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The Promise of Sunrise #3
Promise to Keep
Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin's deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther's grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf, which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.
Audio CD
First published October 13, 2015
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About the author
Elizabeth Byler Younts
14 books352 followersGo to www.elizabethbyleryounts.com to subscribe to the newsletter and receive the audio of the first chapter of THE SOLACE OF WATER as a thank you gift.
Award-winning author Elizabeth Byler Younts writes historical fiction for Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson. She gained a worldwide audience through her first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl. She is also the author of the Carol award-winning novel The Solace of Water, critically-acclaimed novel The Bright Unknown, and The Promise of Sunrise series. She has consulted on Amish lifestyle and the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect for two award-winning television shows. Elizabeth lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two daughters, and a small menagerie of well-loved pets.
Award-winning author Elizabeth Byler Younts writes historical fiction for Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson. She gained a worldwide audience through her first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl. She is also the author of the Carol award-winning novel The Solace of Water, critically-acclaimed novel The Bright Unknown, and The Promise of Sunrise series. She has consulted on Amish lifestyle and the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect for two award-winning television shows. Elizabeth lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two daughters, and a small menagerie of well-loved pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 17, 2019
It’s official now: I’ll read anything by this author! This entire series was amazing. I had all the feels and might have bawled uncontrolably. Might. The characters are very real with their struggles, virtues and flaws and the author isn’t afraid to tackle heavy topics. Ok ok I totally did cry. I’m not good at reviews so I’ll leave it at this, if you’re contemplating reading this, please do! The writing is solid and so is the plot and tbh this is one of the best written Christian Fiction I’ve come along in quite a while.
February 8, 2020
Just as I suspected I am now feeling sadness over the fact that I have officially finished reading this series and I wasn't ready to be done with it yet. Elizabeth Byler Younts did a remarkable job of expressing some of the conflict in and around the Amish community during the time of WWII. A people devoted to nonviolence, the draft forced its way in and shook things up. I really liked that each of the stories in this series followed a different aspect of how families were effected. In the first two books we saw what happened when men either decided to go off to war or serve their time as a C.O. (conscientious objector). In Promise to Keep, we see what life was like trying to return from the war (although in this one the leading male character was not Amish).
I love that Elizabeth Byler Yount's books make me think. They stir up empathy and draw me so close to the characters that I find myself wrestling with how I would handle the seemingly impossible choices they are faced with. In a community that likes to live by black and white, you begin to see the encroaching gray. This was so masterfully woven in that it doesn't leave your thoughts even after you've finished reading.
One thing that stuck out to me in this novel is something that was said by Joe. He made a comment to Esther that just because something was considered wrong by the church, didn't make it a sin. He was talking about the bann and the social rules around it that the church held firm to. It's something you see Esther wrestling over the more she considers it. The quote that stuck out to me the most was:
"But were the Amish so entangled with the will of God that if you offended one, you offended the other as well? Or was there a distinction? Was God offended by sharing a meal with a shunned member more than He was offended by the shunning and rejection itself?"
Throughout the three books in this series we see what happens when the "English" and Amish intermingle. What's interesting is that the end result is not always what you might expect. It was refreshing to see that both groups were respected despite their differences in opinion and as a reader you see that people aren't really all as different as you might originally think.
I adored this series, and am sad to see it over. I fully enjoyed my time in it and look forward to reading more from Elizabeth Byler Younts in the future. Earlier this week a friend of mine said "With Younts, I think I would like even her shopping list. She's just that good a writer!" I don't think I can argue that comment haha. If you haven't read this series yet I highly, highly recommend it!
*I was given a copy of this book from the author. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I love that Elizabeth Byler Yount's books make me think. They stir up empathy and draw me so close to the characters that I find myself wrestling with how I would handle the seemingly impossible choices they are faced with. In a community that likes to live by black and white, you begin to see the encroaching gray. This was so masterfully woven in that it doesn't leave your thoughts even after you've finished reading.
One thing that stuck out to me in this novel is something that was said by Joe. He made a comment to Esther that just because something was considered wrong by the church, didn't make it a sin. He was talking about the bann and the social rules around it that the church held firm to. It's something you see Esther wrestling over the more she considers it. The quote that stuck out to me the most was:
"But were the Amish so entangled with the will of God that if you offended one, you offended the other as well? Or was there a distinction? Was God offended by sharing a meal with a shunned member more than He was offended by the shunning and rejection itself?"
Throughout the three books in this series we see what happens when the "English" and Amish intermingle. What's interesting is that the end result is not always what you might expect. It was refreshing to see that both groups were respected despite their differences in opinion and as a reader you see that people aren't really all as different as you might originally think.
I adored this series, and am sad to see it over. I fully enjoyed my time in it and look forward to reading more from Elizabeth Byler Younts in the future. Earlier this week a friend of mine said "With Younts, I think I would like even her shopping list. She's just that good a writer!" I don't think I can argue that comment haha. If you haven't read this series yet I highly, highly recommend it!
*I was given a copy of this book from the author. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
December 29, 2022
While Promise to Keep is the third in the series, it can read as a stand-alone novel. I am pretty sure I have read the first two and never marked them as read on Goodreads (they sound super familiar)! Regardless, I did not feel I had missed anything or any connections in the story.
This is my second time attempting to read Promise to Keep. The first time I tried to read it, I couldn't get past the slow start at the beginning. This time I listened to the story. It still had that slow start feeling, but I was able to get pulled into the story.
The plot is unique. Esther takes in her deceased shunned cousin's daughter, who happens to be deaf, so her cousins' husband can go off to war. The story could have gone in so many different directions with that brief synopsis. Toward the middle, I felt I knew where the story was going, but I was wrong. It is not predictable (unless you read the synopsis, which I didn't until after I had read the book 😂). There are several surprises in this story.
There is quite a bit of heartache in this story. However, the themes of healing and redemption are remarkable. The story is set around WWII (which I have been avoiding for quite a while now due to burnout). BUT, this one was more when Joe came home from the war and not the war itself. It was very refreshing.
If you are looking for a book that will pull on your heartstrings, make you think, is incredibly well written, and has a unique plot line, look no further. Despite my rocky start, I highly recommend Promise to Keep by Elizabeth Byler Younts.
This is my second time attempting to read Promise to Keep. The first time I tried to read it, I couldn't get past the slow start at the beginning. This time I listened to the story. It still had that slow start feeling, but I was able to get pulled into the story.
The plot is unique. Esther takes in her deceased shunned cousin's daughter, who happens to be deaf, so her cousins' husband can go off to war. The story could have gone in so many different directions with that brief synopsis. Toward the middle, I felt I knew where the story was going, but I was wrong. It is not predictable (unless you read the synopsis, which I didn't until after I had read the book 😂). There are several surprises in this story.
There is quite a bit of heartache in this story. However, the themes of healing and redemption are remarkable. The story is set around WWII (which I have been avoiding for quite a while now due to burnout). BUT, this one was more when Joe came home from the war and not the war itself. It was very refreshing.
If you are looking for a book that will pull on your heartstrings, make you think, is incredibly well written, and has a unique plot line, look no further. Despite my rocky start, I highly recommend Promise to Keep by Elizabeth Byler Younts.
January 18, 2023
This is an amazing read! It is part of a series and this is the 3rd book of it. So it's back track for me and a new author to had to my go to list!
