A Reader's Opinion: PROMISES TO KEEP by Genevieve Graham
A READER'S OPINION
(Second B&B Review)
Young Amélie Belliveau lives with her family in Nova Scotia in her home town Acadia on Grand Pré. Little does she know that her life as she knows it will be a dream she will often look back on . . .
The summer of 1755 is wrought with talks of war and the invasion of the British. During her family's fight for survival and the British onslaught, Amelia meets a young man fighting with the very army that destroyed his own country—a Scot named Connor MacDonnell. Having witnessed the English brutality firsthand, Connor tries to help Amelia at first as a friend she can trust, but soon their feelings change to a budding love. The consequences for staying at their home is deportation, and soon Amélia finds herself on a ship separated from her family. Although Connor has promised to keep her brothers safe at the expense of being a traitor to the British, he finds no hardship considering his hatred for Britain.
How can one survive being separated from family and loved ones shipped to another country and manage to go back to your roots and family? This is a tale of strength, perseverance, and struggles that a young woman had to overcome and endure. The characters' struggles and strengths are truly felt, and I can't imagine going through what they did. History has shown that when stronger countries want to control and conquer peaceful countries, and forcefully take what doesn't belong to them, the result is frightening.
Genevieve Graham did an outstanding job in her descriptive telling of every detail of the surroundings, as well as the feelings the people were going through. This was the first time I read a book by Genevieve Graham and it will not be the last. I definitely recommend it.
Rating: 5 Stars | Content Rating: 1 Heart | Reviewed by: Maria Rose Dariotis
BOOK SYNOPSIS
An enchanting and poignant story about the unfailing power of love in a world turned upside down by war—from the bestselling author of Tides of Honour. Summer 1755, Acadia Young, beautiful Amélie Belliveau lives with her family among the Acadians of Grande Pré, Nova Scotia, content with her life on their idyllic farm. Along with their friends, the neighbouring Mi’kmaq, the community believes they can remain on neutral political ground despite the rising tides of war. But peace can be fragile, and sometimes faith is not enough. When the Acadians refuse to pledge allegiance to the British in their war against the French, the army invades Grande Pré, claims the land, and rips the people from their homes. Amélie’s entire family, alongside the other Acadians, is exiled to ports unknown aboard dilapidated ships. Fortunately, Amélie has made a powerful ally. Having survived his own harrowing experience at the hands of the English, Corporal Connor MacDonnell is a reluctant participant in the British plan to expel the Acadians from their homeland. His sympathy for Amélie gradually evolves into a profound love, and he resolves to help her and her family in any way he can—even if it means treason. As the last warmth of summer fades, more ships arrive to ferry the Acadians away, and Connor is forced to make a decision that will alter the future forever. Heart-wrenching and captivating, Promises to Keep is a gloriously romantic tale of a young couple forced to risk everything amidst the uncertainties of war.
Genre: Historical Fiction | Pub Date: April 24, 2017 | Page count: 336pp | Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Format Read: Paperback | Source: Provided by the author or publisher
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