Review: The Pendant's Promise by Judythe Morgan

The Pendant's Promise by Judythe Morgan is a book that is a lovely blend of women's fiction and romance.

The Story

This is a contemporary historical novel set in the Vietnam and post-Vietnam eras. If you were a product of the turbulent sixties, like heroine Lillian Reed, this book will be more to you than a romance novel with a strong women's fiction slant.

Lily has feminist ideals, but, nonetheless, she is the virtuous daughter of a minister. Her life is changed when she falls in love with Green Beret Major Alex Cabot.

When Alex becomes MIA in Vietnam, Lily faces life as an unwed mother. Scared and alone, she did what she thought best to shield her child from the stigma of illegitimacy as it was viewed during that era.

Poor Lily should have heeded the words of Sir Walter Scott: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." (I'll confess that was one of my mother's favorite aphorisms. If I heard it once, I heard it a thousand times, and it probably accounts for my strict adherence to honesty in all matters.)

My Take

Strong characterization and a hero worthy of that label people this twining plot of lies and deception. Although at times I wanted to shake Lily and shout, "Just tell the truth," I understand why she acted in the way she did -- she was a product of her generation and the mores of the near past. Alex is wonderful. I mean what woman doesn't love a man who clings to the memory of the love of his life?

Lily was flawed, but in the way that makes her seem real and allows for her to grow. Author Judythe Morgan skillfully created her characters, and they'll seem real to you too.

Takeaway Truth

If you like Barbara Delinsky, Danielle Steel, and women's fiction authors like that, you'll love this book.