THE PROMISE BETWEEN US by Barbara Claypole White
THE PROMISE BETWEEN US by Barbara Claypole White
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Published by Lake Union Publishing
Publication Date: Jan. 16, 2018
ISBN-10: 1542048982
ISBN-13: 978-1542048989
Pages: 384
Review Copy From: Personal purchase
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5
Synopsis (via GoodReads)
“This is an eye-opening and realistic exploration of mental illness—a topic that greatly deserves to be front and center.” —Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Small Great Things
Metal artist Katie Mack is living a lie. Nine years ago she ran away from her family in Raleigh, North Carolina, consumed by the irrational fear that she would harm Maisie, her newborn daughter. Over time she’s come to grips with the mental illness that nearly destroyed her, and now funnels her pain into her art. Despite longing for Maisie, Katie honors an agreement with the husband she left behind—to change her name and never return.
But when she and Maisie accidentally reunite, Katie can’t ignore the familiarity of her child’s compulsive behavior. Worse, Maisie worries obsessively about bad things happening to her pregnant stepmom. Katie has the power to help, but can she reconnect with the family she abandoned?
To protect Maisie, Katie must face the fears that drove her from home, accept the possibility of love, and risk exposing her heart-wrenching secret.
My Thoughts
I am a member of several book groups on Facebook and after seeing many positive reviews and comments on this book, I knew I had to read it.
Ten years ago, Katelyn MacDonald ran away from her life. After having a beautiful baby girl, Maisie, Katelyn suffered from Postpartum Depression and a severe case of “harm” OCD, which consumed her, she felt the only way to protect her daughter was to leave.
Ten years later, Katelyn has gotten her life in a somewhat better place. Known now as Katie Mack, she is an artist and has agreed to oversee a group of children at the Contemporary Art Museum. She soon discovers that one of the docents is Maisie. How can she continue after giving away her parental rights, but how can she not, being so close to her child. And what she sees, and believes is frightening. Could Maisie be suffering from the same illness? Will she be able to help her daughter?
Maisie was told that her birth mother died. Can her father, now remarried and with a new baby on the way and an Uncle who helped raise her, all come together to help Maisie? Will secrets come to light? Will promises be kept?
A heart wrenching and raw look at mental illness! Compelling!
The author gives a realistic insight into this illness. Her narrative of the internal dialogue and thought process of a person with OCD left me exhausted, with a new and sympathetic understanding of the disease.
A poignant and touching story! An emotional and dynamic read!
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I love it when I learn something from a book like you did about OCD with this one. I’m adding this to my wish list.
Kathy:
Not only was it a compelling read but an eye-opener about OCD.
Aww, thank you. I’m honored that you took the time to read and review.
This sounds like a very good book but it may be a little bit too emotional for me
Hi Mystica:
It was emotional but informative. And the ending, a loving one!