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Restoration #2
The Promise
For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he's been hiding from his wife Jean--and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through two coffee shops and the library, using their wi-fi to search for a job on the internet. The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage and it looks like the legacy that began with his father is still at work, slowly destroying the bond between Tom and Jean. Can their mutual trust--and love--be restored?
Combining the literary talents of Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of Gary Smalley, The Restoration Series pulls back the curtain of a family that has laid their foundation on shifting sand, but is slowly rediscovering genuine love and the power of forgiveness.
Combining the literary talents of Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of Gary Smalley, The Restoration Series pulls back the curtain of a family that has laid their foundation on shifting sand, but is slowly rediscovering genuine love and the power of forgiveness.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
82 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Dan Walsh
36 books736 followersDan Walsh is the bestselling author of 27 novels including The Unfinished Gift, When Night Comes and The Reunion. Over 1.3 million copies of his books are in print or downloaded. He's won 3 Carol Awards (finalist 6 times), 4 Selah Awards and 4 of his books have been finalists for RT Review’s Inspirational Book of the Year. His novels have received over 47,000 Amazon reviews (4.7 Avg).
A member of Word Weavers International and ACFW, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 46 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on other social media sites from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.
A member of Word Weavers International and ACFW, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 46 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on other social media sites from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 30, 2013
Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley combine their efforts once again with the satisfying read, "The Promise", the second addition to The Restoration Series. Readers will be pleased to see the return of Marilyn and Jim, as we are treated to a view of their marriage after they've survived the turbulent waters as seen in the first book of the series, "The Dance". Though their marriage is by no means now perfect, it provides a wonderful portrayal of how a marriage built on Christ should look! I also really enjoyed the focus of this book on their son Tom and his wife, as they battle financial struggles, the impact of secrecy, and the danger of a marriage between two people who have grown distant. What I most appreciate about this book is the realness of the characters, people who struggle with things all of us will or have faced at one time in our life. The story moves along at a good clip, and I absolutely love the character of Uncle Henry and his focus on hearing the voice of Jesus and acting in obedience. We all would be blessed by having an Uncle Henry speak truth into our own lives! The scenes of reconciliation between father and son brought tears to my eyes and were very moving indeed. I do caution readers that this series, including "The Promise", are written with a definite purpose in mind, so although the authors tell an excellent story, some readers may feel they are getting preached at. I myself enjoy learning through fiction even more so than reading a non-fiction book, but others may not feel the same. However, readers who like contemporary fiction reads that celebrate faith and family will love this book!
"The Promise" is an excellent addition to the series, and I greatly look forward to reading more about the Anderson family in the future. I award this book a solid recommendation and award it 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
"The Promise" is an excellent addition to the series, and I greatly look forward to reading more about the Anderson family in the future. I award this book a solid recommendation and award it 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
April 19, 2013
The Promise, just like The Dance (the first book in The Restoration Series), immediately drew me into the story and didn't let up until I reached the end. I love when this happens!
In The Promise the story centers on Tom & Jean, Jim & Marilyn's son and daughter-in-law, but it also focuses on the mending relationship of Jim & Marilyn. I loved seeing how the changes Jim made have helped his relationship with his wife. I also loved how this book showed that it's still not an overnight thing, but something they both have to constantly work on to keep their marriage harmonious. This made the story so realistic and made me love the characters even more.
Tom, unfortunately, is the spitting image of his father before he made his changes and this made me feel so badly for Jean and everything she had to endure. Immediately when the story begins we learn that Tom has been keeping a pretty big secret from Jean for 5 whole months! This one secret has led to him telling multiple lies and deceptions to his wife, which is never a good idea.
The Promise is a deeply touching story and a must read, I can hardly wait to read book 3. I think it would be a great book for father to read as the story heavily deals with the relationship between a father and son.
I heartily recommend this book, but would recommend that it be read after reading The Dance as this is a series that is best read in order to fulling appreciate everything.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
“Available September 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
In The Promise the story centers on Tom & Jean, Jim & Marilyn's son and daughter-in-law, but it also focuses on the mending relationship of Jim & Marilyn. I loved seeing how the changes Jim made have helped his relationship with his wife. I also loved how this book showed that it's still not an overnight thing, but something they both have to constantly work on to keep their marriage harmonious. This made the story so realistic and made me love the characters even more.
Tom, unfortunately, is the spitting image of his father before he made his changes and this made me feel so badly for Jean and everything she had to endure. Immediately when the story begins we learn that Tom has been keeping a pretty big secret from Jean for 5 whole months! This one secret has led to him telling multiple lies and deceptions to his wife, which is never a good idea.
The Promise is a deeply touching story and a must read, I can hardly wait to read book 3. I think it would be a great book for father to read as the story heavily deals with the relationship between a father and son.
I heartily recommend this book, but would recommend that it be read after reading The Dance as this is a series that is best read in order to fulling appreciate everything.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
“Available September 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
September 9, 2013
Book 2 in the Restoration Series is every bit as good as the first book ("The Dance") in this series! If you want to read this as a stand alone book, you certainly can! No matter what ...this is just a must read book!
I truly appreciate how "The Promise" deals with such true to life situations and shares such an incredible teaching on how to deal with circumstances that arise in marriage. Also, showing how God will bring you through those hard times when you seek HIM! Tom & Jean both are hiding things from one another and their marriage is hanging by a thread, per se', but the road to forgiveness and restoration can be long and winding but once you've arrived, you know it was worth every bit of it!!
Thank you Lanette and Revell, a Division of Baker Publishing, for allowing me this complimentary issue in exchange for my honest review! a true 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ hearts;'s for sure!
I truly appreciate how "The Promise" deals with such true to life situations and shares such an incredible teaching on how to deal with circumstances that arise in marriage. Also, showing how God will bring you through those hard times when you seek HIM! Tom & Jean both are hiding things from one another and their marriage is hanging by a thread, per se', but the road to forgiveness and restoration can be long and winding but once you've arrived, you know it was worth every bit of it!!
Thank you Lanette and Revell, a Division of Baker Publishing, for allowing me this complimentary issue in exchange for my honest review! a true 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ hearts;'s for sure!
January 31, 2020
I enjoyed The Dance, and The Promise is good as well. It's like getting a lesson about marriage, relationships, and communication in fiction form. However, one thing that frustrates me is that SO MANY of these issues could be cleared up if the characters would just talk to each other. I know it's a problem in "real life" so that's why the authors write the stories this way, but it's frustrating as a reader to know the solution when the characters don't. Overall, the story is good and totally worth reading.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 2, 2013
Title: THE PROMISE
Authors: Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley
Publisher: Revell
September 2013
ISBN: 978-0800721497
Genre: Contemporary
One home, two hearts, and the power of a promise kept . . .
For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he's been hiding from his wife Jean--and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through coffee shops and the library, using their wifi to search job listings online. The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage.
But Tom's not the only one hiding something. Jean Anderson has a secret of her own--one that will seriously complicate their situation. Will the promises they made on their wedding day hold firm?
THE PROMISE is book two in this Smalley/Walsh series The Restoration. I enjoy reading Mr. Walsh’s books, and THE PROMISE is a good read, but as with The Dance, the authors keep us distant, and it feels told and forced at times. It doesn’t flow smoothly and I didn’t connect with the characters.
There is some good marital advice in this book, some of which parroted the advice in the first book, The Dance, such as for wives, “Don’t be a doormat. If something bothers you, speak up.” Other advice didn’t parrot. If you like fiction that teaches a valuable lesson and isn’t as tedious as reading nonfiction, then The Dance and THE PROMISE is for you. $14.99. 304 pages.
Authors: Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley
Publisher: Revell
September 2013
ISBN: 978-0800721497
Genre: Contemporary
One home, two hearts, and the power of a promise kept . . .
For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he's been hiding from his wife Jean--and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through coffee shops and the library, using their wifi to search job listings online. The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage.
But Tom's not the only one hiding something. Jean Anderson has a secret of her own--one that will seriously complicate their situation. Will the promises they made on their wedding day hold firm?
THE PROMISE is book two in this Smalley/Walsh series The Restoration. I enjoy reading Mr. Walsh’s books, and THE PROMISE is a good read, but as with The Dance, the authors keep us distant, and it feels told and forced at times. It doesn’t flow smoothly and I didn’t connect with the characters.
There is some good marital advice in this book, some of which parroted the advice in the first book, The Dance, such as for wives, “Don’t be a doormat. If something bothers you, speak up.” Other advice didn’t parrot. If you like fiction that teaches a valuable lesson and isn’t as tedious as reading nonfiction, then The Dance and THE PROMISE is for you. $14.99. 304 pages.
