A Promise to Remember: a tragedy and its aftermath

A Promise to Remember is a book in the Tomorrow’s Promise collection by Kathryn Cushman. When a tragic car accident kills two teenage boys from different economic classes, the aftermath threatens to tear apart a community as people start to take sides. Melanie Johnston is a grieving single mother. She is convinced that her son, Jeff, will be forgotten. Melanie is determined to make sure her son has a legacy to remember, Andie Phelps is a quiet woman who seemingly lives a life without any worry. After the death of her son, Chad, she retreats into her sorrow and pain, hiding from the world. As Melanie sues for wrongful death, their small seaside community starts to draw the battle lines. Both women must fight her own grief and pain, finding themselves struggling with faith and moving forward. Lives are forever changed with one simple decision. 

A Promise to Remember is a difficult read. Filled with emotion, tough questions about fairness, faith, and what it means to have a legacy. Sympathizing with both women was easy, however, their choices raise questions about privilege, expectations and societal prejudices. Melanie and Andie were both relatable and realistic as grieving mothers whose social standing influenced their opinions and actions. The secondary characters are wonderful too as they play into the social prejudice, thinking they had right on their side. A certain character decides to play dirty and brings up a sordid past in order to discredit the other mother.  I enjoyed the discussions of faith, heaven and a legacy worth leaving behind. A Promise to Remember is a story of forgiveness without being overly preachy.  There were a few tears as I read, especially near the end. I highly recommend A Promise to Remember. 

A Promise to Remember is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook