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Anonymous
Posted November 3, 2011
The main character is stupid, for lack of a better word, and her innocence and lack of instinct when it comes to "Jimmy" is unrealistic, she's 15, not 8, just clearing that up.
This is one of the most disturbing, sad books I've ever had the misfortune of reading. I only got about 600 pages in before I skipped to the ending to confirm my suspicions; It doesn't get any better, in fact, it gets worse. I'm not referring to the writing, that was good enough, but the story in general is just depressing and it serves no real purpose that I could find. This is a Warning, this book was just sad, it helps you fall in love with the characters and then it screws them over in the worst possible way, it's doesn't even have the benefit of being a horror story. There's no suspense, no action, just plan and clear depression, it kind of made me want to kill myself....and the characters....
51 out of 76 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 4, 2011
Downloaded this for my Nook after finishing my much LOVED Outlander Series. This book is a series of 4 and they are all fantastic! If you love historical fiction you will love this and fall in love with Amy. AND, how can you go wrong the first book is free for Nook and the remaining for are no more than $3. A great read!
45 out of 54 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 30, 2011
After investing over a thousand pages of time and emotion in this book and character, and the second in the series I can sadly say it's a waste of time. After pulling you in emotionally to the main character she experiences nothing but unjust treatment. It is decently written, but shamelessly dismal, and frusrating. I even bought the second book thinking the main character Amy would be redeamed for her saint like behavoir. Unfortunately her problems multiply and not one is resolved in a positive light. I invested far too much time in this and encourage you to save yourself from this depressing crap. The second one is even worse because she thinks she deserves it. I honestly thought it would resolve nicely at the end, and that is when I figured out the author is a sadist. I dont know if just family and friends gave nice reviews but it doesn't deserve five stars, or even two.
36 out of 51 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 3, 2010
I think this series of books by Shayne Parkinson is one of the brightest gems of self-publishing I've ever come across. Authentic to its time period and place setting, with well-drawn characters and story line. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and am already well into the second one. At times I've found that when I'm not reading I'm fretting about the characters and wondering whether things will end well for them.
20 out of 26 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 30, 2011
I have never cried reading a book until this one. I found myself so worried for Amy, and so mad at her step-mother. I wanted to shake her dad for not seeing whats in front of him and for not teaching her better. I cried for a good ten minutes thinking about poor Amy at the end of this book. I don't think I have ever gotten so attached to characters in a book before.
Can't wait to get into the next book in the series. I loved this style of writing, and will make a point to read all the books in this series.
18 out of 21 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 10, 2012
I kinda agree with all the reviewers who thought this book was depressing..and that the author must be a sadist!! I don't know how anyone can write such horrible stuff and not be!! It almost felt like she enjoyed all the torment she was putting the character through...it was just one thing after another...I realize that women didn't have the greatest life back then but this was just over the top upsetting...it made me feel like there was something wrong with me for continuing to read about a young girl being continually tortured and abused both physically and mentally...anyway, I can see why it is self-published!!
16 out of 22 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 10, 2010
Well written. The main criticism of the writing style is that the author does not consistently provide visual brakes (e.g. stars) between scenes within a chapter.
I found myself totally involved with the characters to the point where I was thinking of them when I was not reading the book. The author makes a point of explaining the characters so that even if they are not likable, we understand why they are the way they are. This especially pertains to Charlie (we don't see his full character until the third book).
The author can also be especially poignant. One death scene is very moving. When Jack dies, we know that he's going to die, but his reminiscing about his life will bring tears to all but the most hard hearted.
Another point I like about the author's writing style is that she doesn't telegraph what's going to happen. Her story-line and plot are not transparent.
What keeps the book from being five stars is that sometimes the scenes become too long.
14 out of 15 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 7, 2012
If you read this book, you have to keep in mind the time period. Over 100 years ago society's standards and morals where way different than today's. Also, not all novels are writen to be "happy" novels.
This is not a funny, happy, scary, or action packed book.
It is a very long read.
It takes place over 100 years ago.
This book tells the story of a young teenage girl, but the next three books tell of her growing up to well in her 30s.
