Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the décor to do it.
Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he’s back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah. Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?
Melony Teague is a freelance writer who believes everyone has a story to tell and each story is unique and sometimes wilder than fiction.
Melony Teague writes contemporary romance with a dash of humor, she loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words, and she believes everyone has a story to tell. Melony is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the co-author of As the Ink Flows, a devotional for authors. Her fiction debut, A Promise to Keep releases, Jan 21, 2020. Melony was born in South Africa and now lives in Toronto with her handsome husband, their two teenagers, and does the bidding of her two adorable cats.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Promise To Keep by Melony Teague. The story begins at the class reunion of Savannah Sandersson and Micheal McCann. They have not seen each other in 15 years and they meet again at their high school reunion and then decide to make some new memories. Savannah and Micheal are wonderful characters you want to connect with. The story follows their adventures and shows us how they make peace with their past, and create a new future. I was very drawn into the story and cheered for them both.
Melony Teague has the gift of painting pictures with her words and helping you to easily visualize the story. Her descriptions kept me engaged and enjoying the story. Her secondary characters were interesting and well developed. I was sad when the story ended.
I truly enjoyed each minute I spent reading A Promise To Keep. It is a great contemporary read and one that appeals to a wide audience. The story is one of grace, love, and holding on to the moments you have. I highly recommend A Promise To Keep. I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.
Oh my word! This is such a fabulous novel! When I first read the description a few months ago I knew that this was a book I wanted to read, so needless to say I jumped at the chance to request a review copy. I was pulled into the story from the first page and hated to stop reading! Savannah was a wonderful heroine, I liked her instantly and my heart broke for all she had been through, I really admired her strength. And as for Michael, can you say SWOON?! I must confess that I have a soft spot for search and rescue heroes, and if you do too then you're gonna love him as much as I did! I LOVED the humor in this book, I can't tell you how many times this book had me literally laughing out loud! Besides lots of laughs this book has a fabulous message, and a few pretty suspenseful rescue scenes that had me on the edge of my seat! I was fascinated by the scenes at and around Niagara Falls, definitely a great armchair vacation. I loved the author's writing style and her witty voice had me totally enthralled with the story from the get-go! This book is a MUST READ! I absolutely loved A Promise to Keep, and highly HIGHLY recommend it! I can't wait for this author's next book, and I'm hoping she will write a story about Johnnie and Gillian!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
Research librarian Savannah Sanderson does not want to keep the promise she made to her dying husband…to go to their twenty-year high school reunion. However, out of obligation she sets out to attend and finds herself hiding behind a fern so she wouldn’t have to talk to anyone. Did her plan work? No.
Michael McCann has changed since his high school years and when he sees the woman he loved back then hiding behind a tree, he sets out to hang out with her. The two of them take an impromptu trip to Niagara Falls where they both discover they have feelings for each other. However, can they admit it to themselves before it’s too late?
This debut novel by Melony Teague caught me from the first page! Well done! The storyline kept my interest and I fell in love with the characters. They were well-rounded and their arcs were beautifully woven into the plot. The faith element was organically written into the story.
The imagery used throughout was done beautifully. I could picture the reunion, their trip, and the perilous situation at the end (that I will keep a secret!). It put me right in the pages of this remarkable debut.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
I give A Promise to Keep five stars. It’s one debut that will grab you by the heartstrings and leave you with wanting more!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Melony Teague's debut novel is engaging. The story line not only kept my interest it made me want to continue to read.
I loved every minute I spent in Savannah and Michael's world. Ms. Teague reunites these two high school friends at their 20 year high school reunion. Where Savannah promised her high school sweetheart, and dying husband Nick she'd attend. The visualization is so good throughout this novel that I can still see the fern that Savannah was hiding behind at the reunion.
I enjoyed the spur of the moment road trip that took me to places in Canada which was really fun. A complete arm chair adventure.
The characters are well developed they make you want to know and care about them.
The story is well paced, with surprises and suspense along the way that open up the door for Michael and Savannah to discover new things about each other.
While this book has a lot of fun, adventure, and suspense, it is also full of grace, enjoying every moment, and loads of heart!
Melony Teague has hit the ball out of the park with this fiction debut. If I hadn't been told that this was a debut novel I wouldn't have believed it.
