I should start out by saying that this book was better than I thought it would be. I suppose I read too many bad reviews before I started it (a bad habit). But the good news is that it exceeded my expectations. I thought the tale was original and imaginative, and not completely unrealistic. I liked how the author wove real-life people and events into the story to make it more believable. I do have to agree with most of the bad reviewers that there was just too much heartache and turmoil overall in the book. It seemed like wave after wave of bad things happened, with only tiny moments of good. I wish the author had spent more time on the good events instead of drawing out the bad events. I am glad they ended up together (spoiler!), but it was a little dissatisfying that their reunion was half of the last page in the whole book. We didn't even get a wedding story or an annoying "5 years in the future". It was like all of that turmoil, and that's all we get? Like I said, it was better than I thought, but it could have been even better. How can an author write a romance novel when the main characters don't even really meet until 78% of the way through the story? Well, Cathy Gohlke did! Before I read this book, I wasn't sure I would like it since it seemed the relationship would be conducted via letters and I am not a big fan of the Titanic tragedy (too depressing to me). I am so glad I gave it a try. It was such a heart-wrenching journey for Michael and Annie (and me!). Ms. Gohlke did such a great job fleshing out their characters, showing the journey from burden-ladened to burden-lifted (loved the description of John Bunyan's headstone). I was dreading the sinking of the Titanic since I knew of Owen's fate. I didn't expect to get to know Owen so much so I didn't want to read about his death. I am glad Ms. Gohlke did not describe it or I would have been too saddened to keep reading for a while. Michael's love and commitment to Annie was so sweet, I cried when I read his letter to her while she was under a deep depression. Even though I assumed this was going to be a HEA ending, the journey to get there was so emotional. Finally! they meet... but then it is WWI...and something could happen to them...and it does! When the story looked like it was going down one way, I was like "oh no, I hope this isn't going to happen or I will be really disappointed" Needless to say, I was not disappointed but I was "smiling through my tears." I would have liked an Epilogue to get a snapshot of the future. I was also wondering about Megan Marie, hoping for a good conclusion but I guess that might have been too contrived. Read this book, you'll enjoy it. Oh, check out the author's website, [...], to see pictures of the places from the book, including John Bunyan's headstone that I previously mentioned. Well worth it!
What do You think about Promise Me This (2012)?
2.5 stars. Is it bad to say this book got a lot better after the boat sank?
—nayeema
lovely read. really felt a lot for the characters
—Greg
Good read. Keeps you interested throughout.
—allan
