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Of Sunlight and Stardust
After the death of his wife, Tanner Rowe takes a step toward making her dying wish come true and buys the house with the dilapidated barn she’d been inexplicably drawn to in the picturesque Upper Peninsula. But after a year, he still can’t get past his grief long enough to make the repairs he’d promised.
Recently out of prison, Cole Lachlan has little to his name. Homeless, broke, and without many options as a felon, Cole heads to Red Bluff with hopes of a second chance. There he meets Tanner, whose loneliness mirrors his own, and soon Cole is trading room and board for rebuilding the burned-out barn on Tanner’s property that hasn’t been touched in seventy years.
Turns out, the barn holds more secrets than either of them could have imagined. After unearthing a hidden journal from 1948, Cole and Tanner spend their evenings poring over the pages, reading about a young man pining after his best friend. The deeper they delve into this forbidden affair from the past, the more Cole and Tanner’s own relationship shifts—from acquaintances to friends…to undeniable attraction.
But as they begin to deal with the newness of falling in love in the wake of Tanner’s loss and Cole’s past, they also become more determined to unravel the mystery of the young lovers who’ve captured their hearts, the rumors about the fire, and what really happened that fateful night.
* Homophobia
*Lambda Literary Award finalist in Gay Romance
Recently out of prison, Cole Lachlan has little to his name. Homeless, broke, and without many options as a felon, Cole heads to Red Bluff with hopes of a second chance. There he meets Tanner, whose loneliness mirrors his own, and soon Cole is trading room and board for rebuilding the burned-out barn on Tanner’s property that hasn’t been touched in seventy years.
Turns out, the barn holds more secrets than either of them could have imagined. After unearthing a hidden journal from 1948, Cole and Tanner spend their evenings poring over the pages, reading about a young man pining after his best friend. The deeper they delve into this forbidden affair from the past, the more Cole and Tanner’s own relationship shifts—from acquaintances to friends…to undeniable attraction.
But as they begin to deal with the newness of falling in love in the wake of Tanner’s loss and Cole’s past, they also become more determined to unravel the mystery of the young lovers who’ve captured their hearts, the rumors about the fire, and what really happened that fateful night.
* Homophobia
*Lambda Literary Award finalist in Gay Romance
262 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2018
1034 people are currently reading
4134 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
116 books7,107 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,000 reviews
September 25, 2018
~4.5~
Despite being a fan of both authors, I wasn't sure I'd like this book; the dead spouse trope can be a serious turn-off. Grief is not conducive to romance, especially when one of the MCs is completely hung up on what was versus what can be.
Emma, Tanner's deceased wife, was quite present in the story. Her name was mentioned more than a hundred times. Incredibly, this wasn't an issue for me. Indeed, I'd argue that Emma was essential to the plot; she was the catalyst that propelled Tanner toward his destiny.
Plus, Emma was amazing; she was an artist and a kind, bright soul. She volunteered for LGBQT causes and was drawn to a particular farm house with a burned down barn.
Tanner bought that house for Emma. But he also bought it for Cole. He just didn't know it yet.
This isn't just Tanner and Cole's story. It's also Tom and Charlie's story, a story that began and ended in 1948. All Tanner and Cole have is a newspaper article and Tom's journal, buried beneath a loose floorboard in the dilapidated barn.
Tanner and Cole begin as strangers and bond over fishing and shared dinners, over sweat and tears and vivid dreams. Tanner offers Cole the job of restoring the barn because he promised Emma and because he wants Cole to stay.
Cole is a convicted felon, and small town folks are suspicious of men with a record. They judge, and they point fingers, even though Cole just wants to work hard and earn his keep.
Both men need a friend, someone who'll listen, someone who'll help them heal.
The sexy times are ever so tender (also, smokin' hot!). Tanner isn't shy about exploring his newfound bisexuality at all, and Cole is an eager teacher.
I wasn't expecting the paranormal element in the story, but what I loved most is that the authors don't spoon-feed the reader. They create a possibility, a measure of doubt, a whiff of something extraordinary; they ask, What if? And it's up to us to believe. Or not.
Of Sunlight and Stardust is a beautiful book, full of hope and heartbreak and promises. Not all love stories have happy endings, but love finds us again and again if we let it.
Tanner and Cole did. They planted roses, brewed beer, and held hands. They felt a bone-deep connection and seized it—for each other, and for Tom and Charlie too.
The heart never forgets.
Despite being a fan of both authors, I wasn't sure I'd like this book; the dead spouse trope can be a serious turn-off. Grief is not conducive to romance, especially when one of the MCs is completely hung up on what was versus what can be.
Emma, Tanner's deceased wife, was quite present in the story. Her name was mentioned more than a hundred times. Incredibly, this wasn't an issue for me. Indeed, I'd argue that Emma was essential to the plot; she was the catalyst that propelled Tanner toward his destiny.
Plus, Emma was amazing; she was an artist and a kind, bright soul. She volunteered for LGBQT causes and was drawn to a particular farm house with a burned down barn.
Tanner bought that house for Emma. But he also bought it for Cole. He just didn't know it yet.
This isn't just Tanner and Cole's story. It's also Tom and Charlie's story, a story that began and ended in 1948. All Tanner and Cole have is a newspaper article and Tom's journal, buried beneath a loose floorboard in the dilapidated barn.
Tanner and Cole begin as strangers and bond over fishing and shared dinners, over sweat and tears and vivid dreams. Tanner offers Cole the job of restoring the barn because he promised Emma and because he wants Cole to stay.
Cole is a convicted felon, and small town folks are suspicious of men with a record. They judge, and they point fingers, even though Cole just wants to work hard and earn his keep.
Both men need a friend, someone who'll listen, someone who'll help them heal.
The sexy times are ever so tender (also, smokin' hot!). Tanner isn't shy about exploring his newfound bisexuality at all, and Cole is an eager teacher.
"Nothing would stop me from getting on my knees for you."
I wasn't expecting the paranormal element in the story, but what I loved most is that the authors don't spoon-feed the reader. They create a possibility, a measure of doubt, a whiff of something extraordinary; they ask, What if? And it's up to us to believe. Or not.
Of Sunlight and Stardust is a beautiful book, full of hope and heartbreak and promises. Not all love stories have happy endings, but love finds us again and again if we let it.
Tanner and Cole did. They planted roses, brewed beer, and held hands. They felt a bone-deep connection and seized it—for each other, and for Tom and Charlie too.
The heart never forgets.
September 20, 2018
When I read the blurb for this book, I was extremely intrigued...When I saw the names of the authors, I knew I HAD to read it !! I am familiair with, and a fan of, both of their work. I knew a book written by both of them, might very well kill me though... and guess what ?? It nearly did ;)
I loved this story, it was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I don't want to spoiler it though, so I am gonna keep my review as vague as possible...Sorry about that (not really) I just think this is one of those books, you should just jump into, without knowing too much.... Do it !!
I loved both Cole and Tanner, they were pretty awesome characters. Cole just got out of prison and Tanner has been dealing with the loss of his beloved wife Emma.. Both of these man are broken in their own way, but fate has something planned for them... and so they cross paths in the best of ways.
There was such a sweetness to this story, it made me smile throughout the book, which made up for the tears it also made me shed.
Cole has almost always known he was gay, but Tanner has only ever been with women and he has only ever loved Emma. Men have never been on Tanner's radar, before Cole entered his life that is. So this one is definitely a "bi for you". I was a bit worried about Tanner dealing with the loss of his wife and Cole having to stand in her her shadow, but I thankfully never once felt that was the case. I actually didn't mind reading about her and I would have even liked a bit more info about her and how/why she passed away.
I am a big fan of GFY or BFY stories and Tanner getting in touch with his new-found sexuality was all kinds of sexy ...and HOT ;)
Emotional, sweet, sexy and beautiful... I highly recommend !!!
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
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May 11, 2021
There was something comforting about reading this.
A beautiful story with the sweetest main characters. Truly enjoyed it.
*******
Re-read 5/2021: I listened to the audiobook for my re-read and really liked both narrators.
A beautiful story with the sweetest main characters. Truly enjoyed it.
*******
Re-read 5/2021: I listened to the audiobook for my re-read and really liked both narrators.
June 19, 2024
4/5
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.
December 11, 2021
Of Sunshine and Stardust by Riley Hart
Contemporary M - M romance.
Cole travels to Red Bluff after getting out of prison. He’s broke but doesn’t want a handout. He’s willing to work and takes a handyman/contractor job with room and board to rebuild a half burned barn. Tanner bought the house and barn in memory of his deceased wife. He’s lonely and begins to appreciate the company. Cole and Tanner spend more time together learning the history of the barn and eventually become more than friends which is a first for Tanner.
Parts of the story are from a diary found in the barn of a gay couple 70 years in the past. Similarities between the couples heighten the emotions and tension.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
Contemporary M - M romance.
Cole travels to Red Bluff after getting out of prison. He’s broke but doesn’t want a handout. He’s willing to work and takes a handyman/contractor job with room and board to rebuild a half burned barn. Tanner bought the house and barn in memory of his deceased wife. He’s lonely and begins to appreciate the company. Cole and Tanner spend more time together learning the history of the barn and eventually become more than friends which is a first for Tanner.
Parts of the story are from a diary found in the barn of a gay couple 70 years in the past. Similarities between the couples heighten the emotions and tension.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
April 13, 2023
If ever a story was driven by fate, it must be this one.
Cole is a homeless guy who just came out of prison and is wandering through the countryside hoping to find some way to make a living, legally.
Tanner is a teacher who bought an old farmhouse in the (same) countryside, because it was the last wish of his late wife Emma. He is a depressed widower and cannot do much around the house himself, but when he meets Cole in the neighborhood, he offers him paid work rebuilding his barn, as well as food and accomodation.
I don't need to go into any details here. You know they fall in love. You know there will be a bit of back of forth considering Cole's dark past. And there is always that tiny moment of doubt that is the spice of even the sweetest romances.
BUT the interesting thing about this book is a side story that is told through a diary that the guys find in the old barn that Cole is refurbishing for Tanner.
The diary was kept by a young man, Tom, who lived there in the 1940s. He was in love with another young man, Charlie, and they had to endure lots of trauma, injustice and bullying for being gay in that era. Their life story is told through this diary.
Cole and Tanner keep reading pages from the diary throughout their own story, taking their time with it, and somehow feeling closer to the men who lived in the same spot some 70 years ago.
By the end of the book, the question is: What happened to Tom and Charlie?
The novel almost turns into a bit of a mystery and I found that extremely fascinating. It gave the book several additional layers and provided interesting analogies with Tanner and Cole's current live in that small town.
I admit, I found it a bit odd how Tom's diary was written like a MM romance, but it works well after all - and by the end I had tears in my eyes.
This is definitely a strong romance that provides warmth and good feelings.
5 stars from me :-)
Cole is a homeless guy who just came out of prison and is wandering through the countryside hoping to find some way to make a living, legally.
Tanner is a teacher who bought an old farmhouse in the (same) countryside, because it was the last wish of his late wife Emma. He is a depressed widower and cannot do much around the house himself, but when he meets Cole in the neighborhood, he offers him paid work rebuilding his barn, as well as food and accomodation.
I don't need to go into any details here. You know they fall in love. You know there will be a bit of back of forth considering Cole's dark past. And there is always that tiny moment of doubt that is the spice of even the sweetest romances.
BUT the interesting thing about this book is a side story that is told through a diary that the guys find in the old barn that Cole is refurbishing for Tanner.
The diary was kept by a young man, Tom, who lived there in the 1940s. He was in love with another young man, Charlie, and they had to endure lots of trauma, injustice and bullying for being gay in that era. Their life story is told through this diary.
Cole and Tanner keep reading pages from the diary throughout their own story, taking their time with it, and somehow feeling closer to the men who lived in the same spot some 70 years ago.
By the end of the book, the question is: What happened to Tom and Charlie?
The novel almost turns into a bit of a mystery and I found that extremely fascinating. It gave the book several additional layers and provided interesting analogies with Tanner and Cole's current live in that small town.
I admit, I found it a bit odd how Tom's diary was written like a MM romance, but it works well after all - and by the end I had tears in my eyes.
This is definitely a strong romance that provides warmth and good feelings.
5 stars from me :-)
September 19, 2018
EDIT: This doesn't contain spoilers directly but may influence your direction of reading so I shall hide it behind a tag.
The beauty of this book, from these two amazing writers who produce magic in their own right but whose collaborations take things into the stratosphere, was that even knowing where the narrative was likely to go, I devoured it.
Cole and Tanner are such incredible characters who burst from the pages, but Charlie and Tom, and their steadfast friend Paige, were just as brilliantly drawn.
Christina, Riley, once again as a pair you have created a tale of love which has depth and so many layers to it, and which is about so much more than just the people in it.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The beauty of this book, from these two amazing writers who produce magic in their own right but whose collaborations take things into the stratosphere, was that even knowing where the narrative was likely to go, I devoured it.
Cole and Tanner are such incredible characters who burst from the pages, but Charlie and Tom, and their steadfast friend Paige, were just as brilliantly drawn.
Christina, Riley, once again as a pair you have created a tale of love which has depth and so many layers to it, and which is about so much more than just the people in it.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
dnf
June 9, 2019DNF @ 30-something %
A grieving husband. A convicted felon who for some odd reason got out of prison without having to do parole, leaving him free to wander about the country. A hidden notebook written by a tortured closet case in the 1940s. Oh, the violin of it all. The drama! The heart-felt pain!
Good grief, y'all. I tried, I really did, but I got bored. Maybe I'm just cold-hearted, but this was not working for me at all.
Bad enough that it was GFY and didn't once attempt to deviate from the tropes of that worn-out genre. I powered on, hoping it would be one of the few rare good GFYs, because they do exist. But nope. This man, who volunteered time helping at a shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ teens but never once bothered to question his total straightness until that one uber special guy showed up out of nowhere, is suddenly attacked by the gay flu. Seriously, every time he started getting gay feelings, his reactions read similar to getting the flu. Dude even thought he was coming down sick a few times, and even at one point had to lie down to take a nap that ended up lasting all day. For real. That happened. But have no fear, my man! You're just turned on by a man! With tattoos! What else are you gonna do when he walks around shirtless all the time, all sweaty and tempting? Ooh-la-la-la.
The characters were nice and all, but the "secret notebook hidden in the floorboards to be conveniently discovered decades later by the very people who need to read it most" has been done better before. Namely, in The Tin Box, which this book made me want to reread rather than continue to drudge through the tediousness of this story. There was no real plot to speak of, and the long-lost lovers having the same initials as our current day duo was desperately schmaltzy, although I was probably meant to see it as kismet or serendipitous or some other heart-tugging nonsense.
Yep, I'm cold as ice. Willing to sacrifice their love for a DNF. Yes, I am!
But tons of others loved this book, so don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself and see if it strikes the right chords for you.
A grieving husband. A convicted felon who for some odd reason got out of prison without having to do parole, leaving him free to wander about the country. A hidden notebook written by a tortured closet case in the 1940s. Oh, the violin of it all. The drama! The heart-felt pain!
Good grief, y'all. I tried, I really did, but I got bored. Maybe I'm just cold-hearted, but this was not working for me at all.
Bad enough that it was GFY and didn't once attempt to deviate from the tropes of that worn-out genre. I powered on, hoping it would be one of the few rare good GFYs, because they do exist. But nope. This man, who volunteered time helping at a shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ teens but never once bothered to question his total straightness until that one uber special guy showed up out of nowhere, is suddenly attacked by the gay flu. Seriously, every time he started getting gay feelings, his reactions read similar to getting the flu. Dude even thought he was coming down sick a few times, and even at one point had to lie down to take a nap that ended up lasting all day. For real. That happened. But have no fear, my man! You're just turned on by a man! With tattoos! What else are you gonna do when he walks around shirtless all the time, all sweaty and tempting? Ooh-la-la-la.
The characters were nice and all, but the "secret notebook hidden in the floorboards to be conveniently discovered decades later by the very people who need to read it most" has been done better before. Namely, in The Tin Box, which this book made me want to reread rather than continue to drudge through the tediousness of this story. There was no real plot to speak of, and the long-lost lovers having the same initials as our current day duo was desperately schmaltzy, although I was probably meant to see it as kismet or serendipitous or some other heart-tugging nonsense.
Yep, I'm cold as ice. Willing to sacrifice their love for a DNF. Yes, I am!
But tons of others loved this book, so don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself and see if it strikes the right chords for you.
March 2, 2019
DNF at 20%
Obviously I am in minority here, it seems everyone loved this book, but I just can't continue reading it. I loved Tanner and Cole, I see they could be amazing together. Also their story seemed very promising and I was looking forward to get acquainted with them.
But the way how the story is told..... this got on my nerve and I just can't stand it.
I never read book where writing style would be so contradictory to story. Tanner was mourning the death of a spouse, so I should felt his grief. But story was described in very polished, cheery and encouraging language; at times it bordered to naivety like author thought we won't get it.
At 20% I decided put it on DNF shelf, because story felt too artificial and patronizing.
Obviously I am in minority here, it seems everyone loved this book, but I just can't continue reading it. I loved Tanner and Cole, I see they could be amazing together. Also their story seemed very promising and I was looking forward to get acquainted with them.
But the way how the story is told..... this got on my nerve and I just can't stand it.
I never read book where writing style would be so contradictory to story. Tanner was mourning the death of a spouse, so I should felt his grief. But story was described in very polished, cheery and encouraging language; at times it bordered to naivety like author thought we won't get it.
At 20% I decided put it on DNF shelf, because story felt too artificial and patronizing.
October 11, 2019
Christina Lee’s and Riley Hart’s collaborations are magical. Of Sunlight and Stardust is no exception. This is a beautiful, heart clenching story about Tanner, a bereft widower unable to move past his wife’s death, and Cole, a felon looking to find a place in the world to live as an honest, hard working man. Together they breathe life into each other and Tanner’s property to create a home. The book starts off at a languid pace as their friendship slowly develops into love. The writing is so good you’ll want to savor every word, sentence, paragraph and chapter. As the climax builds, the pace increases. Towards the end, I couldn’t put it down, barely able to see the words through my tears. This is an extraordinary book that I highly recommend. Tanner and Cole will live in a little corner of my heart for a long time.
March 8, 2024
2 stars.
I'll try to make this quick so I can hide before I get hit by thrown tomatoes.
I loved 2 books by RH, felt meh about 8 and this one was definitely not for me. I had high hopes because I had just finished "Endless stretch of blue" and loved it.
From the start I didn't get a feel for the MCs, had a hard time believing in their connection and had issues with the subtle (but steadily increasing) hints at paranormal elements. The name-coincidences, the dreams, it all felt so pathetic, corny and OTT.
The story itself bored me, the constant short chapters from Tom's journal felt anticlimactic. Why would they just read 1 chapter a week? Why would Tom have written the journal in such a detailled way? It felt unbelievable and not realistic.
It takes good writing to get me to enjoy the gay-for-him trope, and here that wasn't the case. How Tanner thought a few times he was getting ill when in reality he felt physical attraction to a man was cringey.
I didn't like how Tanner and Cole's sex together was better than anything they had experienced before. There was no need to point that out again and again. Tanner had been deeply in love with his late wife Emma, and Cole respected that from the start. Why do authors always need to compare love like that? Why not honor the MCs first love and grant them another big fulfilling love without cheapening the first?
The drama around the theft was overly constructed, didn't feel genuine, and the last chapters were the worst part for me, sooo OTT I'd have to switch my brain off to enjoy this kind of writing. It's not what I expect from a contemporary romance.
(I'll go hiding now)
I'll try to make this quick so I can hide before I get hit by thrown tomatoes.
I loved 2 books by RH, felt meh about 8 and this one was definitely not for me. I had high hopes because I had just finished "Endless stretch of blue" and loved it.
From the start I didn't get a feel for the MCs, had a hard time believing in their connection and had issues with the subtle (but steadily increasing) hints at paranormal elements. The name-coincidences, the dreams, it all felt so pathetic, corny and OTT.
The story itself bored me, the constant short chapters from Tom's journal felt anticlimactic. Why would they just read 1 chapter a week? Why would Tom have written the journal in such a detailled way? It felt unbelievable and not realistic.
It takes good writing to get me to enjoy the gay-for-him trope, and here that wasn't the case. How Tanner thought a few times he was getting ill when in reality he felt physical attraction to a man was cringey.
I didn't like how Tanner and Cole's sex together was better than anything they had experienced before. There was no need to point that out again and again. Tanner had been deeply in love with his late wife Emma, and Cole respected that from the start. Why do authors always need to compare love like that? Why not honor the MCs first love and grant them another big fulfilling love without cheapening the first?
The drama around the theft was overly constructed, didn't feel genuine, and the last chapters were the worst part for me, sooo OTT I'd have to switch my brain off to enjoy this kind of writing. It's not what I expect from a contemporary romance.
(I'll go hiding now)
April 26, 2023
***** Seventy years prior, Tom and Charlie's journal entries explain the 1948 attitudes and prejudice. Their deep stolen moments are told, as are the hateful treatment by the people from that period. Tanner bought this farm to honor his wife who died from cancer.
Cole, a felon has been homeless until Tanner asks him to restore the burnt barn. Tanner and Cole find a peace with each other as Cole begins the restoration.
They grow as friends, and share the pages of the old journal Cole found. Tanner's emotions are opening up to the possibility of being bisexual, with his need for Cole.
Both men have feelings, which begin with kisses and lead to more. This is a GFY tale, and first times with a man for Tanner, and the beautiful love story that escalates as they proceed.
Our amazing authors give us fantastic tales that coincide with the seventy years prior love story. Tom and Charlie's tale is in correlation to Tanner and Cole. Simply wonderful ! We get a thrilling view of how Tanner and Cole's togetherness is domestic and loving.
We see the extra investigating they delve into, also.
Is it magical, destiny, or a coincidence ? You decide.
I highly recommend this magnificent and brilliantly written mix of the past and present.
A stellar read !
ENJOY !
====
Cole, a felon has been homeless until Tanner asks him to restore the burnt barn. Tanner and Cole find a peace with each other as Cole begins the restoration.
They grow as friends, and share the pages of the old journal Cole found. Tanner's emotions are opening up to the possibility of being bisexual, with his need for Cole.
Both men have feelings, which begin with kisses and lead to more. This is a GFY tale, and first times with a man for Tanner, and the beautiful love story that escalates as they proceed.
Our amazing authors give us fantastic tales that coincide with the seventy years prior love story. Tom and Charlie's tale is in correlation to Tanner and Cole. Simply wonderful ! We get a thrilling view of how Tanner and Cole's togetherness is domestic and loving.
We see the extra investigating they delve into, also.
Is it magical, destiny, or a coincidence ? You decide.
I highly recommend this magnificent and brilliantly written mix of the past and present.
A stellar read !
ENJOY !
====
August 17, 2019
Glad I came across this book - and all bc of what my GR friends are putting on their feeds! LOVE GR!!
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
The 0.5 off is for the cover - not a huge fan - and maybe, I dunno, just something slightly missing in the novel to make it a complete home run.
Still rounded to a 5 tho. It was very good. Poignant, real, emotional, sexy. Maybe I was hoping for more intense, emotional sexy times... Maybe the 2 men were just a little bit not enough alpha for me, at least 1 of them should be more alpha... I dunno. I liked them both, but some "oomph" was missing.
I do love reading about the way 2 men get in a relationship tho. I just love the way men are. The directness, the action vs. words, the subtleties... there's a certain "purity" about them (not talking about manwhores, but the REAL men) that I like better than women. Women are... irritating. So hard for me to like heroines in books sometimes. And to that point, I don't often like the "she-man" in m-m's that much either. So I guess it's the personality and not the gender that irritates me.
Anyway, these were 2 non-irritating characters. When Cole felt like Tanner didn't want him any more after finding out he was in prison, and my eyes got red and my throat closed up... that's when I knew this is a 5 star book.
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
The 0.5 off is for the cover - not a huge fan - and maybe, I dunno, just something slightly missing in the novel to make it a complete home run.
Still rounded to a 5 tho. It was very good. Poignant, real, emotional, sexy. Maybe I was hoping for more intense, emotional sexy times... Maybe the 2 men were just a little bit not enough alpha for me, at least 1 of them should be more alpha... I dunno. I liked them both, but some "oomph" was missing.
I do love reading about the way 2 men get in a relationship tho. I just love the way men are. The directness, the action vs. words, the subtleties... there's a certain "purity" about them (not talking about manwhores, but the REAL men) that I like better than women. Women are... irritating. So hard for me to like heroines in books sometimes. And to that point, I don't often like the "she-man" in m-m's that much either. So I guess it's the personality and not the gender that irritates me.
Anyway, these were 2 non-irritating characters. When Cole felt like Tanner didn't want him any more after finding out he was in prison, and my eyes got red and my throat closed up... that's when I knew this is a 5 star book.
September 25, 2018
Overall book rating: 4.8
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Let me give this something more than an emotional ranting 5 minutes after finishing the book.
I think this was right up my alley in the exact same time the mood struck me.
And therefore can I tell you that I found this book “Magical” in its own special way.
To Tom and Charlie...
Tanner and Cole. The relationship building was done really well. I loved having this experience with them. Not only finding their own little place in a world that hasn’t been all that great to them, but also in the building of new relationships and finding love.
It was beautiful. It was touching. It will haunt me for a very very long time.
Beautifully done.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
So..I just read this in one sitting..I'ts f@#cking Heart Breaking!!!! Hatefulle sons of BiTCHES!!!!! Damit all to hell this was beautifully sad. I don.t even know what else to say. My heart is broken
Great job by the authors.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Let me give this something more than an emotional ranting 5 minutes after finishing the book.
I think this was right up my alley in the exact same time the mood struck me.
And therefore can I tell you that I found this book “Magical” in its own special way.
To Tom and Charlie...
Tanner and Cole. The relationship building was done really well. I loved having this experience with them. Not only finding their own little place in a world that hasn’t been all that great to them, but also in the building of new relationships and finding love.
It was beautiful. It was touching. It will haunt me for a very very long time.
Beautifully done.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
So..I just read this in one sitting..I'ts f@#cking Heart Breaking!!!! Hatefulle sons of BiTCHES!!!!! Damit all to hell this was beautifully sad. I don.t even know what else to say. My heart is broken
Great job by the authors.
July 25, 2019
Honestly one of the best books in my lifetime.
It's very hard not to be emotional, not only about Tom and Charlie, but also Tanner and Cole.
The story just sucked me in, sinking down deep in my soul. Tanner has such an air of insurmountable grief, and Cole is just defeated. He doesn't believe he's ever going to find anything good again in his life, and Tanner is both overwhelmed and angry that he's purchased this land and farm for his late wife.
As they get to know one another, it's almost one step forward and two steps back for each man. Cole unwilling to be pitied, or accept charity, and Tanner feeling the need to help, and then hurt when he finds Cole's dishonesty from the lips of the town gossip.
The overwhelming amount of heart these authors put in their characters, all four of them, is stunning. Tragic, and inspiring, it brought me to tears on more than one occasion. The end was worth it all. Take a chance on this book, you might just surprise yourself.
It's very hard not to be emotional, not only about Tom and Charlie, but also Tanner and Cole.
The story just sucked me in, sinking down deep in my soul. Tanner has such an air of insurmountable grief, and Cole is just defeated. He doesn't believe he's ever going to find anything good again in his life, and Tanner is both overwhelmed and angry that he's purchased this land and farm for his late wife.
As they get to know one another, it's almost one step forward and two steps back for each man. Cole unwilling to be pitied, or accept charity, and Tanner feeling the need to help, and then hurt when he finds Cole's dishonesty from the lips of the town gossip.
The overwhelming amount of heart these authors put in their characters, all four of them, is stunning. Tragic, and inspiring, it brought me to tears on more than one occasion. The end was worth it all. Take a chance on this book, you might just surprise yourself.
June 6, 2022
This was a super interesting tale than spanned two time periods. Each story about two men falling in love and while they had much in common there was so much more it didn’t share.
Tanner wanted to honor his deceased wife by buying the old farmhouse with the half burned barn. But once he owned it, he couldn’t bring himself to fixing it up without her.
Cole is an ex-convict, having been in prison for mostly being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet he was ostracized as if he was a cold blooded killer.
Happenstance brings these two together. Cole wanting to help the guy out hires him to do what he can’t. To fix up the barn.
During his renovations, Cole discovers an old journal about Tom and Charlie. Two men who fell in love during a time that wasn’t accepting in the 1940’s.
It’s so interesting because both stories mirror each other. The journal leads up to the barn’s demise. They read it together as they bring the barn back to life.
It’s super emotional, both past and present. Tom and Charlie go through so much to be together. Tanner is grieving but he finds comfort in the last place he would’ve ever suspected. In Cole.
The chemistry between Tanner and Cole grew at a steady, realistic pace. I especially enjoyed Tanner falling in love with a man for the first time. Best of all is that they found a home where before they were floundering.
I didn’t feel as connected to this one. I fear that’s due to listening to the audio rather than reading it. Even so, there’s something missing for me that I can’t quite name.
Tanner wanted to honor his deceased wife by buying the old farmhouse with the half burned barn. But once he owned it, he couldn’t bring himself to fixing it up without her.
Cole is an ex-convict, having been in prison for mostly being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet he was ostracized as if he was a cold blooded killer.
Happenstance brings these two together. Cole wanting to help the guy out hires him to do what he can’t. To fix up the barn.
During his renovations, Cole discovers an old journal about Tom and Charlie. Two men who fell in love during a time that wasn’t accepting in the 1940’s.
It’s so interesting because both stories mirror each other. The journal leads up to the barn’s demise. They read it together as they bring the barn back to life.
It’s super emotional, both past and present. Tom and Charlie go through so much to be together. Tanner is grieving but he finds comfort in the last place he would’ve ever suspected. In Cole.
The chemistry between Tanner and Cole grew at a steady, realistic pace. I especially enjoyed Tanner falling in love with a man for the first time. Best of all is that they found a home where before they were floundering.
I didn’t feel as connected to this one. I fear that’s due to listening to the audio rather than reading it. Even so, there’s something missing for me that I can’t quite name.
December 22, 2024
This was beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional, hopeful with a heavy side of having to suspend your belief in reality a bit (a lot).
I really enjoyed Tanner‘s and Cole‘s quiet, slow, comforting, tentative and tender relationship. The way these two broken men found a home, a second chance at life and love in each other really moved me.
Charlie‘s and Tom‘s story was simply heartbreaking and I couldn’t believe how it ended, just… ouch 💔
The whole thing was a bit ott with all these coincidences that bordered on paranormal. And the journal entries threw me every time. You can’t tell me that a 20y/o farmer boy in 1948 would write an entry like this:
“No,” he finally replied. “I know you don’t care about that.” Charlie went to the refrigerator and looked inside. “We don’t have much to eat. Shit, I shoulda thought about that. Got a few bucks. Could have grabbed us some dinner.” His words touched my heart, seared my soul. There wasn’t a part of me that didn’t realise Charlie wanted to make this night special for me, for us, and that meant the world to me.
Romantic? Yes. Authentic? Not at all. I think if these parts would have been written like actual diary entries, I would have connected with this plot even more.
Also: I didn’t mind the ‘dead ex’ trope here for some reason? Thought that was worth mentioning 🙈
I had a good time with this and the whole story made me feel things. I can’t decide on a rating though because of these damn journal entries, that pulled me out every time, so I’ll give it something between 3,5 and 4⭐️.
I really enjoyed Tanner‘s and Cole‘s quiet, slow, comforting, tentative and tender relationship. The way these two broken men found a home, a second chance at life and love in each other really moved me.
Charlie‘s and Tom‘s story was simply heartbreaking and I couldn’t believe how it ended, just… ouch 💔
The whole thing was a bit ott with all these coincidences that bordered on paranormal. And the journal entries threw me every time. You can’t tell me that a 20y/o farmer boy in 1948 would write an entry like this:
“No,” he finally replied. “I know you don’t care about that.” Charlie went to the refrigerator and looked inside. “We don’t have much to eat. Shit, I shoulda thought about that. Got a few bucks. Could have grabbed us some dinner.” His words touched my heart, seared my soul. There wasn’t a part of me that didn’t realise Charlie wanted to make this night special for me, for us, and that meant the world to me.
Romantic? Yes. Authentic? Not at all. I think if these parts would have been written like actual diary entries, I would have connected with this plot even more.
Also: I didn’t mind the ‘dead ex’ trope here for some reason? Thought that was worth mentioning 🙈
I had a good time with this and the whole story made me feel things. I can’t decide on a rating though because of these damn journal entries, that pulled me out every time, so I’ll give it something between 3,5 and 4⭐️.
September 26, 2018
✮5 Stars✮
💗
A story that emotionally breaks your heart and...Absolutely very beautiful!
I recommend this book to EVERYONE!
A story that emotionally breaks your heart and...Absolutely very beautiful!
I recommend this book to EVERYONE!
November 30, 2024
Cute. One narrator better than the other. RTC
September 17, 2023
4/5 stars
I cried a little too much 😭
I cried a little too much 😭
September 26, 2018
Going on the blurb this should have been a winner - hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, GFY, ex con trying to start over all mixed in with a twist? Yes please! But it fell short and the good parts that I was waiting for kinda got side swiped with all the mundane day to day happenings. I wanted all the feels and angst and drama, the more the merrier. Instead, this was rather low on the drama with even less angst. 😞
Definitely wasn't wowed.
3.5 stars
Definitely wasn't wowed.
3.5 stars
October 7, 2018
I'm kinda confused about this. While this was Tanner's and Cole's story, I cared more about Tom's and Charlie's story on the background.
Incredibly slow burn for Tanner and Cole. I had a hard time keeping focused with this. It was okay but I was not really a fan of these guys. Like I said I loved Tom & Charlie more..
May 12, 2021
4.5 stars 💫
This story was bittersweet and soothing. 💕 This was amazing and heartbreaking to read at the same time. I knew from the start, Tanner and Cole had an instant connection. My heart aches for Tom, Charlie, and Paige. 🥺 They deserved better.
This story was bittersweet and soothing. 💕 This was amazing and heartbreaking to read at the same time. I knew from the start, Tanner and Cole had an instant connection. My heart aches for Tom, Charlie, and Paige. 🥺 They deserved better.
November 30, 2024
I’m completely, utterly, passionately in love with these four men. Tom and Charlie and Tanner and Cole.
Tanner is a widower who bought his late wife's dream house. He moves from the city to a small town, where he teaches online. He came with a promise to renovate the house and the barn. Cole is an ex-con who, after doing his time, arrives in said small town to find work. He's living on the streets... Tanner hires him to fix his house in exchange for a sleeping place and food. This house and barn have history—a sad one.
Tanner and Cole's connection is almost immediate; it's palpable... Cole, while fixing the barn, comes across an old journal from someone named Tom and quickly figures it's a story of forbidden love between Tom and Charlie, in the 1950.
They started to read the journal together, getting to know Tom and Charlie while also falling in love, fighting grief, and discovering happiness again. so beautiful🥹
Tom’s journal... the emotion on that🥹
"You’re the most important thing in my life. You’re all that matters,” Charlie told me, and there wasn’t a part of me that didn’t believe him. “Wish I could hold you all night,” I murmured against his ear. “And kiss you at dawn.”
This is a slow burn done right; every touch, kiss, and look has such a deep meaning, so charged with incredible tension... Tanner is straight, or he thinks he is. There's some interesting conversation about the GFY that I absolutely loved.
"They were closer…closer still. Tanner didn’t know if he was moving closer or Cole was, but then their lips were touching, moving together. That same tongue Tanner had watched a second before now swiped at his lips and—goddamn it, what was he doing?—he opened up and let Cole in, tasted the mint he’d just smelled.
He was kissing a man.
He was kissing Cole.
And he liked it."
Reading these 4 guys is constantly leaving me mushy and mellow, like a love fool, always grinning at their sweet innocence and devotion. I’m feeling this so much ****
♥️Putting up Em paintings
♥️going to the bar
♥️Painting the barn
♥️Making beer
♥️Planting a vegetable garden, and the 🌹 for Em
♥️All I want is you… goosebumps
♥️Swans mate for life.
Tan,” Cole whispered against his mouth as Tanner leaned forward, easing Cole onto his back.
“I want you,” he admitted. “I want you so bad, I can’t breathe from it.”
“I’m right here,” Cole replied, and Tanner smiled against his lips.
The ending was so incredible, out of the box, it made perfect sense, and it made their love even more beautiful. Wow, the twist, the dreams… the letter, the name. Loved it. so well put together. Such a 🦢 swan song to the heart.
You know,” Tanner said with a thick throat, “someone once told me we’re all made of sunlight and stardust.”
Cole’s breath caught.
“And maybe…” Cole said, echoing his own words from one of their first days together, “no matter what time of day from nightfall till morning, when you look up at the sky, you’re connecting with them in some small way.”
“Tom and Charlie, Emma and Paige, me and you.” Tanner reached for his hand and squeezed, his voice tight with emotion. “We’re all connected, all made of the sun and stars. Always will be.”
Pure romance and eternal love, the kind that goes through time… because love always finds a way to be reborn.
"I love you too,” Cole replied. When he reached for Cole’s hand and knotted their fingers together, he felt like those lanterns lifting into the sky, a soft incandescence radiating from the inside, like his very soul had caught on fire.
“Do you hear that?” Cole asked a moment later.
Tanner was quiet…listened.
And in the distance, he could’ve sworn he heard the gentle melody of the swan’s song, calling his fated mate home."
I know there were some things I didn't like. But I forgot because I'm drunk on fated eternal love!
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Tom and Charlie they didn't get their happy ending, but they were honoured and relived by these strangers, and their memory will live forever, as will their love.
Tanner is a widower who bought his late wife's dream house. He moves from the city to a small town, where he teaches online. He came with a promise to renovate the house and the barn. Cole is an ex-con who, after doing his time, arrives in said small town to find work. He's living on the streets... Tanner hires him to fix his house in exchange for a sleeping place and food. This house and barn have history—a sad one.
Tanner and Cole's connection is almost immediate; it's palpable... Cole, while fixing the barn, comes across an old journal from someone named Tom and quickly figures it's a story of forbidden love between Tom and Charlie, in the 1950.
They started to read the journal together, getting to know Tom and Charlie while also falling in love, fighting grief, and discovering happiness again. so beautiful🥹
Tom’s journal... the emotion on that🥹
"You’re the most important thing in my life. You’re all that matters,” Charlie told me, and there wasn’t a part of me that didn’t believe him. “Wish I could hold you all night,” I murmured against his ear. “And kiss you at dawn.”
This is a slow burn done right; every touch, kiss, and look has such a deep meaning, so charged with incredible tension... Tanner is straight, or he thinks he is. There's some interesting conversation about the GFY that I absolutely loved.
"They were closer…closer still. Tanner didn’t know if he was moving closer or Cole was, but then their lips were touching, moving together. That same tongue Tanner had watched a second before now swiped at his lips and—goddamn it, what was he doing?—he opened up and let Cole in, tasted the mint he’d just smelled.
He was kissing a man.
He was kissing Cole.
And he liked it."
Reading these 4 guys is constantly leaving me mushy and mellow, like a love fool, always grinning at their sweet innocence and devotion. I’m feeling this so much ****
♥️Putting up Em paintings
♥️going to the bar
♥️Painting the barn
♥️Making beer
♥️Planting a vegetable garden, and the 🌹 for Em
♥️All I want is you… goosebumps
♥️Swans mate for life.
Tan,” Cole whispered against his mouth as Tanner leaned forward, easing Cole onto his back.
“I want you,” he admitted. “I want you so bad, I can’t breathe from it.”
“I’m right here,” Cole replied, and Tanner smiled against his lips.
The ending was so incredible, out of the box, it made perfect sense, and it made their love even more beautiful. Wow, the twist, the dreams… the letter, the name. Loved it. so well put together. Such a 🦢 swan song to the heart.
You know,” Tanner said with a thick throat, “someone once told me we’re all made of sunlight and stardust.”
Cole’s breath caught.
“And maybe…” Cole said, echoing his own words from one of their first days together, “no matter what time of day from nightfall till morning, when you look up at the sky, you’re connecting with them in some small way.”
“Tom and Charlie, Emma and Paige, me and you.” Tanner reached for his hand and squeezed, his voice tight with emotion. “We’re all connected, all made of the sun and stars. Always will be.”
Pure romance and eternal love, the kind that goes through time… because love always finds a way to be reborn.
"I love you too,” Cole replied. When he reached for Cole’s hand and knotted their fingers together, he felt like those lanterns lifting into the sky, a soft incandescence radiating from the inside, like his very soul had caught on fire.
“Do you hear that?” Cole asked a moment later.
Tanner was quiet…listened.
And in the distance, he could’ve sworn he heard the gentle melody of the swan’s song, calling his fated mate home."
I know there were some things I didn't like. But I forgot because I'm drunk on fated eternal love!
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Tom and Charlie they didn't get their happy ending, but they were honoured and relived by these strangers, and their memory will live forever, as will their love.
February 7, 2021
Beautifully performed by Kale Williams and Tristan James, Of Sunlight and Stardust is a moving and emotional audiobook. Such a sad, but uplifting story. With cool elements of magic and mystery, Riley Hart blends the stories of Cole and Tanner (today) with the tale of Charlie and Tom they find memorialized in a journal. Yes, I got shivers up my spine at the climax of this story - it was wonderful.
September 20, 2018
Tanner Rowe has bought a house with a burned-out barn because it was his wife, and best friend, Emma's dream inexplicably for them to own the property. But Tanner is in over his head both with the repairs and his grief after losing Emma less than a year before.
Cole Lachlan has recently gotten out of prison, and with no parole to worry about and the only person in his life, his grandfather, that he cared for and cared about him, gone, he drifts along hoping for a break. He winds up in picturesque Red Bluff with not a lot of money left and very little in the way of prospects. It's rough going and Cole's really on hard times, but still proud. When Tanner discovers Cole is homeless, he and Cole work out a deal where Cole will have room and board (in the burned out barn) in exchange for manual labor.
When Cole discovers a hidden journal from 1948 in the barn it's more than a book that's unearthed. A mystery blooms and the two men make the determination to find out what really happened to the writer, his best friend, and the barn. Additionally there is the attraction and romance that builds slowly between Tanner and Cole, despite Tanner never having been attracted to a man before.
I don't want to give too much away, it's definitely better to go in blind to this one. If you're in the mood for a dual POV, medium angst, slower paced romance with a happy ending, but quite a few tears before you get there check out Of Sunlight and Stardust.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Of Sunlight and Stardust provided by the authors in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Cole Lachlan has recently gotten out of prison, and with no parole to worry about and the only person in his life, his grandfather, that he cared for and cared about him, gone, he drifts along hoping for a break. He winds up in picturesque Red Bluff with not a lot of money left and very little in the way of prospects. It's rough going and Cole's really on hard times, but still proud. When Tanner discovers Cole is homeless, he and Cole work out a deal where Cole will have room and board (in the burned out barn) in exchange for manual labor.
When Cole discovers a hidden journal from 1948 in the barn it's more than a book that's unearthed. A mystery blooms and the two men make the determination to find out what really happened to the writer, his best friend, and the barn. Additionally there is the attraction and romance that builds slowly between Tanner and Cole, despite Tanner never having been attracted to a man before.
I don't want to give too much away, it's definitely better to go in blind to this one. If you're in the mood for a dual POV, medium angst, slower paced romance with a happy ending, but quite a few tears before you get there check out Of Sunlight and Stardust.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Of Sunlight and Stardust provided by the authors in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
September 30, 2018
“I read somewhere that we’re all made of sunlight and stardust. So maybe, whenever you look at the sky, from morning till nightfall, you’re connecting with them in some small way.”
There are some books that fill your heart to bursting point and every time you think of them, your heart flutters a little. They are those books that you cannot help but recommend to every one of your friends, and over time, they become some of your favourite re-reads. Riley Hart and Christina Lee’s latest collaboration is every bit as beautiful as I’ve come to expect from this excellent duo, and from the very first page, I was besotted. A tender story of love that both heals and breaks the heart, and told through two very different narratives, braided together, but separated in time—one set in the present, and the other told through letters from many years before—a novel like this gives voice to all the forgotten love stories that could not be, and all the ones that wouldn’t have been possible had times not changed. I loved this book so much, I never wanted it to end.
Continue reading this review...
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August 18, 2025
I wanted to love this book, but there was something about it that just didn't work for me.
It was initially interesting when Cole & Tanner discovered Tom's diary and his relationship with Charlie, but it read like the authors wanted to give it a paranormal spin, but couldn't really commit to it and instead incorporated random references here and there.
And like the whole idea of Tom's diary was cool, but let's be honest, nobody writes in a diary like that, if anything it fels more like memories or flashbacks or something, if they had commited to the paranormal angle and either Tanner and Cole had had dreams instead of reading from the diary it would have make more sense.
As for the romance, it was fine? But like Tanner spent the first 30% talking about how much he loved his dead wife, and once he got with Cole, "nothing had felt that right", really? Not even all the love and moments you had with Emma?
Tom & Charlie's ending was super sad, and after the whole mystery of the barn was uncovered, it made for a less captivating story. I still enjoyed it, but it was mostly just ok.
It was initially interesting when Cole & Tanner discovered Tom's diary and his relationship with Charlie, but it read like the authors wanted to give it a paranormal spin, but couldn't really commit to it and instead incorporated random references here and there.
And like the whole idea of Tom's diary was cool, but let's be honest, nobody writes in a diary like that, if anything it fels more like memories or flashbacks or something, if they had commited to the paranormal angle and either Tanner and Cole had had dreams instead of reading from the diary it would have make more sense.
As for the romance, it was fine? But like Tanner spent the first 30% talking about how much he loved his dead wife, and once he got with Cole, "nothing had felt that right", really? Not even all the love and moments you had with Emma?
Tom & Charlie's ending was super sad, and after the whole mystery of the barn was uncovered, it made for a less captivating story. I still enjoyed it, but it was mostly just ok.
June 9, 2024
Tanner Rowe is just going through the motions...it only looks like he is living. Actually, he's just putting into place the promise he made to his wife after she died. She had always wanted them to move to Red Bluff, Michigan...a small town in the Upper Peninsula, and live on the farm with the burned-out barn. She wanted to paint, and she thought that Tanner would teach college courses on-line and make his home brewed beer. It all sounded wonderful...but then Chris's world crashed around him, leaving him grieving for his only love and the life that has been taken from him.
Then there is Cole. Cole Lachlan had never had it easy. He absolutely knew that his grandfather loved him, but he had nothing and mostly only himself to blame for that. He's recently out of prison, and while he was imprisoned his beloved grandfather had died. While trying to find work Tanner finds himself by the lake and homeless. After a lot of bartering and negotiating, Cole begins working on Tanner's burned-out barn. This gives the men the opportunity to talk to each other, and for a friendship to start to develop. They learn to trust each other. Cole finds a diary in the barn, and it becomes the key that will unlock their hearts.
When reading this I thought of what my very smart grandmother told me when I was very young and my best friend in my young world wasn't allowed by the "rules of narrow-minded society" of the 50's and 60's, to go into the same places I did or even drink out of the same water fountain. She said that "just because a person isn't exactly like you that didn’t make them wrong. You should accept people as they are no matter the color of their skin, what church they may or may not attend, or who they choose to love...just accept them and love them equally". I had a pretty remarkable role model in my young life.
I was pleasantly surprised by some of the events and the characters in this story. The two authors kept me always rooting for Cole and Tanner throughout the entire book as they attempted to rebuild their lives. Tanner and Cole sat down together every evening to read yet another chapter in Tom’s journal. The journal story was about the forbidden love of Tom's time with his "friend" Charlie. Their story in the journal opened the communication lines for Tanner to ask questions and investigate all these "newly found" feelings. They found that it also encouraged open and honest communication between them. Once Tanner had the courage to explore his feelings for Cole, he wasn’t about to keep them a secret like Tom and Charlie had been forced to do.
It was personal for me as I thought about my youngest son...15-years old and having those feelings for his friend that he thought were wrong. They weren't wrong, and he later married the boy that shared those feelings with him. They are now the parents of an 8-month little girl. I can’t find enough words to express how much this story meant to me.
Then there is Cole. Cole Lachlan had never had it easy. He absolutely knew that his grandfather loved him, but he had nothing and mostly only himself to blame for that. He's recently out of prison, and while he was imprisoned his beloved grandfather had died. While trying to find work Tanner finds himself by the lake and homeless. After a lot of bartering and negotiating, Cole begins working on Tanner's burned-out barn. This gives the men the opportunity to talk to each other, and for a friendship to start to develop. They learn to trust each other. Cole finds a diary in the barn, and it becomes the key that will unlock their hearts.
When reading this I thought of what my very smart grandmother told me when I was very young and my best friend in my young world wasn't allowed by the "rules of narrow-minded society" of the 50's and 60's, to go into the same places I did or even drink out of the same water fountain. She said that "just because a person isn't exactly like you that didn’t make them wrong. You should accept people as they are no matter the color of their skin, what church they may or may not attend, or who they choose to love...just accept them and love them equally". I had a pretty remarkable role model in my young life.
I was pleasantly surprised by some of the events and the characters in this story. The two authors kept me always rooting for Cole and Tanner throughout the entire book as they attempted to rebuild their lives. Tanner and Cole sat down together every evening to read yet another chapter in Tom’s journal. The journal story was about the forbidden love of Tom's time with his "friend" Charlie. Their story in the journal opened the communication lines for Tanner to ask questions and investigate all these "newly found" feelings. They found that it also encouraged open and honest communication between them. Once Tanner had the courage to explore his feelings for Cole, he wasn’t about to keep them a secret like Tom and Charlie had been forced to do.
It was personal for me as I thought about my youngest son...15-years old and having those feelings for his friend that he thought were wrong. They weren't wrong, and he later married the boy that shared those feelings with him. They are now the parents of an 8-month little girl. I can’t find enough words to express how much this story meant to me.
February 5, 2021
2.5 ⭐️⭐️
Based on the reviews I’m definitely in the minority here, but I was not a fan of this story at all. To begin, I finished the book and I feel a deep, dark sadness. I’ve read (and enjoyed) emotionally charged, unpleasant stories before, but my god this sh-t had me feeling bleak. The story revolves around widower Tanner and recently released from prison Cole. Tanner and Cole come across a journal written by a young man named Tom describing his love affair with his friend Charlie 70 years prior.
So to start off....Tanner and Cole did nothing for me and struck zero emotional chords. I wanted sooo badly to connect with their story and invest in their relationship, but I honestly found it quite dull. The characters themselves I liked, but the story was extremely slow moving, with no real tension or build up to anything. The reader gets told about their growing friendship, never really shown so it falls flat. When their relationship moved beyond friends it felt almost like a passing action, not something of significance. I just couldn’t connect to it at all, and then once their relationship started it moved into full-cheese.
Second, the subplot of Tom and Charlie was far more intriguing for me. No spoilers but...I feel sick. Also, two pet peeves about the journal story line. One, the writers didn’t even attempt to write the journal entries as ya know, actual journal entries! It’s literally regular book dialogue and description in italics. Second, I can’t wrap my head around Tanner and Cole having the willpower to take MONTHS to get through reading it. As someone with burning curiosity, this feels unrealistic to me 😩
Outside of plot, the writing felt clumsy and stilted which made it hard to get through. Like I mentioned at the top, it made me feel so hollow and sad. Honestly the entire book just had a cloud over it even though a lot of it was meant to inspire hope. I actually wanted to DNF about 5 times, but my curiosity about Tom and Charlie pushed me to the end and well...can you say regret?
Anyway, it’s probably just me since lots of people seen quite happy with it. I just wish I had been one of them 😕
Based on the reviews I’m definitely in the minority here, but I was not a fan of this story at all. To begin, I finished the book and I feel a deep, dark sadness. I’ve read (and enjoyed) emotionally charged, unpleasant stories before, but my god this sh-t had me feeling bleak. The story revolves around widower Tanner and recently released from prison Cole. Tanner and Cole come across a journal written by a young man named Tom describing his love affair with his friend Charlie 70 years prior.
So to start off....Tanner and Cole did nothing for me and struck zero emotional chords. I wanted sooo badly to connect with their story and invest in their relationship, but I honestly found it quite dull. The characters themselves I liked, but the story was extremely slow moving, with no real tension or build up to anything. The reader gets told about their growing friendship, never really shown so it falls flat. When their relationship moved beyond friends it felt almost like a passing action, not something of significance. I just couldn’t connect to it at all, and then once their relationship started it moved into full-cheese.
Second, the subplot of Tom and Charlie was far more intriguing for me. No spoilers but...I feel sick. Also, two pet peeves about the journal story line. One, the writers didn’t even attempt to write the journal entries as ya know, actual journal entries! It’s literally regular book dialogue and description in italics. Second, I can’t wrap my head around Tanner and Cole having the willpower to take MONTHS to get through reading it. As someone with burning curiosity, this feels unrealistic to me 😩
Outside of plot, the writing felt clumsy and stilted which made it hard to get through. Like I mentioned at the top, it made me feel so hollow and sad. Honestly the entire book just had a cloud over it even though a lot of it was meant to inspire hope. I actually wanted to DNF about 5 times, but my curiosity about Tom and Charlie pushed me to the end and well...can you say regret?
Anyway, it’s probably just me since lots of people seen quite happy with it. I just wish I had been one of them 😕
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