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Commitments
Elegant Sabrina Stone speaks with investigative reporter Derek McGill for only a few minutes, but it is long enough to tell her all that she needs to know about this caring man. When Derek is convicted of murder, Sabrina begins a fight for his freedom.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
459 people are currently reading
836 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Delinsky
308 books4,357 followersI was born and raised in suburban Boston. My mother’s death, when I was eight, was the defining event of a childhood that was otherwise ordinary. I took piano lessons and flute lessons. I took ballroom dancing lessons. I went to summer camp through my fifteenth year (in Maine, which explains the setting of so many of my stories), then spent my sixteenth summer learning to type and to drive (two skills that have served me better than all of my other high school courses combined). I earned a B.A. in Psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in Sociology at Boston College. The motivation behind the M.A. was sheer greed. My husband was just starting law school. We needed the money.
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 14, 2015
A good read
October 2, 2018
From the get-go, I'm not a fan of romance novels; generally find them sappy and on the level of a soap opera in written form. That said, I'm still not sure why I even read this book.
I found the plot to be engaging; however, the over-the-top, explicitly described sex scenes to be laughable and/or gagging. Seriuosly, that stuff didn't add one thing to the characters or the plot.
Without that, I'd have given this book 4 stars. With all the gratuitous "steamy and spicy" scenes (as my Mom used to call them), it gets 2 stars.
I found the plot to be engaging; however, the over-the-top, explicitly described sex scenes to be laughable and/or gagging. Seriuosly, that stuff didn't add one thing to the characters or the plot.
Without that, I'd have given this book 4 stars. With all the gratuitous "steamy and spicy" scenes (as my Mom used to call them), it gets 2 stars.
June 17, 2018
This is one of my favorite Barbara Delinsky books. It’s a story of revenge and how it eats the soul. An unlikely love grows while the anger and fury for revenge grows. As the anger plays out more energy is released for more productive paths. A newfound peace settles in.
January 4, 2024
Derek and Sabrina meet under unusual circumstances. Dealing with revenge that sent Derek to prison and Sabrina who had a severely handicapped child found comfort and trust in each other. I wasn’t ready for it to end, I wanted more of their life together….
May 12, 2018
Sabrina cares for her brain-damaged son by herself--her husband is never home.
She meets Derek for only a short while but they both feel a c0nnection.
Then she's headed for a divorce and Derek is in prison. She g0es t0 visit him.
Their connection grows and they see each other after his release fr0m prison.
He's angry and 0ut f0r revenge because be believes he was set up for the murder
he c0mmitted in self-defense.
Sabrina helps Derek search for files he believes exist that will show the man he suspects
had previously been involved in the death of a judge. They travel, interviewing people, &
are unaware that they are being f0llowed.
She meets Derek for only a short while but they both feel a c0nnection.
Then she's headed for a divorce and Derek is in prison. She g0es t0 visit him.
Their connection grows and they see each other after his release fr0m prison.
He's angry and 0ut f0r revenge because be believes he was set up for the murder
he c0mmitted in self-defense.
Sabrina helps Derek search for files he believes exist that will show the man he suspects
had previously been involved in the death of a judge. They travel, interviewing people, &
are unaware that they are being f0llowed.
September 25, 2020
I enjoyed the overall mystery/investigative plot that went along with the romance. Normally tossing a lot of side character names around is overwhelming, but the author does it in such a way that you can follow.
I love the personal growth of the main characters; even those side characters get their shine which is a nice touch.
My only qualm is the words they use for the spicy scenes, but I’ve noticed these words are pretty common amongst older romance novels. Not worth taking a star away!
A good, quick read all in all.
July 13, 2018
I truly didn't know what to expect going into this book....but as I got more into it, the more I dreaded picking it up again. I don't have a lot to say ... It just wasn't my favorite by Baraba Delinsky. I felt the storyline was too bland. The characters I found annoying at times and while at one point I truly had compassion for Sabrina, towards the end I couldn't stand her. I had similar feelings toward Derek as well. I personally wouldn't recommend!
