PROMISE THE MOON

Author: Elizabeth Joy Arnold ISBN: 9780385340663 6/2008 FICTION Publisher: BANTAM

In the heart of every family lie shattering secrets, and a love that lasts forever... When war and its aftermath take Josh from Natalie and her children, she must find a way to heal her broken family. And so Natalie begins writing letters from Josh that she hides for young Anna and Toby to find—notes from heaven that attempt to explain why he left, to offer comfort and wisdom. But when Anna suddenly reveals that her father has been speaking to her from heaven, divulging stories only Josh could know, Natalie must uncover the secrets of her husband’s past—secrets he hid to protect his family. As Natalie’s search brings her closer to her own parents and reunites her with a love from long ago, she and her children will discover just how much of a hero Josh actually was—and that only by finally revealing the truths they’ve hidden from each other can they find peace, a fresh start, and the promise of a hopeful future….

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

PROMISE THE MOON is a hauntingly realistic look at life, death and the spirit of the human soul to move forward—even when moving forward seems almost impossible to do.

Natalie is a mother left with two young children to raise alone after her husband's death. It is difficult, but she is coping. Josh hasn't died easily, and the turmoil and conflicting emotions that swirl into his family's lives after he is gone leaves layer upon layer of long-hidden emotional baggage for Natalie to deal with.

Natalie, at first, seems to be the most fractured character in this story. Then, I think Josh must be, even though he's gone. Then my focus turns to the children. Then... well, you get the idea. Each character has their own set of heartaches, and with such well developed characters their emotions hit the reader hard.

Not an easy read, but a good one, PROMISE THE MOON is poignant. Heart-rending yet satisfying, it is a story whose characters are unforgettable. Well done!

Kay James