New book by Michael K. Tourville titled, A Promise to Astrid

SPARKS, Nev. - Oct. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- A Promise to Astrid is a small book, but will leave a big impact on readers. The debut novel from Michael K. Tourville is an emotional and humorous story that readers will enjoy.

The novel is set in 1986 in western Massachusetts.  In this simpler time when Oprah Winfrey was still an unknown talk show host, A Promise to Astrid focuses on Mike, an insurance company employee. He has fallen on hard financial times after his wife Cindy has a car accident that totals their car. Mike is wondering where he’ll find the money for a new one and loses hope. When he tells his elderly neighbor Astrid about his problems, she insists on giving him the thousands of dollars needed for the car- in paper bags with no questions asked. Not only does she give Mike the money, but has an unusual way for him to pay the loan- to pay it forward and help other people in need. The promise Mike makes to Astrid, along with the bond Mike and Astrid form, change Mike’s life in many ways.

Tourville’s writing is touching and humorous.  The novel was based on an event that happened in Tourville’s life, and his thought provoking storytelling shines through to readers. His writing is a pleasant mixture of realism and faith. Mike’s grappling with financial issues show the reality of how hard times can affect people’s lives. However, the realism is coupled with the wisdom of Astrid’s helping Mike as a guardian angel. The combination of reality and spirituality guide the novel.  The characters are instantly likable and relatable.  Astrid is especially a well-crafted character that is caring and feisty. Her stubborn insistence on giving Mike money- at six in the morning- is part of the gentle humor of A Promise to Astrid.   The setting of suburban Massachusetts also adds to the small-town charm of the book. The faith that Mike gains throughout the novel is also part of the emotion that pervades the novel.

Mike and Astrid’s demonstration of faith and kindness make this book a powerful work of Christian fiction. This inspirational book would be a great addition to any reader’s spiritual fiction collection. This novel can also be passed out at churches to inspire churchgoers to keep their faith when times get tough.  A Promise to Astrid is a novel that shows that fate can change people’s lives everyday and good things are possible if people keep their hearts open.