Promises to Keep

Molly Boudreau finally has what she always thought she wanted since grade school-a career as a doctor. But now that she is one, she isn't very happy with herself or her place in life. She hates the politics of her paying job at a local Boston hospital and the free clinic she wanted so much to succeed is going under due to a lack of community financial support. The clinic has seen lots of patients but most are not repeat customers for one reason or the other. Sarah Morgan is one of the few and Molly sees so much of herself in Sarah it hurts. As this novel opens, Sarah has come to the clinic seeking help because she is very far along in her labor and will not go to a hospital. Hospitals mean questions she won't or can't answer and thanks to a storm hitting the Boston area, Molly is forced to deliver Sarah's baby herself as best she can. The baby is born and doing well as Sarah names him Nicholas and tells Molly that his father is evil and can never know about the baby. She repeats the same story a few days later when she suddenly shows up at Molly's apartment doorstep. Sarah convinces Molly to keep Nicholas safe for a day or two while Sarah makes arrangements to protect his future. It becomes clear the next day through televised media reports that whatever Sarah planned failed and it cost her life. Molly does the only thing she can do. She runs taking Nicholas back home to her small town and as she passes him off as her own child born out of wedlock she has to deal with the inevitable fallout of her decision. Afraid for Nicholas she does not know whom to trust and it soon becomes clear, the father isn't the only one looking. As this novel moves forward it shifts in point of view by way of handful of characters each with their own complicated storyline. While the novel is primarily Molly's story the lines between main and secondary characters are often blurred as each has a heavy interest in the outcome. Along the way, Molly finds out more about herself than she ever thought possible and more about the others folks in her life, both friends and family, and that help can come from unexpected places. Rich in characters and settings, this multi storyline read moves steadily forward in all aspects to a satisfying ending sure to delight fans of this author and genre. Kevin R. Tipple © 2005

Promises To Keep by Susan Crandall is a deeply moving story. Dr. Molly Boudreau's life is going just as she had planned. She is working at the ER and helping out at the local clinic. But something is missing. When one of her patients leaves her newborn son in her care and is then murdered. Molly flees back home to Glen Crossing to protect this child. Dean Coletta comes back to the states after being injured reporting overseas. He learns his only sister has been killed. When it seems Molly Boudreau might have some answers Dean follows under the guise of doing a story on Glen Crossing. As Molly and Dean grow closer both of their secrets are lurking to tear them apart. Promises To Keep is a treasure. I found myself unable to stop reading once I started. The story line is so poignant and deeply touching. It was great to revisit characters from earlier books and catch up with their lives. Looking forward to the next book by this author.

Oh, this story was very good. Susan Crandall skillfully uses her writing gift to create Smalltown, USA. The author's approach, her characters, her settings are on such familiar ground they absorb the reader immediately. Dr. Molly Boudreau befriends a very lonely pregnant woman. It is obvious the woman does not want her identity exposed. Without warning, the mysterious woman is found ruthlessly murdered. Now, Molly has the responsibility of protecting the baby! His unhappy editor orders hotshot journalist Dean Coletta to return to the USA. The editor is worried, Coletta is too involved in the Middle East! Coletta's boss is executing his authority with valued concern. Reluctantly, Dean Coletta comes home to New York. He returns to discover his only sister, Julie, is missing and presumed dead. Coletta's journalistic skills kick in and the baffling trail leads straight to Dr. Molly Boudreau of Glens Crossing, Indiana. PROMISES TO KEEP is a splendid, evenly paced story and absorbs the reader in its ever twisting plot. In addition, Ms. Crandall does an attractive job: her chapters are united, yet carry various storylines. Nevertheless, it is the secondary characters that really sell this story! Crandall has created wonderful characters bursting with believability. The reader knows these people; these are characters that frequent every small town! Though this was an enjoyable story, a page turner if you will, it lacked the love and the sensuality that were found in its predecessor: Crandall's MAGNOLIA SKY. Still this was a solid story, and yes I would recommend it; however, I don't think I would read it twice, yet I would look for this talented author in the future! Grade: B+ MaryGrace Meloche Reviewer for: Romance Designs. This review is based on an Advanced Reading Copy.

In Boston Sarah Morgan arrives at the free clinic just prior to having a baby. Dr. Molly Boudreau helps her give birth to Nicholas. The educated Sarah refuses to talk about the father except that he is a red haired evil person who will never see her son. Not long afterward Sarah asks Molly to take care of Nicholas until she can insure her baby is safe. The next morning, Molly learns someone executed Sarah. Molly realizes no record of the birth exists yet and though the autopsy will show the recent birthing, she can hide the infant in her hometown of Glens Crossing, Indiana. She drives home where she tells family that Nicholas is hers. In New York, reporter Dean Coletta feels lucky to be alive as he recovers from a bullet he received in the Middle East, but learns that his sister Julie known as Sarah is dead but gave birth to a missing child. Dean makes inquires with all roads leading to Molly and Indiana. When they meet, though he believes Molly abducted his nephew, he is attracted to her; she knows he is not Sarah's evil incarnate, but could be working for him. The strong lead couple and powerful secondary characters especially her extended family make the tale seem very real. The brisk story line moves forward rapidly as Molly and Dean fall in love but have lingering doubts about each other. Though some readers will dislike the lack of a direct final confrontation between good and evil (this reviewer thought that added appropriate realism) and a major subplot involving Molly's nephew takes away from the prime theme, readers will appreciate this suspenseful family drama. Harriet Klausner