A Promise to Remember [Paperback]

Kathryn Cushman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2007

When There's Nothing Left But Memories

Andie Phelps is the envy of Santa Barbara. A devoted mother with a loving son and a successful husband, her greatest joy comes from reaching out to others....

Melanie Johnston is the envy of no one. A single mom who works long hours to pay the bills, and her greatest joys relate to her teen daughter and son.

Then the accident that changes everything. When opposite worlds collide, the impact reaches far beyond these mothers' personal losses.

Endorsements
"A beautifully written and heartfelt novel about loss, love and forgiveness. I was moved by A Promise to Remember. Christian fiction has a radiant new voice in Katie Cushman."
and mdash;James Scott Bell, bestselling author of No Legal Grounds

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a great choice for women's groups or simply as a gift for a woman going through challenging circumstances." -- CBA Retailers + Resources

"...an impressive debut for Cushman.... fans of contemporary Christian fiction will no doubt await her next book with anticipation." -- Violet Nesdoly, blogcritics.org

"...once you start reading there is no way you won't be affected in some way .... Kathryn Cushman is bestseller material!" -- Crystal Johnson, armchairinterviews.com

"...well written and engrossing from the first page.... should be on everyone's must-read list." -- Lisa Kisner, ReaderViews.com

"For lovers of inspirational fiction, A Promise to Remember is a must read." -- Vennessa Ng, titletrakk.com

"The emotions felt by the characters in this story pulsate off the page..." -- Deena Peterson, deenasbooks.blogspot.com

"This gripping tale of loss, love and forgiveness is one of the best I've read." -- Ane Mulligan, novelreviews.blogspot.com

About the Author

KATHRYN CUSHMAN is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. After practicing as a pharmacist, she left her career to marry and begin a family and has since pursued her dream of writing. A Promise to Remember is her first novel. Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House; Reprinted edition (October 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764203800
• ISBN-13: 978-0764203800
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (93 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #732,540 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

124 of 129 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A story that takes your breath away, October 4, 2007

By 

Brian Reaves (Anniston, AL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Promise to Remember (Paperback)

Kathryn Cushman has done an incredible job. She somehow finds a way to tell both sides of this tragic story and make you both angry AND sympathetic to each mother. Choosing to show both Andie and Melanie as flawed human beings reacting to death in their own way, Cushman allows the reader to decide who is right and wrong here.

I was amazed at how detailed Cushman's story was. She introduced both mothers in the midst of the most horrible moment in their lives, and had each reacting in a logical way. The women never became stereotypical or cookie-cutter characters in any way. To be honest, I still don't know who I felt more sympathetic toward, and that's the sign of a powerful writer. Ultimately, she delivers a strong ending (it's hard to say "upbeat" when dealing with a story like this) that really ties everything up nicely.

Kathryn Cushman is a writer to watch. I'm usually pulled more toward the suspense/thriller genre, but I'm glad I took a chance on this talented writer and entered her literary world for a little while. Looking forward to the next one!

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seeing Both Sides, October 1, 2007

By 

Carrie (Madera, US, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Promise to Remember (Paperback)

Haunting. That's what I call a book or movie that stays with me for days after I close the back cover or leave the theatre.

A Promise to Remember haunted me for days. Kathryn Cushman did a wonderful job making both grieving mothers real and sympathetic. When I was in Andie's scenes, I'd get angry at single mom Melanie and her twisted view of a "legacy." But when reading Melanie, I'd be angry at the wealthy Phelps' and the memorials they could buy for their son.

A Promise to Remember is a wonderful read.

If you like Karen Kingsbury, you will LOVE A Promise to Remember.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-Provoking Read, January 5, 2009

By 

Melissa @ Breath of Life - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Promise to Remember (Paperback)

Kathryn Cushman's debut is wonderful, but it's not a light read. My heart ached for Melanie, who was compelled to visit the cemetery every day because she was afraid Jeff was lonely and because she'd made a promise never to abandon her children. I longed to comfort Andie, who was drowning in guilt that she wasn't a good enough wife and mother. The ending isn't "happy", though I was at peace with it. Still, I was left wondering how both families would move on after surviving such loss. I thought of friends who've lost children, and grieved anew for them.

This soul-stirring novel will stay with me for a long time.