Promises to Keep
*Starred Review* Award-winning inspirational-fiction author Tatlock continues to excel in her latest contemporary novel, a coming-of-age tale about 11-year-old Roz Anthony. After leaving behind an alcoholic, abusive father, the Anthonys are just getting settled in their new home in small-town Illinois in the 1960s when the eccentric, stubborn Tillie Monroe shows up. The former owner of the house, Tillie has made a commitment to herself to die there and will not leave any other way. Filling a noticeable need in a single mother�s life, Tillie quickly becomes a member of the family, and her sweet faith in God soon refreshes the entire house. Tatlock skillfully addresses the issues raised by the era�s civil rights movement with the introduction of Roz�s best friend, Mara Nightingale, as both girls keep secrets that will bind them together in ways that were largely unheard of at the time. Even as it moves along at a comfortable pace, the novel is peppered with suspense. Young Roz�s story bears a resemblance to that of CeeCee in Beth Hoffman�s Saving CeeCee Honeycutt (2010). Recommended for fans of inspirational coming-of-age stories and tales of brave young women. --Elizabeth Ponder