Dan South

There’s retrospect in this chapter. The story has been told, lived. “He’s worth saving” is all we really need to know. Ty handled the court system and I believe he’ll handle the school system next. Beautiful beyond words.

I was already really enjoying the story and now the history lesson has me captivated. Heckuva summer with many more revelations to come I’m sure.

This is the “aha” chapter for me. I’ve been a bit confused while the characters took their places and the stage was set. I’m up to speed…I think. Bring on the ass kissing!

Tyler is one remarkable young man and how brave is Travis? Love in many forms here. Fantastic.

The substitute teacher just didn’t know. First day of school. Delightful read!

I adore April 3 and honor today, April 17. What might the future hold?

As a once and former teenage boy I want to point out that teenage boys are idiots. Emotional, hormonal, stunted idiots. Anger and action come easily. Empathy and forgiveness do not come easily at 16. Beautiful to see both emerging here. The title mostly makes sense after this initial, excellent chapter. I’m hung up on the choice of “Advocate”. I’ll wait right here to read more.

Fantastic character development and addictive storytelling. A really great read.

“He’s my dad” about undid me but Garrett brings … hope? Hope. They’re not alone and they’ve decided, declared they’re together. Hope. Garrett brings hope.

Kindness is always the best choice. Well done, Jeff.

Tragic and beautiful at the same time. I look forward to more of Benjamin’s story. You have my full attention.

I saved this for a bedtime story when I had time to read it start to finish. Spectacular. How Kalian hasn’t killed them all… I’ll wait right here.

Not sure how I clicked my way here but I have to say…this is magnificent. In order-ish: I scowled, smiled, laughed, wondered, succumbed to goosebumps and…cried. Beautiful.

Elena, Jim, Jerome, Claudia all deserve a dose of karma. Payback for the Paola’s? Can’t wait to see!

“A heart once filled and broken” will stay with me. Magical, every word. Thank you.

Robbie in Sammy’s clothes is an interesting proposition. In Sammy’s shoes, so to speak, seems like a place he’d like to be…

The Consumption would be an unwelcome addition to the cast of characters.

I am captivated by this story.

I’m deeply appreciative that Catholicism is long defunct. Fantastic storytelling.

Devastating beautiful chapter. June started the waterworks for me with “he’s preserving” and just when I thought I’d recovered came the couples skate. I don’t want this story to end and that’s the highest and most sincere compliment I can think to pay you, Author. Thank you.

I am intoxicated by their love. Such an amazing support system too.

That’s some serious emotional chaos. Love is funny that way.

A deeply beautiful chapter. Bravo Author!

I’m pondering if my life would be different had I known a Congregation like theirs in 1992. Without question life would be different if so many of my, our, community had not been lost to indifference to the mounting plague of those years. I am awed by how many weighty topics are treated so tenderly here. I’m holding hope that we learn The Pink Bastard’s name.

If you have scrolled far enough to read my review it isn’t one. I want to leave a copy of my final comment on the final chapter: ”I have a rather personal problem with your writing: I can’t put it down once I pick it up. Right at 48 hours to consume this one. I feel cautious about commenting on stories long complete but I have to tell you that I loved absolutely everything about this. Rick really stole my heart. The level of detail could convince me you yourself are a plumber and a pianist. I could say the same about farming and other career paths you’ve written with such a dedication to accuracy. I don’t just enjoy myself, I learn something new every time. You send me off to consult the interwebs and I’m better, a bit wiser, because of that. Because of you. Thank you.” Already a Parker Owens fan I was led here by a post about stories other GA readers recommend. They were so right. Read on …