The Handyman's Dream

The Handyman #1

by Nick Poff

"Ed couldn't help it. In the days that followed, he couldn't get the new mailman out of his mind. From the time he had broken up with Cathy Carroll after high school graduation and had devoted himself exclusively to the pursuit of those whose body parts matched his own, Ed had had an image in his mind, a full-blown mental picture of the perfect guy. That first day, when the new mailman dropped a handful of bills into Ed's mailbox, Ed knew he had found him." Told with warmth, humor, and optimism, The Handyman's Dream is a story for everyone who has ever had a fantasy about the perfect mate. Ed Stephens is a small town handyman. He also happens to be gay and lonely. Ed is practical enough to realize that finding a man in Porterfield, Indiana -- population nine thousand -- is unlikely, so he's shocked and amazed when the man of his dreams suddenly begins delivering his mail each day. Suspecting Fate has lent him a helping hand, Ed schemes to meet the mailman, Rick Benton -- hard-working and responsible -- who has moved to Porterfield to lend a helping hand to his sister, a single parent. Rick, it turns out, is gay and lonely as well. When Ed and Rick meet the attraction is spontaneous and mutual, and soon loneliness is forgotten in the joy of falling in love. As their relationship grows and deepens, they find themselves dealing with the same situations every couple the reactions of friends and families, job responsibilities, and whether their love is a strong enough foundation for a long-term relationship. Ed and Rick, though, have another problem to cope with as well -- whether a small, Indiana town is the best place for two men to build a life together in the early 1980's. With a soundtrack of timeless pop classics, the story of Ed and Rick is a heart-warming journey from that special first kiss to the golden moment when one couple realizes their love is strong enough to endure any and all hardships. Gay or straight, you'll enjoy the ride

Genres: M M Romance, Gay

324 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Nick Poff enjoyed a long career in the radio industry until technology took all the fun out of it. That same technology, however, enabled him to pursue another dream -- writing and publishing stories about everyday gay men in the "flyover states" of the US. A widower, Nick lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he currently has a day job in the transit industry to take care of the mortgage payments on a home in an historical early twentieth century neighborhood, and cover the Friskies expenses for his current feline companion, Jasper.

His first novel, THE HANDYMAN'S DREAM, became the beginning of a series of books about gay handyman Ed Stephens. In this book, Ed meets his dream man, Rick Benton, in the autumn of 1980, and Ed enjoys all the exciting and beautiful aspects of falling in love. The story continues with THE HANDYMAN'S REALITY, and as the title implies, Ed learns about maintaining his relationship with his dream man. IN THE HANDYMAN'S PROMISE, Ed and Rick explore the meaning and boundaries of their commitment. In the fourth volume, THE HANDYMAN'S HISTORY, Ed reflects on his past as a way to come to terms with is present and the future. THE HANDYMAN'S SUMMER takes Ed and Rick on a journey of discovery regarding the challenges of being gay in the twentieth century. The guys wrap up the 1980's in Volume 6 in the series, THE HANDYMAN'S STORM, released in early 2021. His latest book about Handyman Ed, THE HANDYMAN'S HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER, will be available February 2026.

Nick enjoys reading, easier gardening for the green thumb challenged, old pop music, and the sillier aspects of pop culture. His current passions include both "Grace & Frankie" and "Stranger Things" on Netflix, and comfort reruns ("Superstore," "The Golden Girls," and "Will & Grace") on Hulu, and discovering obscure 45 rpm gems from the late sixties and early seventies. He also spends a good deal of time rolling his eyes at the political and societal madness of the world.

Reviews

[Stefano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expected something a bit more riveting

[Scott L · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Handyman's Dream followed by its sequel The Handyman's Reality are written by Nick Poff, an Indiana author from a small town outside Ft. Wayne. A great trip down memory lane, especially for those of us of the "gay persuasion". The questions, the loneliness, the excitement of meeting someone special, the day-to-day reality of living together in a small town in the early 1980's are all deliciously unfolded in these two books. A third book is in the works. There are definitely ups and downs for this new couple as they discover each other, their strengths and foibles, as well as their situation in their town, with its critics and supporters. The author Nick Poff is also a music nut and his love of contemporary period music permeates the background of this warm, assuring tale of what it means to be different, what it means to be in love, and what love is all about. Highly recommended.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Handyman's Dream is a Midwestern gay romance set in the early 1980's.

As a 50 something Michigan born and bred gay man it's a story that could easily have been mine.

The handyman and the postman are two nice guys with real family values. It's good solid feel-good read and has some novel aspects. Admittedly it's not of the can't put it down variety but it is very affirming and you definately like these characters after just a few pages. As with much of midwestern life it's nice and comfortable and not as thrilling as a big city story but still it speaks to those with the patience to listen.

If you can get over the absence of death and mayhem and jeopardy on every page then you might just enjoy the quiet contentment that this book contains.

[Mountie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, simple, straightforward and satisfying. It's historical in that it takes place 30 years ago. It is nice to read stories sometimes where they meet, they fall in love, they face outside trials and they succeed.

[David Burkam · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read.

Not great literature: no complex structure to analyze, no deep insight into the human condition, no real conflict for the characters to overcome. A Hallmark Hall of Fame feel-good story for midwestern gay men.