Cross My Heart

by Pamela Cook

When a promise kept means a life is broken...a haunting story of guilt, redemption and friendship that will have you turning pages well past bed-time.

When a promise kept means a life is broken ...

Tessa De Santis's child-free marriage in inner-city Sydney is ordered and comfortable, and she likes it that way.

When tragedy strikes and her childhood friend Skye Whittaker dies, Tess is bound to honour a promise to become foster-mother to Skye's ten-year-old daughter, Grace, throwing her life upside down.

Leaving her husband and work-driven life behind, Tess travels to an isolated property where the realities of her friend's life - and death - hit hard. The idyllic landscape and an unexpected form of therapy ease her fears, and her relationship with Grace begins to blossom.

But a secret from her earlier life with Skye refuses to remain hidden, and Tess is forced into a decision that will either right the wrongs of the past, or completely destroy her future.

Cross My Heart is a haunting story of guilt, redemption and friendship set in the beautiful central west of New South Wales.

Genres: Contemporary, Womens Fiction

342 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2019

About the author

Pamela Cook is the author of five page-turning women’s fiction novels. Her stories feature flawed but strong women, tangled family relationships and deal with the complications of life. Her most recent novel, Cross My Heart (September 2019) is a haunting story of friendship, guilt and redemption set in the beautiful central west of New South Wales. Pamela's previous novels are Blackwattle Lake (2012) Essie’s Way (2013), Close To Home (2015) and The Crossroads (2016). Pamela is the co-host of the exciting new podcasts Writes4Women and Writes4Festivals, and is proud to be a Writer Ambassador for Room To Read, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes literacy and gender equality in developing countries. When she’s not writing, reading or podcasting she wastes as much time as possible riding her handsome quarter horses, Morocco and Rio.


She loves to connect with readers both in person and online:

www.pamelacook.com.au
www.facebook.com/PamelaCookAuthor
www.writes4women.com
Twitter @PamelaCookAU
Instagram @pamelacookwrites and @w4wpodcast

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional; outstanding! Cross My Heart by Aussie author Pamela Cook goes straight onto my favourites list for 2019!

Tess and Josh had been married for five years and lived the high life in Sydney, both career oriented and working long days. Tess had arrived home from Los Angeles where she’d been for work when she found the letter which would change her life forever. Tess’ best friend from school days was dead, her ten-year-old daughter Grace an orphan. But it was the promise that Tess had made to Skye when Grace had been born that was sending chills down her spine. Tess was Grace’s legal guardian; Tess who had no children; Tess and Josh who didn’t want children to disturb the lives they lived…

With the advice from a psychologist friend ringing in Tess’ ears, she and Grace left Sydney and headed for the only home Grace had known. Leaving her business in the reliable hands of her 2IC and a disgruntled Josh to head for his overseas commitment, Tess’ jitters and uncertainty accompanied them the whole way, through the Blue Mountains and on to the small town of Weerilla, where they found the isolated cottage that had been Skye and Grace’s home. But would returning home help Grace through her grief? Would it enable Tess and Grace to bond; to form a friendship – a relationship of sorts?

Cross My Heart is an emotional, heart wrenching but uplifting novel on grief, friendship, love, secrets and commitment that I dare anyone to read and not have a lump in their throat and tears in their eyes! Pamela Cook’s first 4 books (which I’ve loved) were in the rural category and Cross My Heart is a contemporary novel which she has mastered with ease. A fabulous read which I have no hesitation in recommending highly.

With thanks to the author for my signed ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

First two words that comes to mind when I think of this book is heartwarming and heart wrenching. This is an outstanding book that will oat certainly pull at the heart strings.

When Tessa finds out about the passing of her friend, Skye she is upset and shocked. But what happens next takes Tessa by complete surprise and she must make a decision that will effect her and her husbands lives forever.

Aussie author Pamela Cook has done a sensational job in writing this magnificent story which I loved. Highly recommended.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr

Cross My Heart by Pamela Cook. (2019).

Tessa is living a married and child-free life in Sydney when she receives the news that her childhood friend Skye has died. It's time for Tessa to honour her promise to become foster-mother to Skye's 10 year old daughter, Grace. To reduce Grace's trauma, Tess leaves her husband and successful career behind to live in Skye's isolated home and build a relationship with Grace. But there is a secret from her earlier life with Skye that refuses to stay hidden, especially when Tess starts a unique form of therapy with Grace. Tess needs to make a decision on how to deal with that secret...

