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Christmas Promise #1
A Christmas Promise
The last thing Micah Trant expects to find in the snow by the side of the road, is a badly beaten man. But when Micah discovers his identity, it feels like more than mere coincidence is at work here. Like modern day Good Samaritans, he and his dad offer the stranger a place to recuperate. After all, it’s almost Thanksgiving, and Greg is in no state to travel home. It’s not an entirely altruistic Micah wants answers, and he’s not the only one. Greg cannot believe the way things turned out. The odds of Micah being the one to find him have to be astronomical, but he accepts the kind offer. As days become weeks, Greg learns more about Micah’s family, and comes to realize that staying with them for a Wyoming Christmas might just provide him with the answers he’s been seeking. The magic of the holidays will also conjure up something neither Micah nor Greg expected…. 56,000 words. A stand alone tale for Christmas that guarantees no Bah, Humbug
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2017
144 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Wells
182 books1,857 followersK.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 1, 2017
A Christmas Promise is a poignant, heartwarming story about the true meaning of the holidays, regardless of which traditions you celebrate.
Micah finds a stranger badly beaten on the side of the road in the middle of Nowhere, Wyoming. Unknown to Micah at the time, the young man has a connection to Micah's dad.
While this is ultimately a story about Micah and Greg slowly falling in love as Micah takes care of Greg during his long recuperation (he's bruised and battered, and has a fractured femur), it's also a story about family, memories, loss, and grief.
Micah has a wonderful family; his dad, Joshua, and younger sister, Naomi, are supportive of his art and just want him to be happy. Joshua plays a big role in this book, and I would love to read his story. He lost his love not once but twice, and he deserves someone amazing in his life.
Greg and Micah's romance isn't dramatic or flashy. They're both fairly shy, and Greg has just come to terms with his sexuality. Greg is dealing with own pain and the shame he feels for not revealing everything about what happened the night he was hurt and left for dead.
This isn't a super steamy story, but there are plenty of tender kisses, quiet moments of comfort, and laughter. The ending is a tentative, albeit hopeful, HEA.
I just wish there had been more closure regarding Greg's attack (I know real life rarely provides all the answers, but I'm a big fan of justice, and those scumbags deserved the worst kind of punishment).
Micah finds a stranger badly beaten on the side of the road in the middle of Nowhere, Wyoming. Unknown to Micah at the time, the young man has a connection to Micah's dad.
While this is ultimately a story about Micah and Greg slowly falling in love as Micah takes care of Greg during his long recuperation (he's bruised and battered, and has a fractured femur), it's also a story about family, memories, loss, and grief.
Micah has a wonderful family; his dad, Joshua, and younger sister, Naomi, are supportive of his art and just want him to be happy. Joshua plays a big role in this book, and I would love to read his story. He lost his love not once but twice, and he deserves someone amazing in his life.
Greg and Micah's romance isn't dramatic or flashy. They're both fairly shy, and Greg has just come to terms with his sexuality. Greg is dealing with own pain and the shame he feels for not revealing everything about what happened the night he was hurt and left for dead.
This isn't a super steamy story, but there are plenty of tender kisses, quiet moments of comfort, and laughter. The ending is a tentative, albeit hopeful, HEA.
I just wish there had been more closure regarding Greg's attack (I know real life rarely provides all the answers, but I'm a big fan of justice, and those scumbags deserved the worst kind of punishment).
January 21, 2018
4 Stars
A really really touching Christmas story about lost love, regrets, and a chance or a push to live one’s life fully and truthfully.
When Micah spies a body along the side of the road and saves the broken young man, he never thought it would forever change his life. Little does he, nor Greg, the man he saved, know that fate has a funny way of revealing some shocking truths and bringing an amazing turn of events to both their lives.
This is brimming with emotions and sentimentality, and it was probably one of the most touching holiday reads I’ve read in a long time.
If you want to be moved, if you want to feel, and if you want the holiday spirit to rejuvenate your belief in love, in perhaps second chances, and to definitely renew your faith in the goodness of people, then this is it.
Bittersweet amongst some awful tragedy with a dash of sexy, this was both hopeful and uplifting with truly wonderful feels. The only thing missing was that much coveted epilogue.
A really really touching Christmas story about lost love, regrets, and a chance or a push to live one’s life fully and truthfully.
When Micah spies a body along the side of the road and saves the broken young man, he never thought it would forever change his life. Little does he, nor Greg, the man he saved, know that fate has a funny way of revealing some shocking truths and bringing an amazing turn of events to both their lives.
This is brimming with emotions and sentimentality, and it was probably one of the most touching holiday reads I’ve read in a long time.
If you want to be moved, if you want to feel, and if you want the holiday spirit to rejuvenate your belief in love, in perhaps second chances, and to definitely renew your faith in the goodness of people, then this is it.
Bittersweet amongst some awful tragedy with a dash of sexy, this was both hopeful and uplifting with truly wonderful feels. The only thing missing was that much coveted epilogue.
December 21, 2017
3.5 Sweet Stars
When Micah was going back home, in the road he found a body who was beaten up badly and was bloody and unconscious. He took the guy to the hospital. Micah found an envelope in the guy’s jacket and it had a name and address on it, Micah’s dad’s name and address!! But when Micah told about the guy and the envelope and his father saw the guy, said he doesn’t know him and has never met the guy!
This story was so so sweet, so much different from what I’ve read of her books so far! Despite being a fast-paced story, Micah and Greg’s love was so slow. I enjoyed it but there was something missing or maybe it was because of their slow-built love! But the thing that I loved in this story was the relationships, not just Micah & Gereg! The way Jashua (Micah’s father) treated his kid, full of love and of course with some sarcasm and definitely humor! This wasn’t really a romance; it was more a family book! loved Micah’s sister, definitely my fave character in this story! Told in dual POV, 3rd person. liked all the characters. Even though I didn’t love it but definitely liked it and enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy it as well!
When Micah was going back home, in the road he found a body who was beaten up badly and was bloody and unconscious. He took the guy to the hospital. Micah found an envelope in the guy’s jacket and it had a name and address on it, Micah’s dad’s name and address!! But when Micah told about the guy and the envelope and his father saw the guy, said he doesn’t know him and has never met the guy!
This story was so so sweet, so much different from what I’ve read of her books so far! Despite being a fast-paced story, Micah and Greg’s love was so slow. I enjoyed it but there was something missing or maybe it was because of their slow-built love! But the thing that I loved in this story was the relationships, not just Micah & Gereg! The way Jashua (Micah’s father) treated his kid, full of love and of course with some sarcasm and definitely humor! This wasn’t really a romance; it was more a family book! loved Micah’s sister, definitely my fave character in this story! Told in dual POV, 3rd person. liked all the characters. Even though I didn’t love it but definitely liked it and enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy it as well!
December 21, 2017
4.5 Stars
Set in Wyoming during the holidays, and featuring a wonderful cast of unforgettable characters, A Christmas Promise tells a truly heart-warming and moving story about family, friendship, loss, and profound love, both old and new.
