Set in a dual timeline, we follow Josie on the cusp of war in 1836, and Kayleigh in the present day. What ties them together is a unique ring that is at the center of mystery in their lives. This story has action, suspense, romance, and biblical truths packed into it. As a fellow Texan, I especially loved the history behind the Alamo and the events leading up to it. This is a great historical fiction surrounding this time in history. I also appreciated the trials both ladies went through, showing that no matter where or what time you're in, God's is always with us and His promises stand firm. Their struggles were real and heartfelt. The story keeps you guessing how the timelines will align with one another. While I would have liked better pacing throughout and more believability in the villain/ending, I enjoyed this book. It was an entertaining, quick read that seemed theologically sound to me. I would love to try other books in the series!

CW: There are recurring themes/talk of sexual abuse and kidnapping that may be uncomfortable to some readers, but none of it is graphic. Death and violence. ( )

Title: A Promise Engraved
Author: Liz Tolsma
Pages: 224
Year: 2022
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
This is a story that involves two different eras that are bound together by a special ring. The ring is an heirloom for two women, one in the year 1835 before Texas was a state and the other is Kayleigh who finds the ring at a flea market. The women are separated by 200 years, and readers are left wondering how a ring binds one to the other.
Believe me when I say that the author did a masterful job of telling stories that are filled with suspense and intrigue. In 1835, Josie Wilkens is living with nightmares from a tragic event that left her mother and sister dead. Josie wishes she was too but comes to understand that the Lord has a plan for her life, bringing beauty from ashes. When Josie can get her ring, she feels a connection to the mother she lost.
Kayleigh works with kids who come to America and need help adjusting to a new country. Kayleigh is looking for answers when she notices a ring has an inscription that seems to be in code. She visits a jeweler who is a history buff and wants to help her find the answers she craves. Kayleigh begins to spend lots of time with Brandon and he soon becomes a close friend, though she wonders if his desire to help her decode the engraving is due to ulterior motives.
A Promise Engraved is a novel that captures the heart of audiences for its history, faith, and romance. In both timelines, there is danger to both women from those who want the ring because they believe it will get them the treasure. The way the characters had to handle difficult and life-threatening situations with faith, friendship and courage was captivating. There are twists and turns in both timelines that I didn’t see coming, which kept me turning pages until the end! Grab a copy, enjoy, and share with others. You won’t be sorry!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

Being largely unfamiliar with the Texas Revolution, I found this eighth standalone book in Barbour’s historic Doors to the Past series particularly intriguing. Liz Tolsma crafts “A Promise Engraved,” her first split-time novel, seamlessly, intertwining historic and contemporary events to demonstrate the truths of Scripture. The genealogical journey forming part of the present-day storyline is relevant to so many investigating their own ancestry amidst the range of tools available, and the issue of illegal immigration and refugees, especially as it applies to young children caught in the middle, is straight from the headlines. The historical segment of the narrative proves to be just as pertinent, dealing with issues such as assault, murder, and trauma. Exploring the echoes of history informs the present and guides the future. As Brandon tells Kayleigh, “There’s always an important story to learn at the end. Along the way, we might discover something about ourselves.”

Beginning in 1835 but taking place mostly in 1836, the story of 18-year-old Josie Wilkins and Protestant pastor John Gilbert in San Antonio plays out during the determining battles of the Texas Revolution, and Tolsma offers insight into the motivations and strategies of those involved. Josie has a very unique position and a tragic past that isolates her in many ways, but John reminds her that “true joy is only found in the Lord” and urges her to “Give everything over to God. All your sins, all your hurts, all your trials and pains. He will heal and restore and bring you everlasting peace that surpasses all understanding. Place your trust and faith in Him. He will carry you through.” What might seem like trite platitudes becomes demonstrably true despite the horrors of war and loss, creating a legacy that connects to refugee coordinator Kayleigh Hewland nearly two centuries later. Kayleigh, her own past marred by tragedy, happens upon a special ring in a flea market and teams up with appraiser Brandon Mullins to discover how its history might shed light upon her own. From one survivor’s story to another, “A Promise Engraved” attests that, as Brandon assures Kayleigh, “With faith, you can endure anything, because there’s the hope that God is working out everything, even when you can’t see it.” And even when the good that God is working develops over centuries!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )

A ring, the Alamo, and a search for answers in both the past and the present bring A Promised Engraved to life. I loved getting to know Josephine,her family, John Gilbert, Charlotte, Kayleigh Hernandez, her friends, and Brandon Shuman.

The author weaves an amazing story that jumps from the past to the present. I loved experiencing the events leading up to the battle of the Alamo, along with the events both Josephine and Kayleigh each experienced while searching for the their own truth. The setting, characters, and storyline make this story jump to life.

This book as part of the Doors to the Past series deserves to be read, so check it out for yourself

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

“Faith. It meant taking that giant step and putting herself in someone else’s hands.”

Enjoyed this dual-time period story about two young women separated by almost 200 years and connected by a cat-eye ring. With lush historical details and inspiring stories of perseverance and faith, this story transported me to 1830’s Texas and the battle for independence.

As a young woman, Josie Wilkins has experienced more than most could survive. She witnessed horrible atrocities and was kidnapped by an evil man who still haunts her. Now two years later and reunited with her family, their homeland is under threat from Santa Anna and his troops. One brave handsome minister is determined to win Josie’s hand, but will he accept her past and will they survive the battle for independence?

Kayleigh Hewland’s life is turned upside down when a purchase at a flea market could be the link to the past she’s been searching for. The cat-eye ring with the strange engraving looks like the ring her deceased mother once owned. Enlisting the help of jewelry store owner Brandon Shuman, they search for clues about the ring’s origins, but as they unravel the past, danger lurks. Will Kayleigh learn to trust and open her heart or will her past come back to haunt her?

This story took me a while to really get into, but once I did, I was hooked. At first, I felt like I was dropped into the middle of the story, but that jarring feeling works because it puts you directly into the heroine’s while pieces of the past are slowly woven in. I enjoyed both stories and the way they were linked together. There were two despicable villains in both stories who kept tensions high. There was plenty of action, mystery, and romance to keep me invested in both stories and hoping for happiness for both women. The religious messages of faith, trust, and hope were a big part of the stories, but woven into the characters’ lives in a natural way that wasn’t overbearing.

Highly recommend this story to Christian fiction and historical fiction lovers. Content: stalker, rape (no explicit details), some violence. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. ( )