A Book Review: {Promise Me This} by Cathy Gohlke

About the book: Michael Dunnagan was never supposed to sail on the Titanic, nor would he have survived if not for the courage of Owen Allen. Determined to carry out his promise to care for Owen’s relatives in America and his younger sister, Annie, in England, Michael works hard to strengthen the family’s New Jersey garden and landscaping business.

Annie Allen doesn’t care what Michael promised Owen. She only knows that her brother is gone—like their mother and father—and the grief is enough to swallow her whole. As Annie struggles to navigate life without Owen, Michael reaches out to her through letters. In time, as Annie begins to lay aside her anger that Michael lived when Owen did not, a tentative friendship takes root and blossoms into something neither expected. Just as Michael saves enough money to bring Annie to America, WWI erupts in Europe. When Annie’s letters mysteriously stop, Michael risks everything to fulfill his promise—and find the woman he’s grown to love—before she’s lost forever.

My Star Rating: 5 Star

My Review: This is my first novel by Cathy Gohlke, and it will not be my last!  Gohlke is an incredibly talented author, and it's easy to see why she is a two-time Christy Award winner.  The story is very well written, and I'd liken it to a multifaceted gem.  There's nothing flat about this novel, as it has many dimensions and layers to it -- family, the Titanic, World War I, a love story, and the beautiful Christian elements of faith, forgiveness, redemption, and self-sacrifice.  Every aspect of the story was skillfully woven to create a very satisfying read; one that I would definitely describe as epic.

There's so much to this story, and it's certainly not a quick read, but it's one that's very hard to put down!  I couldn't wait to see what happened next as Gohlke took me from one scene to another, effortlessly spanning many years and settings.  With fascinating historical details, realistic characters, and many twists and turns, I give this one a full five stars!

Promise Me This is a well researched and well written book that will captivate you!  I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, with beautiful messages of faith.