This story is one of a kind and the characters are one of a kind. I remember someone once mentioned that Ms. Thomas tends to write unconventional characters. With this being the second book of hers that I've read, I think I'll agree with that statement. Vere and Elissande are wounded souls who both pretend to be someone they're not. Vere pretends to be an idiot so he can covertly serve his duty to the Crown, while Elissande pretends to be happy in order to survive. They were both equally complicated characters who were similar to one another, although they did not realize this until very much after they got married. I don't want to go into too much detail on the plot because this story is well worth reading and I don't want to ruin anything.The protagonists were realistic and I felt pain for everything that they had to go through. What I admire the most about Ms. Thomas is that she doesn't shy away from showing her characters at their worst. I understand though that most readers might not feel particularly comfortable reading such scenes. While I'm not too comfortable reading them either, I found myself admiring the realism with which the author chose to portray the scenes. I could not hate the characters even as they both had mistreated one another. While I completely understood Elissande's desperation, I also could not blame Vere for acting harshy towards her. And while I understood that Vere was in dire need of normalcy, I also found myself criticizing him for wanting a perfect woman - a woman who sounded more like a dog or a robot ready to do his bidding and not ask any questions. Of course, I found myself liking Vere as I got to know the real him better. The thing is, these characters are so complex. They've had tragic pasts and they hide their true selves from society. I enjoyed seeing them getting to know each other. Their relationship was portrayed realistically and what I loved the most was that the actual love and understanding between them came very much later on. Furthermore, with Ms. Thomas's beautiful prose, I found myself feeling like I was actually in Victorian England.Anyway, while the protagonists were what stood out the most for me in this story, there is also a conflict in the book that leads to an eventual climax.This was a good story and I can't wait to read other books by Ms. Thomas! I was so enthralled with the characters and the situation that I read this almost in one sitting. (Read the first 35 pages last night then the rest today)Great mystery thread keeps the characters unbalanced in how to deal with each other in their marriage that resulted from a compromising situation.I love how Ms. Thomas provided several opportunities for trust to be won and then lost before the couple found their happiness.
What do You think about Promessas De Amor (2012)?
Meh. The writing was juvenile. Also the premise of "his at night" was weak or non-existent at best.
—Deddin19
Sherry Thomas is new to me, but now I think I'll be making my way through her backlist!
—karmik
Compelling, a little dark. Complex characters, lacked sizzle, had some humor.
—solange_0
