4.5★s

When Ruby's parents died, she'd made a promise to her mother to look after her little sister Eliza, whatever happened. When they moved to their Aunt Martha and Uncle Stanley's home, Ruby and Eliza remained close; Aunt Martha loved them both and would do anything to keep them safe. But when the Germans began bombing London, and Eliza was terrified, Ruby made the decision to move them both to America until after the war. And while Antoine, Ruby's fiance, and his mother, plus Aunt Martha, all begged Ruby not to go, not to take Eliza away, she did it anyway.

The middle of the ocean, steaming toward the USA, and Eliza was happily playing with her new friends. Ruby kept close watch on them all. But a few nights into their journey, their ship was torpedoed. Lifeboats surrounded their doomed ship, and still Ruby was trying to keep her little sister safe...
After Ruby's long recuperation, she begged everyone to find Eliza - but she knew, deep down, that she was dead. Taking the blame was what Ruby had always done. Now she needed to take her mind off the events of her past, so joined the SOE (Special Operations Executive), determined to head to France and take her revenge on the Nazis.

The Promise She Made by Julie Hartley was a great read and one based on a little known fact of WWII, which has been written about by others before. Ruby's life was a hard one and she struggled. But her independence and stubbornness could often be her downfall. I enjoyed The Promise She Made very much, as I did the first book of this author's that I read (Her Secret Soldier) Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

After reading the authors debate book, I couldn’t wait to read Julia Hartley’s new novel The Promise She Made, it did not disappoint. A gripping story of love, loss, determination, family, promises and above all hope. The only issue for me was the ending, I would have loved an epilogue, I feel many questions were left unanswered. Nonetheless it is beautifully, well written war time novel filled with inspiration, courage and sacrifice. 4 1/2 stars
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#ThePromiseSheMade #NetGalley.

Heartbreaking Journey the main character goes on with family, love and job.
The ending was great in how it tied everything up no loose ends

Publication date: February 12th , 2025
Read dates: February 4th, 2025

I could not put this book down. The anticipation to see what was going to happen next had me so excited. The suspense had me on edge. The fear of the unknown had me reading page after page. The love between Antonie and Ruby had me smiing and crying in equal measures. So many feelings.

Reading The Promise She Made reminded me of how much war changes people. In the story fears grew. Terror raged in silence. The losses were extreme. Monsters were in the beds of the unexpected and leading Britains soldiers. In war you cannot run. You cannot hide. How did they all survive?

Ruby has been left in charge of her little sister after their parents die. Eliza's fears, Eliza's silence has Ruby making a decision that affects many. They escape England on the SS City of Benares heading to Canada and away from war. When war meets them in the dark of night everything changes. The Promise She Made is the story of how Ruby changed after surviving the torpedo that sunk the ship.

Gripping and emotional. Ruby and Eliza are separated when the ship they thought would take them to the safety of Canada was hit by a German U Boat. Now Ruby has joined the SOE and is determined to work against the Nazis and to find Eliza. This starts from a bleak place-the U boat, the Blitz-but Ruby is resilient. She's also got a love interest, Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC>. No spoilers.

A heartbreaking story set during WWII of two sisters Ruby, a promising pianist and her younger sister, Eliza . Ruby promised to care for Eliza when her parents die. They move in with their Aunt Martha but Ruby is determined to remove Eliza from war torn London despite pleas from her Aunt and Ruby’s fiancé, Antoine. They travel on an ocean liner to Canada but a German U boat torpedoes the ship.
Ruby is not the same after this disaster and finds it difficult to get on with life as she blames herself for the disasters that occur to her and her family.
A story of loyalty, love, family and responsibility set against the backdrop of London during WWII.

This book was a gripping and emotional read.
This novel tells the story of Ruby's search for her sister Eliza against the terrifying backdrop of the Blitz. Ruby's story was one of bravery, as she faced heartbreak and danger to discover the truth.

The unexpected plot twists and secrets revealed left me reeling. I could not stop reading until the very last page. It will stay in my heart for a while.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction.

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!