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Disappear With Me
Love is greater than hope or faith, but can Reverend Leander Norris convince a jury that the love he shares with another man is natural?
In 1910, the United Kingdom was in turmoil. King Edward died after only nine years on the throne. The social class system that upheld British society for centuries was being chipped away by social, political, and economic unrest across the Commonwealth. Amidst this backdrop, Reverend Leander Norris is accused of sodomy. After discovering his own self-worth and unconditional love, Leander finds the courage to stand up for what he believes is right and pleads not guilty to the charges. Throughout the trial, Leander’s past is revealed, including the temptations that bring the accusations against him. By the end of the trail, Leander is once again reunited with a romantic interest from the past by the end of the trial; it may be too late to rekindle any love that might remain, given the circumstances of the era and Reverend Leander’s likely sentence.
In 1910, the United Kingdom was in turmoil. King Edward died after only nine years on the throne. The social class system that upheld British society for centuries was being chipped away by social, political, and economic unrest across the Commonwealth. Amidst this backdrop, Reverend Leander Norris is accused of sodomy. After discovering his own self-worth and unconditional love, Leander finds the courage to stand up for what he believes is right and pleads not guilty to the charges. Throughout the trial, Leander’s past is revealed, including the temptations that bring the accusations against him. By the end of the trail, Leander is once again reunited with a romantic interest from the past by the end of the trial; it may be too late to rekindle any love that might remain, given the circumstances of the era and Reverend Leander’s likely sentence.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 28, 2014
Disappear With Me
By L. Dean Pace-Frech
4 stars
It struck me while reading “Disappear With Me” that it is essentially a gay Book of Job. Set in the decades on either side of 1900, it is the chronicle of a young Anglican priest coming to grips with his homosexuality, by living his life with integrity—and by reading the Bible.
Yes, you read that right. This book is full of biblical passages, including some of my very favorite, and they’re peppered all through the narrative, even repeated in some cases. It is not the first book with a gay theme I’ve ever read that used Bible citations; but it’s the first one I can ever recall that used them so professionally. I’ll only paraphrase one passage from Corinthians that is my personal favorite, and, to be honest, the motto of my life.
In the end, faith hope and love survive; and of these, the greatest is love.
Ultimately, this is the message of this book. It is not a romance, or at least not in the conventional sense of the genre. It is a story filled with heartbreak, tragedy, and every sort of undeserved sorrow that can be heaped upon a gay man’s head. But “Disappear With Me” is also filled with faith, hope and love. It is about the quest for happiness, and the novel belief that we, as children of God, deserve happiness.
As it happens, I am a fairly devout Episcopalian, which is the American version of the Church of England. If you have turned away from organized religion, or simply don’t know anything about the Church of England you might find this book heavy sledding.
Or you just might find it inspirational.
There are four gay men who are part of Leander Norris’s journey from orphan to priest. Raphael Melvin, Charles Greene, Emil Strong and Basil Shocking. Although the last two sound like characters from Dickens, out of this group only Emil Strong even approaches Leander’s character for goodness. Leander Norris, is the most Christian, the most forgiving, the man most confident of God’s love that I have ever encountered in the pages of a book. He’d be annoying if I didn’t love him so much. One of the key points in this book is that almost everybody else, particularly those who are especially fervent in their Christianity, falls far below the standard set by Father Leander. And yet he does not judge them.
I kept wanting to shake him and scream: “For God’s sake, BREAK SOMETHING. HIT SOMEONE.” But no.
I have completely forgotten how this book was recommended to me, but I’m glad I read it. I can’t say I was entirely satisfied, but I truly admire L. Dean Pace-Frech for writing it with such obvious care and thoughtfulness.
I will add one fairly strong quibble: there is far too much incorrect grammar scattered through the book. Pace-Frech needs another set of eyes to edit, because no book written by a Brit in the early 1900s would ever have appeared with these kinds of grammatical errors. It is jarring enough to nearly spoil the nicely authentic atmosphere and setting that Pace-Frech creates.
