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Through The Years
Re-edited and updated version of a free series written in 2008.
Ethan Holmes and Barry Moffit have been in love since they were kids. These stories -- re-edited for quality content and given a Winterheart Designs cover -- were written in 2008, in part as a protest over the passage of Proposition 8 in California. They follow the course of Ethan and Barry's love affair in ten year intervals from the moment they first admit it, at prom in 1978, to a major breakup and reconciliation in 1988, to a family vacation in Hawaii that turns into more in 1998, and election night 2008, a time of deliberation and decision.
This version includes the bonus holiday (also previously published) story “The Cursed Noel.”
Ethan Holmes and Barry Moffit have been in love since they were kids. These stories -- re-edited for quality content and given a Winterheart Designs cover -- were written in 2008, in part as a protest over the passage of Proposition 8 in California. They follow the course of Ethan and Barry's love affair in ten year intervals from the moment they first admit it, at prom in 1978, to a major breakup and reconciliation in 1988, to a family vacation in Hawaii that turns into more in 1998, and election night 2008, a time of deliberation and decision.
This version includes the bonus holiday (also previously published) story “The Cursed Noel.”
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2012
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226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 9, 2016
This book is divided up into sections over 4 decades, that move us through a tumultuous relationship between two men, from their early days as friends, through the ups and downs of a long relationship. I enjoy established couples, and I liked seeing Barry and Ethan remaking their lives, together and apart. There is a lot of trust, given, broken and reformed here. The men become wiser with age, seeing what really matters in their lives. There are arguments, and making-up, and times of peace.
The decision to put the little section "The Cursed Noel" at the end seemed ill-chosen. It belongs rightfully between the first two sections, and if you prefer a chronological narrative it could be read that way. Perhaps it was an intentional coda, harking back to the beginning of the relationship, but it felt like an afterthought on the tail of a satisfying last decade that wrapped up the rest of the book, and I'd have enjoyed it more in its place I think.
Either way, this felt real. These guys don't always do the smart thing, or the ethical thing, or treat each other right. And they certainly don't always agree. But the drive of the story shows that when they gradually shed all the extraneous stuff, they are each at the center of the other's universe.
The decision to put the little section "The Cursed Noel" at the end seemed ill-chosen. It belongs rightfully between the first two sections, and if you prefer a chronological narrative it could be read that way. Perhaps it was an intentional coda, harking back to the beginning of the relationship, but it felt like an afterthought on the tail of a satisfying last decade that wrapped up the rest of the book, and I'd have enjoyed it more in its place I think.
Either way, this felt real. These guys don't always do the smart thing, or the ethical thing, or treat each other right. And they certainly don't always agree. But the drive of the story shows that when they gradually shed all the extraneous stuff, they are each at the center of the other's universe.
August 23, 2015
We all have our hard limits. Sadly, this book hit mine very early on. There was nothing that could overcome that with me.
Want to read
August 11, 2015Kindle freebie 8/11/15
March 14, 2016
I actually read this back in 2008 when it was posted on Ms Maxfield's website but it's a short read and I really like her stuff so I took the time to download this when it showed up on ARe as a free read.
I really enjoyed this the first time and found it every bit as endearing this time around as well. Through the years follows the progression of Ethan and Barry's relationship starting in 1978 at their high school graduation and gives up a glimpse at their lives every 10 years. It's not all hearts and flowers and sweetness. At times Ethan is a total idiot and at other times Barry is oblivious to how little attention he pays to the relationship. Both of these men do damage as a result of their actions or inactions. It's not because they don't care...no if anything these men care about each other a great deal. They care enough to fight...with each other and for each other. They don't always get it right and when that happens they learn from their mistakes and they move forward hopefully making things better.
There's a realism to this relationship that isn't always seen in stories. For all of their love they see and acknowledge their flaws and that of their partner and they love each other whether you consider it to be in spite of their flaws or as I like to think because of them.
I'd like to say that I wish Ms Maxfield had expanded this to be a full length novella or maybe even a novel, but I have the feeling that if she had we'd loose some of the magic that this story seems to embrace because of the way it weaves so loosely through the lives and times of these two men.
So instead I'll just say that for me through the years was short, it was sweet and it was perfect.
I really enjoyed this the first time and found it every bit as endearing this time around as well. Through the years follows the progression of Ethan and Barry's relationship starting in 1978 at their high school graduation and gives up a glimpse at their lives every 10 years. It's not all hearts and flowers and sweetness. At times Ethan is a total idiot and at other times Barry is oblivious to how little attention he pays to the relationship. Both of these men do damage as a result of their actions or inactions. It's not because they don't care...no if anything these men care about each other a great deal. They care enough to fight...with each other and for each other. They don't always get it right and when that happens they learn from their mistakes and they move forward hopefully making things better.
There's a realism to this relationship that isn't always seen in stories. For all of their love they see and acknowledge their flaws and that of their partner and they love each other whether you consider it to be in spite of their flaws or as I like to think because of them.
I'd like to say that I wish Ms Maxfield had expanded this to be a full length novella or maybe even a novel, but I have the feeling that if she had we'd loose some of the magic that this story seems to embrace because of the way it weaves so loosely through the lives and times of these two men.
So instead I'll just say that for me through the years was short, it was sweet and it was perfect.
September 27, 2015
"You think you’re going to do the jock thing until you’re through college with some kind of degree, and then you’re going to leave this whole bourgeois suburban ass-clenching shit behind and get me to show you what you’ve been missing while you were playing it straight. No way. Bring it the fuck on, Ethan, or next time someone’s kicking the shit out of me, don’t bother stopping by.”
What an intro to a friendship that's been on-again, off-again since Barry and Ethan were in elementary school. Well, now it's 1978, senior prom, and after graduation they're both heading in different directions. Barry is smart and pretty much a focal point for bullies. Of course, he can't keep his mouth shut and he's not afraid to be who he is. Gay. Ethan is a jock, and much more concerned with playing it safe, and keeping Barry out of trouble.
I adored the way the author wrote this story. Beginning in 1978 when Barry and Ethan finally became lovers, to 1988 when Ethan makes a huge mistake, Barry walks out, and everything goes to hell. And then 1998 when they're ten years older, more secure, and they agree that Barry needs to get back out there and be the activist he's meant to be, and finally to 2008. Thirty years they've been together, weathered the storms, explored the love, and now Ethan is breathless wanting Prop 8 to be defeated so he can legally marry his one and only.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made me think and remember. Thank you, ZAM.
What an intro to a friendship that's been on-again, off-again since Barry and Ethan were in elementary school. Well, now it's 1978, senior prom, and after graduation they're both heading in different directions. Barry is smart and pretty much a focal point for bullies. Of course, he can't keep his mouth shut and he's not afraid to be who he is. Gay. Ethan is a jock, and much more concerned with playing it safe, and keeping Barry out of trouble.
I adored the way the author wrote this story. Beginning in 1978 when Barry and Ethan finally became lovers, to 1988 when Ethan makes a huge mistake, Barry walks out, and everything goes to hell. And then 1998 when they're ten years older, more secure, and they agree that Barry needs to get back out there and be the activist he's meant to be, and finally to 2008. Thirty years they've been together, weathered the storms, explored the love, and now Ethan is breathless wanting Prop 8 to be defeated so he can legally marry his one and only.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made me think and remember. Thank you, ZAM.
February 27, 2013
Really, really disappointed that I didn't like this because I normally love Z A Maxfield stories ( Crossing Borders is one of the best m/m romances I've read ). It's written well but for some reason I couldn't connect with Barry and Ethan and to be honest found myself zoning out in parts, skimming bits and skipping forward to see if it got any more interesting. Unfortunately for myself it didn't!
From what I can gather the stories from each decade (1978, '88 , '98 and 2008 ) were originally published separately ( free ) on her blog as a support for prop8, dealing with gay marriage being legalised in California. The xmas section at the end almost seemed like an afterthought and didn't particularly gel with the rest of the novella because where it falls in the timeline, it should have been slotted in between the first two decades.
"One mans meat is another mans poison" as the saying goes. Liked the concept but it just didn't work for me but that doesn't mean to say some one else might not love it and for 0.77p it's not going to break the bank! Sorry Z.A. .... I still love you though. :) * 2.5 rounded up.
