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blogginboutbooks's review
3.0
Stories set during the Depression and Dust Bowl are almost always bleak and depressing. A PROMISE TO BREAK is no exception. Although the aim of the book is to show how faith in God gets people through hard times, it's still not exactly a warm, uplifting tale. It doesn't help that most of the characters are unlikeable, there's not much of a plot, and the prose is choppy and clunky. I appreciate Spurgeon's goal of creating a story that's realistic, but also clean and faith-promoting. However, this one just dragged for me. At the end of the book, Spurgeon notes that A PROMISE TO BREAK tells the story of her grandparents. In this case, I think their tale would have made a better memoir. Their story is inspiring, but it lacks the elements that make a compelling novel (a strong story goal, for example). Personally, I'd give it between a D and a C grade (I round up for GR reviews).
longtimereader's review
5.0
As children, we think our parents are probably perfect. Sibyl sure thinks so, even in the midst of the Great Depression. Her dad has extracted a promise from her, one she is trying so hard to keep. She just wants him to be proud of her. However, life has issues and sometimes the promises that are made are ones we can't keep, or shouldn't keep. Is Sibyl's promise to her father one she had to cling to for life? I absolutely LOVE that it's based on a true story.
I cheered for the Truths and Bible principles that were worked into the lives of the characters. I connected with some of their conflicts and struggles. I remembered my Grandparent's and parent's issues with the Great Depression and what all it caused in their lives. Then, I sighed happily at the promise of the next book in this series from this new-to-me author.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My review contains my feelings and opinions about this book, left freely.
I cheered for the Truths and Bible principles that were worked into the lives of the characters. I connected with some of their conflicts and struggles. I remembered my Grandparent's and parent's issues with the Great Depression and what all it caused in their lives. Then, I sighed happily at the promise of the next book in this series from this new-to-me author.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My review contains my feelings and opinions about this book, left freely.
rachel92886's review
4.0
This was a well written book. I enjoyed the story and the plot. The author did a good job of weaving together a good story. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. I would line to read more by this author. I recieved this book from the author for free. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.