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The Promise
*A heartwrenching, yet heartwarming, book that will have you reconsidering what matters most!*
Ali and Susan Jenkins have it all. Their life together is mapped out on a one-way path to happiness, that is until Susan is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Ali refuses to accept it - her world is shattered.
Susan's last act of love is to make her wife promise that one day she will open her heart again and let somebody else love her.
But will Ali keep her promise?
60,000 words
Ali and Susan Jenkins have it all. Their life together is mapped out on a one-way path to happiness, that is until Susan is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Ali refuses to accept it - her world is shattered.
Susan's last act of love is to make her wife promise that one day she will open her heart again and let somebody else love her.
But will Ali keep her promise?
60,000 words
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2018
35 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Claire Highton-Stevenson
43 books362 followersAward-Winning and best selling, Claire Highton-Stevenson is an Independent author of contemporary romance and crime novels.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 25, 2019
Susan and Ali Jenkins are happily married until Susan is diagnosed with terminal cancer. With little time left, Susan asks Ali to promise her that when she's gone Ali will be open to a new chance at love. Will Ali keep her promise?
This is a story that deals with a few difficult issues such as terminal illness, death and bereavement, but also conveys a message of hope and love. Normally books about widows finding love again don't narrate the loss part or they just describe it as a flashback. This case is different. 'The promise' is divided into two parts: the first deals with Susan's illness and death, and the second, much longer, narrates Ali's struggle to cope with her loss and to keep her promise. It isn't hard to guess that part 1 is as heartbreaking as part 2 is hopeful.
The book is written in third person from the point of view of Susan, Ali and Susan's nurse Blair. In the second part, Susan keeps her voice in short flashbacks as Ali's memories. Despite the issues involved in the story, the tone is not melodramatic or excessively dark mainly due to Susan's personality and selflessness. Ali's characterisation is realistic in her pain and struggle, and Blair is also portrayed with authenticity in how she's ready to help as a nurse and a friend.
My only issue with this book that is reflected in my rating is that the novel has some minor editing issues like the usage of commas and some typos. Additionally, in my opinion, the balance between show and tell is a bit off and the introduction of some secondary characters is a bit confusing. Despite that, the story is engaging, compelling and will definitely tugg at the reader's heartstrings.
Overall, a moving and emotional read that will invoke both sadness and hope. 4 stars.
ARC provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is a story that deals with a few difficult issues such as terminal illness, death and bereavement, but also conveys a message of hope and love. Normally books about widows finding love again don't narrate the loss part or they just describe it as a flashback. This case is different. 'The promise' is divided into two parts: the first deals with Susan's illness and death, and the second, much longer, narrates Ali's struggle to cope with her loss and to keep her promise. It isn't hard to guess that part 1 is as heartbreaking as part 2 is hopeful.
The book is written in third person from the point of view of Susan, Ali and Susan's nurse Blair. In the second part, Susan keeps her voice in short flashbacks as Ali's memories. Despite the issues involved in the story, the tone is not melodramatic or excessively dark mainly due to Susan's personality and selflessness. Ali's characterisation is realistic in her pain and struggle, and Blair is also portrayed with authenticity in how she's ready to help as a nurse and a friend.
My only issue with this book that is reflected in my rating is that the novel has some minor editing issues like the usage of commas and some typos. Additionally, in my opinion, the balance between show and tell is a bit off and the introduction of some secondary characters is a bit confusing. Despite that, the story is engaging, compelling and will definitely tugg at the reader's heartstrings.
Overall, a moving and emotional read that will invoke both sadness and hope. 4 stars.
ARC provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
September 22, 2019
Let me start by saying I like/love most of CHS books. The audiobooks she has released so far have all been done very well and this one is no exception. Navarro did a great job narrating with enough difference in voices to make it good and a smooth read to make it great.
