A Promise Kept
A Promise Kept book cover

A Promise Kept

Paperback – January 14, 2014

by
Price
$10.99
Format
Paperback
Pages
304
Publisher
Thomas Nelson
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-1401687656
Dimensions
5.63 x 0.88 x 8.38 inches
Weight
9.9 ounces

Description

From Booklist Award-winning Hatcher’s (Belonging, 2011) latest is a story of love, heartbreak, and redemption. If Allison Kavanagh had her way, she would be happily married and living close to her family. Instead, after inheriting her great-aunt’s mountain cabin, she resides there with only her little dog for company. Initially, Allison is consumed by her loneliness and regrets. Soon, though, she begins to make a new life for herself with fulfilling work, close friends, and meaningful hobbies. Eventually one of her favorite activities becomes immersing herself in her great-aunt Emma’s old journals, where she discovers a strong woman who faced trials similar to her own. Emma used her faith to carry her through her struggles, and Allison gradually allows herself to do the same. As Hatcher blends the past and present, Allison and Emma’s lives take on new meaning as we watch them each embark on solitary journeys. Hatcher’s inspirational novel dramatizes the perception that even when it seems like you’re alone, you are always part of a greater plan. --Carolyn Richard "Hatcher (Where the Heart Lives series) departs from her more recent historical novels for this contemporary exploration of the conundrum faced by believers when they accept God's word but can't see it being manifested in their lives ... The mountain setting is as appealing an aspect of this upbeat, well-paced novel as Allison, Emma, and their family and friends." ~Publishers Weekly "Award-winning Hatcher's latest is a story of love, heartbreak, and redemption ... As Hatcher blends the past and present, Allison and Emma's lives take on new meaning as we watch them each embark on solitary journeys. Hatcher's inspirational novel dramatizes the perception that even when it seems like you're alone, you are always a part of a greater plan." ~ Booklist/American Library Association "Hatcher's beautifully crafted tale alternates between the past and the present. Allison and Emma are incredibly relatable characters, and readers are able to examine their own lives through the mirror of the novel's events. Filled with family and faith, the author's phrasing is exquisite and a treat to savor." ~RT Book Reviews TOP PICK "A beautiful, heart-touching story of God's amazing grace, and how He can restore and make new that which was lost." ~ Francine Rivers, New York Times' best selling author A Promise Kept is a deeply personal story. While my characters are never me--I allow them to be individuals and allow their lives to unfold in their own way--there are always pieces of me in them. A great deal of Allison and her story was inspired by my own marriage and by the God who not only answers prayers but does so in completely unexpected ways. I wrote this novel, in part, as my thanksgiving for all that He has done in my life.Some months before I realized this story was burning inside of me, ready to be told, Francine Rivers told me in an email that she wanted to read a novel by me inspired by the events in my marriage. I still thought it would be "someday" and didn't expect it to be "someday soon." After all, there were other books in the pipeline. But here, too, God had His way, opening the door so I could write it and giving me the ideas needed so I could begin.When the book was finished, I sent it to Francine. After all, she'd said she wanted to read it. Here is what she wrote back: "A beautiful, heart-touching story of God's amazing grace, and how He can restore and make new that which was lost." ~ Francine Rivers, New York Times' best selling authorI am always nervous when I send a book out into the world, so you can imagine my delight over Francine's enjoyment and endorsement of the book. I care very deeply about Allison, Tony, Emma, and the other characters who people this novel. I hope you'll feel the same way when you read it. Even more, I hope the story will open your eyes to the many unexpected ways God is answering your prayers and keeping His promises.Robin Lee Hatcher Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 70 novels. Read more

Features & Highlights

  • Allison was sure God would save her marriage and her husband—but neither has been saved yet. What has become of the promise Allison once believed in?
  • Tony Kavanagh had been Allison’s dream-come-true. They were in love within days, engaged within weeks, married and pregnant within a year. Her cup bubbled over with joy . . . but years later, that joy was extinguished by unexpected trials.
  • The day Allison issued her husband an ultimatum, she thought it might save him. She never expected he would actually leave. She was certain God had promised healing—but it became clear she’d misunderstood.
  • Now, living in the quiet mountain cabin she inherited from her Great Aunt Emma, Allison must come to terms with her grief and figure out how to adapt to small-town life. But when she finds a wedding dress and a collection of journals in Emma’s attic, a portrait of her aunt emerges that takes Allison completely by surprise: a portrait of a heartbroken woman surprisingly like herself.
  • As Allison reads the incredible story of Emma’s life in the 1920s and 1930s, she is forced to ask a difficult question: Has she really surrendered every piece of her life to the Lord?
  • Drawing from her own heart-wrenching story of redemption,
  • A Promise Kept
  • is Robin Lee Hatcher’s emotionally charged thanksgiving to a God who answers prayers—in His own time and His own ways.
  • “A beautiful, heart-touching story of God’s amazing grace and how He can restore and make new that which was lost.” — Francine Rivers,
  • New York Times
  • bestselling author
  • Sweet inspirational romance
  • Sweet inspirational romance
  • Full-length stand-alone novel
  • Full-length stand-alone novel
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs and a note to readers from the author
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs and a note to readers from the author

