The Promise (edit title/settings)

The Promise, written by Chandra Sparks Taylor follow Book1 in the Worth The Wait series. Courtland, has broke it off with Allan, and decided not to press charges, in order to get the whole ordeal over with. She has enough things to worry about with her mother’s wedding right around the corner, and starting high school When at the mall, shopping with her mom and sister, Courtland becomes aquainted with twins Aidan Calhoun, and his sister ( ), who will be seniors at her school. Immediately she develops an attraction to Aidan, but because of Allan she plays it cool.

The first day of school, and all the ones that follow Allen and his friends make her the laughing stock, and the most unpopular of the school. Aiden comes to her rescue, more than once, and eventually begains to date her, despite her mother’s feelings that she doesn’t want Courtland involved. It’s soon discovered that Courtland’s mom, and best friend are pregnant. Courtland continues to take Allen’s harassment, with out voicing it because she fears her parents will send her to another school. While all this is going on she notices that her father has been missing in action, and fears that he has fallen back on his promise, and is having an affair. It’s confirmed when she sees him spending time with another woman.

Bree’s boyfriend asks her to marry him, and she accepts. Meanwhile she loses her mother to a house fire. Courtland and her Worth the Wait group plan, and argue over directions for the purity ball. Some girls think inviting their dad’s isn’t cool. The Aunt shows back up, around the wedding time with her boyfriend Miles, and attempts to be cool with them, like nothing happened. This causes some strain on the wedding day, but all goes well. She and Courtland make peace.

At the purity ball it’s discovered that Aidan’s father is Courtland’s father’s brother. But Aidan isn’t his real child. I think it went it was his step dad. So Courtland’s boyfriend is really her cousin. In the end Bree loses the baby, but still decides to get married, and go to college. Courtland is left trying to work out her feelings for Aidan (her sort of cousin).

The Promise, I rate seven stars (B). Some how even though the story was filled with drama, I didn’t like this one as much as the others (Spin It Like That and The Pledge). Something about it just… For example you knew the dad, wasn’t having a affair. That would have been obvious to any one that’s ever read a book like this. The twin brother thing wasn’t very original. Even the big “cousin” finale didn’t do for me, what running over Dani did in the last book. I really didn’t have a reaction to it at all. Even Courtland’s and Aidan’s relationship didn’t cause sparks. Now seeing as I personally have spoken with Miss Taylor, I feel inclined to say something good about the book. It did have it’s touching moments. It was nice when the boyfriend stepped up and proposed, and decided to handle his responsibilities like a man. The wedding was equally nice, and the attempt of the father to play a bigger role in his families life. Good representation of men in this book, if anything. I also liked the subtle message of forgiveness, as all Christians know is essential in the walk. Again I liked how she keep it real, and represented our city (Birmingham Alabama). All in all it was a decent follow up to the Pledge.