What do you think?
Rate this book
Mill River #3
The Promise of Home
The New York Times bestseller Darcie Chan returns to Mill River with her third heartwarming novel: when a collection of letters is discovered, a decades old secret is revealed that willl the change the course of destiny for beloved Mill River residents.
Mill River cop Kyle Hansen and teacher Claudia Simon are excitedly planning their wedding. When they learn that a new bed and breakfast is set to open in the old McAllister mansion, they hope the gifted Emily DiSanti will quickly restore it to its grand beauty. While refinishing the hardwood floors, Emily discovers a secret compartment and a mysterious briefcase. Inside, she finds years of correspondence between the reclusive Mary McAllister and her close friend—the town priest Father O’Brien’s late mother, Anna O’Brien. Through the letters, Emily learns about the surprising relationship between Mary and Anna and a secret that will change everything for Father O’Brien.
Karen Cooper, lives in town with her eight year old son, Nick. Her husband took a job as a government contractor in Afghanistan, and has been missing for a year. As Karen struggles with depression and Nick begins to have trouble at school, Father O’Brien is enlisted to offer his guidance, particularly for Nick, whose situation feels all too familiar.
Mill River cop Kyle Hansen and teacher Claudia Simon are excitedly planning their wedding. When they learn that a new bed and breakfast is set to open in the old McAllister mansion, they hope the gifted Emily DiSanti will quickly restore it to its grand beauty. While refinishing the hardwood floors, Emily discovers a secret compartment and a mysterious briefcase. Inside, she finds years of correspondence between the reclusive Mary McAllister and her close friend—the town priest Father O’Brien’s late mother, Anna O’Brien. Through the letters, Emily learns about the surprising relationship between Mary and Anna and a secret that will change everything for Father O’Brien.
Karen Cooper, lives in town with her eight year old son, Nick. Her husband took a job as a government contractor in Afghanistan, and has been missing for a year. As Karen struggles with depression and Nick begins to have trouble at school, Father O’Brien is enlisted to offer his guidance, particularly for Nick, whose situation feels all too familiar.
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
175 people are currently reading
828 people want to read
About the author
Darcie Chan
10 books281 followersDarcie Chan is the New York Times bestselling author of the eBook sensation THE MILL RIVER RECLUSE and the novels THE MILL RIVER REDEMPTION and THE PROMISE OF HOME. She has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal.
For fourteen years, Chan worked as an attorney drafting environmental and natural resource legislation for the U.S. Senate. She now writes fiction full time and lives north of New York City with her husband and son.
For fourteen years, Chan worked as an attorney drafting environmental and natural resource legislation for the U.S. Senate. She now writes fiction full time and lives north of New York City with her husband and son.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 17, 2015
I loved this town and the people there and the engaging story of the first book in this series . I was less taken by the story in the second book but yet still loved the characters and the sense of place that Chan depicts in Mill River , Vermont . So of course , I wanted to see what the third installment would bring and I decided to go back to Mill River . As one of the characters , Emily says "Mill River seems to have that effect on people. It calls to you when you've been away for a while ." I wanted to like this story more than I did .
One of my favorite characters from the earlier books , Father Michael O'Brien is front and center here and I was taken by his childhood story and the traumatic events there. I regret having called him a kleptomaniac in my review of Mill River a Redemption. However the day to day life in this town proved to be a little too busy, a little too slow and predictable and was filled with just a little too much trite conversation. There were certainly some big issues touched on here such as depression, bullying , and Alzheimer's . But I would have liked more focus on Karen and Ben , instead of the wedding plans for Claudia and Kyle and the budding relationship between Emily and Matt .
There was such a contrast between the alternating narratives of Father O'Brien's early life and the present day which hardly held my interest . Having said that I'm glad I read this because Father O'Brien's story was moving , but it's not likely that I'll make it back to Mill River if there's another . 4 stars for Father O'Brien's story and 2 for the rest , so a generous 3 stars .
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley
February 13, 2017
Letters from the past that reveal hidden secrets and untold tales, a mansion being restored, and all the wonderful characters from Ms. Chan's previous novels.
Mill River is a town I would want to live in. It has its problems, but the characters are just so homey and wonderful.
THE PROMISE OF HOME moves from the 1930's to present-day Mill River. Ms. Chan skillfully takes us from one time period to the other letting us in on the daily activities of all of Mill River's current residents and Father O'Brien's life as he grew up.
Father O'Brien definitely had an interesting past.
Emily is still the same Emily...still hurt from an incident from long ago.
Her sister, Rose, has mellowed, which is good.
Ruth has a great bookstore and bakery and owns the mansion Emily is restoring.
Aunt Ivy is the sweetest thing.
Josie is still a successful real estate agent and still juggling her life between family and work.
The reader finds out more about the familiar characters that add to the appeal of this book.
THE PROMISE OF HOME has just enough drama, enough suspense, enough secrets, enough romance, and unfortunately just enough heartache to keep you glued to the pages.
THE PROMISE OF HOME is another charming, cozy read by Ms. Chan.
You do not have to read Ms. Chan's books in order, but I would recommend that you do that so you can get the full beauty of the characters who reside in the quaint town of Mill River. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Mill River is a town I would want to live in. It has its problems, but the characters are just so homey and wonderful.
THE PROMISE OF HOME moves from the 1930's to present-day Mill River. Ms. Chan skillfully takes us from one time period to the other letting us in on the daily activities of all of Mill River's current residents and Father O'Brien's life as he grew up.
Father O'Brien definitely had an interesting past.
Emily is still the same Emily...still hurt from an incident from long ago.
Her sister, Rose, has mellowed, which is good.
Ruth has a great bookstore and bakery and owns the mansion Emily is restoring.
Aunt Ivy is the sweetest thing.
Josie is still a successful real estate agent and still juggling her life between family and work.
The reader finds out more about the familiar characters that add to the appeal of this book.
THE PROMISE OF HOME has just enough drama, enough suspense, enough secrets, enough romance, and unfortunately just enough heartache to keep you glued to the pages.
THE PROMISE OF HOME is another charming, cozy read by Ms. Chan.
You do not have to read Ms. Chan's books in order, but I would recommend that you do that so you can get the full beauty of the characters who reside in the quaint town of Mill River. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
December 18, 2015
A special thank you to Random/Ballantine and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Would make for a wonderful Hallmark TV series; one of my top books of 2015
Top 50 Books of 2015. "Best Women's Fiction/Suspense Series."
Masterful storyteller, Darcie Chan returns with her inspiring, and award-winning Mill River series THE PROMISE OF HOME (Mill River #3) with extraordinary characters, family, memories, age-old secrets, and a community of warm and caring residents and neighbors.
While revisiting familiar characters from previous books; some struggle with social and economic tragedy, a painful past, while another restores an old mansion with a past, and some find a place of solace, where new adventures, promising futures, and new relationships, abound.
Old fans and new, alike will be delighted to get an inside look into Mill River's most loved town priest, Father O’Brien's intriguing historical past during the Great Depression; his childhood, family, (Loved Uncle Frank), sacrifices, secrets, and experiences shaping him into the altruistic man of today (Yum-my favorite part)!
Multi-Layered, full of suspense and mystery; old secret letters, a bed and breakfast opening, an upcoming marriage, hearts mended, a possible new romance, a husband and father missing, a young woman's emotional struggle, and many more mysteries and surprises await in the quaint charming village of Mill River, Vermont--where family, friends, relationships, and community, unite and thrive. An idea selection for book clubs and groups discussions.
Perfectly executed, well-researched, strongly characterized and emotionally complex, readers will find themselves swept up by Chan's realistic and heart-warming characters and their raw emotions, as much a gripping emotional suspense, mystery, and historical fiction-- as a novel of love, relationships, family and a community of goodwill.
Readers, you are going to love this one, where the residents of Mill River become like family, drawing you back to a place of comfort and charm. Keeping my fingers crossed for a continuation of the series, as too good to end. JDCMustReadBooks
Mill River Series
In the meantime while you are anxiously awaiting Aug 4, be sure and read the previous two books in the series, if you have missed them. You will fall in love with the author, the characters, and the quaint town. All 5 Stars
The Mill River Redemption #2
The Mill River Recluse #1
Top 50 Books of 2015. "Best Women's Fiction/Suspense Series."
Masterful storyteller, Darcie Chan returns with her inspiring, and award-winning Mill River series THE PROMISE OF HOME (Mill River #3) with extraordinary characters, family, memories, age-old secrets, and a community of warm and caring residents and neighbors.
While revisiting familiar characters from previous books; some struggle with social and economic tragedy, a painful past, while another restores an old mansion with a past, and some find a place of solace, where new adventures, promising futures, and new relationships, abound.
Old fans and new, alike will be delighted to get an inside look into Mill River's most loved town priest, Father O’Brien's intriguing historical past during the Great Depression; his childhood, family, (Loved Uncle Frank), sacrifices, secrets, and experiences shaping him into the altruistic man of today (Yum-my favorite part)!
Multi-Layered, full of suspense and mystery; old secret letters, a bed and breakfast opening, an upcoming marriage, hearts mended, a possible new romance, a husband and father missing, a young woman's emotional struggle, and many more mysteries and surprises await in the quaint charming village of Mill River, Vermont--where family, friends, relationships, and community, unite and thrive. An idea selection for book clubs and groups discussions.
Perfectly executed, well-researched, strongly characterized and emotionally complex, readers will find themselves swept up by Chan's realistic and heart-warming characters and their raw emotions, as much a gripping emotional suspense, mystery, and historical fiction-- as a novel of love, relationships, family and a community of goodwill.
Readers, you are going to love this one, where the residents of Mill River become like family, drawing you back to a place of comfort and charm. Keeping my fingers crossed for a continuation of the series, as too good to end. JDCMustReadBooks
Mill River Series
In the meantime while you are anxiously awaiting Aug 4, be sure and read the previous two books in the series, if you have missed them. You will fall in love with the author, the characters, and the quaint town. All 5 Stars
The Mill River Redemption #2
The Mill River Recluse #1
August 18, 2015
I was completely blown away by Darcie Chan's new novel in the Mill River series! It was spectacular. I loved the fact that it centered on Father O'Brien, who is the one character who has been in all her novels in the series. It focused on his life from the time he was a young teen until the current time. It brought in all the characters from the past books and added a few more. The storyline was easy to follow and kept me interested throughout. I hope Ms. Chan continues with this series. I really like it. However, if you have not read the first two, it would be helpful to read them before this book.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine Books for the opportunity to read and review this heart-warming book!
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine Books for the opportunity to read and review this heart-warming book!
July 11, 2015
This is a wonderful series to read. It's small town America at its best. The villagers are all friendly with Father O'Brian, they all want to attend the wedding of Mill River cop Kyle Hansen and teacher Claudia Simon. Emily DiSanti is trying to restore an older home into a bed and breakfast when she discovers a suitcase of old letters. They will change life in Mill River. So many great stories all in one book.
August 5, 2015
I really enjoy these books by Darcie Chan. You don't have to read all three in order, because they stand along just fine; however, they make a nice story with all of the characters intertwined in this Vermont town. Most of the story is of Father O'Brien, the local priest who was raised during the Depression and is looking back on a part of his childhood and how it has affected his life today. A beautiful location and several sweet stories linked together makes this a great read.
January 22, 2018
All 3 books in the series were very enjoyable !
September 17, 2015
If 2.5 were an option I would have possibly gone with that. Loved book 1. Book 2 I felt like Darcie Chan wanted to keep it rolling and was possibly pressured to get another book out there and rushed it a bit; a good story but just didn't grab me like Book 1. I purchased the second and third books together. When I finished the second one I really had hoped that the third installment would have mirrored what I loved about Book 1. Wasn't the case for me. It read to me like she tried to hard to afflict everyone with a current hot topic "issue": Bridezillas, Pawn Stars, Bar Room Brawls, Kleptomania, Battles of the Bulge, Battles with the Bottle, PTSD, Gold-diggers ... and that's just a very small punch-list of the different things going on.
It was too much and to me the too much meant not enough story to get lost in.
It was too much and to me the too much meant not enough story to get lost in.
February 19, 2019
My husband gave me this book for Valentine’s Day. We both started reading this series a few years ago, I think he read the Mill River Recluse first, and passed it to me. We both have enjoyed them so much! This third installment is perfect! We find out Father O’Briens story, pick up where book two left off, and get taken back into some historical fiction. I loved the characters and the storylines, and the imagery was amazing as always. Every time I finish one of these books I want to book a trip to Vermont and stay in a tiny town. The nuggets of wisdom passed to Claudia throughout this book were some of my favorite items in this book, I really enjoyed seeing how those played out.
November 6, 2015
Book Review & Giveaway: Our second novel today, and our multi-book giveaway is for The Promise of Home from the Mill River series by bestselling author Darcie Chan. FYI: These novels also read well as stand-alone books. If you’re a fan of the types of novels Maeve Binchy, Debby Macomber, or Jan Karon write then I predict you’ll love this series about the people in the beautiful small town of Mill River, Vermont! And two people are going to win copies of it, so be sure to enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=8645.
September 15, 2015
This is the third book in Darcie Chan's Mill River series. Sure, it's kind of schmaltzy. But the characters are likable and the story is told with a lot of heart.
August 12, 2019
Darcie Chan takes readers back to the lovely town of Mill River- where neighbors truly care for each other. This serene backdrop is the perfect juxtaposition to the internal turmoil of Karen Cooper, who struggles with clinical depression as her husband has gone missing in the Middle East. Alongside Karen is Father Michael O'Brien, whose ghosts are coming out of the closet, and Claudia, Kyle, Emily, and Rose- other townsfolk who are trying to find their niche. Together these characters make a rounded novel that is full of desperation, hope, and redemption. This is a beautiful addition to the Mill River Series, yet also reads well as a stand-alone novel.
SUMMARY: When Karen Cooper moves with her husband and son back to her hometown of Mill River, she finally feels peace. However, when her husband leaves once again for the Middle East and Karen gets a call that he has gone missing her depression spirals out of control. Father Michael O'Brien has been the priest in Mill River for decades and has seen the residents die and be born. When Emily DiSanti finds old letters from Father O'Brien's mother to her best friend Mary, she learns secrets of Father O'Brien's past that come back to affect him now. As the townsfolk each learn how to wrestle their own demons, they also learn how to take care of each other in their most desperate time of need.
SUMMARY: When Karen Cooper moves with her husband and son back to her hometown of Mill River, she finally feels peace. However, when her husband leaves once again for the Middle East and Karen gets a call that he has gone missing her depression spirals out of control. Father Michael O'Brien has been the priest in Mill River for decades and has seen the residents die and be born. When Emily DiSanti finds old letters from Father O'Brien's mother to her best friend Mary, she learns secrets of Father O'Brien's past that come back to affect him now. As the townsfolk each learn how to wrestle their own demons, they also learn how to take care of each other in their most desperate time of need.
March 10, 2024
Having read and being completely charmed by the first two books in this series (years ago), when I happened upon this one, I had to read it. Mill River is a delightful town - I can see it in my mind's eye. This book went a little off-track though. There were so many characters being focused on that none of them got enough attention. I felt like I was darting back and forth between five storylines, a couple of which seemed to be filler and unimportant. I would have preferred more focus on the important ones. So Mill River did it for me in books one and two, but this one, I had to contemplate even finishing. The three-stars are for the two story lines that were meaningful, not the ones that were filler.
October 11, 2025
the dual timeline is more difficult with this book than others I've read. The author tends to skip back to a different time right when something is happening. I found myself skipping back and forth at times because it was just too much suspense for me.
Part of the story takes place during the depression and there's a whole lot of sadness between so many people dying and just hard times all around.
If you're looking for a happy fluffy read, this is not your book.
It doesn't really wrap up what ever happened to the brother once he was in jail, nor what happened to the mother after she went to the mental institution so there are some loose ends remaining.
Part of the story takes place during the depression and there's a whole lot of sadness between so many people dying and just hard times all around.
If you're looking for a happy fluffy read, this is not your book.
It doesn't really wrap up what ever happened to the brother once he was in jail, nor what happened to the mother after she went to the mental institution so there are some loose ends remaining.
August 2, 2017
Mill River. Maybe a final visit to a literary home.
I am so glad to once again enjoy Milk Ever as my literary home. Revisiting old friends, meeting new acquaintances and of course remembering past characters. Darcy Chan has once again weaves the fabric of great storytelling to entertain readers with stories of Mill River denizens. This time not only adding new stories but thing up loose ends from the previous two Mill River novels. Thank you, again, Darcy Chan. I got one look forward to whatever place and people's you introduce us readers to next.
I am so glad to once again enjoy Milk Ever as my literary home. Revisiting old friends, meeting new acquaintances and of course remembering past characters. Darcy Chan has once again weaves the fabric of great storytelling to entertain readers with stories of Mill River denizens. This time not only adding new stories but thing up loose ends from the previous two Mill River novels. Thank you, again, Darcy Chan. I got one look forward to whatever place and people's you introduce us readers to next.
March 23, 2018
Just finished this last book in the Mill River series saying goodbye to characters I now know and will be sad not to hear more about their lives. Father O'Brien, Mary, Ruth, Fitz, Kyle Claudia, Emily Rose, new character Matt (could be another story), Josie and on and on. I really liked finding out the back story on Father Michael O'Brien and the surprise character of Elizabeth at the end (spoiler).
December 24, 2017
I enjoyed this book, the third in the series, much better than The Mill River Redemption. I especially found the parts that took place in the 1930s and revolved around young Father O’Brien to be interesting. You learn about the depression in history but these parts of the book really showed how extremely difficult it must have been to have lived during that.
October 22, 2021
It’s hard to review this book… it feels like the 2 stories deserve completely different ratings. Father O’brian’s story: enjoyable. The other random characters and their interactions, especially Matt and Emily, felt very shallow. Their stories were pointless, predictable and boring. I would give it 2 1/2 if I could. Frankly, I should have just skipped over all the “mansion renovations” parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2019
A promise of a good read
I love books about a good community of characters and when it takes place in a small town where every one knows everyone...well, that's the perfect storm for me!
I love books about a good community of characters and when it takes place in a small town where every one knows everyone...well, that's the perfect storm for me!
February 22, 2021
Mill River
The third book in the Mill River series takes a look into Father O’Brien’s life. Being assigned to Mill River as a new priest and befriending Mary was only the beginning. What a sweet tale of a life of devotion.
The third book in the Mill River series takes a look into Father O’Brien’s life. Being assigned to Mill River as a new priest and befriending Mary was only the beginning. What a sweet tale of a life of devotion.
December 23, 2023
Great read! This story gave Hallmark vibes. A small town where everyone knows everyone and multiple characters with their own personal storylines going on. Had me laugh, tear up a bit and left me shocked a few times. I would call this a feel good novel.
May 13, 2017
Another great book in this heart-warming series
May 22, 2017
5/22/17 this was just an excerpt!
June 13, 2017
Great Read!
I loved everything about this book! I can't wait to find out what happens next in Mill River! Hoping for book #4!
I loved everything about this book! I can't wait to find out what happens next in Mill River! Hoping for book #4!
August 1, 2017
This whole series is great, I just love the stories and the characters. You feel like you live in town with them.
November 24, 2017
Wonderful reading.
The continuing saga of Mill River, VT and the lives of the people there as well as Father Michael O’Brien.
The continuing saga of Mill River, VT and the lives of the people there as well as Father Michael O’Brien.
December 29, 2017
Good Read
Love the characters and how Darcie pulls them together. I loved Emily and Father O Brien's stories. I would love to like in a town like Mill River
Love the characters and how Darcie pulls them together. I loved Emily and Father O Brien's stories. I would love to like in a town like Mill River
February 7, 2018
Wonderful book
I had read the first two books, and loved all three. I highly recommend the books! In some ways it is sad to be done, I loved the characters!
I had read the first two books, and loved all three. I highly recommend the books! In some ways it is sad to be done, I loved the characters!
June 3, 2018
I picked this book up at Dollar Tree. After reading to long and cumbersome books this was a nice read. I may go back and read the previous stories to fill in some of the back stories.
June 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and the characters are realistic. It was nice that the story had such a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews