THE PROMISE OF JESSE WOODS by CHRIS FABRY

If I could give this book ten stars I would. The writing is extremely beautiful and the story captivates an audience right from the beginning page. It will leave you wanting more. Be prepared for the ending, because it is a tear jerker.

The story takes place between 1972-1984. An unlikely friendship has developed between Matt, the new kid , Dickie, an African American boy and Jesse the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Matt is a likeable kid and is trying to fit in at a new school and finds it hard to do at tines. His character is one that you want to be friends with because you know he is going to have a hard time making lasting friends. He is kinda chubby and of course other kids use that to make him feel self conscious . He has a great quality that a lot of people lack. He is  a true friend to the end and he keeps his promises. He is also know as PK. I was a PK Aldo and know how hard it can be at times to have a dad who is a preacher.

The story follows the trio as they go through some tough times growing up. I have to say that Jesse was my favorite character. She is  a tough as nails girl who ferociously protects her little sister. She has made a promise to her mother.  What promise did she make? Does she keep her promise or forget about as she gets older? I loved that she never backed down from a fight and would do anything for you if you were her friend. She was made fun of because she was poor . She acted like it didn't bother her, but deep down her heart was broken. It's hard to feel unwanted and to alone in the world.

Dickie is a great kid but has to deal with his dad being away serving in the Vietnam War. Dickie misses his dad and is so proud of his patriotism. I loved the friendship between Dickie and Matt. Dickie has this wonderful saying that he tells everyone. "I'm looking for a breakthrough. " Does he ever find his breakthrough"  Matt and Dickie  seemed to be inseparable until a secret is revealed that causes their friendship to end. What secret destroyed their friendship? Will Dickie ever forgive Matt?

I loved the story that flowed with ease and kept me glued to the pages as Matt's life is told with humor, sadness, and promises. The story is emotional at times and I became attached to the characters.  The blooming attraction between Jesse and Matt is sweet and a wonderful coming of age story. This is one story you will  never forget. Why does Matt come back after all these years to his hometown? How important is it to keep a promise?

"Man looks on the outside but God looks at the heart."

"If you can't keep a promise, what can you keep?"

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.