Love and a Promise

by Lyn Andrews

Maddy Kiernan knows her situation is desperate. With her parents dead, her brother Thomas is left as guardian to Maddy and her sister Carmel. But Thomas has plans that don't include his sisters and his reckless ambition could put all their futures at risk. Sharp-witted and strong-willed, Maddy knows she must assume responsibility for the fragile young Carmel.

When Thomas deserts Ireland for Liverpool, Maddy realises she has little option but to follow. Within days the girls are destitute, their precious savings gone. Even when Maddy finds a position with an elderly widow, Thomas's aspirations threaten their security. And then Maddy is faced with a terrible choice - between love and a promise...

Genres: Romance, Fiction

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Lyn Andrews is one of the the UK's top one hundred paper-back bestsellers. Born and brought up in Liverpool, she is the daughter of a policeman who also married a policeman. After becoming the mother of triplets, she took some time off from her writing whilst she raised her children. Shortlisted for the romantic Novelists' Association Award in 1993, she has now written twenty-one hugely successful novels. Lyn Andrews divides her time between Merseyside and Ireland.

Reviews

[Lizzie O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and was sad when it ended. The familiar story of rags to riches, but told in a way that maintained my interest. Only rated 4 stars, as my personal feeling was there was rather a lot of love at first sight, which appeared to be used to introduce characters into the story quickly.

[Dafydd · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars.
I loved the story and characters but there was one thing that made me take half a star off. The sisters were too lucky. They went to any job and got it. They went to a priest and he helped them to find a good enough room with nice neighbours. And later they just managed to meet a man accidentally which ended in a perfect way as they god another job. Yes, luck exists but I would've liked to read how they struggle and manage to find their way out more.

Carmen's suicide surprised me a lot and that's a good thing as I always enjoy when something unexpected happens especially in the end of the book.

[Nour · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't expect when i borrowed this book from the shelf of my next door cafe that I'd finish it let alone like it.
I was curious, since I've never heard of the author and the cover said she's a renowned and best-selling author with many titles under her name.
Even though the title gave away a good part of the storry for me, i still enjoyed reading it in a couple of days.
It seemed like an Egyptian or Turkish dramafor the most part. Something that you watch on tv even though you can easily guess what would happen next.

[A Red Headed Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘He’s a seaman, there will be long absences, worries over storms, your children to bring up almost alone or to be orphaned.’


- I always really enjoy Lyn Andrew’s books. Historical fiction with a touch of romance but this one, with a lot of heartbreak. Although the copy I had, had the world’s smallest text, it was still a quick easy read.

[janine smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read would recommend

[R Nippress · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story well written highly recommend

[christine smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book with the story of rags to riches it kept my interest all the way through and I was sorry when it ended

[Elizabeth Cleland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story!

Really good read so sad at times? Other times hardship then romance, death and money problems. Turned out well in end!

[Margaret Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

You have always got an excellent read with Lynn Andrew’s books. This one is no exception.Cannot wait to turn the page.

[Elaine Doe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story,sad and happy.A very good read

[Lori Flaman-Drumm · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable, easy read. Kept my interest and kept me turning the pages quickly. It was simply written. If you believe in love at first sight, you’ll find it easy to buy into the story line.

[Linda Leedham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book but it was very hard to believe everything that happened. Some unbelievable incidents in the family’s life how they went from poor to riches

[Brenda Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book a slow starter,took a long while to get into this book a four star rating for me.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved the storyline and every chapter kept my attention. Maddy Kiernan, the main character, is an absolutely positive character. She is loyal, honest, devoted and persistive.I liked that in every chapter happens something interesting and you can't put the book down. I felt pity for Maddy's sister, Carmel. She was a lovely character. The end of the book shocked me a little bit but at least it ended with a sort of a happy end. I appreciate the perseverence of the two girls because they had a hard life and they went through many tragedies. At their age they've alerady confront death. This is a vey sad thing and I felt sorry especially for Carmel because she wasn't really happy never because she lost her love. The story is written in a very realistic way.

[Emma J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished yet another brilliant Lyn Andrews story, this time set around a backdrop of the Irish potato famine of the 1840's, as always with her books poverty, love, and family are recurring themes.
An excellent story with all the usual Lyn Andrews magic that makes you feel that you're actually living there with the characters!

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to read books like this all the time - to the point that I got bored with the same story lines but I enjoyed this one, probably because it's been around 10 years since I picked up a Lyn Andrews book, which are always good. Worth a read if you like historic/family/Liverpool based sagas.

[Shelley Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love Lyn Andrews books. Same format every time, but I just love a good family saga.

[Juliana Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite good - a surprising ending and entertaining story. A nice easy read.

[Carolanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Neelima · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a light read. interesting and simple.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Lyn Andrews books I've read I've enjoyed.

[Sadaf]

I simply loved reading this novel! (y)