Now in regards to the book...I honestly had no intentions on reading it because the blurb just made me sad from the get go. However, this book is soooooo worth the read, well listen at least. It is broken into two parts. Part 1 is the part you will need tissues for, I kid you not. It's sad but also really good. I mean, I thought getting to know Susan and pretty much falling in love with Ali and Susan together would make me hate whoever Ali moves on with, but it didn't. It was well written/narrated so well that not only do you fall in love with all three women but you are helped to accept it because of the amount of time spent with them. Then Part 2 comes along and that story just added to Part 1 and you fall in love more with all three women, yes Susan included.
Take the journey and the leap into this book. It's sad and cancer plaus a huge role in this story but so does hope and definitely love. One of my favorites by CHS to date
Now in regards to the book...I honestly had no intentions on reading it because the blurb just made me sad from the get go. However, this book is soooooo worth the read, well listen at least. It is broken into two parts. Part 1 is the part you will need tissues for, I kid you not. It's sad but also really good. I mean, I thought getting to know Susan and pretty much falling in love with Ali and Susan together would make me hate whoever Ali moves on with, but it didn't. It was well written/narrated so well that not only do you fall in love with all three women but you are helped to accept it because of the amount of time spent with them. Then Part 2 comes along and that story just added to Part 1 and you fall in love more with all three women, yes Susan included.
Take the journey and the leap into this book. It's sad and cancer plaus a huge role in this story but so does hope and definitely love. One of my favorites by CHS to date
September 20, 2019
I hope no one tried reading this book without reading the blurb first since it doesn't just mention cancer in passing but paints a vivid picture of the difficult and painful journey that awaits both Susan and Ali.
As tough as this book was to read sometimes, it wasn't the topic of cancer that bothered me every now and then. It was the intimacy. The author did such a good job showing these very loving moments between Susan and Ali that I felt like a creepy voyeur sometimes.
I'm normally not a fan of flashbacks but they really served their purpose in the first part of the book by showing the kind of relationship Susan and Ali had. They also worked for a small portion of the second part of the book but eventually only became a reminder of Susan's character while Ali was trying to move on with her life.
I don't know if I can recommend reading this book on a whim given the subject. For me though it was the perfect book to read on a day when I was reliving one of the worst days of my life 17 years ago. Who knew tearjerkers were so therapeutic?
Well written with tons of loving yet heartbreaking moments, this book is sure to deplete your tissue supply.
As tough as this book was to read sometimes, it wasn't the topic of cancer that bothered me every now and then. It was the intimacy. The author did such a good job showing these very loving moments between Susan and Ali that I felt like a creepy voyeur sometimes.
I'm normally not a fan of flashbacks but they really served their purpose in the first part of the book by showing the kind of relationship Susan and Ali had. They also worked for a small portion of the second part of the book but eventually only became a reminder of Susan's character while Ali was trying to move on with her life.
I don't know if I can recommend reading this book on a whim given the subject. For me though it was the perfect book to read on a day when I was reliving one of the worst days of my life 17 years ago. Who knew tearjerkers were so therapeutic?
Well written with tons of loving yet heartbreaking moments, this book is sure to deplete your tissue supply.
April 24, 2018
4.5 stars! This one's a real tearjerker. I enjoyed both of the previous books by the same author and I can safely say that this one is even better. The book does deal with the heavy topic of cancer... and I'm still crying but the story is simply beautiful.
I usually avoid sad books but I gave this one a try and I've no regrets. Finding love again might seem impossible after such a tragedy but there's always hope. Give it a try, I think it's worth your time.
I usually avoid sad books but I gave this one a try and I've no regrets. Finding love again might seem impossible after such a tragedy but there's always hope. Give it a try, I think it's worth your time.
May 13, 2018
wow!
Its about Love, loss and love again! Beautifully written. And its very well written. You will shed a tear or two ( so have the tissues ready) , so it as the 'feels' there. I don't really want to go into depth about this book, you need to read it to appreciate it more. Just a warning tho... if you've not read the blurb, the story is centered on a sensitive subject, cancer, so avoid if you think it would be to much of a read for you.
