For the most part, I consider myself a fan of Belva Plain. I was excited to come across a novel of hers that I had not previously read. Ms. Plain has written some amazing fictional novels. However, in my opinion, this wasn't one of them. "Promises" was a very predictable read. One of the main characters, Adam Crane, is engaged to his childhood friend. During his final year in college, he falls in love with and has an affair with the distance cousin of a friend. He does not have the courage to breakup with his fiancee, so his mistress decides to leave him for another man. Adam ends up marrying his fiancee. Three children and years later, his mistress reenters his life. The affair resumes and the predictable plot continues. ( )

Tried twice to get past first 2 chapters, but it just didn't grab my attention. ( )

Margaret Crane is a woman many others would envy. With her comfortable home, handsome husband, three beautiful children and rewarding teaching career, Margaret has the perfect life. She and Adam, her husband, have also raised an orphaned cousin, Nina, since her early childhood and she is now a sucessful young decorator in New York City. And yet...Adam is constantly working late at the office; long hours and too much stress Margaret attributes to rumors of a big company takeover as Adam draws away from her and his family. Then she meets Randi, The Other Woman.

Meanwhile, Nina is reveling in her life in New York City and her relationship with Keith, a brilliant investment banker who might not be all that he seems. As Nina clings to stolen weekends with Keith, Margaret plays the dutiful wife and tries to ignore the widening cracks in her marriage.

As both Margaret and Nina face heartbreaking choices in their lives, a rift develops between these two women who have loved each other like mother, daughter, friends. I truly enjoyed this book and give it an A+! ( )