Review: The Promise by Beth Wiseman

Book Description

 "Mallory's search for happiness leads her to faraway place. But there she finds heartache and betrayal. Can the only man she's ever loved rescue her before it's too late? Tate Webber has loved Mallory Hammond for years. He plans to marry her someday, but not until he has his career and life in order. Mallory is in love with Tate, but his unwillingness to commit has created a rift between them. So when Mallory's new boss introduces her to his cousin, she's surprised by his charming, exotic ways and delights in his attention. This exciting stranger begins to sway her thinking about her lifelong dreams and her religious beliefs. As their online relationship develops, he invites her to visit his homeland in the Middle East, promising her a traditional life based on commitment to family-something she's never had and always wanted. In a bold move-and with lots of resistance from Tate and those closest to her-Mallory decides to leave the only life she's ever known to meet this man on the other side of the world. Tate begs her not to go, but Mallory embarks on the dangerous journey anyway, only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. Her new friend is not who he says he is. Tate must risk his life to rescue the only woman he's ever loved. Can he reach Mallory . . . before it's too late?"

I chose The Promise to review because I have read several of Beth Wiseman's other books and have enjoyed reading them.  I honestly didn't even read the book description when I chose this book, seeing the author's name was enough of a recommendation for me.  The Promise was a book that kept me reading, because I really needed to know how it ended.  I was surprised to learn after I finished the book that it was in fact based on a true story that happened to a friend of the author.  That can make me understand why she felt it needed to be written.  But, I am not sure that The Promise should be considered a "Christian" book.  There is quite a bit about Islam which is understandable because of the setting of the book and some of the characters. But, the feeling that I got after reading this book was more of a whatever religion you are is ok and the book says over and over that we all pray to the same God.  The main character Mallory says at one point "Most Christians believe that you have to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior to get to heaven.  I believe that Jesus died on the cross for us making a place for us in heaven , but I also think that God will take a good hard look at the lives we've lived here on earth."  Later it goes on to say that even though they don't believe that Jesus is the son of God it's ok because they do believe that he existed.  Tate does try to talk to Mallory a few times about the differences, but there never really was a revelation or a realization from Mallory that what the Bible and Christianity teaches is true.  So while The Promise may be a good story for some, and I give the author a lot of credit for writing her friend's story I found it disappointing.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.  I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC regulations.