I highly recommend this book! It will appeal to a wide audience of contemporary readers.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow! What a great debut novel!! This is an author to watch out for in the future. I can tell that this style of writing came straight from the heart!! It just flowed from her pen. Reading about Michael and Savannah was great!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this!! Michael is proof of someone that can change and change he did! And according to Savannah a lot!! There's a certain glow about him and it suited him well. I think he's still kinda awkward but then most of us are in certain situations and people can make us that way too!! Savannah is a little timid in my opinion. But after what she's went through who can blame her. Grief can do that to a person. It has no time limit. You'll always miss that person. I thought that this was a wonderful story with of course great characters and a swell plot with a 20 year reunion as the backdrop. I've never been to one of my reunions nor do I intend to. To me, they're the same snobby bunch that will never change and I never cared for them when going to school. Plus, it's expensive. I did snicker at some of the things Michael and Savannah did and there is a scene that did make me sniffle a time or two. I didn't put this book down until I was finished. This book is highly recommended from me. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. My thanks to the author/publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Author Melony Teague has written an absolutely wonderful contemporary romance debut. Teague writes from deep within the heart, bringing so many emotions into her story and characters, everything between joy and sorrow, as well as humor and a delightfully sweet and swoony love story. The characters are realistically brought to live, making it easy for readers to relate to them and quickly fall in love with them. This is the type of story that will cause readers to soar, making it extremely hard to put down even after the last page is turned. Readers will definitely want to be on the lookout for more fabulous stories from this wonderful author!
Genre: contemporary, romance Publisher: Anaiah Press Publication date: January 21, 2020 Number of pages: 338
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
A Promise to Keep is a fantastic and impressive debut novel. In the heart-stirring story of Savannah Sanders and Michael McCann who reconnect at their high school reunion., the author crafted characters who I genuinely loved. Savannah will break your heart as the widowed young woman who is only attending her 20th high school reunion to keep a promise she made to her dying husband. Savannah doesn't really want to be there, but a promise is a promise, right? Luckily Michael is looking for an escape route, too but it involves his dear friend Savannah. This is where the laugh out loud moments begin. Michael is funny, kind, sweet and quite adventurous as Savannah soon discovers when they begin to spend time together.
It was great fun traveling with the characters but this book isn't all fun and games, it's an emotional read blended perfectly with action and a little drama. Ms. Teague penned a beautiful and heartfelt story with within the pages of this book. The emotions are real and powerful and the characters are ones that I will think of occasionally because they seemed so real to me. I look forward to more of this authors work and highly recommend this book. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own.
This is an author to keep an eye on. This is her debut novel and wow, is it really something. An easy flowing and exciting plot makes to book easy to read with relatable and likable characters. A promise to her late husband has Research librarian Savannah Sanderson attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion. She doesn't want to do it but she's doing it for him. Unexpectedly meeting up with a former classmate who has changed and matured so much from high school that she she doesn't even recognize him . He was the classic troublemaker and has unresolved issues he really needs to work through. Can these two work through the problems they are facing in this emotional journey through the past letting go of past hurts and let the truth and light shine for them? Recommended! I'll be on the lookout for more by this author.
Expected publication: January 21st 2020 by Anaiah Press. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
I connected immediately with Savannah. She's at her high school reunion, somewhat unwillingly, and her reconnection with an old friend and their shenanigans delighted me. The author made me feel I was right there. This could be a wonderful movie. The first half of the book explores the satisfying and exciting development of Savannah and Michael's relationship, and the second half is dramatic, an intense action scene that I promise you'll not soon forget. Highly recommended.
A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague is the kind of contemporary romance that will stay with its readers for a long time!
One of my favorite parts of A Promise to Keep was the adventure Savannah and Michael took! The author did an amazing job bringing these settings to life. Additionally, I loved how even when the road trip adventure was over, the adventure of the story surprised and delighted me! Getting to see Michael in his hero environment added a level of surprising intensity to the story that reminded me of a Susan May Warren novel!
Michael is such a wonderful hero! He's got that unrequited swoony factor in abundance, and his love for Savannah is so steadfast. And Savannah -- well, not even Savannah's grief could stop this fun and quirky character from leaping off the page! While the author tackles potentially triggering topics like cancer, death, and grief, the author does this with skill, tact, and realness. I greatly appreciated how the characters were so real in their emotions and struggles as they navigated these heartaches. I liked that it took work and courage to overcome their fears. And I loved how God's love shined through these perfectly imperfect characters!
Five Stars ~ A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague is a charming and heart-tugging romance! I look forward to reading whatever story the author pens next!