Its about Love, loss and love again! Beautifully written. And its very well written. You will shed a tear or two ( so have the tissues ready) , so it as the 'feels' there. I don't really want to go into depth about this book, you need to read it to appreciate it more. Just a warning tho... if you've not read the blurb, the story is centered on a sensitive subject, cancer, so avoid if you think it would be to much of a read for you.
March 16, 2018
A very sweet and heartfelt lesbian romance.
The Promise charts the loss of one great love and the promise of new love. Alison Jenkins is married to Susan Jenkins. They fell in love at age 15, but didn't become a couple until their early twenties. After eight years of marriage, Susan receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. Ali makes caring for her dying wife her highest priority. The two women live out their final months together with the help of a live in nurse named Blair Barnes. Blair provides the medical and hospice care that Susan needs as her health fails and she nears death. She forms a close bond with Ali, during this heart wrenching process, and stays on an additional month to care for Ali after Susan dies.
The second part of the novel addresses Ali's battle with grief and her struggle to keep a promise that she made to Susan. This novel is very well written. Death, grief and romance find a way to coexist in The Promise. Susan, Ali and Blair are written as well rounded, loving and intelligent women who possess remarkable physical beauty. Their varying relationships are infused with honest emotions and profound love. I truly enjoyed reading Highton-Stevenson's novel and can highly recommend it.
The Promise charts the loss of one great love and the promise of new love. Alison Jenkins is married to Susan Jenkins. They fell in love at age 15, but didn't become a couple until their early twenties. After eight years of marriage, Susan receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. Ali makes caring for her dying wife her highest priority. The two women live out their final months together with the help of a live in nurse named Blair Barnes. Blair provides the medical and hospice care that Susan needs as her health fails and she nears death. She forms a close bond with Ali, during this heart wrenching process, and stays on an additional month to care for Ali after Susan dies.
The second part of the novel addresses Ali's battle with grief and her struggle to keep a promise that she made to Susan. This novel is very well written. Death, grief and romance find a way to coexist in The Promise. Susan, Ali and Blair are written as well rounded, loving and intelligent women who possess remarkable physical beauty. Their varying relationships are infused with honest emotions and profound love. I truly enjoyed reading Highton-Stevenson's novel and can highly recommend it.
April 6, 2022
Stunning - very brave - whatever that means and heartfelt. I hope Claire H-S cleansed her soul, she certainly ensured my eye-sockets were well washed out with tears. Writing about real love is a real art. Thank you.
July 28, 2019
Five stars for the incredible first half of this book. It's impossible not to fall in love with the love Susan and Ali share even through the grim realities of a cancer diagnosis. Keep those tissues handy. You'll need them.
The raw emotions in the opening scenes make what follows shine less brightly. Our allegiance to this couple is difficult to break but the author does a capable job of pulling us back to reality, survivors guilt and all. Quite the emotional rollercoaster ride.
4.5 stars
The raw emotions in the opening scenes make what follows shine less brightly. Our allegiance to this couple is difficult to break but the author does a capable job of pulling us back to reality, survivors guilt and all. Quite the emotional rollercoaster ride.
4.5 stars
March 24, 2018
When Susan Jenkins is diagnosed with stage IV cancer she, and her wife Ali, must deal with the consequences, not only of the terminal diagnosis, but of the end of their life together, their hopes and dreams. Susan is the stoic planner who accepts what is coming, fights it as hard as she can, but also prepares and plans for her end and for her wife’s future. With gentle persuasion she forces Ali to promise she will at least try to open her heart again in the future.
The is an excellent, well written and deeply moving story. In the first half we live with Susan’s diagnosis, treatment and gradual decline, heart-wrenching and yet heart-warming. It is handled with such compassion that while it will choke you up it is also so gently done, and represents the best possible terminal care anyone could dream of, that Susan fades away almost on her own terms.
Susan and Ali dominate these chapters, well drawn, deeply emotional, extremely real. It is almost a two person tragedy as we see the drama unfold, only Susan’s nurse, Blair intrudes, and then largely as a foil to Ali’s grief. Susan gentle, caring, the homemaker and manager, Ali, more mercurial, less able to control or show her emotions, but whose actions speak so loudly of her love.
The second half see’s Ali trying to find a way through life without Susan. Now we have a story about how somebody comes through grief, the impact on her work, and the gradual emergence back into the light. Again excellently written, deeply emotional, Ali’s ups and downs, despair and guilt, acceptance and re-emergence are portrayed with empathy and understanding.
I literally couldn’t put this down. It was one of the most engaging stories I have read for a long time and both the tragedy and the romance captured my heart and mind, both had me in tears. I haven’t read Ms Highton-Stevenson’s first two novels, but I will certainly be looking out for her next release.
The is an excellent, well written and deeply moving story. In the first half we live with Susan’s diagnosis, treatment and gradual decline, heart-wrenching and yet heart-warming. It is handled with such compassion that while it will choke you up it is also so gently done, and represents the best possible terminal care anyone could dream of, that Susan fades away almost on her own terms.
Susan and Ali dominate these chapters, well drawn, deeply emotional, extremely real. It is almost a two person tragedy as we see the drama unfold, only Susan’s nurse, Blair intrudes, and then largely as a foil to Ali’s grief. Susan gentle, caring, the homemaker and manager, Ali, more mercurial, less able to control or show her emotions, but whose actions speak so loudly of her love.
The second half see’s Ali trying to find a way through life without Susan. Now we have a story about how somebody comes through grief, the impact on her work, and the gradual emergence back into the light. Again excellently written, deeply emotional, Ali’s ups and downs, despair and guilt, acceptance and re-emergence are portrayed with empathy and understanding.
I literally couldn’t put this down. It was one of the most engaging stories I have read for a long time and both the tragedy and the romance captured my heart and mind, both had me in tears. I haven’t read Ms Highton-Stevenson’s first two novels, but I will certainly be looking out for her next release.
February 16, 2020
This book is one of the most touching books I’ve ever listened to. It’s been in my library for quite some time before I dared and pushed play. As goes for a lot of people, I lost a couple of loved ones and friends due to cancer and wasn’t sure I could cope with listening to this book. Although I know people process loss in their own way and pace, I truly think reading or listening to this book can help you in that process. It thought me that each person handles grief differently. It thought me to never forget to live in the moment and cherish what matters most. But most of all it thought me that life does not stop after a loved one dies. Even if that seems to be the case in the beginning and that’s oke.
Now about the book instead of my psyche. This book is written in two parts: at first, we get to meet Ali and Susan Jenkins. A lovely couple who seem to have it all. Their love for each other is described in a way that must stir the heart of even the greatest pessimist. They encounter what is the most awful that can happen to any couple: Susan is diagnosed with terminal cancer, their future together is cut short and they both have different ways of coping with it. Ali’s way is to denial and Susan’s way is to make sure every detail is taken care of. The scenes in the book are, besides beautiful also very insightful. It shows a good balance between the medical part and the emotional part of dealing with cancer.
Some point in the first part of the book Blair comes into their lives as a live-in nurse. She comes at a point where Susan and Ali can just handle things fine between the two of them, but knowing Susan wants to have every detail in order before it’s too late, she also arranged Blair in a timely matter. At this point, I have already fallen in love with Susan and Ali and it is easy to ad Blair to the equation. What a wonderful person she is.
The moment you’ve seen coming from miles away still broke my heart into a million pieces. Susan’s passing described beautifully and her last act has something to do with the title of this book. Blair stays in their house for a couple of more days and then both women go their own way.
I can go on and on about this book, but I don’t want to spoil all the fun. It’s been a week since listening to it and still it plays through my mind. I’ve cried while listening, maybe even non stop in the beginning. And even whilst writing this down my tear ducts seem to become overly active and water my eyes. This book deserves 5 stars for breaking my heart, for making me smile, for love and second chances, for beautifully handling an awful topic. Thank you, Claire Highton-Stevenson, for writing this beautiful book.
check out this and other reviews on my blog: https://lesfic.home.blog/2020/02/16/t...
