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Warning! Deep Water
It’s 1947. George is going through the motions, sowing seeds and tending plants and harvesting crops. The nursery went on without him perfectly well during the war and he spends a lot of time during the working day hiding from people and working on his own. In the evening he prowls round the place looking for odd jobs to do.
It’s been a long, cold winter and Peter doesn’t think he’ll ever get properly warm or clean again. Finding a place with heated greenhouses and plenty of nooks and crannies to kip in while he’s recovering from nasty flu was an enormous stroke of luck. He’s been here a few days now. The weather is beginning to warm up and he’s just realised there’s a huge reservoir of water in one of the greenhouses they use to water the plants. He’s become obsessed with getting in and having an all-over wash.
What will George do when he finds a scraggy ex-soldier bathing in his reservoir? What will Peter do? Is it time for them to both stop running from the past and settle down?
It’s been a long, cold winter and Peter doesn’t think he’ll ever get properly warm or clean again. Finding a place with heated greenhouses and plenty of nooks and crannies to kip in while he’s recovering from nasty flu was an enormous stroke of luck. He’s been here a few days now. The weather is beginning to warm up and he’s just realised there’s a huge reservoir of water in one of the greenhouses they use to water the plants. He’s become obsessed with getting in and having an all-over wash.
What will George do when he finds a scraggy ex-soldier bathing in his reservoir? What will Peter do? Is it time for them to both stop running from the past and settle down?
62 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2022
3 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Lester
27 books152 followersWriter of queer, paranormal, historical, romantic suspense. Lives in the South West of England with Mr AL, two children, a badly behaved dachshund, a terrifying cat and some hens. Likes gardening but doesn't really have time or energy. Not musical. Doesn't much like telly. Non-binary. Chronically disabled. Has tedious fits.
For updates, giveaways and general shenanigans: My newsletter and a free novella - my facebook group - twitter - instagram - tiktok.
I also write higher-heat contemporary MM romance as Frances Fox.
For updates, giveaways and general shenanigans: My newsletter and a free novella - my facebook group - twitter - instagram - tiktok.
I also write higher-heat contemporary MM romance as Frances Fox.
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October 30, 2022Out today! Celebrate World Naked Gardening Day with gay romance, 1940s England, hurt-comfort, swimming & salad vegetables!
One of five stories published by JMS Books LLC to celebrate World Naked Gardening Day on 7th May. Also look for stories by Nell Iris, Amy Spector, Holly Day and K. L. Noone.
One of five stories published by JMS Books LLC to celebrate World Naked Gardening Day on 7th May. Also look for stories by Nell Iris, Amy Spector, Holly Day and K. L. Noone.
April 11, 2023
It's a short-story I start with low expectations, pre-warned it was all tell no show.
The premise was appealing for a short read. There's a dog, I love dogs. Greenhouses, love those too. Two nice men quietly healing from war and rejoining life. Drama free. Warm promise.
But honestly I was bored before the halfway point and struggled to finish.
The characters have alternating chapters - not my favourite format, but they also all start with a few lines of recap so we reread the scene from the other pov before moving on. It felt episodic. Like a fanfic updating weekly.
Nothing actually happens and we don't really get to know either character. It's all very pleasant and calm but sadly I didn't feel any tension or chemistry to make me want them together.
No real sense of the period.
I blinked over '..it was a huge prick' but then realised I'd misread and it was 'a huge pick' as in Tomato harvest. Oops.
The sex in fact circumspect, taken to another room behind a closed door.
The title and cover couldn't be more misleading.
It suggests merfolk not displaced war vetrans.
Deep waters suggests dark depth but this is an angst free read they very much dont talk about ..anything. I'm guessing the 'deep water' simply refers to the water reservoir, which ok.
The premise was appealing for a short read. There's a dog, I love dogs. Greenhouses, love those too. Two nice men quietly healing from war and rejoining life. Drama free. Warm promise.
But honestly I was bored before the halfway point and struggled to finish.
The characters have alternating chapters - not my favourite format, but they also all start with a few lines of recap so we reread the scene from the other pov before moving on. It felt episodic. Like a fanfic updating weekly.
Nothing actually happens and we don't really get to know either character. It's all very pleasant and calm but sadly I didn't feel any tension or chemistry to make me want them together.
No real sense of the period.
I blinked over '..it was a huge prick' but then realised I'd misread and it was 'a huge pick' as in Tomato harvest. Oops.
The sex in fact circumspect, taken to another room behind a closed door.
The title and cover couldn't be more misleading.
It suggests merfolk not displaced war vetrans.
Deep waters suggests dark depth but this is an angst free read they very much dont talk about ..anything. I'm guessing the 'deep water' simply refers to the water reservoir, which ok.
September 5, 2025
First - please don't pass on this book due to the dumb title! I'm not sure if the title was an attempt by the author to turn the MCs initial meeting into a joke but it's one of the dumbest titles I've come across and I have no doubt that people pass on this little gem because of it.
Second - no, this story doesn't involve the ocean or mermen, despite the title and cover VERY STRONGLY indicating that it does. The story revolves around two WW2 vets who have just come home from the war and one of them is homeless while the other has returned to his family's farm. Nothing about oceans or mermen. The MCs do meet when one of them is having a bath in the other's water tank and the book ends with the MCs playing around in the water tank together, so I'm assuming that's what the author wanted to represent by the title and cover...maybe? But the author clearly didn't account for the fact that many readers judge a story based on its title/cover without reading the blurb so I personally think this was a dumb choice.
Anyway. This story is a very sweet, slow burn romance between two men who came home from the war and discovered that they don't have much to come back to. George's parents were killed during a bombing in 1942 while they were visiting London so he does have the farm to live and work on but he's very lonely. Peter was even worse off. His family had lived in London and their entire street had been decimated during the bombings so he has no family or home. Like hundreds of vets in Peter's position, he came home from serving in the war and wound up homeless, destitute and lonely. The story starts in 1947 and Peter has been hiding in George's greenhouse for several days and while he's having a bath in the water tank, George catches him. Since George is lonely and he could use more help around the farm, he asks Peter to stay and their relationship develops from there.
While the story was very sweet, the historical details were great and I liked all the components of the narrative, the writing style wasn't my cup of tea at all. The story is 98% telling with a lot of the romantic development not being shown. In addition, both George and Peter are constantly monologuing in their heads about various topics and the author even repeats scenes from both of their perspective so we don't just get one MC's inner thoughts but also the other's. One of the worst examples of this was when Peter and George both spend time thinking about much they love their evening routine of having tea together and reading interesting bits of the paper to each other. But the actual evening routine is never once shown on page! This applied to nearly every interaction the MCs have, except for the very beginning and the very end.
The problem is that this constant telling was boring and I found myself skimming, despite how short this story is. The lack of showing also meant I never emotionally connected with the characters or their romance. It doesn't matter how often the author would tell me that the MC is feeling XYZ - that doesn't work for me. I need on-page scenes SHOWING me what they're feeling in order for me to care.
Overall, due to my main issue being this tell-not-show problem, I think this story would work really well for people who don't mind that style. The story really is a beautiful, sweet romance and I felt it was the right length for the premise.
But please - if you see anybody else passing on this story because they think it's a merman/naval romance and that's not their thing, please do the author the favor of correcting those assumptions.
Second - no, this story doesn't involve the ocean or mermen, despite the title and cover VERY STRONGLY indicating that it does. The story revolves around two WW2 vets who have just come home from the war and one of them is homeless while the other has returned to his family's farm. Nothing about oceans or mermen. The MCs do meet when one of them is having a bath in the other's water tank and the book ends with the MCs playing around in the water tank together, so I'm assuming that's what the author wanted to represent by the title and cover...maybe? But the author clearly didn't account for the fact that many readers judge a story based on its title/cover without reading the blurb so I personally think this was a dumb choice.
Anyway. This story is a very sweet, slow burn romance between two men who came home from the war and discovered that they don't have much to come back to. George's parents were killed during a bombing in 1942 while they were visiting London so he does have the farm to live and work on but he's very lonely. Peter was even worse off. His family had lived in London and their entire street had been decimated during the bombings so he has no family or home. Like hundreds of vets in Peter's position, he came home from serving in the war and wound up homeless, destitute and lonely. The story starts in 1947 and Peter has been hiding in George's greenhouse for several days and while he's having a bath in the water tank, George catches him. Since George is lonely and he could use more help around the farm, he asks Peter to stay and their relationship develops from there.
While the story was very sweet, the historical details were great and I liked all the components of the narrative, the writing style wasn't my cup of tea at all. The story is 98% telling with a lot of the romantic development not being shown. In addition, both George and Peter are constantly monologuing in their heads about various topics and the author even repeats scenes from both of their perspective so we don't just get one MC's inner thoughts but also the other's. One of the worst examples of this was when Peter and George both spend time thinking about much they love their evening routine of having tea together and reading interesting bits of the paper to each other. But the actual evening routine is never once shown on page! This applied to nearly every interaction the MCs have, except for the very beginning and the very end.
