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The Promise
How far would you go to keep a promise? In the heat of battle, one man's promise to another will be tested.
September 1939
- As Britain is gripped by the fear and uncertainty of war, Tom Armitage stands to gain the one thing that he never thought possible - his freedom.Rosie Elliot sees her future crumbling to dust as Will Aarons leaves Whitby with Jimmy Chappell to fight in the war. As she begins work at The Turnstone Convalescent Home, Rosie finds something she thought she had lost. Friendship. But friendship soon turns to love. Can this new love replace Will?This is not an ordinary love story.It's a story of love, loss, courage, and honour. Of promises that must be kept or risk losing everything you've ever held dear.
An excerpt from POPPY FIELDS by Kathleen Harryman:
I pray upon the fields of red, Where the poppies grow, That one day, we learn to live, In a world of love, Where weapons are replaced, With kindness, and understanding, That we learn to accept our differences, To truly remember, each and every life lost, Given for peace, given in hope, given for all of us, Given, so we could be free.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2019
707 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Harryman
8 books87 followersKathleen Harryman is a storyteller and poet living in the historically rich city of York, North Yorkshire, England, with her husband, children and pet dog and cat.
Kathleen first published a suspense thriller in 2015, The Other Side of the Looking Glass. Since then, she has developed a unique writing style which readers have enjoyed and is now a multi-published author of suspense, psychological thrillers, poetry and historical romance.
Kathleen first published a suspense thriller in 2015, The Other Side of the Looking Glass. Since then, she has developed a unique writing style which readers have enjoyed and is now a multi-published author of suspense, psychological thrillers, poetry and historical romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 17, 2019
There is a lot more to this story than its genre would suggest. There are touching, honest love stories set against the uncertainty and horrors of WWII, but there is the deeper pull of relationships of all kinds that really drew me in and held my interest. The author went to great care to flesh out the key players in this drama that ultimately spans decades.
What starts as a benign, happy look inside post-World War I subtly begins to take on a wary expectancy as England’s Prime Minister declares war against Germany. Suddenly, the sheltered youth who only knew of wartime horrors second-hand are now faced with the possibility of losing everything their predecessors had worked so hard to recover. Young love and the prospect of family and a future are now put on hold indefinitely.
Hearing from the key players in this rich historical drama in their own words is what really hooked me. The insights the author has for each of her characters is truly remarkable. Nothing about this story was pat or standard; everyone in this drama comes across vividly, with their own unique mindsets. Watching as they grow and adjust to the impacts of war is eye-opening and refreshing, and most of all authentic.
I think this is a wonderful story and I look forward to reading more by this insightful author
What starts as a benign, happy look inside post-World War I subtly begins to take on a wary expectancy as England’s Prime Minister declares war against Germany. Suddenly, the sheltered youth who only knew of wartime horrors second-hand are now faced with the possibility of losing everything their predecessors had worked so hard to recover. Young love and the prospect of family and a future are now put on hold indefinitely.
Hearing from the key players in this rich historical drama in their own words is what really hooked me. The insights the author has for each of her characters is truly remarkable. Nothing about this story was pat or standard; everyone in this drama comes across vividly, with their own unique mindsets. Watching as they grow and adjust to the impacts of war is eye-opening and refreshing, and most of all authentic.
I think this is a wonderful story and I look forward to reading more by this insightful author
October 31, 2020
This astounding historical romance novel is a beautiful collaboration between two very talented authors, who go by the name of Kathleen Harryman and Lucy Marshall.
Story-telling is of a superb quality, all the main figures featuring in this novel come vividly to life in all their dealings during WWII, and not to forget at the beginning and at the back of the book you'll notice two beautiful poems by the hand of Kathleen Harryman.
The story is mainly based in the coastal town of Whitby, in North Yorkshire, England, and its there where we find our main figures in this book, namely, Rose Elliot, William and Betty Aarons, James "Jimmy" Chappell, and Tom Armitage.
The book is set during WWII, from 1939 until 1945, ending with a beautiful dedicated epilogue which is set in 1980.
At first life in Whitby in 1939 is peaceful, with Rosie and William very much in love with each other, at the same time it will put Jimmy sadly on the sidelines concerning his loving feelings for Rosie, when war will break out and Britain in the thick of it against Hitler's Nazi-Germany, and all things will change dramatically overnight.
Will, Jimmy and Tom will try to enter the army, and where Tom will fail his medical and return to Whitby to be a farmer, a farm inherited from his dead father, Will and Jimmy will be doing their bit in the army for King and country, first in North Africa and ending in Normandy in 1944, while Rosie and Betty will join as volunteers at the Turnstone Convalescent Home, where Rosie will find a new found friendship and Betty the love of her life.
What is to follow is an astonishing story, where courage, honour, gain, loss, and a duty-bound "Promise" will make life hard, but also bearable for those who keep faith in a good outcome, and where in the end a dedicated memorable gravestone in France will bring everybody and everything together, all because of a beautiful "Promise" of love, friendship and togetherness, and where someone special will be fondly remembered for those wonderful "times were when".
Very much recommended, for this is an amazing collaboration between two very talented persons that has worked out superbly well, and that's why I would like to thank these ladies for their extraordinary romantic effort, and calling this book: "A Truly Amazing Heartfelt Promise"!
Story-telling is of a superb quality, all the main figures featuring in this novel come vividly to life in all their dealings during WWII, and not to forget at the beginning and at the back of the book you'll notice two beautiful poems by the hand of Kathleen Harryman.
The story is mainly based in the coastal town of Whitby, in North Yorkshire, England, and its there where we find our main figures in this book, namely, Rose Elliot, William and Betty Aarons, James "Jimmy" Chappell, and Tom Armitage.
The book is set during WWII, from 1939 until 1945, ending with a beautiful dedicated epilogue which is set in 1980.
At first life in Whitby in 1939 is peaceful, with Rosie and William very much in love with each other, at the same time it will put Jimmy sadly on the sidelines concerning his loving feelings for Rosie, when war will break out and Britain in the thick of it against Hitler's Nazi-Germany, and all things will change dramatically overnight.
Will, Jimmy and Tom will try to enter the army, and where Tom will fail his medical and return to Whitby to be a farmer, a farm inherited from his dead father, Will and Jimmy will be doing their bit in the army for King and country, first in North Africa and ending in Normandy in 1944, while Rosie and Betty will join as volunteers at the Turnstone Convalescent Home, where Rosie will find a new found friendship and Betty the love of her life.
What is to follow is an astonishing story, where courage, honour, gain, loss, and a duty-bound "Promise" will make life hard, but also bearable for those who keep faith in a good outcome, and where in the end a dedicated memorable gravestone in France will bring everybody and everything together, all because of a beautiful "Promise" of love, friendship and togetherness, and where someone special will be fondly remembered for those wonderful "times were when".
Very much recommended, for this is an amazing collaboration between two very talented persons that has worked out superbly well, and that's why I would like to thank these ladies for their extraordinary romantic effort, and calling this book: "A Truly Amazing Heartfelt Promise"!
June 1, 2019
4 Stars!
My review may be slightly biased, because Lucy is legit one of the nicest people you could ever meet! I'm not going to write a full review because I'm not the person to say anything in the historical sense, because I don't really read this genre, my rating is solely on the level of enjoyment I had reading it.
What I liked
- Betty was hands down my favourite character!
- Rosie quoting her mum at every situation
- In fact Rosie calling everyone by their full name, it amused me
- The community in Whitby, I think knowing it and being there multiple times really made me connect to the story
- Tom was such a sweet heart, it broke my little heart to see him struggling with certain situations
Well done Lucy and Kathleen!
My review may be slightly biased, because Lucy is legit one of the nicest people you could ever meet! I'm not going to write a full review because I'm not the person to say anything in the historical sense, because I don't really read this genre, my rating is solely on the level of enjoyment I had reading it.
What I liked
- Betty was hands down my favourite character!
- Rosie quoting her mum at every situation
- In fact Rosie calling everyone by their full name, it amused me
- The community in Whitby, I think knowing it and being there multiple times really made me connect to the story
- Tom was such a sweet heart, it broke my little heart to see him struggling with certain situations
Well done Lucy and Kathleen!
July 10, 2019
A Compelling, Well-Crafted, Gripping Story That Engages The Reader From Start To Finish
THE PROMISE is a novel that begins by transporting the reader to a small seaside town in Yorkshire, northern England just before Britain enters World War II. One of its residents, the spirited Rosie Elliot, is young and in love. She can’t believe that Will Aarons, the man she wants to marry, is willing to leave her to go off to war. However, Will and a mutual friend, Jimmy, believe that joining the military is their duty.
When Britain enters the war and Will and Jimmy enlist, Rosie is crushed and angry. She feels her youthful world, one that’s been very small and protected, has been snatched away from her. But she can’t ignore the war or the casualties who need help. She begins working in The Turnstone Convalescent Home, hoping to do her part. As she helps to care for the wounded, there isn’t any room for the person she used to be, a carefree girl who only thought about dresses, dances and being with Will Aarons.
This story does an excellent job of demonstrating how tragic events completely change a person’s life. In this case war completely changes the lives of not only Rosie and Will, but the lives of their families and friends. Each person is forced to go beyond their personal agenda and find a way to give their best. Many are surprised to know how strong and courageous they are deep down. And when it comes to love, several of the main characters learn how the concept of love changes, how it can deepen as they become less judgmental and more mature.
The first person narrative, told by each of the main characters, is very effective and beautifully handled in this story. The reader is given a close up and personal visual of what it’s like to live in extreme circumstances, to never know what the world will be like when they wake in the morning. In the case of soldiers like Will and Jimmy, we feel how uncertain the next breath can be. It could be snatched away in the next moment.
THE PROMISE is a novel that begins by transporting the reader to a small seaside town in Yorkshire, northern England just before Britain enters World War II. One of its residents, the spirited Rosie Elliot, is young and in love. She can’t believe that Will Aarons, the man she wants to marry, is willing to leave her to go off to war. However, Will and a mutual friend, Jimmy, believe that joining the military is their duty.
When Britain enters the war and Will and Jimmy enlist, Rosie is crushed and angry. She feels her youthful world, one that’s been very small and protected, has been snatched away from her. But she can’t ignore the war or the casualties who need help. She begins working in The Turnstone Convalescent Home, hoping to do her part. As she helps to care for the wounded, there isn’t any room for the person she used to be, a carefree girl who only thought about dresses, dances and being with Will Aarons.
This story does an excellent job of demonstrating how tragic events completely change a person’s life. In this case war completely changes the lives of not only Rosie and Will, but the lives of their families and friends. Each person is forced to go beyond their personal agenda and find a way to give their best. Many are surprised to know how strong and courageous they are deep down. And when it comes to love, several of the main characters learn how the concept of love changes, how it can deepen as they become less judgmental and more mature.
The first person narrative, told by each of the main characters, is very effective and beautifully handled in this story. The reader is given a close up and personal visual of what it’s like to live in extreme circumstances, to never know what the world will be like when they wake in the morning. In the case of soldiers like Will and Jimmy, we feel how uncertain the next breath can be. It could be snatched away in the next moment.
April 29, 2019
I dont even know where to start with this book. This was an AMAZING book that I will be recommending to everyone. It is so sad to think that this was how life was. All the uncertainties, loss, love, etc.
We meet two love birds, Will and Rosie. Everything should be sunshine and rainbows for these two lovebirds except that WW2 has started and Will enrolls in the war. With him he also takes their friend Jimmy and Tom. Due to medical reasons, Tom is sent back and doesnt go to war. This opens up a whole bit of confusion for Rose as feelings start to emerge for Tom while Will is away.
While away at war, we find that the boys' bond grows so strong. We learn that although Jimmy loves Rosie, he will do all he can to ensure that Will comes home to her. They laugh together, joke around, support each other etc. until the very end.
Then after five years Will is finally home. Heartbreak hits when we find out that he has amnesia and cannot remember who anyone is. Will he ever remember who Rosie is?
We meet two love birds, Will and Rosie. Everything should be sunshine and rainbows for these two lovebirds except that WW2 has started and Will enrolls in the war. With him he also takes their friend Jimmy and Tom. Due to medical reasons, Tom is sent back and doesnt go to war. This opens up a whole bit of confusion for Rose as feelings start to emerge for Tom while Will is away.
While away at war, we find that the boys' bond grows so strong. We learn that although Jimmy loves Rosie, he will do all he can to ensure that Will comes home to her. They laugh together, joke around, support each other etc. until the very end.
Then after five years Will is finally home. Heartbreak hits when we find out that he has amnesia and cannot remember who anyone is. Will he ever remember who Rosie is?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2019
The Promise tells a beautiful, intimate, and touching novel is story of life during World War II. Each chapter is narrated in the first person by the different characters. This style works extremely well, offering the reader a vivid and authentic glimpse into the hearts and minds of the men and women in this novel. War changes everything and everyone and the authors did a brilliant job in bringing the characters and their struggles to life.
Friends Jimmy and Will, off to war, have left their loved ones back home in the seaside town of Whitby in the English county of North Yorkshire. Here, much of the story takes place at the Turnstone Convalescent Home. Rosie, the love of Will’s life, has begun working at the home when her feelings take an unexpected turn.
I found the pacing and the balance of the story to be well executed and extremely well researched. There were some scenes so real and gut wrenching that I could see them play out before me, as if I were watching a film.
This is a sentimental story of courage, valor, friendship, love, and the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
Friends Jimmy and Will, off to war, have left their loved ones back home in the seaside town of Whitby in the English county of North Yorkshire. Here, much of the story takes place at the Turnstone Convalescent Home. Rosie, the love of Will’s life, has begun working at the home when her feelings take an unexpected turn.
I found the pacing and the balance of the story to be well executed and extremely well researched. There were some scenes so real and gut wrenching that I could see them play out before me, as if I were watching a film.
This is a sentimental story of courage, valor, friendship, love, and the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
December 31, 2019
Five young friends face the horrors of the second world war in Author Kathleen Harryman and Author Lucy Marshall’s The Promise. Rosie and Will are in love, facing the heartbreak of separation brought on by the looming of World War II. Childhood friend, Jimmy is always close by their sides–when Will decides to enlist, he is right there to support him through thick and thin. Will’s sister, Betty, is a shy nurse whose skills will soon be in demand at the convalescent home set up in their village of Whitby. Tom, a former childhood friend whose life changed with the suicide of his father, longs to join Will and Jimmy in combat to escape a life he has come to dread, but fears leaving his mother and young sister behind.
The conflict of war changes the course of many lives as we go through the years. A bizarre accident leads to a new love. Shyness and strict Catholic upbringings test a new relationship. The war shows the soldiers the horrors of life–their perspectives forever changed.
A brutal final conflict alters the friends’ destinies forever. Who will live, and who will be blessed with a relationship for the future? The Promise is an outstanding, bittersweet tale that shows the dramatic impact of war on the people who live through it on the battlefield and home front. A great read, highly recommended!
The conflict of war changes the course of many lives as we go through the years. A bizarre accident leads to a new love. Shyness and strict Catholic upbringings test a new relationship. The war shows the soldiers the horrors of life–their perspectives forever changed.
A brutal final conflict alters the friends’ destinies forever. Who will live, and who will be blessed with a relationship for the future? The Promise is an outstanding, bittersweet tale that shows the dramatic impact of war on the people who live through it on the battlefield and home front. A great read, highly recommended!
June 5, 2024
This is the second book I’ve read by Kathleen Harryman. I knew she was a wonderful storyteller, but The Promise is simply stunning. It’s a historical romance that begins in Yorkshire, England, in 1939 before the start of WWll. Rose, Will, Jimmy, and Tom are best friends who have forged their bond since childhood. Rose is in love with Will and has set her future on spending her life with him. She relishes the idea of being his world. When England gets drawn into the war, Will, Jimmy, and Tom feel it’s their patriotic duty to join the fight. Rose, an only child who has grown up with security and love within a protective bubble, can only see her plans being destroyed before her eyes. Her immaturity and lack of life experiences prevent her from seeing the bigger picture. She feels left and betrayed.
Harryman eloquently tells the story (sometimes almost poetically) in the first person from the point of view of these four young adults as they move from blissful idealism to the harsh realities of war. All four characters are richly developed as brutal and uncontrollable events forever change their lives and relationships. One quote I loved in the first of the book set the stage for what I knew was going to be a captivating and emotionally charged ride. Rose is worried the war will take Will from her, though he assumes her that he believes the Prime Minister will prevent it. It is a pivotal moment in the resolve of her response to what she knows in her heart will be her new reality. “The dreams I have for our future shift, and tiny cracks appear. Their lack of clarity makes me sad, and I feel their loss before I can live them.”
We take a journey with these young people through feelings of love, friendship, loss, fear, uncertainty, guilt, regret, commitment, and acceptance. Many have written about the heroes of war and there are many, both famous and unsung, but this takes us through the myriads of realistic emotions these young people go through that change the dynamic of who they are and what they mean to each other. I highly recommend this poignant and authentically written story. It touched my heart.
Harryman eloquently tells the story (sometimes almost poetically) in the first person from the point of view of these four young adults as they move from blissful idealism to the harsh realities of war. All four characters are richly developed as brutal and uncontrollable events forever change their lives and relationships. One quote I loved in the first of the book set the stage for what I knew was going to be a captivating and emotionally charged ride. Rose is worried the war will take Will from her, though he assumes her that he believes the Prime Minister will prevent it. It is a pivotal moment in the resolve of her response to what she knows in her heart will be her new reality. “The dreams I have for our future shift, and tiny cracks appear. Their lack of clarity makes me sad, and I feel their loss before I can live them.”
We take a journey with these young people through feelings of love, friendship, loss, fear, uncertainty, guilt, regret, commitment, and acceptance. Many have written about the heroes of war and there are many, both famous and unsung, but this takes us through the myriads of realistic emotions these young people go through that change the dynamic of who they are and what they mean to each other. I highly recommend this poignant and authentically written story. It touched my heart.
October 18, 2019
Dreams are that. Just dream until they come to life.
Some people grow up spoiled, but they mature into giants as peers that develops into leaders that others admire.
WWII was different for the United Kingdom because their near neighboring countries were attacked by Nazi Germany, and they came to their rescue with their young me and women leaving comfort of home to do their job in securing safety for yourselves and others. This story presented "real life" in great detail, perhaps retelling stories from personal knowledge as told by family members that lived and fought for England's defense.
Some people grow up spoiled, but they mature into giants as peers that develops into leaders that others admire.
WWII was different for the United Kingdom because their near neighboring countries were attacked by Nazi Germany, and they came to their rescue with their young me and women leaving comfort of home to do their job in securing safety for yourselves and others. This story presented "real life" in great detail, perhaps retelling stories from personal knowledge as told by family members that lived and fought for England's defense.
July 8, 2019
The Promise: A World War 2 Historical Romance Novel was written by Kathleen Harryman. This book is so compelling that you must keep reading as long as you can before putting it down. You simply want to keep reading. Tissues are advised.
The story revolves around four childhood friends- Rosie, Will, Jimmy, and Tom along with Will’s sister, Betty. They were inseparable from grade school. Then, Tom’s Father committed suicide causing Tom to instantly become responsible for running his family farm and he dropped out on their fun. Betty had been Rosie’s friend but she really didn’t do much with them as she was so shy. However, Rosie, Will, and Jimmy stuck together. Gradually, Rosie and Will realized they were in love while realizing Jimmy loved Rosie too. Before any decisions had to be made, World War II broke out and despite Rosie’s objections, Jimmy and Will were going to volunteer. However, Rosie threw a fit and they opted to wait until they ran the risk of being called up. When they left to join, Tom went with them. Tom was pulled out for essential work on his farm; but Will and Jimmy left together. Betty and Rosie went to work at Turnstone which was a place for wounded soldiers. When Tom was injured by a German bomber landing on him, he was sent here to recuperate. Were he and Rosie resuming their friendship or was this a chance for a new one?
The book is well-written and is loads of fun to read.
The story revolves around four childhood friends- Rosie, Will, Jimmy, and Tom along with Will’s sister, Betty. They were inseparable from grade school. Then, Tom’s Father committed suicide causing Tom to instantly become responsible for running his family farm and he dropped out on their fun. Betty had been Rosie’s friend but she really didn’t do much with them as she was so shy. However, Rosie, Will, and Jimmy stuck together. Gradually, Rosie and Will realized they were in love while realizing Jimmy loved Rosie too. Before any decisions had to be made, World War II broke out and despite Rosie’s objections, Jimmy and Will were going to volunteer. However, Rosie threw a fit and they opted to wait until they ran the risk of being called up. When they left to join, Tom went with them. Tom was pulled out for essential work on his farm; but Will and Jimmy left together. Betty and Rosie went to work at Turnstone which was a place for wounded soldiers. When Tom was injured by a German bomber landing on him, he was sent here to recuperate. Were he and Rosie resuming their friendship or was this a chance for a new one?
The book is well-written and is loads of fun to read.
August 30, 2019
The Promise
The storyline and characters were exceptional. The text, however, was fraught was editing errors. Misspellings, grammatical errors, poor sentence structure and misused words detracted greatly from what could easily be a stellar novel. Ladies, you need to hire a good editor and re-pick this calf!
