Promises To Keep

Plot

Description Eleven-year-old Roz (Rosalind) Anthony and her family have just moved to Mills River, Illinois, to escape an abusive situation. Only days after settling into their new home, they are surprised to find the previous owner, Tillie Monroe, on their front porch reading the newspaper. Though her sons have sold the house and sent her to a facility for the aged, she is determined to die in the place she lived her life, and somehow manages to find her way "home" day after day. Feeling sympathy for the elderly woman, Roz's mother allows Tillie to move back in. Mara Nightingale becomes Roz's first friend in Mills River. In spite of their many differences, the girls discover they have something in common that binds them together--both are hiding secrets. So they make a promise--"cross my heart and hope to die"--never to tell anyone else. When danger stalks the Anthonys, Tillie exhibits unimaginable courage and selfless love in her determination to protect the family she has adopted as her own. Publishers Weekly Review Dec 06, 2010 – In this heartwarming faith-based tale, the Anthony family, on the run from their alcoholic husband and father, leaves Minneapolis for the small town of Mills River, Ill. But they've barely begun to acclimate when sassy old lady Tillie Monroe shows up at their doorstep explaining that the house once belonged to her and her late husband. Tillie charms the Anthonys and, before long, becomes part of the family. Under Tillie's spiritual guidance, the family begins to find strength in themselves and God. Young daughter Roz, however, continues to struggle with paternal rejection and longs for her family to reunite. Only when Tillie shows immense courage does Roz realize the true meaning of family and faith. Tatlock (The Returning) writes a lively narrative that will please readers who enjoy Christian drama. While the book may be too predictable for some, others will find its message poignant and moving. © Publishers Weekly