Driving home one night, a young man named Micah finds a stranger broken and bleeding on the side of a desolate and snowy road. After rushing the man to the nearest hospital, Micah soon learns that the stranger’s name is Greg and that Greg was actually on his way to deliver an important letter to Micah’s father, Joshua, before he was so horribly hurt and left for dead.
After reading the letter, Joshua insists that Greg come home with him and Micah once he’s released from the hospital, where they will care for Greg as long as it takes for him to get back on his feet. It doesn’t matter to Joshua that Greg is practically a stranger; the ties Greg has to Joshua’s past are enough to make Joshua want to step in and help the young man in need.
What begins as a delicious hurt-comfort tale – featuring a sort-of mystery revolving around the significance of Joshua’s letter – becomes so much more as the story unfolds.
It’s a story of a family learning to find joy again in the holidays while still mourning the loss of their mother/wife.
It’s the story of a young man discovering himself and learning his place in the world after suffering his own major loss.
It’s a story about finding and embracing new family in the most unconventional of situations.
It’s about life and loss and love and laughter.
At times this story is deeply emotional, but ultimately it's life affirming, inspiring hope and happiness.
I loved watching Micah and Greg slowly, but surely, fall deeply in love.
I adored Joshua and I relished in the moments we got to learn about his past loves and losses.
I shed a fair few tears throughout this story, but I also finished feeling hopeful and extremely content.
This has certainly been my favourite holiday story this season and it may well even be my favourite K.C. Wells story to date. I can only hope other readers will find as much to love about this one as I did. <3
Set in Wyoming during the holidays, and featuring a wonderful cast of unforgettable characters, A Christmas Promise tells a truly heart-warming and moving story about family, friendship, loss, and profound love, both old and new.
Driving home one night, a young man named Micah finds a stranger broken and bleeding on the side of a desolate and snowy road. After rushing the man to the nearest hospital, Micah soon learns that the stranger’s name is Greg and that Greg was actually on his way to deliver an important letter to Micah’s father, Joshua, before he was so horribly hurt and left for dead.
After reading the letter, Joshua insists that Greg come home with him and Micah once he’s released from the hospital, where they will care for Greg as long as it takes for him to get back on his feet. It doesn’t matter to Joshua that Greg is practically a stranger; the ties Greg has to Joshua’s past are enough to make Joshua want to step in and help the young man in need.
What begins as a delicious hurt-comfort tale – featuring a sort-of mystery revolving around the significance of Joshua’s letter – becomes so much more as the story unfolds.
It’s a story of a family learning to find joy again in the holidays while still mourning the loss of their mother/wife.
It’s the story of a young man discovering himself and learning his place in the world after suffering his own major loss.
It’s a story about finding and embracing new family in the most unconventional of situations.
It’s about life and loss and love and laughter.
At times this story is deeply emotional, but ultimately it's life affirming, inspiring hope and happiness.
I loved watching Micah and Greg slowly, but surely, fall deeply in love.
I adored Joshua and I relished in the moments we got to learn about his past loves and losses.
I shed a fair few tears throughout this story, but I also finished feeling hopeful and extremely content.
This has certainly been my favourite holiday story this season and it may well even be my favourite K.C. Wells story to date. I can only hope other readers will find as much to love about this one as I did. <3
December 14, 2017
Wow... This is definitely one of my top favorite Christmas-themed Gay Romance stories I have ever read! It sorta starts out with a Christmas miracle which just happens to occur just before Thanksgiving. And that is how Greg comes to meet Micah... and they find out they are connected... more then they could have ever guessed... and as they begin to realize just how deep their personal emotional connection goes, so much so that both want the other to stay. This story brought many tears, some of sadness for the losses of Joshua and Greg's Father, the loss of a mother and wife by the Trant family. But also tears for joy as Micah and Greg fall in love and realize they have the chance to live the life their fathers were never allowed to. Overall this is a truly awesome story, it pushed all my buttons and definitely embodies a true belief in Christmas magic!!
Want to read
November 28, 2020Kindle freebie 11/28/20
December 18, 2017
A sweet book but the romance showed up so late in the story that by the time things finally happened I wasn’t that interested anymore.
The characters were three dimensional and likeable but the book left a lot to be desired on the romantic aspects that I was expecting out of a Christmas novel of this kind.
The steam was low on this one. Kind of a waste af a good 24 year old virgin, if you ask me.
The characters were three dimensional and likeable but the book left a lot to be desired on the romantic aspects that I was expecting out of a Christmas novel of this kind.
The steam was low on this one. Kind of a waste af a good 24 year old virgin, if you ask me.
December 15, 2018
*** A lovely M/M holiday romance !***
Micah finds an injured, beaten, broken man on the snowy roadside. Micah's Dad, Joshua, joins him at the hospital. Greg, our victim of gay bashing, was headed for Micah's Dad, Joshua, to deliver a letter.
These characters are realistic and we are engaged immediately. The mystery unravels slowly and we can't wait for this tale to be told.
It's Thanksgiving/Christmas time and Joshua, Micah and Naomi will be without their Mother.
Greg had just lost his Dad to cancer.
This is heartwarming, revealing, and deeply emotional. The banter is wonderful; the intense feelings had me crying near the ending.
LOVED IT !
ENJOY !
=========
Micah finds an injured, beaten, broken man on the snowy roadside. Micah's Dad, Joshua, joins him at the hospital. Greg, our victim of gay bashing, was headed for Micah's Dad, Joshua, to deliver a letter.
These characters are realistic and we are engaged immediately. The mystery unravels slowly and we can't wait for this tale to be told.
It's Thanksgiving/Christmas time and Joshua, Micah and Naomi will be without their Mother.
Greg had just lost his Dad to cancer.
This is heartwarming, revealing, and deeply emotional. The banter is wonderful; the intense feelings had me crying near the ending.
LOVED IT !
ENJOY !
=========
January 14, 2022
This one kind of threw me for a loop.
It was a lovely little freebie that I snagged.
Initially, I wasn't overly impressed but I pushed on.
And the next thing I knew, it was over.
AND there's a follow-up story that I *think* I need to read.
Ha.
What a nice surprise. This is why I rarely DNF.
You never know, sometimes, it takes a few more chapters to click.
*3.5 Hmm, that was pretty good stars*
It was a lovely little freebie that I snagged.
Initially, I wasn't overly impressed but I pushed on.
And the next thing I knew, it was over.
AND there's a follow-up story that I *think* I need to read.
Ha.
What a nice surprise. This is why I rarely DNF.
You never know, sometimes, it takes a few more chapters to click.
*3.5 Hmm, that was pretty good stars*
December 26, 2023
This was beautiful. Heartwarming. I loved this hurt-comfort, family rich Christmas read. Lots of emotion and depth, resolving grief and filled with hope it really was a lovely story. Can’t wait to read the sequel A Law of Miracles next. This story alone isn’t on KU but it’s included in Love Wins at Christmas which is a collection of this authors Christmas stories and is on KU.
December 9, 2017
I’ve really liked some of K.C. Wells’ books in the past (A Bond of Three, A Bond of Truth, An Unlocked Heart), but her more recent books don’t seem to appeal to me anymore. I had been hovering the one-click button for several days before I bought this for that reason. I’m sad to say this was a miss for me. Perhaps I should just stop reading K.C. Wells. :(
What bothered me most about this book that nothing was subtle. Everything was totally spelled out and some things were hinted as being very dramatic, but turned out to be anything but.
Like when someone made a joke and a person was laughing, the other person would ask, ‘why are you laughing?’ And then they would explain they thought it was a funny moment. Uhm, yes, I got that.
Or like when Joshua, Micah’s father, kept saying he would tell the story of his wife finding out about his past with Hayden later. I felt is had to be some kind if big secret he was going to reveal, but no nothing like that.
I don’t like books with too little dialogue or when people don’t talk to each other, but this was just too much. These people talked about everything. Every little thing was blown up without reason. Not that this was a dramatic or angsty book, not at all. It was just that these guy's talks felt over-explanative and therefore awkward. And I don’t mean just between the MCs, no, everyone’s talks were a bit strange and felt unauthentic.
While I think this low-angst book will appeal to a lot of people, I didn’t enjoy it.
What bothered me most about this book that nothing was subtle. Everything was totally spelled out and some things were hinted as being very dramatic, but turned out to be anything but.
Like when someone made a joke and a person was laughing, the other person would ask, ‘why are you laughing?’ And then they would explain they thought it was a funny moment. Uhm, yes, I got that.
Or like when Joshua, Micah’s father, kept saying he would tell the story of his wife finding out about his past with Hayden later. I felt is had to be some kind if big secret he was going to reveal, but no nothing like that.
I don’t like books with too little dialogue or when people don’t talk to each other, but this was just too much. These people talked about everything. Every little thing was blown up without reason. Not that this was a dramatic or angsty book, not at all. It was just that these guy's talks felt over-explanative and therefore awkward. And I don’t mean just between the MCs, no, everyone’s talks were a bit strange and felt unauthentic.
While I think this low-angst book will appeal to a lot of people, I didn’t enjoy it.
December 22, 2018
4 stars!! 🤩💕Lovely sentimental story with a lot of depth, some beautiful coincidences and magical connections. 💘This story was not only about Greg and Micah; but also about finding family among strangers, finding courage to move on after sadness, finding joy despite past disappointments and finally about finding that one person who embodies your all. This was a tear-jerker for sure but still ended up being quite an amazing Christmas story. 💕👍🎄
December 28, 2023
2,75 stars.
This was hard to rate.
It took me a while to get into the story, because the simple, a bit bland writing style didn't work well for me. For a long time the MCs Micah and Greg seemed to coexist, no slow falling in love was shown, there were no touches, no tender words or signs of growing attraction between them, and BAM, Greg acknowledged to himself that he more than liked Micah, and Micah felt he had feelings for Greg. Then they kissed a few times and had sex and were in love. 5 weeks of coexisting without a clue for the reader that there were growing feelings, and in 1 week they went from 0 to 100 (love) and the earlier bland feeling writing got sappy.
A few other things felt a bit overly constructed, mostly the life decisions surrounding their fathers.. why would for example Joshua (Micah's dad) stay silent that he was bisexual, leaving his gay son who had come out to both Joshua and Micah's mom (who even had known Joshua was bi) in the dark about his father's sexuality? Micah's dad was totally ok with Micah being gay, and supported him, but had kept this part of himself a secret?
Overall this was ok but far from the heartwarming novel I had hoped for.
This was hard to rate.
It took me a while to get into the story, because the simple, a bit bland writing style didn't work well for me. For a long time the MCs Micah and Greg seemed to coexist, no slow falling in love was shown, there were no touches, no tender words or signs of growing attraction between them, and BAM, Greg acknowledged to himself that he more than liked Micah, and Micah felt he had feelings for Greg. Then they kissed a few times and had sex and were in love. 5 weeks of coexisting without a clue for the reader that there were growing feelings, and in 1 week they went from 0 to 100 (love) and the earlier bland feeling writing got sappy.
A few other things felt a bit overly constructed, mostly the life decisions surrounding their fathers.. why would for example Joshua (Micah's dad) stay silent that he was bisexual, leaving his gay son who had come out to both Joshua and Micah's mom (who even had known Joshua was bi) in the dark about his father's sexuality? Micah's dad was totally ok with Micah being gay, and supported him, but had kept this part of himself a secret?
Overall this was ok but far from the heartwarming novel I had hoped for.
November 13, 2018
The right start for the holiday reading season ...
December 22, 2018
A solid 3.5 star !!!
Very cute and sweet... the perfect read for Christmas featuring lots of love, a great family and some amazing magic. I teared up a little too but it was worth it 😊😊
Very cute and sweet... the perfect read for Christmas featuring lots of love, a great family and some amazing magic. I teared up a little too but it was worth it 😊😊
December 7, 2017
It's no secret to anyone who follows and/or knows me that I adore the books this author writes, and this Christmas story is no exception.
The book begins with Micah Trant, early 20s, driving home at night, in the snow, somewhere in Wyoming, when the lights of his car shine upon what looks to be just a bundle of clothing. Micah stops the car and realizes that he has found a badly beaten young man who's nearly frozen to death.
Micah immediately takes the young man to the nearest hospital and refuses to leave him. Greg, the young man, may be a stranger, but Micah will not abandon him alone in a hospital, and certainly not once he finds out the extent of Greg's injuries.
Greg came to Wyoming to deliver a letter from his late father to Joshua Trant - who just happens to be Micah's father. Once that information is revealed, both Micah and Joshua convince Greg to come home with them to recuperate. Micah and his father and sister are still grieving the loss of their mother and wife not quite two years ago, while Greg is still struggling with the more recent loss of his father and the many years he missed out on truly knowing the man, since he was so very young when they divorced.
This story is a sweet and quiet romance as feelings start to develop between Micah and Greg, and also a tale of lost love, not just once but twice, bittersweet memories and grief for what might have been, if it hadn't been for societal norms and disapproving parents. It's about family, the one you're born into and the one you choose for yourself. It's about missing what you've lost, but also learning to live again.
Joshua, Micah's father, and Naomi, Micah's younger sister, play a huge role in this book as well - the focus isn't on the slowly developing romance - and they were both very supportive of Micah, his art, and his sexuality. I would love for Joshua to get his own story in a future book, one in which he learns to open himself up to living again and perhaps finding someone to spend the rest of his life with. My heart broke while reading about his grief, and the deep and abiding love he had for both Greg's father when they were mere teenage boys, and his wife, whom he lost too soon.
