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The Promise
North Harbour, Newfoundland, 1894
Orphaned at a young age, Erith Lock has a cruel upbringing at the hands of a harsh stepmother. At the tender age of sixteen, a ruthless act leaves her shattered and struggling for survival. When all she has is her word, she makes a solemn vow to three small children. But circumstances drastically change, and the promise could take years to fulfill. She fears it might be better broken.
When her past must be confronted, Erith finds herself facing unbearable choices that might cost her everything. Enduring self-doubt pushes Erith to her breaking point. Will she allow hope and kindness to guide her, or will it be safer to remain captive in the grip of her unfortunate past?
Book 2 of 4 (Being Mary Ro 1, The Liars 3, The Stolen Ones 4)
Orphaned at a young age, Erith Lock has a cruel upbringing at the hands of a harsh stepmother. At the tender age of sixteen, a ruthless act leaves her shattered and struggling for survival. When all she has is her word, she makes a solemn vow to three small children. But circumstances drastically change, and the promise could take years to fulfill. She fears it might be better broken.
When her past must be confronted, Erith finds herself facing unbearable choices that might cost her everything. Enduring self-doubt pushes Erith to her breaking point. Will she allow hope and kindness to guide her, or will it be safer to remain captive in the grip of her unfortunate past?
Book 2 of 4 (Being Mary Ro 1, The Liars 3, The Stolen Ones 4)
281 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2019
About the author
Ida Linehan Young
17 books151 followersIda Linehan Young is a wife, mother, and grandmother living, writing, and publishing in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Recently retired from the information technology sector in the federal government, Ida created Seaweed Publishing to complement her substantial, award-winning, and best-selling writing portfolio.
Ida’s first published works, a memoir, debuted to a record-breaking crowd in 2014. She has since published across multiple genres with historical Newfoundland fiction, non-fiction, speculative fiction, crime, and children’s books.
Influenced by her love of local history and the familial art of storytelling passed down by her father, Edward Linehan, and her maternal grandfather, Frank Power, she began writing stories that told of her people and her roots. She researches the past of her beloved birthplace and writes to showcase the richness and storied past of her province.
Recently retired from the information technology sector in the federal government, Ida created Seaweed Publishing to complement her substantial, award-winning, and best-selling writing portfolio.
Ida’s first published works, a memoir, debuted to a record-breaking crowd in 2014. She has since published across multiple genres with historical Newfoundland fiction, non-fiction, speculative fiction, crime, and children’s books.
Influenced by her love of local history and the familial art of storytelling passed down by her father, Edward Linehan, and her maternal grandfather, Frank Power, she began writing stories that told of her people and her roots. She researches the past of her beloved birthplace and writes to showcase the richness and storied past of her province.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 25, 2019
What happened there? The ending confused me. Would love to hear other people's thoughts.
October 23, 2019
This book took me on a great adventure. It kept me on the edge and hanging on as it wound its way along Erith's journey. Ida succeeded in drawing me into the story and kept me guessing at what was next to come. Can't wait to read more about Erith's story. An amazing character and story.
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November 9, 2019Ida did another outstanding job on The Promise! Once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down. Can’t wait for the next one. Keep them coming!
November 18, 2019
This follow up to Being Mary Ro is so beautiful. I was totally caught up in the story & transported back in time. I loved the characters & can’t wait for the follow up.
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June 12, 2019Ida out did herself again. I couldn't wait to get started and it didn't let me down because once I started reading I couldn't put it down. It was so much better than anticipated. It was spectacular, mind blowing to name a few. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for what was to happen next, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Can't wait for the next one. It was an amazing novel Ida and you deserve all the rewards to come. Thank you Ida until the next one........
August 7, 2020
Ida Linehan Young writes incredibly strong lead female characters. These girls and women experience unspeakable tragedy in their lives but they overcome and rise above it; Erith Locke - who’s story is brought to us in “The Promise” – is the perfect illustration of this. Above all else, she is a survivor.
This book really grabbed me right from the beginning and with every scene and every snippet of dialogue I was transported back in time to rural Newfoundland. I simply cannot explain how engrossed I became. I was so pleased to see Danol (who we first met in Being Mary Ro) return to continue with his story. He was a favorite of mine and I enjoyed seeing the further development of his character. I loved the connection he felt with Erith. He instantly knew her worth and saw her true heart.
This book is a lot about family, not necessarily blood relations or someone connected by DNA but the family that we make and the family that we choose. As a mother, I found many parts of “The Promise” to be especially emotional. My heart ached for Erith, from the way she had to grow up under the thumb of a cruel stepmother to the sacrifices she had to make over and over again at such a young age.
As I have mentioned before, I love how Linehan Young seamlessly weaves fiction and historical fact together through her books – I feel like it gives me a real glimpse into life in Newfoundland in the late 1800’s and I am so appreciative of that. It was the time during which my grandparents lived and it helps me feel a connection to that.
I was in tears by the end of “The Promise” and then, that cliffhanger! I have already started on the next book in the trilogy, “The Liars” and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Ida Linehan Young really knocked it out of the park with this one. I wish I could give it more stars.
This book really grabbed me right from the beginning and with every scene and every snippet of dialogue I was transported back in time to rural Newfoundland. I simply cannot explain how engrossed I became. I was so pleased to see Danol (who we first met in Being Mary Ro) return to continue with his story. He was a favorite of mine and I enjoyed seeing the further development of his character. I loved the connection he felt with Erith. He instantly knew her worth and saw her true heart.
This book is a lot about family, not necessarily blood relations or someone connected by DNA but the family that we make and the family that we choose. As a mother, I found many parts of “The Promise” to be especially emotional. My heart ached for Erith, from the way she had to grow up under the thumb of a cruel stepmother to the sacrifices she had to make over and over again at such a young age.
As I have mentioned before, I love how Linehan Young seamlessly weaves fiction and historical fact together through her books – I feel like it gives me a real glimpse into life in Newfoundland in the late 1800’s and I am so appreciative of that. It was the time during which my grandparents lived and it helps me feel a connection to that.
I was in tears by the end of “The Promise” and then, that cliffhanger! I have already started on the next book in the trilogy, “The Liars” and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Ida Linehan Young really knocked it out of the park with this one. I wish I could give it more stars.
March 30, 2019
Ida has done another beautiful job on writing this book. It is intriguing, emotional, intense, with twists that you just never imagine or see coming. Once I started reading I knew to have everything I need in front of me because I wouldn’t put the book down long enough to grab anything like chips, popcorn or a drink. I would suggest you purchase and read all three of her books you won’t regret it.
June 30, 2019
This was an excellent read. The way Ida told Erith’s story had me captured from the start. The way the story unfolded was like peeling layers of an onion. There was also something else that Erith was keeping to herself that once revealed made you love her more. I tried to read the book slowly but I needed to know more. And the ending...wow! Ida you left me wanting more. Well done!
December 29, 2019
Loved this book. Likeable (and some not so likeable) characters. The language, descriptions, atmosphere, etc transported me to Erith’s world. I have now read all three of Ida’s current books: “No Turning Back”, “Being Mary Roe” and now “The Promise”. I am so pleased to have found this author from Newfoundland and Labrador. Looking forward to her next book!
April 18, 2019
Wow! I absolutely loved this novel. I was captivated from the very beginning and read it in one day as I couldn’t wait to turn the next page to see how things would work out for Erith. Beautiful story. So looking forward to Ida’s next one!
December 29, 2019
You will grow to love and admire many of the characters in The Promise. A page turner told with many historical accuracies that keeps you wanting more from Ida. A very exciting and rewarding read! Looking forward to the continuing stories.
March 30, 2019
Couldn’t put this book down once I started it. It’s awesome. Can’t wait for the next one
May 1, 2019
A well written book that was hard to put down. Great details and the story was very interesting and inspiring. Erith strength and determination is to be admired.
May 4, 2019
I absolutely loved "The Promise". A great read. Can't wait for the next one.
June 1, 2019
I loved this book...especially how it tied Mary Ro into the story. The story line with Erith was awesome. Looking forward to the next one, at least I hope there is a next one after the ending! Another great job by Ida! Keep them coming because I will be buying them!
November 6, 2019
I have enjoyed reading Ida's 3 novels ...found them very moving and interesting and looking forward to more come in the future
December 13, 2019
I just loved this novel .You had me from page one,couldn't put it down.Erith was such an interesting character.I got a little thrown off at the end but I'm looking forward to the sequel .Ida you nailed it Bravo
December 29, 2019
Captivating story; excellent character development. I could not put the book down. I am anxiously awaiting Linehan-Young’s next work.
December 29, 2019
Loved it!!
December 29, 2019
loved the story and the cliffhanger, can't wait for the next journey
December 29, 2019
A fabulous story written by an even more fabulous writer!!!
December 29, 2019
This book had me drawn in from the opening paragraphs. Very well written. Once again I was living in the 1890s cheering for the characters. I loved the ending. I have faith in the characters and to me, I see another book coming. Love it.
December 30, 2019
I can’t say enough about all of your books, once I started reading them I couldn’t put them down until I finished them. Can’t wait for the next one. They are all 5 stars in my opinion. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!
November 29, 2022
Loved it
January 21, 2023
Didn't love the ending but very good right up to it.
May 30, 2019
See complete review at the following link:
https://www.thepacket.ca/living/book-...
https://www.thepacket.ca/living/book-...
August 25, 2019
***I've edited my review below and added a star. Thanks to the author for reading my review and answering my question about the ending. Now I get it!***
I can't help but compare this book to "Being Mary Ro", which I loved. This book, though I quite liked it, didn't appeal to me as much as "Being Mary Ro".
In some parts, this book was really lovely. For example, the scene where the characters are cutting down a Christmas tree and making a day of it is wonderful. The simple joy of being with people you love and having a shared task and some fun comes across.
I very much enjoyed the main character, Erith. She is the victim of a violent and shocking incident that is exacerbated by the cruel treatment she receives at the hands of her step-mother. Cinderella's step-mother has nothing on Kathleen. Erith manages to make something good out of her life. She has challenges, doubts, and set-backs, but she perseveres. I like her personal integrity and her commitment to sheltering and protecting vulnerable children. She had it tough and made it through; I admire that. This is the second female lead character invented by this author that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Other parts of the book were less appealing to me. Because the book is set in Newfoundland in the late 19th century, historical details are necessary. In "Being Mary Ro" I didn't feel as though the setting was forced upon me; it was more like I touched down in another world and spent some time there. In this book, the setting and time period were not as effectively evoked. At times, particularly when actual historical figures were used as characters, I enjoyed the setting. At other times, such as when Erith and Danol were walking in town and he decided to tell her the local history, it felt clunky, with less of a natural flow.
My original review of this book criticized the ending. I didn't understand what happened. I thought something dire was happening and I didn't get why it would be happening. The author took the time to give me a couple of hints until I clued in, and once I did, I went back and re-read the ending. It's all there; I just didn't get it. The actions made sense for the character and the story.
Ms. Linehan Young, I very much look forward to your next book, and hope there will be many more.
I can't help but compare this book to "Being Mary Ro", which I loved. This book, though I quite liked it, didn't appeal to me as much as "Being Mary Ro".
In some parts, this book was really lovely. For example, the scene where the characters are cutting down a Christmas tree and making a day of it is wonderful. The simple joy of being with people you love and having a shared task and some fun comes across.
I very much enjoyed the main character, Erith. She is the victim of a violent and shocking incident that is exacerbated by the cruel treatment she receives at the hands of her step-mother. Cinderella's step-mother has nothing on Kathleen. Erith manages to make something good out of her life. She has challenges, doubts, and set-backs, but she perseveres. I like her personal integrity and her commitment to sheltering and protecting vulnerable children. She had it tough and made it through; I admire that. This is the second female lead character invented by this author that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Other parts of the book were less appealing to me. Because the book is set in Newfoundland in the late 19th century, historical details are necessary. In "Being Mary Ro" I didn't feel as though the setting was forced upon me; it was more like I touched down in another world and spent some time there. In this book, the setting and time period were not as effectively evoked. At times, particularly when actual historical figures were used as characters, I enjoyed the setting. At other times, such as when Erith and Danol were walking in town and he decided to tell her the local history, it felt clunky, with less of a natural flow.
My original review of this book criticized the ending. I didn't understand what happened. I thought something dire was happening and I didn't get why it would be happening. The author took the time to give me a couple of hints until I clued in, and once I did, I went back and re-read the ending. It's all there; I just didn't get it. The actions made sense for the character and the story.
Ms. Linehan Young, I very much look forward to your next book, and hope there will be many more.
November 5, 2019
I really liked this book. The characters and setting are vivid and real. I was turning pages to see how it would end. An ending I didn’t see coming. Another excellent read by the talented Ida Linehan Young.
March 27, 2022
The author takes a character from the first book in the series - Erith - and builds a wonderful story of her upbringing and promise to the children in her life. Check out my review on this author at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/canadian... Wonderful glimpse into early Newfoundland life. https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/...
May 18, 2019
Ida, you did it again, "The Promise" was AWESOME. But I could have thrown the book at the ending!!! But I guess that's the whole point, make us wait for the next book to see what happens. I read it too fast, so please bring out the next one!! You are a true talent. Thank you!!💞💞
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews