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This Promise Remains
- GenresChristian Fiction
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2026
About the author
Darcy Schock
5 books22 followersDarcy Schock writes heartfelt fiction shaped by faith, grace, and the honest complexities of life. A small-town girl at heart, she loves coffee, the smell of new books, and quiet moments where stories take root. She lives with her husband and daughters in rural Illinois, nestled among the trees.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
“May you always fight for the light. Never let yours go out.”
This is a beautifully written and deeply felt debut that explores the cost of victory, the struggle to keep promises, and the value of the legacy we leave. It was mindblowing to learn that this is the author’s first novel! It certainly reads like it was penned by a seasoned writer.
Both main characters are broken people facing costly choices, mindful of the heavy weight of their wartime experiences. The author brings to light that for many, the war doesn’t end when the guns fall silent. My heart hurt for the broken soldiers trying to live a normal life after returning home as much as it hurt for those left behind. I liked how the author linked their experience with the cross experience; the cross felt devastating, too, but it wasn’t the end. It was good to see how love fostered hope and the seeds of change and healing for one character and how art transformed another and enabled them to keep loving and encouraging change in others.
It was inspiring to read about characters making room to pray their way through difficult experiences and choices and the depth of their forgiveness.
This beautiful story has nestled itself into my heart and influenced me daily since I finished reading it. I’ll remember and cherish it for a long time.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This is a beautifully written and deeply felt debut that explores the cost of victory, the struggle to keep promises, and the value of the legacy we leave. It was mindblowing to learn that this is the author’s first novel! It certainly reads like it was penned by a seasoned writer.
Both main characters are broken people facing costly choices, mindful of the heavy weight of their wartime experiences. The author brings to light that for many, the war doesn’t end when the guns fall silent. My heart hurt for the broken soldiers trying to live a normal life after returning home as much as it hurt for those left behind. I liked how the author linked their experience with the cross experience; the cross felt devastating, too, but it wasn’t the end. It was good to see how love fostered hope and the seeds of change and healing for one character and how art transformed another and enabled them to keep loving and encouraging change in others.
It was inspiring to read about characters making room to pray their way through difficult experiences and choices and the depth of their forgiveness.
This beautiful story has nestled itself into my heart and influenced me daily since I finished reading it. I’ll remember and cherish it for a long time.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 28, 2026
(I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.)
“An unfinished story, souls shaped by war, and a legacy that binds them all…”
What an incredible story and a fantastic historical fiction debut from Darcy Schock!
“This Promise Remains” is a WWII Christian historical fiction, told in dual POV, with multiple timelines. The story follows newlyweds Hugh and Mae, picking up as Hugh receives a notice that he’s been drafted. The story takes us through Hugh and Mae’s time apart during the war and then through their journey towards healing afterwards.
The faith elements of this story were so beautiful and so well done. I love that this story doesn’t shy away from the reality of the horrors of war and what it does to individual people and to families. I felt that this story truly honors those who have experienced the effects of trauma from combat and those who love them. There is always hope and healing to be found in Christ and this story is full of those reminders, shared in a way that recognizes true hardship and suffering without minimizing it or offering pithy platitudes.
I also really loved seeing Mae work as a mapper in the beginning of the story! We hear about Rosie the Riveter all of the time, but when was the last time you heard about Millie the Mapper? Mappers were so important during the war and most of them were incredibly talented women whose work deserves to be remembered and appreciated! I love it when a good story shines a light on a lesser known or all-together forgotten element of history.
This story will remind you that nothing is wasted–your talents, like Mae’s art, or your suffering. God is able to use even hard things for ultimate good. And He does!
Highly recommend!
“An unfinished story, souls shaped by war, and a legacy that binds them all…”
What an incredible story and a fantastic historical fiction debut from Darcy Schock!
“This Promise Remains” is a WWII Christian historical fiction, told in dual POV, with multiple timelines. The story follows newlyweds Hugh and Mae, picking up as Hugh receives a notice that he’s been drafted. The story takes us through Hugh and Mae’s time apart during the war and then through their journey towards healing afterwards.
