Many sub-plots appear throughout the book but Tatlock makes a point of focusing on Roz and her story. Ann Tatlock has crafted a story that keeps straight to the point, avoiding topics that would stray away from the story.

When Roz sees her father in town only her best friend Mara knows, is this too big a secret for the two girls to keep? Will Roz makes the right decision before something bad happens?Promises to Keep is very well written and keeps you involved in the story until the very end. Roz’s Mother Janis wants to start a new life, a life where her family can be safe while Roz misses her father she does not understand why they cannot be a family. Promises to Keep is the story of 11 year old Roz (Rosalind), who’s mother has just moved their family into the town of Mills River, Illinois after leaving their father behind in Minnesota to protect their family. When danger stalks the Anthonys, Tillie exhibits unimaginable courage and selfless love in her determination to protect the family she has adopted as her own.

So they make a promise-'cross my heart and hope to die'-never to tell anyone else. In spite of their many differences, the girls discover they have something in common that binds them together-both are hiding secrets. Mara Nightingale becomes Roz's first friend in Mills River. Feeling sympathy for the elderly woman, Roz's mother allows Tillie to move back in. Though her sons have sold the house and sent her to a facility for the aged, she is determined to die in the place she lived her life, and somehow manages to find her way 'home' day after day. Only days after settling into their new home, they are surprised to find the previous owner, Tillie Monroe, on their front porch reading the newspaper. Eleven-year-old Roz (Rosalind) Anthony and her family have just moved to Mills River, Illinois, to escape an abusive situation.

Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock