Review: Surprise at the dept of character development!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 29, 2013
I came to this book because it sounded like a nice "middle of the night can't sleep" read.  It is so much more.Jon Mills has created a locale that could easily be any of the small communities within a couple hours of New York; it has the characters you would expect--the best friend who is quirky and satisfied with her small-town life; a high school "have" who has turned into a pathetic adult bully; the homey and cozy restaurant; the beautiful girl who could be anywhere but is somewhat broken and afraid to spread her wings.  And the "big city success" who comes to town for healing.  There is all that, and it is rather predictable.  BUT--that said---Mr. Mills understands what drives people beyond fear of change, what makes them own a prolonged sadness, why they are "static."  His characters are not "rural bumpkins vs. big-city blow-hards," but instead they are all (well mostly) intelligent, breathing humans who have a stake in the plot. They are interesting people who lift this story from a predictable romance to a good, solid read!  I don't want to create a spoiler here--but I must say, Mr. Mills truly understands the painfuly, yet hopeful process of alcoholism recovery.Even better--the minor characters beg for their own stories.  I read a lot of Susan Wiggs' books because I love that her series books can always stand alone, remain true to the time periods they occupy, yet give hints of a set up for the next book in a series!  The characters are so multidimensional, it is fun to try and guess which minor character will next turn up as the lead in his/her own book!  Mr. Mill's minor characters have these same qualities.  For instance:  will the best friend get a prequel--how did she get together with her partner?  Why stick around this delicious little town?  And is there redemption for the mechanic?  Will the father find a second chance?  See--all of these things just beg for a story!But for now enjoy The Promise.  It isn't syrupy or improbable.  These are realistic people with realistic lives.  (In my personal geography, this book could easily be located in Door County, Wisconsin...perhaps another time, Mr. Mills!)Can't wait for another.  I know it stands alone, but after all--Mr. Mills has a talent for this realistic romance stuff, so why not bring the entire town alive, each interesting character with his or her own story?  Just sayin......it could be done!