Have been unable to review due to illness. Review coming soon! Love the premise, this novel looks fantastic, and what a beautiful cover! I am sure to love this!

The Promise is set in the gut wrenching throes of WWI and is the second in the Belle Trilogy. It is about tragedy and overcoming it, making choices and living with consequences, heartache, love, friendship and hope.

Belle and Jimmy are married and he writes to his beloved from the trenches. While he is away from home Belle experiences different battles, those with her past and her future. Though Belle has her own business, she decides to join the war effort instead. But her past grips tightly and does not let go. She relies on her close friendships and perseverance but war is a cruel thing and affects everyone personally and societally.

Lesley Pearse's writing is gorgeous and raw and I appreciate that realities of war are detailed as they are important. Interesting historical facts are highlighted as well. The characters are believably flawed as we all are so are relatable.

Historical Fiction readers would find this achingly beautiful book a treasure to read. But you needn't be a Historical Fiction fan to enjoy it. It would appeal to Women's Fiction and General Fiction readers as well. Just know there are adult situations.

My sincere thank you to Agora Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fascinating and compelling book.

This is a book of historical fiction...WWI...the book was sent to me electronically for review by Netgalley. The characters are believable; some are likable; some are just not realistic. The setting is intriguing, and the characters move back and forth from the peaceful area to the war area. The information about the battles and the injuries of the soldiers is realistic; this reads almost as if it were historical work and not historical fiction. The author has researched...this author is ingenious with the writing of this novel...some scenes give us too much information...Try this one...it is a good one.

This is book 2 of a wonderful trilogy, but can be read as a stand-alone book. I absolutely love the author's style of writing! She immediately pulls you into Belle’s world. I had trouble putting this one down! LOVED it!

Having read book 1 in the trilogy I was excited to start this one. Another fabulous read from Lesley Pearse. I loved it.