PROMISES by Carolyn Twede Frank

Cindy R. Williams

Here's the back of the book blurb:

Hattie is barely twelve when her pa's "business adventures" move her family to the new town of Tropic, Utah. Her pa views the town as opportunity. Hattie is hopelessly shy and views it wit apprehension. More than anything else, Hattie wants to be like her father---note afraid of meeting new people, talking to strangers, and sanding up for herself. So it is with trepidation that she accepts her pa's challenge and promises to make new friends.

Hattie forms more promises as she struggles to make friends, finding companionship in places she wouldn't have expected and learning that there is a difference between complaining and standing up for one's self.

Promises is a heart-warming story of friendship with a touch of mystery and adventure set in the days before Bryce Canyon became a national park. Drawn from the memoirs of early Utah settlers, it is a realistic glimpse into the past and a delightful story for readers ages eight to eighty.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book at first look. It seemed like this little Hattie girl was going to be a little whimp. However, I knew it would be interesting to take a peek into what the Bryce Canyon area was like back in the settlement days so I gave it a go.

I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked Hattie. What a charming character. It was fun to see her grow and learn to speak up for herself. Sometimes I wanted to get after the villain on Hattie's behalf--you know how the mothering instinct thing kicks in when you see someone picked on--but alas, I had to sit back and mind my own business and read the book.

Frank does a nice job in her descriptions of the area. I would love to explore the cave she writes about. If the cave is really there, it sounds like it would be one of those town secrets that only the residents know about.

It was interesting to get a glimpse into the LDS Church at that long ago time. The members had the same problems that are dealt with today, just with a different twist.

Promises is another fun summer read.

PROMISES is pulished by August Corp Press, Kaysville Utah.
Visit Frank at  http:www.carolyntwedefrank.com