The problem is that this constant telling was boring and I found myself skimming, despite how short this story is. The lack of showing also meant I never emotionally connected with the characters or their romance. It doesn't matter how often the author would tell me that the MC is feeling XYZ - that doesn't work for me. I need on-page scenes SHOWING me what they're feeling in order for me to care.
Overall, due to my main issue being this tell-not-show problem, I think this story would work really well for people who don't mind that style. The story really is a beautiful, sweet romance and I felt it was the right length for the premise.
But please - if you see anybody else passing on this story because they think it's a merman/naval romance and that's not their thing, please do the author the favor of correcting those assumptions.
July 28, 2022
Gentle slow-burn m/m story about two men finding post-war peace and each other in a nursery garden. Stronger on the hurt/comfort angle than the probable realities of having a long-term relationship in the England of the 1940s, but still a pleasant undemanding read.
(The cover & indeed the title imply entirely misleading Creature from the Deep vibes.)
(The cover & indeed the title imply entirely misleading Creature from the Deep vibes.)
October 10, 2022
This is just really beautiful. A very sweet, slow-building romance that I read in one go. Just really lovely.
April 16, 2022
Peter and George’s relationship is built on quiet kindness, steady competence, and shared experiences– in post-war Britain, they’re both reckoning with what life will mean, and look like, after so much loss. George is lucky enough to have a place and purpose, and when he makes room for Peter, it’s sweet and heart-warming and just beautifully good for them both. The particular brand of earnest, shy honesty they both share is ridiculously compelling, and theirs is a happily-ever-after guaranteed to make you smile.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 27, 2022
Warning! Deep Water by A. L. Lester is a short story that takes place over 4 months in 1947, right after World War II. George and Peter both fought in the war and have returned to England, but to very different circumstances. George came back to the family farm and started back in growing and shipping vegetables to places around him. His parents had died during a bombing where they were visiting so he took over their jobs and fit right in. Peter also lost his parents and sister so he had nothing to come back for. Like so many other soldiers he moved from place to place with just a few items, sometimes staying in abandoned buildings and occasionally working at a place for a few days for some food and money before moving on. He had no desire to be around people. Then one day he found George’s farm and the building housing the boiler room where he could hide and stay warm, which was a good thing because he was very sick with the flu. The story begins when George, and Polly his dog, find him swimming in his cold reservoir to get clean and wash his clothes. George is a very kind person and invites Peter to come back to the house to get warm, get something to eat, and stay the night. Peter is dumbfounded because no one has done this for him before. The story continues as Peter is offered a job that he accepts, thinking it will only be for a short time, but as he continues with it, he finds himself changing and turning back into himself where he wants to be around people, especially George. The two men become friends and a spark develops between them. Since it’s 1947 being gay is not accepted at all but they find a way and eventually fall in love. I really enjoyed this short read as it is during an era that is seldom written about. I liked the characters, especially George and Peter, and the girls who also worked at the farm. Polly, the dog, also played a big part in the story as her acceptance of Peter was one of the reasons George invited him to stay. Actual love scenes were not depicted in the book but they were implied. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking for a short read that will keep your attention.
February 15, 2023
Ah! What a lovely novella. Really captured the feel of a time (1947). Kind, soft, slow and gentle. I loved how the author let these characters, grower and greenhouse owner George and recently finished his active service and transient Peter time to breathe and grow and heal without rushing them. Here’s how to address war time PTSD with very low angst and respect. The closed door romance was perfectly in keeping with who they were as characters 🥰💜 A L Lester is a New to me histrom author whose work I look forward to getting to know more.
Edit: it’s just so damn RESPECTFUL! 😍😭
Edit: it’s just so damn RESPECTFUL! 😍😭
June 20, 2023
WARNING! DEEP WATER is a gorgeous, gentle, slow-burn of a romance that takes place after WWII has finished -- when rationing was still a thing and same-sex relationships were illegal.
George served, as did Peter. George, unlike Peter, had a home and job to return to. Whether or not it was everything it should be is another story. Peter became a vagrant, sleeping rough and taking odd jobs. George finds Peter living in one of the greenhouses and takes him in. Wary at first, he gives him the space and time Peter needs to return to the land of the living.
The atmosphere of this book is perfect. You can visualise easily enough just how it must have been -- not only with recovering from the war but trying to have enough food, trying to find love, trying to live a 'normal' life.
I've given this novella a 5-star rating, which is exceedingly rare for me. I love a story I can get my teeth into and pass away the hours BUT I couldn't honestly give this book any less. It has everything I look for in a story, with enough detail and world-building to make it clear. Yes, I wanted more. Of course, I did! It's a brilliant story and over far too soon for my liking. Is that enough to knock off a star? Not for me.
This story gave me everything I wanted and left me wanting more. Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 3, 2022
George served, as did Peter. George, unlike Peter, had a home and job to return to. Whether or not it was everything it should be is another story. Peter became a vagrant, sleeping rough and taking odd jobs. George finds Peter living in one of the greenhouses and takes him in. Wary at first, he gives him the space and time Peter needs to return to the land of the living.
The atmosphere of this book is perfect. You can visualise easily enough just how it must have been -- not only with recovering from the war but trying to have enough food, trying to find love, trying to live a 'normal' life.
I've given this novella a 5-star rating, which is exceedingly rare for me. I love a story I can get my teeth into and pass away the hours BUT I couldn't honestly give this book any less. It has everything I look for in a story, with enough detail and world-building to make it clear. Yes, I wanted more. Of course, I did! It's a brilliant story and over far too soon for my liking. Is that enough to knock off a star? Not for me.
This story gave me everything I wanted and left me wanting more. Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 3, 2022
May 23, 2024
4.5 stars - This is a post-WWII slice of life romance, and I cannot overstate how much I love a vagabond who finds a home story. This was just charming and lovely. I can understand wanting more, but I actually don't think it needed more; it works quite well as is. It does end a little abruptly, but the arc of the relationship is actually quite impressive given the short length. Lester has a great economy of language, conveying a lot in a short space.
December 29, 2022
4.5 stars / A-
Lovely, slow burn, low conflict queer romance set in post WWII England between two former soldiers slowly figuring out how to live again while working together at a nursery in rural England. It's a novella and definitely more of a slice of life type story.
Lovely, slow burn, low conflict queer romance set in post WWII England between two former soldiers slowly figuring out how to live again while working together at a nursery in rural England. It's a novella and definitely more of a slice of life type story.
May 2, 2022
A sweet, slow-burn romance between two lonely men who find peace in each other.
I love George, his generous approach to life, his need to help Peter; I love the way in which they cautiously come together and made a safe haven for themselves and those who work with them :D
A happy, feel-good read, ideal for a lazy (for me, winter) afternoon that left me with a smile in my face.
I love George, his generous approach to life, his need to help Peter; I love the way in which they cautiously come together and made a safe haven for themselves and those who work with them :D
A happy, feel-good read, ideal for a lazy (for me, winter) afternoon that left me with a smile in my face.
May 15, 2022
I love this short story set in postwar England in 1947. It’s definitely not a meet-cute. It’s more of a meet-awkward and embarrassing when nursery owner George comes across a soaking wet and very naked Peter in his greenhouse one evening.
Like Peter, many men found it difficult to reintegrate back into society after years fighting in the war. These men drifted from one place to another, finding work where they could, and often sleeping rough. That’s how Peter came to be hiding in the greenhouse while recovering from illness. Both George and Peter had been discharged a year or less earlier. George, fortunately, had his family's home and business to return to, even if his parents were now gone. Peter, on the other hand, lost everything to the war – his home and family – when they were caught in a raid. He had nowhere to return.
Although wary, George took in Peter, knowing it was the decent thing to do. It had nothing to do with Peter’s very attractive naked ass. Nope, not at all. Peter found kind and generous George attractive, too, but not just in appearance. As they got to know each other through day-to-day life, the more they liked each other.
“He and George just clicked. They had quickly become good friends. And... in addition to that, sometimes they watched each other in a way that Peter found deeply arousing.”
You’ll have to discover the rest of this well-written, angst-free story for yourself. It’s heartwarming to read about these two men finding comfort and love with each other.
Solid short stories are sometimes hard to come by, often feeling incomplete, underdeveloped, or rushed. Warning! Deep Water has none of these issues. I got to know George and Peter well enough and was more than satisfied with the ending, which came to a natural conclusion. This was my first A.L. Lester story but it won’t be my last. I look forward to delving into her backlist. Highly recommended for a lovely, quick read.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Like Peter, many men found it difficult to reintegrate back into society after years fighting in the war. These men drifted from one place to another, finding work where they could, and often sleeping rough. That’s how Peter came to be hiding in the greenhouse while recovering from illness. Both George and Peter had been discharged a year or less earlier. George, fortunately, had his family's home and business to return to, even if his parents were now gone. Peter, on the other hand, lost everything to the war – his home and family – when they were caught in a raid. He had nowhere to return.
Although wary, George took in Peter, knowing it was the decent thing to do. It had nothing to do with Peter’s very attractive naked ass. Nope, not at all. Peter found kind and generous George attractive, too, but not just in appearance. As they got to know each other through day-to-day life, the more they liked each other.
