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The Promise
The Promise is a moving novel of love and loss, by the Sunday Times bestseller Lucy Diamond.
When Patrick Sheppard suddenly and tragically dies, he leaves behind a family in pieces. Zoe has lost the love of her life. Ethan, Gabe and Beatrice have lost their larger-than-life dad. There’s a hole where Patrick should be and none of them can see a way forward.
For Patrick’s brother Dan, though: his mission is clear. He needs to help the Sheppards to find some sort of happy again, and he makes a promise to himself to try and come close to the man Patrick was. But as he immerses himself in the frantic school run, dishing up tea and sorting the bills, Dan begins to see he might not have known the man Patrick really was, underneath it all. His brother was keeping secrets.
Juggling his heartbroken family and the catastrophic truth that could break them all over again, Dan has to face what he’s been keeping from himself all this time: what really happened on the night that Patrick died.
When Patrick Sheppard suddenly and tragically dies, he leaves behind a family in pieces. Zoe has lost the love of her life. Ethan, Gabe and Beatrice have lost their larger-than-life dad. There’s a hole where Patrick should be and none of them can see a way forward.
For Patrick’s brother Dan, though: his mission is clear. He needs to help the Sheppards to find some sort of happy again, and he makes a promise to himself to try and come close to the man Patrick was. But as he immerses himself in the frantic school run, dishing up tea and sorting the bills, Dan begins to see he might not have known the man Patrick really was, underneath it all. His brother was keeping secrets.
Juggling his heartbroken family and the catastrophic truth that could break them all over again, Dan has to face what he’s been keeping from himself all this time: what really happened on the night that Patrick died.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2020
161 people are currently reading
1352 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Diamond
85 books1,444 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
First of all, a confession. My name isn’t really Lucy Diamond at all, it’s Sue Mongredien. I’ve used a pen name because ‘Diamond’ is a lot easier to spell and pronounce than ‘Mongredien’ and also because I’ve written lots of children’s books too and wanted to keep the genres separate. (There is actually another Lucy Diamond on Amazon who writes religious children’s books. That isn’t me, though.)
I was born in 1970 and grew up in Nottingham. I read English at Leeds University then moved to London and worked for various publishers before I packed it all in to go travelling around the world for a year and a half. When I came back to the UK, I worked in publishing again, then moved to the BBC. I now live in Bath with my husband and three young children and divide my time between writing and looking after them. You can have a look at my children’s books here.
Favourite things: beaches, holidays, chocolate, wine, reading, Green Wing, bubble baths, sunshine, hearing my children laugh, babysitters
Favourite books: The Magus (John Fowles), The Edible Woman (Margaret Atwood), The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Colour of Memory (Geoff Dyer)
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
First of all, a confession. My name isn’t really Lucy Diamond at all, it’s Sue Mongredien. I’ve used a pen name because ‘Diamond’ is a lot easier to spell and pronounce than ‘Mongredien’ and also because I’ve written lots of children’s books too and wanted to keep the genres separate. (There is actually another Lucy Diamond on Amazon who writes religious children’s books. That isn’t me, though.)
I was born in 1970 and grew up in Nottingham. I read English at Leeds University then moved to London and worked for various publishers before I packed it all in to go travelling around the world for a year and a half. When I came back to the UK, I worked in publishing again, then moved to the BBC. I now live in Bath with my husband and three young children and divide my time between writing and looking after them. You can have a look at my children’s books here.
Favourite things: beaches, holidays, chocolate, wine, reading, Green Wing, bubble baths, sunshine, hearing my children laugh, babysitters
Favourite books: The Magus (John Fowles), The Edible Woman (Margaret Atwood), The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Colour of Memory (Geoff Dyer)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
December 7, 2020
I am not an avid reader of Lucy Diamond’s books, but I am so glad I got the opportunity to read this as I really enjoyed this. It is a five-star read.
Dan’s brother Patrick dies suddenly after drowning in a river. Dan blames himself for his death as just before, they argued after a night out and they went their separate ways. Patrick never returned home. He leaves his wife Zoe, kids Ethan, Gabe and Bea. Zoe blames Dan for the death of her husband. So instead, over going on a 3 month overseas trip he tries to write his wrongs and fill the gap that Patrick left behind. He sets out a plan and promises Zoe that he will help with the kids and the family business. Patrick was a landlord for some properties, so Dan decides to check on them and helps with the accounts.
The Promise by Lucy Diamond is about love and loss and the aftermath after someone you love dies and getting over it. But also, secrets that they had, and you never know truly who one is until they are gone. You sometimes put someone high on a pedestal and they are different to what you think they are. Also, this is about death and grief, but this is not a depressing story. I was so engrossed by the story with the characters and the storyline I read it in a day. I loved it.
Dan’s brother Patrick dies suddenly after drowning in a river. Dan blames himself for his death as just before, they argued after a night out and they went their separate ways. Patrick never returned home. He leaves his wife Zoe, kids Ethan, Gabe and Bea. Zoe blames Dan for the death of her husband. So instead, over going on a 3 month overseas trip he tries to write his wrongs and fill the gap that Patrick left behind. He sets out a plan and promises Zoe that he will help with the kids and the family business. Patrick was a landlord for some properties, so Dan decides to check on them and helps with the accounts.
The Promise by Lucy Diamond is about love and loss and the aftermath after someone you love dies and getting over it. But also, secrets that they had, and you never know truly who one is until they are gone. You sometimes put someone high on a pedestal and they are different to what you think they are. Also, this is about death and grief, but this is not a depressing story. I was so engrossed by the story with the characters and the storyline I read it in a day. I loved it.
April 10, 2023
Two and a half stars.
Grief and guilt makes strange bedfellows for Zoe, Patrick’s wife, and Dan, Patrick’s brother, as they struggle to come to terms with Patrick’s sudden drowning death. Dan is determined to fill the gap, supporting Zoe and the three children, Ethan, Gabe and Bea. In the course of trying to sort out Patrick’s finances, Dan uncovers a huge secret. It makes him question so many things about his older brother, who everybody loved. Dan always felt inferior to Patrick both in the family and outside of it. Should he reveal what he finds out? What would it achieve? But is it even possible to keep the truth secret?
This started off okay and felt sympathy for both Zoe and Dan, but the longer it went on the less enamoured I became as it descended into soap opera. There are going to be people who love this book but for, me it was just an okay read.
Grief and guilt makes strange bedfellows for Zoe, Patrick’s wife, and Dan, Patrick’s brother, as they struggle to come to terms with Patrick’s sudden drowning death. Dan is determined to fill the gap, supporting Zoe and the three children, Ethan, Gabe and Bea. In the course of trying to sort out Patrick’s finances, Dan uncovers a huge secret. It makes him question so many things about his older brother, who everybody loved. Dan always felt inferior to Patrick both in the family and outside of it. Should he reveal what he finds out? What would it achieve? But is it even possible to keep the truth secret?
This started off okay and felt sympathy for both Zoe and Dan, but the longer it went on the less enamoured I became as it descended into soap opera. There are going to be people who love this book but for, me it was just an okay read.
August 12, 2021
Again, writing a review a month after reading a book isn't always helpful for me; my book memory is dodgy at the best of times.
This was an unusual book, for me. Patrick dies after a night out drinking with his brother Dan. Dan is suffering with tremendous guilt, and we see his widow and children left behind, trying to pick up the pieces.
Dan is trying to right his wrongs, and will do his best to support the family by keeping the family business afloat, and spend time with the children, which was something he didn't do a lot of prior to his brother's death.
Patrick's seemingly rosey character becomes clearer and clearer, and Dan grapples with his part in the death.
This had a neat ending, I was neither bowled over by this book nor disliked it. It was an okay read in the audio format. At the end I was left a tad deflated.
Perhaps it was a case of another very forgiving wife and a tie in a pretty bow ending.
This was an unusual book, for me. Patrick dies after a night out drinking with his brother Dan. Dan is suffering with tremendous guilt, and we see his widow and children left behind, trying to pick up the pieces.
Dan is trying to right his wrongs, and will do his best to support the family by keeping the family business afloat, and spend time with the children, which was something he didn't do a lot of prior to his brother's death.
Patrick's seemingly rosey character becomes clearer and clearer, and Dan grapples with his part in the death.
This had a neat ending, I was neither bowled over by this book nor disliked it. It was an okay read in the audio format. At the end I was left a tad deflated.
Perhaps it was a case of another very forgiving wife and a tie in a pretty bow ending.
December 2, 2020
Another winner from Lucy Diamond, I’ve read a lot of her books and I enjoy them so much. This one was slightly different from her usual upbeat approach but, it didn’t spoil things for me and I still found it a lovely read. Some readers might find this book a little depressing due to the subject matter but luckily I didn’t which is why I finished it so quickly. Once I started it, it grabbed hold of me and I couldn’t put it down. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 18, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
With sixteen novels and three novellas to her name, Lucy Diamond is a popular author in the field of women’s contemporary fiction. The Promise is a family drama, encompassing feelings of raw grief, shock loss, regret, atonement and love. A heartbreaking story coloured with moments of light and dark, The Promise is a rousing tale that fans of this bestselling author’s work will value.
The Promise opens with a heartbreaking family tragedy. When Patrick Sheppard passes away in unexpected circumstances, he leaves behind a loving family and a brother consumed by grief. Patrick’s brother Dan decides he must take charge of his late brother’s affairs following the shock loss of his sibling. Dan resolves to care for everything Patrick left behind, from his family, home and business affairs. But in promising to take care of Patrick’s affairs Dan comes face to face with a life altering secret that Patrick left behind. This revelation has a strong bearing on Patrick’s family and his wife. Dan must weigh up his options, should he reveal this secret to Patrick’s widow Zoe? Dan knows the knowledge he now has may break Zoe even further. This emotionally delicate family cannot deal with another blow, so can Dan keep Patrick’s secret under wraps?
There is no doubting the success and notoriety of UK author Lucy Diamond. With over 2.5 million books sold worldwide, Diamond is a household name. From memory I have read at least two books in the past by Diamond. Although I don’t consider myself a keen eyed reader of this author’s work, something about the blurb of The Promise did appeal to me. Overall, I was slightly torn by this one. In all honesty I had trouble connecting to the first part of the book, but the second half and the revealing epilogue did help redeem my final impression of The Promise.
Opening with a rather shocking incident, involving the tragic death of a family man, The Promise is contemporary fiction novel heavy in emotion and feeling. It was heartbreaking to put myself in poor Zoe’s shoes, the widow left behind when her husband is found dead a few days after he disappears one night. Diamond does a good job of relaying the feelings and responses of a family unit dealing with the unexpected loss of their beloved husband and father. In addition, Diamond looks at how Patrick’s loss is felt by his other close family circle which includes his brother Dan and his parents. Diamond also examines the impact that Patrick’s loss has on his friends and business relations. The mystery surrounding the exact circumstances of Patrick’s mysterious death is what implored me to continue reading this book, especially when I struggled with the earlier sequences of this story. I liked how Diamond chose to eke out the circumstances of Patrick’s death until the bitter end of the novel, this style of storytelling served to keep me connected to The Promise.
The Promise is told primarily from the viewpoint of Dan, Patrick’s brother. Although we do receive a strong insight into Patrick’s widow Zoe’s life and that of their children, it is Dan who is left to hold things together. I did admire Dan’s promise and list, it was rather endearing. Overall, Dan came across as a genuine good guy and I appreciated his efforts. I really wanted Dan to release his grief and sense of regret following his final moments with Patrick. I also had high hopes that Dan would find love. The romance element of the story didn’t quite work out as I expected, but I think it was a good angle to take. There is significant secret that Dan uncovers as he attempts to tidy up Patrick’s loose ends. Once this aspect became a part of the story, I think The Promise seemed to pick up a fair bit in terms of pace and overall interest level. The introduction of another shocking revelation in regards to Patrick’s life added a further level of intrigue to the tale at hand. Both Zoe and Dan learn that Patrick wasn’t the perfect husband, father or brother. It is tough lesson to learn for all parties, but it is painted with a strong amount of realism.
Despite some issues with the early stages of this novel, I am pleased that I persisted with The Promise. Lucy Diamond’s sixteenth release is a story of the delicate threads of family life, grief, shocking revelations, redemption, protection, unconditional support, unexpected love and small blessings. Contemporary fiction fans will absorb this title.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
3.5 stars
With sixteen novels and three novellas to her name, Lucy Diamond is a popular author in the field of women’s contemporary fiction. The Promise is a family drama, encompassing feelings of raw grief, shock loss, regret, atonement and love. A heartbreaking story coloured with moments of light and dark, The Promise is a rousing tale that fans of this bestselling author’s work will value.
The Promise opens with a heartbreaking family tragedy. When Patrick Sheppard passes away in unexpected circumstances, he leaves behind a loving family and a brother consumed by grief. Patrick’s brother Dan decides he must take charge of his late brother’s affairs following the shock loss of his sibling. Dan resolves to care for everything Patrick left behind, from his family, home and business affairs. But in promising to take care of Patrick’s affairs Dan comes face to face with a life altering secret that Patrick left behind. This revelation has a strong bearing on Patrick’s family and his wife. Dan must weigh up his options, should he reveal this secret to Patrick’s widow Zoe? Dan knows the knowledge he now has may break Zoe even further. This emotionally delicate family cannot deal with another blow, so can Dan keep Patrick’s secret under wraps?
There is no doubting the success and notoriety of UK author Lucy Diamond. With over 2.5 million books sold worldwide, Diamond is a household name. From memory I have read at least two books in the past by Diamond. Although I don’t consider myself a keen eyed reader of this author’s work, something about the blurb of The Promise did appeal to me. Overall, I was slightly torn by this one. In all honesty I had trouble connecting to the first part of the book, but the second half and the revealing epilogue did help redeem my final impression of The Promise.
Opening with a rather shocking incident, involving the tragic death of a family man, The Promise is contemporary fiction novel heavy in emotion and feeling. It was heartbreaking to put myself in poor Zoe’s shoes, the widow left behind when her husband is found dead a few days after he disappears one night. Diamond does a good job of relaying the feelings and responses of a family unit dealing with the unexpected loss of their beloved husband and father. In addition, Diamond looks at how Patrick’s loss is felt by his other close family circle which includes his brother Dan and his parents. Diamond also examines the impact that Patrick’s loss has on his friends and business relations. The mystery surrounding the exact circumstances of Patrick’s mysterious death is what implored me to continue reading this book, especially when I struggled with the earlier sequences of this story. I liked how Diamond chose to eke out the circumstances of Patrick’s death until the bitter end of the novel, this style of storytelling served to keep me connected to The Promise.
The Promise is told primarily from the viewpoint of Dan, Patrick’s brother. Although we do receive a strong insight into Patrick’s widow Zoe’s life and that of their children, it is Dan who is left to hold things together. I did admire Dan’s promise and list, it was rather endearing. Overall, Dan came across as a genuine good guy and I appreciated his efforts. I really wanted Dan to release his grief and sense of regret following his final moments with Patrick. I also had high hopes that Dan would find love. The romance element of the story didn’t quite work out as I expected, but I think it was a good angle to take. There is significant secret that Dan uncovers as he attempts to tidy up Patrick’s loose ends. Once this aspect became a part of the story, I think The Promise seemed to pick up a fair bit in terms of pace and overall interest level. The introduction of another shocking revelation in regards to Patrick’s life added a further level of intrigue to the tale at hand. Both Zoe and Dan learn that Patrick wasn’t the perfect husband, father or brother. It is tough lesson to learn for all parties, but it is painted with a strong amount of realism.
Despite some issues with the early stages of this novel, I am pleased that I persisted with The Promise. Lucy Diamond’s sixteenth release is a story of the delicate threads of family life, grief, shocking revelations, redemption, protection, unconditional support, unexpected love and small blessings. Contemporary fiction fans will absorb this title.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
January 29, 2021
Dan and his elder brother Patrick had had a huge row the night the latter died, leaving him, Dan, swarming in self-guilt ever since. Patrick is survived by his wife, Zoe, three young children and his adoring parents. However, as the months pass, Dan gets more involved in his brother's family matters and begins to unravel a secret that Patrick has taken to his grave. How will the family react to this secret, having not even fully recovered from the over-bearing loss of their dutiful son/husband/father? Can Dan find it in himself to help redeem his brother in his death? A story of love, loss, forgiveness, and moving on.
I'm not going to lie, this was not the book I was expecting to read. The blurb had me sold on a story of a grieving family coming together after the death of a loved one, instead, I read pages and pages of accusations, guilt-trips and sarcasm (!!!) with a dash of betrayal on the side. The secret wasn't as much of a shocker as was the storyline of Dan and his family: he seemed like this guy who would rather wallow in his insecurities than buckle up; Zoe preferred being cold, whingey and ungrateful than give Dan a chance to prove his merit (not that he made a convincing case for himself); the kids were just... okay; and Patrick was the dumbest idiot I've seen in a book. All other side characters fleeted about rather than have their own presence; I suppose, you can't really help it when the main characters are developed rather poorly. All in all, it was a hodgepodge that was difficult to read (was it the loose dialogues or inadequate editing, I can't be certain).
Thank you Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2023
Als Patrick Sheppard plotseling overlijdt, laat hij zijn vrouw en drie kinderen achter, die in de nasleep van zijn dood intens veel verdriet hebben. Zijn broer Dean moet niet alleen omgaan met het verlies van Patrick, hij heeft ook last van een knagend schuldgevoel. Hij was namelijk bij hem op die noodlottige avond, maar door een hoogopgelopen ruzie scheidden hun wegen. Hierdoor kon hij deze tragedie niet voorkomen en nu die ruzie nooit meer uitgepraat kan worden, wil Dean er alles aan doen om er in ieder geval te zijn voor zijn schoonzus Zoë, zijn neefjes en nichtje.
Hij is vaak bij Patricks gezin thuis, probeert verloren tijd goed te maken en versterkt zijn band met hen, hij knapt klusjes op en treedt in de voetsporen van zijn broer om ervoor te zorgen dat het familiebedrijf blijft draaien. Maar dan ontdekt hij dat Patrick heel wat te verbergen had en dat hij niet die perfecte man was waar iedereen hem voor aanzag. Wat moet hij nu doen? Openbaart hij de schokkende geheimen, die een bom onder het gezin zullen leggen en het beeld van zijn broer zullen verpesten, of houdt hij ze voor zichzelf en probeert hij alles zelf op te lossen?
Soms lees je een boek dat je vanaf het eerste moment grijpt, waarin je alleen maar wilt doorlezen omdat het verhaal zo levensecht en realistisch aanvoelt, omdat je meeleeft met de sterk neergezette personages en je je in de verschillende standpunten kunt verplaatsen. Dit is zo’n boek. Het is uiterst soepel, invoelend en meeslepend geschreven, het heeft een fijn tempo, de onthullingen en ontwikkelingen zijn boeiend en aangezien het verhaal lang een vleugje mysterie behoudt, blijf je benieuwd hoe alles uiteindelijk samen zal komen.
Dit is een verhaal over familie, over liefde en rouw, complexe gevoelens, schok, botsingen en pogingen tot verzoening, dat grotendeels wordt verteld vanuit het perspectief van Dean. Hij is een oprechte, gevoelige man die probeert het gat dat zijn broer heeft achtergelaten op te vullen, wat begrijpelijkerwijs met vallen en opstaan gaat. Hij maakt fouten en zegt niet altijd de juiste dingen, hij neemt impulsieve beslissingen die soms verkeerd uitpakken, maar hij doet alles uit liefde. Hij leert zijn broer en zichzelf beter kennen, komt in het reine met gebeurtenissen uit het verleden, gaat moeilijke gesprekken niet uit de weg en maakt zo ruimte voor een nieuw begin.
De dynamiek tussen de verschillende personages is krachtig omschreven en het geheel is goed in balans, waardoor je iedereen echt leert kennen, met al hun gevoelens en hun wisselende kijk op de gebeurtenissen, en het een emotioneel verhaal is maar het nergens te zwaar of deprimerend aanvoelt. Het is namelijk ook een verhaal over hoop en lichtpuntjes, vriendschap en waardering, wat ervoor zorgt dat je dit mooie boek met een warm gevoel dichtslaat!
Hij is vaak bij Patricks gezin thuis, probeert verloren tijd goed te maken en versterkt zijn band met hen, hij knapt klusjes op en treedt in de voetsporen van zijn broer om ervoor te zorgen dat het familiebedrijf blijft draaien. Maar dan ontdekt hij dat Patrick heel wat te verbergen had en dat hij niet die perfecte man was waar iedereen hem voor aanzag. Wat moet hij nu doen? Openbaart hij de schokkende geheimen, die een bom onder het gezin zullen leggen en het beeld van zijn broer zullen verpesten, of houdt hij ze voor zichzelf en probeert hij alles zelf op te lossen?
Soms lees je een boek dat je vanaf het eerste moment grijpt, waarin je alleen maar wilt doorlezen omdat het verhaal zo levensecht en realistisch aanvoelt, omdat je meeleeft met de sterk neergezette personages en je je in de verschillende standpunten kunt verplaatsen. Dit is zo’n boek. Het is uiterst soepel, invoelend en meeslepend geschreven, het heeft een fijn tempo, de onthullingen en ontwikkelingen zijn boeiend en aangezien het verhaal lang een vleugje mysterie behoudt, blijf je benieuwd hoe alles uiteindelijk samen zal komen.
Dit is een verhaal over familie, over liefde en rouw, complexe gevoelens, schok, botsingen en pogingen tot verzoening, dat grotendeels wordt verteld vanuit het perspectief van Dean. Hij is een oprechte, gevoelige man die probeert het gat dat zijn broer heeft achtergelaten op te vullen, wat begrijpelijkerwijs met vallen en opstaan gaat. Hij maakt fouten en zegt niet altijd de juiste dingen, hij neemt impulsieve beslissingen die soms verkeerd uitpakken, maar hij doet alles uit liefde. Hij leert zijn broer en zichzelf beter kennen, komt in het reine met gebeurtenissen uit het verleden, gaat moeilijke gesprekken niet uit de weg en maakt zo ruimte voor een nieuw begin.
De dynamiek tussen de verschillende personages is krachtig omschreven en het geheel is goed in balans, waardoor je iedereen echt leert kennen, met al hun gevoelens en hun wisselende kijk op de gebeurtenissen, en het een emotioneel verhaal is maar het nergens te zwaar of deprimerend aanvoelt. Het is namelijk ook een verhaal over hoop en lichtpuntjes, vriendschap en waardering, wat ervoor zorgt dat je dit mooie boek met een warm gevoel dichtslaat!
July 15, 2024
note to self: gå bara förbi när Willys har pocketrea. du blir alltid så besviken.
March 26, 2021
Beautifully written. As someone who has suffered an unexpected loss in the last few months I found this book to be a comfort to me.
November 23, 2021
This book was not what I thought it would be but it was enjoyable.
Books about loss are really hard but have such meaningful lessons. Dan was finding it hard to get over his ex wife (Rebecca) who didn't want kids but went on to fall pregnant with her next man. Dan wondered if whether she just didn't want kids with him.
Either than that..
The book is about loss from so many angles. Patrick, Dan's brother has died and Dan is trying to fill in for him. Helping out where he can with his family and discovering secrets about his brother along the way. He has his own grief to sort out though.
And the wife, Zoe..
..sis went through all sorts of denial before it sank in. And just when she was finding her feet another a bomb drops.
The once perfect husband seems like a fragment of her imagination.
We don't truly know the people we'd die for. We paint pictures in our minds and cling on
We take what they give and don't question the other inconsistencies for fear of disturbing the little good they do.
This is a chilled, not romance centered book. We are dealing with secrets and the loss of loved ones here. Yes, people find love but not in your Danielle Steel way. Or was that a Danielle Steel way🤔
💫Thank you @panmacmillansa for this gifted review copy
Books about loss are really hard but have such meaningful lessons. Dan was finding it hard to get over his ex wife (Rebecca) who didn't want kids but went on to fall pregnant with her next man. Dan wondered if whether she just didn't want kids with him.
Either than that..
The book is about loss from so many angles. Patrick, Dan's brother has died and Dan is trying to fill in for him. Helping out where he can with his family and discovering secrets about his brother along the way. He has his own grief to sort out though.
And the wife, Zoe..
..sis went through all sorts of denial before it sank in. And just when she was finding her feet another a bomb drops.
The once perfect husband seems like a fragment of her imagination.
We don't truly know the people we'd die for. We paint pictures in our minds and cling on
We take what they give and don't question the other inconsistencies for fear of disturbing the little good they do.
This is a chilled, not romance centered book. We are dealing with secrets and the loss of loved ones here. Yes, people find love but not in your Danielle Steel way. Or was that a Danielle Steel way🤔
💫Thank you @panmacmillansa for this gifted review copy
March 11, 2021
This just went on and on and didn’t really grab me! I thought it was boring & very predictable!
January 18, 2021
I have read a few books by Lucy Diamond previously and have always enjoyed them. So when I saw this on NetGalley I knew I had to have it.
This book starts with the sudden death of Patrick Sheppard and how his grieving widow Zoe copes after his death. Trying to raise their three children alone, work and look after Patricks business interests. His Brother Dan try to step up to help Zoe and the children as much as he can but starts to realise quickly that things were not what they seemed. Patrick has been keeping many secrets from both of them, which all start to unravel after his death. Without giving too much away it would seem that everyone had a disagreement with Patrick the night he died and no-one really knows what happened to him, was it an accident, or was someone else is to blame.