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(430)
★★★★
25%
(179)
★★★
15%
(107)
★★
7%
(50)
★
-7%
(-50)

Most Helpful Reviews

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I'd give it 4.5 stars if that were an option.

I recently went on a cruise and wanted to bring a new book with me, something light-hearted and uplifting, yet with an interesting plot. I was happy I chose Robin Lee Hatcher's, "A Promise Kept".

This was a lovely novel that wove a delightful tale of differing generations within the same family tree. I enjoyed going on the journeys with Emma and Allison, as they make their ways through life, love, heartbreak and healing. Always bringing the reader back to focusing on the Lord, Robin does a nice job of crafting a perfect read for any vacation you may have in your upcoming future. Thank you, Robin. It was just what was needed to chase away Old Man Winter in New England. :-)
2 people found this helpful
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A nice relaxed read ---

This is a story of family love, heartaches, forgiveness, and grace. The author did a beautiful job shaping the story while weaving together two different story lines. There is also a strong spiritual aspect of the book that is touching.

Allison Kavanaugh is a likable character who is struggling to cope with the difficult realities of divorce. She had been married to Tony Kavanaugh and she didn't still love him, but loved the memories they had shared together. Now she carried sad thoughts about her failed marriage and she carried resentment for years of hurts, embarrassments, and destroyed dreams.

Emma Carter, a warm character with a lot of depth, had always called Allison her favorite. She was a sister of Allison's grandmother, Elizabeth. She always had a way of answering Allison without mincing words. Aunt Emma had fallen in love with Alexander when she was 15 years old, but he'd always had eyes for Elizabeth. Emma's life is not an easy one, with many disappointments to deal with throughout her life.

Family secrets surface as Emma's life is revealed through journals left behind and the two story lines converge. And Allison had been so sure God had made a promise to her, a promise that had gone unfulfilled. She knew there was still a plan and purpose for her life. And the story unfolds ---

The author has a gentle style and natural grace as a storyteller. The book had a strong storyline, with a good ending, although rather predictable. If you're in the mood for just a nice relaxed read, you will enjoy A Promise Kept. 4 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.
2 people found this helpful
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Robin Lee Hatcher's best book ever!

When you finish a book and are sorry it's over, you know you've read a great story. This one will make you cry and smile in some places. One thing I can promise is you won't forget it. It's a powerful story, one filled with hope, forgiveness, and answered prayer.
1 people found this helpful
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The story pulled me in quickly!

I have seen books by Robin Lee Hatcher, but I never took the time to read one until now. This story is a novel, but the basic story is based on events in the author's life. You can feel the emotion of the characters coming from the author, and it was a wonderful book. When I read these words on page 14, I was hooked! "Was she angry with God? Perhaps. She'd been so sure He'd made a promise to her, a promise that had gone unfulfilled. She'd counted on it. Believed in it. Tried to do everything she thought necessary on her part in order to realize the promise. But it never happened. And since God didn't lie, it meant she'd heard wrong. It meant she didn't know His voice the way she'd once thought she did." The story is told from a present day character's point of view as well as flashbacks from journals of the character's great-aunt. It was an inspiring, encouraging story, and I recommend it!
1 people found this helpful
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A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher

A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher

Allison Kavanagh who is recently divorced moves into her great aunt Emma's home in Kings Meadow, Idaho to put the pieces of her life back together after a painful divorce. The journals she finds in the attic that were written by her great aunt Emma completely change her life. Through the journals she learns to forgive her ex-husband, Tony. They help her draw closer to God and to hear his voice more clearly. She also comes to the realization that just because a prayer isn't answered immediately it doesn't mean it won't be answered. She learns she must simply wait on God.