October 19, 2015
"Promise to Keep"by Elizabeth Byler Younts is the third and final book in the (Promise of Sunrise Series) and my favorite of the three. I have read all four of Elizabeth Younts's book, the first one," SEASONS: A REAL STORY OF AN AMISH GIRL" , isn't part of this series, but is the first one I read and made me a fan of her work.
"Promise to Keep" is a novel that ends the (Promise Of Sunrise Series) beautifully. I knew how I wanted this series to end and I wasn't sure it would end that way and I am not going to give any spoilers and tell you if it ended the way I wanted it too or not, you have to read it yourself but you won't be disappointed, I will tell you it did end in a way I didn't see happening but I was happy with it ending that way!
Elizabeth Younts knowledge of the Amish makes her novels so real and she write so well that I can see the scenes play out in my mind as I was reading the words she has written.
"Promise to keep" is a novel filled with loss and betrayal and love. I felt the tears start as I was reading this novel. I had tears for each character and yes there was a few tense moments involving"Daisy" a deaf girl, but that will be all I will say about that, don't want to give anything way.
"Promise to Keep" can be a stand alone novel but I strongly urge you to read the other two as well to get the full story of Joe and Elizabeth and Daisy.
I hope I have convinced you to read "Promise to Keep"and if you are not already a fan of Elizabeth Younts you become one.
I am giving "Promise To Read" 5 stars.
I was given a copy of "Promise To Keep" by the author for an honest review. These opinions are my own.
"Promise to Keep" is a novel that ends the (Promise Of Sunrise Series) beautifully. I knew how I wanted this series to end and I wasn't sure it would end that way and I am not going to give any spoilers and tell you if it ended the way I wanted it too or not, you have to read it yourself but you won't be disappointed, I will tell you it did end in a way I didn't see happening but I was happy with it ending that way!
Elizabeth Younts knowledge of the Amish makes her novels so real and she write so well that I can see the scenes play out in my mind as I was reading the words she has written.
"Promise to keep" is a novel filled with loss and betrayal and love. I felt the tears start as I was reading this novel. I had tears for each character and yes there was a few tense moments involving"Daisy" a deaf girl, but that will be all I will say about that, don't want to give anything way.
"Promise to Keep" can be a stand alone novel but I strongly urge you to read the other two as well to get the full story of Joe and Elizabeth and Daisy.
I hope I have convinced you to read "Promise to Keep"and if you are not already a fan of Elizabeth Younts you become one.
I am giving "Promise To Read" 5 stars.
I was given a copy of "Promise To Keep" by the author for an honest review. These opinions are my own.
October 17, 2015
My Review:
Esther knows all too well about hardships and clinging to what you know. She was orphaned as a child and raised by her grandmother. She was raised to be strong and rely on no one. She was faced with a crossroads of sorts when she was asked to take in her cousin's deaf daughter Daisy. But she and her grandmother took the poor child in because she had no where else to go because her dad went off to war.
But all too soon, their happy home turns into something else because Daisy's dad is back from the war and he wants to develop a relationship with his daughter. But Daisy will not part from Esther. Joe realizes now that any decision he makes will have to include Esther especially if he wants to start over with his daughter.
Esther is just a precious girl and I feel for her especially because if Daisy goes back with her father, what will become of Esther? The author provided a good story line and rich vibrant characters. I love how the author meshed the Amish with the English. Perfect love story!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
Esther knows all too well about hardships and clinging to what you know. She was orphaned as a child and raised by her grandmother. She was raised to be strong and rely on no one. She was faced with a crossroads of sorts when she was asked to take in her cousin's deaf daughter Daisy. But she and her grandmother took the poor child in because she had no where else to go because her dad went off to war.
But all too soon, their happy home turns into something else because Daisy's dad is back from the war and he wants to develop a relationship with his daughter. But Daisy will not part from Esther. Joe realizes now that any decision he makes will have to include Esther especially if he wants to start over with his daughter.
Esther is just a precious girl and I feel for her especially because if Daisy goes back with her father, what will become of Esther? The author provided a good story line and rich vibrant characters. I love how the author meshed the Amish with the English. Perfect love story!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
August 15, 2015
Another Netgalley book in exchange for an honest review. So many thoughts whirling through my head about this book that I just don't know how to properly express them. It was such a good book I think giving it 5 stars doesn't do it justice. Definitely a must read.
February 4, 2023
Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin’s deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.
When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his 7yo daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares, and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy, and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.
As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.
The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind est. October 4th 1858, is the world's most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals who are deaf, blind, deaf blind and multidisabled.It is located in the city of Talladega.AIDB has regional centres in Birmingham,Decatur,Dothan,Huntsville,
Mobile,Montgomery,Opelika,Shoals,and Tuscaloosa.The institution was formed at the suggestion of Joseph Henry Johnson,a former instructor at the Georgia School for the Deaf in Cave Spring.In April 1867 Johnson's brother-in-law,Reuben Rogers Asbury,who had suffered an eye injury in the American Civil War,lobbied the state's Reconstruction legislature for funds to add a school for the blind,with himself as teacher.The funding was approved in 1870.The schools taught home economics,and trades as well as maths, music and religion.
Saipan is the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands,a commonwealth of the US in the western Pacific Ocean.The Battle of Saipan,from 15 June-9 July 1944,was one of the major campaigns of WWII.The USMC and Army landed on the beaches of the south-western side of the island,and after heavy fighting,captured the island from the Japanese.
When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his 7yo daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares, and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy, and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.
As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.
The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind est. October 4th 1858, is the world's most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals who are deaf, blind, deaf blind and multidisabled.It is located in the city of Talladega.AIDB has regional centres in Birmingham,Decatur,Dothan,Huntsville,
Mobile,Montgomery,Opelika,Shoals,and Tuscaloosa.The institution was formed at the suggestion of Joseph Henry Johnson,a former instructor at the Georgia School for the Deaf in Cave Spring.In April 1867 Johnson's brother-in-law,Reuben Rogers Asbury,who had suffered an eye injury in the American Civil War,lobbied the state's Reconstruction legislature for funds to add a school for the blind,with himself as teacher.The funding was approved in 1870.The schools taught home economics,and trades as well as maths, music and religion.
Saipan is the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands,a commonwealth of the US in the western Pacific Ocean.The Battle of Saipan,from 15 June-9 July 1944,was one of the major campaigns of WWII.The USMC and Army landed on the beaches of the south-western side of the island,and after heavy fighting,captured the island from the Japanese.
January 2, 2025
Wonderful story
I'm very impressed with this author. She's new to me and I have really enjoyed this story along with PROMISE TO CHERISH. Both stories were very well written and evoked emotions that made you relate to the characters. Great storyline, great characters and wonderful dialog.
I'm very impressed with this author. She's new to me and I have really enjoyed this story along with PROMISE TO CHERISH. Both stories were very well written and evoked emotions that made you relate to the characters. Great storyline, great characters and wonderful dialog.
June 26, 2020
Weer een prachtig verhaal. Dit boek was af en toe te traag, de flashbacks en herinneringen hadden iets minder gemogen.
Bedankt dat ik helemaal met Esther, Joe en Daisy mee kon leven!
Bedankt dat ik helemaal met Esther, Joe en Daisy mee kon leven!
October 14, 2015
I received this book from Howard Books for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife's death in this touching historical romance.
Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin's deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther's grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.
When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.
As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.