This is quite an intense story in the context of being very emotional and heartbreaking. However it is also beautiful, particularly the relationship growth between Tess and Grace. I loved Grace; she was a really amazing, quirky little girl who was dealing with the loss of her mother while also having someone she didn't really know step into her carer role. I really liked Tess as well and when the secret involving her and Skye was revealed it was horrifying to imagine. I found the animal therapy with horses fascinating, I liked how the story delved into that. Please be aware that there are some issues discussed throughout this story that could be triggers for some readers.
I would very happily recommend this emotionally compelling story that will make you grateful to have your loved ones in your life.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure where to start, this book has left me speechless, it is a beautifully written story of true friendship that lasts forever even without seeing each other, friends since primary school Tess and Skye share a secret and a promise that will one day find redemption and release for Tess, and don’t read this one without a box of tissues very handy.

Tessa De Santis is thirty five now married to Josh and is a successful business woman, they have decided that children are not for them and she is very happy with her life in the inner city of Sydney, that is until a letter arrives from Family and Community Services informing her of the death of her best friend Skye Whittaker and that she is now the legal guardian of Skye’s ten year old daughter Grace, life as Tess knows it is going to be turned upside down.

When Grace arrives withdrawn and sad, Tess leaves the City and her husband to take Grace home to the small country property hoping that this will help Grace, but here Tess finds some paperwork that will bring back memories, secrets and promises that have been tucked away in her mind for twenty years. Doing her best to help Grace she takes her to an equine farm spending time with horses is supposedly good for her, but in the long run it helps them both.

This story had me turning the pages it is heart-wrenchingly beautiful, the story of a mother who does everything to protect her daughter and trusts in the friendship that has lasted for many years to continue to protect Grace, the tears flowed often but there were many happy moments as well. I loved that Tess finally opened to what had happened the strength and courage that she showed had me cheering her on, and Grace what a beautiful child, there are many great characters in this story that add to it so much. I do highly recommend this story, it is one that will stay with me for a long time to come, thank you MS Cook I truly loved this one and I do hope that I have done it justice.

[Jenn J McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela Cook’s much-anticipated new novel is right up my country alley!!! The small-town setting (which I love) is offset perfectly with a touch of mystery, that includes a slightly moodier/darker theme to make Cross My Heart an irresistible combination.

Contemporary fiction masterfully told and with authentic and relatable characters, Cross My Heart is a beautiful story about mothers, daughters and friendship.

As a writer, she’s consistently good, but this Pamela Cook read comes with a little twist.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

4.5 stars

‘And yet, for her it seemed almost like a gift. A second chance at getting things right. Whatever it was, she couldn’t let Skye down again.’

Cross My Heart is the latest release by established Australian rural fiction author Pamela Cook, and it signifies Cook’s first venture into the field of contemporary women’s fiction. Cross My Heart is a story of promises, friendship, sacrifice, recovery and atonement.

Career focused Tess De Santis finds her life irrevocably changed when she returns home after an overseas work trip to the news that her childhood best friend has passed away. Although Tess hasn’t seen Skye for over five years, she mourns the loss of her oldest friend. Tess is confronted with the reality that Skye left her estate and her only child in her care. Taking on the care of a ten year old child was never in Tess’s life plan, but she feels she cannot ignore a promise she made all those years ago. Tess decides to put her new foster daughter’s needs ahead of her own, and she abandons her job, as well as her unhelpful husband for the country – Grace’s former home. In Weerilla, Tess is confronted with the harsh reality of her friend’s struggles. She is also dealing with her own grief, and trying to support Grace. Together, the two begin to make tentative steps towards a relationship. The healing power of the landscape, along with an alternative form of therapy proves to be the tonic both Tess and Grace need. As Grace and Tess try to overcome the shock of losing a mother and a friend, a secret from Skye’s past surfaces. Tess must do all she can to protect Grace from harm, while at the same time she is compelled to seek justice for past wrongs.

Pamela Cook has been one of my go-to authors in the rural fiction genre since I read her debut novel, Blackwattle Lake. It is fabulous to see Pamela surge ahead with her writing and delve into the world of contemporary women’s fiction. Cook doesn’t stray too far from her rural roots, in Cross My Heart we see the bulk of the story set in a small country township, around four hours away from Sydney. We also see Cook delve into a unique form of equine therapy in one of the storylines of this novel. I know Cook has a passion for horses and she channels this into her latest piece of fiction.

