A Promise Kept

Hatcher (Where the Heart Lives series) departs from her more recent historical novels for this contemporary exploration of the conundrum faced by believers when they accept God’s word but can’t see it being manifested in their lives. Seeking refuge from the pain of her recent divorce, Allison Kavanagh moves to the remote mountain cabin in Idaho, bequeathed to her by beloved Aunt Emma, a successful nature photographer. Smarting from the conviction that she precipitated the divorce by acting on spiritual guidance to issue a tough-love ultimatum, Allison takes strength in the 2010s from a surprisingly parallel and secret side of Emma’s life in the 1920s, pieced together through old photos and journal entries. With the help of family and newfound church community, Allison reconsiders the trajectory of her marriage, and gradually works through her spiritual and emotional turmoil. The mountain setting is as appealing an aspect of this upbeat, well-paced novel as Allison, Emma, and their family and friends. Agent: Natasha Kern, Natasha Kern Literary Agency. (Jan.)