Keeping Promise Rock

Keeping Promise Rock by Amy Lane
Carrick Francis has spent most of his life jumping into trouble with both feet. The only thing saving him from prison or worse is his absolute devotion to Deacon Winters. Deacon was Crick's sanity and salvation during a miserable, abusive childhood, and Crick would do anything to stay with him forever. So when Deacon's father dies, Crick puts his college plans on hold to help Deacon as Deacon has helped him. Deacon's greatest wish is to see Crick escape his memories and the town they grew up in so Crick can enjoy a shining future. But after two years of growing feelings and temptation, the painfully shy Deacon finally succumbs to Crick's determined advances and admits he sees himself as part of Crick's life. It nearly destroys Deacon when he discovers Crick has been waiting for him to push him away, just like Crick's family did in the past. When Crick's knack for volatile decisions lands him far away from home, Deacon is left, shell-shocked and alone, struggling to reforge his heart in a world where love with Crick is a promise, but by no means a certainty.

This is an absolutely amazing and heart wrenching story and perfect for you Memorial Day weekend. The story starts off with a short prologue where Carrick is about to finish up his 2 year tour in Iraq. He is losing consciousness after a violent explosion and his last thought is of the man he loves more than his own life, Deacon Winters. You immediate realize that is isn’t going to be your typical light read with humorous one liners. With that the story takes you back to when Carrick was a lonely nine year old boy traveling a dusty road on the way to the Parish Winter’s horse farm. He is befriended by Parish’s 14 year old son. Carrick will do anything to escape his abusive father and a mother who allows the abuse to continue. Parish treats him as a son and Deacon becomes his big brother. In Carrick’s teens he realized that he is a little different and starts to develop feelings for Deacon. Only after the tragic death of Mr. Winter do the two admit to feeling for each other.
Their lives are a constant struggle both financially and emotionally. When Carrick thinks Deacon is starting to push him away he makes a sudden (and stupid) decision to join the Army and serve his country. You have to read this story. You will both laugh and cry. I have to give Keeping Promise Rock 4 ½ chocolate dipped strawberries. Amy Lane give to use a powerful story of two pure hearts and the realization of the sadness that our military families go through when they are apart from one another. Great job Amy!!!!!!!!!!

Review by Shari