“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 book was depressing. There’s nothing entertaining about the rape of a 15 year old girl.
Good reading but a sad ending
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I can’t believe a man wrote it! Incredibly sensitive and emotional in areas only a woman would understand.
Just wish the story continued longer. Not a satisfying ending.
Okay but could use grammar check. A bit too much about farming. And the reader is left with the mystery of where the lover is. So the ending is, in my view, unsatisfying.
Easy to read but very slow-moving. It may be I am less patient because of lockdown!
First in a series. A great time period book. Just enough characters. I’ve read the full series.
Depressing
To long …and no happy ending …disappointing
Depressing
Felt it was an unfinished book
A to be continued book – no resolution of plot lines.
Parts of the book were very good, but the ending hit me like an empty well.
Wish I hadn’t read it.
Moves right along, but reads like a YA novel. The story is told mostly through dialog, which makes it feel like you are reading a script for a soap opera.
Sentence of Marriage reminds us of a time when morals were held in high esteem in our society and of the consequences of not abiding by them. Today it doesn’t resonate with many. I enjoyed the book but it was a little slow in moving the plot along since the expected happened but it took a long time in getting there.
It was without a doubt one of the most disappointing books I have ever read. Very slow plot, daily life on a farm in the late 1800’s. Teen age girl gets pregnant, father marries wicked step mother, everyone hates her. Slow, slow, slow little to no action and poor story line. Don’t bother, will not read the second book in the series.
Enjoyed the book, but the ending was weak.
It is an interesting book for the historical part but it is slow. I wasn’t sure where the plot was going.
A very insightful book capturing the role of women in the past and in some countries today. It inspired me to do better in respecting our female travelers through the journey of life.
The characters are well developed, it’s a sad novel, very realistic. Not my favorite type of story.