to have a legacy. Sympathizing with both women was easy, however, their choices raise questions about privilege, expectations and societal prejudices. Melanie and Andie were both relatable and realistic as grieving mothers whose social standing influenced their opinions and actions. The secondary characters are wonderful too as they play into the social prejudice, thinking they had right on their side. A certain character decides to play dirty and brings up a sordid past in order to discredit the other mother. I enjoyed the discussions of faith, heaven and a legacy worth leaving behind. A Promise to Remember is a story of forgiveness without being overly preachy. There were a few tears as I read, especially near the end. I highly recommend A Promise to Remember.
A Promise to Remember is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
May 23, 2020
I decided to read the first book I put on my Goodreads shelf. I hope to do this a few times this year, which means I will be reviewing some older books that most of you will have already read. Hope you enjoy looking back.
The two main female characters in this book are relatable. Their journey feels real and hard. Their relationships with other people and God grew and changed throughout the story. The lawyer in this had no redeeming characteristics, he was self centered and out for money. He irritated me from the beginning to the end. I was disappointed he did not grow in his relationship to others or to God.
The ending was what you would expect for Christian fiction.
The two main female characters in this book are relatable. Their journey feels real and hard. Their relationships with other people and God grew and changed throughout the story. The lawyer in this had no redeeming characteristics, he was self centered and out for money. He irritated me from the beginning to the end. I was disappointed he did not grow in his relationship to others or to God.
The ending was what you would expect for Christian fiction.
February 28, 2019
Guilt, Grief...Forgiveness
It was hard to put this book down. Guilt can take so much from us. It can be so difficult to forgive others especially for the life changing traumas. But forgiving ourself can be even more difficult and for me it takes more time. This was a real life trauma told from both parties perspectives. This is an excellent book and I can’t wait to start book number 2!
It was hard to put this book down. Guilt can take so much from us. It can be so difficult to forgive others especially for the life changing traumas. But forgiving ourself can be even more difficult and for me it takes more time. This was a real life trauma told from both parties perspectives. This is an excellent book and I can’t wait to start book number 2!
October 19, 2022
It has been a while since I read a book that was very hard to put down.
This is story of the grief of two mothers who lost their sons in a car accident. Because these two very different women come from opposite sides of tracks, prejudice and judgemental views that lead to unjust actions spring up easily.
Amazingly crafted story of misconceptions, hurt, abuse, but also of faith, forgiveness, and courage.
I did not agree with a few word choices in the story, hence only four stars.
This is story of the grief of two mothers who lost their sons in a car accident. Because these two very different women come from opposite sides of tracks, prejudice and judgemental views that lead to unjust actions spring up easily.
Amazingly crafted story of misconceptions, hurt, abuse, but also of faith, forgiveness, and courage.
I did not agree with a few word choices in the story, hence only four stars.
June 10, 2017
A Promise
I truly enjoyed reading this book. I cannot imagine losing a child and it was interesting to read how these families dealt with their sons death.
The author did a great job in showing how Christians can fail regularly in their lives but still continue to strive to act like Jesus. It is a difficult thing to do.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. I cannot imagine losing a child and it was interesting to read how these families dealt with their sons death.
The author did a great job in showing how Christians can fail regularly in their lives but still continue to strive to act like Jesus. It is a difficult thing to do.
August 9, 2018
I can’t think of anything more personally devastating than your child’s accidental death. The author told the story of two teenaged drivers dying in a car accident and the agony three parents faced in the months that followed the accident: their guilt, their anger, their loneliness, their need for God, their loving friends, and the forgiveness that healed relationships.
November 30, 2018
I will be the first to admit that Christian fiction is not my favorite genre, but the story line for this book intrigued me. And the story was traveling along well, until all of a sudden everything was resolved perfectly and tied up in a neat little package. No reason, none of the characters developed enough to cause this change. Really disappointing Pollyanna story.
February 17, 2020
Two women, both with tremendous losses in their lives. Their entanglement in the story is sad, understandable and deep. It’s hard to know which one to root for, as their personal issues grow and define them. This is a Christian book. It’s not a preachy book. The situations are handled just delicately enough to pull you in but just strong enough to make you think.
June 2, 2020
Good writing overall, but I didn’t like the constant “single mother” Reference (we know she’s a single mom, so it doesn’t have to be repeated all the time). I thought it tied up a little too quickly at the end, it seems like in “real-life” it wouldn’t all happen so quickly. But overall a good story. I’d read another book by this author.
October 13, 2021
Well developed characters
The author really made you understand the characters and the feelings. The reality of this heartbreaking situation and how others are quick to judge from their point of view. I understood the loyalty on each side and it felt like real life. I loved the positive conclusion!
The author really made you understand the characters and the feelings. The reality of this heartbreaking situation and how others are quick to judge from their point of view. I understood the loyalty on each side and it felt like real life. I loved the positive conclusion!
March 11, 2022
All things work to the good...
A Story filled with pain, loss, coming to terms, doing the right but very difficult thing. A story of redemption with the new perspective focused on heaven. A story of love and forgiveness, holding tight and letting go. A lot of good lessons in this inspiring novel.
A Story filled with pain, loss, coming to terms, doing the right but very difficult thing. A story of redemption with the new perspective focused on heaven. A story of love and forgiveness, holding tight and letting go. A lot of good lessons in this inspiring novel.
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