There are many poignant moments within, and as days turn into weeks, and the Trants and Greg prepare for Christmas, the story becomes about shared laughs and smiles, and finding joy again.
This is not a story filled with sexy times - while Micah may be a bit more experienced than Greg, neither has been in a relationship before, and Greg has only recently come to terms with his own sexuality. He's not out to his mother, and never had a chance to come out to his father either. There are tentative hugs that turn into sweet kisses and nights spent in the same bed, cuddling. And it's not about the sex - I think having Micah and Greg go at it repeatedly and explicitly would have been very detrimental to the story and the message of this book.
I think this book truly showcases the talent of this author - conveying real emotions with realistic, fully developed and complex characters that the reader can connect with and cheer on.
Recommend holiday reading!
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
The book begins with Micah Trant, early 20s, driving home at night, in the snow, somewhere in Wyoming, when the lights of his car shine upon what looks to be just a bundle of clothing. Micah stops the car and realizes that he has found a badly beaten young man who's nearly frozen to death.
Micah immediately takes the young man to the nearest hospital and refuses to leave him. Greg, the young man, may be a stranger, but Micah will not abandon him alone in a hospital, and certainly not once he finds out the extent of Greg's injuries.
Greg came to Wyoming to deliver a letter from his late father to Joshua Trant - who just happens to be Micah's father. Once that information is revealed, both Micah and Joshua convince Greg to come home with them to recuperate. Micah and his father and sister are still grieving the loss of their mother and wife not quite two years ago, while Greg is still struggling with the more recent loss of his father and the many years he missed out on truly knowing the man, since he was so very young when they divorced.
This story is a sweet and quiet romance as feelings start to develop between Micah and Greg, and also a tale of lost love, not just once but twice, bittersweet memories and grief for what might have been, if it hadn't been for societal norms and disapproving parents. It's about family, the one you're born into and the one you choose for yourself. It's about missing what you've lost, but also learning to live again.
Joshua, Micah's father, and Naomi, Micah's younger sister, play a huge role in this book as well - the focus isn't on the slowly developing romance - and they were both very supportive of Micah, his art, and his sexuality. I would love for Joshua to get his own story in a future book, one in which he learns to open himself up to living again and perhaps finding someone to spend the rest of his life with. My heart broke while reading about his grief, and the deep and abiding love he had for both Greg's father when they were mere teenage boys, and his wife, whom he lost too soon.
There are many poignant moments within, and as days turn into weeks, and the Trants and Greg prepare for Christmas, the story becomes about shared laughs and smiles, and finding joy again.
This is not a story filled with sexy times - while Micah may be a bit more experienced than Greg, neither has been in a relationship before, and Greg has only recently come to terms with his own sexuality. He's not out to his mother, and never had a chance to come out to his father either. There are tentative hugs that turn into sweet kisses and nights spent in the same bed, cuddling. And it's not about the sex - I think having Micah and Greg go at it repeatedly and explicitly would have been very detrimental to the story and the message of this book.
I think this book truly showcases the talent of this author - conveying real emotions with realistic, fully developed and complex characters that the reader can connect with and cheer on.
Recommend holiday reading!
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
December 14, 2018
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Mie care lettrici, il periodo di Natale è alle porte e so che molte di voi hanno un debole per le novelle natalizie, quelle storie coccolose che avvolgono come una coperta e regalano momenti piacevoli. "Una promessa di Natale" è tutto questo: una cittadina del Wyoming innevata, una famiglia che accoglie in casa un ragazzo bisognoso di cure, generosità e affetto famigliare portano i personaggi a trascorrere le feste insieme fino al giorno di Natale. Una storia che inizia da una strana ed inaspettata coincidenza e termina con un piccolo miracolo tutto natalizio. La Wells ci regala una storia dove la famiglia è la protagonista assoluta, il passato ed il presente si intrecciano, rivelazioni e ricordi di un passato lontano portano a far unire ancora di più Micah e suo padre, la generosità della famiglia Trant e l'affetto incondizionato fanno sì che Greg scopra se stesso e trovi la sua strada. Il tutto nel bozzolo accogliente di una casa dove l'amore ed il rispetto, il dialogo e le punzecchiature affettuose uniscono una famiglia che ha bisogno di ritrovare la serenità delle feste. È una bella storia corale, molto dolce e ben scritta, i protagonisti nella loro semplicità sono ben caratterizzati. Micah è l'artista dolce e generoso che con sensibilità si prende cura dei suoi cari; Greg è un ragazzo alla ricerca di risposte su di sé e sul suo passato; Joshua è un padre amorevole, un uomo che ha perso tanto ma che per amore dei figli non si arrende; Naomi è la sorella di Micah ed è irriverente e scanzonata..
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Mie care lettrici, il periodo di Natale è alle porte e so che molte di voi hanno un debole per le novelle natalizie, quelle storie coccolose che avvolgono come una coperta e regalano momenti piacevoli. "Una promessa di Natale" è tutto questo: una cittadina del Wyoming innevata, una famiglia che accoglie in casa un ragazzo bisognoso di cure, generosità e affetto famigliare portano i personaggi a trascorrere le feste insieme fino al giorno di Natale. Una storia che inizia da una strana ed inaspettata coincidenza e termina con un piccolo miracolo tutto natalizio. La Wells ci regala una storia dove la famiglia è la protagonista assoluta, il passato ed il presente si intrecciano, rivelazioni e ricordi di un passato lontano portano a far unire ancora di più Micah e suo padre, la generosità della famiglia Trant e l'affetto incondizionato fanno sì che Greg scopra se stesso e trovi la sua strada. Il tutto nel bozzolo accogliente di una casa dove l'amore ed il rispetto, il dialogo e le punzecchiature affettuose uniscono una famiglia che ha bisogno di ritrovare la serenità delle feste. È una bella storia corale, molto dolce e ben scritta, i protagonisti nella loro semplicità sono ben caratterizzati. Micah è l'artista dolce e generoso che con sensibilità si prende cura dei suoi cari; Greg è un ragazzo alla ricerca di risposte su di sé e sul suo passato; Joshua è un padre amorevole, un uomo che ha perso tanto ma che per amore dei figli non si arrende; Naomi è la sorella di Micah ed è irriverente e scanzonata..
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December 1, 20174.5 stars
When Micah finds a badly beaten man on the side of the road his first thought is to help. As Greg is recovering in the hospital, with Micah by his side, a strange coincidence is discovered. By this twist of fate, Greg finds himself taken in by Micah and his father, Joshua, as he recovers from his injuries.
Something in Joshua’s past is the reason Greg was travelling when Micah found him. Joshua’s story is a bit heartbreaking, but also plays a big part in building Greg’s resolve to finally be true to himself. It takes a while but Greg eventually realizes he is attracted to Micah, who feels the same way, but as often happens, someone needs a bit of a push to make his move. As Thanksgiving passes to Christmas and everyone gets to know each other, Micah and Greg move from strangers to friends and their building mutual attraction ultimately results in them falling in love.
This story captures many moods of the holiday season, including celebrating with family, remembering loved ones no longer with us and a bit of the holiday magic that just might be helping nudge fate along. Add in some holiday lights, and what you have is a touching, sweet slow build romance with a fitting happy ending for two young men ready to start the rest of their lives together.
When Micah finds a badly beaten man on the side of the road his first thought is to help. As Greg is recovering in the hospital, with Micah by his side, a strange coincidence is discovered. By this twist of fate, Greg finds himself taken in by Micah and his father, Joshua, as he recovers from his injuries.
Something in Joshua’s past is the reason Greg was travelling when Micah found him. Joshua’s story is a bit heartbreaking, but also plays a big part in building Greg’s resolve to finally be true to himself. It takes a while but Greg eventually realizes he is attracted to Micah, who feels the same way, but as often happens, someone needs a bit of a push to make his move. As Thanksgiving passes to Christmas and everyone gets to know each other, Micah and Greg move from strangers to friends and their building mutual attraction ultimately results in them falling in love.
This story captures many moods of the holiday season, including celebrating with family, remembering loved ones no longer with us and a bit of the holiday magic that just might be helping nudge fate along. Add in some holiday lights, and what you have is a touching, sweet slow build romance with a fitting happy ending for two young men ready to start the rest of their lives together.
March 3, 2024
Un cuadro de comedor. Decir que es un libro malo es ser extremadamente amable con la autora.
La calidad de la escritura es bajísima, la historia es predecible e inverosímil a partes iguales y los personajes son planos y poco interesantes.
Jamás me volveré a fiar del stuff my kindle day por recomendarme esto.
La calidad de la escritura es bajísima, la historia es predecible e inverosímil a partes iguales y los personajes son planos y poco interesantes.
Jamás me volveré a fiar del stuff my kindle day por recomendarme esto.
January 4, 2018
This story appealed to me in the way that it approached grief at the holidays. I thought it was spot on.
All of the preparation and planning and shopping and running around like stupid people and then the climatic moment, whether it’s Christmas Eve laden with tradition or the Christmas Day adrenaline spike, one simple song will play that you’ve heard a million times, one look out the window to the snowy landscape, one candle lit at midnight mass, one taste of the pasta with clam sauce, or the ham, or the sugar cookie, just one, and kapow! Your loss hits you like a tidal wave and knocks you right on your ass.
There you are, flat on your back, and you have to remember to get your ass up and get moving. It’s the holidays and we must be happy at the holidays! One moment, every year, every single time.
Anyone who has experienced loss knows what the hell I’m talking about. I thought the author gave an articulate, sensitive portrayal with these characters. It was comforting. Always good to know you are not alone.
I was much more enamored of the family as a whole and the way they managed to pull it all together for the holidays. I was not as impressed with the romance between our two MC’s. It felt implausible to me.
The last of a fine list of holiday reads for me this year.
Time to move on. If I left any unread on my TBR list, why there’s always next Christmas.
It’ll come. It always does. You learn to deal. Thank you Dear Author for making it a little bit easier to bear.
All of the preparation and planning and shopping and running around like stupid people and then the climatic moment, whether it’s Christmas Eve laden with tradition or the Christmas Day adrenaline spike, one simple song will play that you’ve heard a million times, one look out the window to the snowy landscape, one candle lit at midnight mass, one taste of the pasta with clam sauce, or the ham, or the sugar cookie, just one, and kapow! Your loss hits you like a tidal wave and knocks you right on your ass.
There you are, flat on your back, and you have to remember to get your ass up and get moving. It’s the holidays and we must be happy at the holidays! One moment, every year, every single time.
Anyone who has experienced loss knows what the hell I’m talking about. I thought the author gave an articulate, sensitive portrayal with these characters. It was comforting. Always good to know you are not alone.
I was much more enamored of the family as a whole and the way they managed to pull it all together for the holidays. I was not as impressed with the romance between our two MC’s. It felt implausible to me.
The last of a fine list of holiday reads for me this year.
Time to move on. If I left any unread on my TBR list, why there’s always next Christmas.
It’ll come. It always does. You learn to deal. Thank you Dear Author for making it a little bit easier to bear.
December 19, 2017
1. K. C. Wells is pretty much an automatic buy for me.
2. I really was grooving on the family unit vibe in this story.
3. All the four major characters were like-able.
4. There was a sappiness that is only acceptable during a holiday read.
5. The ending was sweet/sappy and very rushed. I honestly had some serious questions about it. the more I think about it the more I'm annoyed by the fast ending.
2. I really was grooving on the family unit vibe in this story.
3. All the four major characters were like-able.
4. There was a sappiness that is only acceptable during a holiday read.
5. The ending was sweet/sappy and very rushed. I honestly had some serious questions about it. the more I think about it the more I'm annoyed by the fast ending.
November 24, 2021
Sad, beautiful and at the same time managing the holiday feels. This was a stunning read.
June 8, 2018
A Christmas Promise
A bit of Christmas luck…
This is truly a sweet, gay romance. Take homely family love and caring, add small town, middle American companionability, and throw in a bit of Christmas luck, and you have a story to warm the heart; which is not to say that the tale does not have a glimmer of the darker side of life (but that only serves to draw these characters together). This is a story about how ordinary people can overcome hurt, and make something meaningful. I should point out that the romance does not dominate this book: it only takes off about half way through. This is really a story about a good family, and of course making couples is a part of that. I cared about these characters: not just Greg and Micah (the main protagonists), but the whole cast. They each have an individuality and hint of something special that makes them interesting. The plot is not full of action, but instead has lots of relating (we get to know these people: their histories). The book is certainly not boring, especially if you are people oriented. There is included the usual two sex scenes, but this is not at all erotica.
This is definitely one of the better novels I have read this year. It would be ideal for Christmas reading, but can be enjoyed any time of year. This one is definitely worth 5 stars.
December 6, 2017
KC's first Christmas novella, and there were plenty of Christmassy feels in there, although I personally still didn't feel that much of a connection between Micah and Greg by the end of the story I have to admit. I had read things into the background of Joshua and Hayden, and was happy that they were true but not so happy about the resolution obviously; I also wanted a more conclusive end to the as it seemed to get buried in everything else that happened but I know that in RL those things seldom end with a successful prosecution. 4 stars from me.
December 10, 2017
Oh, what an incredibly sweet story. I had tears, I had tissues, I snuffled into Faith's fur as I read Greg and Micah's story. In a way, the focus of the story is more about family, past and present, and what could have been. Would I object to a little more of their relationship in another story? That would be a bonus. If you want fireworks, this isn't the story for you. This is like a Christmas movie; a slow start, but a lovely burn, and just right for Christmas.
December 8, 2017
The ending made it better, but it was too depressing to me.