My Thoughts:
Promise to Keep is book 3 in Elizabeth Byler Younts Promise of Sunrise Book and I really enjoyed it. I have not read any books by Elizabeth Byler Younts so I was excited to have the opportunity to read a new to me author. Especially a new to me Amish Fiction and Christian Historical Fiction author. As a HUGE Amish Fiction and Christian Historical fan I am always excited to learn of new authors to read. Promise to Keep is the 3rd and last book of the Promise of Sunrise series but it definitely doesn't need to be read in order and this book can definitely be read as a stand alone. This book takes place during WWII and the impact it had on the Amish and English alike. Esther Detweiler was orphaned as a child living with her grandmother and taking care of her. When Esther's cousin died, Esther and Orpha took in her deaf daughter, Daisy because Irene's husband Joe decided to enlist in the military. Irene was raised Amish but left when she married Joe Garrison and was shunned by everyone except Esther and Orpha. Until Esther took in Daisy no one knew she was deaf, they all thought she was "simple" but eventually Esther figured it out and taught herself and Daisy to communicate mainly through sign language and their own ways. Esther knew Joe would be back for Daisy after his service was done but that didn't change that Esther has been a mother to Daisy and the only parent she has really ever known so when Joe comes home, Daisy doesn't understand and is very angry. Esther is afraid of what will happen when Joe is ready to take Daisy back and raise her. As Esther works with Daisy and Joe, Esther and Joe start to have feelings for one another past being in laws and co parents for Daisy.
I really enjoyed this book by Elizabeth Byler Younts! As a huge fan of Amish and Christian Historical fiction this book is the best of both worlds. When I requested this book I was not aware it was the third and last book in a series and didn't know until I finished the book and read the acknowledgements at the end. This book definitely can be read as stand alone. I could NOT tell that it was part of a series and I did not feel like I was missing any parts of the story. Elizabeth Byler Younts grew up in an Amish Community so there is a knowledge and authenticity to this story that really stands out. I found myself learning so much more about the Amish and their role in WWII, the military in general. Elizabeth Byler Younts paints a realistic, honest look at Amish life, not just the happy or pleasant. I found myself taken in with this story from the start and had a hard time putting it down. This story is great and I have definitely found another author to add to my list! I look forward to reading Elizabeth Byler Younts other books! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish and Christian Historical fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 4 STARS.
Book Description:
World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife's death in this touching historical romance.
Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin's deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther's grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.
When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.
As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.
My Thoughts:
Promise to Keep is book 3 in Elizabeth Byler Younts Promise of Sunrise Book and I really enjoyed it. I have not read any books by Elizabeth Byler Younts so I was excited to have the opportunity to read a new to me author. Especially a new to me Amish Fiction and Christian Historical Fiction author. As a HUGE Amish Fiction and Christian Historical fan I am always excited to learn of new authors to read. Promise to Keep is the 3rd and last book of the Promise of Sunrise series but it definitely doesn't need to be read in order and this book can definitely be read as a stand alone. This book takes place during WWII and the impact it had on the Amish and English alike. Esther Detweiler was orphaned as a child living with her grandmother and taking care of her. When Esther's cousin died, Esther and Orpha took in her deaf daughter, Daisy because Irene's husband Joe decided to enlist in the military. Irene was raised Amish but left when she married Joe Garrison and was shunned by everyone except Esther and Orpha. Until Esther took in Daisy no one knew she was deaf, they all thought she was "simple" but eventually Esther figured it out and taught herself and Daisy to communicate mainly through sign language and their own ways. Esther knew Joe would be back for Daisy after his service was done but that didn't change that Esther has been a mother to Daisy and the only parent she has really ever known so when Joe comes home, Daisy doesn't understand and is very angry. Esther is afraid of what will happen when Joe is ready to take Daisy back and raise her. As Esther works with Daisy and Joe, Esther and Joe start to have feelings for one another past being in laws and co parents for Daisy.
I really enjoyed this book by Elizabeth Byler Younts! As a huge fan of Amish and Christian Historical fiction this book is the best of both worlds. When I requested this book I was not aware it was the third and last book in a series and didn't know until I finished the book and read the acknowledgements at the end. This book definitely can be read as stand alone. I could NOT tell that it was part of a series and I did not feel like I was missing any parts of the story. Elizabeth Byler Younts grew up in an Amish Community so there is a knowledge and authenticity to this story that really stands out. I found myself learning so much more about the Amish and their role in WWII, the military in general. Elizabeth Byler Younts paints a realistic, honest look at Amish life, not just the happy or pleasant. I found myself taken in with this story from the start and had a hard time putting it down. This story is great and I have definitely found another author to add to my list! I look forward to reading Elizabeth Byler Younts other books! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish and Christian Historical fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 4 STARS.
October 4, 2015
The most difficult thing when writing a great series, is to bring that series to a conclusion and that is just what Elizabeth Byler Younts does in the third and final novel, Promise to Keep, in her Promise of Sunrise Series. Where do I begin in my review of this novel? First of all I would have to say that it does include quite a few different genres, from Historical, Romance, Amish, World War II, and all of them being Christian based without a lot of the heavy religious overtones coming across. It's a simple story of being lost and the redemption that comes from being found.
As the reader embarks on the journey, there are two very different stories that come to an intersection at the first 100 pages and the first being of Esther Detweiler, who has had a challenge most of us would find hard to endure. Not only with the recent death of her mother, she is left all alone to deal with raising Daisy, a young girl who was abandoned, first by the death of her mother, Irene, Esther's cousin, and then when Daisy's father, Joe Garrison leaves her behind to enter World War II. Not because he had to, but because he couldn't handle caring for Daisy who he didn't understand was simply deaf, but others thought belonged in a mental institution. Esther soon learns that her father whom she believed died, is now coming back home and wishes to restore all the time he has lost with Esther. He believes it is something he can just pick right back up again. But Esther isn't so willing.
On top of that she discovers from Joe's sister, Angelica, that he is returning home from the war and is planning on taking back the daughter he had abandoned. It's not an easy thing for Esther to deal with all at once. Daisy barely remembers the man who left her so long ago, and right now, Esther is the only family she has ever known. Her own Aunt Angelica was offered the care of Daisy, but she felt that Daisy was too much to deal with and relented her care to Esther. But as Joe returns home he too has his own share of issues, dealing with the shell shock he has from the war, along with the alcohol that seems to keep it under control are the least of his worries, when he realizes that Daisy doesn't want anything to do with him and wants to stay with Esther over living with her own father. It will take a miracle to restore the lives of those characters we see spilled out in the covers of Promise to Keep!
I received Promise to Keep from Elizabeth Byler Younts compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from a free copy of this book, and the opinions expressed here are my own personal honest ones. Being a huge lover of WWII fiction, I absolutely loved the idea of a English soldier returning home from the war to deal with his feelings for a young Amish woman. It's truly the best of two ideal genre's in my mind. The impacts of what is now known as PTSD, wasn't something that many knew how to deal with and you can imagine how that might be played out among the non violent Amish. Not only that, the impacts of dealing with a deaf child and learning how to communicate, was something that would have been considered out of the ordinary since most of the education in dealing with how to communicate with them would have been fairly new as well. You could see where others would automatically assume they might be mentally challenged instead of something more simple. This one really worked well and thus the reason for the 4 out of 5 star rating in my opinion. It's truly a story of restoration on many different fronts.
As the reader embarks on the journey, there are two very different stories that come to an intersection at the first 100 pages and the first being of Esther Detweiler, who has had a challenge most of us would find hard to endure. Not only with the recent death of her mother, she is left all alone to deal with raising Daisy, a young girl who was abandoned, first by the death of her mother, Irene, Esther's cousin, and then when Daisy's father, Joe Garrison leaves her behind to enter World War II. Not because he had to, but because he couldn't handle caring for Daisy who he didn't understand was simply deaf, but others thought belonged in a mental institution. Esther soon learns that her father whom she believed died, is now coming back home and wishes to restore all the time he has lost with Esther. He believes it is something he can just pick right back up again. But Esther isn't so willing.
On top of that she discovers from Joe's sister, Angelica, that he is returning home from the war and is planning on taking back the daughter he had abandoned. It's not an easy thing for Esther to deal with all at once. Daisy barely remembers the man who left her so long ago, and right now, Esther is the only family she has ever known. Her own Aunt Angelica was offered the care of Daisy, but she felt that Daisy was too much to deal with and relented her care to Esther. But as Joe returns home he too has his own share of issues, dealing with the shell shock he has from the war, along with the alcohol that seems to keep it under control are the least of his worries, when he realizes that Daisy doesn't want anything to do with him and wants to stay with Esther over living with her own father. It will take a miracle to restore the lives of those characters we see spilled out in the covers of Promise to Keep!
I received Promise to Keep from Elizabeth Byler Younts compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from a free copy of this book, and the opinions expressed here are my own personal honest ones. Being a huge lover of WWII fiction, I absolutely loved the idea of a English soldier returning home from the war to deal with his feelings for a young Amish woman. It's truly the best of two ideal genre's in my mind. The impacts of what is now known as PTSD, wasn't something that many knew how to deal with and you can imagine how that might be played out among the non violent Amish. Not only that, the impacts of dealing with a deaf child and learning how to communicate, was something that would have been considered out of the ordinary since most of the education in dealing with how to communicate with them would have been fairly new as well. You could see where others would automatically assume they might be mentally challenged instead of something more simple. This one really worked well and thus the reason for the 4 out of 5 star rating in my opinion. It's truly a story of restoration on many different fronts.
October 13, 2015
Once again, Younts does a masterful job of taking us into the heart of the Amish people and culture and into the hearts of her characters.
Elizabeth Detweiler has reached the age of spinsterhood. Abandoned by her father, she has spent her life caring for others—her mother, her grandmother, and her niece, Daisy. Daisy’s mother was Esther’s cousin, Irene. Irene was shunned when she chose to marry someone outside the Amish community. Only Esther maintained a relationship with her. When Irene dies, young Daisy’s father, Joe, brings the child to Esther while he goes off to fight in World War Two.
Joe’s family and the Amish consider Daisy touched and demented by her inability to communicate and believe she should be in an institution. Through research and patience, Esther learns the child is deaf and teaches herself and the child sign language so they can communicate.
After the war, Joe doesn’t return immediately. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Esther submits to the reality that she will live out her days, unmarried and caring for Daisy, the child she has grown to love as her own.
Joe returns unexpectedly and Esther faces the fact that the child she has raised will soon go to live with the father she has not seen in many years.
Sparks and conflict fly as Joe and Esther struggle with their conflicting views of what is best for Daisy. Under the tension, Joe develops feelings for Esther. She resists because he is not Amish and she saw the pain her cousin experienced after being turned out by the community.
Esther and Joe face a history of broken promises while they seek to find their own place in a world of cultural conflict and decide what’s best for the child they both love.
Among the many aspects of Younts writing that I enjoy is her ability to bring the world of the Amish to light in an honest and understanding manner. Her intimate knowledge of the people and their religious beliefs helps bring her story world alive. I feel myself part of the church services, part of the barn raisings and other parts of that fascinating world. She brings this little-known world out of the clouds of myth into a concrete reality.
Her characters are consistently complex and compelling. She creates people who engage us, who we can empathize with. We can see and feel little Daisy’s fears, Joe’s struggle with becoming a father, Esther’s love for Daisy and her opening herself to loving Joe despite the rejection she will face from her community. We walk with them through their journeys, experiencing their defeats and savoring their victories.
I highly recommend this book.
A copy was furnished to me in return for an honest review.
Elizabeth Detweiler has reached the age of spinsterhood. Abandoned by her father, she has spent her life caring for others—her mother, her grandmother, and her niece, Daisy. Daisy’s mother was Esther’s cousin, Irene. Irene was shunned when she chose to marry someone outside the Amish community. Only Esther maintained a relationship with her. When Irene dies, young Daisy’s father, Joe, brings the child to Esther while he goes off to fight in World War Two.
Joe’s family and the Amish consider Daisy touched and demented by her inability to communicate and believe she should be in an institution. Through research and patience, Esther learns the child is deaf and teaches herself and the child sign language so they can communicate.
After the war, Joe doesn’t return immediately. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Esther submits to the reality that she will live out her days, unmarried and caring for Daisy, the child she has grown to love as her own.
Joe returns unexpectedly and Esther faces the fact that the child she has raised will soon go to live with the father she has not seen in many years.
Sparks and conflict fly as Joe and Esther struggle with their conflicting views of what is best for Daisy. Under the tension, Joe develops feelings for Esther. She resists because he is not Amish and she saw the pain her cousin experienced after being turned out by the community.
Esther and Joe face a history of broken promises while they seek to find their own place in a world of cultural conflict and decide what’s best for the child they both love.
Among the many aspects of Younts writing that I enjoy is her ability to bring the world of the Amish to light in an honest and understanding manner. Her intimate knowledge of the people and their religious beliefs helps bring her story world alive. I feel myself part of the church services, part of the barn raisings and other parts of that fascinating world. She brings this little-known world out of the clouds of myth into a concrete reality.
Her characters are consistently complex and compelling. She creates people who engage us, who we can empathize with. We can see and feel little Daisy’s fears, Joe’s struggle with becoming a father, Esther’s love for Daisy and her opening herself to loving Joe despite the rejection she will face from her community. We walk with them through their journeys, experiencing their defeats and savoring their victories.
I highly recommend this book.
A copy was furnished to me in return for an honest review.
October 16, 2015
Elizabeth Byler Younts in her new book, “Promise To Keep” Book Three in The Promise of Sunrise series published by Howard Books brings us into the life of Esther Detweiler.
From the back cover: World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife’s death in this touching historical romance.
Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin’s deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.
When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.
As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.
Historical Fiction, absent fathers and World War II are just some of the ingredients in this wonderful adventure. Esther is Amish, Joe is not but they meet when Joe returns home from fighting and tries to re-establish connections with his deaf daughter that Esther was taking care of while he was away. Through the daughter they develop a friendship which begins to turn into something much greater. Ms. Byler Younts gives us tightly drawn characters that come alive on the pages. Both Joe and Esther are wounded individuals who have to heal before they can go forward into their futures. I love history and Ms. Byler Younts knows how to blend history and fiction together to the point where you don’t know where one ends and the other begins. And on top of everything there is the romance. A highly enjoyable read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Howard Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife’s death in this touching historical romance.
Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin’s deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.
When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.
As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.
