The Promise By TJ Bennett
THE PROMISE
by TJ Bennett
Reviewed by Kay Hudson
In THE PROMISE, TJ Bennett returns to the turbulent Europe of 1525 and to Günter Behaim, the mercenary soldier brother of the hero of last year’s THE LEGACY.
Günter has made a battlefield promise to a fellow soldier and friend: if something happens to Martin, Günter will take his place and marry Alonsa, the beautiful Spanish widow who sells her father’s fine swords to the troops.
Alonsa has other ideas. Cursed by a spurned gypsy suitor ten years earlier, she knows that any man who loves her will die. As proof, she has already buried two husbands. Her marriage to Martin was to be one of convenience. While they liked one another well enough, Martin was more interested in inheriting the family blade business than in loving Alonsa.
When Martin dies of wounds taken in the course of saving Günter’s life, Alonsa and Günter, two people determined not to love, are bound together by honor and duty. Günter quickly realizes his love for Alonsa, but conceals it because of her belief in the curse. Alonsa, in turn, will not admit her love to Günter, believing that he does not love her.
Their friends, Alonsa’s companion Inés and the eager young would-be mercenary Fritz, provide support in the journey across war-torn Europe. Adventures and dangers test love and courage, and the suspense carries through to the last pages of the book.
THE PROMISE is a terrific read, even better than THE LEGACY. Don’t miss it.