From what I can gather the stories from each decade (1978, '88 , '98 and 2008 ) were originally published separately ( free ) on her blog as a support for prop8, dealing with gay marriage being legalised in California. The xmas section at the end almost seemed like an afterthought and didn't particularly gel with the rest of the novella because where it falls in the timeline, it should have been slotted in between the first two decades.
"One mans meat is another mans poison" as the saying goes. Liked the concept but it just didn't work for me but that doesn't mean to say some one else might not love it and for 0.77p it's not going to break the bank! Sorry Z.A. .... I still love you though. :) * 2.5 rounded up.
January 18, 2016
*** This one is hard for me to review. I loved the concept, but a few times it fell short for me.
These men fall in love at the end of High School, and we see their lives every 10 years. Through activism, ups and downs, misunderstandings, more activism and shared times.
We see that Barry and Ethan truly love each other, but have different opinions on what that means, and how to show it. The extended family that mattered to them was always present in their lives,
which they both needed.
I've always loved a ZA Maxfield story, but this wasn't a thrill for me like "I Heard Him Exclaim" was. See what you think. :)
These men fall in love at the end of High School, and we see their lives every 10 years. Through activism, ups and downs, misunderstandings, more activism and shared times.
We see that Barry and Ethan truly love each other, but have different opinions on what that means, and how to show it. The extended family that mattered to them was always present in their lives,
which they both needed.
I've always loved a ZA Maxfield story, but this wasn't a thrill for me like "I Heard Him Exclaim" was. See what you think. :)
November 2, 2017
3.4 Stars
I liked the idea of this, but maybe the short decade/chapter kept it from delving deeper into these characters lives and kept me from warming up to the MCs; about the only emotional connection I felt to it was that bit with Ethan's melt-down - because that was heartbreaking. Considering he'd only a few weeks earlier been caught with his pants down (literally) I wanted to hate him and his immaturity (better suited to an 18yr old than a 28yr old) and ridiculous "justification." But I couldn't; sometimes you really don't know what you've got 'til it's gone and wow, realizing that at the same time as thinking the love of your life is probably dead...well, I'll cut him a little slack.
Also, considering he blew up their entire relationship for Ethan's indiscretion, Barry being all "bourgeois" this and "heternormative" that toward actual marriage (when they're all but legally married years earlier in Hawaii) felt incredibly disjointed. I mean, what? I don't think everyone fighting for equality necessarily wants or needs to get married or adopt - but man, his refusal seems to have come out of left field.
Finally, hey, I learned something interesting today. For some reason I thought that the whole country was dragging it's heels to implement the minimum drinking age limit. Evidently, this is not the case and it's been 21 in California for, like, ever. (It was still 18 in Georgia when I started High School and I just assumed it was that way across the country; never even bothered to look it up until now.) Thank you, interwebz!
I liked the idea of this, but maybe the short decade/chapter kept it from delving deeper into these characters lives and kept me from warming up to the MCs; about the only emotional connection I felt to it was that bit with Ethan's melt-down - because that was heartbreaking. Considering he'd only a few weeks earlier been caught with his pants down (literally) I wanted to hate him and his immaturity (better suited to an 18yr old than a 28yr old) and ridiculous "justification." But I couldn't; sometimes you really don't know what you've got 'til it's gone and wow, realizing that at the same time as thinking the love of your life is probably dead...well, I'll cut him a little slack.
Also, considering he blew up their entire relationship for Ethan's indiscretion, Barry being all "bourgeois" this and "heternormative" that toward actual marriage (when they're all but legally married years earlier in Hawaii) felt incredibly disjointed. I mean, what? I don't think everyone fighting for equality necessarily wants or needs to get married or adopt - but man, his refusal seems to have come out of left field.
Finally, hey, I learned something interesting today. For some reason I thought that the whole country was dragging it's heels to implement the minimum drinking age limit. Evidently, this is not the case and it's been 21 in California for, like, ever. (It was still 18 in Georgia when I started High School and I just assumed it was that way across the country; never even bothered to look it up until now.) Thank you, interwebz!
July 25, 2012
I love established couples. And I love stories about couples that span for years. Through The Years has that. It is a collection of short stories that are previously being offered for free on Z.A. Maxfield's website. I never read the short stories when they were free, so this collection is new for me.
1978 tells the story of Ethan and Barry in high school. Although Ethan and Barry are good friends, Ethan is part of the jock crowd. Barry, uhm, not so much. Barry oftens use his smart mouth on the jocks and gets him into trouble. On that prom night, Barry gets beaten again. When Ethan helps him, Barry just has enough and confronts Ethan. Which ends in interesting result.
1988 tells about the MAJOR breakup between Ethan and Barry. Barry moves out and ends up missing in Burma. This is practically Ethan's tale -- how he ends up realizing how Barry means for him. He has a breakdown and keeps wishing for Barry to return home safely. It has the most angst of all the stories, I think.
1998 is the happiest story of all the collection. Ethan and Barry have a vacation in Hawaii with their family -- and decides to establish their relationship a little bit more.
2008 tells about the night of the upcoming voting of Prop 8. Ethan has a surprise for Barry, but Barry doesn't react like Ethan expects. I admit I don't really understand Barry's reason for his refusal. I kind of wish he doesn't react that way.
The Cursed Noel is the story about Ethan and Barry's first Christmas together. Since I just finish a story in a more present timeline, going back to their earlier time throws me off a bit. But the ending is precious :)
All in all, it is a lovely collection ... it is so good to read about couple that has been together for 30 years (that short separation in 1988 doesn't count *lol*)
1978 tells the story of Ethan and Barry in high school. Although Ethan and Barry are good friends, Ethan is part of the jock crowd. Barry, uhm, not so much. Barry oftens use his smart mouth on the jocks and gets him into trouble. On that prom night, Barry gets beaten again. When Ethan helps him, Barry just has enough and confronts Ethan. Which ends in interesting result.
1988 tells about the MAJOR breakup between Ethan and Barry. Barry moves out and ends up missing in Burma. This is practically Ethan's tale -- how he ends up realizing how Barry means for him. He has a breakdown and keeps wishing for Barry to return home safely. It has the most angst of all the stories, I think.
1998 is the happiest story of all the collection. Ethan and Barry have a vacation in Hawaii with their family -- and decides to establish their relationship a little bit more.
2008 tells about the night of the upcoming voting of Prop 8. Ethan has a surprise for Barry, but Barry doesn't react like Ethan expects. I admit I don't really understand Barry's reason for his refusal. I kind of wish he doesn't react that way.
The Cursed Noel is the story about Ethan and Barry's first Christmas together. Since I just finish a story in a more present timeline, going back to their earlier time throws me off a bit. But the ending is precious :)
All in all, it is a lovely collection ... it is so good to read about couple that has been together for 30 years (that short separation in 1988 doesn't count *lol*)
June 26, 2013
2,5 stars.
It was between an ok and a nice read - two guys, 30 years, some scenes from their relationship. It was quite short actually and therefore it was lacking a certain depth - the characters remained shallow and vague.
Some of it was a little "meh", and other parts a little "WTF?" - I mean especially I didn't dig the time-jump in the last part so much.
But overall the writing was solid and it held my interest (for the short time it took me to read it at least :-))
It was between an ok and a nice read - two guys, 30 years, some scenes from their relationship. It was quite short actually and therefore it was lacking a certain depth - the characters remained shallow and vague.
Some of it was a little "meh", and other parts a little "WTF?" - I mean especially I didn't dig the time-jump in the last part so much.
But overall the writing was solid and it held my interest (for the short time it took me to read it at least :-))
August 16, 2015
Provides snap shots of an established couple over a 30 year period, one scene every 10 years. I liked it. Barry's views about marriage align with mine almost exactly. Apart from the comment about straight couples' obligation to be married to protect their children's rights. Didn't really follow that line of thought. Obvs we should all have the right to marry as well as the right to choose not to marry and not be judged for it.
August 26, 2012
I love long term relationships. I love to check in and see how the boys are doing as different elements in life affect them. Love ZAMs work. Loved this short, sometimes bitter, snippets of a long term relationship.
January 20, 2016
As I was reading this one I kept thinking of adjectives that would best describe it. Odd, different, a literary study or a just plain funky styled story about two men who have loved each other their entire lives. It is told in episodes and not much to my dismay, not in chronological order.
May 4, 2019
2.5 stars. I might have liked it more if there had been more to it. I didn't really connect to Barry, and even less to Ethan.
March 2, 2019
I'm amazed at how many things have changed over the last 40 years, and I wonder how these two would have celebrated the last decade in a 2018 chapter.
January 19, 2016
Book had elements I hate. Cheating is a big no no for me. It's well written and probably could be a novel so for that 3☆☆☆.
December 1, 2019
This book was about the love between the main characters and the experiences they went through over the course of their lives. I found it hard to get into the characters' story because it kept jumping every 10 years, which I didn't like. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the story didn't take such big time jumps. But I can honestly say I absolutely love other series by this author. This one was just not for me.
May 6, 2020
An inspiring story
You really need to read this book.
The characters and duties were really well writen.I love this author works. If you are looking for sex don't bother with this book it contains non. If you want a really wonderful story that could be a reflection of your life then this is a book for you. Serious and funny lighthearted and full of hurt. It's a story any one can truly relate to in or out of a relationship.
You really need to read this book.
The characters and duties were really well writen.I love this author works. If you are looking for sex don't bother with this book it contains non. If you want a really wonderful story that could be a reflection of your life then this is a book for you. Serious and funny lighthearted and full of hurt. It's a story any one can truly relate to in or out of a relationship.
June 8, 2025
HAVING IT ALL
Can you imagine being with a person you are hopelessly in love with, the same man ( I’m a gay man so..). 38+ years together.
The ups & downs, fighting then the makeup sex. Being disowned, disinherited & kicked out along with everything, including your car. Because who you love. Seriously
This story is that & so much more.
Trace Dial
Can you imagine being with a person you are hopelessly in love with, the same man ( I’m a gay man so..). 38+ years together.
The ups & downs, fighting then the makeup sex. Being disowned, disinherited & kicked out along with everything, including your car. Because who you love. Seriously
This story is that & so much more.
Trace Dial
September 18, 2023
A series of vignettes from a long relationship - nice enough, and for a good cause, but there wasn't really much there. I did like the use of the Burma 8888 uprising though. Given the current coup, anything that draws attention to Myanmar is a positive, really.
March 18, 2018
A wonderful short story about the HEA of childhood friends turned lovers. Like watching a pair of friends grow up and old together. Got teary eyed at their "wedding" in Hawaii.
September 9, 2019
nicely written,likeable story,but just not for me
October 26, 2022
The idea of this works; the execution doesn’t quite.
January 13, 2016
This one surprised me a little bit.
To be honest, I was never part of the hype surrounding ZAM. Simply because I haven't read that many books by this author and I don't think any of them rocked my world very hard. But this little one here was very well written. And I'm a sucker for good stories that are written episodical.
I know that enough readers have their problems with this style. It's not easy to pull off, and when done right, the reader always has to read between the lines a lot. Imagination on both sides plays a huge part in making this work, as well as a good memory and a lot of empathic skills from time to time. It can be time-consuming, or at the very least laborious. Like I said, I'm a sucker for it, but it's most definitely not for everyone.
Through the Years offers us bits of pieces of the life of Ethan and Barry, starting from the wildness of their teenage years and ending with... Nah, I'm not telling. But I liked it very much. In between we get to meet these two every ten years, going through life and hardship together. And struggle they did. With openness, with substance abuse, with hate and tragedy, family drama, loosing the right way and finding each other even in darkness. This book covers a lot of time and many themes in a very little space and time. But despite my reservations concerning length and believability, I enjoyed it thoroughly. There were just two regular guys dealing with every-day problems, unique conflicts and unusual character traits. It just felt real - always a plus in my book. Even though both guys might not have been the easiest MCs to like, they somehow got to me and I rooted for them until the very end.
To be honest, I was never part of the hype surrounding ZAM. Simply because I haven't read that many books by this author and I don't think any of them rocked my world very hard. But this little one here was very well written. And I'm a sucker for good stories that are written episodical.
I know that enough readers have their problems with this style. It's not easy to pull off, and when done right, the reader always has to read between the lines a lot. Imagination on both sides plays a huge part in making this work, as well as a good memory and a lot of empathic skills from time to time. It can be time-consuming, or at the very least laborious. Like I said, I'm a sucker for it, but it's most definitely not for everyone.
Through the Years offers us bits of pieces of the life of Ethan and Barry, starting from the wildness of their teenage years and ending with... Nah, I'm not telling. But I liked it very much. In between we get to meet these two every ten years, going through life and hardship together. And struggle they did. With openness, with substance abuse, with hate and tragedy, family drama, loosing the right way and finding each other even in darkness. This book covers a lot of time and many themes in a very little space and time. But despite my reservations concerning length and believability, I enjoyed it thoroughly. There were just two regular guys dealing with every-day problems, unique conflicts and unusual character traits. It just felt real - always a plus in my book. Even though both guys might not have been the easiest MCs to like, they somehow got to me and I rooted for them until the very end.
October 5, 2012
ZAM is definitely one of my all time favorite authors. I knew going in that this book was just a series of peeks into the life of a couple over the course of time. My only problem is that I wanted more. When each snippet ended I wanted just one more scene to see the continued evolution of the relationship. Can't blame ZAM for this. She was very upfront about the format of the book. I really liked the ending of the book. Even though I always wanted to see what happened next I thought it was very appropriate that it ended with Barry and Ethan walking hand in hand into a somewhat uncertain future on the eve of the Prop 8 vote. Barry and Ethan were left with the same hopefulness/dread that many people felt on that night.
November 7, 2015
Ethan and Barry left me spinning at moments. The opening scene is after a heartbreaking betrayal and breakup. There are flashbacks and jumps forward every ten years so we get to see them in a new light. I loved watching their growth. Ethan starts out as so selfish and narcissistic and by the end he is the polar opposite. He's almost afraid to tell Barry what he truly wants. Barry has tons of depth. He fights for what he believes in, what is right and he won't change or conform to make others more comfortable. I was impressed with his willingness to forgive Ethan. The both of them are the picture of commitment, complete and true.
Adult read
Adult read
February 17, 2016
This had potential, but didn't fully deliver. The idea of "visiting" a couple every 10 years was intriguing, but I struggled to get my head round the first decade leap. This in my opinion was the most important, the start of their relationship and we get a few flashbacks when Ethan is caught cheating at age 28......
The remaining two decades show a stronger, committed couple, but I still struggled with Ethan.
The most enjoyable part of the book was the bonus story at the end - The Cursed Noel. This was Barry and Ethan's first Christmas together and it was warm, poignant with a little giggle at the end - happy fluff!!
The remaining two decades show a stronger, committed couple, but I still struggled with Ethan.
The most enjoyable part of the book was the bonus story at the end - The Cursed Noel. This was Barry and Ethan's first Christmas together and it was warm, poignant with a little giggle at the end - happy fluff!!
September 15, 2013
This is a wonderful little gem that shows us 30 years in a gay couple's life. We meet out and proud Barry and super jock Ethan at their 1978 senior prom. Barry goes their reluctantly, his friendship with Ethan is strained at best. Tempers flair and passion is unleashed and Barry and Ethan are together at last.We follow this couple thru heartaches and heartbreaks, thru anger and passion. Barry & Ethan have faced many challenges in their years, yet still remain together. I love this couple and this short story. It is a good read!
July 26, 2012
I love Z.A. Maxfield, and I thought this story was sweet. I probably would give it a 3.5 stars but I rounded up to make sure people would read it. Maxfield has explained that this wasn't a novel, but a series of stories throughout decades of the couple's relationship. The characters aren't super fleshed out, and I would've liked to learn more about them. But I understand Maxfield's need to make a political statement and this story does the job.
February 6, 2016
Barry and Ethan. Super short novella consisting of wonderful, generally endearing snippets into their relationship every ten years over a 30 year period. Revolves around an undercurrent of gay marriage and Proposition 8 (originally written in 2008). Not so much a story as a collage of events.
A, re-read 2/5
A, re-read 2/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews