A Lasting Promise: A Gripping and Emotional Story from the Bestselling Author of The Jam Factory Girls

by Mary Wood

Even in the darkest of times, love conquers all . . .

From Mary Wood, bestselling author of the Jam Factory Girls series, A Lasting Promise is a gripping historical novel – full of powerful, heartfelt emotion, set around the Second World War.

France, 1943. As war casts its shadow over Europe, the tranquil life of Sister Angelica's convent is disrupted by the arrival of Nazi forces. Inside the convent, the nuns offer refuge to children in need of care and protection. Despite the ever-present risks, Angelica is determined to honour her promise to keep them safe. Each day is a testament to courage and hope, even when unexpected challenges arise.

London, 1963. Angelica has made a new life for herself in East London’s Stepney. Despite the shadows of war, she is nurturing a family of her own with hope and resilience, ready to embrace the future with open arms. Yet, as life often reminds us, the past has a way of weaving itself back into our present when we least expect it . . .

‘Wood is a born storyteller’ – Lancashire Evening Post

Genres: Historical Fiction

Audible Audio

Published June 19, 2025

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1963 and Angelica is only forty four but she is dying painfully from cancer, she couldn't let go but kept on reminiscing over her past life, where in 1942 she was Sister Angelica and was helping lots of Jewish children escape from the nazis, children that had been hiding in the woods. It was not an easy task but one that definitely saved many children. But one person was very special to Angelica, a wounded airman named Philip, she knew she wasn't allowed such feelings, but they were there, and both of them knew that they had a deep love for each other.

Jumping forward to 1963 and she is reminiscing in her mind all she has done earlier in her life, Mia her daughter had never known her father, only knowing that her mother had come to England in 1943 with him. But during her mothers last moments, she finds it in her to contact her friends overseas, and her daughter finds love and friendship with her doctor friend. But Mia still has lots of questions about her mothers life that she would love to know the answers to before it's too late. So begins a search of discovery where everyone knows what happened, but it is still causing hurt and pain, finding out about all the children that escaped from the nazis and those who didn't.

This is a time slip novel, but it's easy to follow, and the storyline certainly keeps you gripped.
The storyline is somewhat harrowing at times, as it describes what happened to the Jewish people in the war years.
In A Lasting Promise, Mary Wood really gets involved with the characters, making you think about the terrible situation they're in and how they will get out of it. It's certainly a gripping book where the characters will stay with you long after you have finished reading.
A well-deserved five-star read from me.

#netgalley
#panmacmillanbooks
#marywood
#alastingpromise

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

France 1942 sister Angelica
London 1963 Angelica's end of life.
As the past collides with the present, this book takes us through a gripping and emotional story of a courageous lady with a lasting promise that she will always keep.
Angelica on her dying bed, her daughter Mia is told to find Marcia Karmi for forgiveness.
That starts off a moving tale of Angelica's life and how it was.
A startling moving stand-alone that allowed my tears to fall.
I found no fault at all reading this story that readers will enjoy every single chapter.
Was sorry to see the end.
I loved it.

[Lynda Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book.Mary Wood did not disappoint.The content of the story was a hard one to read but the way the characters dealt with the various situations and helped each other was heartwarming.It wasn't an easy read because it could be distressing at times but you still had to carry on to see what was going to happen next.Mary took her time with this one(no rushed ending as some authors tend to do)and I loved the way it ended.Its definitely one I would recommend to others and cant wait for her next one now.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

We begin in France, 1942, with Sister Angelica, who helps children hiding from Nazi forces in a nearby forest.

Twenty years later, in Stepney, London, Angelica has a new life and a daughter named Mia. On her deathbed, she urges Mia to find Marcia Karmi and seek her forgiveness.

This heartfelt story captures Angelica’s emotional journey, showcasing her bravery and strength. Prepare to be moved—don't forget the tissues!

[Katie Awdas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love Mary Wood's books but sadly this one just didn't hit the mark for me. I found it a bit unbelievable in parts and somehow didn't warm to the main characters. I couldn't figure out how old Angie and Mia were until it was mentioned half way through the book so found them hard to understand or relate too. The relationship between Irene and Angelica was very heart warming and my favourite part of the book.

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good but sad read, didn't enjoy it as much as her others

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the second world war Angelica rescues a lot of jewish children but who will survive. Angelica is a nun and finds love of a man what will happen now?