A Promise to Break by Kathryn Spurgeon
Released: July 11th, 2016
SIBYL TRIMBLE, the daughter of a wealthy banking family during the Great Depression in Shawnee, Oklahoma, promises her father to be part of a political movement to change the world. By 1932, the timing to fulfill that promise seems right. Her life consists of fashionable clothes, cruising in a Model T, and dancing every weekend at the local speakeasy.
FREMONT POPE is a handsome, blue-eyed, down-on-his-luck hobo, and Sibyl’s life turns upside down when she meets him. Her love for him and his Christian family opens her eyes to a different way of life than she has ever known.
Based on a true story, this historical novel follows Sibyl through some difficult choices. She must dig deep within herself to find strength to face her father and determine which, if any, of her past beliefs can be salvaged. What is more important, love or duty?
My Review
I actually decided to read this book based on the cover. That’s not something I usually do, but the cover for A Promise to Break really is beautiful.
Unfortunately, I really didn’t care for the story. I found the main character to be very self-centered, despite her repeated claims to live for pleasing her father. Her constant internal complaints about life, her husband, her dreams became wearying.
Throughout the first half of the book or so, the few Christians in the story were among the most easily offended or most ill behaved.
In the latter half of the book, the Popes showed a good example of Christ’s love in care, both by word and example. Fremont, their son and Sibyl’s husband, improved after marriage. I didn’t like him in the beginning, as he was forward and didn’t seem to stand up to most of his beliefs, but later he became a good example of a decent, godly, and hardworking man.
The story wove the various members of the Trimble family lives around Sybil, but most of the book read as a sordid tale of their sins, including Sybil’s, with a smattering of Christianity.
I wanted to like this book, but I really couldn’t recommend it to anyone.
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Kathryn is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Blog Tour
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1
To Everything There Is A Season, October 1
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 2
Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 2
Through the Fire Blogs, October 3
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , October 3
Connie’s History Classroom , October 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 4
Betti Mace, October 4
Older & Smarter?, October 5
Blogging With Carol , October 5
Hallie Reads, October 6
Life of Literature, October 6
Genesis 5020, October 7
A Baker’s Perspective, October 7
Rebekah Jones, Author, October 7
Moments, October 8
Emily Yager, October 8
For the Love of Literature, October 9
Maureen’s Musings, October 9
She Lives to Read, October 9
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 10
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, October 10
Pause for Tales , October 11
Connect in Fiction, October 11
Reader’s Cozy Corner,October 11
Texas Book-aholic, October 12
Bigreadersite, October 12
Inklings and notions, October 13
janicesbookreviews, October 13
Bloggin’ ’bout Books, October 13
A Reader’s Brain, October 14
Batya’s Bits, October 14
About the Author
A Christian writer, Biblical counselor, teacher and speaker who offers insight, the author loves connecting to people individually and through retreats and conferences.
Kathryn’s mission is to teach that the passion of godly love knows no boundaries. Whether with prisoners, international students or those needing assistance, her platform strategy is the concept of personal, intimate encounters with Jesus. Her historical novel, “Up Town,” shows the importance of spiritual encounters with Jesus—small encounters that lead to a more mature spiritual life. Kathryn’s Biblical counseling and teaching background lends itself to this message.
She lived in South Korea for two years in her early twenties, spent time in an orphanage and adopted two Korean babies. A single mom for 18 years, she went from welfare to owner and CEO of a multimillion dollar corporation, Integrity Healthy Care. Her company took care of the medical needs of over 4,000 prisoners and during that time she counseled over 200 women.
Kathryn and her husband, Bill, hold Bible studies for international students attending the University of Central Oklahoma. They have had many different students live in their home and try to help students in all areas of their lives.
Kathryn is on the Mission Team at her home church, Henderson Hills Baptist Church, in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she has been a member for over 13 years. While attending her prior church, Country Estates Baptist Church in Midwest City, Oklahoma, she was on the Finance and Long Range Planning Committees, and taught DivorceCare and Financial classes. She is a Crown Money Map coach.
Bill and Kathryn have six children and nine grandchildren at the last count, including some adopted. Their family is internationally diverse. God’s love is enormous and includes all of us.