Promises To Keep

By DL, Larson

Gambling threatens to ruin a family; infidelity taints a marriage, and tender dreams lay shattered. Join the Douglas family on an adventure of the heart and soul, a journey that each must make as they... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0977820564
• ISBN13: 9780977820566
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Helm Publishing
• Length: 372 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.8" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Reviewed by Ashley Denis

I think to put it best, Promises to Keep is a very quick read, with a simple story line, yet has miles and miles of meaning and depth to it. This novel was so enjoyable to read; I laughed, I cried, I hated, I loved. This was a perfect example of two typical lives. They appear so perfect to the outside world, but the author takes you on an inside ride of what life really is like for a married couple. Life is not all roses and chocolate; it's rotten trash and smelly feet. It's how you deal with that trash and foul foot odor that makes or breaks a marriage. DL Larson does a great job at portraying a marriage that is anything but perfect, and how the couples will do anything they can, and make the ultimate sacrifice to stay together. On the outside Annie and Joe are a typical couple, in a loving marriage. Everyone knows Joe has a bit of a gambling problem, but other than that, their marriage is perfect, they have wonderful children, and they love each other. Picture perfect is far from the truth. Annie has never accepted that their money comes from gambling, Joe is gone for weeks at a time because of his habit, and their children are insecure due to their father being gone so often. Annie takes on a lover to make up for the lonely nights she is forced to spend without her husband. If this is what their life is really about, then why would they stay together? What is there that is left to salvage? DL Larson explains this in her very real-life novel; love is worth salvaging, no matter what. I find it amazing when I read this, how much I learned to hate Joe at first. Then I started to realize and think about my own life and the sacrifices I have made for love. Isn't it all the same? Without love, the relationship wouldn't be worth it; but because love is a huge piece of the puzzle, dealing with the hurt and pain becomes more than worth it. Once I realized this, I found myself admiring Joe and Annie, as well as Chris and Francis (another not-so-perfect couple). Fighting through all the layers of hurt and lies only makes them stronger; it's the ultimate test of their love for one another. If you can get through that, then you can get through anything, right? I would highly recommend this novel. It is very insightful and helps to break apart the image most have on the "perfect relationship". Whoever said that it was wrong to have a relationship that was imperfect and involved a lot of bumps along the way is way off the mark. After reading this novel I believe that the more "trash" and "odorous feet" that is mixed in with the relationship, the better; it makes you stronger as a couple and makes life interesting!

Fiction, drama, romance

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (12/06) Annie and Joe Douglas started life like most newlyweds, in love and with commitments to each other. But Joe had a stronger commitment to gambling and drinking than he ever had to Annie. Ignoring his family was a way of life for Joe. He knew that if he didn't get his act together he was going to lose Annie; he knew that an eye-catching woman like Annie could easily attract other men and Derek wanted her. Derek was willing to love her and her children. Annie was lonely and Joe wasn't home much, so it was easy for her to love Derek but she'd made a commitment to Joe. Was she strong enough to pull her marriage back together, to deal with an angry lover and a despondent husband? Christine had a beautiful home, large and so formally furnished that it seemed cold. She loved Francis when she married him. But she wanted a home that could be lived in and a husband who would love her back as intensely as she loved him. When she found out that Francis was using a prostitute she was devastated; he rarely touched her and yet he would turn to Ruby at the saloon to meet his physical needs. After being apart the two attempt to put the pieces of their marriage back together But Francis had a deep secret, one he was afraid to share with anyone, even Christine; a secret that was destroying their marriage, a secret that was destroying him. "Promises to Keep," by D.L. Larson, is a story that will touch your heart. Annie and Christine are strong women, women who do not take commitment lightly. Larson is a talented writer. The story flows smoothly; intertwining the lives of these two women. I felt I knew these two women intimately. There was one part that bothered me -- knowing the secret, how could Francis take the chance of exposing his son to what he suffered. But it was a different era. I recommend "Promises to Keep" to those that enjoy fiction, drama and romance.

Excellent-Heartwarming Read!

It is true that life never gives us the fairy tale existence that we so long for, but somewhere inside of us is a knowing, a strength to overcome the challenges that life places before us and to walk in what we know our destiny is. Such is what you will find in this outstanding novel by author DL Larson as we are taken into the lives of Annie Douglas and Christine Douglas Frailey. Annie Douglas loves her husband but his life of gambling has taken its toll on her and she slips into the arms of another man who has waited all his life to claim Annie as his own. Annie's husband Joe knows the heartache that he has caused Annie and decides her life and his children's would be far better without him. Annie struggles to honor Joe's decision but despite her efforts she is unable to let go of the deep love and commitment she has for him. As she begins her journey to restore their marriage she faces an angry suitor, kidnappers and the worse obstacle of all, Joe's determination to free her of his curse. Christine loves Francis, her husband, but his strange behavior with her and his outward actions towards their son leaves her angry and frustrated. When she discovers he has a mistress she leaves but is drawn back and finds out a deep dark secret that has haunted her husband's life. To overcome the tragedy of this event will take all the courage and love Christine has within her as she literally puts her life on the line for her family. In this outstanding novel DL Larson has skillfully woven the tale of a family, their struggles and their challenges. In her descriptive words she crafts a story that lays bare deep hidden secrets, desires and fears; in doing so she weaves within your heart the emotions and commitment that true love brings forth ,despite hideous obstacles that would make the pale run and never look back. You are joined with each member as the families bravely face these obstacles head-on, battle to overcome them and reach the victory they so long for. Promises To Keep is the story of life, good and bad; it's challenges and the hope of new beginnings. Excellent read!