The Promise of Jesse Woods

By: Chris Fabry

Narrated by: Chris Fabry

The summer of 1972 is the most pivotal of Matt Plumley's childhood. While his beloved Pirates battle for back-to-back World Series titles, Matt's family moves from Pittsburgh to Dogwood, West Virginia, where his father steps into the pulpit of a church under the thumb of town leader Basil Blackwood. A fish out of water, Matt is relieved to forge a fast bond with two unlikely friends: Dickie Darrel Lee Hancock, a mixed-race boy; and Jesse Woods, a tough-as-nails girl with a sister on her hip and no dad in sight.

As the trio traipses the hills and hollers, Matt begins to fall for Jesse, and their promises to each other draw him deeper into her terrifying reality. One night the wrath of the Blackwoods and the secrets of Jesse's family collide, and Matt joins Jesse in a rescue that saves one life and ends another and severs the bond of their friendship.

Years later Matt is pulled back to Dogwood and to memories of that momentous summer by news of Jesse's upcoming wedding. He could never shake the feeling that there was more to the story of that fateful night, and he's determined to learn the truth behind the only promise Jesse Woods ever broke.

©2016 Chris Fabry (P)2016 Recorded Books

Wonderful Story!

I have adored Chris Fabry since I discovered him on tge radio years ago! This is my first book of many go come written by my dear brother and friend at the backyard yard fence!

The pain and shame of poverty.

Loved this book. Made me remember home and all the mountain mamas and friends in West Virginia especially the friendships that crossed hollers and race that remain today.

Wow

It’s not often you come across a book, and it’s characters, that you know you won’t soon forget. This is one of them! The first Chris Fabry book I’ve read but it won’t be the last.

Another Good Read by Chris Fabry

Well developed characters that kept me interested. This is an enjoyable read. Brings into the lives of the characters as both adults and children.

Beautiful & Poignant

The narrator is really able to capture the emotion of every scene because he is also the author of the book. I loved the ending, no unsatisfying answers or threads and was able to be brave and go in a direction I did not see coming

Growing up ... Dogwood style

Good characters, good story, well-read (I listened to audio version) . Got longer walks in, because I don't want to stop listening. Highly recommended!

Not my thing

I can see why this book received glowing reviews. It has well written, beautiful prose, and takes one back to summer nights in the south as a kid.

For me, I was at hour 3 thinking do I fish or cut bait? It was a slow slow slow developing story. While I like a lot of description of the setting, I need to story to move. Finally at hour 4, a significant piece of the plot made the book have a hook for me. I enjoyed the last 2 hours of the book. I’m still left a little flat.

A great read

this was a great read and a good lesson in life, sometimes we do things and we don't fully understand the repercussions of our actions, sometimes we make promises that really are harmful and not for the greater good. ...

wonderful book

love Chris Fabry and love this book. He did an excellent job reading it aloud.

A Great Surprise

I listen to Chris Fabry on the radio but had no idea he authored books until discovering this one. Excellent story and excellent narration. I can hardly wait to read another book by Chris Fabry!