This was an admirable first novel. It was plain how much research was done and the overall story was a beautiful, heartbreaking, story of friendship and strength. I can’t fault the storyline, the tearjerking moments and the scope of the characters lives. This book was let down by the experience of the writing. The author’s skill is limited. The dialogue was wooden and forced, Martin spent too much time telling the reader what was happening ie Adam went to the shops and he got a bag of food (this is not a direct quote!). This kind of writing puts a barrier between the reader and the character, losing the emotion and descriptive eloquence that is needed to really pull a reader into the story. At times I felt like I was reading a children’s book meant for learning to read or a technical book with instructions. The lack of engagement is why this book would have gotten 3 stars. Yet, there were a couple of moments where Martin nailed it and had tears rolling down my cheeks and those moments catapulted the book to 4.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

This historical fiction novel from a debut author was….. very mediocre. The plot and the story line were there but the writing wasn’t for me. I felt there was too much dialogue and not enough background given to explain the actions of the characters. I also found character development to be lacking. Despite the intensely emotional scenarios the characters were in, I found that I didn’t know them enough to care about their outcomes.
From the description of this book I was hoping for a Kristen Hannah type historical fiction, but unfortunately, the writing style just isn’t there yet. With some (lots) of editing I would be interested in this story for the plot, but honestly I found it difficult to get through.
Looking forward to seeing this author grow in future works!

“A Promise” is a historical fiction debut novel by Amelia Martin. This book follows three friends as teens growing up in Germany (post-WWI) and then into WWII. I found the relationship between these three friends a very kind one - it’s obvious through their actions and dialogue that they care about each other deeply. It’s also obvious that Ms. Martin did a lot of historical research - from describing Germany post-WWI and also during the build-up to and post WWII. For a debut novel, I think Ms. Martin did a great job. The quibbles I have with the book were more stylistic ones - Elisabeth’s father seems to always be referred to by his full name, not by just his first name or even “Father”; the story is told in present tense; the passage of time is linear but except for key dates they aren’t mentioned; and a few other minor things. Overall, an interesting read. I’d say if you like historical fiction books based in Germany post-WWI and like more character-driven novels, this one might be one to pick up.

Wow! A wonderful and heart wrenching book set during WW2. I couldn’t put it down! Characters and story were well written and I couldn’t read it fast enough to find out how it wrapped up. Ending was very emotional. . A truly moving story of history. Would definitely recommend!

I couldn’t put this book down! From the first chapters, I was hooked on these characters and wanted to see them through the journey I knew was to come. The views into the lives of Hannah, Adam, and Elisabeth had me wrapt in the story, tense with the knowledge of what the future held for them and how they would survive through it. Amelia Martin touches on many aspects of the horrors of World War II and the Nazi party. I was pleased to see a wide range of characters and beliefs portrayed, particularly with differing sexual orientations as well as Friedrich’s succumb to propaganda over time.

There were some aspects of the writing I wished were different. The dialogue felt preachy at times, though I cannot say it was unrealistic. I wished for more focus on sensory details that paint a scene in my mind. Nevertheless, I admit this writing was a refreshing change of pace from other historical fiction novels — vignettes of three lives over about 30 years, rather than a single or double storyline followed in extensive detail as so many other novels utilize.

This book was truly moving. The last chapters had me sobbing for all the three main characters experienced and how their lives turned out. This was an excellent read and I highly recommend it.