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on March 31, 2016
This is one of those books that I will remember for months after I put it down. The historical connection to Galveston is amazing, and I couldn't wait to read every single page. The main characters are each so real, so flawed, yet so wonderful. The author's fluid use of flashbacks is seamless. This provocative novel is one I am already recommending to all who know and love Galveston. Simply masterful writing.
on October 25, 2016
I had known the history about the hurricane that hit Galveston in 1900 and saw a docu drama about it. But this book brought characters to life for me. Ones that lived there. It made me really feel what life might have actually been for some living on that island. The orphanage and farmers that were generational to the place. Even though I knew what would happened in the end I was curious how the author would bring it to the ending. She did a wonderful job. It brought me to tears. Some may not like the ending, but for me it was real life. No pretend happy ending. It's how real people persevere. The story is about 2 women, one that loved and one that learned to love.
on June 9, 2017
Many readers know about the great storm that devastated Galveston in 1900. What made this story so powerful was the characters and their circumstances. The underlying tension in the relationships started at the beginning and continued to build until the time of the storm. It gave a view of the people and culture of Galveston Island outside the city. The story is very well written.
on June 11, 2017
Then this book is for you. I couldn't put it down. The Galveston hurricane of 1900 was the worst natural disaster of the 20th century. The Promise tells the story through the eyes of people who were affected, but seldom mentioned: the farmers, dairymen, and families who lived on the Galveston Island but not within the city. I loved this book, and look forward to more from the author
on March 7, 2016
This is a compelling historic fiction which takes us from Dayton, Ohio, in 1900 to Galveston, Texas, which was the scene of the greatest natural disaster the United States has ever experienced. The two cities provide back drops of contrasting life styles for the two main characters who each left Dayton, one to make his fortune and find a better way of life for himself, and the other, and accomplished pianist, to escape the ridicule and loss of fortune she suffers for having developed an alliance with her own invalid cousin's husband. The story is a heartfelt love story that develops slowly, and culminates in another twist of fortune in the midst of the great Galveston flood. I couldn't put the book down. It is a good companion read for readers who loved ISAAC'S STORM.
on April 19, 2016
I also thought this book had a terrible ending. I was engaged until the end. I know not all books have the ending you want but based on the characters I was hoping, that even though this was a terrible storm and caused much devastation, for a better closure. It just kind of ended and badly. I wish I had read more of the reviews. I would not recommend this to anyone.
on March 29, 2016
This is a first (and brief) review, but I feel strongly enough about this novel that I need to post one. I hesitantly purchased this novel, expecting it to be a mediocre romance novel---not my favorite genre. The kindle price was fair, and I was looking for something to read over vacation. In all honesty, the intrigue to read this was due to the setting of the 1900 Galveston Hurricane which I only knew from a historical viewpoint. The novel started out well...and continued to be engrossing. When I finished, I literally held my breath and couldn't believe the impact that the story had on me. I particularly liked the structure of the alternating points of view of the two women which gave the novel more balance. A highly enjoyable read!
on November 6, 2015
The Promise, is not what I expected it to be, it is not a feel good story or a happily ever after book, it's about the hardships of actual events in 1900. It's about different classes of people in society, the ones who are your friends until you do something wrong, then you are shunned. Out of the four main characters in this book, I don't know who I feel the worst for. Andre, the beautiful son, Nan, who takes care of everyone, Catherine who just wants to be loved or Oscar who just wants a mother for his son. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
on July 13, 2017
The pain of human errors in judgement are paramount and the base of this story. But, the people are real and you care deeply for them, despite their flaws, because you can so easily understand why they erred and why they made the decisions that formed their lives and their deaths. Bittersweet and an outstanding novel based on a historical disaster.