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
Melony Teague’s debut novel is simply delightful! Utilizing a mixture of poignant romance, humorous incidents, and nail-biting suspense, the author keeps the reader hooked until the very end. Interesting settings from Niagara Falls, Canada to the wild caves of Wyoming come to life within the pages, making the reader feel they are really there. I will definitely be looking forward to more works by this author. —Susan Anne Mason
A thoroughly enjoyable debut, A Promise to Keep is an adventurous exploration into all of the highs and lows of the human experience. Unrequited love, rediscovered friendship, piercing grief, and stifling fear are just the beginning of their story. I won’t share spoilers, so I’ll just say that I already know whose next book is going on auto-TBR.
With beautiful tenderness, Melony Teague has given us a window into the joy, sorrow, humour, and soaring love of characters that come alive. Be ready to have your heart stolen in this must-read fiction debut.
This book is absolutely wonderful!! It is a beautifully written story about second chances. Keep a box of tissue handy, you will need them. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Kudos to Melony Teague on her debut novel! It is an enjoyable read with lovely characters and a nicely paced plot that flows well. The author addresses the bottomless pain and grief of losing a spouse to cancer but balances out the tragic with frequent moments of humor, levity, and quirkiness as well as some heady adrenaline-rush at certain parts of the story.
The story opens with Savannah, a widow still deep in her grief, and Michael attending their 20th high school reunion. They have a long history together but haven't kept up in the last 20 years so they decide to rekindle their friendship and build some new memories. Unfortunately, Savannah's unfounded fears and Michael's self-doubt and insecurity drive them apart until they finally learn what it means to surrender their all to God and live life to the fullest. Savannah and Michael are complete opposites but it's endearing how he sacrifices so much to bring her happiness and new experiences. Michael's love for Savannah is steadfast, loyal, and incredibly heart-warming. Savannah's fears and anxiety are over-the-top but understandable to a degree. Michael's adrenaline-filled work as a rescuer juxtaposes quite nicely with Savannah's research-filled days as a university librarian.
If you enjoy contemporary romance with humor and insight, you will enjoy this book. I received a copy of the book from Anaiah Press and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
❤ This is such a wonderful story. I loved every moment of reading it. A great second chance at love and life for Savannah and Michael. There are so many heart touching moments throughout the pages, I recommend having tissues nearby. Lots of happy years and laugh out loud moments too. An excellent debut! I cannot wait to read what Melony Teague writes next.
A lovely contemporary romance, with adorable and sometime hilarious moments, a touch of suspense, and uplifting inspiration. Full of deep emotion, action and adventure. What more could one want from a book?
This is the author’s debut novel. And wow, what a read. There are so many parts that I loved about this book, the cover, the characters, the setting, etc. etc. etc. Honestly you’ll just have to read the book for yourself.
Melony has a gift for creating characters that you want to reminisce with at, oh I don't know, a 20-year high school reunion. I loved this story from the first chapter to the witty dialogue and of course the rock climbing scenes. A perfect sweet romance escape from a cold winter night.
Today was my wind-down day, with a good book. This book did not disappoint. A Promise To Keep is a very good read, for any reader wishing to enjoy a current day, faith-based, romance novel. The text was written in a way that was both engaging and intriguing, leaving me to not stop, until finished. I truly appreciated the modern spins on activities experienced by the main characters, as well as the realistic faith struggles many face today.
This was the perfect book to read in our imperfect world. It starts with a promise and a death, but then fills with hope and laughter and drama that keeps you on your toes and glued to your seat.
This debut flows flawlessly. The pace is perfect; the tension mounts. You need to keep turning the page.
Any reader who enjoys Christian romance will love this book.
This was a wonderful romance. The first half of the book was full of sparks! The second half was action packed and had me rooting for Michael and Savannah to reunite. This book did not disappoint!
Savannah Sanderson only had one reason to attend her high school reunion, and that was because her husband begged her to, just before his death. And she granted his wishes. But she wasn’t expecting their old friend, the friend who walked out and left them, never to return or stay in contact with. And Michael McCann looks nothing like he did in high school, so she didn’t recognize him at first sight of him. The tension is high, neither wanting to see the other, but both drawn to each other because of things beyond their control.
