|
The Road to Romance Jared's Promise Dr. Jared Fowler, well renowned theater director, professor, respected and a loving father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 77. He will be missed by many, especially his daughter Marina. There was no one larger than life for Marina. It seems even her husband Andy paled in comparison to her illustrious father. But as Marina goes through her father's possessions in his study and on his computer, Marina comes to learn that her father had many secrets and even a secret life that only he knew about. Marina discovers that for 40 years her father had been having an affair that began years ago when Marina was just a little girl. It began back when Jared Fowler was a professor at Manning University and he began dating a student. Over the years, he and Joanna Ransome kept in contact through letters and neither stopped loving the other. Marina becomes obsessed with learning all the details of her father's affair, even going as far as tracking down the other woman. As the seasons change and out of love for her mother, Marina does not share her findings with her and buries what she knows in the back of her mind while holding it within her heart. But when Marina's son Jason begins school at Manning, Marina is concerned about Jason learning about the affair and tries to keep her son from discovering the secret and losing admiration for his grandfather. Will Marina be able to keep her secret? What will Jason's reaction be if he finds out the truth about his grandfather? What became of Joanna Ransome? How does a child, even an adult one, change their perception of a parent? Children place their parents on pedestals and think that they can do no wrong. For Marina, this is true until she learns that he father wasn't as sterling as she thought and is forced to see that maybe he must wasn't perfect after all. With much self-examination, tears, grief and strength, Marina deals with her father's infidelity but never forgets it. Jeanne Howard writes with style and class. The depth to this story and the characters stand out and hit the heart of the reader. The characters are believable and it is a family bonded by love and loyalty. They all protect each other and honour each other's wishes. Dr. Jared Fowler may have had a few blemishes on his armour, but he raised a loving, honourable and respectful family. I was intrigued to discover what Marina was going to do with all the information she discovered and ultimately what Jason would do if he heard of the affair while attending Manning. Jeanne Howard's cool and crisp writing is clear and right on in my opinion of how a child would handle a discovery like the one Marina had to deal with. The emotions are gripping and the beauty of Ms. Howard's words make this a work of art in women's fiction. There are a few surprises along the way that stun the reader, bring a tear to the eye and will touch one's heart. This ia story that is passionate, totally emotional and will reinforce the bonds and feelings of family, make you cry and keep you enthralled from beginning to end. A story of love, compassion, forgiveness and family. Add to that a talented writer and it is a perfect addition to one's keeper shelf. From Wings author A. Dee Carey: Jared’s Promise by Jeanne Howard, is a compelling, thought-provoking look at a subject many would rather not contemplate. The tenderness and compassion this writer has passed on to readers is a highly moral stance. It speaks of goodness and gives the reader a sense of hope, even in trying times. All too often in books, evil triumphs over good, but in Jared’s Promise good not only triumphs, but is raised to an alleluia. I was able to identify with Jared’s grandson immediately. The interaction of the characters is genuine. I look forward to more of this author’s works. 5
on my mascara scale (you will cry) From Wings author JoEllen Conger I found Jared’s Promise hard to read, it
being well-crafted with vivid emotional pathos. It brought back too many
memories of my own husband’s passing, and the grief that went with losing my
best friend of 45 years. And my telling the funeral home to just let him keep
his wedding ring if they couldn’t remove it from his hand. But today I wear it
on the same finger with the last ring he ever gave me… a blue sapphire. He said
it was my reward for putting up with him through all those crazy years. Review Rating: Four Cups |