If this sounds like a story for you, you wont be disapointed!
9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 31, 2011
I enjoyed this book so much I immediately purchased the next three in the series. I'm on the third one now and couldn't wait to finish each one. This was refreshingly written and different from books set in the old west as it occured in New Zealand. The trials of this young woman and her family that thought they were helping her can be visualized as this was the 19th century, values of the people then were so strict. I would recommend this whole series for anyone that enjoys a peek in the past of loves and loves lost.
9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Shayne Parkinson is a new author for me... I downloaded Sentence of Marriage as it was free on my Nook... after reading this book I then proceeded to download every book I could find of hers.... And plan to own this series in print as well.... I find that she is able to describe this world beautifully and eloquently without being wordy... or short... I have not enjoyed a series like this in a very long time... there is one thing I did not enjoy about this series... When I got to the end of book 4 there was not a 5th book to download and enjoy. haa I appreciate the honesty in which she wrote the book and the factual aspects of even the darkest parts of the series.. Thank you for taking into that world..a world of real people with issues not of fariy tales that are all roses and sunshine... When we as readers are drawn into loving each character as though they were an extension of our families.. it is hard to say goodbye to them... Mrs. Parkinson I will be watching and waiting for your next book.
9 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is a great book to read. At times I couldn't put it down. I love the unique setting back in the 1800's and how the story told is about the simple life.
I adore the character Amy. At times I felt so sorry for her and other times admired her for her courage.
This is the first of three books and I cannot wait to read the next one.
9 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 6, 2011
I can appreciate the concept of this book, but it needs better editing and to be substanially trimmed down. There is a great deal of repetition of scenes and frankly it drags on. I skipped 200 pages and didn't miss any key plot devices. Major items are glossed over, but the daily chores are provided so often and in so much detail that frankly I stopped caring abou the characters and found them all pathetic and whiny after 200 pages. Also, if you are going to write a story that has the main character between the ages of 14-18, then that age should be better reflected in the writing.
8 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 1, 2011
Rambling narrative. Showcasing verbal and physical abuse of a young girl by a stepmother.
7 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 25, 2011
Wow...I dont even know why i wasted anything on this book...i wouldnt buy it.
7 out of 15 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 13, 2011
the most disappointing book i have read!
6 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 5, 2011
There's no girl as sweetly innocent, no father as blindly dumb, no stepmother as despicably insecure as those portrayed in this book. A depressing story.
6 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 31, 2012
Ive read The Shack and was able to push thru. Even enjoyed it thoroughly. But when Amy wanted to do the right thing and ended up manipulated, I couldn't choose to enjoy the story for what value would come from the pain. I loved the characters but refuse to let my mind focus (for pleasure pastimes) on the trauma that this story explores. I got mad! Not my preference for a good read. I should have been more selective about what story I chose. I am glad I stopped reading it when I did, just wish I hadn't gotten so far into it without seeing what was ahead. This story is a fun light read until halfway through. Be sure you are up for the harsh realities and the kind of struggles Amy will have before chosing this as your next read. Wonderful writing style... I was totally whisked away until my blood boiled and I couldnt keep reading!
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 15, 2011
You will HAVE to get ALL the series.
You will have to know what happens as the heroine makes her way thru her life.
WHY has no one picked up this author and gotten her some recognition? And Advertisement?
I'm a voracious reader, and picky, but these are unsung masterpieces that need the word spread about them.
Obviously there is a larger market for soft-core vampire ick than a lovely, stirring SAGA. That makes me sad, but I am so very happy I found this author, and will keep her name in mind every time I have spare money for books!
Ms. Parkinson, you made me CRY...real tears. Nothing makes me cry, but your books did.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 14, 2011
The author must of had a sick seance of humor when they wrote this. I started reading it thinking it might, just might get better but NOPE!! This book only got worse as I kept reading.
The sweet young main female character got royally screwed in every way possible and I honestly started crying for her because there is no reason someone (even fictional) should have to go through all that.
I am giving it 1 star but I wish it could be -10.
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 9, 2011
A long and sad story
4 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
Book 1 of "Promises to Keep".