A Promise to keep is filled with so many emotions. There is a lot of friction between the main characters. With their past hanging over them, it was difficult to move forward with any kind of relationship. The author does a really nice job of creating amazing characters, and making their story sound realistic. My heart was heavy for both Savannah and Michael. They were so afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone because they were hanging in to their past so strong it was difficult to let go. This is a heartbreaking, yet sweet Inspirational read. And very well worth your time to read. I encourage you to check out A Promise to Keep for your reading enjoyment.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In her debut novel, Melony Teague introduces readers to former friends Michael and Savannah who, due to choices and circumstances, meet again after twenty years at their high school reunion. These two have a history that gives them insight into each other despite the years and distance between them. Michael has become a better man, one who makes it his life’s work to rescue others while Savannah’s experiences have caused her to burrow into a protective shell. One Michael wants to bring her out of.
A spur of the moment road trip, complete with small adventures, becomes a journey of discovery and honesty for these two friends. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Niagara area through A Promise to Keep.
Teague builds this story well with an intense ending that had me flipping through the pages as quickly as possible. At the heart of this story is the truth that no matter the obstacles in front of us, love is worth the risks.
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
'She wouldn't cry. She was done with tears.....with the fortitude of fragile glass.'
Savannah Sanderson promises her late husband that she will go to her 20th year high school reunion, which is the absolute last thing she wants to do. She finds a hiding spot behind a fern and that's where she plans to stay until the night is over. Then another classmate, Michael McCann, spots her and drags her out. He's changed his life completely since high school, too. He and Savannah decide to visit some old favorite spots from their high school years and soon their adventure turns into an emotional journey they are not sure they can navigate past.
Well written, poignantly told, this debut novel from Melony Teague will touch your heart and have you cheering for these two. Watching them reconnect after 20 years and seeing their hearts shine is something you don't want to miss. Don't miss this one, folks. Recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Teague has given readers a beautifully written story in A Promise to Keep. The characters are relatable, emotional, realistic, and easy to love. My heart went out to Savannah immediately. I couldn't imagine going to a reunion, simply becuase she promised her late husband. And yet she did, thankfully! Her character had so much to go through before she could move on with her life, and it was such a joy watching her go through the grief process, and grow as a character.
Enter Michael on the scene, who provided some comedic relief that had me giggling. He was perfect for Savannah - and the way he "rescued" her at the reunion - well you're just going to have to read that for yourself. It was well written and delightfully entertaining. The adventure they went on together after that was just what both of them needed. Teague did a great job in having a steady pace for their love story, it did not feel rushed at all.
I loved the setting of the story - mainly because it's in my neck of the woods, but still, it drew me in. I could picture everything vividly, and almost started driving the couple hour drive so I could see the places Teague was describing.
What a stunning debut novel by Melony Teague. With romance, fun, adventure, and humor, A Promise to Keep has a little something for everyone. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Melony Teague’s debut novel is a heart-warming story of second chances and overcoming fear, featuring an adventurous rescuer and a decidedly unadventurous research librarian. Can anyone say opposites attract?
Unfortunately for Michael and Savannah, opposite personalities isn’t the only issue they need to work through if they’re going to explore where their mutual attraction might take them. There’s also the spectre of Savannah’s late husband—also Michael’s good friend—looking over their shoulders, and Savannah’s wariness of Michael’s high-risk job after her husband’s long battle with cancer.
This story is by turns humorous and sweet, sombre and suspenseful, and takes readers on a journey from a high-school reunion to Niagara Falls to Yosemite and a few other places besides. Teague has a descriptive, easy-to-read style, and there was much to enjoy as Michael and Savannah renewed their friendship and explored what might be possible beyond that, although I did find the second half of the novel fairly predictable in the way it developed.
Contemporary romance lovers looking for a gentle read that plucks at the heartstrings will want to check this one out.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
A Promise to Keep, the debut novel for this author, was a very enjoyable second chance story. I really enjoyed watching as Michael and Savannah reconnected, especially as they spent time together in the days after the reunion, both around their hometown and also up into Canada. The author did a good job of capturing the nervousness of both characters as they worked to get to know each other again.
Michael’s long standing feelings for Savannah made him such a likable character, who I couldn’t help but feel for. Savannah had so much to get past emotionally after all that she had experienced in losing her husband. I kept wanting her to make bigger steps in her progress toward living again, yet her hesitancy to accept risk did make sense, too.
I enjoyed this contemporary romance and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was a very predictable book about two friends who reconnect at their 20th high school reunion. Savannah's husband has died and she is afraid to love again. She only attends the reunion because she promised her husband before he died that she would go. She is surprised to see an old friend, Michael who has changed for the better since high school. The rest of the book is Savannah trying to come to terms with her feelings for Michael. An accident brings Savannah to his bedside and the rest is history.