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.

A Promise Engraved is book eight in the Doors to the Past series from Barbour Books. Written by exemplary wordsmith, Liz Tolsma, both stories in this split time novel work together like a well oiled machine. That is a must for this genre, and the author does it gracefully and smoothly.

This is the story of young, feisty Josie Wilkins. In 1836 San Antonio, Texas life has become difficult at best. Josie has fallen in love with John Gilbert, a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas.

Present day Kayleigh Hernandez has a demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants. For fun, she frequents flea markets. She has found one old uniquely engraved ring that must have an interesting story. She asks for help from Brandon Shuman, an appraiser. Together, they are able to solve the mystery and put together a love story that has been long forgotten.

Both parts of this split time book are at times hard to read. This is not because of the writing because it is beautiful, but rather from the subject matter. My heart broke for the circumstances surrounding both women. Josie and Kayleigh have quite a bit in common despite the many years separating them. I found myself enjoying their tenacity. I wanted to be friends with each one and help them.

The author has done a brilliant job with this. The conversations were authentic. Characters were believable and had both good and bad characteristics. I was able to glean some things about The Alamo as well as Texas in 1836. Thank you, Liz Tolsma for the research for did to make this such a fantastic novel that taught me something. The contemporary story tackles real life issues Texans face today, such as children being sent across the border in hopes of a better life, and human trafficking. The severity of these issues are hard to imagine.

In the historical part of the story, my heart broke for whatever happened. Thankfully, the author took a cruel story, let us know all the horrors Josie endured, yet never once took it so far as to vividly describe it. This book recounts a young girl's captivity by an evil, vile man without having us read every horrifying detail.

This story keeps running through my mind even though it has been days since I completed reading it. I would recommend this for older older readers. Whether you like contemporary or historical fiction, you will be pleased. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

A Promise Engraved is yet another split time novel that alternates between the Texas war for independence from Mexico and present time. Both time frames center around a mysterious tiger eye ring that is possibly connected to characters in both eras. Kayleigh, the modern heroine has bought the ring which may have been her mother’s. She takes it to a jeweler who is excited to help her solve the meaning of the cryptic engraving on the band. Their story is enhanced by the historical narrative of Josie and her experiences leading up to and including the battle of The Alamo.

Although there were leading male characters for both periods, the women, Kayleigh and Josie were the standout characters, especially Josie. Her grit and determination as well as her skills and bravery as a spy for the Texans held my interest the most. Kayleigh’s story was also interesting but fell a bit short compared to Josie’s.

I enjoyed learning more about the history of the Alamo and its background. My prior knowledge was minimal and mostly consisted of knowing that there were no survivors and the names of some of the famous men who died there.

A Promise Engraved is an excellent book for those who love American history with a unique twist.

I liked this book. I liked the story and I liked learning more about the Alamo. I liked how the author blended the two time lines and how we got to see both stories unfold. I loved the mystery aspect of things and I liked learning more about history that I didn’t know before.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Who Knew A Promise Engraved Two Centuries Ago Could Endure?

In true Liz Tolsma style, she took her first split-time novel, A Promise Engraved, and knocked it out of the park (or should I say, 'won the day'?). Despite one thing that irked me, this book has made it to the top ten books I've read this year. No mean feat with some truly incredible fiction coming out this year.

Some split-time novels have a tenuous thread between storylines that don't really need to be told as one story. This one, while having two interesting stories that could stand alone, needs both together for the greatest impact. YES!

One advantage historical fiction authors have over contemporary authors when writing split-time fiction is that they know how to handle the historical side well. They become familiar with the cadence of speech and writing--of knowing what would be important to people living during that time and what wouldn't. Good authors know how not to impose modern sensibilities on historical culture without seeming to condone what we abhor today.

Being contemporary people makes these same authors capable of writing an authentic dual timeline without sounding stiff or formal. Those who allow themselves to break out of the historical mode, that is. Liz Tolsma does both.

So what do we get from A Promise Engraved?

The contemporary story showcases real issues Texans face today--children sent across the border in hopes of a better life. The impact on those children and on those who have to watch the pain and sorrow the victims of this kind of human trafficking endure. The heartbreak those children face for decades to come. Add to that the reality of dealing with creepy stalkers, and... whoa.