I was really absorbed in this story from the onset. It is an emotional but moving tale, that carefully considers life’s unexpected turns, accepting responsibility, altering your purpose in life and learning to love in different ways. Cross My Heart is a book that delves into the psyche of relationships. It pulls apart the complexities of a tenuous mother/daughter relationship, a marriage under strain from differing ideals, the regret of a lost friendship, the formation of new attachments and the bond between a parent and a fostered child. In every single relationship highlighted in this novel Cook is considerate of the emotional strains placed on each of these bonds. The emotions and experiences of characters are realistic, as well as relatable. At many times I felt my heart sink in my chest for the protagonists of Cross My Heart, they certainly went through quite an emotional upheaval. However, I promise there are flashes of light and hope in this tender story.

Rural settings are Pamela Cook’s forte and she again showcases the beauty of country based Australia in Cross My Heart. Although the story begins in the city, it soon travels into the depths of the countryside. The small rural township of Weerilla, around four hours drive from Sydney, forms the appealing backdrop for Tess and Grace’s recovery process. Cook introduces the wonderful character of Jules to the mix through this small town setting. I really appreciated the art based sequences and the soothing healing power Jules carried with her each time she entered the pages of this novel. It was a nice touch.

There is a nice blend of mystery and suspense in Cross my Heart. The initial confusion over Skye’s death adds an early serving of mystery to the book. When Tess receives Skye’s coroner’s report she is unsatisfied with the findings, and she sets about to uncover what really happened to her friend. It is a process that proves to be uncomfortable and difficult. It also becomes dangerous as Tess delves deeper into her friend’s demise. Cook’s treatment of this issue is incredibly mindful and factual. Included in the back of the novel is a helpline and online support point for those who have been affected by family violence, domestic abuse, or sexual assault. This book may provide a sense of support, understanding or encouragement to seek help.

Cross My Heart is a story of grief and loss. Cook pays particular attention to grief experienced by a child mourning the loss of her only parent. Skye and Grace only had each other, so when Skye passes away, Grace becomes an orphan. Pamela Cook is insightful and sensitive in her approach to child based grief. Within this thread, Cook examines the psychosis of a child experiencing the loss of her mother. She reveals the impact on the behaviour and the emotions experienced by Grace, which at times was misunderstood by some adults. I thought Cook did a very good job of portraying the feelings of child experiencing loss.

A side thread involving equine assisted therapy forms another significant part of Cross My Heart. I found these sequences to be informative and enlightening. It also opened my eyes up to a very different form of grief and loss assistance. The bond between a human and horse can be very powerful in helping to overcome hard times, which is directly witnessed in this book. Both Tess and Grace feel the impact of this alternative form of therapy, it challenges them, but also changes them. Tess and Grace come out of this experience with a renewed appreciation for life, a greater sense of resiliency and inner strength. It was a joy to oversee this process.

Cross My Heart is a powerful and emotional story that reminds us of the need to cultivate our friendships, tend to our beliefs, stand up for what is right and take each day as gift – as life is precious. Pamela Cook has successfully made the transition to compelling women’s contemporary fiction with Cross My Heart.

*I wish to thank the author, Pamela Cook, for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

Cross My Heart is book #128 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge

[Theresa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not being a reader of rural fiction, I hadn’t previously read any of Pamela Cook’s novels. If Cross My Heart is anything to go by, then this might just be an oversight on my part. In this moving story, Pamela reminds us of the fragility of children and the elasticity of friendship.

I found this novel profoundly moving and despite the sadness that this story is built upon, surprisingly heartwarming and life affirming. Dealing with trauma is difficult, but when you’re navigating your way through it with a child you barely know, then a whole different set of rules is required. What I loved most about this novel was the very human element, the realistic way in which the characters responded to events and situations. It was instinctive, and as such, leant great credibility to the story itself.

I am particularly fond of novels that feature horses and their ability to assist with helping people, so I was very engaged with this aspect of the story and impressed with the knowledge of these practices that was infused into the narrative. I felt the trauma revealed within the latter part of the story was handled with sensitivity and despite the distressing nature of it, Pamela’s treatment of this topic meant that I was not distressed while reading it. I really appreciate this because I find at times that there is a tendency for authors to employ the ‘shock value’ technique when dealing with difficult issues. Personally, I favour novels that choose the more sensitive path, which in my opinion, can often have greater impact, as is the case here.

Cross My Heart is a novel that I will happily recommend to all readers. I have certainly added Pamela Cook to my list of authors to follow and read from here on in. This one kept me up late and reading while on the go – one of ‘those’ novels, you know, the one we can’t put down.