Now about the book instead of my psyche. This book is written in two parts: at first, we get to meet Ali and Susan Jenkins. A lovely couple who seem to have it all. Their love for each other is described in a way that must stir the heart of even the greatest pessimist. They encounter what is the most awful that can happen to any couple: Susan is diagnosed with terminal cancer, their future together is cut short and they both have different ways of coping with it. Ali’s way is to denial and Susan’s way is to make sure every detail is taken care of. The scenes in the book are, besides beautiful also very insightful. It shows a good balance between the medical part and the emotional part of dealing with cancer.
Some point in the first part of the book Blair comes into their lives as a live-in nurse. She comes at a point where Susan and Ali can just handle things fine between the two of them, but knowing Susan wants to have every detail in order before it’s too late, she also arranged Blair in a timely matter. At this point, I have already fallen in love with Susan and Ali and it is easy to ad Blair to the equation. What a wonderful person she is.
The moment you’ve seen coming from miles away still broke my heart into a million pieces. Susan’s passing described beautifully and her last act has something to do with the title of this book. Blair stays in their house for a couple of more days and then both women go their own way.
I can go on and on about this book, but I don’t want to spoil all the fun. It’s been a week since listening to it and still it plays through my mind. I’ve cried while listening, maybe even non stop in the beginning. And even whilst writing this down my tear ducts seem to become overly active and water my eyes. This book deserves 5 stars for breaking my heart, for making me smile, for love and second chances, for beautifully handling an awful topic. Thank you, Claire Highton-Stevenson, for writing this beautiful book.
check out this and other reviews on my blog: https://lesfic.home.blog/2020/02/16/t...
August 15, 2018
This was such a great book. Full of emotion. What I loved is how the author did not gloss over the realities of cancer and gave more detail that provided depth to this story like I've not ever read before. Sure, there was a love story attached, yet the struggle seemed fresh and new. I highly recommend this book for the authenticity and hope that the readers are left with. I had to re-create this review because I lost the previous one I'd done. Only a partial retrieval was salvaged, so I do apologize for how short this is. What I distinctly remember is that this book stood out for me because it was atypical and created such a depth of emotion.
September 26, 2019
Just finished the heartbreakingly beautiful audiobook version of The Promise by Claire Highton-Stevenson. Though the premise is difficult, it's well worth a listen. A happily married couple - Ali and Susan - are challenged in the worst way possible when Susan is diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. If I've already lost you here - stay with me. I wondered if I would be able to get through it myself but so glad I stuck with it. The story is broken up into two parts - the first takes us through that process but we also get to know and completely fall in love with the three characters involved - the couple themselves and their live-in nurse, Blair, hired to help them through Susan's end of life care. Before her death, Susan lovingly makes Ali promise that someday she will allow herself to be open to love again. Part two takes us through Ali's healing journey. Will she ever be able to move on when every fiber of her being wants to hold on? I loved this story - it wasn't rushed, felt honest, and was incredibly romantic. The Promise was this year's GCLS Contemporary Romance: Short Novels Goldie winner and the narration is beautifully done by Kelsey Navarro. Highly recommend!
September 24, 2019
I was a bit overwhelmed at the emotional intensity at the onset of this novel. It is a roller coaster ride that goes from teary to angry to a bit humorous. I am not the tear jerk kind of listener but I am so glad that I continued to listen. This was an amazing story. I appreciated the honesty of the characters and development of the supporting characters. The adventure created for Ali by Susan is incredible. Oh and did I say there is a beautiful nurse involved in this story??? No spoilers just a must read for anybody who is willing to look at what is important in the long run. And kudos to Kelsey Navarro for an excellent narration of an intense story.
