Liz Tolsma is a gifted story teller, and A Promise Engraved is no exception. Rich in history, this dual time line gives us the stories of Josie in the 1830s and Kayleigh in the present day. These women are connected by an engraved ring.

Meticulous research, great characters, and seamless transitions between the story lines make this a great read. A Promise Engraved is history, mystery, themes of forgiveness and redemption, and a gentle love story, all woven together in one package.

A Promise Engraved is an excellent addition to Barbour’s Doors to the Past collection.

Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for my copy. The opinions are my own.

I have read few novels that deal with the battle at the Alamo. I enjoyed the authors historical references to Texas and the Alamo. I visited the Alamo years ago and could imagine what it must have been like for the women and children that survived that bloody battle. The author did a good balance of shifting between historical time line and todays timeline. The development of characters was well done, as was the setting. There were a couple aspects to the story that seemed too far-fetched for my interest. I will not to disclose those elements since it would give the story away. The romance was kept to the minimum, which is how I prefer a novel. I would recommend this for those interested in Texas history and a sweet romantic story thread. Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to read an ARC copy.

4.5 ⭐️  

Enriched in history, A Promise Engraved follows the stories of two women in different periods of history. The first timeline transports us back to the 1830s, where Josie Wilkins experienced setbacks, heartbreak, and breakthrough in San Antonio and the Battle of the Alamo. The second timeline takes readers to the present day, where Kayleigh Hewland, a refugee coordinator, stumbles upon an engraved ring that may unlock the secrets to her past that she’s desperately wanted for years.

There were several things I appreciated about this book. 

The first was how, even though this book is a shorter read (roughly 224 pages), the author does a fantastic job of making it feel like a full-length novel. The flow is great, the transition between the past/present day is smooth and easy to track with, and the characters and storylines for both timelines were engaging. 

The second was the approach the author took on some really traumatic things one of the characters endured—sexual abuse. Josie’s character dealt with the trauma that comes from being abused and all the bitterness that roots itself in our hearts when we’ve been deeply hurt. The angst the character experienced and her journey from seeking revenge to finding peace were well done. 

The second was the suspense the author weaved into the story in the present-day scene with Kayleigh’s stalker. I had my suspicions about who the mystery person was, but I was wrong in my guesses and was pleasantly surprised to discover it was someone I never would have guessed. I appreciate it when the mystery stalker isn’t predictable or easy to figure out. 

One thing I wished was done differently about this book was more of a suspenseful build-up at the climax for the present-day scene where Kayleigh encounters her stalker. The scene felt a bit anti-climactic to me and I wished there had been more of a confrontation before the police arrived. This, however, is just a minor personal preference of mine and didn’t distract from the overall story.

Anyone who loves history, clean storylines, and touching themes of forgiveness and redemption will definitely enjoy this book!

Dual timeline entry in the Doors to the Past series. I found the premise interesting and there was enough suspense in the two stories to keep me reading to see how the author would weave and tie together the two. I liked all 4 main characters—Josie & John in 1836 and Kayleigh & Brandon in the present day. (It’s hard to enjoy a story when you don’t care much about the principals.) I must admit to having only superficial knowledge about the Alamo from high school history (and a visit there over 20 years ago), so the story was quite interesting to me. Caution to parents of teens—the story does deal with the aftermath of a rape, so I suggest you read the story first to make sure you are comfortable with your teen reading it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma is an enjoyable dual time novel which is set during the fight for Texas Independence and modern day San Antonio. Both stories were easy to follow, and the characters were relatable. The author was able to address some weighty issues in a thoughtful way that provided a feeling of empathy for the characters. This is the first novel I have read by this author, and I will definitely be looking for additional books.she has written.

I was provided an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

"A Promise Engraved" is set during two time periods: the fight for Texan independence in 1835 to 1836 and the present day. In 1835, Josie faced danger as an enemy Mexican soldier kept trying to rape her. (There were no rape scenes because either she's resourceful enough to get away, her love interest saved her, or rape was referred to in the past without details.) She was also in danger because the Texans were fighting for their independence and she worked as a scout and messenger for them. She underwent a lot of pain and loss, but she found healing as she trusted God to carry more of her hurts and fears. Her romance with John started as mutual admiration and grew as they spent time together. They supported each other.

In the present day, Kayleigh bought a used ring which she later learned was used by Josie to carry military messages. Kayleigh worked with jewelry store owner Brandon to research the ring's past. Then someone started stalking her. Since Brandon was always nearby to come to her aid, a cop questioned if Brandon was the stalker and not a man from Kayleigh's past. Or maybe the attacks had something to do with her job. As much as she liked spending time with Brandon, he also had a claim on the ring and she didn't want to give it up. This prevented her from really trusting him until the attacker could be identified and stopped.

There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance and interesting historical.

A Promise Engraved is an excellent story with a dual timeline. Josie Wilkins and John Gilbert are in 1835, and have known each other for quite a while, and Josie knows she is in love with the minister. She lives through the battle of the Alamo, thinking he has been killed. As it turns out, he is somewhere nearby during the battle, and they are soon reunited after the terrible battle. She has a special ring that is used to send messages, but it is taken from hr near the end of her story. 200 years later, Kayleigh Hewland finds a ring exactly like her mother's ring in a Mexican market, and she begins to research the history of it. A jeweler, Brandon, becomes her friend and helps her to unfold the mystery behind it. Together, they uncover a long lost love story that include her own grandparents. Great story!

I have really been enjoying the "Doors to the Past" series from Barbour. This story centres around the Alamo, and not being American myself, I could have used a little more background on some of the prominent characters but I did pick it up as the book went along. Both of the dual timelines had interesting, likeable characters (I hate when I dislike the main character!) but I felt myself drawn to the past storyline. I felt this would have made a fabulous full length story, if it had time to grow and have more details. I really enjoyed the story and would love to visit the area myself to learn more about this time in American history.