But as much as I loved the contemporary story, the way Tolsma handled the historical counterpart is nothing short of wonderful. She took a hard, cruel story, let us know all the horrors Josie endured, and never once took it so far that I couldn't handle it. This book recounts a young girl's captivity by a vile man. We know what she endured. But we never have to endure it with her. Thank you, Liz.

In true Tolsma fashion, I did give the slightest little eye-roll at the declarations of undying love. Liz is much more effusive that way than any author I know, and that's fine for her. It just never rings true for me. I've never heard people be quite so... gushy with their endearments as her characters tend to be. But like Basham's "stick-your-head-in-the-freezer" kisses, they're part of who Liz and her books are. And I'm okay with that (like she cares if I am. Snort).

Besides... the characters!

They're so likable! Josie is impetuous and strong--determined not to be a victim again. Defying anyone to tell her what she can and cannot do. While some might see her as "before her time," I see her as a product of her time. Women were strong, resilient. Not only that, they became so without losing their femininity. It's something modern women could learn from.

Kayleigh is somehow her own, unique person and the contemporary counterpart to Josie. Their stories are so very different--and so very much alike. They both have a stalker; they both serve their communities. They both have men in their lives that see past the clumsily glued pieces of their hearts and appreciate the beauty within. Neither woman is perfect. We wouldn't want them to be. Both women will creep into your heart and make you glad you met them.

My only complaint nearly stole a star from this book. But the more I reflected on it, the more I realize that I don't know if it could have been avoided. One suspenseful thread feels like it needed more somewhere. The problem is, that given any more, it would have destroyed everything. Liz did the right thing, and I have to acknowledge that.

This dual-time story captures a historic time that features the Alamo. I remember visiting the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas and found it to be smaller than I imagined. It is rich in artifacts and historic facts that make you feel like you traveled back in time. I looked forward to seeing how the author would illustrate this tine period. I was not disappointed in how much details the author provided and brought this time period back to life with outstanding characters.

Let’s talk about Josie and how much I admired her. She is young, fierce and very much a determined young woman. When she rides her horse, she is in control and feels free from anything that may be weighing her down emotionally. Josie has knowledge of both the Spanish and Indians which made her valuable. It also was an advantage for her to be able to blend into areas where her skills of being unnoticed were very important. I liked how she made sure that people around the town and outlying areas were informed of the danger that was threatening them.

Kayleigh brings us to the present where we find out about the tragic way her parents died. Somehow I knew there was a connection to the past and the author grabbed my attention. When Kayleigh finds a very old ring in a shop it brought back a memory that brought her sadness. It reminded her of a ring her mother use to wear. Had she found a clue that would solve her parent’s murder? The inscription was very hard to decipher and I wanted to follow Kayleigh on her quest to find out the truth that has plagued her for so long. It was quite interesting to discover that Kayleigh’s job of refugee coordinator was an important part of who she was as a person. Her compassion was evident as she tried her best to make everyone who came to her feel safe.

With the past and present lingering parallel to each other, the author gives us a look at the danger and heartache Josie suffered through. The ring becomes very significant to both Josie and Kayleigh. With Kayleigh securing help from Brandon whom she met at the jewelry store they are focused on finding out the history of the ring. Josie goes through so much tragedy but still continued to be faithful to God. It is hard to put into words how much I loved this story. It is without a doubt one of the best books about the Alamo. The author completed her mission of tying the past to the present in a way that reminds us to hold on to our faith and learn to trust those who God puts in our path.

“Don’t miss out on the future because of what you lost in the past.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

The historical detail in this book is fantastic. So often we think we know a good deal about a topic, but we don’t. I have toured the Alamo and read the signs carefully, in addition to taking a guided tour. However, I knew little to nothing about what led up to that infamous tragedy. The author did a wonderful job of finding out unique details and sharing.
I also enjoyed the romance between the hero and heroine. The one aspect of the book I didn’t enjoy was the heroine’s risk-taking and placing herself in jeopardy. I think her behavior was irresponsible and anachronistic. A girl of those times simply wouldn’t have been by herself that much or been in the position to do all she did.
The secondary, modern romance also struck me as a bit off. I couldn’t quite see how the hero would keep coming back for more mistreatment (perhaps too strong of a word).
I recommend this book for the fascinating history and recommend a bit of patience on the side of the reader.