December 3, 2017
This is a sweet, slow-burn, holiday romance—the kind I like to curl up with when I’m in need of some warm and fuzzy feelings.
When Micah Trant finds a young man lying in the snow beside the road in rural Wyoming, his first thought is to rush him to the nearest hospital, which happens to be an hour away. It never occurs to him that the young man may have been the victim of a hate crime or that the guy, Greg, would end up being to be the key to Micah’s future happiness.
It turns out that when Greg awakens in the hospital he asks Micah for help finding a letter written by his recently deceased father. He’d made a promise to his dad before his death that he’d make sure the letter was delivered. And he’d decided to deliver it in person out of curiosity and the desire to learn a little more about his father, since he’d been estranged from the man all his life and Greg wants answers.
A twist of fate is revealed when they find the letter and he learns that the letter is to his father’s long lost BFF, who is also the boy he loved once upon a time, and that boy was none other than Micah’s father, Joshua. While Greg recuperates from his broken leg, and the truth is revealed to both Micah and Joshua, a few decisions are made that will affect everyone over the next few months. Greg will stay with the Trants while he recovers. Joshua insists. But to complicate all the good holiday feelings that go with this decision there’s one other issue on the horizon—Micah’s mother, the woman Joshua loved dearly, will have been dead two years on Christmas Day and she is sadly missed.
Stir in a little sexual attraction between the two young men and a lot of inexperience—Greg has never even been kissed, and Micah has had limited experience—add to that a whole host of tender feelings while Greg recuperates and Micah assists him to meet his everyday needs, and we have a nice, sweet, slow-burn romance—my favorite kind.
There’s no major heart-stopping issue in this one—it’s simply a lovely romantic tale that sure to delight those of us who appreciate a warm and fuzzy holiday romance with two sweet young men who find each other in a bizarre twist of fate. Or was there a little help from Micah’s deceased mother or Greg’s deceased father—or both? Highly recommended.
Note: A copy of this ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
When Micah Trant finds a young man lying in the snow beside the road in rural Wyoming, his first thought is to rush him to the nearest hospital, which happens to be an hour away. It never occurs to him that the young man may have been the victim of a hate crime or that the guy, Greg, would end up being to be the key to Micah’s future happiness.
It turns out that when Greg awakens in the hospital he asks Micah for help finding a letter written by his recently deceased father. He’d made a promise to his dad before his death that he’d make sure the letter was delivered. And he’d decided to deliver it in person out of curiosity and the desire to learn a little more about his father, since he’d been estranged from the man all his life and Greg wants answers.
A twist of fate is revealed when they find the letter and he learns that the letter is to his father’s long lost BFF, who is also the boy he loved once upon a time, and that boy was none other than Micah’s father, Joshua. While Greg recuperates from his broken leg, and the truth is revealed to both Micah and Joshua, a few decisions are made that will affect everyone over the next few months. Greg will stay with the Trants while he recovers. Joshua insists. But to complicate all the good holiday feelings that go with this decision there’s one other issue on the horizon—Micah’s mother, the woman Joshua loved dearly, will have been dead two years on Christmas Day and she is sadly missed.
Stir in a little sexual attraction between the two young men and a lot of inexperience—Greg has never even been kissed, and Micah has had limited experience—add to that a whole host of tender feelings while Greg recuperates and Micah assists him to meet his everyday needs, and we have a nice, sweet, slow-burn romance—my favorite kind.
There’s no major heart-stopping issue in this one—it’s simply a lovely romantic tale that sure to delight those of us who appreciate a warm and fuzzy holiday romance with two sweet young men who find each other in a bizarre twist of fate. Or was there a little help from Micah’s deceased mother or Greg’s deceased father—or both? Highly recommended.
Note: A copy of this ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2021
Po raz kolejny okazuje się, że K.C. Wells chyba nie jest autorką dla mnie...
Interesujący punkt wyjścia jak zwykle zostaje szybko zapominany i tak naprawdę wspomniany gdzieś pod koniec ze dwa razy, żeby nie było, że się zagubił. Książka składa się w większości z dialogów, naprawdę dużej ilości dialogów, co nie pozostawia specjalnie miejsca na nic więcej. Wszystko jest poprawne, wszystko się dzieje we właściwym czasie, odpowiednie słowa są wypowiadane wtedy, kiedy są potrzebne, a jednocześnie wszystko jest właściwie wyzute z uczuć. Ta naprawdę jedyne emocje wywołują dwa listy - zwłaszcza pierwszy. Romans między Micah a Gregiem wydaje się być wymuszony - autorka w 2/3 książki przypomniała sobie, że czas by zacząć dawać jakieś sygnały, że chłopaki są sobą zainteresowane, a mniej więcej w 3/4 coś zaczęła z tym robić. Szczerze mówiąc, bardziej mnie przekonał romans z przeszłości, który wcale tak mało miejsca nie zajmował, niż ten dziejący się w teraźniejszości. Autorka bardziej się skupiła na interakcjach rodzinnych, niż na wątku romansowym. Co oczywiście nie byłoby złe,wręcz przeciwnie - mogłoby być super, gdyby nie oznaczało właściwie tylko dialogów i opisów wykonywanych czynności...
Interesujący punkt wyjścia jak zwykle zostaje szybko zapominany i tak naprawdę wspomniany gdzieś pod koniec ze dwa razy, żeby nie było, że się zagubił. Książka składa się w większości z dialogów, naprawdę dużej ilości dialogów, co nie pozostawia specjalnie miejsca na nic więcej. Wszystko jest poprawne, wszystko się dzieje we właściwym czasie, odpowiednie słowa są wypowiadane wtedy, kiedy są potrzebne, a jednocześnie wszystko jest właściwie wyzute z uczuć. Ta naprawdę jedyne emocje wywołują dwa listy - zwłaszcza pierwszy. Romans między Micah a Gregiem wydaje się być wymuszony - autorka w 2/3 książki przypomniała sobie, że czas by zacząć dawać jakieś sygnały, że chłopaki są sobą zainteresowane, a mniej więcej w 3/4 coś zaczęła z tym robić. Szczerze mówiąc, bardziej mnie przekonał romans z przeszłości, który wcale tak mało miejsca nie zajmował, niż ten dziejący się w teraźniejszości. Autorka bardziej się skupiła na interakcjach rodzinnych, niż na wątku romansowym. Co oczywiście nie byłoby złe,wręcz przeciwnie - mogłoby być super, gdyby nie oznaczało właściwie tylko dialogów i opisów wykonywanych czynności...
December 16, 2017
I love Christmas stories and gay romance. Sometimes the gayness of the characters is secondary to the romance or the Christmas theme, and that’s OK, but in this case the fact that the main characters are gay takes front seat to everything else. Let me tell you why.
Micah is driving home on a snowy night in a desolate part of Wyoming when his headlights bounce off of what appears to be a body on the side of the road. Hoping the person is not dead, Micah stops and discovers the man is still living, so he picks him up and takes him to a hospital. It is there that Micah discovers the amazing coincidence that the injured man was on his way to see Micah’s father. None of these men knows each other.
