Eleven-year-old Roz (Rosalind) Anthony and her family have just moved to Mills River, Illinois, to escape an abusive situation. Only days after settling into their new home, they are surprised to find the previous owner, Tillie Monroe, on their front porch reading the newspaper. Though her sons have sold the house and sent her to a facility for the aged, she is determined to die in the place she lived her life, and somehow manages to find her way "home" day after day. Feeling sympathy for the elderly woman, Roz's mother allows Tillie to move back in. Mara Nightingale becomes Roz's first friend in Mills River. In spite of their many differences, the girls discover they have something in common that binds them together--both are hiding secrets. So they make a promise--"cross my heart and hope to die"--never to tell anyone else. When danger stalks the Anthonys, Tillie exhibits unimaginable courage and selfless love in her determination to protect the family she has adopted as her own.
Download and start listening now!
"I really liked that it was a 11 year old's perspective in this book. I think that sometimes we are like Roz and want something so much that we trust others or what others are saying even if we know that we shouldn't. I really enjoyed this story- It was an excellent read."
— Becky (4 out of 5 stars)
With a strong romantic slant, Promises to Keep also has an intriguing mystery with a powerful element of suspense. The hero and heroine both have intelligent and understandable reasons for their actions. This one will keep you turning the pages.
— RT Book Reviews“Award-winning inspirational-fiction author Tatlock continues to excel in her latest contemporary novel…Even as it moves along at a comfortable pace, the novel is peppered with suspense…Recommended for fans of inspirational coming-of-age stories and tales of brave young women.”
— Booklist" 3 1/2 stars. A sweet story about a family trying to start over and wonderful older woman who comes to live with them. I loved Tillie. A nice summer read. "
— Charisse, 2/20/2014" This is the first book I've read from Ann Tatlock. It was well really well written. It's the story of an abusive father from the eyes of an eleven year old girl. "
— Mary, 2/12/2014" Great book! A story about an 11 yr old coping with her parents getting separated. "
— Michele, 2/10/2014" Excellent book! A beautiful and sad "coming of age" story about a girl dealing with the divorce of her parents. "
— Ashley, 2/3/2014" This book had such potential. A mom flees and abusive husband and starts a new life in a small town. The 11-year-old has a mixed race friend. So many possibilities. I kept waiting for the profound life lessons, but they never came. Easy read, but still not worth the time. Sad. "
— Janyse, 1/21/2014" I really liked this one. It was a super quick read with some great characters and a pretty good plot. "
— Rebecca, 1/15/2014" I really enjoyed this book. I am going to find another book by the Ann Tatlock. I loved the character Tilly, it reminded me of my Great Grandmother and Grandfather. "
— Janet, 1/9/2014" Oh I loved this story. Though I actually wish it was more about tillie! A family escaping abuse and finding friendship and love instead. A fast read read and well worth recommending!!! "
— Lesley, 1/8/2014" This book wasn't one of my best reads of the yr so far. I felt like it was dragging in several parts, and the end was predictable. I thought somewhere I saw a sequel. May try it, but if I'm not impressed by the 5th chapters, then I will put it down. "
— Rachel, 12/9/2013" Good book....good enough to make me want to read more of Ann Tatlock. "
— Jennifer, 11/11/2013" simple read, christian based "
— Elizabeth, 10/25/2013" A sweet story from the perspective of an 11 yo girl about coping with her family having fled her abusive, alcoholic father. A quick read. Enjoyed very much. "
— Barb, 10/23/2013" Overall it was a good book, but I easily guessed what happens at the end. Not too hard to believe when you have seen this stuff first hand. "
— Casey, 8/12/2013" This was a really book.. I couldnt put it down. it was a page turner.. Mmmm what shall I read now? "
— Jody, 10/25/2012" This novel was not as good as I had hoped it would be, but it kept my attention. The characters Roz and Mara are so loveable. All characters are very believable. I would like to have Tillie in my court! This novel provides a good view of alcoholism and abuse as viewed from the eyes of a child. "
— Acarrawa, 8/9/2012" Curently reading. It's an excellent book, very well written. About a family who leaves an abusive fathr and makes a new life in a Chicago Suburb. It holds your interest from the first page. "
— Phyllis, 5/19/2012" I really enjoyed this book. "
— Allison, 5/17/2012" Such a cute story!! "
— Nicki, 4/30/2012" I really like this book! "
— Michelle, 3/21/2012" Enjoyed it, but not particularly memorable "
— Sara, 1/27/2012" Great use of child's voice. Good build up, climax and resolution. Nicely set in the sixties. A good read. "
— Jo, 10/31/2011Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy Award–winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association Book of the Year in fiction for both All the Way Home and I’ll Watch the Moon. Ann lives with her husband, Bob, and their daughter, Laura Jane, in Asheville, North Carolina.
Barbara Caruso, winner of numerous Earphones Awards for narration, is an accomplished actress. A graduate of London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she was a featured player in the Royal Shakespeare Company. She has played starring roles on Broadway and in theaters across the country. She won the Alexander Scourby Reader of the Year Award for her performances of young adult fiction and has more than one hundred audiobook narrations to her credit.