Historical Fiction, absent fathers and World War II are just some of the ingredients in this wonderful adventure. Esther is Amish, Joe is not but they meet when Joe returns home from fighting and tries to re-establish connections with his deaf daughter that Esther was taking care of while he was away. Through the daughter they develop a friendship which begins to turn into something much greater. Ms. Byler Younts gives us tightly drawn characters that come alive on the pages. Both Joe and Esther are wounded individuals who have to heal before they can go forward into their futures. I love history and Ms. Byler Younts knows how to blend history and fiction together to the point where you don’t know where one ends and the other begins. And on top of everything there is the romance. A highly enjoyable read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Howard Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 19, 2015
Promise to Keep by Elizabeth Byler Younts is the third book in The Promise of Sunrise series. Esther Detweiler’s grandmother just passed away. She has been Esther’s rock her entire life. Esther is left with a farm to run and a little girl to raise. Esther has been taking care of Daisy Garrison for the last four years. Daisy’s mother passed away (she was Amish before she left to marry) and her father, Joe is off fighting the war (Joe is Englisch). Daisy’s mother made Joe and Esther promise that Esther would take care of Daisy. They have heard very little from Joe the last four years and have seen even less money. On the day of the funeral, Esther father shows up. Esther thought he was dead (that is what she was told). Where has he been for the last thirty years? Will Esther be able to forgive her father for his absence and lies?
Then Joe arrives back in town. He is suffering from PTSD, but he is looking forward to seeing his daughter. Daisy is not looking forward to seeing him. Daisy is deaf and Esther taught her a form of ASL (using a book and some made up signs). Most people believe Daisy is dumb and should be institutionalized (very ignorant people). Joe will have to get to know Daisy slowly so she can learn to trust him and get to know him. Esther, Joe, and Daisy will be spending a lot of time together. Love can bloom in the unlikeliest of places, but will the love be given a chance to grow. Esther and Joe are going to have to make choices. Will they make the right ones?
Promise to Keep was a long, slow novel (and a little depressing). Promise to Keep has some good writing, but I did not find the book enjoyable to read (and I love Amish/Christian Fiction). The characters (except Daisy) nor the town appealed to me. I think you have to like the main characters (or at least some of them) to enjoy reading a book. Promise to Keep did not engage me. It is a book that I could easily have put down and not continue reading. I give Promise to Keep 3 out of 5 stars. This novel was just not for me. Promise to Keep is the third book in the series, but it can easily be enjoyed without having read the previous book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of Promise to Keep from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Then Joe arrives back in town. He is suffering from PTSD, but he is looking forward to seeing his daughter. Daisy is not looking forward to seeing him. Daisy is deaf and Esther taught her a form of ASL (using a book and some made up signs). Most people believe Daisy is dumb and should be institutionalized (very ignorant people). Joe will have to get to know Daisy slowly so she can learn to trust him and get to know him. Esther, Joe, and Daisy will be spending a lot of time together. Love can bloom in the unlikeliest of places, but will the love be given a chance to grow. Esther and Joe are going to have to make choices. Will they make the right ones?
Promise to Keep was a long, slow novel (and a little depressing). Promise to Keep has some good writing, but I did not find the book enjoyable to read (and I love Amish/Christian Fiction). The characters (except Daisy) nor the town appealed to me. I think you have to like the main characters (or at least some of them) to enjoy reading a book. Promise to Keep did not engage me. It is a book that I could easily have put down and not continue reading. I give Promise to Keep 3 out of 5 stars. This novel was just not for me. Promise to Keep is the third book in the series, but it can easily be enjoyed without having read the previous book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of Promise to Keep from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
October 12, 2015
Promise to Keep
Elizabeth Byler Younts
Promise to Keep is part of Elizabeth Byler Younts The Promise of Sunrise Series. Sunrise, Delaware is the home to Esther Detweiler and many more Amish. Esther, who was orphaned as a child, takes care of her ailing grandmother and Daisy, her cousin’s deaf daughter. Esther has felt loss like no one should, at the age of 8 her father dies while being in prison after going off to war, two years later her mother dies leaving her to be raised by her grandmother. Several years later, Esther’s cousin dies and her and her grandmother take in 7-year-old Daisy, who is deaf and her father is off to fight in the war.
Esther awakes one morning only to find that her grandmother had passed in the night. Saddened, and alone with no one but Daisy, Esther feels her world is crashing down. During her grandmother’s funeral, Esther gets a huge surprise, someone she knows is back in Sunrise, someone whom she thought was dead, her father Charles. Esther is shocked, mad, and speechless. She doesn’t know what to say.
Joe Garrison is Daisy’s father and returns home only to find that his daughter is attached to Esther Detweiler and will not leave her side. All Joe wants is to build a relationship with his daughter even if that means Esther has to be in the picture. Joe finds himself becoming attracted to Esther not only as a caregiver but also as a beautiful woman. There is one thing that can ruin the love that is blooming between these two; Joe is going to send Daisy to a school for the deaf. What impact will this have on Joe and Esther’s relationship? Will they remain together? What happens with Esther and her father?
I highly recommend Promise to Keep to everyone. Great book couldn’t put it down. If you love Amish Fiction and Historical fiction, this is the book for you. Even though this is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.
Thank you to Howard Books for providing me with a copy of this book for my honest review.
Elizabeth Byler Younts
Promise to Keep is part of Elizabeth Byler Younts The Promise of Sunrise Series. Sunrise, Delaware is the home to Esther Detweiler and many more Amish. Esther, who was orphaned as a child, takes care of her ailing grandmother and Daisy, her cousin’s deaf daughter. Esther has felt loss like no one should, at the age of 8 her father dies while being in prison after going off to war, two years later her mother dies leaving her to be raised by her grandmother. Several years later, Esther’s cousin dies and her and her grandmother take in 7-year-old Daisy, who is deaf and her father is off to fight in the war.
Esther awakes one morning only to find that her grandmother had passed in the night. Saddened, and alone with no one but Daisy, Esther feels her world is crashing down. During her grandmother’s funeral, Esther gets a huge surprise, someone she knows is back in Sunrise, someone whom she thought was dead, her father Charles. Esther is shocked, mad, and speechless. She doesn’t know what to say.
Joe Garrison is Daisy’s father and returns home only to find that his daughter is attached to Esther Detweiler and will not leave her side. All Joe wants is to build a relationship with his daughter even if that means Esther has to be in the picture. Joe finds himself becoming attracted to Esther not only as a caregiver but also as a beautiful woman. There is one thing that can ruin the love that is blooming between these two; Joe is going to send Daisy to a school for the deaf. What impact will this have on Joe and Esther’s relationship? Will they remain together? What happens with Esther and her father?
I highly recommend Promise to Keep to everyone. Great book couldn’t put it down. If you love Amish Fiction and Historical fiction, this is the book for you. Even though this is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.
Thank you to Howard Books for providing me with a copy of this book for my honest review.
August 24, 2015
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him
Esther grew up in her Amish home with her grandmother. They told her that her father had passed away and her mother’s health was frail until she passed away soon after. In her Amish community there is talk of her father’s failure but when he returns to her life, she had to deal with his abandonment of 20 years. Where was he? Why did he leave? And why did her mother and grandmother keep this from her? Esther has put all of her energy into her cousin’s daughter Daisy. Daisy is deaf and her own father went away to fight in WWII for 4 years after his wife died giving birth to their 2nd child. Daisy’s father Joe has come back to his daughter but will he be able to understand Daisy and her needs as a deaf little girl. Will he able to be the father she needs?
