Promises to Keep, by Ann Tatlock

Promises to Keep, by  Ann Tatlock, is the story of a broken family trying to rebuild their life.

I struggled over whether to give this 3 or 4 stars.  Some parts of the book were truly excellent, but the plot falls short.  The story is told through the eyes of 11 year old Roz, and the author does a delicate job of showing the conflicting points of view of the different characters, especially the mother and the daughter.  The competing agendas of family bonds versus family safety provide tension. The mother struggles to protect her daughter and maintain her innocence, yet that very innocence sets her up for misinterpretations and danger. Even the gentle warnings of her slightly savvier friend don’t succeed in making her confide in her mother.

The differing perspectives (rather than the plot) provide the true suspense and momentum in the story.  Each character speaks from his or her own life experience. Tatlock does a masterful job at communicating each one’s emotions and thoughts and reasons.  This, in fact, was the best part of the book.  The plot, on the other hand, teeters between expectable and unrealistic. 

Ultimately, the ending proves disappointing, with too much sudden drama. This is ironic, because you are waiting for the crisis, and then when it comes it is over the top.

[Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. ]