His breath shook as he inhaled deeply. “You’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted; a home, parents who love you…you’ll get to go to college and everything.” He paused. “We can still write to each other…if you want to.”

She didn’t have time to think about her words before they escaped. “Of course I want to. You’re my best friend…and much more.”

Finally, Enrique turned and looked at her. “I’m really going to miss you.” He took her hand and Quinn lifted her eyes to meet his. Were those tears in his eyes as well or was she simply seeing her own?

He released her hand and reached into his pocket. “I want you to have this.”

Quinn watched as he unwrapped the small bundle of cloth. She already knew what it contained—two sand dollars—reminders of his last day with his parents. He had shown them to her years ago and she knew how much they meant to him.

He took one of the sand dollars and placed it in her hand. “Take it so you’ll always remember that we are family–forever.”

She held the delicate object, already chipped on the edges from being handled so often. The image of her heart, also chipped and worn, flashed in her mind. “I’ll always remember. I promise.”

“I feel like part of me is leaving with you tomorrow. And the worst part is not knowing when I’ll see you again.” His voice cracked and he lowered his head and turned away. Now she was certain his tears were real.

Confession: Melinda is a friend of mine. I’ve beta read this novel several times. If our stories are like children to us, then this story is very close to a nefew to me. Not a regular novel for me.

But I have to tell you in absolute honesty that this is a good story that warms the heart. You know I’m not a romance reader, but Promises Unbroken isn’t really a romance, at least not in my opinion. Sure the structure is that, the story is indeed concerned with two people loving each other and going through all kinds of obstacles, but there’s more in their trials than just trying to be together. Every obstacle isn’t just a test to their love, but a test to themselves too, and every time they come out stronger as persons. They grow in their own right, that’s why they then are able to make the decisions that may save their life together. And I do love this: I’ll away love characters who search their soul to find their strengths and what they value most of everything.

You’ll find a lovely cast of characters here. True people, but also characters that are strong and heart-warming. Who will fight, even when they doubt. And always will reach for a brighter future.

You’ll also find vividly described setting, not just Puerto Rico – where most of the story talks place – but also Paris and Worchester, Massachusetts, every place with its own feel.

It’s a good story. Read it.

In post is part of the Thursday Quotables meme. If you want to discover more about this meme and maybe take part in it, head over to Bookshelf Fantasies