Book Review-- The Promise Between Us by Barbara Claypole White

Here is the description of the book on Amazon.com:

Metal artist Katie Mack is living a lie. Nine years ago she ran away from her family in Raleigh, North Carolina, consumed by the irrational fear that she would harm Maisie, her newborn daughter. Over time she’s come to grips with the mental illness that nearly destroyed her, and now funnels her pain into her art. Despite longing for Maisie, Katie honors an agreement with the husband she left behind—to change her name and never return.

But when she and Maisie accidentally reunite, Katie can’t ignore the familiarity of her child’s compulsive behavior. Worse, Maisie worries obsessively about bad things happening to her pregnant stepmom. Katie has the power to help, but can she reconnect with the family she abandoned?

To protect Maisie, Katie must face the fears that drove her from home, accept the possibility of love, and risk exposing her heart-wrenching secret.

My Review:

This book is a realistic look into how it is to live with OCD and not be diagnosed.  It is also a terrifying look into an estranged  mother's desperate attempt to help her daughter with the beginning signs of OCD. 

I was familiar with OCD before reading this book but I only had a limited amount of  knowledge of how OCD can control your whole life.

Barbara Clayton Poole told the story of a woman's struggle and also of how her daughter, ex-husband and ex brother- in- law are trying to figure out how to deal with a mental illness they are not prepared for.

I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it for a book club or just for yourself.  I love a book that has a very interesting storyline and also teaches me or helps me to better understand.  

Thank you to Netgalley and also to the publishers of this book.  I look forward to following Barbara Claypole White on Facebook and reading her other novels.

N.