This dual time novel got off to a bit of a rough start. In the 1836 narrative, there are allusions to something terrible having happened to Josie previously. It seems very important but the information so vague, I wondered if I had missed a previous novel. We eventually find out what happened but earlier information would have helped me be more engaged in Josie as a character. This part of the novel starts with the people having settled in Mexican held territory north of San Antonio feeling in grave danger. I was lost much of the time as I felt there was not sufficient background material included to set an understanding of the situation. A paragraph describing the historical, political and military conditions would have helped a great deal.

While Josie is the heroine in this time period, I had difficulty liking her. She acted impulsively. Was she brave or foolish? She thinks, “If only she had thought this through better.” (1791/3434) She had to repeatedly apologize for her actions and at one point said she would never admit to John that he was right. (2058/3434) I felt there were unreasonable scenes of her being attacked by Manuel. One time she is riding on the lonely prairie but does not notice him coming because she is thinking about a poem. (1448/3434) On a prairie, where one can see for miles?

There was repetition in the narrative. The Mexican camp tents lined up in perfect rows were mentioned twice in close proximity with nearly exact descriptions. (1760/3434 and 1781/3434) I am not sure all the shenanigans with the ring work out well. In the contemporary story, the person desiring the ring just comes out of nowhere. And the final information reveal that puts it all together came out of the blue too.

I did appreciate the information in the novel about the Alamo and the battle there. I liked the informative historical note at the end, distinguishing fact and fiction. While I think this is not Tolsma's best novel, I have generally liked her work and will be watching for her next book.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Who does the ring really belong to? That is the question that is answered in the past and the present. I love how brave Josie is in the past. She is a great character. John is an interesting person from the past also. Kayleigh and Brandon make a great couple in the present. There are so many twists and turns throughout the past and present. Their is a lot of inspiration and some intrigue. I had a hard time putting the book down. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This story takes us to the 1830’s, at the time before and after the Alamo battle. We meet Josephine, her father, Charlotte, John and many other townspeople. Josephine has dealt with much in her young life and the battles that start when she’s 18 add to her burden. She is skilled in spying out situations, thanks to her Indian friend from her childhood and is used in that capacity during some parts of the story. John, is the town’s pastor and sometimes accompanies her on her missions, as they seek to stay ahead of the Mexican’s and Santa Anna. In the present we meet Kayleigh, Paula, Brandon, Kayleigh’s mom and a few others. Having purchased a ring that she believes belonged to her mom, attacks start happening around her. She enlists Brandon to help her figure out the rings possible ownership, which also may tie to his family. Page turning story as we learn about the main characters in both timelines and learn more about the ring.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A battle for independence that was a Mexican civil war, included the battles of Gonzales, the Alamo, and San Jancinto. I was thrilled to read this story after just visiting many of the places mentioned in the story including the Alamo, Mission San Francisco de la Espada, Mission Concepcion, and Galveston. I couldn't put this page turning story about the Alamo (with real characters and fictional characters) down! What a creative dual timeline story connecting the past and the present. It's centered around a ring that I actually saw and have a picture of from the Alamo museum. Author Liz Tolsma pens an intriguing tale that is well researched and unique. I am thoroughly enjoying the Doors to the Past series, and I definitely recommend A Promise Engraved!

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an ecopy ot A Promised Engraved!

Josie Wilkin is young and adventurous but carries painful secrets that no one knows. Josie wants the special ring that was stolen from her mother by her murderer. You will experience life as Texas battles for freedom from Mexico. Nearly 200 years later Kayleigh Hewland buys a unique ring that belonged to her biological mother at a flea market shop. Mysterious things start happen and danger seems to follow Kayleigh. Is there a connection to the ring? You will enjoy this book from the Doors to the Past series. I received a complimentary copy of A Promise Engraved from Barbour Publishing. This is my honest opinion.

What a Gripping and Interesting Story!

I love these dual time line books! Liz Tolsma created a story that will sit with me for a bit. The heartbreak in the past and how it plays a part in future generations is weaved through this storyline making it a very moving story.

I will seek out other books by Liz Tolsma and look forward to more from the Doors of the Past series

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I thought that the history of this story was fascinating. I hadn't read a lot before about the Alamo, so a lot of the history in this book was new to me.

It has been a very long time since I read a book set around the historical events at the Alamo. This split-time fiction novel uses an engraved ring to connect the 1835-1836 and current time storylines. The protagonist in both stories are brave, young women who have encountered brutality and loss, who are afraid to open up to others, but who long to do so. The current time story may open eyes and hearts to the children being sent alone to cross our southern border. Both stories are exciting, intriguing, and emotional. I give this book five stars.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Promise Engraved from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I’m always excited for a new book, in the Doors to the Past series. This one takes us to 1836 and the Battle at the Alamo. I am apparently not up to date on my history of the Alamo, so it took me quite awhile to figure that out! Hence, I was a bit bored for the first third of the book. I would have like a little more detail and suspense, to draw me into the story. Once into the heart of the story, I was hooked. I loved Josie’s story. She endured many trials and became stronger with each one. Present day, Kayleigh, also had an interesting story, and the drama that unfolded in her story, kept me guessing. The Ring, was an intriguing thread that connected the dual timeline. I really would have liked more investment into the importance it played in the storyline. I thought it was more of an afterthought. Probably not my favorite out of this series, but I really did enjoy this book! Just some minor tweaks would have improved it, in my opinion. This story has some war violence, abduction, rape, stocker situation, but all is handled with care and decorum. It is a clean romance. I am grateful to the author for her research and historical notes, that bond fact and fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An absolutely wonderful series - does not have to be read in order, all books are by different authors, the books are linked by common themes of love, faith, redemption and usually a dash of mystery. All the books have dual timelines, the past and present stories usually tied together by a common object or ancestry. All of the books are completely clean romances,, no graphic content. That being said, this particular story may have some triggers for sex abuse or rape victims. The main character on the historical timeline was taken captive by a Mexican army general and held captive for a year. Again, there is no graphic content, but the character makes it clear that she was violated repeatedly, that he did things to her that should never have happened, and that she struggles trying to repress those memories. However, there are strong themes of healing, forgiveness, and overcoming the idea of being stigmatized for this type of abuse.
Both the present and past timeline stories are so good . I couldn’t put the book down. There was lots of tearful and frantic page-turner in the middle of the airport as I was finishing the last several chapters waiting for a flight. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves redemptive stories, historical mysteries, redemptive romances… I truly can’t say enough about it.

This book started out so good that I had a hard time putting it down! But then the writing seemed to get a little choppy and simplistic. I never could figure out why the stepmother was made out to be such a bad, hateful person, for no apparent reason.

I think the idea of this book is great, and could be made into something very interesting. But there were just so many clichés that I had a hard time finishing it.

1835 & Present Day San Antonio area, Texas

What a great addition to the Doors to the Past Series!

In A Promise Engraved, central to both threads is a ring with a mysterious engraving. Pieces to the puzzle of what the engraving meant and where the ring had been unravel in both story lines. The historical and current day threads were equally engaging.

Texas history of 1835 was brought to life in the pages. Such brave men and women they were to defend the canon in Gonzales (I never knew the canon didn't even work!) and the Alamo in San Antonio.

I found this dual timeline set of stories interesting. The 1835 and Alamo storyline was quite intense as pressure built in the Texas and Mexico region. I like being able to take a glimpse of history, learn about how things may have been. Josephine is a strong character with a huge secret that crushed her soul at times. John is a preacher who holds fast to the foundation of his faith, even living in an area where that faith is outlawed.
Kayleigh's story is also touching in the fact that she came from Mexico as a child with her parents who sacrificed everything to try to make a better life for her. Her job is to help children caught up in the system and her work with one little boy teaches me more about what the immigrants go through. She buys a ring at a flea market while on a day off and the possible historical significance of it adds more flavor to the story. The ring leads her to Brandon, a knowledgeable jeweler with a love for history. The ring brings mystery, danger, and a need for answered questions.
The 1830's storyline was more interesting to me to be honest, but the current time period was important to the book. I enjoy Liz Tolsma's writing. She had to have done a significant amount of research.
I want to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy of the book. This is my own personal opinion. Readers who enjoy fiction based on true events should like the story.