In this book you follow the lives of both Allison and her great aunt Emma. Allison's life happening at present and Emma's through her journals written over a span of forty years. Shared one entry at a time, each letter is a glimpse into Emma's past. A past that has been hidden for decades from future generations. You will come to know the true aunt Emma right along with Allison who uncovers secrets as she reads through the pages one by one. You will experience Emma's highs and lows, her moments of rejoicing and her moments of heartbreak along with little bits of wisdom on every page.

Quote:
"A faith that can't be tested can't be trusted"

I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the lives of these characters for the duration of this story. They were so lovable and endearing and both Allison's and Emma's stories, although they happened in different eras, are prevalent today. You will see God's power of restoration unfold within the pages as each character draws closer to the One that makes all things new.

Quote:
"Freedom. I thought much about the word over the winter. I contemplated what it means to be free in Christ, and I resolved that freedom in Christ is the only kind of freedom worth anything. Every other kind of freedom pales beside it. And if I am free in Christ, then I will know freedom wherever he leads me, even if He should lead me into a prison cell, as He did the apostle Paul, or into a solitary life in a log house in the mountains of Idaho, as it seems to be now for me.

I continue to pray for Alexander. I wish he might know this freedom too. I understand now, as I could not understand before, that he was bound up on the inside. I wanted him to fill my every need, needs that can only be filled by the King of Kings. It is not fair to put that burden on another human being..."

Such thought provoking revelations are common in this story. It will satisfy you as a reader and strengthen your faith. The romance aspect takes a backseat but you will never miss it as the story makes a profound statement all on its own. Many tears were shed while reading this book and I encourage you to read the Author's Note at the end of the story as well because the tears don't end with the story. This is a miraculous story of healing and restoration that will touch the reader's heart. I HIGHLY recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone. If I recommend a book you can believe it's simply because I liked it. I received no monetary compensation for the review.
1 people found this helpful
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A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher

A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher

Allison Kavanagh who is recently divorced moves into her great aunt Emma's home in Kings Meadow, Idaho to put the pieces of her life back together after a painful divorce. The journals she finds in the attic that were written by her great aunt Emma completely change her life. Through the journals she learns to forgive her ex-husband, Tony. They help her draw closer to God and to hear his voice more clearly. She also comes to the realization that just because a prayer isn't answered immediately it doesn't mean it won't be answered. She learns she must simply wait on God.

In this book you follow the lives of both Allison and her great aunt Emma. Allison's life happening at present and Emma's through her journals written over a span of forty years. Shared one entry at a time, each letter is a glimpse into Emma's past. A past that has been hidden for decades from future generations. You will come to know the true aunt Emma right along with Allison who uncovers secrets as she reads through the pages one by one. You will experience Emma's highs and lows, her moments of rejoicing and her moments of heartbreak along with little bits of wisdom on every page.

Quote:
"A faith that can't be tested can't be trusted"

I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the lives of these characters for the duration of this story. They were so lovable and endearing and both Allison's and Emma's stories, although they happened in different eras, are prevalent today. You will see God's power of restoration unfold within the pages as each character draws closer to the One that makes all things new.

Quote:
"Freedom. I thought much about the word over the winter. I contemplated what it means to be free in Christ, and I resolved that freedom in Christ is the only kind of freedom worth anything. Every other kind of freedom pales beside it. And if I am free in Christ, then I will know freedom wherever he leads me, even if He should lead me into a prison cell, as He did the apostle Paul, or into a solitary life in a log house in the mountains of Idaho, as it seems to be now for me.

I continue to pray for Alexander. I wish he might know this freedom too. I understand now, as I could not understand before, that he was bound up on the inside. I wanted him to fill my every need, needs that can only be filled by the King of Kings. It is not fair to put that burden on another human being..."

Such thought provoking revelations are common in this story. It will satisfy you as a reader and strengthen your faith. The romance aspect takes a backseat but you will never miss it as the story makes a profound statement all on its own. Many tears were shed while reading this book and I encourage you to read the Author's Note at the end of the story as well because the tears don't end with the story. This is a miraculous story of healing and restoration that will touch the reader's heart. I HIGHLY recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone. If I recommend a book you can believe it's simply because I liked it. I received no monetary compensation for the review.
1 people found this helpful
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Spectacular!!!!

How do I begin to express what this book means to me?
Absolutely one of my all time favorite books!
I will keep this book and read it over and over, I love it so much!
I can't wait to recommend it to my friends!
This story is such a powerful reminder that God is faithful and He keeps His promises, though not always in the way we expect! Powerful, brilliant, spectacular, spell-binding!!!
To the author: God bless you for sharing, everyone needs to hear this!
1 people found this helpful
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Loved It!

