Promises: A Novel

Belva Plain will not be part of the Oprah book club, or Kelly Ripa's for that matter. There are no metaphors on life (like Jodi Picoult), no treatise on the power of forgiveness (like Macomber and others), no lectures on journeys of self-realization or needing to look at shades of gray, and all that babble that authors of women's fiction typically resort to. and so what a RELIEF! It is a clean, straightforward look on marriage, morality, and clearly outlines what is right, what is wrong. It has a strong, clear message about love, its illusions, and what divorce does to children, and to me at least was far more realistic than what is out there. It clearly points a finger at who is right and who is wrong, and doesnt attempt to make anyy excuses for the "other point of view". What a breath of fresh air. I needed something like this. Someone mentioned that she was a feminist. I am not sure...he values on marriage and what's right and wrong is very traditional...most feminist authors today (like Picoult and Delinsky) like to throw in differing points of view (primarily for book club discussions) and give us a huge headache.

The story of a woman who faces an ugly truth - her husband's betrayal, as her happy marriage is eroded. There's temptation, passionate romance, and betrayal wrapped up in an engrossing story of an extended family and how people respond to changes in their lives, including destruction of their expectations. A quick, easy read, and an interesting story. As always with Plain, it's well written, with good character depth as she pulls you quickly in, and you come to really care what will happen to the individuals involved. Belva Plain's books are always great drama, hard to put down, and make good summer reading; this is a good selection to take to the beach. If you like Danielle Steele, you'll enjoy this novel.

This book was astonishing in its realistic description of the break-up of a marriage. A lot of books have been written on this topic, but I can't recall ever reading one that came closer to the mark. After finishing the book, I felt as though I had come to know the characters; in their pain, their triumphs, their frustrations, their ambivalence. This author truly writes from the heart.

This is about real life, whatever some others reviewers say. All teenage boys should read this - this is what happens ultimately if one ignores timeless wisdom and falls victim to trendy, "situation morality". I wish I had read this when I was younger, it might have helped me get my morality straighter earlier in my life.

I normally don't like books of this nature. But Promises, was a pure tear jerker. I was thoroughly impressed with the story line. I totally agree with the reader who said that they have seen and read the old "I can't pretend any longer that I have loved you" routine. In this case, It was the same old routine; but, it was very touching and a lot more realistic. And for once the women who got left out in the cold, finally found some happiness.