As all the books in the series, Tolsma takes the reader back into time to revisit an event in the past. This look back to the Alamo was one that kept the reader coming back to find out what would happen to the characters, even knowing what the history books say. Tolsma did a remarkable job enticing the reader to learn more about the characters in the story.

The book goes back and forth from the past and the present centered around a common object. The stories made you want to solve the mystery and see how they are intertwined. It was a quick read when you couldn’t put the book down!

I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

I've always been fascinated by the Alamo and it's history. And getting a dual time line story on the Alamo made this history nerd happy. I finished this one in a day. Because I couldn't wait to find out what happened.

“Faith. It meant taking that giant step and putting herself in someone else’s hands.”

Enjoyed this dual-time period story about two young women separated by almost 200 years and connected by a cat-eye ring. With lush historical details and inspiring stories of perseverance and faith, this story transported me to 1830’s Texas and the battle for independence.

As a young woman, Josie Wilkins has experienced more than most could survive. She witnessed horrible atrocities and was kidnapped by an evil man who still haunts her. Now two years later and reunited with her family, their homeland is under threat from Santa Anna and his troops. One brave handsome minister is determined to win Josie’s hand, but will he accept her past and will they survive the battle for independence?

Kayleigh Hewland’s life is turned upside down when a purchase at a flea market could be the link to the past she’s been searching for. The cat-eye ring with the strange engraving looks like the ring her deceased mother once owned. Enlisting the help of jewelry store owner Brandon Shuman, they search for clues about the ring’s origins, but as they unravel the past, danger lurks. Will Kayleigh learn to trust and open her heart or will her past come back to haunt her?

This story took me a while to really get into, but once I did, I was hooked. At first, I felt like I was dropped into the middle of the story, but that jarring feeling works because it puts you directly into the heroine’s while pieces of the past are slowly woven in. I enjoyed both stories and the way they were linked together. There were two despicable villains in both stories who kept tensions high. There was plenty of action, mystery, and romance to keep me invested in both stories and hoping for happiness for both women. The religious messages of faith, trust, and hope were a big part of the stories, but woven into the characters’ lives in a natural way that wasn’t overbearing.

Highly recommend this story to Christian fiction and historical fiction lovers. Content: stalker, rape (no explicit details), some violence. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

A Promise Engraved was a deep historical book that took us into the lives of two women who are separated by time, almost two hundred years. Both are haunted by their pasts; both are searching for the truth that can finally set them free.


In this time split novel, we travel back to the troubled times when Texas was rebelling against Mexico. Josie Wilkins is a young woman who has seen her fair share of trouble and as her story unfolded in the pages, wow, she became a very dear character who I really wanted to see some true justice for. She did not expect to find much happiness in this life after what happened to her. She certainly did not think she deserved the love of a good man. I was glad when a certain man showed her through his deeds and words, she was most precious. They were living in perilous times and neither knew how much of a life they would get to live. They experienced much sadness, but their grit and determination saw them through. It just makes me glad for the blessings of those brave men and women of our pasts.

In present times Kayleigh Hewland, another young woman, is experiencing some of the same feelings that Josie was. A sense of unworthiness, and not so much what she did, but what was done to her. She finds a link to her past in a piece of jewelry and enlisting the help of jeweler Brandon Mullins, Kayleigh is hoping to have some closure and peace. What she finds is a love that continues through generations and a link to a much deeper past than she realized. Unfortunately, evil intentions still lurk and are as much alive from the past as the love is.

This was a mesmerizing read and kept me hooked. I cared about both characters and wanted both to have satisfactory resolutions. This was a well done addition to the Doors of the Past series.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma is the eighth book in the multi-author Doors to the Past series. This is a dual-timeline story. Josie Wilkins lives in Texas around the time of the Battle of the Alamo. Kayleigh Hewland lives in present-day San Antonio. When Kayleigh finds a small gold ring it opens the door to the past. What mysteries will she uncover as she researches the inscription on the inside of the ring? The story started off kind of slow; but it picked up and kept you riveted until the final chapter. There was a lot of sadness in the story but happiness as well; and it was filled with well-researched historical tidbits. I really enjoyed learning a little more of the history of Texas.


I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

This is an intriguing dual-time story revolving around the lives of two couples separated by almost 200 years. Josie Wilkins meets and falls in love with John Gilbert in 1835, but their romance is marred by Josie's secret past and the deepening conflict between Texians and Mexico. In the present time story, Kayleigh Hewland and Brandon Mullins forge a friendship as they work to uncover the history behind a unique cat's eye ring found at a flea market. Is this the same ring that was ripped from Josie's finger by the brutal Manuel Garcia? Were Josie and John able to survive the deadly Battle of the Alamo? What was the meaning of the engraving on the inside of the ring?

I learned about the Texas Revolution and the Battle of the Alamo a long time ago and reading this book was like a refresher course in American history. I was totally invested in the plight of those brave people, and I couldn't wait to learn if there truly was a connection between Josie and Kayleigh. If you enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance, you will want to read A Promise Engraved. It is a fascinating addition to the Doors to the Past series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

A Promise Engraved is a sweet, touching story that shows nothing is impossible with God. Never consider anything beyond God's reach. Brandon and Kayleigh are the type of characters that I love reading about. They're not perfect. They struggle, and the beauty is in them learning to lean a little harder on God. I thought the split timeline was well done. I enjoyed the characters on both sides, though Josie might have to be my favorite. Her pluck and unflagging spirit were wonderful. Using the ring to link the two timelines had me invested in the story. I had to know where it would end up. The danger and romance blended together to create a story that I couldn't put down. I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

A cats-eye ring links two women centuries apart in their search for family, answers, and love.

Haunted by her past Josie Wilkins finds it hard to hope after losing so much, yet I admired her strength and bravery in being willing to risk her life fighting for freedom. John is a kind man who lives by his faith, I loved how he solidly supports Josie, offering comfort and acceptance.

Kayleigh in the present day is passionate about her work, but a ring with ties to her past has her searching for answers. I loved her heart for the children, as well as her friend Paula, and new friend Brandon. Kayleigh's story definitely has a lot of mystery and suspense to it.

Overall, this was a quick read, I enjoyed reading about the brave men and women who fought for their way of life, as well as the strong themes of faith and trusting God even in a world of pain and suffering.

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

This story is set during a very fascinating time in history and I learned a lot from the author’s well-researched setting. Her writing allows the reader to be transported to the past while also staying connected with the present in the dual timeline. I liked Kayleigh a lot; her passion for Mexican migrant children is commendable. There is a bit of mystery as she tries to find the history of the ring that added a level of suspense that kept my attention during the novel. I loved when the past and present began to connect a bit further along in the story. I also think the faith elements are well woven into the story. I have greatly enjoyed this series and think this is a great addition. A recommended dual time story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I never expected this book to be so filled with intrigue amid the history and mystery. The tale of those who ended up at the Alamo is intertwined with a modern story of Kayleigh, a woman who finds an antique ring at a street market. Kayleigh works with refugee children, which remind her of her own painful journey to America. Then danger lurks and follows her, ramping up the tension in this compelling tale. Connections increase between the historical and the current in this dual-time suspense novel. I enjoy sleuthing out history and reading about such in stories. The author did a good job with the multiple threads of the plot, which gets quite exciting, and the characterization, and readers also learn more about the Alamo. Even though the fiction is based on historical events, the current drama was created by the author. I think book clubs would find this an interesting choice for discussion. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

A generally good read.

As a rule of thumb, I generally don't enjoy reading books that skip between two time periods, especially if one of those time periods is set in the contemporary present, so I struggled to engage with the contemporary part of the novel. But this is mainly just a personal quirk of mine and has nothing to do with the author's style or the story's plot.

On the whole, I do think the plot could have gone into more depth about certain things, and some parts of the story seemed slightly unrealistic to me (e.g. heroes stepping in at just the right time to save the day, enemies scurrying away at the slightest hint of fright etc). However, all in all, this was a nice, relaxing read.

I would recommend this book to those who love relaxing Christian fiction!

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from the publishers of A Promise Engraved in exchange for an honest review. All things stated in this review are my own opinions.

A Promise Engraved is part of the Doors to the Past series and is written by Liz Tolsma. The series is written by multiple authors and all revolve between the time split theme. I believe this is the first time split novel for the author. I have read several of her books and they are always amazing reads.

In this story, travel back to 1835 Texas. There is a lot going on during this time period in history. The author did an amazing job bringing in the rich history of the area. Josie Wilkins has had a shattered life. Her mother and sister were murdered. She was kidnapped by an evil man. Because of this there are so many scars that remain hidden. She is a determined woman. She has set her sites on John Gilbert. He is the Protestant Preacher. However, her deep secrets make her feel that she is not worthy of being a Pastor's wife. John is not able to fully reach out due to the time period. He is s forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. There is a fight for Texas and its independence.

