Promises to Keep: Promises to Keep: A Novel

Wow, Jane Green wow'ed me again. I have to say I was getting worried that my favorite chick-lit author was turning so serious, but then I took a step back and realized that I too am getting older and ready for more mature novels. ;) I'm growing up with Jane Green. Anyway, Promises to Keep was one of my favorite Jane Green books. The characters, in my opinion, are so easy to connect with. I fell in love with the relationships built in the story. It's about true family ties and supporting one another no matter what life throws at you. After every chapter there is a recipe from a food item mentioned in the chapter. Not only was I deeply involved with the characters and plots in the story, but after every chapter I wanted to run into the kitchen and cook for my loved ones. This is just a great read that left me pondering life, love, and happiness at the end. I literally stared out the window when I was done, counting my blessings and really being appreciative for family.

I LOVED this book and the story behind each of the characters within it. It was beautifully done and weaved everyone's character nicely. If you've ever lost someone to cancer you will understand the feelings and emotions felt by all.

I love this author and always enjoy her stories. This one is a bit predictable at times, but also very enjoyable. While it would qualify as chicklit or women's lit, it is a philosophy that we all need to visit now and then. Women, their lives, their families, their loves and their sadness....it is all here and done very well. It is a story about real life issues, but also about resolution, determination and compromise. No one ever has it all and what we do have should be evaluated and appreciated all the time, not just in the times of trauma and sadness. Women sometimes worry about all the wrong things when their energies could be utilized elsewhere....here is a look at what is really unnecessary and a waste of time and effort. Celebrate your life, what you have and strive for things, but do not be ruled by the standards of others when they may not be what you want or need.

I thought this book was very poignant. Having a family friend with a very similar life experience as Callie this book was especially heart wrenching and touching. The character development of the supporting cast seemed honest and relatable. I have enjoyed all of Jane Green's books and this is no exception, I appreciate her ability to tell more funny stories and then significantly more serious pieces.

I've only read a couple books by Jane Green and was not impressed but this book was unbelievably good! Granted I am nearly 9 months pregnant and have a toddler of my own but this book had me bawling. I was so invested in the characters and what happened to each that I almost couldn't finish the book out of fear of what would happen. Steff is your typical chick lit, flighty character and you can pretty much predict what would happen to her in the end. Still the story was written in such a way that it will keep you engaged and hoping for a happy ending for all of the main characters. Callie's husband at first had me guessing if he was going to go the route of the busy working husband who would turn out to be a cheater or a loving husband that would be there no matter what. The other nice thing about this book was each chapter opens up with a recipe. Some of them sounded so tasty I may just have to try them out myself. Really there wasn't anything I actively disliked about this story. The only slightly negative thing I can say is much of the story is predictable but I find that true of all chick lit books. This is definitely a must read book but have a few tissues on hand.