Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Will Sutherland hasn't been home to see his parents in four years—not since they reacted badly when he came out. This Christmas, he’s finally worked up the courage to go home, where he's surprised to find they've taken in a boarder. Ryan Bennett is just a couple years younger than Will, cute, sweet... and openly gay.

As Will deals with his jealousy of the man who's been receiving the love and acceptance he was denied, Ryan finds himself falling for Will's brooding good looks. But Ryan also suspects the Sutherlands may be using him as a pawn in their long-standing conflict with their son. Will this Christmas finally tear the family apart, or is there a chance they can put their hurt and anger behind them?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package "Heartwarming".

Book Review

The messages we teach our children, even inadvertently, can make or break them. In Will Sutherland's case, in 'The Healing Power of Eggnog' by Jamie Fessenden, although Will's parents didn't throw him out of the house for being gay, they did drive him away. Their religious beliefs alienate him and the enforced daily prayers asking for him to be healed, tell him that his attraction to men is a sin, immoral and unacceptable, which translates to Will being unacceptable and an embarrassment to the family.

When he finally goes back home, after four years of avoiding them, he hopes but doesn't expect that things have changed. What he finds is that, instead of trying to make up for the mistakes they made in not accepting Will, they took in another young gay man, apparently to ease their guilt. One of the major problems in Will's family is that everyone hides their feelings and, even worse, can't express them. They try, but without honesty, the attempts to reconcile are futile. Other than to assuage their guilt, his family's attempts to undo the hurt they have caused only pile more hurt on top of it, particularly for Ryan, the young man who moved in with them. Ryan came from a place where he was not wanted and felt he had no purpose; the last thing he needs is for Will's family to be helping him for the wrong reasons.

Will is inexplicably drawn to Ryan. They feel an instant kinship, even though they have a totally different perspective on Will's family. As they maneuver the dangerous waters of the struggle at hand, they are drawn together, almost in spite of the contradictions around them. Will is considerate of Ryan's feelings as they become closer and Ryan is appreciative. Even though their feelings for each other grow very quickly, it's romantic, endearing, and optimistic.

Of all those I read this season, this is my favorite holiday story so far this year.  Jamie's skillful way with words makes this short but sweet story special and meaningful, and conveys a strong message of hope and the possibility of reconciliation. In this season representing peace and good will toward men, what could be more appropriate? Thanks, Jamie, for the inspirational tale of love.

 

 

 

 

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 audio
Length	Novella, 20468 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-December-2013
Price
Buy Link	OUT OF PRINT