Our Present day character is, Kayleigh Hernandez. She assists Mexican migrant children which takes a toll mentally and emotionally. While traveling the flea markets she finds a very interesting ring. She is determined to find out the story behind it. She asks for help from an appraiser, Brandon Shuman. What kind of story will they be able to piece together?

The characters are well written. You can feel their emotions coming off the page. I have enjoyed this series so much - and don't want to EVER see it end. I adore this author and have always loved everything she has written.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this story - all thoughts are my own.

Two women are separated by almost two centuries. Both struggle with their faith in the Lord and events in their pasts. They are connected by a ring that had belonged to their mothers. And they know Christian men who grow to love them despite each woman trying to avoid romance. This is the first dual timeline story written by this gifted storyteller, and it is excellent! The characters and the Texas Revolution, including the Alamo, and the outcome of the war, are brought to life through realistic conversations, actions, and emotions. This will appeal to many who appreciate faith challenges, history, and suspense.

Josie has survived things that many women could not have faced. She was kidnapped by Manuel, a man from the Mexican army, after he murdered her baby sister and their mother, then ripped the cat’s eye ring off her mother. Josie was held captive for over a year before she was found and rescued. Her father remarried a woman named Charlotte.

Josie now helps her stepmother with chores as she is pregnant. Charlotte lost her first baby and is trying to protect this one. Josie, having been taught many things by close friend Bright Star and her warrior brother, courageously spies on the Mexican army to learn their plans. John, the pastor of their church and part of the fight for independence, is clearly interested in her, but if he knew her past, she is sure he would reject her.

Kayleigh works to help unaccompanied children who crossed the border from Mexico. Most people do not know that she was once in their position. Her parents died shortly after they crossed. She found a cat’s eye ring at a market that looks like the one her mother had until the human smuggler pulled it from her hand after she died. Kayleigh took it to a nearby jewelry store. Intrigued, the owner researches the kind of ring she has and the inscription inside, and became interested in Kayleigh. Since purchasing the ring, her life is suddenly, repeatedly threatened.

Each of the young women has significant faith struggles that many readers could understand. Watching Josie and Kayleigh in their daily lives and relationships is heartwarming. Each, despite her background, contributes to the needs around her. The Texas Revolution is demonstrated so well that I could grasp the events and want to know more. A completely non-political point of view is shared regarding the needs of innocent children who cross the border, often with smugglers or other strangers.

This novel captured and held my attention as I appreciated and learned from Josie and Kayleigh. I love how Kayleigh learned Josie’s story. I like how, in the notes of the author, she explains what events were real. I enjoyed reading about Texas, secrets of the ring, and how our lives are entwined with others both present and past. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy dual timeline fiction that includes Texas independence, faith and grace, and Christian growth. Note: While the accounts are minimal and not detailed, those sensitive to violence against women may be triggered.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit, and the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Can the pain of the past be redeemed?

This is the Doors To The Past novel that I have been eagerly anticipating for months. Like millions of others I have long been fascinated by the story of the ill-fated Alamo. I've watched the John Wayne movie, listened to the Marty Robbins song, and read the Dear America book... That story of a small group of people making a stand for freedom, a cause that they felt was worth fighting and even dying for...

I knew with Liz Tolsma for an author A Promise Engraved would be a good story and well worth the reading time spent on it. It did live up to those expectations and I even finished it faster than I had anticipated. For me it was the historical thread that really captured my attention, though I liked the modern mystery thread as well. The modern and historical aspects were both well done and the author did and excellent job of interconnecting them, each layer building on the previous one, and releasing the right amount of clues and information at just the right time.

The thing that I probably appreciated the most about A Promise Engraved was Liz Tolsma's portrayal of the historical part of the story. In recent years there has been tendency to villainize and even deliberately misconstrue the events surrounding the Alamo and the war for Texas independence. And,while people are not infallible and shouldn't be placed on pedestals, it is never a good idea to rewrite history to fit current (and always changing) conceptions. Liz Tolsma avoids both pitfalls with skill in this eighth Doors To The Past novel making it equally as enjoyable, entertaining, and surprisingly educational.

If you are interested in the Alamo or just love a good dual timeline story, A Promise Engraved from the Doors To The Past series is too good to miss out on!

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I reviewed this book on Amazon, goodreads, Barnes and noble. I highly recommended it and love all books by this author. Thank you for letting me read it.