The storyline and characters were exceptional. The text, however, was fraught was editing errors. Misspellings, grammatical errors, poor sentence structure and misused words detracted greatly from what could easily be a stellar novel. Ladies, you need to hire a good editor and re-pick this calf!
October 20, 2025
Set in Whitby, a small seaside town in northern England, and spanning throughout the Second World War, The Promise traces the lives of five young friends from the war’s outset to its end. Haunted by shadows from the First World War, and still suffering from the devastation it wrought, they bravely face the future while hoping to forget the past.
Rosie tries to persuade Will, to whom she’s engaged, not to enlist, but he does so anyway, knowing the war must be won. Their best friend Jimmy goes with him. He loves Rosie just as much as Will, a secret that’s not well kept, but knows he’ll never have her. Still, he wants nothing but her happiness, so he promises to protect Will and guarantees his safe return. Tom, a farmer who can’t cope with his dark past, fails his military physical, destined to remain in Whitby through six long years of war. He becomes Rosie’s closest friend—all the while hinting at more—as they cope with emotions they can’t control. Will’s sister Betty works with Rosie at a convalescent home for soldiers returning from the front—most a fraction of the man they had once been. She finds love where she least expects it, ignoring those who condemn her for it.
A romance like no other, weaving the lives of five friends together, the characters are so well-crafted you feel their pain, see their souls, and share their dreams. Rife with historical details told in a rich narrative, the authors paint a vivid portrait of times that should never be forgotten, The Promise is a damning indictment of war, buried in the love that binds five friends together. It’s a book that transcends the ages; one you’ll never forget after you’ve read the last page. Highly recommended!
Rosie tries to persuade Will, to whom she’s engaged, not to enlist, but he does so anyway, knowing the war must be won. Their best friend Jimmy goes with him. He loves Rosie just as much as Will, a secret that’s not well kept, but knows he’ll never have her. Still, he wants nothing but her happiness, so he promises to protect Will and guarantees his safe return. Tom, a farmer who can’t cope with his dark past, fails his military physical, destined to remain in Whitby through six long years of war. He becomes Rosie’s closest friend—all the while hinting at more—as they cope with emotions they can’t control. Will’s sister Betty works with Rosie at a convalescent home for soldiers returning from the front—most a fraction of the man they had once been. She finds love where she least expects it, ignoring those who condemn her for it.
A romance like no other, weaving the lives of five friends together, the characters are so well-crafted you feel their pain, see their souls, and share their dreams. Rife with historical details told in a rich narrative, the authors paint a vivid portrait of times that should never be forgotten, The Promise is a damning indictment of war, buried in the love that binds five friends together. It’s a book that transcends the ages; one you’ll never forget after you’ve read the last page. Highly recommended!
March 26, 2023
Delicate WWII Romance
Rosie finds warfare repugnant. She feels betrayed when her friends sign up to fight the moment war is declared.
Will feels compelled to enlist. He must enter the brotherhood of his family to take up the mantle of his father.
Jimmy will go with his friend anywhere and may be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Both Will and Jimmy love Rosie.
Set in a seaside town in Yorkshire, The Promise begins just before the second world war is declared and stays the course of the fighting.
It is possible to discuss whether Rosie is selfish or just loves her friends too much. Will she remain true to her love?
Will Jimmy be true to his promise? Will, too, faces unexpected challenges.
War changes lives and creates turbulence, not only in the fields of honour but in hearts and minds. This is the base for Kathleen Harryman’s wartime novel, The Promise. The first-person narrative, told by each of the main characters is revealing and efficient.
Rosie finds warfare repugnant. She feels betrayed when her friends sign up to fight the moment war is declared.
Will feels compelled to enlist. He must enter the brotherhood of his family to take up the mantle of his father.
Jimmy will go with his friend anywhere and may be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Both Will and Jimmy love Rosie.
Set in a seaside town in Yorkshire, The Promise begins just before the second world war is declared and stays the course of the fighting.
It is possible to discuss whether Rosie is selfish or just loves her friends too much. Will she remain true to her love?
Will Jimmy be true to his promise? Will, too, faces unexpected challenges.
War changes lives and creates turbulence, not only in the fields of honour but in hearts and minds. This is the base for Kathleen Harryman’s wartime novel, The Promise. The first-person narrative, told by each of the main characters is revealing and efficient.
April 14, 2020
Great Book
The author does a great job of developing all the characters in this story she also keeps you wondering how it will end.
The author does a great job of developing all the characters in this story she also keeps you wondering how it will end.
December 21, 2019
WHAT A BRAVE LADY. STORY WILL LIVE OWN.
May 20, 2019
I’m going to be totally honest - I don’t read much historical fiction so I really wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book but as it’s set in Whitby, North Yorkshire, and co-written by a Yorkshire ‘lass’, I really wanted to show it some support.
Well that will teach me to judge a book by its genre!! I really enjoyed The Promise.
It’s beautifully written and well paced. The story is heartbreaking but hopeful. Romantic but tragic.
Narrated by a number of different characters, we get an insight into each of their personalities and struggles, as well as their hopes and dreams. Instead of being confusing, this blend of voices adds depth and variety to the story and allows us to see how war affects everyone.
Set against the backdrop of WWII this story is touching and poignant, and demonstrates the consequences of war, not only for those who fight on the front line, but on those who are left behind.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the authors for providing a copy. All opinions are my own and provided willingly.
Well that will teach me to judge a book by its genre!! I really enjoyed The Promise.
It’s beautifully written and well paced. The story is heartbreaking but hopeful. Romantic but tragic.