When Greg gains consciousness he explains that his father has recently died and left instructions for Greg personally to take a sealed envelope to Joshua Trent, who is Micah’s dad.
As the story of Greg’s father and Micah’s father slowly is revealed it turns out that the young men and their fathers have more in common that anyone realized. There is a long ago love story and a gently developing love story that makes the Christmas season into something that makes Christmas become the season of love and caring it should be.
I loved this book so much and recommend it highly.
Micah is driving home on a snowy night in a desolate part of Wyoming when his headlights bounce off of what appears to be a body on the side of the road. Hoping the person is not dead, Micah stops and discovers the man is still living, so he picks him up and takes him to a hospital. It is there that Micah discovers the amazing coincidence that the injured man was on his way to see Micah’s father. None of these men knows each other.
When Greg gains consciousness he explains that his father has recently died and left instructions for Greg personally to take a sealed envelope to Joshua Trent, who is Micah’s dad.
As the story of Greg’s father and Micah’s father slowly is revealed it turns out that the young men and their fathers have more in common that anyone realized. There is a long ago love story and a gently developing love story that makes the Christmas season into something that makes Christmas become the season of love and caring it should be.
I loved this book so much and recommend it highly.
December 6, 2018
Che meraviglia leggere un libro gradevole che ti fa sorridere, commuovere e riflettere in un caleidoscopio di emozioni incredibile. È ciò che è successo a me leggendo Una promessa di Natale edito da Quixote.
Un romanzo così tenero eppure pregno di avvenimenti e scelte cruciali, alcune semplici altre meno; una circostanza che senza dubbio fa accapponare la pelle per l’ordita, crudele trappola inferta a uno dei protagonisti ma che serve a riportarci alla realtà. Un romanzo che pur lasciandoci innamorare non dimentica di sottolineare l’abominio del pensiero omofobo, la cattiveria con cui l’uomo ignorante e meschino infierisce elevandosi a giudice ed esecutore. Il pregiudizio, la paura di dichiararsi, il sollievo di sentirsi compresi, la bellezza di essere accolti. Una storia calda e accogliente come le pareti domestiche dentro cui per gran parte è ambientata, ma non lasciatevi ingannare dalla semplicità apparente delle circostanze: questa storia racconta molto di più.
Più di tutto, in questo romanzo dai toni lievemente malinconici, mi ha toccata la storia di Joshua e Hayden. Un amore intenso che segnerà tutta la loro vita, sbocciato in un periodo storico e in uno stato americano del sud in cui definire abominio la loro unione è un eufemismo. I due ragazzi porteranno per sempre i segni di quello strappo, di quell’ingiusta scelta compiuta dalle loro famiglie. Eppure uno solo di loro sopravvivrà riscoprendo altre forme d’amore e lo farà non tanto grazie alla sua forza d’animo ma alla vicinanza di una donna comprensiva. Quando dico comprensiva non intendo mansueta, che sceglie di non vedere, intendo questa parola nel suo senso più elevato: lei capisce, affronta la realtà e insieme costruiscono un amore diverso, tutto loro ma profondo che durerà per tutto il resto delle loro vite. Lei non gli chiede di dimenticare, costruisce semplicemente un nuovo futuro per entrambi. Per questo lui l’amerà moltissimo anche se mai potrà dimenticare il suo primo compagno e grande amore della vita. Hayden invece sceglierà dopo aver tentato di omologarsi alle aspettative della massa, la via della solitudine preoccupato di poter traviare, imbarazzare e forse “contagiare” il proprio figlio. Una separazione forzata che sarà un strappo al suo cuore già provato e che per fortuna troverà, in fine, un angolo di sollievo…
" Ricordati di me, Joshua, ricordati di ciò che abbiamo condiviso. Guardo com’è cambiato il mondo e a una parte di me piace immaginare che anche noi avremmo potuto avere ciò che altri hanno adesso. Un matrimonio, l’uguaglianza…
La felicità.
Hayden"
In questo romanzo Joshua ricopre un ruolo fondamentale a cavallo tra una figura paterna, un sostegno, un pertugio per conoscere il passato e forse comprenderlo; senza dubbio una base affettivamente rassicurante per i due ragazzi protagonisti. Lo fa con i suoi modi spicci e i frequenti scambi di battute con i figli e il loro ospite, lo fa con la sua presenza che non è mai solo fisica ma mentale, soprattutto. Lui capisce e sembra vedere anche un filino avanti agli altri. Quest’uomo che per la seconda volta ha perso l’amore, strappato via a forza, che con un filo di malinconia e molta ironia e sagacia si aggira quieto per le stanze della sua casa e accetta di ricordare, si commuove ma anche sceglie di condividere e aiuta i due ragazzi a comprendere ciò che vogliono.
La storia nella sua interezza risulta molto piacevole e ben strutturata, la trama è interessante e ricca di aneddoti, ricordi. I personaggi sono ben caratterizzati e benché sia chiaro che i protagonisti sono Micah e Greg è molto difficile separarli dal resto della famiglia, Naomi o Joshua appunto. Sono una famiglia molto unita e non solo perché siamo prossimi al giorno del Ringraziamento e al Natale ma proprio perché questo piccolo nucleo familiare, devastato da una perdita immensa come la morte della mamma, e moglie di Josh, dimostra resilienza e tutta la forza che l’amore può donare per cercare di riprendere a vivere, senza dimenticare certo, ma anche senza crogiolarsi nel dolore e restare indifferenti al mondo.
Micah è gay dichiarato, anche se non ha mai trovato nessuno a cui donare il proprio cuore. È un artista, dipinge e fotografa con un’attitudine e una passione che lo portano ad essere prossimo ad esporre i suoi lavori in una mostra personale. Sensibile e buono di cuore, sarà lui a soccorrere Greg nel momento più critico.
Greg invece è più un solitario, che non ha ancora dichiarato apertamente le sue scelte sessuali e anche a causa di ciò subisce un’aggressione che nella sua bieca motivazione, lo scopriremo leggendo questi appassionanti passi del libro, è al contempo la soluzione salvifica al suo stato di incertezza sotto molti aspetti.
Innamorarsi di questi due personaggi è semplicissimo, così come apprezzare l’armonia domestica che si respira nella loro dimora.
Il loro amore sboccia silenzioso e attende nel cuore di ognuno il momento propizio per emergere con tutta la passione e lo slancio che reca con sé e anche con un pizzico di sorpresa e scoperta del piacere della sessualità vissuta accanto alla persona amata. Perché diciamocelo, le avventure possono dare sollievo ma nulla è paragonabile all’unione di due corpi e due anime!!
