Reviews
From Amazon
The Promise
A Story of Faith, love, and Forgiveness
5.0 out of 5 stars I could relate
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2020
Sometimes in our walk with God, He shows us how much he has done in our lives by allowing us to look back to the past. This is what this book was for me. My husband had Narcissistic Personality Disorder and the way they act is very similar to BPD. We had three sons. He physically, mentally, and verbally abused all four of us until... I gave my life to God after being married for 14 years. Long story, but I ended up leaving him three days before our 27th anniversary. Two sons were married and the third was engaged. God opened the door because it was now time. Again, long story. Thank you Mr. Stone for sharing your story. I pray it helps others who are caught in the web of personality disorders. I have been “free” for 26 years now. God is so good and there is life after the misery. God protected us the last 15 years I lived with my husband until I was set free. Only God. If you are struggling in an unhealthy relationship, read this book. It will give you the keys to freedom.
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2019
What a great book. Such faith in God was refreshing to read. I stayed up all night, I couldn't stop reading until I finished. As I read this book my heart went out to both father and son, along with the grandparents. I pray that the son is doing fine and learning and growing in the Lord. Same for John. Healing is a gift from God himself. Mental issues are very difficult to deal with I can't imagine dealing with it for 13 years. The anchor holds.
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2019
Having spent my entire counseling career working with families, most of them going through a divorce or post-divorce, I can tell you that John Stone's experience was not all that unusual. He shares his story in a way that both describes the trauma, injustice, and abuse in the legal system; and maintains hope. This book reads like a novel that keeps you in suspense while educating you on the corruption and stupidity of a system that is run like criminal justice! Good work, John Stone.
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2020
This story is so real and heartbreaking and relatable. Hard truths of inequality among genders in custody cases that hopefully have changed and continue to do so. We ask how the human body and spirit can go through such gut-wrenching experiences. Without God in our lives and hearts, I don't know the answer to that. This was truly a very touching story. I could relate to a lot of it.
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2020
This true account of the author’s walk through the legal system as he tried to provide his son with the best life possible, is poignantly realistic. It gives great insight into the mental illness of Borderline Personality Disorder and the risks of being in a relationship with a person suffering from it.
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2019
I felt like I was right there with him feeling his pain yet his peace due to his faith in God. I know his story is one of many of how the justice system fails in protecting so many children. The part that meant the most to me was when he talks about its not God's fault bad things happen it's due to the choices people make due to the free will God has granted everyone. I hope his story has woken some people up enough to see how badly the justice system has allowed cases like this to go on for so many years. Hopefully, the system has changed.
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2020
My son was going through a similar situation when I read the book. It was one of those books I just couldn't put down. I appreciated the way John put things in God's hands and allowed Him to be in control. I know that wasn't easy.
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2019
Loved the challenge of abiding with God through it all.
Loved the release of a child from abuse from his mom.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2019
I would have liked to know more about Jonathon and what he liked to do. I enjoyed how the story ended.I believe in the power of God and how it was shown in this story.
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2019
An extremely powerful story of faith and the love a father has for his son. I bought this book because reading about others' faith and perseverance in difficult times is very inspirational for me. This book did not disappoint. The author was very candid throughout the book and his storytelling is engaging.
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, I couldn’t put it down. As I read it brought to my mind my sister’s life. She lives a similar life with her husband. I’m going to get this book for her too. I know she’ll enjoy it as much as I did. God Bless.
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2020
I am in awe of such faith and strength. God bless you and your son. Thank you for sharing this.
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2019
I started to read this book not knowing if I was going to enjoy it or not but by the end of the 2nd or 3rd chapter I was completely hooked I couldn't stop...I read this book in about 7 hours. ..it touched the deepest part of my soul as I can relate to it from being the abused child to being the abused spouse...this story gives hope that miracles really do happen all the time just keep your faith and hold your head high... thank you for this book it was incredibly heartbreaking but uplifting to know u both kept your faith throughout all your hard times may God continue to bless u and your son....and thank you for reliving this nightmare to give your testimony to the rest of us
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2019
Reading this book gives you a better understanding. How broken our court system has become. And the damage it inflicts on innocent children.
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2020
This is a heartbreaking but faith-filled story with a blessed ending. With 2 daughters who are Teachers & 2 daughters who are nurses...I hear about how children (no names do they give) are used as a “bargaining tool” & abuse. I’m so glad this story was written & I can only say two words about it....BUT GOD! Maybe the son will one day write his story, it may help with his own healing.
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2019
This book is an awesome look at how one man's determination gets him through a personal hell that lasts for over 13 years! The writing is awesome and the story will leave you frustrated and hopeful that determination in faith can get you through anything!
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2019
What an inspirational book. God was in control. An encouragement to me to trust Him with all situations in my life.
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2019
John I applaud you for your patience, love, perseverance, and most of all your FAITH in God. Good Luck. Praying and hoping Jonathan will be able to heal in God's time
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2019
Great book! Thank you for sharing your story
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2019
Having just finished The Promise, I can say it will lift your spirits in today’s world of so much woe
joanne hammett
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2019
I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book, although I’m a Christian I do prefer a good thriller. Something caught my eye with this book though. I admit I do love a true story too. I found this book to be compelling reading. The patience and faith of this father are just amazing. There are few people who would have behaved in such a dignified manner. I loved how it was written in a language that was like the author was speaking to us with spoken word and not in the way it was stating facts. It made the book very readable. With a father like you I know your son will recover but I also know that it will take time because that amount of pain took time to embed itself into your lives. I reckon this book could be enjoyed (if that’s the right phraseology) by people of any faith or even no faith. I shall definitely be looking out for more books by this author. He may even have encouraged me to write my story, something I’ve thought about for years. I wish the author and his son and the rest of the family lots of luck but more importantly lots of gods blessings
Patsy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2019
I enjoyed, if that is the right word, this book. It is an easy, though disturbing read. I hope that Florida has changed its dreadful unfair legal system. I cannot believe that everything worked out so well in the end considering the torment the writer and his son had to endure. I know there was God's promise but, as a new Christian, I find all this difficult to grasp. I agree with others that there is some repetition, particularly in one chapter. I pray that your son manages to overcome all the torment and cruelty he had to endure over his formative years. At least the mother and grandmother are now both out of the equation.
laurel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in Australia on August 7, 2019
I began the book with trepidation and finished it with praise! God is always in control.
We also live with a person with this disorder and daily experience the chaos and destruction it causes.
Faith and trust brought them through and God prevailed. Amen.
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2021
I would recommend this to anyone. Reading what this man went through for years in order to get custody of his son is a true testament to the power of unconditional love and faith in God
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Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2020
This book tells a compelling story of a man's love for his son and his God. Faced with a mentally ill ex and an unfair justice system, the writer maintains his faith in an effort to free his son from a life of abuse. Hopefully, stories like this can serve to bring about needed change in our justice system while at the same time displaying strong Christian testimony.