The Strength of a Promise
by
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The next day, Janet telephoned from work. “Did you see Lauren? I know you went to Cambridge.” “None of your damn business!” David exploded. “You mean you didn’t see her?” Janet said. David never answered her. “You didn’t, did you? Or if you did, she refused to come home.” David heard the unmistakable triumph in her voice. “Is that it? She refuses to come home?” She persisted. “Yes, damn you!” He ground out. “So if you still want to leave and take Rachel, then do it. It doesn’t matter to me what you do any more.” A short silence followed this. “I don’t believe you. You love Rachel,” Janet returned, uncertainly. “Yes, but I love Lauren more.” As David finally admitted this, he quietly replaced the receiver. Tears smarted his eyes and he felt guilty. Guilty that he would willingly give up his daughter, if it meant he could have Lauren. His admission brought no relief, for Lauren had chosen to stay in Cambridge.
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About the Book
The sequel to The Strength of a Kiss, The Strength of a Promise begins in May 1967, when 17 year old Lauren’s life changes forever. Her love for 25 year old David, who is married with a baby daughter, threatens to destroy everything she has ever known; splitting their families down the middle. They live in a small village community, and when David’s mother-in-law discovers their affair, Lauren’s sister and guardian has no choice but to forbid their relationship. To condone it would ruin Lauren’s reputation; even though David’s marriage is virtually over. During the next 18 months Lauren is forced to grow up in the cruelest possible way. Moving to Cambridge city with a friend, and estranged from her family, she attempts to put her life back together, while her sister Kay seizes every opportunity to drive Lauren and David further apart; finally betraying them unforgivably. When David is brutally attacked and left for dead, Lauren rushes home to be by his bedside, but soon discovers her actions have made matters worse. As Lauren’s story continues she emerges from adolescence into womanhood with a bittersweet taste in her mouth. Heartbroken and away from home what are her chances of ever finding happiness?
About the Author
Joyce
was born the third of four daughters, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent and
moved to Poplar, London when she was three years old. When Joyce was
seven she moved to Essex, attending local schools. Her English teacher recognized her talent for writing and making up stories. Joyce left school at sixteen and in 1971 she had several poems
published in an anthology. Joyce is married with one daughter, one son and a baby grandson; she often made up bed time stories when her children were
young.
After bringing up her family she spent a year at college
re-training as a Medical Secretary and learning computer skills. After a
period working in a hospice as a secretary Joyce joined the local
council offices where she worked full time until retiring. A romantic
and a dreamer, Joyce likes writing stories with intense emotional
episodes. Love stories interwoven with mild violence and suspense are
her forte; often with unexpected twists.