Marian Baay Reviews Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke

Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke
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/

Summer Reading Lists

This week our format is different.  Carrie is the ACFW BookClub Discussion Facilitator for MaryLu Tyndall's Surrender the Dawn. The other book featured is by Carrie's MidAtlantic Zone member, Cathy Gohlke.  "Promise Me This" will be reviewed this week on OTT-WGH.So instead of an interview this week here are the OTT-WGH reviewer's planned Summer reads: 


TERESA's and MARIAN's lists: By order of release!



Teresa Mathews' Summer Picks

1. Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall July 1

2. The Forgiven Duke by Jamie Carie July 1st

3. Angel of the Cove by Sandra Robbins August 1

4. Hunter's Prize by Marcia Gruver August 1

5. To Write a Wrong by Robin Caroll September 15th

Marian Baay’s Summer Reading List 

1. Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert (See Marian’s review last week on OTT-WGH!)

2. Glamorous Illusions – Lisa Bergren (June 1)

3. Veil of Pearls by ML Tyndall  (July 1)

4. Central Park Rendezvous (4 in 1) by Kim Sawyer, Ronie Kendig, Dineen Miller & ML Tyndall (Aug. 15)

5. Injustice for All (book 1) + To Write a Wrong (book 2) by Robin Caroll (Sept. 15) 

What are you reading this summer? Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of any of MaryLu's books and any of Kathy Gohlke's this week, one each given away, paperback or ebook format.