July 31, 2018
An amazing story
This story had me feeling so many emotions. I will say tissues are probably a good thing to have handy at the beginning of the story. Happily, as the story continues, you will begin to feel happiness. Opening your heart to love is sometimes hard, especially when you’ve already experienced a deep love. I’m very happy I didn’t give up & finished this book. It’s an amazing story & I know you will enjoy it too.
This story had me feeling so many emotions. I will say tissues are probably a good thing to have handy at the beginning of the story. Happily, as the story continues, you will begin to feel happiness. Opening your heart to love is sometimes hard, especially when you’ve already experienced a deep love. I’m very happy I didn’t give up & finished this book. It’s an amazing story & I know you will enjoy it too.
November 2, 2019
This story is poignant and gripping. I admit that I had to put it down a few times in order to process what I was reading, not because it was confusing, but because my heart cried for the characters. There just aren't enough words in the world for me to describe how incredible this book is.
March 30, 2018
Beautifully written!
I normally do not like to read sad books, but I couldn't help myself with this one and I am so glad that I did.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions. There was so much sadness yet so much joy and love. I cried, like really cried. The pain of losing someone so close hit home to me and the story sucked me in. I didn't just cry though, I laughed, I hoped and I found myself often looking back into the earlier pages because I missed the memory of Susan. To have such a love, lose it so early, yet you find a way to move forward is such an amazing story. Such beautiful writing that draws you in and holds you.
I wouldn't mind a second book, following their lives in the future.
I normally do not like to read sad books, but I couldn't help myself with this one and I am so glad that I did.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions. There was so much sadness yet so much joy and love. I cried, like really cried. The pain of losing someone so close hit home to me and the story sucked me in. I didn't just cry though, I laughed, I hoped and I found myself often looking back into the earlier pages because I missed the memory of Susan. To have such a love, lose it so early, yet you find a way to move forward is such an amazing story. Such beautiful writing that draws you in and holds you.
I wouldn't mind a second book, following their lives in the future.
October 19, 2018
I normally don't read sad books but I'm glad I read this one because while it was sad it was also beautiful, hopeful, restorative and in the end happy. I loved that we got to see Susan and Ali's relationship and feel their love instead of the novel opening up with a funeral. I was most impressed by Blair's compassion for Ali because others might have become of jealous and frustrated by Susan's hold over Ali but she was nothing but gentle and patient.
October 31, 2019
This was a very powerful and yet tender loving book I listen to it on audiobook. The feelings came across so well and yes you use an entire box of tissues through the first part and even up until the end I still felt myself tearing up you could really feel the love in this book how deep Susan and Ali’s love for each other was. Yes moving on it hard but Blair showed so much patience and understanding. Her love for Ali really came through.
May 13, 2018
Beautiful
This book had me running through so many tissues and crying so much.
It's beautifully written and I really enjoyed it. The subject matter is often hard to talk about but Claire has done it with so much compassion and empathy. It shows that even when we lose the love of our life in time if our heart is open love can find its way. Great job well done Claire
This book had me running through so many tissues and crying so much.
It's beautifully written and I really enjoyed it. The subject matter is often hard to talk about but Claire has done it with so much compassion and empathy. It shows that even when we lose the love of our life in time if our heart is open love can find its way. Great job well done Claire
May 22, 2019
I pride myself in reading a book in a single sitting. That’s not the case with this one, not because I didn’t like it, but it was difficult to read. I know though that I’m gonna like how it ends so I carried on. I wasn’t disappointed. Loved it, so deserving of 5 stars.
Now onto another book from the author.
Now onto another book from the author.
April 6, 2021
So difficult to read the first section. As my spouse just recently battled cancer. Thankfully she is currently cancer free but brought up so many memories that were tough. However the story was very good
March 10, 2018
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this book. I was so impressed with the depth of the storyline and the way it took you along for an emotional ride. The first part is devastating, as you instantly feel the love and the strong bond between Ali and Susan, who are clearly soul mates, and yet you have to accept that Susan is going to die. I found myself feeling most distraught for Ali, who had built her life around this woman and now had to figure out how to go on without her. Their relationship is beautiful right to the end, even as horrible things are happening to them. When Part One ends, it feels like the book is over.
But it's not. Ali now has to pick up the pieces and find a way to move forward, and she does, with difficulty. It's not the kind of story where someone dies and then a couple of chapters later, it feels like they were never there at all. You feel Susan's presence throughout the book, a reminder that the ones we love most are never really gone. That makes finding love again tricky for Ali, but fortunately Susan loved her enough to give her blessing for this, and the woman courting Ali is very patient and understanding. You never feel like Ali stops loving Susan, but just that she slowly learns how to live, and enjoy, the years remaining to her, just as Susan wanted her to do.
Unless you're a very stoic reader, the book will make you cry over and over, and yet you'll still want to keep reading and will sing its praises to others. It's a much heavier book than the generally light-hearted Cam Thomas series, proving that Highton-Stevenson is capable of writing more than one type of romance, but as with the Cam Thomas books, the characters feel real and become your friends.
But it's not. Ali now has to pick up the pieces and find a way to move forward, and she does, with difficulty. It's not the kind of story where someone dies and then a couple of chapters later, it feels like they were never there at all. You feel Susan's presence throughout the book, a reminder that the ones we love most are never really gone. That makes finding love again tricky for Ali, but fortunately Susan loved her enough to give her blessing for this, and the woman courting Ali is very patient and understanding. You never feel like Ali stops loving Susan, but just that she slowly learns how to live, and enjoy, the years remaining to her, just as Susan wanted her to do.
Unless you're a very stoic reader, the book will make you cry over and over, and yet you'll still want to keep reading and will sing its praises to others. It's a much heavier book than the generally light-hearted Cam Thomas series, proving that Highton-Stevenson is capable of writing more than one type of romance, but as with the Cam Thomas books, the characters feel real and become your friends.
May 26, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
WOW!!! What an emotional but amazing read!
Susan and Ali have the most amazing relationship and in this heart breaking read I became emotionally overwhelmed by their story. It was raw but moving, dealing with a very sensitive subject that is just handled in the loveliest of ways.
To go on a journey with Ali as she loses the love of her life, and learns to move on after was such an experience. The sentimental connection between Ali and her wife, even after her death is wonderful to read, and it’s was beautiful to see how Ali coped and dealt with all her emotions.
You will need tissues when reading this, but it is highly enjoyable. It’s not all sad, and does have many a moment that will have you smiling too. Gives you a lot to connect with as a reader, and is very healing for anyone who has ever suffered a loss. It was definitely a comfort to read, and very well written. I would highly recommend this book!
WOW!!! What an emotional but amazing read!
Susan and Ali have the most amazing relationship and in this heart breaking read I became emotionally overwhelmed by their story. It was raw but moving, dealing with a very sensitive subject that is just handled in the loveliest of ways.
To go on a journey with Ali as she loses the love of her life, and learns to move on after was such an experience. The sentimental connection between Ali and her wife, even after her death is wonderful to read, and it’s was beautiful to see how Ali coped and dealt with all her emotions.
You will need tissues when reading this, but it is highly enjoyable. It’s not all sad, and does have many a moment that will have you smiling too. Gives you a lot to connect with as a reader, and is very healing for anyone who has ever suffered a loss. It was definitely a comfort to read, and very well written. I would highly recommend this book!
October 20, 2018
I was hesitant about reading this one and purchasing it tbh. I normally go for something lighthearted and fun. But I’m glad I did.
If there was just one criticism or rather something that I would have loved it would be an epilogue. But otherwise I absolutely loved this story.
The author did a brilliant job balancing and pacing the romance and showing the love between the characters and when the inevitable happened I teared up twice. Which is usually a hard thing to do for me unless I’m completely emotionally invested in the characters.
I’m also glad that when there was conflict it wasn’t the ott go-to trope that would have diminished the story and instead it made for quite the intense (emotionally) finale.