The faith elements of this story were so beautiful and so well done. I love that this story doesn’t shy away from the reality of the horrors of war and what it does to individual people and to families. I felt that this story truly honors those who have experienced the effects of trauma from combat and those who love them. There is always hope and healing to be found in Christ and this story is full of those reminders, shared in a way that recognizes true hardship and suffering without minimizing it or offering pithy platitudes.
I also really loved seeing Mae work as a mapper in the beginning of the story! We hear about Rosie the Riveter all of the time, but when was the last time you heard about Millie the Mapper? Mappers were so important during the war and most of them were incredibly talented women whose work deserves to be remembered and appreciated! I love it when a good story shines a light on a lesser known or all-together forgotten element of history.
This story will remind you that nothing is wasted–your talents, like Mae’s art, or your suffering. God is able to use even hard things for ultimate good. And He does!
Highly recommend!
May 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this WWII novel about a young couple’s fight to build their marriage after the war, especially dealing with the husband’s PTSD. It was heartwarming and emotional, with a few sweet surprises and connections with various characters. The overarching theme of fighting for the light of God and rejecting darkness is one we all can take encouragement from!
After studying WWII with my kids, I appreciated the author’s description of the combat and war scenes and was able to really imagine the life of a tank soldier.
A wonderful debut novel!
After studying WWII with my kids, I appreciated the author’s description of the combat and war scenes and was able to really imagine the life of a tank soldier.
A wonderful debut novel!
May 20, 2026
This Promise Remains is Darcy Schock's debut novel but is written with the touch of a well-experienced writer.
Darcy's story is built around events that happened during WWII and the impact they made on several people during that time period -- and even moreso for decades following the war. She seamlessly moves back and forth through those years as she tells of hurt, trauma, disillusionment, and misunderstandings but also of hope, faith, light, growth, and restoration. The skill she uses in telling their stories draws you into the characters' lives, not simply as an outside observer but to the point of finding yourself sharing their feelings as well. The problems are raw, tough, not easily dealt with, and the solutions echo real life rather than made-up fairy-tale endings.
I highly recommend This Promise Remains to anyone looking for a well-written inspirational story sure to warm your heart.
Darcy's story is built around events that happened during WWII and the impact they made on several people during that time period -- and even moreso for decades following the war. She seamlessly moves back and forth through those years as she tells of hurt, trauma, disillusionment, and misunderstandings but also of hope, faith, light, growth, and restoration. The skill she uses in telling their stories draws you into the characters' lives, not simply as an outside observer but to the point of finding yourself sharing their feelings as well. The problems are raw, tough, not easily dealt with, and the solutions echo real life rather than made-up fairy-tale endings.
I highly recommend This Promise Remains to anyone looking for a well-written inspirational story sure to warm your heart.
April 18, 2026
WARNING: This book will change your life! These characters will haunt you in the best way. You will fall in love with them. You will weep when they weep and rejoice when they rejoice. You will not walk away from this book the same person who began it. You will see the world differently, and you will see yourself differently. I have read it twice, and I already can't wait to read it again! You can tell the author poured her heart into these pages, and because of her dedication to craft and to excellence, my life will forever be just a little brighter as she shines the light of Jesus so beautifully through every word. I don't know what else to say, but go read this book, and see for yourself! You won't regret it.
May 18, 2026
I loved this poignant story! It was richly layered with the fears, joys, disappointments, misunderstandings, triumphs, and memories that make up the "cake" that is our life. Darcy has managed to portray what it might have been like to return from the horrors of war and try to fit into life again as if the person had never left. It helped me better understand why so many war veterans are closed off, easily angered, and have difficulty trusting and opening up to others. Her story also showed how God's unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace can bring about transformation. And finally, it inspires us to not be afraid to pursue our dreams, no matter what the nay-sayers in our heads are telling us. Well done, Darcy!
May 6, 2026
Heartwarming & heartbreaking at the same time. The honesty in the characters’ emotions is very relatable, yet also makes you wonder how many of our grandparents experienced these emotions and agonizing decisions in real life. How many of us have had generations built on the brokenness and redemption of broken and redeemed people? But for the grace of God, the light winning put over the darkness, would any of us have survived the devastating effects of war and the generational trauma? This book gives God the glory for his unending, unbounded, and amazing grace!
May 6, 2026
If you’re looking for a book that stays with you long after you close it, This Promise Remains is exactly that kind of read. On my third time through, I can honestly say it gets better with each revisit.
What stands out most is how honestly it portrays real life, including the hard and heavy moments, while still weaving in a deep and steady hope. The themes of faith, light, and redemption are beautifully present throughout.
It is a story that draws you in but also invites personal reflection. One I will keep coming back to and highly recommend.
What stands out most is how honestly it portrays real life, including the hard and heavy moments, while still weaving in a deep and steady hope. The themes of faith, light, and redemption are beautifully present throughout.
It is a story that draws you in but also invites personal reflection. One I will keep coming back to and highly recommend.
April 24, 2026
What a beautifully written story of light and redemption. The ending was my favorite. And the epilogue? 😭 So beautiful.
Favorite quotes:
-“Truth was heavier than blame, yet somehow easier to carry.”
-“God is faithful. He’s the light no darkness can overcome.”
-“Sunlight glints off the glass, and for a moment I see my reflection—older, yet steadier and unafraid to let others inside.”
-“Voices mingle, dishes clink, water runs, and the house hums with a low, steady music of belonging.”
Favorite quotes:
-“Truth was heavier than blame, yet somehow easier to carry.”
-“God is faithful. He’s the light no darkness can overcome.”
-“Sunlight glints off the glass, and for a moment I see my reflection—older, yet steadier and unafraid to let others inside.”
-“Voices mingle, dishes clink, water runs, and the house hums with a low, steady music of belonging.”
May 14, 2026
Such a great story. The characters were believable and likeable, even with their flaws. I enjoyed the different timelines and the theme of hanging onto the light woven throughout the book. As someone who deals with depression and anxiety at times, this was a great reminder to keep choosing hope, even during hard times. Highly recommend!
May 24, 2026
Pay attention
All I can say is pay very close attention with each
character narrative. Toward the end it will come together.
Lots if struggles, but truth for God's glory and each person's good
All I can say is pay very close attention with each
character narrative. Toward the end it will come together.
Lots if struggles, but truth for God's glory and each person's good
May 30, 2026
Just finished! Wow, incredible book. This is one I will be thinking of for a while! Full review coming later. :)
May 14, 2026
I finished This Promise Remains and absolutely loved it. This story pulled me in immediately and kept me turning pages late into the night. The blend of WWII history, faith, love, sacrifice, and generational healing was beautifully done.
The characters felt so human — flawed, wounded, hopeful, and real. Madelyn and Hugh’s story was heartbreaking and tender, and the way the past and present intertwined gave the novel so much emotional depth.
I especially appreciated how the book handled grief, trauma, redemption, and the courage it takes to move forward. It’s emotional without being heavy the entire time, and hopeful without feeling unrealistic.
If you enjoy historical fiction with strong faith themes, layered characters, and meaningful storytelling, I highly recommend this one. Perfect for rainy days, vacations, or sitting at the edge of a soccer field trying to read “just one more chapter.” 😊
The characters felt so human — flawed, wounded, hopeful, and real. Madelyn and Hugh’s story was heartbreaking and tender, and the way the past and present intertwined gave the novel so much emotional depth.
I especially appreciated how the book handled grief, trauma, redemption, and the courage it takes to move forward. It’s emotional without being heavy the entire time, and hopeful without feeling unrealistic.
If you enjoy historical fiction with strong faith themes, layered characters, and meaningful storytelling, I highly recommend this one. Perfect for rainy days, vacations, or sitting at the edge of a soccer field trying to read “just one more chapter.” 😊
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews