It would be stereotyping to say all Germans were bad pre- and during WWII. This historical novel gives great clarity to this factor and that many suffered severely under Hitler's Reich' evil rule. This unfolds in the lives of Elizabeth, Adam and Hannah as they each get their turns to 'speak'. It is from them a promise is given.

This is no book for sissies as I found a whole range of emotions course through me, from horror and digust to tender moments. I feel Amelia Martin has captured a most realistic portrayal to those times and the far-reaching ripple effects of Hitler and his Nazis' hate.

I really appreciated how Martin inserted philosphical reasonings, opinions and conclusions via her characters in such clever ways. The thoughts and feelings of her characters' reactions to the 'poisoned brainwashings' of the peoples and even regarding God and His care or indifference to the plight of millions.

This is definitely not a 'happily-ever-after' saga, so brace yourself.

A 5-Star rating from me.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

January 2024

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher.

I am a little conflicted with A Promise: A Sweeping Story of Friendship in WWII by Amelia Martin. The story itself is fast-paced, poignant, and intriguing- it follows 3 young Germans as the Nazis come to power in Germany. Two are Jewish, and one has a father who, not only is violent, but idolizes Hitler. They make a promise to always be together, never forget each other, and find each other no matter what happens. The story spans the lead up to WWII and ends in the 1960/70s. Elisabeth, Adam, and Hannah experience the full devastation and horror that the Nazis, and war, brought to the citizens of Germany, and the world. Their stories give the reader glimpses into wartime Munich, Paris, London, and post-war Chicago and beyond. It was really interesting to read about the experience of a non-Jewish, non-National Socialist German during the war alongside the two, very different, Jewish stories. It is an experience I have rarely read about. So, the story was very interesting and I wanted to love this book so much because of it. But…

The writing is where A Promise went south for me. Told in the third person, skipping ahead and back in time inconsistently, and using short, simple sentences all made it hard for me to actually enjoy the book. Maybe it’s because I’m an English Lit. teacher, but I could not get past the basic, basic structure of the novel. At first, I thought it was a translated novel so I could excuse the writing as too simple. But I don’t believe it is a work in translation. So, then I considered that the author wanted to keep the pace fast and, maybe, confusing- sort of like what Elisabeth, Adam, and Hannah might be feeling- but, I don’t think that was the intent. The writing just did not work for me. Yes, you don’t want overly ‘flowery’ writing, but a reader needs something more than subject-verb- object construction!

If it wasn’t for the story- and how quickly I was reading- I would have DNF’d A Promise. Which, I guess means Martin did something right in creating characters and a plot I cared about. In the end, I was crying with sadness and joy at the way Elisabeth, Adam, and Hannah’s stories ended up, and how they indeed kept their promise. But there is little to be joyful about in terms of the writing. This appears to be Amelia Martin’s debut novel, and I read an advanced copy, one hopes that some editing will take place. In the end, I am not sure how to rate the book. I am giving it a 3.5/5 on the random rating scale- LOVED the story, strongly disliked the writing. I recommend, but with reservation. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own

A promise is a addictive story about friendship and love during a time when hatred ruled Germany.

The characters were wonderfully written, and the scenarios were believable. The only thing that bothered me was that it read blocky. I can't think of another word to describe it. Like each paragraph, we're its own little block that did not flow smoothly into the next paragraph. It didn't take away from the story. It was just a little bizarre

It's after WW1, and Hitler is just coming into power. Three best friends, Elisabeth, Adam, and Hannah, try to figure out the best way to stay together and survive.

I honestly could not put this book down. The story switches POVs between the 3 main characters, and I just couldn't get enough. It's written in the 3rd person, which took a few chapters to get used to. While this story is not based on real people, it's the story I'm sure many people lived through.

I found myself rooting for each of the characters through their own stories. Each storyline is different, but the focus on their friendship and their promise to each other is all throughout. Elisabeth, Adam, and Hannah each had to overcome huge hurdles and emotional choices to keep themselves and the people they loved safe.

Thank you to Netgalley, Amelia Martin, and the publishers for this free ebook. This review is 100% my own and honest opinion.

This was a very well done interpretation of three different perspectives of the Nazis and WWII. I typically consider myself a slower reader, but this book was a very quick read and flowed nicely. I rated this book a 4, but think it deserves a 5 if certain errors are fixed. Throughout the reading, I was able to find multiple gramatical errors that distracted from reading and interupted the flow of the story. However, if these errors were fixed, I feel that my rating would increase to a 5.

One point of this book that I found to be interesting, and rewarding, was that the author portrayed what it was like for a non-Jewish German be opposed to the Nazi beliefs. I feel that this side of the story is not told often, and sp I was pleased that one of the perspectives chosen was Elisabeth's.

I feel that as I read the charcters were very well developed. I felt as if I knew each of them well, and I enjoyed reading each storyline as they developed. In addition to the development of the characters, I feel that the chosen wroting style was also fitting for the novel. It priginally took a small amount of time to get used to the writing style, but once I was used to it, I enjoyed it.

Since the story spans such a long period of time, I feel that the reader is left with many unanswered questions, but the author's attempt to provide closure over the main characters is done in a manner that does not dissappoint. Her writing left me wanting more, and to have some closure to those unanswered questions.

Highly recommend this book, especially once grammatical errors are corrected.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For more reviews and discussions, listen to my podcast The Honest Book Reviewers with Nate and Emma.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3H3ugH4xlzvjMXuUo1Lyvh?si=ewdzfkUnSVKyDmAvHMHIPQ

Thank you to NetGalley for this ecopy of A Promise by Amelia Martin in exchange for a honest review.This is a well written and researched book about 3 childhood friends -Hannah and Adam who are Jewish and Elizabeth who is not. Adam who is also a homosexual finds Germany a frightening place when Hitler comes to power.Hannah and will do anything to save her baby Helena from the Nazis.Elizabeth is in love with Dieter and finds the Nazis’ treatment of her friends deplorable.Growing up surrounded by Nazis she is unable to save her friends and must make “a promise” at the expense of her own happiness to save their lives.Lots of drama and twists and turns.

A Promise by Amelia Martin

A Promise follows three friends; Elizabeth, Adam and Hannah from early 1930’s, as they see the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party becoming more and more popular in Germany, they make a promise that no matter what the future holds they will always look out for each other.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Book Whisperer for a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review

A Promise by Amelia Martin is a Historical Fiction novel which takes place in Munich mostly during WWII. Three loyal friends vow to help each other through life's terrible difficulties as much as possible. Though their circumstances in ways differ, the common thread is the dark torment in every way imaginable during the Holocaust. Hannah and Adam are Jewish, Elisabeth is German, but they all suffer unspeakably. The reader is privy to the bitterness, resentment, hatred, love, obsession, sorrow and hope the three (and other characters) experience. Reading about the despicable treatment of Jews and non-Nazi sympathizers always causes my heart to ache. What they endured is incomprehensible.

Mental and physical repercussions of war are well written and details are not glossed over. The lack of personal character descriptions is impactful and forces the reader to focus on what is relevant and important. However, the author did show us very real glimpses into their minds and hearts. I like that the author explains what ultimately happens to the characters.

The writing is somewhat tricky to follow at first as there are no explanations for time jumps. But the pure rawness in its simplicity is profound and really grew on me. One of the most intense quotes is something Hannah said while at the killing camp, Auschwitz, "...when she was a human...".

If you seek an atypical Historical Fiction, give this one a try. It may grab you as it did me.

My sincere thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this emotive novel.

This is a story about friendship, resilience, and survival. During the rise of the Nazis, three friends make a promise to always be there for one another. War physically tears them apart, but each friend honors their promise the best they can under dire circumstances.

I wish the writing were a bit less choppy and that there could be more depth to the characters. I enjoyed the plot, and felt that the characters represented the time period well.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A heartbreaking story of three friends that grew up in Germany before World War II who make a simple promise to stay together. This story follows these friends through World War II. The author presents several questions about Germany and how Germans will be thought of in the future. This book promises to pluck away at the heartstrings and play you like a fiddle as these friends try to survive the war.
I think the story is original and very compelling. I think closure is given in all fronts without being a burden on the reader. I think Amelia Martin has a world class story on her hands that seems to be her first translated story that is coming to American markets. I look forward to reading more by this author and I would like to give Amelia Martin huge kudos for this story.
The only downside to the advance reader version that I read is that the translator did what I assume to be a very faithful translation, but sadly that makes the writing very clunky in English. I hope before the book is published that a lot of this clunkiness is worked out so that readers can just enjoy the wonderful story that has been presented to us.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by the publisher via netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I plan to review and discuss this book on my podcast The Honest Reviewers https://open.spotify.com/show/3H3ugH4xlzvjMXuUo1Lyvh .

Amelia Martin, thank you for reminding me that many different people suffered during and after World War Two. I seem to forget that it wasn't just the enemy countries that were destroyed. I forget that Hitler's own chosen people struggled to survive.

If you weren't a supporter of Hitler you lived in fear every minute of every day. A Promise is a reminder that not all supported him. A Promise is a reminder that not all ate like the Gestapo, lived like the Gestapo. A Promise is just what I needed to explore a new perspective.

A group of friends, living in Munich, make a promise in hopes they will survive the war. They will all have unique struggles making the promise unattainable.

Hannah is Jewish. Her family is frequently on the run trying to survive. She must made a difficult decision that no one should have to make.

Adam is also Jewish. His family is struggling to save money to flee to America. That dream ends when the Gestapo confront him parents. The reader learns of other struggles that Jewish citizens lived through in an attempt to live.

Elisabeth has survived years of abuse at the hands of her father. He becomes more controlling under the support of the Nazis. Family dynamics add to the drama. She lives in fear that her friendships with Hannah and Adam will be discovered. I can only begin to imagine the horrors she experienced. Her only escape is Otto, the man she loves and wants to marry.

Unfortunately, Olga is obsessed with Otto. She will use her connections with the Gestapo to destroy their love. I had forgotten how easy it was to get the Gestapo to do the dirty work to destroy others.

Although A Promise is historical fiction, there are truths within the story. I am not sure if the author planned it but she encouraged me to learn more. She has touched on what life may have been like during and after the war. Her story tore me apart. I didn't expect a happily ever after but the way she deals with final days of some had me grabbing a box of tissues.

This is a very sad and yet very heartwarming story of four young adults who were best friends in Munich Germany during the rise of Hitler. Two of the friends are Jewish, and two are not. It traces their lives through the holocaust and beyond. There are many side characters in the novel. The story, although historical fiction, is a compilation of what happened to many people in Germany during World War II. It is beautifully written, and the characters are developed so wonderfully. Although there are twists and turns along the way, the author ties everything together, along the way. It is a very fast read, and one that will give you goosebumps at the end!

A wonderfully written story. Even though it was fiction I’m sure a lot of those things did happen during the holocaust. I read it within 24 hours which is very unusual for me only because I couldn’t wait to get to the end of the story then when I got there I was sorry that it ended. Looking forward to another book by Ms. Martin.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. The characters were well developed and the settings and circumstances each of the characters went through showed the amount of research the author did. This was one of the best Pre-WWII through post WWII books I have read lately and I read a lot of them. I look forward to more books written by this author, no matter the subject.

During WWII; Elizabeth, Adam and Hannah make a promise to always stay together, but their promise is put to the test as Hitler has other plans.

The story was good, I enjoyed reading about other pieces of WWII that didn’t focus solely on the camps. I did catch myself tearing up at the end of the story.

The writing style felt choppy. Time jumped forward very quickly and only small hints would let the reader know. I thought a character was just a toddler at the beginning of the book, but he was almost an adult near the end (the war didn’t last 15+ years). Time jumps aren’t necessarily a bad thing; in fact they can move a story along quickly which is nice, but it should have been done a little differently.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy of A Promise by Amelia Martin.

After WWI, three friends are growing up and watch how Hitler has affected their young lives. It is very touching and heartbreaking. As I read books like this I wonder how I would handle the changes they were forced to endure.

i was honestly a little underwhelmed by this one. it started off really well, but i found myself feeling increasingly disengaged from the narrative (i do think the syntax could be edited for the text to flow in a more natural way, tbh). it isn’t awful, but i didn’t find it remarkable either.

A Promise by Amelia Martin tells the heart-wrenching story of childhood friends Elisabeth, Adam, and Hannah. The story takes place as Hitler and his Nazi Party takes over Germany in the early 1930's. As the story begins, Elisabeth, Adam, and Hannah are teenagers, around 16 or 17 years old. The novel takes you through each characters life, experience, and story as they survive Nazi Germany and the plummeting years that follow as World War II unfolds and their lives are all upended. Elisabeth, Adam, and Hannah are all fighting for their own survival and each characters story is very unique with the sort of troubles they face.

This is a fast paced novel, and the story line progresses extremely quickly, which isn't a bad thing and actually worked really well with this novel. There are a lot of heart breaking moments Elisabeth, Adam, and Hannah experience throughout the novel. But, amidst the heartache, if you look really carefully, there is a lot of love and happiness too.

Amelia Martin did a great job at describing the characters emotions, feelings, and helping the reader also feel the emotions of the characters.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book. World War Two fiction is one of my favorite categories of historical fiction. I read about thirty percent of this book before I had to put it down and step away from it for a few days. The author did such a wonderful job of making us feel for the characters as if they were our own friends that it hurt to read the fear and pain these characters were experiencing. This is the story of Adam, Hannah and Elisabeth who grew up in post World War One Germany and their lives through the Second World War. None of this history was new to me but Amelia Martin wrote an incredibly emotional novel about the suffering so many people went through because of one fanatical man. I’m glad I picked it back up and finished it!

While this book is interesting and the characters likable, the writing made it difficult for me to stay in the story. Somethings moved very quickly with little description. Time seemed to jump without warning. I wanted to love this book but it fell flat for me.