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!