A Review and a Giveaway of Jane Green's Promises to Keep

I love to read, but every now and then due to life's demands and stresses I have what I heard  fellow blogger Kelly call Readers Block. No matter how much I want to , I just cant pick up a  book and read it in its entirety. Not so with Promises To Keep from Jane Green.This book held my interest and was devoured. I must confess this is the first time I have heard of the New York Times Bestselling author, who is a leader in the chick lit genre.
Promises to Keep touched me on many levels. Inspired by her best best friends battle with cancer and promise to write about it about it, Jane Green assembled a charming cast of characters we all can recognize from our families. A free living but somewhat scatter brained sister Steffi, who finds her way in life through her immense  talent for cooking. The protagonist Cassie, an admired  and loved photographer, friend,mother, daughter and wife raising her kids with a loving husband who spends more time away from home, due to work . But the situation works for all, and the family unit is strong, until tragedy forces some change. Add two divorced parents who haven't spoken in years , and the best friend,who one can could ever hope for, Lila .
 If the topic of cancer puts you off or scares you, don't let it. Promises to Keep is more sweet than bitter. I recognized some of my journey with my mother battle on these pages.There is plenty of love and laughter , with comforting recipes from the author herself, to balance out the tragedy of witnessing the one you love slip away. Love is found in unexpected ways, what you thought you didn't want, you do, and feelings long dormant, come to life.The reader also sees incredible profiles in strength and resolve.Time did not permit me to actually make a recipe, but I will once things settle down. One recipe that really caught my eye was Lamb Shanks with Figs and Honey.The recipes range from vegan, to fish ,meat, and dessert Jane Green writes the recipes with ease and my cooks instinct tells me they are winners. To see a whole list of Jane Greens recipes go here.
To kick off your summer reading and inspire you to add a few more recipes to your repertoire, I am giving away a copy of Promises to Keep. Leave a comment telling  me if you're are a fan of Jane Green already , your favorite book, or just why you want a copy of Promises To Keep. Comments close on June 19.