Saturday, January 30, 2010

Promises to Keep by D.L. Larson

This week I finished reading Promises to Keep, D.L. Larson’s second in her historical series centered around members of the Douglas family. Midwest Book Review called Promises to Keep an “Excellent read!”

I actually read the series out of order. I first read the second book in the series, Promises My Love. Then I read Promises to Keep. I enjoyed both and you could read them out of order, as I did, without feeling discombobulated. I would recommend you read them in order, though, since the two books have a good flow from one to the other.

In Promises to Keep, Larson interweaves two families. Annie Douglas struggles to raise her children while trying to hold onto her marriage to Joe who spends way too much time at the saloon gambling. Joe’s sister, Christine, is married to Francis Frailey. They have the picture-perfect marriage with a son and a beautiful house. But Francis has dark secrets that could destroy their love.

The underlying question is, can love really conquer all or are some problems so big and deepset that they can’t overcome?

Promises to Keep will draw you into the lives and emotions of these two families. Larson doesn’t back off of showing you the darkness that can haunt a child long into adulthood. She can also draw you into the goodness in a character shunned by proper society. She makes you care about these people.

I enjoyed Promises to Keep and would recommend it, especially if you like historical fiction with strong characters.
~~~
FTC Disclaimer:
Since I’m not a professional reviewer, I consider this a recommendation. I liked the book. If someone from the FTC reads this post and decides to buy the book, I think they’ll like it, too. I was not paid to do the recommendation. The author did not ask me to write a review. The only thing she wrote when she autographed the book was “Enjoy!” … which I did.
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20 comments:

  1. I haven't read too many historicals, but this sounds like a good one. Thanks for the tip, Helen.

    Elizabeth
    Mystery Writing is Murder

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  2. Sounds like an interesting series. It's good to know the books can be read in or out of order as it is sometimes hard to find all in a series (if with just two). The characters sound like people who could be a next door neighbor. I like that about books. Thanks for the recommendation, I'll have to check on these.

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  3. After years of not reading historicals I've read a few over the last few months. I'll check out your recommendation.

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  4. An addition to my reading list. Thanks.

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  5. The All-American Ritchie Cunningham family and someone has a dark secret. The public loves this stuff. I'm sure TMZ is inspiring many writers these days.

    Stephen Tremp

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  6. LOVE your disclaimer, Helen!

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  7. I think the new rule that you must have a disclaimer has gone into effect or will soon. I probably need to find an official one.

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  8. Not my cup of tea but sounds like good stuff. Isn't it weird reading a series out of order? I really don't like to do it.

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  9. Sounds like a good read, I always enjoy getting into the drama of family life.

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  10. LOL. Again, I enjoyed your disclaimer as much as the review. The next time I post a review, I may snitch a snippet from your disclaimer to add to mine.

    The books do sound good, and I may have to add them to my wish list, which keeps growing and growing. I need to stop reading so many reviews. LOL

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  11. I very much enjoy well written historical fiction. This sounds like one to add to my bookshelf. Thanks for the recommendation.

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  12. Good grief, my reading list is growing and growing.

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  13. I know what y'all mean. My TBR pile is much bigger than time available.

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  14. Thank you for your kind words, Helen! I'm glad you enjoyed my book. I'm doing the giggly dance that you so graciously spread the word about Promises To Keep!!
    DL Larson

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  15. Thanks for the review and favorable recommendation. This here-

    "can love really conquer all or are some problems so big and deepset that they can’t overcome?"

    That's a rather deep and poingnant question to probe into in a book. I like it.

    Marvin D Wilson

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  16. Sounds like a great series. I often read series out of order. It doesn't bother me often - although it can make me reread the following book again right away :)

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  17. Thanks for the recommendation, Helen. I often like historical fiction, particularly ones set in America during the westward expansion. I'll look into this author.

    I love that you used discombobulated in your post. One of my favorite words. I'd love to hit that on a triple word score. ;)
    ~jon

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  18. Jon, it says so much plus is fun to say.

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  19. I saw the title of your blog in your comment on someone else's blog and just had to come and say it's brilliant!

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  20. Interesting sounding series! "Promises to Keep" reminds me of the Frost poem. The only problem is the poem makes me sleepy (repetition of "miles to go before I sleep)...I'm guessing the book wouldn't, though. :)

    Elizabeth
    Mystery Writing is Murder

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