" Prego che tu possa trovare qualcuno da amare e che ti ami con tutto il cuore. Non accettare niente di meno di un amore travolgente, perché esiste davvero, Greg, e io spero che tu possa trovarlo"
Io penso che questo romanzo natalizio, vada oltre al semplice dono miracoloso portato dall’atmosfera festosa, oltre alla neve, che peraltro in Wyoming non potrebbe mai costituire elemento di sorpresa. Penso che la delicatezza e la profondità con cui vengono descritti sia la storia che i sentimenti, il fatto che tutto avvenga fondamentalmente nello spazio di un’abitazione, renda questo libro speciale e bellissimo. Privo di fronzoli, distrazioni o grandi imprese, vi colpirà il cuore con l’essenzialità del messaggio che vuole portarci.
Penso proprio che lo rileggerò ancora, con calma, e consiglio a tutti i lettori e le lettrici amanti del genere, di non lasciarselo scappare.
.
La Min - per RFS
Un romanzo così tenero eppure pregno di avvenimenti e scelte cruciali, alcune semplici altre meno; una circostanza che senza dubbio fa accapponare la pelle per l’ordita, crudele trappola inferta a uno dei protagonisti ma che serve a riportarci alla realtà. Un romanzo che pur lasciandoci innamorare non dimentica di sottolineare l’abominio del pensiero omofobo, la cattiveria con cui l’uomo ignorante e meschino infierisce elevandosi a giudice ed esecutore. Il pregiudizio, la paura di dichiararsi, il sollievo di sentirsi compresi, la bellezza di essere accolti. Una storia calda e accogliente come le pareti domestiche dentro cui per gran parte è ambientata, ma non lasciatevi ingannare dalla semplicità apparente delle circostanze: questa storia racconta molto di più.
Più di tutto, in questo romanzo dai toni lievemente malinconici, mi ha toccata la storia di Joshua e Hayden. Un amore intenso che segnerà tutta la loro vita, sbocciato in un periodo storico e in uno stato americano del sud in cui definire abominio la loro unione è un eufemismo. I due ragazzi porteranno per sempre i segni di quello strappo, di quell’ingiusta scelta compiuta dalle loro famiglie. Eppure uno solo di loro sopravvivrà riscoprendo altre forme d’amore e lo farà non tanto grazie alla sua forza d’animo ma alla vicinanza di una donna comprensiva. Quando dico comprensiva non intendo mansueta, che sceglie di non vedere, intendo questa parola nel suo senso più elevato: lei capisce, affronta la realtà e insieme costruiscono un amore diverso, tutto loro ma profondo che durerà per tutto il resto delle loro vite. Lei non gli chiede di dimenticare, costruisce semplicemente un nuovo futuro per entrambi. Per questo lui l’amerà moltissimo anche se mai potrà dimenticare il suo primo compagno e grande amore della vita. Hayden invece sceglierà dopo aver tentato di omologarsi alle aspettative della massa, la via della solitudine preoccupato di poter traviare, imbarazzare e forse “contagiare” il proprio figlio. Una separazione forzata che sarà un strappo al suo cuore già provato e che per fortuna troverà, in fine, un angolo di sollievo…
" Ricordati di me, Joshua, ricordati di ciò che abbiamo condiviso. Guardo com’è cambiato il mondo e a una parte di me piace immaginare che anche noi avremmo potuto avere ciò che altri hanno adesso. Un matrimonio, l’uguaglianza…
La felicità.
Hayden"
In questo romanzo Joshua ricopre un ruolo fondamentale a cavallo tra una figura paterna, un sostegno, un pertugio per conoscere il passato e forse comprenderlo; senza dubbio una base affettivamente rassicurante per i due ragazzi protagonisti. Lo fa con i suoi modi spicci e i frequenti scambi di battute con i figli e il loro ospite, lo fa con la sua presenza che non è mai solo fisica ma mentale, soprattutto. Lui capisce e sembra vedere anche un filino avanti agli altri. Quest’uomo che per la seconda volta ha perso l’amore, strappato via a forza, che con un filo di malinconia e molta ironia e sagacia si aggira quieto per le stanze della sua casa e accetta di ricordare, si commuove ma anche sceglie di condividere e aiuta i due ragazzi a comprendere ciò che vogliono.
La storia nella sua interezza risulta molto piacevole e ben strutturata, la trama è interessante e ricca di aneddoti, ricordi. I personaggi sono ben caratterizzati e benché sia chiaro che i protagonisti sono Micah e Greg è molto difficile separarli dal resto della famiglia, Naomi o Joshua appunto. Sono una famiglia molto unita e non solo perché siamo prossimi al giorno del Ringraziamento e al Natale ma proprio perché questo piccolo nucleo familiare, devastato da una perdita immensa come la morte della mamma, e moglie di Josh, dimostra resilienza e tutta la forza che l’amore può donare per cercare di riprendere a vivere, senza dimenticare certo, ma anche senza crogiolarsi nel dolore e restare indifferenti al mondo.
Micah è gay dichiarato, anche se non ha mai trovato nessuno a cui donare il proprio cuore. È un artista, dipinge e fotografa con un’attitudine e una passione che lo portano ad essere prossimo ad esporre i suoi lavori in una mostra personale. Sensibile e buono di cuore, sarà lui a soccorrere Greg nel momento più critico.
Greg invece è più un solitario, che non ha ancora dichiarato apertamente le sue scelte sessuali e anche a causa di ciò subisce un’aggressione che nella sua bieca motivazione, lo scopriremo leggendo questi appassionanti passi del libro, è al contempo la soluzione salvifica al suo stato di incertezza sotto molti aspetti.
Innamorarsi di questi due personaggi è semplicissimo, così come apprezzare l’armonia domestica che si respira nella loro dimora.
Il loro amore sboccia silenzioso e attende nel cuore di ognuno il momento propizio per emergere con tutta la passione e lo slancio che reca con sé e anche con un pizzico di sorpresa e scoperta del piacere della sessualità vissuta accanto alla persona amata. Perché diciamocelo, le avventure possono dare sollievo ma nulla è paragonabile all’unione di due corpi e due anime!!
" Prego che tu possa trovare qualcuno da amare e che ti ami con tutto il cuore. Non accettare niente di meno di un amore travolgente, perché esiste davvero, Greg, e io spero che tu possa trovarlo"
Io penso che questo romanzo natalizio, vada oltre al semplice dono miracoloso portato dall’atmosfera festosa, oltre alla neve, che peraltro in Wyoming non potrebbe mai costituire elemento di sorpresa. Penso che la delicatezza e la profondità con cui vengono descritti sia la storia che i sentimenti, il fatto che tutto avvenga fondamentalmente nello spazio di un’abitazione, renda questo libro speciale e bellissimo. Privo di fronzoli, distrazioni o grandi imprese, vi colpirà il cuore con l’essenzialità del messaggio che vuole portarci.
Penso proprio che lo rileggerò ancora, con calma, e consiglio a tutti i lettori e le lettrici amanti del genere, di non lasciarselo scappare.
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La Min - per RFS
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