The Promise
The Promise book cover

The Promise

Paperback – September 1, 2001

Price
$5.90
Format
Paperback
Pages
352
Publisher
Signet
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0451204493
Dimensions
4.5 x 1 x 7 inches
Weight
6.4 ounces

Description

From Booklist After mistakenly believing she has murdered her lecherous employer, Rebecca Neville flees into the night and finds refuge with a mysterious lady traveling with a newborn baby. The woman helps Rebecca secure passage on a ship leaving England, and in return Rebecca assumes responsibility for the woman's child when his mother dies on the voyage to America. Ten years later Samuel Wakefield, the Earl of Stanmore, discovers the whereabouts of his son and demands he be returned to his real family. Now Rebecca must return to England with a boy whom she has come to think of as her own child and give him up to a total stranger. McGoldrick's gift for characterization extends from the book's courageous heroine and wounded hero down to a fascinating cast of secondary characters, including a viperous villain and a wonderfully scheming mistress. This vibrant Georgian historical is perfect for readers who like a nice mix of history and passion. John Charles Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Features & Highlights

  • TO PROTECT
  • On a desperate journey to America, Rebecca Neville promises the dying wife of the Earl of Stanmore to raise and care for her newborn son, James. Once in the New World, Rebecca begins her new life--as a mother...
  • TO CHERISH
  • Ten years later, the Earl of Stanmore learns of the fate of his family. He sends to the colonies for his young heir so he can raise him as a peer of the realm. With no intention of forsaking her vow, Rebecca returns to England with James to face a future without her beloved charge. But she must also face her tumultuous past...
  • TO LOVE
  • At first glance, the formidable Stanmore sends Rebecca reeling. But beneath his coldly attractive façade and seeming indifference to his son's plight, emotions roil. For there is more to Stanmore and his motives than meets the eye. The enigmatic lord has his own promise to keep--and a passion for Rebecca that cannot be denied... "
  • The Promise
  • is a wonderful book for any lover of historical fiction." (
  • New York Times
  • bestselling author Heather Graham) In America for the last ten years, Rebecca Neville has raised her young charge as if he were her own son. But now, his father-the Earl of Stanmore-has learned of his fate and sends for him from England. Rebecca must do everything in her power to keep her promise to the boy's dead mother-and keep her heart safe from his mysterious father...

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(306)
★★★★
25%
(255)
★★★
15%
(153)
★★
7%
(71)
23%
(234)

Most Helpful Reviews

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THIS ONE IS A WINNER!

In escaping a lecherous employer in the dark of night, with pursuers hot on her heels, a spunky but penniless teenager was almost run down by a speeding carriage. Fate lent Rebecca Neville a hand when the fleeing occupant in the carriage, the Countess Of Stanmore who was bound for the colonies took her along - together with the Countess's newborn babe.
When the young mother died during the ocean crossing, Rebecca took the infant into her care and raised him as her own. Swearing never to return to her homeland, Rebecca strived to make a new life for herself and the child in the new country.
Yet ten years later when the Earl Of Stanmore tracked down his missing son and heir, Rebecca had no choice but to accompany her boy back to England to ensure his well-being.
Towards the end, there's a surprise secret about Rebecca that'll take your breath away.
This book also introduces characters who'll go on to have their own stories in "THE REBEL" and "BORROWED DREAMS". Make sure you read "THE PROMISE" before reading "THE REBEL" otherwise the surprise will be spoilt.
"THE PROMISE" offers an appealing version from a nine-year old child's viewpoint which is not found in many romance novels. This delightful aspect should be pursued by authors more often.
6 people found this helpful
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Compelling story, beautifully told

This book was the best romance I have read in a long time. You cared about the characters, you wanted to know more about them... all of them from the two butlers Daniel & Philip to the family of Lord North. Fine job by the author. I was engrossed in the story at the end and didn't want it to end. I wanted to know more about the dashing earl's family and past, and more about Rebecca's newfound family.
I look forward to discovering her other books.
3 people found this helpful
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The Promise by May McGoldrick

Summary
Heroine: Rebecca Neville
Hero: Earl of Stanmore
Setting: Mid-18th century England

Rebecca is fleeing to escape being caught of a murder crime where she defended her virtue from a nobleman. On the way, she meets a weak noblewoman who has just recently given birth to her son. The noblewoman offers Rebecca a chance to escape with her on a ship. Rebecca grabs at the chance and finds herself mourning the loss of her lady savior and a new mother to the newborn, James, while in route to America.

Fast forward 10 years later and we find a more settled, hardworking Rebecca in Boston with her adopted son, James. They are inseparable and love and rely on each other dearly. We also find that the Earl of Stanmore has finally discovered that he has a living heir and sends his lawyer to locate and retrieve said heir. Shocked, Rebecca finds she cannot give up her son to an unknown earl, yet cannot deny her son's birthright so she agrees to escort her son to England to meet the earl and ensure that her son's future is safe and stable. Upon arriving in England, Rebecca and the Earl of Stanmore face off in an attempt to secure James' future in the way they believe is right for him. From there, you follow both characters on a fairly realistic journey through romantic struggles and sacrifices for those that they love.

Review
This was one of the first books I had read where the heroine has a child to care for and I thought it might ruin the romance like what sometimes happens in real life with children, but I was wrong! This story is poignant and sweet. The pacing is done well - the hero and heroine are not rushed into any sexual intercourse off the bat. Instead the attraction and romance slowly builds to fire some sizzling, yet romantic love scenes. The story is strong so readers feel like they are actually reading a book with substance, rather than just a weak story that keeps throwing the hero and heroine together for sex. This is actually one element I really love about May McGoldrick. "She" actually writes substantial stories and not facades of a story. The romance is a main part of the book, but there is more to it than just that. There is depth to the story.

The descriptions are wonderful and allow readers to become immersed into the world of the characters. The writing style is very easy to read and detailed. As the condition of my copy of this book can attest to, I wholeheartedly recommend reading this book.

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2 people found this helpful
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Enjoyable storyline and characters

I enjoyed the storyline and characters. I'm looking forward to reading her other books.
1 people found this helpful
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The Best

I absolutely loved this book. This book was hard to put down. I finished this book in two hours. The two of you make a wonderful team. I look forward to reading more from this duo.
1 people found this helpful
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wanting to find next in series ,Lord of Scandal , read preview

read this bk and the next one ,The rebel. I am trying to find the next one . LORD OF SCANDAL. cannot find it to order .