Thanks to Netgalley for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5*

This was the first book I've seen by this author. The premise sounded good and I love the cover, so I thought I'd give it a try.

Unfortunately, I could not finish the book. I got several chapters in and the plot just wasn't holding me. This is a dual timeline and maybe I just need to give those a break for a while. I have read several dual timelines that I love. But, this one and the last one I tried to read I couldn't get into. I was more interested in the historical timeline than the present, but not enough that I could push through the book.

Maybe I'll pick this up at a later time and enjoy it. but for now, it's a DNF.

A wonderful dual timeline story focusing on the Alamo. This is one of the better stories from this series by various authors. I enjoyed how the present day and historical storylines came together at the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

A Promise Engraved is another beautifully written, captivating read from storyteller extraordinaire Liz Tolsma. This unputdownable book kept me immersed from beginning to end! The dual timeline plot set in San Antonio is brilliantly executed splitting its time between 1836 and present day. Each timeline follows its own journey merging in a harmonious ending. I love how the mysterious ring ties the two stories together. The historical element is amazing as well as informative evidencing extensive and impeccable research. Historical fact is intertwined flawlessly with fiction to weave an entertaining, riveting tale. The characters, real-life and fictional, are well-crafted and memorable. Inspiring spiritual truths are skillfully incorporated into the story. I love Barbour’s multi-author Doors to the Past series, and this book is a fitting and worthy addition. I highly recommend this read especially for fans of historical fiction and dual timelines.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This may not be Liz Tolsma's usual fare, but I can hardly complain about the exemplary novel she served in A Promise Engraved, This book covered a time in history that I knew little about and is infrequently discussed! I loved learning more San Antonio in 1836 and the contemporary timeline tied in perfectly. I would definitely read another split-time book from Liz Tolsma if she decided to write another!

What a wonderful story of heartfelt relationship and caring compassionate friends. I was challenged by learning who you can trust and who will be for you in this life, though the eyes of the various characters.

I really knew nothing about the Alamo or Texas' history prior to being a part of the US. I found the historical aspect of this story to be fascinating. I loved the characters in both of the timelines.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Dual timeframe books haven’t been my first choice because the stories don’t always flow well. But this book is very well written! There is a lot of suspense, something that really attracts me. The story still flows as you live through the desperate days of the Alamo and follow a modern day tale of a cat eye ring that someone desperately wants and is willing to burn and kill for.
Both heroines are brave women who have suffered great loss.
The talk of our southern border crossing is tactfully written taking into account the feelings of children crossing the border alone.

As a lover of Historical Fiction, especially 1700-1800 era stuff, this book jumped out at me immediately. (Warning: Spoilers Ahead!) I was hoping for a bit more specific war action than was presented, but there was still quite a bit of action overall. The mystery of Josephine's past, her child, and the ring's connection to Kayleigh was intriguing and kept my attention better than most mysteries. The Christian aspects of the book were prominent and generally positive. There was a bit of sensitive material connected to her past that is very prominent in the first couple of chapters, but tames down quite a bit after that.

Overall, a quick but enjoyable read.

Liz Tolsma's "A Promise Engraved" is an absorbing installment of the multi-author Doors to the Past series. This meticulously researched novel's past timeline centers around Texas's fight to break free from Mexico and the resulting Alamo tragedy. This serious work is a seamless blending of fiction with a lot of fact. There is much sadness and death to overcome, but with faith, lovely heroine Josie Wilkins and Pastor John Gilbert eventually find happiness after living through some horrible events.

The present timeline features Kayleigh Hewland and her work with Mexican border-crossing children, a political minefield she navigates because of her own childhood. Meeting jeweler Brandon Mullins, she and Brandon search for the true story behind the ring that ties together the present and the past.

Tolsma's prose is lovely, although much of the subject matter is raw and gritty. Characters are well-drawn, good guys and bad guys alike. The timelines converge in a satisfying ending.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this riveting novel.

I love the Doors to the Past series, as well as, Liz Tolsma. A Promise Engraved does not disappoint. I loved it! Five stars.

A PROMISE ENGRAVED by LIZ TOLSMA is an historical romance novel, with a dual timeline held together by a two hundred year old ring.
In present time, when Kayleigh Hewland buys an old cat’s-eye ring from a street vendor, little does she know the danger she will face. Believing it to be her mother’s ring, and finding an inscription inside, she and jeweller Brandon Mullins, a self-professed history nerd, dive into researching its origen.
Kaleigh works as a refugee coordinator for the state of Texas. Having crossed the border herself as a child, she understands what the refugee children go through. Although her story has a happy ending with loving adoptive parents, she still wants to uncover her Hispanic roots.
We meet the courageous Josie Wilkins in 1935 in Gonzales after she has escaped her mother’s murderer, Manuel Garcia, who had kept her captive and abused her badly, with the help of her Indian friend Running Deer. She carries guilt and shame from her horrific experiences, and deep sorrow for all she has lost. Surely Pastor John Gilbert will look down on her if he comes to know her terrible secrets!
The author has based the book on the Texan Was of Independence in 1835, and the Alamo in 1836 in which only a handful of women and children survive the brutal attack by General Santa Anna and his troops.
The story is gripping and well told, with interesting characters and a solid Christian message. I highly recomend A Promise Engraved to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This book is part of the "doors to the past" series which are standalone books but all contain congruent stories - one historical and the other contemporary. I enjoyed both halves of the story although I felt confused by one plot point which was not solved in the contemporary story. I could be overthinking it though.

I got this in exchange for a free review. As a result of reading it, I ordered it for my library and will be encouraging others to read it. I felt the main characters were strong woman who learnt to overcome their pasts.