Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Devastated by the death of his best friend from a drug overdose, rock star Devon Bailey retreats to his hometown to grieve. When his fragile emotional state causes him to break down in a local bakery, owner Michael Behrman comes to his rescue.

Michael's nurturing instincts prompt him to reach out to Devon, offering support and a comforting shoulder, and the two grow closer. Michael's feelings for Devon deepen into something more--but how can he know whether Devon feels anything more for him than gratitude?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Daily Dose package "Mended".

 

Book Review

This solidly penned story delivers a surprisingly thorough and sweet tale of grief, loss, and new beginnings.

Frontman rocker Devon is devastated when he finds fellow band member and friend, Chad, dead from an overdose in an adjacent hotel room. Spiraling into a pool of despair and self-blame, Devon runs from the press to his parents’ home, hoping the paparazzi won’t think to look for him there.  With his parents out of town, Devon finds what he’s been desperately seeking—some alone time. But after a couple of days in the house with alcohol his only companion, Devon finds his grief and guilt only grows worse and eventually risks discovery to take a walk through the neighborhood. The scent of pastry draws him to his childhood haunt, Behrman’s bakery, and there he finds comfort and solace in warm pastries and kindhearted baker Michael.

This is a stimulating study of a man whose grief wakes him to realize he has lost more than a dear friend, he has lost himself in the trappings of fame and pleasing others. I enjoyed the slow reveal of Devon’s life and the blossoming of trust and affection between him and Michael. This story reminded me of warm rain on a cloudy day, dreamlike and comforting. But it is one of those rainy days when just before evening comes, the clouds break and the sun dazzles, bringing rays of light, heat, and beauty.

Thank you, Ari McKay, for sharing this charming “love is in the little things” tale.

 

“Magical”

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 59 pages/16428 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-June-2014
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/changing-the-things-you-can-by-ari-mckay-5397-b