Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Even with a string of earthquakes jarring the tenants of the Belladonna Arms, rattling nerves and smashing dishes, life still manages to plod along as usual. Love pollen continues to fall, romances continue to flourish, and Arthur, the grand Pooh-bah in residence, continues to plan his upcoming wedding extravaganza.

 

In the midst of all this drama fall Gideon Chase and Reed Kelly, two redheaded losers at love who find themselves regrouping under the auspices of the most incorrigible matchmaker in heels.

 

Arthur sees hope for the two right away. He leases them adjoining apartments, then continually tweaks their budding friendship in the hope it will slip into love. Just as Arthur’s plans are coming along nicely, Reed’s past shows up to toss a monkey wrench into his and Gideon’s blossoming romance.

 

With Arthur’s wedding ceremony nigh, and Reed and Gideon on the verge of heartache yet again, Arthur faces one inescapable conclusion.

 

It will take more than love pollen to sort this mess out.

 

Book Review

“Be the person you will be happy to live with for the duration of your life. Don't rely on your significant other, or anyone else, for your happiness and self-worth. Know that our first and last love is always self-love, and that if you can't love and respect yourself, no one else will be able to either.” ~ Melchor Lim
            
Heartbroken and feeling betrayed after his former lover throws him out and sends all of his belongings to Goodwill, Gideon Chase, of 'Gingersnaps' by John Inman, is desperate to escape the pain and put his past behind him. Yet, as he gazes up at the Belladonna Arms apartments, he wonders if this is the place he will be able to do it. A friend has suggested that he come to Belladonna Arms, even though he has no belongings and little money, he will be able to get an apartment. Without any options, Gideon figures he's got nothing to lose.

As soon as Arthur meets his new tenant to be he is already scheming to, once again, be a matchmaker. After convincing Gideon that Arthur will make it possible for him to live there, Arthur gives him the apartment right beside his newest, and single tenant, Reed Kelly. Once the word gets around that there's a new tenant in the building and that he has nothing, his fellow apartment dwellers come by to meet him to offer their welcome and their contribution of food, clothes, services, etc. Gideon is both overwhelmed and grateful for all the good wishes and gifts even though some of his tenants are eccentric to say the least, not to mention his landlady? The person he's most curious about is the man next door.

Reed Kelly, Gideon's next-door neighbor, is recently divorced from his wife of five years. Reed, who is gay, tried to pretend he was happily married; he tried to ignore his desire for other men but it became too much for him to bear. Understandably, his wife was upset, but he thought he was leaving her in a good place. Reed desperately wants to start over as an openly gay man but doesn't quite know how to do so. When he meets Gideon, both of them agree that being friends, perhaps with benefits, is the best way to go, but their desire for each other, both physically and emotionally, won't permit them to do that and they become a couple. Everyone in the apartment building is happy for them, especially Arthur, who insists that they, and all the other tenants affected by the renowned “love dust” in the building, be the best men in the lavish wedding he is planning. All is going well until Reed runs into his ex-wife; it's obvious that she's not doing so well. Reed loves Gideon but is consumed by guilt. Gideon is heartsick, fearing that Reed's misplaced sense of responsibility for his wife's happiness is going to end up with him being heartbroken once again.

This, the fifth book in the series, follows the theme of the rest of those that take place at Belladonna Arms with Arthur playing “fairy godmother”, doing whatever necessary to encourage love and protect his tenants, whom he loves like family. Each story has a unique life lesson. The lesson in Reed and Gideon's case is that the only person's happiness you are responsible for is your own. If you try to sacrifice your happiness for someone else, you are doomed to failure. If you like zany characters, hilarious situations, angst, hot sex, misplaced responsibility, loyalty, and friendship, you may enjoy this tale. Thanks, John, for another great opportunity to visit Belladonna Arms with all the eccentric but loving family encompassed within. I look forward to their next great adventure.

 

 

 

 

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 and print
Length	Novel, 240 pages/83505 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	24-April-2018
Price	$6.99 ebook, $14.99 paperback, $14.99 bundle
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/ginger-snaps-by-john-inman-9559-b