Review: READ THIS FANTASTIC BOOK  AT YOUR PERIL!!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 14, 2013
The prologue to this novel is so good (and so heartbreaking) that it will make you weep.  The book proper, however, begins with superficially blissful domesticity for Luc and Lisette, happily settled and working in England with the world finding its feet in peace time.  Their union is blessed with a healthy young son (Harry) but both Luc and Lisette find they have their own demons and nightmares from the past to put to rest.  The decision by Lisette to move to previously unheard of Tasmania proves a stroke of genius due to its unique ability to mirror the lavender growing abilities of Luc's hometown back in France.Ms McIntosh's story telling abilities and talents are on show and are in full force in this book.  The reader's emotions ebb and flow with the rhythm of the tale and in fact they tend to mirror the climaxes which coincide with Fiona's by now familiar and very welcome end of chapter cliffhangers.  The writing style is typically familiar to her legions of fans and those familiar with the natural beauty of the wide brown land down under will feel a shiver of pride every time she waxes lyrical about it.  Hints and red herrings jump out of your kindle screen to poke you in the eye, so one is wary in two senses of the reading experience, but of course the suggestion that an FFF (Fee-Fee-Fan)  won't keep going is an utter nonsense.  For example Lisette feels a pregnancy coming on toward the end of part one and despite the joy and excitement this will bring the reader and Lisette herself, we are almost too scared to think about what may happen in this regard.In summary, THE FRENCH PROMISE is another world class writing performance from one of the profession's elite.  But please be advised that Ms McIntosh certainly knows how to shock her readers.  Out of the blue something will happen that will tear your heart out of your chest.  You will not believe your eyes.  You will scream to yourself, "OH, FIONA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"  You will calm down, eventually but you will be in a state of grief for at least 24 hours.  The book is still thoroughly enjoyable, hugely recommended and even essential reading, especially for those that have read THE LAVENDER KEEPER.  But watch out.  You wont be expecting this.  At all.BFN Greggorio