Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock

Synopsis
Eleven-year-old Roz (Rosalind) Anthony and her family have just moved to Mills River, Illinois, to escape an abusive situation. Only days after settling into their new home, they are surprised to find the previous owner, Tillie Monroe, on their front porch reading the newspaper. Though her sons have sold the house and sent her to a facility for the aged, she is determined to die in the place she lived her life, and somehow manages to find her way "home" day after day. Feeling sympathy for the elderly woman, Roz's mother allows Tillie to move back in.

Mara Nightingale becomes Roz's first friend in Mills River. In spite of their many differences, the girls discover they have something in common that binds them together--both are hiding secrets. So they make a promise--"cross my heart and hope to die"--never to tell anyone else.

When danger stalks the Anthonys, Tillie exhibits unimaginable courage and selfless love in her determination to protect the family she has adopted as her own.

Told from eleven year old Roz's perspective, she along with her Mom Janis, brother Wally, and sister Valarie leave MN and move to IL. They no sooner move into their new home in Mills River when Tillie Monroe shows up on their front porch...reading their paper! They must have thought they had a real nut on their hands.
Love the lessons Tillie is able to teach this family, guess the Lord knew what he was doing when he brought her there!
The friendship between Roz and Mara will make you chuckle...can just picture the two of them placing the screaming Valarie on Mom's friend! Am so glad they were able to find one another...pinky sware, and Promises to Keep are sometimes dangerous as Roz finds out the hard way.
This book does have spousal abuse, drug abuse, and the Vietnam War. Roz experiences some flashbacks of her life in Minnesota, but isn't sure about them. Just like most children she wants her Dad back in the family.
I really enjoyed that this book has an Epilogue, love finding out the finishing parts of lives. Thank you Ann!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.