A Promise Engraved is the first book I’ve read by Liz Tolsma, and it won’t be the last. A Promise Engraved is an enjoyable and well-written book. It is a dual timeline with one story set during the Texas Revolution and the other in present-day San Antonio. Both stories were well-written and nicely done.

In the past, the story centers on Josie Wilkins, a young woman recently returned to Texas after being rescued from an abduction, and John Gilbert, who is the pastor in their community. Josie is a headstrong character trying to recover from extreme trauma. Some of her reactions or decisions seemed very foolhardy and concerning, but she is a good, well-rounded character. John was a little harder to decipher as their story is told entirely through Josie’s point of view but he seemed like a perfectly pleasant character.

In the present day, Kayleigh Hernandez is the main character. She works as a liaison for unaccompanied minor immigrants coming over the United States-Mexican border. She finds a ring that belonged to her mother at a market and takes it our other main character, Brandon Shuman, who’s family owns a jewelry store, to see if they can figure out where it came from. Brandon is, like John, hard to decipher and seems to just be there in the story. He did not have much personality.

Ms. Tolsma has clearly researched the Texas Revolution and the Battle of the Alamo. The historical setting feels accurate and Josie feels like a real person. The present-day story is unfortunately not as interesting as the historical story. Kayleigh is the only present day character who doesn’t feel like a plot device.

The story also suffers a little from the single point of view in each timeline. Our female main characters are both rich and dynamic characters and as a result the men in their stories fall a little flat. In addition, each story felt slightly rushed (the entire book comes in a little over 200 pages).

The themes of forgiveness, learning to trust, and believing that God is always there for you, even when horrible or unimaginable things are happening, run strongly through the book. Ms. Tolsma has a knack for delivering these themes in a way that does not feel ‘preachy.’

I rate this book 4/5 starts and recommend it for dual-timeline fans and those who enjoy themes of forgiveness and learning to trust. The points of view from one character in each story didn’t really work for me, but Ms. Tolsma has crafted a well-researched and well-written book and I did find it to be an enjoyable read.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through Celebrate Lit and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.**

#APromiseEngraved #NetGalley

This story, has some sensitive topics, one being rape.. A dual time period, a mysterious ring, an attempt on the life of one of the main characters. The dual time period is not confusing, it. Is well marked. When Kayleigh, buys a mysterious cat eye ring, at a swap meet, she doesn't know that this ring, will cause her so much turmoil.
Josie,, has bad dreams every night, after being kidnapped and rescued, she still dreams of something she lost.

A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma gives readers some Alamo history as well as some pictures of San Antonio then and now.

Historical fiction readers will enjoy this book as it includes events leading up to and through the Alamo and Josie’s story is well-developed as the author gives the historical storyline around seventy percent of the page space to expound on. Personally, I prefer an even split with the timelines in dual time stories, but I’m also the person who prefers contemporary stories over historical, so there is that bias to take into consideration.

They mystery didn’t engage me because I didn’t feel like enough time was spend with Kayleigh and Brandon, which was also a factor in their listless budding romance. From the book's description, I was really looking forward to learning more about Kayleigh’s job, but other than her interactions with one child and paperwork, that aspect wasn’t hashed out.

In short, there were too many aspects in the contemporary timeline for the thirty percent of the space it was afforded for it to be memorable. However, Josie and John’s historical storyline is on point with the history aspect, the romance, and the character development.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma is book 8 in the Door to the Past series. This is a series that is written by different authors and are stand alone stories. This is a dual time line story that takes place in 1835 and present day. The story focuses on the battle at the Alamo and a ring that held great importance. I enjoyed reading the author’s interpretation of the battle and the research she did to write this story. The story is so well written it is easy to imagine being there to witness Kayleigh as she struggled to find the meaning behind the engraving on the ring and the history behind it. The story was basically two stories in one, both that held action and suspense. It is easy to understand Kayleigh’s hesitation with who she could trust with the ring situation. I just loved how the author pulled the story together.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

Another installment to Barbour’s Doors to the Past series and it’s a great one. This dual timeline story set in San Antonio in the 1800’s and present day, connected by a family heirloom ring is full of interesting history with both fictional and real characters from the struggle of Texas gaining independence from Mexico.
Josie from the 1800’s timeline is my favorite character, impetuous, full of spunk, strong and resilient. The whole story is a perfect blend of history and mystery and kept my interest on every page.
Thank you to Barbour publishing and Net Galley for a chance to read an early copy for my honest review.