You have many contrasting and parallel characters with their story. Esther in forgiving her father and Daisy learning to love her father she never knew. Esther’s father Chester has he makes amends to Esther and the Amish community. Joe as he returns home a different man then when he left. The war has taken a toll on him. Esther is wary of Joe’s return for the sake of Daisy and with her own experience with her father; she desires a better life for Daisy. In making restrictions on Joe, she begins to see Joe’s heart and her own heart begins to soften toward Joe and her father. Growing up, Esther has been alone to fight her own battles as she deals with the abandonment of her father and the deceit of her mother and grandmother. The walls of Esther begin to come down slowly as she begins to heal.
I loved the emotions of this read and the heart of forgiveness. The walls we build in protecting our hearts and the battles that are fought alone. That everyone needs someone to fight for them.
A Special Thank You to Howard Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Esther grew up in her Amish home with her grandmother. They told her that her father had passed away and her mother’s health was frail until she passed away soon after. In her Amish community there is talk of her father’s failure but when he returns to her life, she had to deal with his abandonment of 20 years. Where was he? Why did he leave? And why did her mother and grandmother keep this from her? Esther has put all of her energy into her cousin’s daughter Daisy. Daisy is deaf and her own father went away to fight in WWII for 4 years after his wife died giving birth to their 2nd child. Daisy’s father Joe has come back to his daughter but will he be able to understand Daisy and her needs as a deaf little girl. Will he able to be the father she needs?
You have many contrasting and parallel characters with their story. Esther in forgiving her father and Daisy learning to love her father she never knew. Esther’s father Chester has he makes amends to Esther and the Amish community. Joe as he returns home a different man then when he left. The war has taken a toll on him. Esther is wary of Joe’s return for the sake of Daisy and with her own experience with her father; she desires a better life for Daisy. In making restrictions on Joe, she begins to see Joe’s heart and her own heart begins to soften toward Joe and her father. Growing up, Esther has been alone to fight her own battles as she deals with the abandonment of her father and the deceit of her mother and grandmother. The walls of Esther begin to come down slowly as she begins to heal.
I loved the emotions of this read and the heart of forgiveness. The walls we build in protecting our hearts and the battles that are fought alone. That everyone needs someone to fight for them.
A Special Thank You to Howard Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
October 6, 2015
Amish fiction is not my favorite genre in general, except when I find a series or an author that changes my mind about the genre as a whole.
And the books Elizabeth Byler Younts has written fit that latter description. Her three-book series, The Promise of Sunrise, has a unique slant--it is Amish fiction set during World War 2 and addresses the tension of a country at war and a community committed to peace.
In this final book, the story centers on a young unmarried Amish woman who has been raising the deaf daughter of an active-duty soldier. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my review.) Esther Detweiler has been raising Daisy, the daughter of her shunned cousin, since the girl's mother died. When Esther's grandmother dies, she and Daisy are all they have left of family. Until Daisy's father returns.
Joe Garrison is home from war, but the war haunts him, especially at night. He wants to be a father to his daughter, but she has no initial connection to him. As Joe and Esther work to bring father and daughter back together, their feelings for each other grow beyond the love they both have for Daisy.
Though the story started a little slow for me--which isn't unusual for Amish fiction; I find the pace is often slower, a reflection, I think, of the lifestyle being portrayed--by the middle I was turning page after page, wondering how this was going to work out for everyone. I so appreciate the perspective of someone like Younts, who does not tell a rosy, all-is-well story without conflict or realism, and who has the family heritage--she was Amish as a child--to lend credibility to the setting and culture. Both of those characteristics are what keep me coming back to her Amish stories. I hope we have more to look forward to.
And the books Elizabeth Byler Younts has written fit that latter description. Her three-book series, The Promise of Sunrise, has a unique slant--it is Amish fiction set during World War 2 and addresses the tension of a country at war and a community committed to peace.
In this final book, the story centers on a young unmarried Amish woman who has been raising the deaf daughter of an active-duty soldier. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my review.) Esther Detweiler has been raising Daisy, the daughter of her shunned cousin, since the girl's mother died. When Esther's grandmother dies, she and Daisy are all they have left of family. Until Daisy's father returns.
Joe Garrison is home from war, but the war haunts him, especially at night. He wants to be a father to his daughter, but she has no initial connection to him. As Joe and Esther work to bring father and daughter back together, their feelings for each other grow beyond the love they both have for Daisy.
Though the story started a little slow for me--which isn't unusual for Amish fiction; I find the pace is often slower, a reflection, I think, of the lifestyle being portrayed--by the middle I was turning page after page, wondering how this was going to work out for everyone. I so appreciate the perspective of someone like Younts, who does not tell a rosy, all-is-well story without conflict or realism, and who has the family heritage--she was Amish as a child--to lend credibility to the setting and culture. Both of those characteristics are what keep me coming back to her Amish stories. I hope we have more to look forward to.
November 10, 2015
I read several books each week and I have to say that this book is the favorite of the many I have read this entire year! I would rate it more than 5 stars if possible. This book is simply breathtaking. Esther's pain gripped my heart but so did Joe and Daisy's deep emotional scars. Having taught special needs' preschoolers for several years in the past, Daisy stole my heart. I longed to reach out and help her to learn even more than her dear substitute mother, Esther, had taught her. Esther has given her entire life to raising, loving, and teaching Daisy and now her father has returned and she stands to lose everything that is dear to her own heart.
Esther and Daisy both know the pain and grief of losing a father, but in different ways. Esther's father died when she was young and Daisy's father abandoned her to run away to fight in the war after losing his wife and newborn baby son during childbirth. What will happen to Esther and Daisy now that Joe has returned and wants to take over his duties to his daughter? When a long held secret returns to haunt Esther, how will she handle her own pain and can she offer forgiveness ? Can Joe overcome the ravages of the war and the nightmares that plague him and drive him to destruction? Will Daisy ever be able to leave the only family and home she remembers? What happens when love and sparks fly between Joe and Esther? Readers, I will warn you that you may need a few tissues for this one. Elizabeth addresses some major issues in this book including PTSD, forgiveness, abandonment, and deafness.
I rated this book 5 stars but I would give it more if that were possible. I loved it that much and more! This book had me shedding tears of joy and sadness both.
I received a kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Esther and Daisy both know the pain and grief of losing a father, but in different ways. Esther's father died when she was young and Daisy's father abandoned her to run away to fight in the war after losing his wife and newborn baby son during childbirth. What will happen to Esther and Daisy now that Joe has returned and wants to take over his duties to his daughter? When a long held secret returns to haunt Esther, how will she handle her own pain and can she offer forgiveness ? Can Joe overcome the ravages of the war and the nightmares that plague him and drive him to destruction? Will Daisy ever be able to leave the only family and home she remembers? What happens when love and sparks fly between Joe and Esther? Readers, I will warn you that you may need a few tissues for this one. Elizabeth addresses some major issues in this book including PTSD, forgiveness, abandonment, and deafness.
I rated this book 5 stars but I would give it more if that were possible. I loved it that much and more! This book had me shedding tears of joy and sadness both.
I received a kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 16, 2015
Author Elizabeth Byler Younts uses her gentle, lovely way with words, mixing the quiet, insulated world of the Amish with the harsh realities of World War II in Promise to Keep. It's a poignant story about loss, forgiveness, and love.
Esther Detweiler has spent her life caring for others, most recently her deceased cousin's young daughter, Daisy. Daisy is deaf, and her father, Marine Joe Garrison, has no idea how to communicate with or care for his daughter when he returns stateside after service.
He not only mourns his late wife but now carries demons of his own via the war-torn trenches overseas.
Joe's return to Sunrise, Delaware creates a whirlwind of emotions for Esther and Daisy, who communicate through sign language and are bonded like mother and daughter. Despite her great love for Daisy, Esther--who grew up fatherless--knows she must reunite Joe and Daisy and begin to let go of the sweet young girl.
But how can she without tearing her heart out?
Younts carefully crafts a tale of hurt and loss coupled with grace and forgiveness. There's some truly beautiful writing in this story. The author's turns-of-phrase are soft and strong, perfect for the depth of emotion needed to convey Daisy's socially-shunned disability, Esther's lonely spinsterhood, and Joe's heavy nightmares.
The story builds at a steady pace, until the pleasing final chapters wrap up with satisfying sigh. Or two, or three.
Fans of Amish fiction and of WWII, grace-filled romance will love Esther, Joe, and Daisy's story. It's one I highly recommend.
Esther Detweiler has spent her life caring for others, most recently her deceased cousin's young daughter, Daisy. Daisy is deaf, and her father, Marine Joe Garrison, has no idea how to communicate with or care for his daughter when he returns stateside after service.
He not only mourns his late wife but now carries demons of his own via the war-torn trenches overseas.
Joe's return to Sunrise, Delaware creates a whirlwind of emotions for Esther and Daisy, who communicate through sign language and are bonded like mother and daughter. Despite her great love for Daisy, Esther--who grew up fatherless--knows she must reunite Joe and Daisy and begin to let go of the sweet young girl.
But how can she without tearing her heart out?
Younts carefully crafts a tale of hurt and loss coupled with grace and forgiveness. There's some truly beautiful writing in this story. The author's turns-of-phrase are soft and strong, perfect for the depth of emotion needed to convey Daisy's socially-shunned disability, Esther's lonely spinsterhood, and Joe's heavy nightmares.
The story builds at a steady pace, until the pleasing final chapters wrap up with satisfying sigh. Or two, or three.
Fans of Amish fiction and of WWII, grace-filled romance will love Esther, Joe, and Daisy's story. It's one I highly recommend.
October 18, 2015
Elizabeth Byler Younts is an amazing, talented writer!
She writes such colorful, full-of-life characters, that the reader begins to wonder if these characters are people she knows… because no one could make up such interesting characters – but Ms. Younts does indeed make them up.
Promise to Keep is an excellent example…
I don’t have very many favorite authors who write historical fiction during the World War I and World War II period. Yet I find myself caught up in each new book, the story more true-to-life than life itself – at least for me.
Esther Detweiler is an amazing young woman! After losing both her parents while still young, she takes care of her sick grandmother, who passes on. And… she has been caring for Daisy, the young daughter of her shunned cousin, for the past four years since her cousin’s death. Daisy’s father, not knowing what to do with his young, deaf daughter, left to join the military and went to war – preferable to caring for his daughter.
Ms. Younts goes into great detail about the rigors of war, along with the nightmares – the night terrors that make it impossible for him to care for his daughter. Young Daisy has her own problems – but I don’t want to say any more. So far, I think I’ve mostly kept to the synopsis, but I’d hate to give away too much.
Read the book. I finished the last page and walked away, feeling like I had been part of it. This is a wonderful story; I know it’s fiction, but I wouldn’t have been surprised to find that it was a true account – it’s that real.
You really should read it.
October 14, 2015
Why is it that the last book in the series is always the best? Elizabeth delivered the best yet in my opinion.
There are definitely some confused feelings, surprises along the way.
In my opinion deafness is a handicap not a disability. Just because someone can't hear that doesn't meant that they have feelings. It's wrong to put someone away just because they can't hear. I'm so very glad that Esther took Daisy under her wing and taught her sign language. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I couldn't hear. Daisy turned out to be stronger than most people thanks to Esther.
Esther get a surprise of her life when Chester comes home. When she sees him, She's angry, confused and most of all hurt. Hurt because she and her grandmother hasn't heard from him in a very very long time. I'm thinking that her grandmother waited to pass away hoping to see Chester again.
Joe is confused when his daughter doesn't come running to meet him after he comes home from the war. Realizing she doesn't know him, he is hurt. I think that I would be suspicious of him too if I hadn't of seen my dad that long. I sure wouldn't know him and I didn't blame Daisy at all.
I'm glad that Esther and Chester finally have their talk. I won't say nothing more because I don't want to give too much of the book away.
I will say this, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Amish books.
This book was given to me through Netgalley for an honest review.
There are definitely some confused feelings, surprises along the way.
In my opinion deafness is a handicap not a disability. Just because someone can't hear that doesn't meant that they have feelings. It's wrong to put someone away just because they can't hear. I'm so very glad that Esther took Daisy under her wing and taught her sign language. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I couldn't hear. Daisy turned out to be stronger than most people thanks to Esther.
Esther get a surprise of her life when Chester comes home. When she sees him, She's angry, confused and most of all hurt. Hurt because she and her grandmother hasn't heard from him in a very very long time. I'm thinking that her grandmother waited to pass away hoping to see Chester again.
Joe is confused when his daughter doesn't come running to meet him after he comes home from the war. Realizing she doesn't know him, he is hurt. I think that I would be suspicious of him too if I hadn't of seen my dad that long. I sure wouldn't know him and I didn't blame Daisy at all.
I'm glad that Esther and Chester finally have their talk. I won't say nothing more because I don't want to give too much of the book away.
I will say this, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Amish books.
This book was given to me through Netgalley for an honest review.
October 16, 2015
I have had read all of Elizabeth's books and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Promise to Keep. The first two books in the Promise of Sunrise series were amazing books but this one takes it up to another level entirely. I love Amish fiction but after a while it all seems to merge together. It seems like no matter the author, they all have the same story line. However, Elizabeth has broken out of the typical Amish fiction mold and brings a new perspective to her readers with this three book series. In Promise to Keep you'll meet Daisy, a little girl who is blind and mute, her father Joe, who returns from the war and struggles with PTSD and then of course Chester, a man that made me so mad I wanted to throw the book across the room but then later made me cry my heart out. I've read other reviews that mention that Elizabeth uses some Amish words that they haven't read before. Most of her readers may not be aware of the fact that Elizabeth is formerly Amish and her first language is PA Dutch which gives her a unique view into the customs, traditions and history of the Amish. Elizabeth still has many Amish family members that are part of her & her family's life. Although, each book in this series could stand alone, I highly recommend that if you haven't read the first two you go ahead and purchase all three at the same time! You won't be disappointed!
September 10, 2015
This book was well written and drew you in, but there were things about the book that really didn't make sense to me.
Esther is supposed to be a middleaged, spinster who follows the Ordnung and believes in it. I couldn't see the character she was supposed to be feeling conscientiously fine with how intimate Joe and her acted on occasion (just kissing). I'm not in a religion that believes that such intimacy before marriage would be sinful, but was brought up to treat intimacy as something that should be minimum. If I were in Esther's place in my own life, I think I'd feel extremely guilty and scared. I would probably run away from such a relationship. Her sleeping with him was over the top (I stopped reading here). I feel as though, with her upbringing, even if the idea entered her head, it would be such a sinful, immoral thing in her eyes that she would never do so. Just the fact that Joe was telling her that he should stay the night somewhere else so no one would get the wrong idea means that Joe was more worried about it then she was, which, in my opinion, makes little sense.
The story about Daisy was great though. I truly enjoyed reading about her. The romance between Joe and Esther just ruined it for me.
Esther is supposed to be a middleaged, spinster who follows the Ordnung and believes in it. I couldn't see the character she was supposed to be feeling conscientiously fine with how intimate Joe and her acted on occasion (just kissing). I'm not in a religion that believes that such intimacy before marriage would be sinful, but was brought up to treat intimacy as something that should be minimum. If I were in Esther's place in my own life, I think I'd feel extremely guilty and scared. I would probably run away from such a relationship. Her sleeping with him was over the top (I stopped reading here). I feel as though, with her upbringing, even if the idea entered her head, it would be such a sinful, immoral thing in her eyes that she would never do so. Just the fact that Joe was telling her that he should stay the night somewhere else so no one would get the wrong idea means that Joe was more worried about it then she was, which, in my opinion, makes little sense.
The story about Daisy was great though. I truly enjoyed reading about her. The romance between Joe and Esther just ruined it for me.
October 1, 2015
“Promise to Keep” by Elizabeth Byler Younts is a beautifully written novel about relationships and past promises. From the beginning of the book, I was so involved with the characters that I almost became emotionally involved myself. Esther Detweiler is an Amish “spinster” of thirty-four who has taken care of others her whole life. Her father “died” when she was four, her mother soon after that. She lived with her grandmother but was pretty much responsible to do the manual labor on the farm and see that they didn’t starve. Her best friend and cousin married outside of the Amish faith and was shunned. However Esther refused to accept the bann and continued to be her friend. When she died in childbirth, Esther took over the care of Daisy, a deaf child, when her father left to go to war (and get away from his responsibilities). Upon his return, Esther has to accept that Daisy will be with him. This book will yank on your heart strings as you follow the story. You might even shed a tear or two…a very good book.
I received a print copy of this book from Howard Books in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-hA. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
I received a print copy of this book from Howard Books in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-hA. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
October 14, 2015
A Promise to keep happens in the time after the Second World War, and war veteran Joe Garrison has returned to Lancaster, Pa and his daughter Daisy. Joe had been running away from his problems, before he left his dear wife was lost in child birth along with his new born son. His daughter he believes is deaf and dumb, as was a long gone brother, and he couldn’t handle all that had happened. He leaves his daughter with his Mother-In-Law, whom in turn leaves her with her niece Esther.
He returns and wants to take Daisy to live with him, but he his filled with demons, PTSD it would be called today. Daisy on the other hand has been thriving in the Amish culture, and Esther love and guidance.
Esther has to come to terms with what is about to happen in her life, someone has returned from the dead? Can she learn to forgive? Her faith demands that she does, and can she come to terms with giving up her beloved Daisy?
There are answers here, and big surprises all around, things are quite often not as we perceive. I know this is the final book in this series, and so very enjoyable. You won’t be disappointed once you turn that first page.
I received this book through Edelweiss and Howard Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
He returns and wants to take Daisy to live with him, but he his filled with demons, PTSD it would be called today. Daisy on the other hand has been thriving in the Amish culture, and Esther love and guidance.
Esther has to come to terms with what is about to happen in her life, someone has returned from the dead? Can she learn to forgive? Her faith demands that she does, and can she come to terms with giving up her beloved Daisy?
There are answers here, and big surprises all around, things are quite often not as we perceive. I know this is the final book in this series, and so very enjoyable. You won’t be disappointed once you turn that first page.
I received this book through Edelweiss and Howard Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 14, 2015
Elizabeth Byler Younts is in a class all her own when it comes to writing Amish fiction. Her family history lends an authenticity that resonates throughout her stories, and this, her third standalone novel in this series, is a beautiful historical tale set in the World War II era. A gifted wordsmith, Younts swept me back decades and immersed me in the the lives of Esther, Daisy, and Joe. The attitudes of the time toward deafness were an eye-opener for me and, quite frankly, heartbreaking. Younts weaves a mulit-dimensional tale as she delves into matters of family, tradition, faith, and love. Raw and honest, this book made me cry and smile, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Don't miss this book or this series, and add Younts to your list of must-read authors. Highly, highly recommended!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Elizabeth Byler Younts and Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Elizabeth Byler Younts and Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 13, 2015
This story looks deep into what makes one Amish, how we obtain peace with God and how we best serve him. The gritty reality of Esther Detweiler's life is that she has been essentially abandoned by everyone who could have made her life just a little bit easier. The reality of war veteran Joe Garrison's life is that he knows next to nothing about his daughter Daisy, whom he left to Esther to raise while he fought overseas. Now he is back and connecting with both Daisy, who is deaf, and Esther who is her champion has proven difficult. As Esther, an Amish woman, and Joe, the Englisher who lured her cousin away from the faith, work to provide the best possible out come for Daisy the learn things about their family, friends and each other that threaten to tear them apart or help them build a stronger love than any they have known before. This is probably one of the most realistic Amish romances I've ever read, which is why it made the top ten list I did for Heroes and Heartbreakers.
http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
October 5, 2015
Promise to Keep is a captivating story about death, hardships, lying, PTSD, and so much more. Truly the story is an emotional struggle that pulled me in multiple directions. Typical Amish stories may have some struggles, but they're woven into a lovely story. In Promise to Keep the story was more relatable and realistic. Many kids today, like Daisy, know the pain of having their parents away at war, contract work, or even in the oil fields. Sure we don't send people to war for multiple years at a time anymore, but we do send people multiple times. And like Esther, many women know what it's like to be left behind to deal with all the day to day and big decisions, many times completely on their own.
If you want to read an Amish story that isn't just pie in the sky, this is your book. This novel will have you struggling with the characters, rooting for them, and possibly crying over all their loss. I quite enjoyed the story while wishing I could ease the characters burden.
*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.
If you want to read an Amish story that isn't just pie in the sky, this is your book. This novel will have you struggling with the characters, rooting for them, and possibly crying over all their loss. I quite enjoyed the story while wishing I could ease the characters burden.
*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.
October 13, 2015
Each book in The promise of Sunrise series has grabbed my attention from page one, and I expected nothing less than engaging and amazing for the last in this series 'Promise to Keep'.
What makes this amish fiction even better for me than so many others I have read is the historical part of Elizabeth's writing. I always knew about being a conscientious objector, but I feel like I have an understanding of what it must have been like for these men after reading the entire 3 book series.
This book is about Esther, considered an old maid, raised as a young child by her grandmother and then in turn having mounting responsibilities in caring for the home, her grandmother, and her cousins deaf child. Esther struggles with balancing what is right, fear of what could be, forgiveness of what has past.
Elizabeth has brought us another must read, and gives us a window to see a little more of what it means to live an amish lifestyle and the strong character of the people dealing with a world that is so different and ever changing. I look forward to more titles to come.
What makes this amish fiction even better for me than so many others I have read is the historical part of Elizabeth's writing. I always knew about being a conscientious objector, but I feel like I have an understanding of what it must have been like for these men after reading the entire 3 book series.
This book is about Esther, considered an old maid, raised as a young child by her grandmother and then in turn having mounting responsibilities in caring for the home, her grandmother, and her cousins deaf child. Esther struggles with balancing what is right, fear of what could be, forgiveness of what has past.
Elizabeth has brought us another must read, and gives us a window to see a little more of what it means to live an amish lifestyle and the strong character of the people dealing with a world that is so different and ever changing. I look forward to more titles to come.
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