Gripped me right from the very start and kept me in its cluthes until the very end, I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting

This story certainly captivated me as soon as I started reading this.

Ruby and her sister Eliza live with their Aunt & Uncle after their parents were killed. Ruby promised on her Mother’s deathbed to look after Eliza. Ruby is a headstrong woman and we see her and fiancé Antoine part on not good terms will she see him again. As a tragedy happens yet again for Ruby she ends up deciding to fight against the Nazi’s. Will Ruby find happiness at the end of this turbulent time.

This book had everything tragedy, romance and a bit of mystery. It was well written and I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and they all worked well together.

Would recommend this book.

The Promise She Made
Julie Hartley

A true gem of a book, not what I expected but definitely engrossing. Once I started this book it took exactly two days for me to read the entire thing. Since I work a full time job that is no easy feat! The descriptions in this novel are truly captivating. If you like books where you feel you are right in the setting seeing everything through your own eyes, then you will love this book.

When Ruby promises her dying mother that she will watch and protect her younger sister, she takes this promise to heart. It becomes her life’s work to love and protect her sister as she promised. When World War II breaks out and the Germans begin to bomb England, she feels in order to do this she must make a decision about what is best for her sister to keep her safe. Little does she know the consequences she will bear for her decision. Going against everything she knows and everyone she loves, including her fiancé, she will not be deterred from doing the right thing. Or is it?

When events shake up her plans as well as her life, Ruby gives up everyone she loves to pursue a career where she can get even with the Nazi’s. Becoming a war operative becomes part of that dream. Then again, is it really? Just when things are beginning to work out for her, life throws her yet again another curve ball. One that makes her question not only herself but everything she has worked for. As she follows the leads that take her to London, Yorkshire and places unknown, does she really have the initiative and stamina to do what’s right? Is she prepared to live with the consequences? Ruby is forced to dig deep for what she truly believes in but in the end is she willing to give away the one thing she has left, her heart?

A book of unequivocal and thought provoking questions. A serious look at how fate intertwines and shapes our lives. The Promise She Made will keep you up burning the midnight oil until every page is read and while you will question many of Ruby’s choices you will never question her integrity or her will to survive,

Tragedy envelopes Ruby as 'The Promise She Made' on her mother's deathbed leaves Ruby committed to take care of her sister Eliza. WWII is raging and England is in Hitler's sights. What lengths will Ruby go to in order to keep Eliza safe? When tragedy strikes again, leaving Ruby blaming herself, she determines to fight back the only way she can...by fighting against Hitler. She has lost her family, her fiancé Antoine, her home. She has nothing else to lose.

Such strong characters, heart-wrenching plot lines, and an unexpected ending. Grab your tissues.

Releases Feb 12th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A very well written historical pierce of fiction.
A detailed and engrossing story of 2 sisters separated during war and their deep struggle and need to be reunited.
Loved the characters, both sisters have you rooting for them, loved Antoine!
A story of unconditional love.

A good read with captivating characters. This is one which I recommend for fans of historical fiction.

A story of 2 sisters separated during the war, and the struggle to be reunited. A good read with great characters

This was a really well done World War 2 historical novel, it had that element that I wanted and enjoyed getting to read this. The characters felt like they were supposed to and worked with the time-period perfectly. Julie Hartley was able to weave a story perfectly and thought it used the true events perfectly.

The beauty of historical fiction is learning more about history and learning more about lesser-known heroes, and those two things make me feel emotions deeply while reading. In The Promise She Made, I felt all these aspects were included.

Like much historical fiction literature, this story takes place in WWII Europe. The main character, Ruby was very likable. She showed loyalty to family and country, resilience after many tragedies, and was relatable in how she spoke to herself. She often spoke of her “raison d’être,” or “reason to live.” As someone who deals with mental illness, I found this very poignant.

I also found Antoine, her “soulmate” and fiancé, to be very attractive lol

It felt like everything was stacked up against Ruby, with so many awful things happening to her. Sometimes it felt unbelievable…but then again, things that happen in history are often unbelievable. I would have liked better if the characters were based on real people, but I know that isn’t always possible.

What a journey you begin as you start this book, and page turn for answers!
This is WWII time in England, and we deal with the bombings, and decisions that are life changing!
There is love and loss in this read, and we are there as the emotions flow.
This is a read that happens during the time the evil overtook Europe, and a young woman hoping to get her sister safe from the bombings in England, and what happens to her and her family.
We are offered some sweet romance, danger, espionage, and loss.
As the story progresses we are searching for lost loved ones, and with your heart in your throat, dealing with the those that want evil to prevail.
You don't want to miss this one, it will keep you on the edge of your seat!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.

Heartwarming novel about sisters separated during war. The years, tribulations, sinking of a vessel and the years go by as one sister tries to find her sister. Betrayed by this close to you and answers needed can be heartbreaking.

An utterly amazing story of love lost and found and happy reunions amid war and the struggles of the SOE. I hope there will be more!

York, London - 1942. On the night of the blitz, so much is lost. It’s a story that will change your life. Great read!

This is a great WWII read.
The main character struggles with her responsibilities and blames herself for all the war calamities in her life.
Throughout the book she learns to accept life as it is handed to her.
But she won’t let the war break her. She fights for England in any way possible.
While there is tragedy, there is a happy ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

THE PROMISE SHE MADE by JULIE HARTLEY is a well written WW11 novel in which the author has created very real characters, with well described emotions, and an exciting story in which we see their courage in adversity. We are made aware of the terror the British faced as the Germans hammered their country from the air.
The story starts in 1940 with bombs falling in York and Ruby Lawson, against her Aunt Martha and fiance Antoine Fournier’s advice, setting off for Canada with her little sister Eliza on the ill-fated SS City of Benares…….
Ruby, feeling guilty for everything that has gone wrong in the lives of those she loves, joins the SOE where she finds her musical ability helps her with codes and going through gruelling training with her friend Yvette to become a wireless operator in France, both gitls being fluent in French. This training goes a long way towards her finding her “raison d’etre” once again……
This is a story of unconditional love, family values, and loyalty, against a background of danger, betrayal and uncertainty.
I highly recommend this interesting and suspenseful read to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own,

The opening chapters drew me straight into this one….. York, 1942. On the night of the Blitz, Ruby returns to her beloved hometown with her heart shattered. She couldn’t keep the one promise she made to her dying mother, to keep her little sister Eliza safe from harm. The Germans have taken everything from her – her family, her fiancé Antoine, and now, her home. When she finds her family home destroyed, she falls to her knees in tears. Among the ruins of her life, she wonders if she has the strength to carry on. But then, she finds a mysterious note which gives her a flicker of hope.
Eliza is alive. I’ve seen her. You must find her…!!!!!
I love the author’s books. They are quick reads that suck you in and make you want more. I was sure I knew what was going on in this one. Positive. And nope I was wrong.

“The Promise She Made” is a historical fiction WWII book set mainly in England by Julie Hartley. While I understand that this book is based upon historic events (and some real people), the main character and her family’s stories are not real. Do read the Author’s Note for what is fictional and what’s based on fact. I found this story focusing a lot more on family ties, love in war times, grit/determination, and hope. I enjoyed the story - and found myself reading it at a fast clip because it was interesting - but I found it a bit unrealistic at times. This was an enjoyable book, but not necessarily the book for me. However, a four star review because it did hold my attention and I finished it - and I can see others enjoying it a lot.

I read this novel in one go! This was good! However, I had read that the story was inspired by true events which I always find interesting. I had believed it relied on true characters as well. Well it does not. The characters are fictional and the story of both sisters as well. This novel is for the heart, taking place during WWII, and the focus is on family, love in times of war. I have found it a bit unrealistic, but as I said, this is a heartwarming story to be enjoyed! I did !
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

The Promise She Made by Julie Hartley is a compelling WW2 story with a twist (surprise ending). I love this genre, especially when there are unforgettable strong female characters. Hartley masterfully weaves together the challenges of war, the resilience of women, friendship and the enduring power of love. The historical backdrop felt authentic. For me it was less dramatic than Her Secret Soldier but I still enjoyed it. </p>

I read this in one sitting so it is a short(ish) and easy read. I liked the book but I could predict the outcome not too long after being introduced to all the characters. I was glad that my guesses were correct. Suspend your disbelief and get lost in a war story with a mostly happy ending. </p>

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. Look for it early next year!