Solemnly Swear

by Nancy Moser

Patti McCoy, a kitchen worker at a local resort, is accused of killing her boyfriend, Brett Lerner, the restaurant's maitre d'. But was she simply in the wrong place at the wrong time? It's up to the jury to decide. Each member comes from a different background, but one in particular has a lot at stake by being on this jury. The circumstantial evidence against the accused piles up, yet Patti McCoy isn't the only one who has to deal with innocence and guilt. Or judgment.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Legal

355 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2008

About the author

Nancy Moser is the author of over forty books. Her award-winning stories will inspire you to discover your unique God-given purpose. Her genres include both contemporary and historical stories, inspirational humor, and children's books.

Her newest release, "An Undiscovered Life" is about an elderly woman who wants her family to know about her "before" life—her life before them. It's inspired by Nancy's mother who died in 2020 at age 99. It's a poignant, inspiring family story.

Another newer release is "Eyes of Our Heart" which showcases a group of ordinary people who are called to discover where God is working in their lives--and join Him.

Another recent release is "The Shop Keepers", book #3 of the Pattern Artist series about a group of women designing fashion and opening their own store in 1911-19 New York City. The first book in the series, "The Pattern Artist", was a finalist for a Romantic Times award.

Other titles include the time-travel historicals, "Where Time Will Take Me", "Where Life Will Lead Me", and the Downton Abbey-inspired Manor House Series beginning with "Love of the Summerfields."

Her historical bio-novels allow real women-of-history to share their life stories: "Just Jane" (Jane Austen), "Mozart's Sister" (Nannerl Mozart),"Washington's Lady" (Martha Washington) and "How Do I Love Thee?" (Elizabeth Barrett Browning.)

"An Unlikely Suitor" was named to Booklist's Top 100 Romance Novels of the last decade. Nancy's time-travel novel, "Time Lottery", won a Christy Award, and "Washington's Lady" was a finalist. Her contemporary books are known for their big-casts and intricate plotting.

Some contemporary titles are "The Invitation", "John 3: 16", "The Sister Circle", and "The Seat Beside Me."

Nancy and her husband live in the Midwest. She's earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She is a fan of anything antique--humans included.

Website: nancymoser.com

Reviews

[Hannah Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book "Solemnly Swear" by Nancy Moser, is about a girl who is on trial for killing her boyfriend, Brett Lerner. This story really popped out to me when I ready the back summary because I like books that have a twisted kind of mentality. I really really enjoyed the way that the story was told through the point of view of the citizens in the jury.
My favorite character was Deidre, she was very sting and independent. I loved learning more and more about her story and especially her crazy twist that she throws out! But I also really liked the character Bobby, He was very strong willed and worked hard for his family. I really admire the way he does whatever it takes for his wife and kids.
My favorite part of the book was when Deidre told her secret. I liked this part because it revealed a softer side of Deidre, she was very open to her mother in law about it. Also her secret leads a big pathway in proving that Patty McCoy is innocent. Overall I though it was an okay book. At times the story moved really slow and I didn't feel motivated to read on.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first word to come to mind is 'weak', as in a weak plot and not-strong characterization, at least when held to the standards by which I evaluate all books I read. When evaluated compared to other Christian fiction, it's actually not that bad. If you like your CF devoid of gratuitous sappiness and people of (no) faith who actually exist in the real world, you'll probably enjoy this one. If you like loose ends to tie up neatly with a bow, things are tied up with a bow, though one or two of the strings are fraying a bit at the end (but not that much). Things wrap up far too neatly with all the major characters for my liking and in the case of Dedrie and her situation, I have a very hard time believing things would actually end for her the way they did, legally speaking, nevermind how placid things were in her personal life. Only in Christian fiction, my friends.

[Chere · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an interesting book, I enjoyed the style and the characters. The wonderful part of the book was the main message of unconditional love and how each individual needed to know that being themselves was enough- Jesus covers the rest if we'll let Him!

[Melissa (Hiatus due to Death in Family) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many completely unbelievable coincidences. I like my books to be plausible.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serving on a jury should be a solemn duty, but all is not as it seems for the jury members called to serve in a murder trial. One is an out of work actress who campaigns for the role of foreman, one is a struggling family man who needs to learn how to dream again, one is a golf pro has-been who needs to reconnect with his family. And one is on the jury not to see that justice is done--but to see that her own agenda is served when the verdict is read. [return]As you can tell, this book tells multiple stories as it goes into the lives of several of the jurors. The main mystery is the connection one of the jurors has too the murder and this is revealed bit by bit as the novel goes on. All the featured jurors learn important life lessons and the stories are wrapped up neatly. A nice read for fans of Christian fiction.

[Chickadee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven't had the opportunity to read Nancy Moser's books, take time to look her up! The first book of hers that I read was Crossroads and because it was so interesting, I decided to read Solemnly Swear, which I found at my local library.

Solemnly Swear is about a pregnant woman on trial for the murder of her boyfriend. As you read deeper into this story, a doctor and his wife become involved in trying to "rig" the trial for their own personal gain. The doctor's wife is coincidentally summoned to serve on the jury and from there, the story takes twists and turns and draws you in. This book held my interest the entire time and was a good example of just how far some people will go, to cover their tracks and hide their own sins.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Moser does an excellent job of involving the reader in the lives of several jurors in a murder trial. It is interesting, and the lesson it gives on how hard it is to forgive yourself at times is wonderful. The only drawbacks were that a couple of plot points seemed pretty unbelievable, and I had one of the twists figured out by chapter 3, which seemed pretty early, but perhaps the author intended that in this case. It is a book that is well worth your time.

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters were believable and the story was OK, but the ending was AWFUL. There's no way that it would have played out that way after that character came forward with the truth... the sentence would have been much stiffer, and there would have been charges filed against the other character who was indirectly involved (trying not to spoil it)

I've enjoyed several other novels from this author, but this was a miss.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual book in many ways. The story revolves around a trial and the jurors of that trial. Although there are many twist turns and coincidences, I think the point is how God can use any event to his purposes. The message is powerful and uplifting and I enjoyed this book more than most christian fiction.

[Megi · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was hard to get into. I couldn't not put it down. I could not finish it. It was too slow. I don't reccommend it. It has potential, but it is too brainracking to get to that point where you know it will be good.

[Cathy H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Moser is always a good read. A murder trial, this book focuses on the lives of the jurors, and the far reaching impact the accused has on them with her simple statement: "I am who I am. I don't pretend to be anything more."

[Dianna Shimizu · Rating 2 out of 5]

This turned out to be another christian fiction book, but not nearly as 'preachy' as the last two I happened to read. A little bit of mystery and a whole lot of human drama, so that I'm glad I read it.

[Stephanie C · Rating 3 out of 5]

as gripping as her 3:16. But this has a suprosing ending.

[Bre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great examples of writing from multiple views.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

lots of holes in the story and unrealistic ending.

[Trish Boese · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, although there are parts that are not so realistic.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

too religious for me

[Elaine]

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[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solemnly Swear involves a trail for murder and the jurists who serve on the jury. The novel alternates between the events of the trial and the stories of the various jurists describing their life situations and backgrounds. Bobby, a man working 3 jobs and who is very devoted to his wife struggles with thinking he can never be good enough to turn his real skills into a career. Abigail is an elderly actress who has stopped getting parts but still keeps trying because she doesn't know what else to do with her life. Rich is a divorced golf pro who still goes on pretending to be someone else. Deidre, the wife of a prominent pediatric surgeon, keeps trying to distance herself from the difficulties of her past. I won't go any further in the plot description to avoid spoiling it for others.

I see that ratings for this novel vary drastically. Although there are weaknesses in the plot, I was more interested in following the stories of the jurists than in how well the trial was written. I felt that the author portrayed life scenarios that were very symbolic of what how many people live and struggle. It is a Christian novel but definitely not a pushy one. I appreciated the spiritual message of the novel.

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was an interesting one and I don't think I've read a book with a plot like this one. The point of view is that of four of the 12 jury members on a murder trial. As they sit in the court room during the trial, each is faced with things about themselves that they haven't faced up to. At times the plot seems unbelievable....like what jury selection commit would not catch that one of the jury members knew the murdered victim? Also, things really tied up pretty neatly for people over just one weekend. I gave it three stars because I enjoyed the story, but only three because it was pretty implausible in places.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book. Some parts were a bit predictable but for the most part it was a good read. When I read about people lying, covering up things, and letting others take the fall when you know they are not guilty made me a bit uneasy like in the recent Netflix series "When They See Us." Still, the author made it compelling enough to keep me reading. There were enough red herrings to make me twitchy. LOL.

[A Busscher · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring read-- the 2nd time Sig berated her about the trial, knew he was the killer. Every one in the story is lost sheep and of coarse throughout the trial they find their true inner selves and it all works out! Hooray, great disney story.
1/3 of the way through it reminded me of 12 angry men.

[Patricia Dezman · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent writer…excellent story

This book is an easy read filled with intrigue and mystery. It aptly describes how Almighty God feels about each of us and our lives, weaknesses, successes, flaws and gifts. Faith, hope and love, the greatest is love, even in all our humanness.

[Frau Ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book with many interesting twists. It began with a description of a murder and then moved to the individuals who has been chosen to be the jurors. Each had their own shortcomings and pasts that were haunting them. The truth of faith and the love of the Lord came through to each person in a different way. I really enjoyed the biblical references and this story that speaks to how we go through life - many of us with little secrets - forgetting that God sees and knows everything. A nice reminder.

[Trish Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable and moderately thought-provoking piece of Christian fiction. The author did a pretty good job of handling the large number of characters, which can sometimes be problematic when you have quite a few storylines going.

I enjoyed the weaving together of the drama of acting with the drama of being on a jury. It was also satisfying to see each of the characters come to their own realizations about the lies they had been telling themselves or others which were keeping them from living their dreams.

[Marsha Bernabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Great story. It is a new twist on a courtroom drama. 12 people selected for jury duty. What will they learn from the trial? Throughout the story there are many unexpected twists and turns, that kept me engrossed in the plot.

Very well done!