A Sister's Promise

Sisters Series #1

by Karen Lenfestey

Kate Hopper can list a million reasons why she doesn’t have kids. No, more like reasons why she shouldn’t have genetics, a dysfunctional family, and ultimately, the fear that she wasn’t cut out to be June Cleaver or Carol Brady or Claire Huxtable. TV moms always made it look so easy, but Kate knows better. When Kate’s little sister, Joely, refuses a medical treatment because it will leave her infertile, Kate is willing to say anything to save her sister’s life—even promising to have a baby. Kate decides to keep her rash words a secret from her husband until she can figure out whether she really wants to be a mother. Especially since they agreed their marriage would remain childless. A sister’s promise and a wife’s Kate must break one. Should she risk everything she has for the unknown?

Genres: Fiction, Ebooks, Chick Lit, Drama, Amazon, Womens Fiction, Adult Fiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2010

About the author

Karen Lenfestey, a Midwest Writer’s Fellowship winner, writes “happy endings with a twist.”

Karen has a bachelor's degree in advertising from Purdue University and a master's degree in counseling from its rival school, Indiana University. (Please don't ask her to choose favorites!) During the week, she advises students, on the weekends, she writes and on vacations, she loves to travel.

She is active on Goodreads and Facebook and she loves to hear from readers on her website, www.karensnovels.com.

Reviews

[John Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Stratham DVDs on the shelves. Check.

Hunting rifles in the case. Check.

Spike tv playing. Check.

Less than zillion pairs of shoes. Check.

I'm a guy. Settled. So why did I enjoy Karen Lenfestey's Sister's Promise so much? I read it after meeting Ms. Lenfestey at a library book fair. She seemed a nice enough person so I decided to give her novel a read. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. It was after all about a woman in conflict over whether to be a mother. First thing that popped into my head "Aren't we all in conflict over parenthood?" Not just women but men as well. Not just people with inheritable diseases, but healthy people who fought too hard to reach that sweet spot in life to share it with a free loader for the next 18 years.

Yet I enjoyed this book. While I loved Karen's writing style, what I liked most about the book was that it didn't make easy choices. It dropped questions of morality to speak on humanity. There was no right or wrong, just the characters' frustrations over their actions.

As a father I already knew some of Kate's concerns by heart. Her's is not a individual problem. However, I believe women may have a greater connection to this book because their identity is so tied to motherhood.

This is a heart warming story that doesn't want to make a grand statement. It is about characters who just want to be heard. Characters who earned that right because they are they are speaking for so many of us.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got fed up with both of the sisters featured and packed this in at 63%. It wasn't bad till then but they were either insipid, lazy, selfish or self-obsessed and I'd had enough of the pair of them !!
One sister was so full of self-flagellation it got irritating and the other was all me,me,me.....
She did that awful thing where Americans write drug as opposed to dragged and the same using shined and not shone, then he instead of she, teacher's and not teachers' and freshman in place of freshmen. I was baffled at Kate telling Mitch to eat alone as there was lasagne in the fridge and then we have her coming back downstairs and he'd cooked her dinner and he went out ! All very confusing. As was this word-quincean(then a square)era. Goodness knows what that means. Then we read that Monte curled up on Kate's feet and thanks to X-ray I learned Monte was her cat. He'd not been mentioned till then. The worst mistake was spelling lightning as lightening for me. Oh, then we hear she's going to "take bath"...(yes, written like this)...but then even after that she got into the shower !! There were a couple more puzzling things but in the end I didn't really care enough to go back and see what they meant.
A lovely eye-catching cover on this one, though.

[Nenette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was good. It centered on the bond between two sisters, at the same time touching on more sensitive topics like genetics, to have or not to have children, child abuse, school politics. I also liked the flow of the story, except that I felt that the ending was a bit rushed or sudden. Probably the author wanted to put in some element of surprise there; but I was more disappointed than surprised. There was a lot of nice scenes, a lot of details in the earlier chapter, and I felt that these were all for nothing for such an abrupt ending.

I'm still giving it 3 stars, to be fair as it took me more than a week to finish it. I figure it was my busy weekday schedule that prevented me from finishing sooner as I was able to do so during the long weekend break. It might have had a different effect if I had read through it without so much breaks in between.

[Judy Sparrow · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really did not enjoy this book. The characters are all ridiculously self-centred especially the main character who literally turned every situation to be about herself. If I had been reading a print copy it probably would have been thrown across the room in disgust at least once at her behaviour.

