A Promise of Safekeeping by Lisa Dale + Giveaway

Lauren Matthews became a big shot prosecutor nine years ago. She walked in and successfully prosecuted a high profile murder case convicting, Arlen Fieldstone. Nine years later, the verdict is overturned and Arlen is pronounced innocent. During those nine years, Lauren made a name for herself as a jury consultant with her amazing knack for reading people…while Arlene’s wife divorced him and his mother died.

Reeling from the shocking news of Arlen’s innocence sends Lauren running to Richmond, Virginia to find him and to apologize for her involvement in his wrongful conviction. Expecting to just to apologize and go home to her job and promotion, Lauren finds Arlen hostile and his best friend, Will working somewhat as a go between. Lauren realizes she can’t read people as easily as she thought, remembering the most important rule: people are always surprising.

I really enjoyed A Promise of Safekeeping. When Lauren first arrives in Richmond she is quite uptight and all business. Though I could respect and admire what she was doing she felt less than genuine. I really enjoyed watching her open up not only to Will, to the reader, but mostly to herself. She slowly started to ‘think’ about her own life instead of living out a plan.

On the other hand, I went back and forth about Arlen. I began with having all this sympathy for him, but then began thinking how he was always on the verge of becoming the criminal he wasn’t before. I understood but also felt frustrated. Then the more and more I read, I began liking him and routing for him.  I also really enjoyed getting to know Will. I wasn’t really sure what to make of him and thought him to be a really good friend to Arlen. The characters were all really well developed and enjoyed watching how they moved forward when they realized they were each at a crossroad.

I felt the story moved at a fairly good pace, but the end came fast and I didn’t really get to fully appreciate or savor the ending. The book comes to a very dramatic end, which I really wasn’t expecting. This was the first book I’ve read by Lisa Dale and I will definitely read her again. I definitely recommend A Promise of Safekeeping. Not only do I recommend it, I’m giving a copy away! Leave a comment below with your email address. You must live in the US and no p.o. boxes. Sorry! You don’t have to be a gfc follower, but it is appreciated!! This giveaway will close at midnight EST on 1/25/12. Good luck!

Other books by Lisa Dale

http://lisadalebooks.com/