Ron Hanlon's The Promise is an adult romantic adventure that dives into the complex life of a man whose past and present are defined by the commitments he makes. This novel is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Hearts Can Change in Time and continues the sweeping narrative of Alex Cord, a character whose success is matched only by the fierce loyalty he seeks to uphold. The book is an exploration of what it means to keep a promise, especially when the lure of passion and the demands of an extraordinary life threaten to break the most sacred of vows.
The story drops us into Paris in 1975, where the protagonist, Alex Cord, arrives for the city's prestigious international air show. Alex is an impressive figure: an accomplished pilot, a former oil executive who made a fortune in fracking, and a man attempting to navigate his new venture in rehabilitating silver mines. Alex Cord's life is anything but dull.
Early in the novel, Alex's fidelity is tested. Alone in the Plaza Hotel pub, he is first courted by a charming hostess and aspiring pilot named Amber Lynn. Alex graciously declines her advances. Soon, a second challenge arrives in the form of a stunning, green-eyed blonde who boldly proposes a night in her room overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Tempted, Alex looked at his wedding band and recalled his vow to love his wife, Constance, above all others, and to be faithful to her forever. Hearing the mystery woman's persuasive pleas, seeing her shimmering green eyes, Alex had no more thoughts of rings or promises.
The narrative skillfully weaves in the haunting shadows of Alex's past, giving depth to his current commitments. A heartfelt conversation with his old friend Rocky Collins reveals the tragic fate of Jessica, a former lover whose life is destroyed by guilt over her broken promises to Alex and their unborn child. This backstory underscores Alex's resolve to honor his word with
Constance. The novel also carries a second, more profound meaning for the title: the promise
Alex made to his former girlfriend, Dr. Becky Ward. This other commitment forces Alex and Constance to confront the responsibilities of family, both biological and chosen, and shows the breadth of what a promise truly means.
The Promise is ultimately a story about consequences, love, and the enduring nature of vows. A Romantic adventure, it's recommended for mature minds that appreciate the authentic trials and tribulations of adult relationships, set against a backdrop of global excitement and personal risk. Ron Hanlon delivers a compelling sequel that explores how integrity and commitment are the proper measures of a man, even one with a complicated past—his tribulations in adult relationships, set against a backdrop of global excitement and personal risk. Ron Hanlon delivers a compelling sequel that explores how integrity and commitment are the proper measures of a man, even one with a complicated past.