Thanks is extended to the author for providing me with a copy of Cross My Heart for review.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cross My Heart is a moving story of friendship, grief, and redemption set largely in a small country town, west of The Blue Mountains in the middle of NSW, from Australian author, Pamela Cook.

When Tessa De Santis learns of the death of her childhood best friend, she is reminded of the long ago vow she made to care for Skye’s daughter, Grace, should anything ever happen to her. Tessa, whose lifestyle with her husband is not conducive to motherhood, is reluctant to take custody of the ten year old, but feels compelled to honour her promise. Grace is traumatised by the loss of her mother, and overwhelmed by her new circumstances refuses to speak, so on the advice of a child psychologist, Tessa takes Grace back home in hopes that the familiar will be of comfort.

Cook’s characterisation in Cross My Heart is thoughtful and authentic. Tess is a woman who has unexpectedly found herself caring for a troubled child, and flounders somewhat under the weight of the sudden responsibly. Grace is grieving the loss of her mother, and wary of Tess who is a virtual stranger. The development of their relationship is realistic and moving as they both struggle with their new circumstances.

As Grace confronts her turbulent emotions in an equine therapy program, Tessa’s own emotional equilibrium is tested by a series of flashbacks. Nearly twenty years previously Tess and Skye were victims of a predator, and between Skye’s death, a suspected suicide, and living among her things, memories Tess thought she had buried are resurfacing. Cook’s treatment of this issue is sensitive and honest, and the author uses it to add an unexpected element of suspense to the story.

A heartfelt, thoughtful, and ultimately uplifting story, Cross My Heart is beautifully written, and I’m pleased to recommend it to readers of contemporary women’s fiction.

[Vanessa]

A beautifully written, compelling and heartwarming story. I truly enjoyed this one!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, heartwarming story that I devoured in one day.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding emotional story, heartbreaking yet compelling. Having just finished reading, I am unable to do the story justice with my review. I have read an earlier review by a reader and those words are exactly how I feel about this book. I loved reading it and thank you so much Pamela Cook, your story is a stunner!

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross My Heart is a heart-warming, compelling novel about friendship, memory and grief that will tug at your emotions on every page. Beautifully written, Pamela's style is effortless which makes for easy reading and the story is one that will have you unable to put it down.
I loved the small-town setting that Pamela describes with gorgeous imagery, making you feel as if you could close your eyes and be there in an instant.
Pamela has crafted beautifully flawed characters, especially Tess who we see wrench with her emotions and feelings throughout the novel. And of course, ten-year-old Grace whose story will move you in so many ways.
The dark issues in the book are handled with a delicate sensitivity that allows you to breathe, without weighing the story down.
Cross My Heart is a beautiful novel that will keep you turning the pages and feeling all the feels. One of my favourites of 2019.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B22vVKrA5...

[Cheryl Rosario · Rating 5 out of 5]

The layers and plots weaved into this masterpiece was both inspiring and confronting at times. The many struggles of Tess's life were so beautifully dealt with and intriguing to understand how we must be ready to challenge ourselves and our past.
Hiding behind a wall of pain and secrets inevitably effects victims and their relationships. It was essential that those challenges be dealt with for both Tessa and Grace to move forward in life. Pamela Cook addressed these battles with honesty and respect. Highly recommend this novel. Well done for this gem.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross My Heart is Pamela Cooks first foray into Womens Fiction - and what a book this is!
Tessa is a business woman who lives in Sydney with her high flying husband Josh - its all about work, socializing and no children. She has lost touch with her childhood friend Skye, but when Skye is found dead by her ten year old daughter Grace at home in the country, Tessa is reminded of the promise she made to Skye that if anything ever happened to her that Tessa would look after Grace

This is a huge shock to Tessa, but she is committed to fulfill her promise and collects Grace from her foster house and returns to Grace's home to sort things out. Meanwhile, Josh buries himself in his work as this was not part of his plan at all.

Grace is severely traumatized by her mother's death and has refused to speak. Tessa tries to bring her out of her grief but it is equine therapy and horses that eventually helps Grace to cope. During this time Tessa re-discovers secrets about Skye's life - and her own - that have been banished to the back of her mind until something triggers them.

This novel covers a number of issues including death, domestic violence, friendship, small town situations and the love of animals. The situations depicted were realistic and you could imagine that these could easily happen to someone you may know - the ingredients of a great book.

I've been a fan of Pamela's previous Rural Fiction books, but this book is a whole new level and I can't wait to see what her future titles hold. Well done Pamela.

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional heart-warming and beautiful story about being honest and finding your best true self. It’s engrossing from the first page and so captivating you won’t want to stop until you turn the last page. Loved it

[Laura Boon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promises and Past Secrets from Australia’s answer to Jodi Picoult

Pamela Cook’s fifth novel is her best yet, blending psychological suspense with the real life problems women encounter daily. I was hooked from the opening line, “Even now, the click of a closing door could make her flinch.” Tess’s marriage is trundling along, and she ignores the uncomfortable feelings she has about it, just as she ignores her mother’s ongoing pleas for grandchildren. Then, the best friend she hasn’t seen for eight years dies, and she finds herself guardian to Grace, a scared and lonely ten-year-old who refuses to talk. As Tess tries to help Grace and understand what happened to Skye, her past pushes up from the safe, dark corner of her mind where she banished it. As past and present collide, secrets are exposed, and she must fight for Grace’s sanity - and her own.
Beautifully written, this women's fiction novel explores the unique bonds of female friendship and the vulnerability, and resilience, of women, fighting for happiness and fulfilment. I cried, but I also came away with a sense of hope.

[Michelle Barraclough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book by accomplished author Pamela Cook is a compelling, suspenseful story that is also a beautiful exploration of grief and friendship.

This novel has a definite 'domestic suspense' feel to it but is also driven by two compelling characters in Tess and her foster child Grace. Apart from the intriguing plot, I loved watching the relationship between Tess and Grace develop. Pamela handles their interactions so realistically, I really felt for both characters and the awkward, sad but ultimately uplifiting situation in which they found themselves.

The equine therapy angle was fascinating. Even though I don’t know that much about horses, I found Pamela's description of the therapy so interesting (and in the hands of a good writer, described in just the right amount of detail.)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cross My Heart and, in fact, read the whole second half in one sitting to find out what happens!

[Lynette Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

quite a gripping story about how a sexual assault that happens when they were young affect the lives of two friends in later life --hard to put down until the end

[Monique Mulligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been listening to Pamela Cook on the Writes4Women podcast for months, but this is the first book of hers I've read. And I think I've missed out, because Cross My Heart is a terrific read, with its small-town setting, on-point characterisation, and heartfelt premise. When Tess is made guardian of her late childhood friend's ten-year-old daughter, Grace, she knows there are sacrifices and hardships ahead. But most important to her is Grace's wellbeing, and together they embark on a journey that brings challenge, direction, hope, and answers.

What follows is a warmly engaging story of relationships in all their complexities, with plenty of light in the dark, and laughter among the tears. Skilled writing and a memorable story tells me Cook is an author to add to your contemporary fiction must-read list.  

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another heartwarming, fantastic and beautifully written story by the gorgeous and talented Pamela Cook. I really adored the characters and the books themes of lasting friendships and relationships between mothers and daughters. A MUST read!!

[Freya Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special book... a special story. Pamela’s new book is one that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. Beautifully written it is worthy of 6 stars

[Certified Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross My Heart is the first women’s fiction novel from beloved Australian author, Pamela Cook. It is the life changing, heart warming, journey of Tessa De Santis as she transitions from inner city chic to motherhood. Through the protagonist, Cook explores fostering, sexual abuse, marriage and friendship with a light, sensitive touch.

Tessa is living the dream life. Happily married to Josh and child free, they have embraced their lifestyle in Surry Hills. Career driven, the couple travel separately around the world for their job. Now, five years into their marriage, Tessa is feeling the distance open up between them. It was interesting to note that it was Tessa who noticed the problems after such a short time, while Josh was oblivious, leaving me feeling sorry for her. If circumstances hadn’t changed, they may still have been able to save their marriage in the long run as they were still well suited to one another at this point.

When a letter arrives informing Tessa that her friend, Skye, has died, Tessa is forced to question everything she holds dear. For many years ago, Tessa made a promise to Skye….Skye asked Tessa to look after her daughter, Grace, in the event that anything happens to her. With a secret that bound them together and no family for Skye to turn to, Tessa said yes. While I could guess at some of the secret, Cook keeps the finer details hidden from readers for much of the book. When the whole truth is revealed, it is horrifying and devastating for everyone. It really helped me to understand why Tessa made the promise she did when they were young girls.