[Nanci · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was just so, so. The characterization was just so, so. The storyline was just so, so. The ending was predictable. It did leave itself open for other books in the series, but I won't be spending time reading them. The only redeeming factor was it read fast, so I could move on to something else. I wouldn't have finished it, if I weren't reading it for a challenge.

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one meandered and stalled a bit, then completely lost me in the last two pages. I had to read the snippet from the next book to confirm what happened. Not a heavy read at all and the characters annoyed me (except Mitch, who stayed genuine), so I would rank this as a decent beach read.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring.The characters were just self centered sketches.

[DonnaJo Pallini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Honestly the personality of the sisters was a little irritating to me. Kate, the older sister, was always so worried "something" was going to happen and it got a bit annoying. Joely, the younger sister, didn't care about anyone but herself. An interesting twist at the end.

[Donna - Rosies.ReadingNook · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story centers around 2 sisters; Kate and Joely. Kate is married to Mitch, is a school counselor and in a marriage that neither want children. Joely is single, wants child but just has been diagnosed with Lupus, her treatment would leave her infertile. Somehow Joely corners her sister Kate into promising to have a baby.

There were times I found the 2 sisters quite irritating. I found both sisters to be pushy and often spoke out of turn. I did not feel the book was well written – it really never jelled for me and it just kind of ended. This is a second book to this story – but I really did not like the characters enough the first time to want to read it.

My rating is more of 2 1/2 stars.

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

aA good story about the bond of sisters, especially ones whose early life was marked by tragedy. The story also touched on a couple's decision not to have children and the impact it has on them when one reconsiders.
There is also the element of a disease with genetic implications and the impact that has on a decision to have or not have children. There are some complicated issues that come into play. The story is well told, the characters mostly likeable, and it was a hard book to put down.

[Trista Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suffer from lupus and the author was spot on with symptoms and the emotions that are felt with first diagnosed. From the relief of finally knowing what is going on to feel like giving up at times. The author did an amazing job expressing the reactions from the people closest to her as well. This is a disease that not only affects the person that is diagnosed, but everyone that is close to them. The emotions were so raw and the characters very relatable. I look forward to reading the next two books in this series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Emily Giffin's "BabyProof", "A Sister's Promise" tackles a somewhat taboo subject--the idea that not all women want to be mothers. Reconsidering her stance on this issue causes Kate Hopper to confront her past while igniting conflict within her marriage. Karen Lenfestey was awarded the Midwest Writer's Fellowship for this novel. With strong scenes and emotions, "A Sister's Promise" will spur heated book club discussions and the characters will linger with you long after the last page.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having spent most of her life being her sister's caregiver since her mother was too ill to do it, Kate's adulthood is no different--but now her sister has an autoimmune disease and asks Kate to do what she really wants for herself: to have a baby.
Are there some things you shouldn't ask even your sister to do for you?

I thought this story had a good premise but it wound on WAY too long, what with everything falling apart as Kate overthought every single aspect of her life.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read

I liked Kate for the most part. She's very naive and immature for her age. Her sister Joely selfishly asks Kate to have a baby and Kate ultimately agrees. I did not like that Kate isn't mature enough to be responsible for her own life and make her own decisions. Everything may have turned out okay in the end but that's the fantasy. Real life never turns out so well. I'm on the fence about reading the next book.

[Amy Gothard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite different from what I am use to reading. This book had a personal health issue that touched my heart so deeply. The sisters relationship was inspiring and the outcome of the book was surprising.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really good book, there where some parts I wish would have had a little more detail. I thought the story line was excellent and the writting was good.

[Kari Beh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Starting the second one now.

[Ronda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story was fine but I didn't like the two main characters.

[Alis Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister's Promise" by Karen Lenfestey is a touching and heartfelt novel that explores the enduring bond between sisters. With its relatable characters, emotional depth, and themes of love and resilience, this book is a moving portrayal of family and the power of sisterhood.
Lenfestey skilfully weaves together the 2 sisters, individual journeys, highlighting the strength of their connection and the sacrifices they make for one another.
One of the greatest strengths of "A Sister's Promise" is the authentic portrayal of the sibling relationship. Lenfestey captures the complexities and nuances of sisterhood, from shared secrets and unbreakable bonds to moments of conflict and rivalry. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to invest in their stories and root for their happiness.
The emotional depth of the book is another standout aspect. Lenfestey tackle’s themes of loss, forgiveness, and personal growth with sensitivity and grace. The raw emotions portrayed throughout the narrative resonate with readers, allowing them to connect deeply with the characters and their experiences.
Lenfestey's writing style is engaging and flows smoothly, making it a pleasure to read. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing the story to unfold at a satisfying pace. The author's attention to detail brings the settings to life and enhances the overall atmosphere of the novel.
In conclusion, "A Sister's Promise" is a poignant and uplifting novel that celebrates the power of sisterhood. Karen Lenfestey's ability to capture the complexities of familial relationships and evoke genuine emotions is commendable. If you enjoy stories of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family, "A Sister's Promise" is a book that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the power of sisterly love.

[Kay-Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this story very charming. Following along with the hardships two sisters are forced to face and seeing how their close relationship effects the decisions made was interesting. I was honestly shocked as Kate became increasingly committed to the promise she made her sister, Joely. Even more surprised at Kate's husband response (won't go into more detail as not to spoil anything). The only complaint I have, overall, is I felt the final maybe 25% of the book felt rushed. The story went practically moment to moment then jumped days, then weeks, then months. I did, however, love the ending in that it made me really want to read the second book, which I will eventually do. I'm probably a minority but when it comes to series, I like it when new information is dropped last minute to give the reader something to look forward to and contemplate while waiting. The bigger the cliffhanger, the better! The only time I dislike that is when there is no book to follow and you, the reader, are left permanently to your own imagination to finish the story; but, thankfully there is a second book, so I completely love/approve of the ending!

[Anna Felices · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not a bad story but it was so frustrating the way Joely felt she could manipulate Kate into having a baby just because she couldn't. When the husband finally confronted her about it I was thrilled one of them was standing up to her. I appreciate Joely's situation but that doesn't give her the right. You can't decide for someone else that they'll regret not being a mother and they'd be perfect for it. Kate was no better either. You don't enter a child-free marriage and then 10years later spring that decision on your spouse without even discussing it first. Then she had the nerve to be upset with his reaction.

[Judy Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heart breaking story most of the time. A story about two sisters, that lost both their parents early in their lives, went to live with an aunt and uncle that did not care or love them much. The story just gets sadder after that. They both have lives filled with issues. While the book was well written and I can't say that I did not like it, for that reason, I wish I would not have read it. It was depressing and I generally don't like to read stories like this. I was reading and hoping for a happy ending, and just wanted to finish it, so move on to a happier book.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Sister's Promise
Here we meet sisters Kate and Joely. They have a closeness that only siblings that grew up in less than ideal situations can truly understand.
Though there is a second book, the way this one ended without a real cliffhanger, there's no feeling of having to continue if you don't want to.
I may not.
Though I thought the writing was good. I felt the characters were a little flat. Kate is supremely wishy washy and a pushover. Joely, to be honest, is manipulative. Many of the characters felt like filler, especially a bunch of the students and Nancy.

[Milton Edgeworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit annoying

The main character is so self involved, so judgemental, you want to just shake her. But, all too often you realize that far too many of us are often just as selfish. It is sad that we often blame failures of other family members and the past to form our own behavior and we justify ourselves by blaming our past for our own failures. A rather depressing look at human interactions.

[Norma B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books having Sister titles grab my attention and I wasnt disappointed. A drama that holds sisterhood to heart and loyalty that one sister does for the other. I could feel the pain of one sister because my own sister is going through what this one was going through. I recommend this book,you wont be disappointed.
There is a continuation to this book, and my ebook let me read alittle of the beginning so I could know it continues.

[Jill Dodson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kept me interested but had some flaws

I liked the part of the book about the main character being a high school counselor. That part flowed pretty well and was interesting. What I didn’t like . . . I thought the main character Kate and her sister were annoyingly emotionally immature and made some very questionable choices at times. Sometimes the story took some cringeworthy turns. Overall, ok but not a favorite.

[Leni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a major problem with the premise in that the sister is diagnosed with Lupus which the author presents as a fatal disease. It's a life-long disease which requires major coping skills on part of the patient and the doctor but carries less than a 10% mortality rate. ALS or Huntington's diseases, genetic & invariably fatal would have been better choices. All that angst wasted in my opinion!

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving

I gave this book five stars because it was an enthralling read. I liked the different personalities of the two sisters and how they dealt with life's problems. It had several twists that surprised me and kept my interest throughout. I want to read more about Joley and Kate.

[Becky Everett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like it at first. Then it was hard to finish. Don't know why they added in some of the other topics that had nothing to do with having a baby. The main character was very self centered. I like others had to read the last chapter and the next preview of the next book to figure what happen. I was looking for a easy read of two sisters bonding over a baby. That is not what this book is about.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and found myself pulled to it, especially having a family history of Lupus, even having been wrongly diagnosed myself when I was younger. I found the portrayal of the disease a little extreme and not 100% accurate. But, I could definitely feel the main characters emotions throughout.