If you’re the type to stay away from romances with a heavy sounding synopsis/themes I urge you to give The Promise a try. It certainly made me wish I had someone to love/love me like the MCs did and the tears were worth the catharsis at the end.
If there was just one criticism or rather something that I would have loved it would be an epilogue. But otherwise I absolutely loved this story.
The author did a brilliant job balancing and pacing the romance and showing the love between the characters and when the inevitable happened I teared up twice. Which is usually a hard thing to do for me unless I’m completely emotionally invested in the characters.
I’m also glad that when there was conflict it wasn’t the ott go-to trope that would have diminished the story and instead it made for quite the intense (emotionally) finale.
If you’re the type to stay away from romances with a heavy sounding synopsis/themes I urge you to give The Promise a try. It certainly made me wish I had someone to love/love me like the MCs did and the tears were worth the catharsis at the end.
June 9, 2018
Out of sadness comes great joy.
A lovely heart wrenching story about how one women's life falls apart as she watches her wife die from breast cancer and then, after making her wife a promise, she gradually heals and is able to, from friendship, gradually build a relationship with someone else.
The three main characters in the story were all very likeable women who came over as down to earth, realistic people. I enjoyed the fact that the author just put the right amount of humour into the story to prevent part one turning into an absolute pity party, although I must admit to having a large lump in my throat on several occasions.
If you like a romance with a good storyline then I can recommend The Promise
A lovely heart wrenching story about how one women's life falls apart as she watches her wife die from breast cancer and then, after making her wife a promise, she gradually heals and is able to, from friendship, gradually build a relationship with someone else.
The three main characters in the story were all very likeable women who came over as down to earth, realistic people. I enjoyed the fact that the author just put the right amount of humour into the story to prevent part one turning into an absolute pity party, although I must admit to having a large lump in my throat on several occasions.
If you like a romance with a good storyline then I can recommend The Promise
August 15, 2019
The Promise won this year's Goldie in short romance. The first part of this book is devastating. As the wife of a woman who has faced breast cancer, I found all the emotions of the main character to be totally authentic. This author can do amazing things with very few words. That is truly a gift. Yes, there were a few things I would have done different: identifying characters by hair color is an amateur mistake. The transition of Blair from caring hospice nurse to super business woman seemed abrupt and not completely believable. But that first part of the book when Allie is dealing with her wife's illness is priceless. Four and half stars.
May 15, 2018
I have never had a book that really brought me to tears like "The Promise". I absolutely loved it, even when I hated the pain and profound sadness Ali felt. Highton-Stevenson perfectly captured the emotions surrounding Cancer, which are of the most difficult and painful moments a family can experience. Her characters were superbly developed, their flaws and vulnerabilities exhibited boldly. This is a tragic love story, followed by a second chance at love. And you will want to read it again.
August 12, 2018
I don’t think my words alone can do this beautiful and touching story justice. I experienced so many emotions because I laughed out loud, cried at other times and I crossed my fingers at other times! I have so much love and respect for Ali, Susan and Blair because they have all been through something traumatic and I really don’t know what I would have done if I had to experience or endure what they have been through. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I must say that I will be looking out for other books from her!
May 15, 2018
Lovely story
This book although sad, is full of love and hope. The author allows the story to develop gradually and in a manner that allows us to feel the love and heartbreak of Ali and Susan’s story and then fall in love with what develops between Ali and a new love. It’s a wonderful read. Highly recommend
This book although sad, is full of love and hope. The author allows the story to develop gradually and in a manner that allows us to feel the love and heartbreak of Ali and Susan’s story and then fall in love with what develops between Ali and a new love. It’s a wonderful read. Highly recommend
July 23, 2019
This was a beautiful story of a love beyond death, a love relinquishing one from the guilt of being loved again, and the essence of both love coexisting together.
The book wasn't as poignant as I thought it would be. The ending was a bit abrupt, so it would've been perfect if an epilogue was included.
The book wasn't as poignant as I thought it would be. The ending was a bit abrupt, so it would've been perfect if an epilogue was included.
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