<I>A Year of Broken Promises</I> continues the story of James and Mary McGrother a young Irish fisherman and his wife who were the main characters in <I>A Pocket Full of Shells</I>.<br><br>Even with the famine years behind them tragedy and hardship does not stop. Promises made in good faith are broken along with the hearts of those making them. A solicitor a constable and a secretive organization all play a part in determining the fate of a young couple whose only desire is to provide for their family and live a simple life.