Now the time has come for Tessa to step up and become a foster mother to ten year old Grace. While Tessa feels that she cannot let Skye and Grace down, Josh does not feel the same. He loves his child free existence too much to give it up for a child he doesn’t know, putting Tessa in a difficult position. Staying unbiased, Cook clearly shows readers both sides of the argument, a no win situation. To help Josh get used to the idea of being a foster parent, Grace moves into the couples Surry Hills home. With Grace barely speaking since her mother’s passing, it quickly becomes evident that this isn’t working.

To help Grace, the two females move into Grace’s isolated family home in New South Wales. With no buffers, the tension could be cut with a knife. Tessa constantly feels like she is failing Grace and Grace is reacting the only way she knows how. I admire Tessa for taking on such a huge responsibility. There were many moments when other people, myself included, would have given up. Through her actions and words, Tessa shows that she is a loyal woman with a big heart who doesn’t quit when things are tough. Turning to horse therapy is one way that Tessa tries to help Grace. I enjoyed reading this as Cook provides an easy, yet fascinating explanation, on how it works. Will it be enough though?

In the middle of nowhere, Tessa will learn what she is made of and how far she will go for the daughter of her friend.

Cross My Heart is the perfect introduction for new readers to Pamela Heart and another heart warming read for dedicated fans.

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess promised her friend Skye many years ago that she would look after her daughter Grace in the event something happened to her. It was the type of promise people make thinking they would not have to honour it.

So when Skye dies Tess finds herself in a predicament. Her husband never wanted children and she (more or less) agreed she didn’t either. But Grace is in temporary care and has no known family members able to care for her.

Tess acquiesces and finds herself in unfamiliar territory. Her relationship in limbo, she heads off to rural NSW to take Grace home, to farewell her mother. Tess hopes to connect with Grace in some way as the little girl seems just outside her reach and receives advice from a friend in relation to an alternate kind of therapy.

Slowly Tess gets a glimpse of Skye’s life and why she chose to live in isolation with her daughter. Tess acknowledges events from her own teenage years and discovers information Skye has kept hidden that places Tess and Grace at risk. Tess’ struggles are chronicled as she navigates parenting a child whom she has not seen for nearly ten years who appears to have lost so much. We witness Tess’ commitment to provide Grace a safe and reparative environment, though Tess herself is learning to trust and love again.

This story contains sensitive themes of domestic and family violence, death, suicide and sexual abuse.

However, it’s also a story about a beautiful friendship, a sense of hope, and new beginnings. It’s an emotionally charged book about parenting, survival and love.

So thank you @pamela for providing me a gifted copy this book.

It’s a timely reminder that November is National Adoption Awareness Month. It’s a timely reminder that every child deserves a safe, secure and permanent home. Adoption is one of a number of possible long term permanency options for children in out of home care.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual abuse please contact support services through Health in your local area. In Australia Lifeline are also a great resource.

Let’s value our children and young people and keep them safe. Nothing is ever so bad that you can’t talk to someone about it.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I really enjoyed this book. I was not expecting it to broach the topics it did but it was handled in such a way that made it shocking, sad but also humbling. I am grateful for books written like this one as it can be the one thing that might encourage a person to seek help for problems in their own lives. It was not only believable but also well written so the flow of the story worked perfectly. This book was hard to put down and I highly recommend it to everyone.

[Grace Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not going to lie, I cried my heart out. One of the most moving books, it's makes you realise what people go through... This book will forever be one of my favourite regarding how emotional it makes you feel and how you can really feel the emotions.. Definitely recommend.

[BookRelish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest novel from Pamela Cook is a real page-turner packed with emotion from start to finish, a haunting story about the power of a promise to change the course of lives. When Tessa de Santis’s friend SKye is found dead leaving behind a ten year old daughter, Tessa must choose between her marriage, her family and honouring a promise made to Skye a decade before. But Skye’s death re-opens old wounds and memories of another promise long ago. Set in NSW’s mid-west, this is a story of friendship, love, secrets and redemption written with the aura of a psychological thriller. The story occupied my mind long after I’d reached the conclusion.

[Bec Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read from Pamela Cook. I really enjoyed the story. It wasn’t too in depth with detail and I liked that when talking about such serious topics. The story flowed and was a quick read. Kept me interested until the end.
Thanks Pamela! I will be looking into your other books!

[Sue Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written book about a friendship and finding the courage to be yourself. Loved it!

[Sal Gallaher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story.
As a mother and lover of horses this book had me captivated from page one.
A perfect Christmas gift for anyone who loves a beautifully written story with a lot of heart.