A sad book in places but also a book about love and friendship, and what a role it plays in all our lives. The main characters within the book are well written and endearing, especially the little girls. And what I love most about it, is that it didn't leave me with the annoying, "what happened next?' I thought the epilogue was brilliant and it ended the book really neatly for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book starts with the sudden death of Patrick Sheppard and how his grieving widow Zoe copes after his death. Trying to raise their three children alone, work and look after Patricks business interests. His Brother Dan try to step up to help Zoe and the children as much as he can but starts to realise quickly that things were not what they seemed. Patrick has been keeping many secrets from both of them, which all start to unravel after his death. Without giving too much away it would seem that everyone had a disagreement with Patrick the night he died and no-one really knows what happened to him, was it an accident, or was someone else is to blame.
A sad book in places but also a book about love and friendship, and what a role it plays in all our lives. The main characters within the book are well written and endearing, especially the little girls. And what I love most about it, is that it didn't leave me with the annoying, "what happened next?' I thought the epilogue was brilliant and it ended the book really neatly for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2021
Family drama with lots of secrets, it was an ok read.
October 21, 2022
Bokrecension och recensionsexemplar: Den sista hemligheten av Lucy Diamond
Handling: Patrick Sheppard är en man som många älskar och ser upp till. När han oväntat dör ställs livet på ända för dem runt omkring honom. Zoe förlorar sitt livs stora kärlek, och Ethan, Gabe och Beatrice förlorar sin excentriska pappa. För Patricks bror, Dan, betyder familjen Sheppard allt. Han bestämmer sig därför för att ta sin brors plats och hjälpa till och städa upp i familjens sorg. Det var hans löfte till Patrick, att ta hand om familjen ifall något skulle hända. Men samtidigt som Dan jonglerar skolprojekt och högar med räkningar inser han att hans bror satt på hemligheter. Hemligheter som skulle kunna såra den redan krossade familjen.
Recension: Nu senaste tiden har jag börjat läsa massa feelgood böcker och detta mycket på grund av recensionsexemplar. Tack vare recensionsexemplaren som jag får hemskickat har dessa böcker öppnat upp mina ögon just för denna genre. Feelgood böcker brukar oftast ha en kvinnlig huvudkaraktär som har gått igenom katastrofala relationer. I detta fall är det helt tvärtom. Jag blev lite chockad över att en av huvudkaraktärerna är en man. Det var en trevlig upplevelse att få läsa en feelgood med en manlig huvudkaraktär. Jag uppskattar hur boken är upplagd; tre huvudpersoner (två kvinnor och en man) och varje person på ett höger eller vänster var kopplade till varandra. Trots att man i många fall tyckte att boken var förutsägbar så var handlingen, miljöbeskrivningen men även karaktärerna så himla bra förklarade. Varje person hade sin sorg, berättelse att berätta och den var så himla verklig och rå på en och samma gång. Fantastisk bok!
Boken får: 4/5
Sidor: 399
Författare: Lucy Diamond
Förlag: Printz Publishing
GoodReads: ArbereshaSabani
Instagram: @wandersinbookland
#densistahemligheten #lucydiamond #printzpublishing #feelgood #bokstagram #bookstagram #bokblogg #bookblogger #booksandflowers
Handling: Patrick Sheppard är en man som många älskar och ser upp till. När han oväntat dör ställs livet på ända för dem runt omkring honom. Zoe förlorar sitt livs stora kärlek, och Ethan, Gabe och Beatrice förlorar sin excentriska pappa. För Patricks bror, Dan, betyder familjen Sheppard allt. Han bestämmer sig därför för att ta sin brors plats och hjälpa till och städa upp i familjens sorg. Det var hans löfte till Patrick, att ta hand om familjen ifall något skulle hända. Men samtidigt som Dan jonglerar skolprojekt och högar med räkningar inser han att hans bror satt på hemligheter. Hemligheter som skulle kunna såra den redan krossade familjen.
Recension: Nu senaste tiden har jag börjat läsa massa feelgood böcker och detta mycket på grund av recensionsexemplar. Tack vare recensionsexemplaren som jag får hemskickat har dessa böcker öppnat upp mina ögon just för denna genre. Feelgood böcker brukar oftast ha en kvinnlig huvudkaraktär som har gått igenom katastrofala relationer. I detta fall är det helt tvärtom. Jag blev lite chockad över att en av huvudkaraktärerna är en man. Det var en trevlig upplevelse att få läsa en feelgood med en manlig huvudkaraktär. Jag uppskattar hur boken är upplagd; tre huvudpersoner (två kvinnor och en man) och varje person på ett höger eller vänster var kopplade till varandra. Trots att man i många fall tyckte att boken var förutsägbar så var handlingen, miljöbeskrivningen men även karaktärerna så himla bra förklarade. Varje person hade sin sorg, berättelse att berätta och den var så himla verklig och rå på en och samma gång. Fantastisk bok!
Boken får: 4/5
Sidor: 399
Författare: Lucy Diamond
Förlag: Printz Publishing
GoodReads: ArbereshaSabani
Instagram: @wandersinbookland
#densistahemligheten #lucydiamond #printzpublishing #feelgood #bokstagram #bookstagram #bokblogg #bookblogger #booksandflowers
February 15, 2021
After an argument one night, even though Patrick was supposed to spend the night at his brother’s Dan, they both go their separate ways, only Patrick never returns home. In an awful accident he drawns in a river, leaving behind not only his brother and parents, but also wife Zoe and three children, Ethan, Gabe and Bea. All are devastated. Until one day Dan, still blaming himself for Patrick’s death, decides it’s time to help Zoe and take charge of his brother’s affairs. Patrick has run his own business in property rental and so Dan starts to help not only with babysitting, but also with the accounts and other errands. However, soon, Dan discovers a secret that Patrick left behind, a secret that can destroy many lives. Dan has to weigh up his options and decide what to do: keep it to himself or tell Zoe and break her heart once again.
The story, different than usually, is told from the male character point of view and I think the author has pulled it off really well. Dan was a reliable narrator and I fall for him and his loss immediately. There was sincerity in him and all he wanted was to repair all the mistakes, to help and I think he was honest in all he was doing. I must admit that sometimes I was annoyed with Zoe at being so short with him – yes, I could understand her, I would probably also explode – but he really didn’t mean anything wrong. I loved him so much for trying so hard, even if he did make mistakes – well, who doesn’t make them, he was at least so determined to make amends and to help all involved.
The moments when Dan and Zoe started to realise that Patrick wasn’t perhaps as perfect as they thought him to be were probably the most poignant and moving. The author so brilliantly captured all their feelings, their disbelief, denial and anger. It’s never easy to get the grips after learning such things, and even more so when the person in question is already dead – just imagine how many questions you may have that never will be answered – and hats off to Lucy Diamond for writing it in such a moving way. The shock after first placing Patrick on a pedestal and then him falling from grace was palpable. Also, the secrets that only start to come to light may truly change our opinions about the person that is no more – it’s sad but true that actually you often simply don’t know who one is until they are gone. I liked how the author has dealt with the reactions of family, exploring all kinds of feelings and emotions, going deep into their heads.
I had some problems with getting into the book but the more I read the easier it was to connect with, the pace was quicker and there were more things happening, with changes and surprises coming our way. Then there was the mystery about Patrick’s death that kept me hooked to the pages, as I really wanted to know what has really happened – and well, let me tell you, this was the perfect finishing touch, rounding the book in a beautiful and poignant way.
„The Promise“ is a poignant and thought – provoking story about grief, love and loss. Yes, it does sound serious but the story has never been depressing. Sad – yes, but not in an overwhelming way, the author has brilliantly balanced all the feelings and emotions, because next to sadness there is laughter, warmth, compassion and hope. It is another winner from Lucy Diamond, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
January 18, 2021
I have read a few books by Lucy Diamond previously and have always enjoyed them. So when I saw this on NetGalley I knew I had to have it.
This book starts with the sudden death of Patrick Sheppard and how his grieving widow Zoe copes after his death. Trying to raise their three children alone, work and look after Patricks business interests. His Brother Dan try to step up to help Zoe and the children as much as he can but starts to realise quickly that things were not what they seemed. Patrick has been keeping many secrets from both of them, which all start to unravel after his death. Without giving too much away it would seem that everyone had a disagreement with Patrick the night he died and no-one really knows what happened to him, was it an accident, or was someone else is to blame.
A sad book in places but also a book about love and friendship, and what a role it plays in all our lives. The main characters within the book are well written and endearing, especially the little girls. And what I love most about it, is that it didn't leave me with the annoying, "what happened next?' I thought the epilogue was brilliant and it ended the book really neatly for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book starts with the sudden death of Patrick Sheppard and how his grieving widow Zoe copes after his death. Trying to raise their three children alone, work and look after Patricks business interests. His Brother Dan try to step up to help Zoe and the children as much as he can but starts to realise quickly that things were not what they seemed. Patrick has been keeping many secrets from both of them, which all start to unravel after his death. Without giving too much away it would seem that everyone had a disagreement with Patrick the night he died and no-one really knows what happened to him, was it an accident, or was someone else is to blame.
A sad book in places but also a book about love and friendship, and what a role it plays in all our lives. The main characters within the book are well written and endearing, especially the little girls. And what I love most about it, is that it didn't leave me with the annoying, "what happened next?' I thought the epilogue was brilliant and it ended the book really neatly for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2021
This was a BRILLIANT read. Had me gripped from the word go. I left my real life behind to join Zoe and her three children, together with brother-in-law Dan, to come to terms with the sudden death of Patrick, Zoe's husband, the children's father and Dan's older brother.
Except this isn't just a tale about loss and grief, it is full of high drama when secrets are exposed and dilemmas are faced. Is it important to hide details to spare more personal suffering or is it always wiser to share the truth?
Poor Dan is the one who unwittngly makes the discoveries and his unease snowballs from there. He becomes determined to do the right thing, initially from guilt, but very soon, from a place of genuine love, trying so hard to fill the gap Patrick has left. But Dan isn't the only one feeling guilty. There are others who wish things had been a bit different and yet there is hardly time to stop and think when a whole family is grieving and each person finds a different way to deal with their loss.
The novel is full of family life, of children struggling to make sense of their newly disrupted lives, of a mother now doing everything alone and Dan soldiering on with a secret which simply becomes too big to bear.
Will past events threaten to break bonds and add more distress, or will new friendships, love and righting a few wrongs make it possible to carry on?
Nothing is ever black and white and Lucy Diamond fills in all the variations of colour and shade in this family drama where joy can be borne from sorrow and a new landscape painted to incorporate the old but embrace the future.
I enjoyed this novel immensely and thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Ms Diamond's latest. Bring some colour back into your life by reading The Promise. It will tide you over until Spring is properly established!
Except this isn't just a tale about loss and grief, it is full of high drama when secrets are exposed and dilemmas are faced. Is it important to hide details to spare more personal suffering or is it always wiser to share the truth?
Poor Dan is the one who unwittngly makes the discoveries and his unease snowballs from there. He becomes determined to do the right thing, initially from guilt, but very soon, from a place of genuine love, trying so hard to fill the gap Patrick has left. But Dan isn't the only one feeling guilty. There are others who wish things had been a bit different and yet there is hardly time to stop and think when a whole family is grieving and each person finds a different way to deal with their loss.
The novel is full of family life, of children struggling to make sense of their newly disrupted lives, of a mother now doing everything alone and Dan soldiering on with a secret which simply becomes too big to bear.
Will past events threaten to break bonds and add more distress, or will new friendships, love and righting a few wrongs make it possible to carry on?
Nothing is ever black and white and Lucy Diamond fills in all the variations of colour and shade in this family drama where joy can be borne from sorrow and a new landscape painted to incorporate the old but embrace the future.
I enjoyed this novel immensely and thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Ms Diamond's latest. Bring some colour back into your life by reading The Promise. It will tide you over until Spring is properly established!
December 28, 2020
Dan's brother Patrick dies suddenly, leaving behind a wife, three children and several tenants of homes he rents out to them. Dan is on sabbatical from work and decides to take the opportunity to "fill in" for Patrick and help out with Patrick's wife Zoe and make hers and the children's lives easier.
The Promise is a story revolving around grief and how people deal with it through stages. It is about how the characters deal with love and loss and how it brings out the best and worst in people. I enjoyed the character development and connected with most of them.
Personally for me, I just felt the book was a bit too long and the plot a little slow. The middle 100 or so pages not a lot happened for me and I found myself skim reading at some stages. Then there was a rush of things happening and then it was over.
I did enjoy that the main character was a man. Not purposely, I seem to end up reading mostly about female protagonists so I was glad to be reading from a male perspective for a change.
Overall a good read and something a bit different for me.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Promise is a story revolving around grief and how people deal with it through stages. It is about how the characters deal with love and loss and how it brings out the best and worst in people. I enjoyed the character development and connected with most of them.
Personally for me, I just felt the book was a bit too long and the plot a little slow. The middle 100 or so pages not a lot happened for me and I found myself skim reading at some stages. Then there was a rush of things happening and then it was over.
I did enjoy that the main character was a man. Not purposely, I seem to end up reading mostly about female protagonists so I was glad to be reading from a male perspective for a change.
Overall a good read and something a bit different for me.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2021
When Dan loses his brother on a night out where he should have gone home along with him, he has a mass of emotions to deal with. He feels that he has to support Patricks heartbroken family. Emotions are running high and things don't run smoothly. Dan tries to approach his help in a clinical manner but as the book goes on, feelings are explored and a very difficult time for all of them is worked through. You get drawn in to the middle of their tough lives , hoping things would work out smoothly.
October 1, 2021
✨ "But nobody's perfect. We're all just muddling along, trying to do our best. Getting it wrong sometimes — but that's life."
This was an okay read. I was expecting something that would give me all the feels but it lacked emotional punch. The book also felt extremely long-winded, especially with the author telling more than showing.
I liked the story and characters but everything was super predictable, from the plot and right down to the personal arc of each character. Everything that you expect to happen, happens. I didn't mind the romance but it felt weird, considering how the two characters are related.
This would make a comforting and uplifting read for a bad or tiring day, when all you need is something straightforward and fuss-free.
This was an okay read. I was expecting something that would give me all the feels but it lacked emotional punch. The book also felt extremely long-winded, especially with the author telling more than showing.
I liked the story and characters but everything was super predictable, from the plot and right down to the personal arc of each character. Everything that you expect to happen, happens. I didn't mind the romance but it felt weird, considering how the two characters are related.
This would make a comforting and uplifting read for a bad or tiring day, when all you need is something straightforward and fuss-free.
June 4, 2021
I love Lucy Diamond’s writing and think this is her best book for a while.
When Patrick Sheppard dies suddenly, his brother Dan tries to help out by creating a spreadsheet and awarding himself points for spending time with his nieces and nephews, helping out with his brother’s property developing business and spending time with his parents. When sorting out the business accounts Dan finds out a secret which will change everything.
This is a tale of grief and making amends which I have really enjoyed.
When Patrick Sheppard dies suddenly, his brother Dan tries to help out by creating a spreadsheet and awarding himself points for spending time with his nieces and nephews, helping out with his brother’s property developing business and spending time with his parents. When sorting out the business accounts Dan finds out a secret which will change everything.
This is a tale of grief and making amends which I have really enjoyed.
February 11, 2023
This is the first book I have read by Lucy Diamond and it definitely won't be my last!
January 14, 2022
This book really did not suit my mood in the after Christmas January gloom, and not feeling 100%. I was expecting a happy book from one of my favourite authors even though I realised that the subject matter was serious. The idea of the impact of someone's sudden death on those left behind , all of whom had argued with the person on the night he died, was well described and the characters were engaging. I was expecting more humour, the idea of a spread sheet to solve an emotional problem could have been made clearer.
It was just the wrong book at the wrong time, although I wanted to complete it and could see the merits of the book.
It was just the wrong book at the wrong time, although I wanted to complete it and could see the merits of the book.
December 6, 2020
I'm torn. On the one hand, I really enjoyed this book, it held my attention, certainly had its fair share of drama and a number of interesting characters. However, there is something about the pace of the story that didn't quite fit with the subject matter for me which is why I've gone for 3 stars instead of 4, although it was close.
We follow Dan, who has just lost his brother and starts to focus on helping pick up the pieces for those around him, especially his sister in law Zoe and his nieces and nephews. He embarks on a plan to help keep everyone moving forward and to try and atone for the past, unravelling his brothers secrets and also making a few mistakes of his own. Dan was my favourite character, a genuinely good guy, just trying to do the right thing.
A lot of emotional topics are covered in this. I won't name them all as it will give some important plot indicators away but obviously grief is a main focus and how people react to and manage it differently.
I try to suspend reality when I read, where possible, but whilst I really enjoyed this, the timing and conclusion niggles me a little.
Released on the 18th February 2021.
Thank you to @netgalley and @panmacmillan for the opportunity to review.
#libraryatsevern #bookworm #book #reading
#bookstagramuk #londonreader #bookreviewfeature #bookreview #bibliophile
#bookstagrammers #readersofinstagram #reader #igreads #thepromise #bookblogger #goodreads #bookshelf #bookreviewer #bookshelf #panmacmillan #netgalley #lockdownreads #stayhomeandread #bookstragram #bookstagrammer
We follow Dan, who has just lost his brother and starts to focus on helping pick up the pieces for those around him, especially his sister in law Zoe and his nieces and nephews. He embarks on a plan to help keep everyone moving forward and to try and atone for the past, unravelling his brothers secrets and also making a few mistakes of his own. Dan was my favourite character, a genuinely good guy, just trying to do the right thing.
A lot of emotional topics are covered in this. I won't name them all as it will give some important plot indicators away but obviously grief is a main focus and how people react to and manage it differently.
I try to suspend reality when I read, where possible, but whilst I really enjoyed this, the timing and conclusion niggles me a little.
Released on the 18th February 2021.
Thank you to @netgalley and @panmacmillan for the opportunity to review.
#libraryatsevern #bookworm #book #reading
#bookstagramuk #londonreader #bookreviewfeature #bookreview #bibliophile
#bookstagrammers #readersofinstagram #reader #igreads #thepromise #bookblogger #goodreads #bookshelf #bookreviewer #bookshelf #panmacmillan #netgalley #lockdownreads #stayhomeandread #bookstragram #bookstagrammer
August 4, 2022
Dan har tagit tjänstledigt för att åka på långresa till Sydamerika, men efter ett gräl med brodern förolyckas denne på väg hem. Svägerskan Zoe - och även Dan själv - skyller dödsfallet på honom: hade Patrick sovit över hos Dan, som tanken var, skulle han inte hamnat i Themsen och drunknat.
För att gottgöra det hela bestämmer han sig för att stanna hemma och istället ikläda sig Patricks roll: hjälpa Zoe med hem, barn och hyresgäster, ta hand om föräldrarna…
Det börjar som ett litet projekt, men han blir mer och mer förtjust i både sina brorsbarn (som han knappt känner sen tidigare) och Patricks hyresgäster. Speciellt den äldre damen Rosemary, som först verkar väldigt krävande, men visar sig vara både trevlig och klurig.
Vad han däremot inte hade räknat med att upptäcka var Patricks hemlighet. Lydia och Jemima. Hur håller han dem ifrån Zoe? Och hur fortsätter han ändå ha kontakt med Lydia?
***
Det är inte ofta en feelgood-bok har en manlig huvudperson, så det är en trevlig upplevelse bara det. Och själva historien är bra även den - alla inblandade är trevliga bekantskaper, även om flera behöver ruskas om ibland. Precis som det ska vara.
Klart läsvärd om man vill ha något lättsamt med lite svärta i kanterna.
För att gottgöra det hela bestämmer han sig för att stanna hemma och istället ikläda sig Patricks roll: hjälpa Zoe med hem, barn och hyresgäster, ta hand om föräldrarna…
Det börjar som ett litet projekt, men han blir mer och mer förtjust i både sina brorsbarn (som han knappt känner sen tidigare) och Patricks hyresgäster. Speciellt den äldre damen Rosemary, som först verkar väldigt krävande, men visar sig vara både trevlig och klurig.
Vad han däremot inte hade räknat med att upptäcka var Patricks hemlighet. Lydia och Jemima. Hur håller han dem ifrån Zoe? Och hur fortsätter han ändå ha kontakt med Lydia?
***
Det är inte ofta en feelgood-bok har en manlig huvudperson, så det är en trevlig upplevelse bara det. Och själva historien är bra även den - alla inblandade är trevliga bekantskaper, även om flera behöver ruskas om ibland. Precis som det ska vara.
Klart läsvärd om man vill ha något lättsamt med lite svärta i kanterna.
June 29, 2021
Touching, sweet, and poignant!
The Promise is a tender, moving tale that immerses you into the lives of the Sheppard family as they navigate the shock, heartache, sorrow, tears, guilt, regret, and shattering secrets that come to life after the sudden death of Patrick, their perfect husband, father, brother and son.
The prose is heartfelt and immersive. The characters are flawed, devastated, and torn. And the plot is an absorbing tale about life, loss, family, secrets, relationship dynamics, introspection, redemption, moving on, taking chances, and finding happiness.
Overall, The Promise is a captivating, hopeful, slightly mysterious tale by Diamond that could have been slighter shorter but was nevertheless a lovely, somewhat solemn reminder of all the messy, emotional, complicated ups and downs associated with unimaginable loss and grief uniquely told predominately from a male perspective.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Promise is a tender, moving tale that immerses you into the lives of the Sheppard family as they navigate the shock, heartache, sorrow, tears, guilt, regret, and shattering secrets that come to life after the sudden death of Patrick, their perfect husband, father, brother and son.
The prose is heartfelt and immersive. The characters are flawed, devastated, and torn. And the plot is an absorbing tale about life, loss, family, secrets, relationship dynamics, introspection, redemption, moving on, taking chances, and finding happiness.
Overall, The Promise is a captivating, hopeful, slightly mysterious tale by Diamond that could have been slighter shorter but was nevertheless a lovely, somewhat solemn reminder of all the messy, emotional, complicated ups and downs associated with unimaginable loss and grief uniquely told predominately from a male perspective.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2020
What an absolutely lovely book from Lucy Diamond! I always love that way that Lucy writes, she makes her characters so realistic, you always feel like you’ve gotten to know them very well. This book is no exception, Dan’s brother has died and he makes a decision to make up for a fight they had, as well as being a little absent, by helping his sister-in-law Zoe. I grew to really love Dan, despite the fact that he doesn’t always get it right his intentions are good and the journey he and Zoe go on is sad, happy and poignant. A really lovely read and one I definitely recommend.
Thanks to the author, netgalley and publishers for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Thanks to the author, netgalley and publishers for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 29, 2021
This was a good book which I listened to on audiobook
December 29, 2021
Review to follow.
May 24, 2021
I’m slowly making my way through Lucy Diamonds backlist and enjoying them all. ‘The Promise’ is her latest book and after spotting it on borrowbox I downloaded it immediately. Another superb book by Lucy! One that I easily flew through. This was a hard one to put down for sure!
The story follows two characters in the aftermath of the sudden death of Patrick. Patrick, husband to Zoe and big brother to Dan is kindhearted, attentive and pretty much the perfect person.
Zoe is trying to get through one day to the next, juggling three grieving children all coping in their own way whilst trying to suppress her own grief in fear it may swallow her whole. Then there’s Dan who tried to keep his distance due to guilt and to keep his own grief at bay, but soon realises he now needs to step up and be the backbone of the family that Patrick left behind. Creating a project and making a promise to be anything and everything the family needs.
But as Dan’s project gets underway, taking the pressure off sister in law Zoe and feeling positive of the good he is doing. Suddenly secrets that Patrick had hidden come to light, leaving Dan to question whether he really knew his brother at all. Dan then has to face the decision, to either come clean or keep the secrets hidden.
As I said above this story hooked me from the beginning. The story is mainly focused on death which some readers might struggle to read (don’t worry it’s not all doom and gloom) it focuses on the loved ones that are left behind, grieving and trying to come to terms with what has happened. I really liked Lucy’s writing and how she manages to describe the different and difficult ways people cope through loss and sadness. I liked how real her characters came across, not just the adults but the children too.
The final epilogue was just what I wanted and needed to finish the story off and seal all my questions. This family saga will break your heart but leave you smiling through tears.
The story follows two characters in the aftermath of the sudden death of Patrick. Patrick, husband to Zoe and big brother to Dan is kindhearted, attentive and pretty much the perfect person.
Zoe is trying to get through one day to the next, juggling three grieving children all coping in their own way whilst trying to suppress her own grief in fear it may swallow her whole. Then there’s Dan who tried to keep his distance due to guilt and to keep his own grief at bay, but soon realises he now needs to step up and be the backbone of the family that Patrick left behind. Creating a project and making a promise to be anything and everything the family needs.
But as Dan’s project gets underway, taking the pressure off sister in law Zoe and feeling positive of the good he is doing. Suddenly secrets that Patrick had hidden come to light, leaving Dan to question whether he really knew his brother at all. Dan then has to face the decision, to either come clean or keep the secrets hidden.
As I said above this story hooked me from the beginning. The story is mainly focused on death which some readers might struggle to read (don’t worry it’s not all doom and gloom) it focuses on the loved ones that are left behind, grieving and trying to come to terms with what has happened. I really liked Lucy’s writing and how she manages to describe the different and difficult ways people cope through loss and sadness. I liked how real her characters came across, not just the adults but the children too.
The final epilogue was just what I wanted and needed to finish the story off and seal all my questions. This family saga will break your heart but leave you smiling through tears.
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