July 17, 2022
Author Sabrina is approached by a reporter, Derek, for a story and turns him down. She has a severely handicapped son and is in a very unhappy marriage with a very wealthy man in nyc. A few months later, she learns that Derek has been unjustly sent to prison for murder. What follows is intrigue and love.
There was just something about this book that made it hard to keep my interest. Part of it was that it was very predictable, but there’s something else I just can’t put my finger on.
There was just something about this book that made it hard to keep my interest. Part of it was that it was very predictable, but there’s something else I just can’t put my finger on.
November 30, 2023
LOVE
I loved the back and forth humor. The prison situation was exactly what I
Believe. It seems we forget they are human beings. So many guards sound like the grew up in a country that fosters abuse. How sad. And there’s always a shortage - I wonder why??
Also I love Kristin’s descriptions of houses and beautiful peace in the country - makes many of us want to move!
A nice love affair .
I loved the back and forth humor. The prison situation was exactly what I
Believe. It seems we forget they are human beings. So many guards sound like the grew up in a country that fosters abuse. How sad. And there’s always a shortage - I wonder why??
Also I love Kristin’s descriptions of houses and beautiful peace in the country - makes many of us want to move!
A nice love affair .
January 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this story ! There was plenty of romance , mystery , and just the right amount of “steam”. I liked the way Sabrina and Derek’s relationship builds . I understand ( from the point of view of a nurse who works with special needs kids ) Sabrina’s struggle . Really good story .
Read
March 13, 2020This terrific novel took me on a roller coaster of emotions. The unlikely romance of an unhappy wife with a special needs child and a convict is the basis for the story. Their two worlds collide and explode. It was exciting but got truly heart-stomping over the last few chapters. Very enjoyable.
June 6, 2017
So boring!!
December 26, 2017
Listened to this as an abridged audio. The narrator, Joyce Bean—as always—did a superb job! She always makes books better!
An enjoyable listen/story. Would have liked a little more of the hero/heroine emotional and physical backstory to explain their choices and attraction but still very good.
An enjoyable listen/story. Would have liked a little more of the hero/heroine emotional and physical backstory to explain their choices and attraction but still very good.
January 22, 2018
Only one story line makes for a fairly average and monotone book.
September 27, 2018
Very good read, enjoyed this book.
July 4, 2019
Couldn’t get into it. Didn’t realize it was published so long ago. Abandoned. Funny because I have read many books by this author and usually enjoyed them.
Read
December 23, 2019Bonne histoire et intrigue. Passages un peu a l'eau de rose a la Harlequin, heureusement rares.
March 15, 2020
Definitely not my cup of tea!
May 16, 2020
Two hurting people find each other and find their way. Well written
August 15, 2020
About 3.9. Good story, a thriller but the ending was sort of rushed. The author could have cleaned up the end...and not rushed off to write another book.
January 25, 2021
Delinsky has written some incredible novels. This was not one of my favorites of hers but a good ending.
Read
March 29, 2021didn't finish
August 29, 2021
Definitely an older romance novel with an interesting plot thrown in. Definitely a bit dated and old fashioned but the "mystery" of it redeemed it slightly.
February 7, 2022
A very good book with many levels and all about commitments…
March 12, 2022
I was very disappointed in the ending and how it was so very short.
February 9, 2023
Out of my normal in the way of reading but not a bad book. Was able to relax with this book
January 21, 2025
Bien entretenida la historia.
April 2, 2024
Avid Reader
Love almost everything Barbara Delinsky produces but this one didn’t catch my interest at first. As things moved along with the main characters their story lines got more interesting. Still it wouldn’t be on my list of favorites. Anxious to read more of her work though.
Love almost everything Barbara Delinsky produces but this one didn’t catch my interest at first. As things moved along with the main characters their story lines got more interesting. Still it wouldn’t be on my list of favorites. Anxious to read more of her work though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews