“I won’t have her forced,” Jack said. “Let her decide for herself.”Amy knew her father meant it. She could say no if she wanted. But this marriage would make everything all right. They could put all the trouble she had caused behind them. Everyone would be happy again.Everyone except her.“Sentence of Marriage” is the first book in the three-volume “Promises to Keep”.In nineteenth century New … Keep”.
In nineteenth century New Zealand, there are few choices for a farm girl like Amy. Her life seems mapped out for her by the time she is twelve. Amy dreams of an exciting life in the world beyond her narrow boundaries. But it is the two people who come to the farm from outside the valley who change her life forever, and Amy learns the high cost of making the wrong choice.
“One of the best historical novels I’ve had the pleasure to read in years.” – WorkingGirl Reviews.
“The story was captivating, the characters real, the dialogue crisp. I admit to having cried and laughed and even having wanted to murder a character and beat another one within an inch of his life — which is simply a testament to how well written these books are.” – AmericanEditor.
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This is a series takes place in the early 1900s if I remember right. It was so engrossing I couldn’t wait to read the next one. Sentence of Marriage is the first one. Its about a girl who gets pregnant and is forced to marry an older man who is very mean to her. Dont let that stop you from reading this series. Its very good and gives you an idea …
I very much enjoyed this book. I am a Kiwi so loved reading about known fauna and towns. I have yet to read the following two plus sequel.
In many ways I’m not looking forward to reading about her marriage to that brute. .
I LOVED this book and the other 3 in the series. The characters and their lives were real and I became so involved with them I didn’t want to stop reading. This story grabs and does not let go. The setting is in 1800’s New Zealand and the history was interesting. I just loved everything about this book and heartily recommend it.
Totally enjoyed this four book series. Several times found myself in tears. Love the setting in New Zealand and the late 1800s and turn of the century. Wonderful characters.
Read all of the series. Addictive.
Loved the series
Entertaining series.
This book traces the social customs of the late 19th century and how they affect the farm families of the rural Bay of Plenty in New Zealand. I found the story engrossing, upsetting, and maddening compared to our freedoms from such strict rules today. Amy Leith is a girl of 15 when we meet her. It is heart wrenching to follow her, yet she …
A glimpse into an earlier time in another country. A look at the plight of wives before the right to vote or many rights at all. The strength of women in their daily lives.
I enjoyed the historical setting of 1800s New Zealand and the settler’s hard work to work the farms and survive. In the story the girls’ desires to marry and make better lives for themselves are the same wherever daughters are held captive to family fortunes and some make better choices than others. But there is whimsy and good fortune for some …
Realistic, not sugar an spice and all things nice! My husband told me twice to close my mouth.
There were four books in the series. I bought all four shortly after I received my first Kindle. They were well worth the read and the price.
interesting and bought the other 2 in the series
A wonderful story..well told… very engaging and takes you through the roller coaster of emotions…
I read the book and sequels twice! Great book
I had no idea how much I would love this book! Because of the storyline and the character development, I ended up purchasing each sequel, even when I had to search for them online! What an undiscovered yet talented author! I didn’t know anything about her before I read this book, yet I searched out other work by her after reading this first …
I love history, especially when a book seems to be based on the truth. Engrossing.
Well written. Fictional but historical background. Great characters that make you care.
Although I don’t normally read books intended for women, I read the entire series, having enjoyed this first book so much (I believe this was the first book). The initial topic was unusual, New Zealand’s history interesting, and this outskirts-family (living on one of the islands off the coast) was so well explored and richly written by the …
I read quite a bit, but it’s been a while since I’ve been so engrossed in a book! I’m now on the 3rd book in this series. The storyline, the characters, the location are all elements that are skillfully intertwined to create a great story. Thank you Shayne Parkinson for a wonderful series!