While I enjoyed the book and thought it was well-written, it is certainly disturbing in parts. ( )

I read an early copy of this book, and the author did not ask me to review it, so this is based on my own opinion of the book, in which I also provided a blurb.

From my blurb: In THE PROMISE BETWEEN US, Barbara Claypole White masters the art of bringing a reader up close and personal to the influences and forces of a mental illness. In this powerhouse of a story, Katelyn MacDonald’s decision to give up the precious gift of raising her baby, Maisie, in order to protect her, makes for a compelling page turner. This is an in-depth portrayal of what it means to live in a world where every single thought or action comes into question, it is a story for the times, a story filled with stark realities, but most important of all, it is a story about hope, healing, and the strength of a mother’s love.

Beyond the blurb: I loved reading each character's chapter. BCW has created characters who are multi-dimensional and real. They stand out on their own, and take you with them through their struggles and triumphs - each and every one. Another great story, and one I'm sure will open your eyes to what this particular mental illness does and can do. ( )

The Promise Between Us is a mesmerizing story of lives controlled by OCD in ways and with a depth I never knew OCD could reach...up till now , in my uneducated understanding, OCD was the repetitive actions TV characters like Monk did to make us laugh....The Promise Between Us showed the long term and deep implications real life OCD brings....Any age can be a victim, even a sweet 10 year old like Mazie....Voices control lives and shape decisions. This is the story of a mother whose voices almost destroyed her life, her child's life and everyone they touched. But there is hope and treatment for the voices and OCD can be relegated to a place where it is under control and its powers are diminished. I won this on Goodreads and it educated while entertaining... ( )

Wow, what a beautiful story. I learned so much reading this. I really I knew everything about mental illness as I’ve dealt with family members for many years. So much I didn’t now. It was told so beautifully, it made you really root for the characters to make it. Without giving the story away, normally I would hate one of the main characters for what she did, but I wound up loving her and completely understanding what she did and why she did it. It really was a great story with fantastic characters. Highly recommend ( )

The Promise Between Us by Barbara Claypole White delivers to its readers a heartfelt family drama surrounding OCD. As they deal with the challenges OCD causes, White’s characters feel authentically developed based on circumstances, struggles, and personality, and the problems they face prove complicated, with no easy solutions to determine or implement.

As I read, my heart broke again and again for the MacDonald family. With circumstances and choices that seem impossible to navigate, each character (except Maisie) has his or her unlikable moments, yet not one of them is wholly bad. Despite their flaws and brokenness (or perhaps, because of them, as all the details come to light), I grew to like all of them over the course of the book, and I’m glad that White doesn’t leave them without hope by the end.

Well-told and emotionally-charged, with a valuable look at dealing with OCD (and the possibility of strength and resilience amidst consuming, perceived weakness), The Promise Between Us is a compelling read. I enjoyed reading it and often had a hard time putting it down when needed. Readers interested in contemporary drama involving family and mental illness, I think, will enjoy it, too, and should definitely consider this book from Barbara Claypole White.

Thanks to TLC Book Tours, I received a complimentary copy of The Promise Between Us and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )