This book is about four women: two sisters, their mother,
and a friend of one of the sisters.
The younger of the two sisters, Steff, is still trying to
figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, much to
the consternation of the rest of her family, since she is
very much an adult. Her older sister, Callie, is happily
married to Reece with two children. Their mother, Honor,
has been divorced for a number of years. The friend, Lila,
is Callie's BFF and seems to have met the man of her dreams
after kissing many proverbial frogs.
Lila and Ed have a great relationship -- except for that
ex-wife of his. She constantly calls during his time with
Lila, whether it's trying to switch visitation weekends or
just to generally discuss their child. While Callie, Reece,
and Lila integrate Ed (and, grudgingly, his ex-wife) into
their life, Steff does her best to forge her own path in the
world -- this time living a simpler life in the country (as
opposed to living the life as a rocker's girlfriend in New
York City).
Like most of Jane Green's books, this book is a testament to
friendship and the ties that bind. These ties are tested
when Callie's cancer, once in remission, comes back with a
vengeance. Although Honor and her ex-husband haven't spoken
in years, they suddenly are united in their love for their
daughter. And while you would expect Steff and Lila to be
there, even Ed provides comfort and support while Callie
faces her greatest challenge with dignity and courage.
One of the things I've always liked about Green is her
writing style. I always imagine that she and I are in the
corner of a coffee shop and she's pointing out each
character to me personally. "Here's Callie. Notice how
happy she is as picks up her children from school." She's
merely making observations and pointing them out in a way
that feels so personal and intimate that one can't help but
have a cuppa while reading.
I will say that any reader with a heart needs to have a box
of tissues handy while reading this book. Green managed to
make me cry at least twice.
A New York Times bestseller and "a poignantly written novel
that powerfully celebrates the power of love and friendship"
(Chicago Tribune) Over the course of twelve novels, Jane
Green has established herself as one of the preeminent names
in women's fiction. In Promises to Keep she weaves a
profoundly moving tale that will enthrall both new and old
fans.
Callie Perry lights up every room she enters, and adores her
settled family life in tony Bedford, New York. Steffi is
Callie's younger sister. At thirty, she's still a free
spirit bouncing between jobs and boyfriends in Manhattan.
Their long-divorced parents, Walter and Honor, share little
besides their grown daughters. But when Callie receives a
difficult diagnosis, the family will come together for one
unforgettable and ultimately life-changing year.
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