Death, secrets and a life-long romance mix to create a compelling story of the power of love and forgiveness. Prologue April 9, 2002   It was the quiet she noticed first. Usually, the sounds of surf and traffic intermingled to form a background of noise she’d long ago learned to tune out. Joanna listened hard for a familiar sound but there was nothing save the occasional cry of a lone seagull outside her window. The bird had shown up two days ago, found a piece of piling on the edge of a dune that seemed to his liking and taken up residence, his large, unblinking eyes looking from her window to the ocean and back. As she got out of bed, Joanna’s gaze rested on the familiar photo on her nightstand. She picked it up and stroked the handsome face with her forefinger. Still holding the frame, she wandered into the shadowy den where the silence seemed to take on an ominous feel. She sat at the computer hugging the picture close to her chest. With one hand, she keyed in her password and waited. Rituals. How many times have I done this? For how many years? What makes me think I’ll ever hear from him again? There was no message. Then, as she’d done every day for the last three months, she switched to the online Chicago Tribune, accessed the obituary search and typed in his name. Her breath caught in her throat. The words danced, blurred, in front of her. The photo slid out of her trembling hand and dropped onto the carpet. Dr. Jared Fowler, noted theater director, dies at 77. Her head dropped to her chest, the sobs rose through her throat and escaped in low moans. Oh, Jared! She struggled to read. Here and there, a phrase stood out … radio broadcasting voice … charismatic … highly respected … and then this:   Dr. Fowler is survived by his wife of 52 years, Victoria M. (Vicki), his daughter Dr. Marina Buckman (Dr. Andrew), his son Michael (Ellen) and his beloved grandchildren Jason Buckman and Sarah Fowler.   Joanna wanted to scream … no! … he’s survived by me, too … I loved him as much as they did … he belonged to me, too. She closed her eyes and fought off a wave of dizziness. This was what she’d dreaded.  He had known. He had known there wasn’t much time.   Excerpt "What were you thinking about just then, Grandpa?" "Oh, life, Jason; I was thinking about life." "What about life?" "How it takes you where it wants you to go; how there’s a grand plan for each of us and sometimes we don’t end up doing what we thought we might." "Is there something you’re not doing, Grandpa?" No answer. His eyes are still closed; there’s a slight smile on his face. Grandpa? He still doesn’t open his eyes. "Nope. Right now, all that matters is this lake, the fish and you, my boy. I’m exactly where I should be."

Professional Reviews
Jared's Promise
Jared’s Promise
by Jeanne Howard
Dr. Jared Fowler, well renowned theatre director, professor, respected and a loving father and grandfather passed away at the age of 77.
He will be missed by many, especially his daughter Marina. There was no one larger than life for Marina. It seems even her husband Andy paled in comparison to her illustrious father. But as Marina goes through her father’s possessions in his study and on his computer, Marina comes to learn that her father had many secrets and even a secret life that only he knew about. Marina discovers that for 40 years her father had been having an affair that began years ago when Marina was just a little girl. It began back when Jared Fowler was a Professor at Manning University and he began dating a student. Over the years, he and Joanna Ransome kept in contact through letters and neither stopped loving the other.
Marina becomes obsessed with learning all the details of her father’s affair, even going as far as tracking down the other woman. As the seasons change and out of love for her mother, Marina does not share her findings with her and buries what she knows in the back of her mind while holding it within her heart. But when Marina’s son Jared begins school at Manning University, Marina is concerned about Jared learning about the affair and tries to keep her son from discovering the secret and losing admiration for his grandfather.
Will Marina be able to keep her secret? What will Jared’s reaction be if he finds out the truth about his grandfather? What became of Joanna Ransome?
How does a child, even an adult one, change their perception of a parent? Children place their parents on pedestals and think that they can do no wrong. For Marina, this is true until she learns that her father wasn’t as sterling as she thought he was and is forced to see that maybe he just wasn’t perfect after all. With much self-examination, tears, grief and strength, Marina deals with her father’s infidelity but never forgets it.
Jeanne Howard writes with style and class. The depth to this story and the characters stand out and hit the heart of the reader. The characters are believable and it is a family bonded by love and loyalty. They all protect each other and honour each other’s wishes. Dr. Jared Fowler may have had a few blemishes on his armour, but he raised a loving, honourable and respectful family.
I was intrigued to discover what Marina was going to do with all the information she discovered and ultimately what Jared would do if he heard of the affair while attending Manning University. Jeanne Howard’s cool and crisp writing is clear and right on in my opinion of how a child would handle a discovery like the one Marina had to deal with. The emotions are gripping and the beauty of Ms. Howard’s words make this a work of art in women’s fiction. There are a few surprises along the way that stun the reader, bring a tear to the eye and will touch one’s heart. This is a story that is passionate, totally emotional and will reinforce the bonds and feelings of family, make you cry and keep you enthralled from beginning to end.
A story of love, compassion, forgiveness and family, add to that a talented writer and it is a perfect addition to one’s keeper shelf.
Reviewed by Tracey West for The Road to Romance


Jared's Promise
Jared’s Promise by Jeanne Howard, is a compelling, thought-provoking look at a subject many would rather not contemplate. The tenderness and compassion this writer has passed on to readers is a highly moral stance. It speaks of goodness and gives the reader a sense of hope, even in trying times. All too often in books, evil triumphs over good, but in Jared’s Promise good not only triumphs, but is raised to an alleluia.
I was able to identify with Jared’s grandson immediately. The interaction of the characters is genuine. I look forward to more of this author’s works.

A. Dee Carey /The Fox Lady - 5 on my mascara scale (you will cry)

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