When is a promise an illusion, and when is it real? In Promises, the fourth book in the Maria series, we find there is a lot going on with Maria. Her life is changing-again. It's the summer of 1949, and she has left college and academia behind for a summer job. She has reconnected with Bill; they are engaged and very much in love. Maria wants to get married, but Bill is called to serve and begins his flight training as US tensions with Korea increase...