Promise Bridge

by Eileen Clymer Schwab

A powerful debut novel of friendship, love, and family set in the segregated pre-Civil War South.

"This is a promise bridge, and it bridges a promise flowing from your heart to mine. It can't never be broken...the promise is part of you now, understand."

Thus begins an unlikely friendship between Hannelore Blessing, a plantation mistress, and a slave girl named Livie. As the young women are launched on a harrowing journey of awakening filled with shared risks and nurtured promises amid whispers of the Underground Railroad and the rising tension preceding the Civil War, they discover their ability to trust, love, and ultimately take action.

Aided by Colt, a devoted suitor hoping to win her heart, Hannah comes to understand that true friendship means letting go, so that Livie can be free to find a life and destiny all her own. However, a vicious slave catcher stalks the two women-and his unseemly motives and relentless pursuit threaten all that Hannah holds dear, as well as put her loved ones in unimaginable danger.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Civil War, Friendship, Railways, Ebooks

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Eileen Clymer Schwab graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Communication. She resides with her family in northeast Pennsylvania. Her second novel, Shadow of a Quarter Moon, will be released by NAL/Penguin in 2011. Over the years, Eileen's passion for writing has been channeled through occasional newspaper or magazine articles as she balanced a job and raising four children. With the encouragement of her husband and the blessing of her daughter and three sons, Eileen has finally unleashed the writer within. "

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those novels that you can't stop reading because you want to see what happens next, but you are sorry when you finish because you miss the characters and want to read more about them.

Beautifully and skillfully researched and written, Promise Bridge tells an often untold story of the beginnings of the Underground railroad. The author shows us the courage of the black and white heroes who helped slaves escape from an often unbelievable, awful existence. The characters are well developed. I really cared what happened to the people of the story. It was interesting to see Hannah learn the dark truth of slavery and slowly develop a mature understanding of her life.

Oh how I would love to be able to believe that some of my ancestors who owned and traded slaves were compassionate and caring. I have no way of knowing what kind of people they really were, except that my parents, their grandchildren taught me a different kind of thinking. All the way through this book I was hoping that my great great grandparents were like Livie's parents.

Thank you Eileen Clymer Schwab for an excellent book and congratulations on getting it published. I look forward to your next book.

[Brianna Rabe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should have known this was not going to be a challenging book, from the cliche title to the over-drawn cover. However, it has been a long time since I read a book on slavery, so I thought it looked promising. Entertaining but disappointinly written, Schwab tends to fall into the "tell not show" category of writers. Definitely a good read for audiences who do not want to be challenged or are in the younger audience sect. The plot, however, was entertaining, as there is a final twist that left me intrigued and surprised I had missed the clues. Not receommended, but do not completely regret the read.

[Vicky Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promise Bridge by Eileen Clymer Schwab surprised me. I didn't think it would be as interesting and suspenseful as it was. The beginning was a bit slow but after a few chapters it became a lot more interesting. Some parts were filled with so much suspense and drama that I couldn't put it down. The story was well-developed without it being overly detailed. The only part I thought was a little "off" was the ending. The end was unrealistically positive. Of course, I wanted a happy ending, but the way everything worked out so quickly didn't really seem to fit. All in all, I enjoyed Promise Bridge and I would recommend it to anyone interested.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars. I could not get into this book until page 140 something. After that, it was a good story. I own all the books that I read. I got this solely on what I read on the back cover. But if I have time to I will read 20 pages to get the feel of it. If I had done that, I never would have bought it. Some of the language was also troubling. Not time period usage. Not sure if I will give this author another chase. Sorry.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

In her debut novel,Eileen Schwab has done a lot of research to show us the insights and horrors of slavery back in the Pre-Civil War era. The story is about a forbidden friendship between a young plantation lady and a runaway slave girl. I enjoyed the book,but found it a little simple and predictable.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK...If was a selection of my local book club; I would not have chosen it myself. The story of the underground railroad is not a new story, and I didnt think the characters built around it were interesting enough. I would rather have read a 'true' account on this subject.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Promise Bridge is the story of a young woman who lives with her aunt on a working plantation in pre-Civil War Virginia. Because of an accident, her life is forever changed when she becomes attached to a young slave who is trying to find freedom through the Underground Railroad.

I appreciated many parts of this book. The story of the slaves and the Underground Railroad was especially compelling. Some of the execution of the material fell a little short for me, and portions of the book felt like it was intended for a young adult audience. However, I will read more from this author.

[Vickie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book about the Underground Railroad.

[Paschalis]

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[Ellen Mize · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have rated this a little higher except for the ending. It felt rushed and became like a romance novel. Most of the novel seemed true to the times and I enjoyed it.

[Betty Spaur · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book had great potential, I was never really able to connect with the main character, Hannah. Livie always protected and forgave Hannah, but why?

[Claire Gossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

you know books you remember reading as a kid when you discovered you loved reading? the feeling you got realizing books could bring you into another world? that’s this book. so good.

[Glenda Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving book about a deep friendship through very tough times

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Promise Bridge" is a historical set in the pre-Civil War South, but it also has some romance and suspense. The world-building was excellent, with the details of the setting and historical social and everyday details bringing the story alive in my imagination without slowing the pace. I think the author did an excellent job portraying both the good and the bad of the pre-Civil War American South (and North) without that ever seeming like it was the point of the story. It was the backdrop.

The characters were realistic and dealt with realistic problems. The "good" characters were likable, and I cared what happened to them. There were periods of danger and high suspense, but there were also lulls of safety filled mainly with interesting interactions as Hannah learned to see reality.

There was a very minor amount of cussing and swearing. There was no explicit sex. Overall, I'd recommend this novel as well-written, fairly clean reading.


I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher.

[Bikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the author notes I appreciated her goal in making Hannah a naive character, but there were times I wanted to smack her up the head. Having typed that, I was not a woman living in a very conformist society in the mid-1800's so I have a hard time thinking that I would just swallow exactly what they fed me without questioning it. I liked the story overall enough to give it three stars - which in goodreads means "liked it" - but the romantic ending of two people falling in love, even though they have had to leave their homes, was a little too sweet and picture perfect for me. I would recommend the book to anyone who wants to read about this time period because I do think this is a period that is lacking in coverage I just think you could find some more serious works if you wanting something more substantial to read.

[Rita]

I enjoyed this book if you can say that about something as horrible as slavery. The storyline pulled me in immediately and the plot moved forward at a good pace. Livvie and Hannahlore will stay with me for a long time and, of course, Colt is every woman's knight in shining armor. I've taught my students about the Underground Railroad for many years but this book, though fiction, caused me to think about it in terms of the lives of the people who were part of it in a much more powerful and moving way.
The one criticism I have is that I found the dialogue was often a speech rather than a real and believable exchange. Or maybe that was the way people spoke to one another in that very different time.
If this was Ms. Schwab's first attempt I suspect she will give us even better in the future.

[Mbmc114 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining book. Good character development. It allowed the reader to empathize with the plight of the main character, as well as those she cared about. The writing seemed authentic to the era- I could hear the southern accents of the characters. Not the most complex storyline, but since complexity does not necessarily equate to good, this does not negatively impact the rating. A chapter near the end was a bit terse, in comparison to the level of detail through the rest of the book. All in all, I would recommend this book, as it was an uplifting tale of perseverance, as well as a humbling reminder of our recent history.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel set in the pre-civil war south, the plot of Promise Bridge is interesting, and keeps the reader turning pages. The reason I did not give it five stars is because some of the dialogue seemed unrealistic or stilted, and some of the relationships presented didn't seem like they would have progressed as quickly as was presented in the story. Those who enjoy learning about slavery and the underground railroad will love this book. The evil characters seem to have no redeeming qualities, and it is not hard at all to hate them. I would definitely read another book by this author even though I read more Christian historical fiction than secular.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the plot was well developed, but there was something about the language that bothered me. It was too flowery and preachy. It may have been the language of the period, but I doubt that is the case. I am wondering why this book is not in my public library, yet it has many five star reviews. Is the target young adult? This read like a book that was always a paperback.
I read the book as it was the July selection for my book group and it is not one I would have picked on my own.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the period just before the Civil War. Deals with slavery. Livie is a slave and becomes friends with Hannah, a white woman whose family members are slaveholders/plantation owners. Things aren't always quite what they seem. And friendship changes both of these women, helping them become more compassionate, courageous and full of integrity. Well drawn characters and this really pulled me in emotionally as well.

[Stacie Morgan]

Loved this story! Did an excellent job of illustrating what the current feeling was at the time (just prior to the Civil War) toward slaves by masters and vice versa. The relationship between a white female and a black female was heartwarming, despite the fact it went against the norm and could have actually had some dire consequences for both girls if the true extent of their friendship had been known. It had a surprise ending!

[Maryann McFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading a galley to give a quote for this debut novel and I have to say, I think this book will become a classic. Gorgeous writing, wonderful characters, and a page turning plot about a young woman's coming of age just prior to the Civil War. It debuts July 7 and I predict great things.

[Susan Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of unending friendship, trust and honor between two strong women. Loved every minute of it. Describing parts of the book would lead to spoilers, which I myself do not like, but Ms. Schwab's writing style is a pleasure. Her story flows seamlessly and writing in the first person truly added depth to the main character. I'm looking forward to her next book.

[Sandybear76]

A niece of a plantation lady, Hannah finds Livie, a runaway on the mountain and takes care of her till LIvie's brother can come back for her. Many changes occur over the year or so of the book. A friendship between Hannah and Livie grows. Several surprises in the end. Very good storytelling. I had to stay up till I finished it.

[Mitzy Zahm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and give it a positive rating. I found it to be very simple and predictable, however. Not any epic novel, just a nice story about a subject that has been written and re-written many times.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Some great characters and a little bit of history and insight into the lives/workings/struggles of all kinds of people in the pre-civil war south. I look forward to and hope to read another book by Eileen Clymer Schwab!

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and had a hard time putting it down. It takes place in the South near the border of VA and PA...just prior to the civil war. It's about a friendship between a plantation young lady and a runaway slave girl and how they both reached freedom. Very good read!

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical novel explores the underground railroad and takes an interesting look at one runaway slave in particular. It had some interesting plot twists but I thought the dialogue was very cheesy in many places. And the protagonist, Hannah was very dense.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book club selection. Could a friendship like this really happen in that time period and situation? Maybe. Still, the story was intense, a thriller and quite good. I found a oneness with the characters as I read this book, so much so, that I bought another of Schwab's books.