September 8, 2013
This is my fifth book that I have read and reviewed on Books and Needlepoint by Dan Walsh. (You can find all my reviews here. ) I continue to be touched and renewed while reading his books. This latest, the second in the Restoration Series is no exception. I would recommend reading The Dance first though as you get some background information that not knowing won't detract from the story, but I felt it gave me a better understanding of the family dynamics.
I enjoy these books because the foundation for the restoration is based in God's love and forgiveness. This is portrayed though, without being preachy and in-your-face. It is simply a story, that could be anyone's story, about things that disrupt a marriage, a family, and the importance of communication and prayer. These books have touched me on a deeper level the last couple of years as my family has faced some trials where communication and understanding have played a very big role. For awhile the communication was lost and it is just coming back to the level where it used to be. The difference that it has made in our marriage and in our family is tremendous.
So, whether or not your family is whole, struggling, on the brink of disaster - I am sure that you will take something away with you after reading them.
I enjoy these books because the foundation for the restoration is based in God's love and forgiveness. This is portrayed though, without being preachy and in-your-face. It is simply a story, that could be anyone's story, about things that disrupt a marriage, a family, and the importance of communication and prayer. These books have touched me on a deeper level the last couple of years as my family has faced some trials where communication and understanding have played a very big role. For awhile the communication was lost and it is just coming back to the level where it used to be. The difference that it has made in our marriage and in our family is tremendous.
So, whether or not your family is whole, struggling, on the brink of disaster - I am sure that you will take something away with you after reading them.
September 5, 2013
When I was offered this book to review, it was not clearly pitched to me as being part of a series. I wish it had been. It's the second in The Restoration Series and I think it picks up right after the first book, which I have not read. I think the books should be read in order.
The formula for The Promise seems to be very similar, as near as I can tell, to the first book, The Dance. That formula includes a difficult marriage, reconciliation and renewed faith in God. While this book picked up towards the end, I just didn't like the characters. Perhaps if I had connected with them in The Dance, it would have been better. I did appreciate that the story addressed the idea that we carry our childhood issues with us and that unless a conscious decision is made to change, we tend to parent the way we were parented and we treat our marriages the way we observed in our own parents, family, etc. I appreciated that the Anderson men learned to make those determined changes.
I have loved the previous Dan Walsh books I've read. This one, however, was disappointing. My opinion is only one, though and there are many other more positive reviews
The formula for The Promise seems to be very similar, as near as I can tell, to the first book, The Dance. That formula includes a difficult marriage, reconciliation and renewed faith in God. While this book picked up towards the end, I just didn't like the characters. Perhaps if I had connected with them in The Dance, it would have been better. I did appreciate that the story addressed the idea that we carry our childhood issues with us and that unless a conscious decision is made to change, we tend to parent the way we were parented and we treat our marriages the way we observed in our own parents, family, etc. I appreciated that the Anderson men learned to make those determined changes.
I have loved the previous Dan Walsh books I've read. This one, however, was disappointing. My opinion is only one, though and there are many other more positive reviews
November 4, 2013
The wring is stilted and the transitions from scene to scene are poorly written. The idea behind the book was good. An overbearing grandfather
who produces an overbearing son that produces a son with the sane mar in his psychic. The story involves how the cycle is broken. The thesis of the book was good, if only the writing matched the story. The main character spent too much time sobbing and in great emotional distress. My thing is stop crying and get on with making right what you can make right.
who produces an overbearing son that produces a son with the sane mar in his psychic. The story involves how the cycle is broken. The thesis of the book was good, if only the writing matched the story. The main character spent too much time sobbing and in great emotional distress. My thing is stop crying and get on with making right what you can make right.
February 10, 2014
I found the premise of the book interesting- a man loses his job and hides this fact from his wife for 5 months. However, the writing seemed stilted, and I thought the plot line was too easy to guess as I read.
May 30, 2017
This second book in the Restoration series picks up a few months after the first ended, but this one focuses on Tom and Jean. It is a look at how a negative family legacy can affect generation after generation, and how it takes a lot of courage for someone in the family to try to confront the issue and make the change needed to break the chain and start a positive legacy for the current generations and those to come.
April 24, 2018
It is never too late to say I Love You.
I think the main reason I liked this book is because in so many ways I could identify with it and if I could give anyone advice it would be to read this book and really learn from it. I could cry with them because my heart hurt for them. Read it along with the first book of the series.
