Tyndale House Publishers 2012
Reviewed by Marian Baay
4 Stars ****
This was my first book by Cathy Gohlke. I really looked forward to reading this story. Although it was different than what I had expected, it was a good read and beautifully written.
Owen and Allie Allen are brother and sister. Their parents died and young Allie went to live with their mean aunt Eleanor in England. Owen saved money to sail to America to help an Aunt and Uncle with their garden business. Owen sails to America first with the promise to get Allie as soon as he has earned enough money. Owen has a heart of gold and takes pity on a stowaway on board Titanic.
Michael ran away from the horrible life he lived with his abusive uncle. He is surprised by the love that Owen shows for him when he finds him on board Titanic. Owen is planning a new life for Michael in America and is teaching him all about plants and seeds. When the disaster happens with Titanic, Owen gives Michael a chance for a future.
When Michael comes to America he is adopted by Aunt Maggie and Daniel who show him love. He's a hard worker and helps to make the gardens profitable. He seeks to earn enough money to get Annie to America. Meanwhile the two start writing letters.
Annie has a lot to adapt to after Owen left. She loves receiving Michael's letters. But when WWI breaks out something happens and no one hears anything from Annie anymore. What happened? Is she safe?
A lot happens in this story and many years pass. Sometimes I wondered if parts could have been left out. Therefor I give 4 stars instead of 5. The writing is pleasant, the research well done, the characters are very real. Altogether this makes a good story!
Cathy's books can be purchased at CBD, Amazon and other bookstores.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be Friday for this book. Kindle or paperback. Kindle copy gives you the weekend to read and join in the Book Club discussion. Click on the following link to join (do not need to be a writer to join) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/acfwbookclub/
Very nice review Marian! Sounds interesting...you mentioned the Titanic so that really got my attention. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks TERESA! When I read "Titanic" that also what grabbed my attention. :)
ReplyDeleteIntriguing review that has me wanting to read this book. Not sure I could get it done in time to join in the discussion this month, though.
ReplyDeleteANNE, thanks for coming by! I think you don't have to join in the Book Club discussion if you win a copy, right CARRIE?
ReplyDeleteI always wondered what this book was about, but had never read a review on it. Great review, MARIAN, and glad to know it's not just another disaster read about the Titantic. I don't care for disaster books or movies, and I think I'm probably the only one in the world who won't watch The Titanic! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the book review, Marian. I'm glad you enjoyed "Promise Me This." Yes, it is a different take on Titanic, and is truly a picture of Christ's sacrificial love for us (as shown through Owen) and our response to that love (as shown through Michael and Annie). I hope those are the images that readers take with them from reading the book, even more than the adventures aboard Titanic and through the battlefields of France.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
DIANA, I watched The Titanic a couple of times. LOL This book is different than just a disaster story.
ReplyDeleteCATHY, thanks for coming by today. Yes, I enjoyed Promise Me This. I really hated to see Owen die. I really liked him. ;)
ReplyDeleteMarian great review. Would love to see winner over at book club. I wont stalk anyone who doesn't though!
ReplyDeleteI've read several good reviews for Promise Me This. I think it would be a book I'd really enjoy. Thanks for giving away a copy; I'd love to win a paperback version.
ReplyDeletepmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Thanks CARRIE!
ReplyDeleteOkay PAM, we'll enter you in the drawing. :)
ReplyDeleteI've not read this author before but this book sounds great.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway!
lgm52(at)hotmail(dot)com
Great review, Marian! Now I want to read the book to find out what happened to Annie! Thank you for offering this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteNancee
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net
LGM52 and NANCEE, lots of luck in the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diana!
ReplyDeleteThanks NANCEE! Maybe you'll win again... LOL
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to know I wouldn't be stalked if I win ;)
ReplyDeleteI thought you'd appreciate that, ANNE!!!
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds like a wonderful story, cant wait to read it, now who would think to even try to stalk Anne....
ReplyDeletePaula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
ANNE is our WINNER this week per random.org! You will receive a copy of "Promise Me This" by Cathy Gohlke!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'll be looking over my shoulder, just in case ;)
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! Yes, always pays to be cautious, lol, Anne!
ReplyDeleteCongrats ANNE!!
ReplyDelete