What a wonderful book! I think this is Hatcher's best that I have read. I enjoyed Emma's story (flashback) more so than Allison's (present day). But both stories were interwoven in a great way that made the entire book enjoyable. Part of the reason I think this is so great is because Hatcher has put a part of her past experience with divorce into this story that makes it more real. This is not all happily ever after, while the ending surprised me I think it's neat how it all came together. I have read other reviews and many people don't see this as being realistic but it obviously is because it happened to Robin! I kept thinking about my parents divorce as it was a lot different than what was told in this book but I still enjoyed the story. I love the setting, the history, the story line, and every other detail. I highly recommend!

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."
1 people found this helpful
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Wonderful Story About God's Perfect Timing!

This is a wonderful story that's partially based on the author and her husband! I loved the contemplative feel to this story as Allison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life after a divorce and find a new place for herself. The interweaving of Allison's story now and in the past with her great-aunt's as she reads her journals is like a beautiful tapestry that shows both the pain and heartache they went through, but also the joy and healing as they come out the other side. I really felt for both of them and there were many times I had tears in my eyes, though this story is also very filled with hope. The message of trusting God's timing and being thankful for the hard times really hit home with me. In her note to readers, Robin wrote, "God can and does work miracles...But more often than not, Jesus invites us to be yoked with Him as we walk through the fire together. He matures us in the refining process so that we might become more like him." Allison wonders if she's thankful for the hard things and disappointments in her life and I have to say I'm not. This book challenged me to look at things differently and use those hard times to draw nearer to Jesus and to know that they are just a season in life, one that God will use for my good. This is my favorite book so far of Robin's! I highly recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
1 people found this helpful
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A Promise Kept Review

About the Book:
God was going to save her marriage, Allison was sure of it.
But neither her husband nor her marriage had been saved.

What had become of His promise?

Tony Kavanagh had been Allison’s dream-come-true. They were in love within days, engaged within weeks, married and pregnant within a year. Her cup bubbled over with joy . . . but years later, that joy had been extinguished by unexpected trials.

The day Allison issued her husband an ultimatum, she thought it might save him. She never expected he would actually leave. She was certain God had promised to heal; it was clear that she’d misunderstood.

Now living in the quiet mountain cabin she inherited from her single, self-reliant Great Aunt Emma, Allison must come to terms with her grief and figure out how to adapt to small town life. But when she finds a wedding dress and a collection of journals in Emma’s attic, a portrait of her aunt emerges that takes Allison completely by surprise: a portrait of a heartbroken woman surprisingly like herself.

As Allison reads the incredible story of Emma’s life in the 1920s and 1930s, she is forced to ask a difficult question: Does she really surrender every piece of her life to the Lord? For a woman accustomed to being someone else’s savior, that will be even harder than it sounds.

Drawing from her own heart-wrenching story of redemption, A Promise Kept is Robin Lee Hatcher’s emotionally charged thanksgiving to a God who answers prayers—in His own time and His own ways.

About the Author:
Robin is the author of 70+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends. Please note that the list of her books on Amazon includes novels released in the general romance market from 1984 to 1999. Her faith-based fiction has been published from 1999 to present. She no longer recommends her older fiction. Purchase used books with caution.

Robin is active on her Facebook Author Page where she gets to interact with readers. She would love to have you join her there: [...]

For more information, please visit her web site at [...].

My Review:
Allison thought her life would go perfectly after she got married but she thought the total opposite. Within months of being married, she was expecting her first child. Her life with her husband was everything she pictured but then it took at turn for the worst. Now years later, she is moving in to a cabin in the mountains that she inherited from her dear aunt. While unpacking and cleaning up she comes across a few things that belonged to her aunt. She is surprised to find a wedding dress and a few sets of journals, of which she soon starts to read. Finding out what her aunt went through all those years ago, soon makes Allison realize that maybe her problems aren't so bad.

Emma has never thought she was pretty, that is compared to her sister. Her sister was the one to receive the affection of a boy, the one that all boys looked at and watched. Not a one of them ever noticed her and what was special about her. But when the boy of the dreams seems to show some interest in her, she could do back-flips. He was the one all the girls fell for, he was handsome and charming. He was everything Emma wanted that is until he sees her sister and asks her for help in getting her to notice him. How nice, what now?

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
1 people found this helpful

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