Pace-Frech has promised a sequel, to carry on Leander Norris’s story, and I do feel that, having been more faithful to Leander than most of his supposed friends, I deserve it.
I will be waiting in my study. With the bishop.
By L. Dean Pace-Frech
4 stars
It struck me while reading “Disappear With Me” that it is essentially a gay Book of Job. Set in the decades on either side of 1900, it is the chronicle of a young Anglican priest coming to grips with his homosexuality, by living his life with integrity—and by reading the Bible.
Yes, you read that right. This book is full of biblical passages, including some of my very favorite, and they’re peppered all through the narrative, even repeated in some cases. It is not the first book with a gay theme I’ve ever read that used Bible citations; but it’s the first one I can ever recall that used them so professionally. I’ll only paraphrase one passage from Corinthians that is my personal favorite, and, to be honest, the motto of my life.
In the end, faith hope and love survive; and of these, the greatest is love.
Ultimately, this is the message of this book. It is not a romance, or at least not in the conventional sense of the genre. It is a story filled with heartbreak, tragedy, and every sort of undeserved sorrow that can be heaped upon a gay man’s head. But “Disappear With Me” is also filled with faith, hope and love. It is about the quest for happiness, and the novel belief that we, as children of God, deserve happiness.
As it happens, I am a fairly devout Episcopalian, which is the American version of the Church of England. If you have turned away from organized religion, or simply don’t know anything about the Church of England you might find this book heavy sledding.
Or you just might find it inspirational.
There are four gay men who are part of Leander Norris’s journey from orphan to priest. Raphael Melvin, Charles Greene, Emil Strong and Basil Shocking. Although the last two sound like characters from Dickens, out of this group only Emil Strong even approaches Leander’s character for goodness. Leander Norris, is the most Christian, the most forgiving, the man most confident of God’s love that I have ever encountered in the pages of a book. He’d be annoying if I didn’t love him so much. One of the key points in this book is that almost everybody else, particularly those who are especially fervent in their Christianity, falls far below the standard set by Father Leander. And yet he does not judge them.
I kept wanting to shake him and scream: “For God’s sake, BREAK SOMETHING. HIT SOMEONE.” But no.
I have completely forgotten how this book was recommended to me, but I’m glad I read it. I can’t say I was entirely satisfied, but I truly admire L. Dean Pace-Frech for writing it with such obvious care and thoughtfulness.
I will add one fairly strong quibble: there is far too much incorrect grammar scattered through the book. Pace-Frech needs another set of eyes to edit, because no book written by a Brit in the early 1900s would ever have appeared with these kinds of grammatical errors. It is jarring enough to nearly spoil the nicely authentic atmosphere and setting that Pace-Frech creates.
Pace-Frech has promised a sequel, to carry on Leander Norris’s story, and I do feel that, having been more faithful to Leander than most of his supposed friends, I deserve it.
I will be waiting in my study. With the bishop.
June 13, 2014
This is a 4.5 star review
L. Dean Pace-Frech delivers a heart-wrenching lesson in history in Disappear With Me, the story of a man who is caught between religion, love, and the law in the days following the end of King Edward VII’s reign.
The Reverend Leander Norris is a man who stands accused of sodomy in a time when the only basis for a gross indecency trial, and an almost certain conviction, the judicial system needed was an accusation. Told through a series of flashbacks, the narrative offers the reader a glimpse into Leander’s coming-of-age as an orphan whose lessons included studying the Bible, chapter and verse. The author peppers those verses throughout the book to bring home his message and demonstrate how readily interpretation of biblical text can be a rather divisive thing when it’s used to justify both love and intolerance.
The emotional tenor of Disappear With Me is incredibly poignant, made all the more so because of the time in which this story is set, and I applaud Mr. Pace-Frech for not resorting to the deus ex machina to manufacture an ending to the book that would’ve conflicted with that setting. Leander’s own personal convictions and his faith in an unconditionally loving God impart so much emotion in this novel, and it’s his strength and courage to face his accusers, in spite of the near certainty he won’t be found innocent, that resonates so deeply and left me on the verge of tears so frequently. Though Leander is a fictional character, it’s the author’s own faith that shines through in the telling of his story, and it’s with that in mind that I couldn’t help but embrace Leander for his bravery and his want of something more than just a momentary physical bond with someone.
What is inarguable in Disappear With Me is that Reverend Leander knew great love in his life in spite of a puritanical society—a young and ultimately challenged love with Raphael that couldn’t endure the strain of necessary discretion; an eleven year relationship that was a marriage in every way but legally; and the affair that was finally Leander’s downfall as he stood accused of the crime of wanting a love of his own, and then refusing to deny that he’d loved deeply.
While the end of this book doesn’t offer a traditional happy ending, what it does offer is a promise, the hope that Leander could become an agent for change and the hope that he will be offered a second chance at a love to call his own, something everyone deserves.
Reviewed by Lisa at The Novel Approach
L. Dean Pace-Frech delivers a heart-wrenching lesson in history in Disappear With Me, the story of a man who is caught between religion, love, and the law in the days following the end of King Edward VII’s reign.
The Reverend Leander Norris is a man who stands accused of sodomy in a time when the only basis for a gross indecency trial, and an almost certain conviction, the judicial system needed was an accusation. Told through a series of flashbacks, the narrative offers the reader a glimpse into Leander’s coming-of-age as an orphan whose lessons included studying the Bible, chapter and verse. The author peppers those verses throughout the book to bring home his message and demonstrate how readily interpretation of biblical text can be a rather divisive thing when it’s used to justify both love and intolerance.
The emotional tenor of Disappear With Me is incredibly poignant, made all the more so because of the time in which this story is set, and I applaud Mr. Pace-Frech for not resorting to the deus ex machina to manufacture an ending to the book that would’ve conflicted with that setting. Leander’s own personal convictions and his faith in an unconditionally loving God impart so much emotion in this novel, and it’s his strength and courage to face his accusers, in spite of the near certainty he won’t be found innocent, that resonates so deeply and left me on the verge of tears so frequently. Though Leander is a fictional character, it’s the author’s own faith that shines through in the telling of his story, and it’s with that in mind that I couldn’t help but embrace Leander for his bravery and his want of something more than just a momentary physical bond with someone.
What is inarguable in Disappear With Me is that Reverend Leander knew great love in his life in spite of a puritanical society—a young and ultimately challenged love with Raphael that couldn’t endure the strain of necessary discretion; an eleven year relationship that was a marriage in every way but legally; and the affair that was finally Leander’s downfall as he stood accused of the crime of wanting a love of his own, and then refusing to deny that he’d loved deeply.
While the end of this book doesn’t offer a traditional happy ending, what it does offer is a promise, the hope that Leander could become an agent for change and the hope that he will be offered a second chance at a love to call his own, something everyone deserves.
Reviewed by Lisa at The Novel Approach
October 17, 2016
“This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” - William Shakespeare (Hamlet)
Reverend Leander Norris, of 'Disappear With Me' by Dean Frech, is determined to go through with a trial in which he is accused of sodomy even though he's been presented with the alternative of being quietly reassigned to another church. In his mind, he's done nothing wrong and sneaking away would be wrong. Leander would be agreeing that he is everything the court is accusing him of being. The reverend believes that what happens in his life is guided by God's purpose and whatever happens is His will.
Leander is a good man with a clear idea of what it means to be a child of God. Leander is exceptionally compassionate and well suited for the demands ministry presents. During his tenure, he motivates his congregation with inspirational speeches not only to live better lives, but also to have pride in their parish by improving its appearance and expanding its community outreach via starting a nursery for working families. His enthusiasm is contagious. Leander uses Bible verses and theology throughout the story to explain his position on things. One, in particular, being that since he is made in God's image, how could he be imperfect? How could he be an abomination if God created him? But what Leander wants, more than anything, is to have someone to love who will love him back for who he is.
As good as Leander is as a person and a priest, his life is full of bittersweetness and sorrow, particularly in his love life. It seems that every time things are going well, something tragic happens to him, testing his faith. Yet, through it all, Leander remains constant in his belief and conducts himself with as much dignity as is humanly possible. Whether it be his tragic relationships or the insults and beatings he endures while incarcerated, Leander firmly declares that he's done nothing wrong, He is never bitter or angry at God or anyone else for giving him such a hard path. It's as if God is testing him to see how much he can bear and still believe, but, like Job, Leander passes with flying colors.
This is a well written story with a serious, often melancholic slant. Important times in the past are told in a series of flashbacks, interspersed between present events, explaining Leander's journey of faith. It's not a favorite style of mine, but the chapters are well marked, which helps to avoid confusion. Chosen passages of Scripture are used throughout to emphasize Leander's thoughts and feelings about certain topics relating to his journey of faith. I was expecting to read a historical love story and hoping for a happy ending. Although it is historical and inspirational, it isn't a romance at all. If you appreciate a more serious story with many theological references and an admirable main character who tries to be true to himself, then you may like this book. Thanks, Dean, for sharing Leander's story.
NOTE: This book was provided by JMS Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Reverend Leander Norris, of 'Disappear With Me' by Dean Frech, is determined to go through with a trial in which he is accused of sodomy even though he's been presented with the alternative of being quietly reassigned to another church. In his mind, he's done nothing wrong and sneaking away would be wrong. Leander would be agreeing that he is everything the court is accusing him of being. The reverend believes that what happens in his life is guided by God's purpose and whatever happens is His will.
Leander is a good man with a clear idea of what it means to be a child of God. Leander is exceptionally compassionate and well suited for the demands ministry presents. During his tenure, he motivates his congregation with inspirational speeches not only to live better lives, but also to have pride in their parish by improving its appearance and expanding its community outreach via starting a nursery for working families. His enthusiasm is contagious. Leander uses Bible verses and theology throughout the story to explain his position on things. One, in particular, being that since he is made in God's image, how could he be imperfect? How could he be an abomination if God created him? But what Leander wants, more than anything, is to have someone to love who will love him back for who he is.
As good as Leander is as a person and a priest, his life is full of bittersweetness and sorrow, particularly in his love life. It seems that every time things are going well, something tragic happens to him, testing his faith. Yet, through it all, Leander remains constant in his belief and conducts himself with as much dignity as is humanly possible. Whether it be his tragic relationships or the insults and beatings he endures while incarcerated, Leander firmly declares that he's done nothing wrong, He is never bitter or angry at God or anyone else for giving him such a hard path. It's as if God is testing him to see how much he can bear and still believe, but, like Job, Leander passes with flying colors.
This is a well written story with a serious, often melancholic slant. Important times in the past are told in a series of flashbacks, interspersed between present events, explaining Leander's journey of faith. It's not a favorite style of mine, but the chapters are well marked, which helps to avoid confusion. Chosen passages of Scripture are used throughout to emphasize Leander's thoughts and feelings about certain topics relating to his journey of faith. I was expecting to read a historical love story and hoping for a happy ending. Although it is historical and inspirational, it isn't a romance at all. If you appreciate a more serious story with many theological references and an admirable main character who tries to be true to himself, then you may like this book. Thanks, Dean, for sharing Leander's story.
NOTE: This book was provided by JMS Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 26, 2014
I tend not to read Historical books very often and never read any type of Religious book. I attended church as a child and if I'm honest the vicar may have been speaking in a foreign language as I never understood a word he was saying!
The product description to this book intrigued me and I felt like reading outside my comfort zone.
The main character Reverend Leander Norris is a man who has served God from a very young age. He was taken in and raised by the church as a baby. This story takes you through his childhood, university and what he achieves when he finally has his own parish in Southampton. This is a man who gives his life to serving God, teaching and helping everyone he possible can! He is well aware his attracted to men is against the law and he could end up in prison doing hard labour if anyone ever found out. He is only human and longs for a family he can love and a partner who loves him back. He has enough faith to believe he is a child of God and God does not make mistakes!
This book totally took me by surprise, I found myself re-reading passages quoted from the Bible, not getting them at all then totally understanding the meanings when interpreted by Reverend Leander,
The storyline had me under some kind of spell, I was fascinated, Intrigued and full of hope and wonder throughout. There is so much suspense to this story that I could feel myself getting angry trying to read slow as I knew I wasn't going to come across a story like this again for a long time!
Half way through the book I was in shock with tears streaming down my face, so emotional I had to put the book down. The story builds at a good pace as does the tension. During the second half I was on the edge of my seat worrying, wondering what the ending would bring.
The sub characters all play a huge part in this amazing story and some warmed my heart and others I would of been happy to do unspeakable things to! Reverend Leander is now firmly in my heart where I think he will stay for a very long time to come. He made me question my own thoughts and actions and I only wish he wasn't a fictional character as I absolutely loved and believed everything he stood for!
L. Dean Pace Frech has a wonderful talent, bringing each character to life with amazing skill, he is a author I will most certainly be following from now on!
I don't think my review can do this book justice, it's a must read one that will take you on a journey you have never experienced before!
I can not recommend this book highly enough... Download you will be drawn in from the beginning, your beliefs and thoughts may be tested but you will certainly not regret reading this book!!
The product description to this book intrigued me and I felt like reading outside my comfort zone.
The main character Reverend Leander Norris is a man who has served God from a very young age. He was taken in and raised by the church as a baby. This story takes you through his childhood, university and what he achieves when he finally has his own parish in Southampton. This is a man who gives his life to serving God, teaching and helping everyone he possible can! He is well aware his attracted to men is against the law and he could end up in prison doing hard labour if anyone ever found out. He is only human and longs for a family he can love and a partner who loves him back. He has enough faith to believe he is a child of God and God does not make mistakes!
This book totally took me by surprise, I found myself re-reading passages quoted from the Bible, not getting them at all then totally understanding the meanings when interpreted by Reverend Leander,
The storyline had me under some kind of spell, I was fascinated, Intrigued and full of hope and wonder throughout. There is so much suspense to this story that I could feel myself getting angry trying to read slow as I knew I wasn't going to come across a story like this again for a long time!
Half way through the book I was in shock with tears streaming down my face, so emotional I had to put the book down. The story builds at a good pace as does the tension. During the second half I was on the edge of my seat worrying, wondering what the ending would bring.
The sub characters all play a huge part in this amazing story and some warmed my heart and others I would of been happy to do unspeakable things to! Reverend Leander is now firmly in my heart where I think he will stay for a very long time to come. He made me question my own thoughts and actions and I only wish he wasn't a fictional character as I absolutely loved and believed everything he stood for!
L. Dean Pace Frech has a wonderful talent, bringing each character to life with amazing skill, he is a author I will most certainly be following from now on!
I don't think my review can do this book justice, it's a must read one that will take you on a journey you have never experienced before!
I can not recommend this book highly enough... Download you will be drawn in from the beginning, your beliefs and thoughts may be tested but you will certainly not regret reading this book!!
September 17, 2014
Once again, I'm out of my typical, comfortable box when it comes to genre literature. I'm not usually one to pick up historical fiction, let alone historical romance. However, this one piqued my curiosity for the faith/spirituality angle, and I'm glad I took a chance.
When I think of a good story, the element that is most important to me is the characters. From the first pages I was drawn to the main character, Leander, and his world and struggles. Yet I also felt connections with the other supporting players, from those mentioned only briefly--such as the jurors at his trial--to his closest companions and lovers. There are no weak, flat characters in this story.
Though the storyline itself is tender and romantic rather than exciting and action-packed, the flow was still fast-paced enough to grab my attention and hold it. I read it on and off over the course of a couple of days; I didn't want to put it down.
For me, the best part was that it was both deeply romantic and deeply spiritual, an expert blending of both. I have no doubt this is intentional--the main character himself sees his love for his various partners as spiritual. And though other characters attempt to impose shame on him, he never accepts it, maintaining his right throughout to live his life in peace and happiness.
Reading this was an emotional ride for me. Leander's strong love for God, his lovers, those under his care, and the Bible shine through every part of the story, as though he is simply so full of life and love that he can't help spilling it over into every act, including standing strong in his convictions. I am convinced this is what it means to truly be like Jesus.
I have no misgivings about recommending this book to just about anyone. Although the themes might be considered "adult" in nature, there is no explicit content, and I would not feel strange about giving this to my own children in a few years when the religious and social contexts will make more sense to them. Nor do I feel any hesitation about recommending it specifically to my religiously-minded friends.
I give this 4.5 stars.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Amy
When I think of a good story, the element that is most important to me is the characters. From the first pages I was drawn to the main character, Leander, and his world and struggles. Yet I also felt connections with the other supporting players, from those mentioned only briefly--such as the jurors at his trial--to his closest companions and lovers. There are no weak, flat characters in this story.
Though the storyline itself is tender and romantic rather than exciting and action-packed, the flow was still fast-paced enough to grab my attention and hold it. I read it on and off over the course of a couple of days; I didn't want to put it down.
For me, the best part was that it was both deeply romantic and deeply spiritual, an expert blending of both. I have no doubt this is intentional--the main character himself sees his love for his various partners as spiritual. And though other characters attempt to impose shame on him, he never accepts it, maintaining his right throughout to live his life in peace and happiness.
Reading this was an emotional ride for me. Leander's strong love for God, his lovers, those under his care, and the Bible shine through every part of the story, as though he is simply so full of life and love that he can't help spilling it over into every act, including standing strong in his convictions. I am convinced this is what it means to truly be like Jesus.
I have no misgivings about recommending this book to just about anyone. Although the themes might be considered "adult" in nature, there is no explicit content, and I would not feel strange about giving this to my own children in a few years when the religious and social contexts will make more sense to them. Nor do I feel any hesitation about recommending it specifically to my religiously-minded friends.
I give this 4.5 stars.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Amy
August 21, 2016
Once again, I’m out of my typical, comfortable box when it comes to genre literature. I’m not usually one to pick up historical fiction, let alone historical romance. However, this one piqued my curiosity for the faith/spirituality angle, and I’m glad I took a chance.
When I think of a good story, the element that is most important to me is the characters. From the first pages I was drawn to the main character, Leander, and his world and struggles. Yet I also felt connections with the other supporting players, from those mentioned only briefly–such as the jurors at his trial–to his closest companions and lovers. There are no weak, flat characters in this story.
Though the storyline itself is tender and romantic rather than exciting and action-packed, the flow was still fast-paced enough to grab my attention and hold it. I read it on and off over the course of a couple of days; I didn’t want to put it down.
For me, the best part was that it was both deeply romantic and deeply spiritual, an expert blending of both. I have no doubt this is intentional–the main character himself sees his love for his various partners as spiritual. And though other characters attempt to impose shame on him, he never accepts it, maintaining his right throughout to live his life in peace and happiness.
Reading this was an emotional ride for me. Leander’s strong love for God, his lovers, those under his care, and the Bible shine through every part of the story, as though he is simply so full of life and love that he can’t help spilling it over into every act, including standing strong in his convictions. I am convinced this is what it means to truly be like Jesus.
I have no misgivings about recommending this book to just about anyone. Although the themes might be considered “adult” in nature, there is no explicit content, and I would not feel strange about giving this to my own children in a few years when the religious and social contexts will make more sense to them. Nor do I feel any hesitation about recommending it specifically to my religiously-minded friends.
When I think of a good story, the element that is most important to me is the characters. From the first pages I was drawn to the main character, Leander, and his world and struggles. Yet I also felt connections with the other supporting players, from those mentioned only briefly–such as the jurors at his trial–to his closest companions and lovers. There are no weak, flat characters in this story.
Though the storyline itself is tender and romantic rather than exciting and action-packed, the flow was still fast-paced enough to grab my attention and hold it. I read it on and off over the course of a couple of days; I didn’t want to put it down.
For me, the best part was that it was both deeply romantic and deeply spiritual, an expert blending of both. I have no doubt this is intentional–the main character himself sees his love for his various partners as spiritual. And though other characters attempt to impose shame on him, he never accepts it, maintaining his right throughout to live his life in peace and happiness.
Reading this was an emotional ride for me. Leander’s strong love for God, his lovers, those under his care, and the Bible shine through every part of the story, as though he is simply so full of life and love that he can’t help spilling it over into every act, including standing strong in his convictions. I am convinced this is what it means to truly be like Jesus.
I have no misgivings about recommending this book to just about anyone. Although the themes might be considered “adult” in nature, there is no explicit content, and I would not feel strange about giving this to my own children in a few years when the religious and social contexts will make more sense to them. Nor do I feel any hesitation about recommending it specifically to my religiously-minded friends.
July 1, 2014
4.5 star review by Paul
A heartbreaking historical novel that takes us back to the start of the last century, where sodomy in England still is punishable by death. With great feeling the “zeitgeist” the novel describes the trial of a reverend, accused of being a ‘bugger’. The main characters are well-developed, with the use of numerous flash-backs and all actions and choices are well-grounded in their belief in God. The many scriptures that are quoted make the novel a pretty hard-to-read story, as they are written in the probably for the time historically correct language, but that makes it tough to read as English is not my native language. With the good historical research that clearly has been done for this book, it is aspecial and mesmerizing read. The reader can truly feel the love that Leander has for his lovers and the constant struggle he has justifying his love in face of God seems to be relevant even in this day and age.
From the outset of the trial, of which the outcome seems (and is) inevitable, Leander makes a hard but heartfelt choice not to choose the easy way out. With even the solicitor and the prosecutor characters well-defined the trail and the book reaches its climax. And what a climax it is, heartbreaking yet inevitable. Although the reader, due to his connection to the main characters, is cheering for a happy end, in the back of the mind he already knew how this was going to end.
Some might judge that this m/m romance lacks a certain amount of sex-scenes, but to my opinion the story doesn’t really need them. It’s more about the connection the Reverend has to his lovers and yes that includes sex, but the story doesn’t need it to be explicit.
A copy of this book was provided for reviewing. Please visit www.lovebytesreview.com to se this and many more reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!
A heartbreaking historical novel that takes us back to the start of the last century, where sodomy in England still is punishable by death. With great feeling the “zeitgeist” the novel describes the trial of a reverend, accused of being a ‘bugger’. The main characters are well-developed, with the use of numerous flash-backs and all actions and choices are well-grounded in their belief in God. The many scriptures that are quoted make the novel a pretty hard-to-read story, as they are written in the probably for the time historically correct language, but that makes it tough to read as English is not my native language. With the good historical research that clearly has been done for this book, it is aspecial and mesmerizing read. The reader can truly feel the love that Leander has for his lovers and the constant struggle he has justifying his love in face of God seems to be relevant even in this day and age.
From the outset of the trial, of which the outcome seems (and is) inevitable, Leander makes a hard but heartfelt choice not to choose the easy way out. With even the solicitor and the prosecutor characters well-defined the trail and the book reaches its climax. And what a climax it is, heartbreaking yet inevitable. Although the reader, due to his connection to the main characters, is cheering for a happy end, in the back of the mind he already knew how this was going to end.
Some might judge that this m/m romance lacks a certain amount of sex-scenes, but to my opinion the story doesn’t really need them. It’s more about the connection the Reverend has to his lovers and yes that includes sex, but the story doesn’t need it to be explicit.
A copy of this book was provided for reviewing. Please visit www.lovebytesreview.com to se this and many more reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!
May 24, 2014
Becky Reviews Disappear With Me by L. Dean Pace-Frech
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: Disappear With Me is an historical novel set in England at the turn of the 20th century. Mr. Pace-Frech has chosen a difficult writing style, telling a story in flashbacks, and pulled it off beautifully. This is the story of an Anglican priest who is accused of sodomy, which is not only believed to be wickedly sinful but is also against civil laws and punishable in the court system with jail time.
The story begins in 1910 as the accusations fly and the trial is about to begin. There are flashbacks that describe Leander’s life as an orphan in the care of a priest and continues through his childhood and his calling as a priest himself. The main characters are well developed and their backstories in evidence. There is also a strong cast of secondary characters.
I wanted this to turn out to be a romance and have a happy ending but that would not be true to the era or the society in which it takes place. This is a heartbreaking story but it is also a story of love, albeit forbidden love, and the adults who raise children who have no one else to care for them.
I first heard of this story at Rainbow Con 2014 when Mr. Pace-Frech read an excerpt from the book. I couldn’t tell you now exactly which excerpt he chose but I can tell you it grabbed my attention and my heart.
The story is strongly based on organized religion and Bible texts but that should not dissuade anyone from reading it. This is part of the historical background that is important to the story and should be accepted as such.
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: Disappear With Me is an historical novel set in England at the turn of the 20th century. Mr. Pace-Frech has chosen a difficult writing style, telling a story in flashbacks, and pulled it off beautifully. This is the story of an Anglican priest who is accused of sodomy, which is not only believed to be wickedly sinful but is also against civil laws and punishable in the court system with jail time.
The story begins in 1910 as the accusations fly and the trial is about to begin. There are flashbacks that describe Leander’s life as an orphan in the care of a priest and continues through his childhood and his calling as a priest himself. The main characters are well developed and their backstories in evidence. There is also a strong cast of secondary characters.
I wanted this to turn out to be a romance and have a happy ending but that would not be true to the era or the society in which it takes place. This is a heartbreaking story but it is also a story of love, albeit forbidden love, and the adults who raise children who have no one else to care for them.
I first heard of this story at Rainbow Con 2014 when Mr. Pace-Frech read an excerpt from the book. I couldn’t tell you now exactly which excerpt he chose but I can tell you it grabbed my attention and my heart.
The story is strongly based on organized religion and Bible texts but that should not dissuade anyone from reading it. This is part of the historical background that is important to the story and should be accepted as such.
September 30, 2015
4.5 Stars
Review also posted on http://www.wodfreview.com
Another great historical written by an author that knows his history. I love a good historical, I especially love the ones that teach me things I may not have known and this story did that. Along with the history lesson is a really moving story of love, loss and extreme hardship.
This story isn’t a cookie cutter romance by any means. It put my emotions through the wringer and spit them out the other side. It was worth every tear, every bit of anger and all the heartache I felt, because in between all of that were some really beautiful times that made me smile and fall in love with the men in this story.
The bittersweet ending – which I’m not usually a fan of – is totally appropriate for this story and the era it takes place in. I say bittersweet ending but really the story itself is bittersweet, so not for the faint of heart or anyone looking for a sweet romance with an HEA.
The way the story is told takes a bit of getting used to. The back and forth between time periods can be confusing at first but once you’re into the story – which won’t take you long – it’s the perfect way to tell it. I’m really hoping there will be a sequel, the romantic in me wants her HEA!
I highly recommend this book to those that love historical stories and are looking for something different.
Review also posted on http://www.wodfreview.com
Another great historical written by an author that knows his history. I love a good historical, I especially love the ones that teach me things I may not have known and this story did that. Along with the history lesson is a really moving story of love, loss and extreme hardship.
This story isn’t a cookie cutter romance by any means. It put my emotions through the wringer and spit them out the other side. It was worth every tear, every bit of anger and all the heartache I felt, because in between all of that were some really beautiful times that made me smile and fall in love with the men in this story.
The bittersweet ending – which I’m not usually a fan of – is totally appropriate for this story and the era it takes place in. I say bittersweet ending but really the story itself is bittersweet, so not for the faint of heart or anyone looking for a sweet romance with an HEA.
The way the story is told takes a bit of getting used to. The back and forth between time periods can be confusing at first but once you’re into the story – which won’t take you long – it’s the perfect way to tell it. I’m really hoping there will be a sequel, the romantic in me wants her HEA!
I highly recommend this book to those that love historical stories and are looking for something different.
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