I think the main reason I liked this book is because in so many ways I could identify with it and if I could give anyone advice it would be to read this book and really learn from it. I could cry with them because my heart hurt for them. Read it along with the first book of the series.
July 20, 2022
This was a great Contemporary Christian fiction book written by amazing authors! Having watched the video series as a teen, I have really enjoyed reading this series. Being able to pick out the principles even before the characters were shown themselves was pretty neat.
I'm planning on looking up the recommended books mentioned at the end of this book, including, the Blessing.
I'm planning on looking up the recommended books mentioned at the end of this book, including, the Blessing.
January 10, 2023
This book hits all the buttons!
This is book two in a series of four books regarding a family who need God in their lives to correct what has gone wrong. Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley collaborated so well to write a loving story that will both make you cry and make you yearn to take their lessons and bring it into your life as well.
This is book two in a series of four books regarding a family who need God in their lives to correct what has gone wrong. Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley collaborated so well to write a loving story that will both make you cry and make you yearn to take their lessons and bring it into your life as well.
January 15, 2023
The Story and Legacy Continues
Book 2 of The Restoration Series by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley's continues the story of tragedy and redemption in a family's attempt to put a dysfunctional behaviour trend behind them. Cannot wait to purchase the third and final book in this series.
Book 2 of The Restoration Series by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley's continues the story of tragedy and redemption in a family's attempt to put a dysfunctional behaviour trend behind them. Cannot wait to purchase the third and final book in this series.
June 4, 2019
Every married couple could benefit from this story
This story is so sad, yet it ends very different, it ends happy! My marriage might have been saved if my husband had read this book. Although he wasn’t as bad as the Anderson men, he was close.
This story is so sad, yet it ends very different, it ends happy! My marriage might have been saved if my husband had read this book. Although he wasn’t as bad as the Anderson men, he was close.
September 10, 2019
Heartfelt , this could happen to anyone, but the way they dealt with their trouble as a family pulled them all in closer together.
Easy reading with a true sense of what each character was going through .
Will definitely be reading more of his books!
Easy reading with a true sense of what each character was going through .
Will definitely be reading more of his books!
February 14, 2021
Another great book
This book was another great story by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley. It gives you a glimpse into the lives of the characters and shows what can happen if you refuse to share.
This book was another great story by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley. It gives you a glimpse into the lives of the characters and shows what can happen if you refuse to share.
July 24, 2021
This second book of this series continues with the problems of a family and the way God restores hope no matter what issues we face. A story that doesn't gloss over sin but shows us what love and forgiveness can do when we let the Lord take control.
February 11, 2023
I loved this book! Breaking generational strongholds is a hard thing to do even though it is very necessary. The authors wrote a very believable story line with great dialog. Make sure you have tissues handy when you get to the ending. It is not sad, it's just that moving!!
November 13, 2023
Although I hadn't read the first book, I was still able to enjoy the story. I liked how things worked out in the end, though I was frustrated with how the main characters kept things hidden from each other. How much better to be open and honest. It would have saved a lot of frustration in the end.
July 27, 2017
Good Christian book. I liked the first book better.
November 16, 2019
This was a religious book about a man who lost his job and did not tell his wife for 5 months. Skipped through it.
July 8, 2024
Enjoyed this book from a four part series…a great continuation of the first book. Looking forward to reading the next two.
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December 17, 2024Was a good book, Love how they leaned on God and pray!
September 12, 2013
Tom Anderson lost his job five months ago and hasn't told anyone, not even his wife. He leaves each morning pretending nothing has changed and spends his days in coffee shops and bookstores job hunting. The stress of keeping his unemployment a secret is pushing him and his wife apart and putting his marriage in danger. Tom is going to tell her after he finds a job, if his marriage lasts that long.
Jean Anderson knows something is wrong with her husband. He's been coming home angry and bitter for months now and he doesn't want to talk to her about anything anymore and it's scaring her. With the chasm growing between her and her husband, she begins to suspect that her deepest fears might be a reality and she has no idea what to do about it.
When Jean goes to the doctor, she realizes just what has her husband so frugal and it makes he think about what he has done with his day all these months. It's up to Tom to prove to her that he hasn't done anything but lie and that it's her he loves. With his marriage on the line, Tom must really evaluate his life, marriage, and his goals in life. Also, he must realize why he kept his secret for so long and try and make it up to Jean.