Narrated by a number of different characters, we get an insight into each of their personalities and struggles, as well as their hopes and dreams. Instead of being confusing, this blend of voices adds depth and variety to the story and allows us to see how war affects everyone.
Set against the backdrop of WWII this story is touching and poignant, and demonstrates the consequences of war, not only for those who fight on the front line, but on those who are left behind.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the authors for providing a copy. All opinions are my own and provided willingly.
December 14, 2019
What an amazing story! Towards the end of the story, Rose talks about how she views war, how she sees how all those men that died and are buried in the military cemeteries, are heroes, how they gave up their lives for us, about how each man there is important, how each one played such an important role in the war, especially their friend that was buried there. I highly recommend this book!
June 19, 2023
The Promise is a captivating historical romance novel set in Yorkshire, England, that follows the lives of Rosie Elliot, Will Aarons, Jimmy Chappell, and Tom Armitage during World War II. The novel's strength lies in its well-developed characters and immersive storytelling, making them relatable and captivating. The authors skillfully bring the individuals to life, making them relatable and compelling. The pacing and balance of the story are expertly executed, capturing the spirit of the wartime era with authenticity. The romance elements are beautifully interwoven with themes of duty, honor, and friendship, with touching and heartfelt love stories evoking a range of emotions. Kathleen Harryman's storytelling prowess shines through, making The Promise a must-read for fans of the genre and those seeking a gripping and emotionally resonant tale set against the backdrop of World War II.
September 2, 2019
Not something I would usually pick up but I was gifted this book in return for an honest review.
A historical love triangle, separated by war and living years without each other. Rosie is an enchanting girl who seems to have everyone under her charming control. She's not the usual love interest you'd expect, she's ballsy and honest and I loved that about this book.
If you're more into historical fiction or romance novels then you will enjoy this. Though saying that it managed to bring a year to my eye in the end when the story connected! I loved the separate threads of lives and how they all came together in the end.
A historical love triangle, separated by war and living years without each other. Rosie is an enchanting girl who seems to have everyone under her charming control. She's not the usual love interest you'd expect, she's ballsy and honest and I loved that about this book.
If you're more into historical fiction or romance novels then you will enjoy this. Though saying that it managed to bring a year to my eye in the end when the story connected! I loved the separate threads of lives and how they all came together in the end.
July 1, 2020
I love reading WWII stories from different perspectives. This one was written from the perspective of ordinary British citizens, and promises made as the men went off to war that became more complicated to keep 5 years later. There is very little description of battle, except that it's happening and the consequences. The focus is more on the young people who are the main characters in the story, which is told alternately from each of their perspectives. It's also about how war can change those who fight, not just physically, but mentally as well. I haven't read a lot of fiction that deals with this topic.
It was an interesting story and a good read. I enjoyed it.
It was an interesting story and a good read. I enjoyed it.
March 18, 2020
A Book To Remember
This was such a wonderful but sad book. For people like me not living through The Great War or not old enough to remember World War 2, it was very thought provoking. I'm not going to say too much about this wonderful book except that I loved every person in the story. All events that happened regarding World War 2 were gripping and held my attention -I did not want to put the book down. Wonderful writing by the authors. I would like to see more like this book. It is highly recommended to be read by anyone wanting to learn about life and history.
This was such a wonderful but sad book. For people like me not living through The Great War or not old enough to remember World War 2, it was very thought provoking. I'm not going to say too much about this wonderful book except that I loved every person in the story. All events that happened regarding World War 2 were gripping and held my attention -I did not want to put the book down. Wonderful writing by the authors. I would like to see more like this book. It is highly recommended to be read by anyone wanting to learn about life and history.
December 8, 2019
Great story... not written the best
The story itself was enjoyable and I could see this really happening in war time England.
The book..to me... was filled with irrelevant information.. such as long winded dress decriptions.. so I found myself skipping parts to focus on the main story.
The story itself was enjoyable and I could see this really happening in war time England.
The book..to me... was filled with irrelevant information.. such as long winded dress decriptions.. so I found myself skipping parts to focus on the main story.
March 9, 2020
The Promise : A World 2 Historical Romance Novel
A very moving story of love , friendship and the human suffering brought on by war. Rosie was a dynamic character who was a common thread in the lives of three best friend. The historical World War 2 was the pivotal element in lives of its’ characters. Highly recommend this book.
A very moving story of love , friendship and the human suffering brought on by war. Rosie was a dynamic character who was a common thread in the lives of three best friend. The historical World War 2 was the pivotal element in lives of its’ characters. Highly recommend this book.
October 22, 2019
The book touched on a lot of insecurities, unknowns, and problems at this time in history. It was a very well balanced book. I find the people of that are to be very brave and so human. I would recommend this book.
January 29, 2020
I Promise You’ll Love It
What a wonderful novel! I grew to love each character & could just picture them. I would gladly recommend this book to friends.
Colorado Jim’s wife, Glenna.
What a wonderful novel! I grew to love each character & could just picture them. I would gladly recommend this book to friends.
Colorado Jim’s wife, Glenna.
June 2, 2020
Just finished reading the Promise. It is a gripping love and WWII story that is filled with love, fear,loyalty and resolution. So much emotion that one does not want to
put the book down. Would recommend this book to everyone...the story will stay with me for some time to come...
put the book down. Would recommend this book to everyone...the story will stay with me for some time to come...
November 24, 2019
Good Story
This book is more romance than battles. The heroine is different, mostly immature and fickle. Parts of the story seem unrealistic.
This book is more romance than battles. The heroine is different, mostly immature and fickle. Parts of the story seem unrealistic.
September 20, 2021
Will Aarons could just about make out the beaches of Normandy. As his ship approached, he already could see the billowing smoke; his first glimpse of the battlefield.
Yet in The Promise by Kathleen Harryman and Lucy Marshall, while the allied troops prepare for D-Day in one of World War II’s defining moments, the real battlegrounds are back in Whitby, England, where a cast of noble characters wages internal battles of the heart that are just as precarious.
Will Aarons, Jimmy Chappell and Rose Elliott are fast friends in the quaint village of Whitby. Jimmy loves Rose but understands that his love is unrequited because Rose loves Will. Jimmy responds to this regrettable situation with humility and class. In fact, when the two men join the military, Jimmy promises Rose that he will bring Will back to her safely. Rose, displeased as the two men volunteer for service, does not make their departure easy.
There is a fourth, more distant friend in the mix: the quiet Tom Armitage, a loner and farmer who, by his vocation, is exempt from military service. He volunteers anyway with his two friends, seeking a certain freedom from the farm since the suicide of his father. Alas, he is not accepted.
When a German fighter plane injures Tom on his farm, he is taken to the makeshift convalescent home where Rose works during the war. Fate and circumstance bring the two together again in a complex relationship that goes far beyond friendship.
While trying to sort out the love triangles and quadrangles, other fascinating relationships materialize on the home front. Most notably, Will’s sister Betty falls in love with a doctor with a past, and Jimmy’s mother with a sergeant returning from combat.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL BATTLES
The authors deftly bring you inside the heads of their characters, describing their thoughts, feelings and the conflicting decisions they face.
The writing is descriptive and poignant. For example, when Jimmy realizes that Rose is in love with Will, Rose internalizes the former’s torture: “I watched as he looked from Will to me. Saw the hurt that briefly fell across his face. In that moment, realization hit him … I looked away, unable to bear the pain so clear in his blue eyes … Despite the fact that his own heart hurt, there was something that told me he would always love me … He nodded at me, as though my thoughts had imprinted themselves upon him.”
The individual struggles haunting the residents of Whitby naturally don’t hold a candle to the trauma of battle. This juxtaposition especially succeeds when an injured, blind soldier advises Betty to go after the person she loves before she runs out of time: “When you’re laid in the dirt with a rifle in your hands, shooting at your enemy while your friends and comrades are dying all around you, it can put life in perspective quickly.”
That sober perspective on war is never lost in The Promise, as scenes shift to soldiers’ holes in the sand fighting for victory and survival on the beaches of Normandy. How that trauma shapes the various relationships is sincerely profound, to the point of moving readers to tears.
The Promise, a beautiful historical romance, frequently delves deeply into the human condition while orchestrating situations and emotions in an elegant fashion. As someone once said, “There is no glory to be found in war.” Yet, as Harryman and Marshall show us, there is much to contemplate in the written words surrounding it.
Yet in The Promise by Kathleen Harryman and Lucy Marshall, while the allied troops prepare for D-Day in one of World War II’s defining moments, the real battlegrounds are back in Whitby, England, where a cast of noble characters wages internal battles of the heart that are just as precarious.
Will Aarons, Jimmy Chappell and Rose Elliott are fast friends in the quaint village of Whitby. Jimmy loves Rose but understands that his love is unrequited because Rose loves Will. Jimmy responds to this regrettable situation with humility and class. In fact, when the two men join the military, Jimmy promises Rose that he will bring Will back to her safely. Rose, displeased as the two men volunteer for service, does not make their departure easy.
There is a fourth, more distant friend in the mix: the quiet Tom Armitage, a loner and farmer who, by his vocation, is exempt from military service. He volunteers anyway with his two friends, seeking a certain freedom from the farm since the suicide of his father. Alas, he is not accepted.
When a German fighter plane injures Tom on his farm, he is taken to the makeshift convalescent home where Rose works during the war. Fate and circumstance bring the two together again in a complex relationship that goes far beyond friendship.
While trying to sort out the love triangles and quadrangles, other fascinating relationships materialize on the home front. Most notably, Will’s sister Betty falls in love with a doctor with a past, and Jimmy’s mother with a sergeant returning from combat.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL BATTLES
The authors deftly bring you inside the heads of their characters, describing their thoughts, feelings and the conflicting decisions they face.
The writing is descriptive and poignant. For example, when Jimmy realizes that Rose is in love with Will, Rose internalizes the former’s torture: “I watched as he looked from Will to me. Saw the hurt that briefly fell across his face. In that moment, realization hit him … I looked away, unable to bear the pain so clear in his blue eyes … Despite the fact that his own heart hurt, there was something that told me he would always love me … He nodded at me, as though my thoughts had imprinted themselves upon him.”
The individual struggles haunting the residents of Whitby naturally don’t hold a candle to the trauma of battle. This juxtaposition especially succeeds when an injured, blind soldier advises Betty to go after the person she loves before she runs out of time: “When you’re laid in the dirt with a rifle in your hands, shooting at your enemy while your friends and comrades are dying all around you, it can put life in perspective quickly.”
That sober perspective on war is never lost in The Promise, as scenes shift to soldiers’ holes in the sand fighting for victory and survival on the beaches of Normandy. How that trauma shapes the various relationships is sincerely profound, to the point of moving readers to tears.
The Promise, a beautiful historical romance, frequently delves deeply into the human condition while orchestrating situations and emotions in an elegant fashion. As someone once said, “There is no glory to be found in war.” Yet, as Harryman and Marshall show us, there is much to contemplate in the written words surrounding it.
May 19, 2024
Kathleen Harryman and Lucy Marshall write "The Promise," a deeply moving story set against the turbulent backdrop of World War II. The story begins in September 1939, when Britain is gripped by the fear and uncertainty of an impending war. The story follows Tom Armitage, Rosie Elliot, Will Aarons, and Jimmy Chappell, whose lives are intertwined and dramatically altered by the global conflict.
Tom Armitage, seeking freedom, and Rosie Elliot, watching her future unravel as Will Aarons and Jimmy Chappell leave Whitby to fight, are at the heart of this moving novel. Rosie's transformation from a carefree girl to a dedicated worker at The Turnstone Convalescent Home exemplifies the profound effects of war. Her initial anger and sense of loss give way to resilience and newfound love, forcing her to reconsider her definitions of love and strength.
The authors excel at depicting their characters' emotional depth and complexity, capturing the essence of wartime Britain in vivid detail. The themes of sacrifice, courage, and the redefinition of love are all treated with sensitivity and insight. The narrative's progression, from Rosie's initial despair to her ultimate growth, is authentic, drawing readers into the characters' emotional and physical struggles. "The Promise" is more than a war story; it is also a celebration of life and love in the midst of chaos. The brutality of war is depicted with harsh realism, but the authors also emphasize moments of profound beauty and human connection. The depiction of Rosie's evolving relationships, particularly her unexpected friendship and subsequent romance, reinforces the novel's message of hope and resilience.
This captivating work of historical fiction is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It's a brilliantly written story that will leave readers thinking about the effects of war on individual lives and the enduring power of love and friendship. I read "The Promise" over one weekend, unable to put it down as the story progressed towards its bittersweet conclusion. Five well-deserved stars for this incredible journey.
Tom Armitage, seeking freedom, and Rosie Elliot, watching her future unravel as Will Aarons and Jimmy Chappell leave Whitby to fight, are at the heart of this moving novel. Rosie's transformation from a carefree girl to a dedicated worker at The Turnstone Convalescent Home exemplifies the profound effects of war. Her initial anger and sense of loss give way to resilience and newfound love, forcing her to reconsider her definitions of love and strength.
The authors excel at depicting their characters' emotional depth and complexity, capturing the essence of wartime Britain in vivid detail. The themes of sacrifice, courage, and the redefinition of love are all treated with sensitivity and insight. The narrative's progression, from Rosie's initial despair to her ultimate growth, is authentic, drawing readers into the characters' emotional and physical struggles. "The Promise" is more than a war story; it is also a celebration of life and love in the midst of chaos. The brutality of war is depicted with harsh realism, but the authors also emphasize moments of profound beauty and human connection. The depiction of Rosie's evolving relationships, particularly her unexpected friendship and subsequent romance, reinforces the novel's message of hope and resilience.
This captivating work of historical fiction is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It's a brilliantly written story that will leave readers thinking about the effects of war on individual lives and the enduring power of love and friendship. I read "The Promise" over one weekend, unable to put it down as the story progressed towards its bittersweet conclusion. Five well-deserved stars for this incredible journey.
November 17, 2022
The Promise is set against the background of World War II starting with the invasion of Poland. The author has beautifully interposed real life incidents with the lives of the characters in the book, including the Normandy invasion.
The Promise is actually a story of love- three boys in love with one girl. And one of them makes a promise to send the other back from the war, to her no matter what.
Rosie, heart of heart knows that she is always destined to be with Will, but while he is away , fighting the war and writing her love letters which never actually get sent she has no qualms giving her love to Tommy, another friend. Why? For the simple reason he is there and Will is not. Rosie comes across as an essentially selfish character who mostly puts herself first, a bit like a spoiled child in the vein of Scarlett O Hara. You don't really like her but you don't hate her either. She is so earnest and honest about her feelings.
The Promise is a beautiful book for the spirit with which it touches upon the lives of its characters revealing their loves, their fears and casting light on their actions, however illogical it may seem at times- all set against the backdrop of Word War II. My only regret is while the book is centred on the promise made by a young man, the young man concerned is never really a main character but always strong and silent in the background. But perhaps that's is the nature of promise makers. They are not ones for the limelight but instead prefer to thrive in the shadows watching and waiting for that moment when they will have to uphold their promise.
The Promise is actually a story of love- three boys in love with one girl. And one of them makes a promise to send the other back from the war, to her no matter what.
Rosie, heart of heart knows that she is always destined to be with Will, but while he is away , fighting the war and writing her love letters which never actually get sent she has no qualms giving her love to Tommy, another friend. Why? For the simple reason he is there and Will is not. Rosie comes across as an essentially selfish character who mostly puts herself first, a bit like a spoiled child in the vein of Scarlett O Hara. You don't really like her but you don't hate her either. She is so earnest and honest about her feelings.
The Promise is a beautiful book for the spirit with which it touches upon the lives of its characters revealing their loves, their fears and casting light on their actions, however illogical it may seem at times- all set against the backdrop of Word War II. My only regret is while the book is centred on the promise made by a young man, the young man concerned is never really a main character but always strong and silent in the background. But perhaps that's is the nature of promise makers. They are not ones for the limelight but instead prefer to thrive in the shadows watching and waiting for that moment when they will have to uphold their promise.
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