A Vow to Cherish (A Vow to Cherish Series #1) (Steeple Hill Women's Fiction #37) [Paperback]

Deborah Raney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2006

The award-winning classic novel turned bestselling movie by beloved author Deborah Raney

When his precious wife of thirty years received a devastating diagnosis, John Brighton's world fell apart. As his wife slipped from him day by day, his love was tested as never before, and he found himself confronted by a weakness he never knew he had. A confidante desperately needed in this dark time, a young widow named Julia Sinclair, seemed to understand his pain as no one else could. Torn between doing what he knew was right and what his heart told him could not be wrong, John soon discovered that the heart can't be trusted where true love is concerned.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

As Jake and Ellen Brighton prepare for a new life together on the eve of their youngest son's high school graduation, their life begins to fall apart. Forty-seven-year-old Ellen is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. While Ellen's mind and body degenerate, Jake questions God's justice in letting his wife suffer, and he confronts his own weaknesses as he contemplates breaking his wedding vows for the consolations and pleasures that intimacy with another woman will bring him in his time of need. First novelist Raney has fashioned a startlingly honest portrayal of love, commitment, and redemption in the midst of tragedy that will appeal strongly to fans of Janette Oke and Neva Coyle. Recommended for public libraries.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A startlingly honest portrait of love, commitment, and redemption in the midst of tragedy." -- Library Journal

"I've never read a Deborah Raney book that I didn't love." -- Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of The Victory Club and Veterans Way

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Steeple Hill (June 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373785623
• ISBN-13: 978-0373785629
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,449,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I went from full-time stay-at-home mom for 20 years to pretty much full-time author. My passion is my family-my husband and I have been married for 37 years and have four kids, and four darling grandkids! But since, if a mom does her job right, she eventually puts herself OUT of a job, I'm delighted to have the privilege of working as a novelist. I absolutely love the writing life.

I've had a couple of non-fiction books published and contributed to some anthologies, as well as writing magazine articles. But my first love is fiction. I am at work on my 22nd novel, and just finished the third book in a new series for Howard/Simon & Schuster. A typical writing day begins early-often before 6 a.m.-with the business side of things: answering e-mail and reader mail, updating my Web site, reading for research. We're new empty-nesters so our routine is much quieter than it was when we had four kids at home. When my writing time begins, I have a routine that sets the stage, starting with lighting scented candles, choosing mood music on Pandora, and brewing a pot of coffee. Lately I've been enjoying coffee our son sent me from Germany. I have a cozy office that looks out over our front yard where I can watch for the UPS man and the mailman. But since I write on a laptop, I often take my computer to the kitchen counter or a chair by the fireplace, or, if the weather is nice, out on the deck where my feline friend keeps me company. I try to wrap up the day's words (usually 1000-1500 a day) by dinnertime.

Believe it or not, my first choice of activities for the evening is READING-a great novel, of course! As much as I enjoy the actual process of writing, I am an extrovert by nature, and doubt I'd last long in this business were it not for the company of several wonderful online writers' groups, the joy of connecting with other authors at retreats and conventions, and meeting aspiring writers when I teach at conferences around the country.

Probably the most exciting event in my writing life so far was when my first novel was made into a film by World Wide Pictures. Certainly a dream come true! I believe writing is a calling from God on my life-one I've felt since I was a twelve-year-old girl-and I feel blessed beyond words to have answered that call.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Here's what others have said about A VOW TO CHERISH, December 7, 2000

By 

Deborah Raney - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Vow to Cherish (Paperback)

"First novelist Raney has fashioned a startlingly honest portrayal of love, commitment, and redemption in the midst of tragedy...recommended for public libraries." --Library Journal, February 1, 1996

"Raney deals with the effects of Alzheimer's disease on a family through the eyes of husband Jake. Raney accurately portrays the disease's many faces and utter devastation. Because of Raney's writing style, readers can easily identify with the issues each character faces... Raney satisfactorily resolves all the issues she explores, offering hope and encouragement about a disease that increasingly more people will confront as America's population ages. Recommend this book not just to people dealing with Alzheimer's, but to anyone who enjoys a good romance with a believable plot and characters." --Bookstore Journal, March 1996

"If you're in the mood for a poignant love story, this novel is for you... The author paints a realistic, victorious picture of the difficulties facing families involved with Alzheimer's... Every married couple would benefit from reading this book. Every Christian who will ever know a couple struggling with the "for worse" part of their marriage vows should read it." --Christian Woman, September/October 1996

"Raney's first novel touches both the heart and mind. A "must" for any congregational library, the book explores the heart-wrenching challenge facing family and friends when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease... The reader learns a lot within the context of a good family story and the author has balanced the fiction with the reality of Alzheimer's well... Despite the sadness, Raney has written with inspiration and empathy." --Church and Synagogue Library Association, December 1998

"Raney addresses a contemporary issue with tenderness and understanding. The novel is well written and a good choice for your library." --Church Libraries, Fall 1996

"Raney writes lovingly and with great understanding... This book has much to recommend it... It is refreshing to read of characters facing ethical questions in the context of everyday tests of faith, rather than starting with the sin and filling the rest of the pages with remorse and repentance... Many passages are very moving, demonstrating the author's gift for capturing in a tiny moment much about a life or relationship." --Laura Addison in The Wichita Eagle, May 11, 1996

"Though a work of fiction, this powerful story reminds readers that "in sickness and in health" is a vow to cherish." --Church Media Library, September 1996

"A Vow To Cherish tugs at your heart strings... This fast-reading novel (you don't want to put it down)...will bring tears to your eyes." --The Good News Messenger, April 25, 1996

"Don't read this one without a whole box of tissues! What a moving book!" --Mary Holle, Redeemer Resource Library News  

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic presentation of difficult situation, January 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Vow to Cherish (Paperback)

This novel tells the story of Jake and Ellen Brighton, a couple devastated by a heartbreaking diagnosis. Though she is only 46 years old, Ellen has Alzheimer Disease (AD). Author Deborah Raney explores some of the issues that come with this kind of diagnosis. How do you continue to relate to someone who has AD? What does the marriage vow mean when the person you made those promises to gradually slips away? A friend of mine read this book with great interest because she also had a spouse with early onset Alzheimer. She found that the situations in this book accurately reflected much of her experience of being married to someone who has AD. She appreciated the author's Christian perspective and the fact that the story affirmed many of the experiences she had in the past few years. A Vow To Cherish is a unique book. It is an interesting story that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. It will be of special interest to those who have a loved one with Alzheimer Disease.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A deeply moving story about real love and commitment..., November 10, 2006

By 

Michelle Sutton (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A Vow to Cherish (A Vow to Cherish Series #1) (Steeple Hill Women's Fiction #37) (Paperback)

A Vow to Cherish touched me deeply--for many reasons. To me, this story is about having no regrets and allowing God to work things out in our lives with His perfect timing. I remember seeing the movie when it first came out and holding my breath as I watched John fall in love with Julia. I recall the same conflicting feelings when I read this book. Part of me wanted John to be happy with Julia. I truly felt for the guy. Part of me also cared deeply about his commitment to his wife.

The author did a fabulous job taking a difficult situation and covering it with flesh. The emotion and the loneliness were real as was the temptation both John and Julia experienced. Many people would justify John and Julia's relationship outside of marriage--especially for John. I hurt for the man. My mother was bedridden with MS for twenty years and my father cared for her until the very end. He cherished her and remained faithful when so many men in the same situations dumped their spouses when they could no longer perform their wifely duties.

John Brighton honored his vow to cherish his wife until they parted at her death. I'm convinced it made all the difference for his enduring happiness. John could then marry Julia free from guilt and knowing he gave his wife his undivided love and attention to the very end--once he overcame the temptation to vault his flesh into a forbidden zone that he would end up regretting later.

I've never read a book that more vividly portrays the deep pain of loneliness and all of the issues that go with it. My heart swelled and my throat tightened more than once through this beautiful story. I loved it!