A Promise to Remember (Paperback)

by Kathryn Cushman (Author)
Key Phrases: Santa Barbara, Melanie Johnston, Les Stewart (more...)

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

Product Description
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. Two wounded women...Two families seeking hope...A community torn apart... How far will they go to fulfill...A Promise to Remember.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (October 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764203800
• ISBN-13: 978-0764203800
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #505,230 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	C. L. Padgett (Madera, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

2 of 2 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

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.