Title: Promise Me
Author: Richard Paul Evans
Pages: 352
Genre: Fiction / Holiday
Source: Simon & Schuster
In Promise Me we meet Beth Cardall. And although the story starts in the present time - Christmas Eve with Beth getting ready for dinner with her family and friends, you can't help but wonder why she sadly stares at two necklaces one reminding her of a promise broken and the other of a promise kept. Beth has kept a secret for the past 18 years and this year (2008) she will finally come to terms with the past and get some answers.
For Beth, 1989 was a year marked in tragedy. Her young daughter Charlotte was suffering from an undiagnosed medical condition. The doctors are stumped and no matter how many tests they can't come up with a concrete answer. Her marriage to Marc, once brimming with love and trust - has unexpectedly turned into something full of betrayal and heartbreak. Her job feels unstable and she just doesn't make enough money to pay her bills.... Just when everything seems to be at its worst, Beth meets Matthew. Strikingly handsome, mysterious, yet knowing so much about her, Matthew. Matthew, the man that single-handedly changes the course of her life.
I cannot fathom celebrating the holidays without reading one of Mr. Evans' Christmas tales. It has become a tradition now - since I've read one for the past four or five years. As always Mr. Evans' focus is on love, family, home and faith. I also have to commend him for writing a story through a woman's POV (and in the first person) so perfectly. His stories are heart-warming, tear inducing and probably the most-feel-good stories you'll find around the holidays. The big secret was far-fetched and unbelievable... yes... but I still really liked the way the story played out. I felt that I was invested in these characters, in their outcome and just couldn't help but find myself believing in it all.
This is a story full of hope and of miracles. What more could you ask for during the holiday season?
My Rating:
