Refuge, Illinois - Present Day

Amber's life is never the same after U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumper, "PJ", Joel Montgomery jumps into her life. She is a special needs teacher at Faith Elementary School in Refuge. Amber has given up on romance and marriage, but she wants to adopt Bradley, a young boy whose mother abandoned him and whose foster mother is badly neglecting his care. Bradley has leukemia, and Amanda is aware that Bradley may not survive the year, but she is determined to adopt him and give him a loving home. She knows that Bradley has written a letter to Dream Corps to make a wish, but isn't aware that his wish has been granted. Bradley's wish is to meet the PJ from Refuge; and he also wants a family.

PJ Joel Montgomery is a tough Pararescue Jumper who is used to making tough and dangerous decisions, but the one decision he never waivers on -- he will never return to Refuge. Joel has too much hurt and anger over his mother's abandonment and the man who destroyed his family, Uncle Dean. Joel knows his uncle still lives in Refuge. When Dream Corps hands Joel the letter from Bradley, the simple letter tugs at his heart, but the hardest part is that it is in Refuge. Is it more important to grant a wish to a sick little boy or just hand off the letter? Joel has such anger but, after prayer, he puts aside his hurtful memories of Refuge and decides to make the little boy's wish come true.

A SOLDIER'S PROMISE is about granting wishes, finding love, and learning to put the past to rest. Joel and Amber find each other; each must learn the grace of letting go of old hurts. Amber, jilted by her fiancé, needs to trust not only in herself, but also in Joel. Can Joel use this opportunity to face his uncle and the deep hurt of his past? Bradley, weak and facing a bleak future, is fearless; he never waives in his faith. Can Joel and Amber learn from Bradley?

Cheryl Wyatt has written a charming love inspired read. Each character is injected with a sense of love and compassion, and the lessons they learn are all part of walking in God's light. The story will leave the reader inspired. Enjoy

Deborah C. Jackson