Can Tom win back Jean after a five month long lie or will he lose her forever? Can Jean forgive Tom for his lie or will she leave him despite his pleas? Will Jean believe Tom when he says he hasn't cheated or will she believe her fears instead? Will Tom's reasons for keeping his secret be confronted and conquered or just buried for another time?
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The first book in this series wasn't very relatable to me because of the wide age gap between myself and the main characters. This book is a tad different. Though there is still that wide age gap, it's much smaller and Tom's story was much more relatable to me. I was able to see bits and pieces of my childhood amidst the memories of the characters and that definitely made me be able to connect with this book more than the first.
First things first, I have to address Tom and his real reasoning for hiding his unemployment. I won't give to much away but I will say this, though his method was extreme, the reasons he kept his unemployment a secret made quite a bit of sense and seemed like something someone would do if they didn't want to disappoint someone who had put a lot of pressure on them. Though I wouldn't be able to keep a secret that big for that long, I can understand his reasoning and understand the desire to not disappoint someone you love.
The storyline is interesting and, though it's not very fast paced, engaging if the topic is relatable to you. There were times I had a hard time keeping my attention on the book, but that might be because I'm not married and am not very knowledgable about marriages, so I might not be a very good judge of this book as far as pacing goes. However, one thing I can't deny and see despite my lack of marriage experience, is that the marriage advice and images on how to heal a breaking marriage were spot on and very helpful for me for the future.
My favorite part of this entire book was seeing the transformation of all The marriages in this book once they put the Lord first in their marriages and lives. The transformation was into something I rarely see anymore and it gives me great hope that marriages don't have to be this awful institution that many make it seem. This book portrays marriages as work and sacrifice and love and trust and I felt that that was very accurate and gave me a realistic view as to what marriage entails.
I've been reading Dan Walsh's books for a while now and his storytelling ability never ceases to amaze me. That's why I keep coming back for more from him. Dan's coauthor is another story. I haven't read much by him. My fourth book by him, all fiction, but all of those books have one thing in common, they either show what a marriage that revolves around Christ looks like or how to fix a marriage at its breaking point and I love seeing that. Both authors are amazing at what they do and both authors and this book come highly recommended.
Overall, a great book about fixing a marriage. The pace for me got a bit slow at times, but in general, I liked the pacing. This is great for people who want a great story about marriage or want to figure out how to fix a marriage in fiction form. Keep your kids away from this one but it's great for adults. I give this book a four out of five.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
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March 12, 2017Just as good as the previous one. I love this series about family changes and restoration.
September 7, 2013
This is one of those books that leaves you fulfilled and yet wanting at the end. I know those are oxymorons, but I am dead serious when I say it. I was blessed to be able to read the first one in the series, The Dance, and I totally fell in love with it from the beg. And you know how it is, when one book in a series is really good and then the next one isn't too good? Well, I was kinda worried about that with The Promise. I mean, I really, really liked the first one! What if this one was no good? I had no need to worry:) Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley came through with flying colors! I might even like this one better than the first!
The Promise begins about 7 months after The Dance ends. We see Jim and Marylin on their second honeymoon while things are complicated with their children. Especially Tom. He has lost his job and thought he would get another one quickly and didn't need to tell his wife, Jean. But soon 5 months passed by and he still hasn't told her. He leaves every day dressed for work and then goes to a cafe looking for jobs on the internet. He tells himself he is hiding it to protect Jean, but there is something much more to his feelings.
And on the other side of the marriage, Jean is getting more and more unsatisfied. She has fears that their marriage is falling apart or that Tom might even be seeing another woman. She isn't sure what she has done or what has put Tom in such a bad mood. And she has her own secret as well. But she can't talk to her husband. She feels like he is too much like Jim used to be and is stern and unloving.
There is so much in this story I can't even start to tell it all. You feel Tom's fears about bills to pay and no money to do it with. His sense of failure at not finding another job when it should be so easy. You also liken yourself to Jean who feels like her marriage is falling apart and bewildered at how to change things. And you also have Jim and Marylin who have made huge strides in their relationship and how they treat each other. Marlyin has come to see the change in her husband is for good and she doesn't have to fear him anymore. But she also has the fear of Tom turning out the same way. You can identify with any of these people and we all know many who could be them. It also goes to show that you never know what is going on in someone else's life. What they are hiding behind that smile could be a lot of pain and fear. We all have them and can relate to the characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series and to see what Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley have in store for their readers. I have included a quote below that is taken from parts in one section. Jim is giving some advice to another man who is having trouble with his marriage. I just loved this and wanted to post it. It would be good for us all to take it to heart, and not just for married couples.
"We make the mistake of thinking communication is about understanding their words. But the truth is, good communication is more than that. It's about understanding the feelings behind those words. It's about listening to her heart, not just the things she says. And it definitely is not about you making sure she understands and agrees with what you're saying. The starting point is simple. It's not making her see your points, it's about understanding her heart, and then not reacting in anger and getting defensive when she finally does open up and share what's bothering her."
Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
The Promise begins about 7 months after The Dance ends. We see Jim and Marylin on their second honeymoon while things are complicated with their children. Especially Tom. He has lost his job and thought he would get another one quickly and didn't need to tell his wife, Jean. But soon 5 months passed by and he still hasn't told her. He leaves every day dressed for work and then goes to a cafe looking for jobs on the internet. He tells himself he is hiding it to protect Jean, but there is something much more to his feelings.
And on the other side of the marriage, Jean is getting more and more unsatisfied. She has fears that their marriage is falling apart or that Tom might even be seeing another woman. She isn't sure what she has done or what has put Tom in such a bad mood. And she has her own secret as well. But she can't talk to her husband. She feels like he is too much like Jim used to be and is stern and unloving.
There is so much in this story I can't even start to tell it all. You feel Tom's fears about bills to pay and no money to do it with. His sense of failure at not finding another job when it should be so easy. You also liken yourself to Jean who feels like her marriage is falling apart and bewildered at how to change things. And you also have Jim and Marylin who have made huge strides in their relationship and how they treat each other. Marlyin has come to see the change in her husband is for good and she doesn't have to fear him anymore. But she also has the fear of Tom turning out the same way. You can identify with any of these people and we all know many who could be them. It also goes to show that you never know what is going on in someone else's life. What they are hiding behind that smile could be a lot of pain and fear. We all have them and can relate to the characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series and to see what Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley have in store for their readers. I have included a quote below that is taken from parts in one section. Jim is giving some advice to another man who is having trouble with his marriage. I just loved this and wanted to post it. It would be good for us all to take it to heart, and not just for married couples.
"We make the mistake of thinking communication is about understanding their words. But the truth is, good communication is more than that. It's about understanding the feelings behind those words. It's about listening to her heart, not just the things she says. And it definitely is not about you making sure she understands and agrees with what you're saying. The starting point is simple. It's not making her see your points, it's about understanding her heart, and then not reacting in anger and getting defensive when she finally does open up and share what's bothering her."
Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
September 9, 2014
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://tinyurl.com/mwul64n
The Promise is book two in a beautiful series that combines the literary talents of Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of Gary Smalley. The Restoration Series pulls back the curtain of a family that has laid their foundation on shifting sand, but is slowly rediscovering genuine love and the power of forgiveness.
When it comes to my favorite genre, character-driven/relationship stories, Dan Walsh has always delivered - and continues to do so in the Restoration series co-authored with Gary Smalley. This is a series that entertains, engages the emotions, spiritually uplifts, and makes readers think about the relationships in their life.
This novel begins approximately seven months after the ending of book one, The Dance. Jim and Marilyn are happily together and on their second honeymoon, but still working on minor challenges in their marriage. I'm as big of a romance fan as anyone, but we all know the story doesn't end with "I do." What I appreciate most about this series is that it focuses on the struggles and problems couples face, exemplified by the Anderson family - beginning with Jim and Marilyn, and radiating on down to their three grown children. It's hard to separate this book from the whole series, because they all blend together.
The Promise focuses on Tom and Jean, Jim's son and daughter-in-law. The whole Anderson family could live in my neighborhood, they're that real - and I love following their stories. Tom had spent his life to date "trying to win the approval and affections of a man who somehow managed to remain continually just out of reach." And when his life and marriage began falling apart, he couldn't let his father find out about the mess he had made. Jean was a loyal wife who, in Marilyn's words, tried to cope by "hiding her hurts and fears, sometimes even from herself, hoping that things between them will get better if she can just hold on a little longer, give things a little more time."
Communication, trust, sharing struggles and working through hard times together are key factors in this story, but for Jim, everything goes further back than he realizes. In the words of one of my favorite characters, Jim's uncle Henry, it's the Anderson legacy - "harsh, demanding fathers begetting more harsh, demanding fathers. No one ever being truly happy, or ever measuring up to their father's expectations or experiencing the simple joy of hearing the words "I'm proud of you, son."
I can't help but think of the reference in James 3 about the power of the tongue - and especially when it comes to children, the power to build them up or tear them down. Dan writes in his author's notes at the end: "It happens a lot, even in solid Christian families - parents who love their children but fail to recognize their great need for regular encouragement and blessing."
The Promise is a moving, compelling story of God's grace and how He can work in our lives when we give control over to Him. The Anderson family may be fictional, but I've come to care about them as Dan and Gary entertain and seamlessly weave relational gems into their writing. Everything isn't tied up in a neat bow, but the ending is one of happiness and life-changing promise. I look forward to Michele and Allan's story in book three, The Desire.
Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Promise is book two in a beautiful series that combines the literary talents of Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of Gary Smalley. The Restoration Series pulls back the curtain of a family that has laid their foundation on shifting sand, but is slowly rediscovering genuine love and the power of forgiveness.
When it comes to my favorite genre, character-driven/relationship stories, Dan Walsh has always delivered - and continues to do so in the Restoration series co-authored with Gary Smalley. This is a series that entertains, engages the emotions, spiritually uplifts, and makes readers think about the relationships in their life.
This novel begins approximately seven months after the ending of book one, The Dance. Jim and Marilyn are happily together and on their second honeymoon, but still working on minor challenges in their marriage. I'm as big of a romance fan as anyone, but we all know the story doesn't end with "I do." What I appreciate most about this series is that it focuses on the struggles and problems couples face, exemplified by the Anderson family - beginning with Jim and Marilyn, and radiating on down to their three grown children. It's hard to separate this book from the whole series, because they all blend together.
The Promise focuses on Tom and Jean, Jim's son and daughter-in-law. The whole Anderson family could live in my neighborhood, they're that real - and I love following their stories. Tom had spent his life to date "trying to win the approval and affections of a man who somehow managed to remain continually just out of reach." And when his life and marriage began falling apart, he couldn't let his father find out about the mess he had made. Jean was a loyal wife who, in Marilyn's words, tried to cope by "hiding her hurts and fears, sometimes even from herself, hoping that things between them will get better if she can just hold on a little longer, give things a little more time."
Communication, trust, sharing struggles and working through hard times together are key factors in this story, but for Jim, everything goes further back than he realizes. In the words of one of my favorite characters, Jim's uncle Henry, it's the Anderson legacy - "harsh, demanding fathers begetting more harsh, demanding fathers. No one ever being truly happy, or ever measuring up to their father's expectations or experiencing the simple joy of hearing the words "I'm proud of you, son."
I can't help but think of the reference in James 3 about the power of the tongue - and especially when it comes to children, the power to build them up or tear them down. Dan writes in his author's notes at the end: "It happens a lot, even in solid Christian families - parents who love their children but fail to recognize their great need for regular encouragement and blessing."
The Promise is a moving, compelling story of God's grace and how He can work in our lives when we give control over to Him. The Anderson family may be fictional, but I've come to care about them as Dan and Gary entertain and seamlessly weave relational gems into their writing. Everything isn't tied up in a neat bow, but the ending is one of happiness and life-changing promise. I look forward to Michele and Allan's story in book three, The Desire.
Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 8, 2013
Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley in their new book, “The Promise” Book Two in The Restoration Series published by Revell takes us into the lives of Tom and Jean Anderson.
From the Back Cover: One home, two hearts, and the power of a promise kept . . .
For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he’s been hiding from his wife Jean–and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through two coffee shops and the library, using their wi-fi to search for a job on the internet. The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage
But Tom’s not the only one hiding something. Jean Anderson has a secret of her own–one that will seriously complicate their situation. Will the promises they made on their wedding day hold firm?
Without any doubt Dan Walsh is one of the best writers out there. He consistently writes books that go right to the heart, have wonderful characters that deal with issues that affect all of us. “The Promise” is no exception. “The Promise” is all about a marriage. Tom and Jean are married but not happily and Tom is unemployed. He doesn’t want to tell Jean not because he fears her but because he fears his father, Jim from the previous book. The issues that Jim birthed in Tom are causing his marriage to disintegrate. It is going to take God to make it all right between father and son as well as husband and wife. This book touches on issues that can affect any marriage. The team of Walsh and Smalley takes these issues, put them in a fictional setting and get their point across without being preachy. There is healing, forgiveness, restoration all within the family and all from God. This is a wonderful book that shows the power of God to heal and restore.
You can find “The Promise” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/wa...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
From the Back Cover: One home, two hearts, and the power of a promise kept . . .
For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he’s been hiding from his wife Jean–and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through two coffee shops and the library, using their wi-fi to search for a job on the internet. The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage
But Tom’s not the only one hiding something. Jean Anderson has a secret of her own–one that will seriously complicate their situation. Will the promises they made on their wedding day hold firm?
Without any doubt Dan Walsh is one of the best writers out there. He consistently writes books that go right to the heart, have wonderful characters that deal with issues that affect all of us. “The Promise” is no exception. “The Promise” is all about a marriage. Tom and Jean are married but not happily and Tom is unemployed. He doesn’t want to tell Jean not because he fears her but because he fears his father, Jim from the previous book. The issues that Jim birthed in Tom are causing his marriage to disintegrate. It is going to take God to make it all right between father and son as well as husband and wife. This book touches on issues that can affect any marriage. The team of Walsh and Smalley takes these issues, put them in a fictional setting and get their point across without being preachy. There is healing, forgiveness, restoration all within the family and all from God. This is a wonderful book that shows the power of God to heal and restore.
You can find “The Promise” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/wa...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
September 7, 2013
This is an enjoyable and informative story that takes place about 7 months after the first book, "The Dance." While the first book centered on the parents, Jim and Marilyn, and how their marriage was restored, this story focuses on their oldest son and his relationships with his father, wife, and son. Tom Anderson has been out of work for five months and he has kept this secret from everyone, including his wife. All Jean knows is he's become more distant and angry the last several months and she doesn't know why. His attitude doesn't make her want to share the secret she's been keeping, either. Will their marriage survive when everything comes out into the open?
I liked the way this story swung from Jim and Marilyn in Italy for their second honeymoon to Tom to Jean to Great-Uncle Henry. We were able to see what each were thinking and the effect each had on the other. It was nice to see the changes continuing in Jim and the way he and Marilyn treat each other now. This book works fine as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading them in order because "The Dance" brings a lot to this story. Tom acts very much like his father used to and everyone could see the negative effect except for him. I liked the insight Great-Uncle Henry brought to the situation because of attitudes and actions that had been passed down through the generations and were continuing to affect Tom and his relationship with his son. This is a very healing story and will hopefully open people's eyes to how their relationships with their parents can affect the ones with their children and that it's important to break bad habits before it's too late. I think this story is great for both men and women, maybe even more so for men, so don't let the cover fool you! You should definitely check out this series!
I received a copy of this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.
Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
You can connect with Dan on his website www.danwalshbooks , on facebook https://www.facebook.com/DanWalshBooks , twitter https://twitter.com/DanWalshAuthor or pinterest http://pinterest.com/danwalshauthor/
You can connect with Gary on twitter https://twitter.com/GaryTSmalley
I liked the way this story swung from Jim and Marilyn in Italy for their second honeymoon to Tom to Jean to Great-Uncle Henry. We were able to see what each were thinking and the effect each had on the other. It was nice to see the changes continuing in Jim and the way he and Marilyn treat each other now. This book works fine as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading them in order because "The Dance" brings a lot to this story. Tom acts very much like his father used to and everyone could see the negative effect except for him. I liked the insight Great-Uncle Henry brought to the situation because of attitudes and actions that had been passed down through the generations and were continuing to affect Tom and his relationship with his son. This is a very healing story and will hopefully open people's eyes to how their relationships with their parents can affect the ones with their children and that it's important to break bad habits before it's too late. I think this story is great for both men and women, maybe even more so for men, so don't let the cover fool you! You should definitely check out this series!
I received a copy of this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.
Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
You can connect with Dan on his website www.danwalshbooks , on facebook https://www.facebook.com/DanWalshBooks , twitter https://twitter.com/DanWalshAuthor or pinterest http://pinterest.com/danwalshauthor/
You can connect with Gary on twitter https://twitter.com/GaryTSmalley
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