“He and George just clicked. They had quickly become good friends. And... in addition to that, sometimes they watched each other in a way that Peter found deeply arousing.”
You’ll have to discover the rest of this well-written, angst-free story for yourself. It’s heartwarming to read about these two men finding comfort and love with each other.
Solid short stories are sometimes hard to come by, often feeling incomplete, underdeveloped, or rushed. Warning! Deep Water has none of these issues. I got to know George and Peter well enough and was more than satisfied with the ending, which came to a natural conclusion. This was my first A.L. Lester story but it won’t be my last. I look forward to delving into her backlist. Highly recommended for a lovely, quick read.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2022
Set in England after the Second World War, George has returned to his home after being discharged from the army. Both his parents were killed in the bombing, and he now fills his days with running the garden nursery that they started. While locking up for the night, his dog barks at something inside the pump house, and George goes inside to find out what it is. Much to his surprise, he discovers a younger man emerging from the vast water tank inside the building. Adding to his surprise, he sees that the stranger is entirely naked.
Having returned home after his discharge from the army, Peter discovered that the German bombing had destroyed his home. Also gone are his parents and sister. Sick with the flu, Peter's holed up in the nursery's pump house, needing the warmth of its furnace to help his recovery. He has nothing now, and he spends his days tramping about the countryside, living off the land and choosing to lead a solitary existence.
Having found him, thanks to his dog, George is surprised to discover that he trusts this stranger, and he takes Peter into his home, giving him food and a bed for the night.
This novella, though short, is a well-told, enjoyable story about two lonely men. Their experiences have scarred them in the war and the loss of those they loved until they gradually discover something special in each other.
The author has written a simple, realistic love story that draws the reader in and holds them until the last page. It's not a tale packed with drama and unbelievable situations, and a reader looking for those elements will likely be disappointed. But if you want a satisfying love story, then 'Warning! Deep water' will be for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Having returned home after his discharge from the army, Peter discovered that the German bombing had destroyed his home. Also gone are his parents and sister. Sick with the flu, Peter's holed up in the nursery's pump house, needing the warmth of its furnace to help his recovery. He has nothing now, and he spends his days tramping about the countryside, living off the land and choosing to lead a solitary existence.
Having found him, thanks to his dog, George is surprised to discover that he trusts this stranger, and he takes Peter into his home, giving him food and a bed for the night.
This novella, though short, is a well-told, enjoyable story about two lonely men. Their experiences have scarred them in the war and the loss of those they loved until they gradually discover something special in each other.
The author has written a simple, realistic love story that draws the reader in and holds them until the last page. It's not a tale packed with drama and unbelievable situations, and a reader looking for those elements will likely be disappointed. But if you want a satisfying love story, then 'Warning! Deep water' will be for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2022
George Parker and Peter Tollingham served time in the military during the WW II. They both returned home to the loss of their families. George returned to Roseland where he was able to continue, making a living, growing lettuces and tomatoes. He lives a quiet life, but it does get lonely.
Peter was discharged in 1946 and returned to his home in Coventry. Nothing was left, not even a grave site. He left, never looked back and never settled down. He still suffers the nightmares of war, he’s tired of people, society and lives a life of solitude.
George Parker has a good life in Roseland, along with his companion Polly. He’s now able to grow Christmas Chrysanthemums, along with lettuces and tomatoes, since the war has ended. Doing his evening rounds with Polly, she makes George aware of an unusual discovery.
Peter’s been sick and hiding out at Roseland. Feeling better, he’s gained his strength to clean up. Now, he’s been caught by the boss-man, George Parker.
A.L. Lester creates a heartfelt, wonderful, love story about George and Peter, who have suffered the traumas of war, loss of family and loneliness. The novella flows perfectly, with the time period and what life was like for both characters. Even though it’s a short story there’s enough shared about George and Peter that’s makes them easy to like. The gradual care and connection and feelings are written from the heart. The story especially brings out the beauty of music and the piano.
There’s a few secondary characters: Alice, Millie, and Mrs.Leland. They never questioned anything of George and Peter and played small supportive roles. And of course Polly! She was sweet and knew how to pick her people.
“Warning! Deep Water” is an excellent read!
Peter was discharged in 1946 and returned to his home in Coventry. Nothing was left, not even a grave site. He left, never looked back and never settled down. He still suffers the nightmares of war, he’s tired of people, society and lives a life of solitude.
George Parker has a good life in Roseland, along with his companion Polly. He’s now able to grow Christmas Chrysanthemums, along with lettuces and tomatoes, since the war has ended. Doing his evening rounds with Polly, she makes George aware of an unusual discovery.
Peter’s been sick and hiding out at Roseland. Feeling better, he’s gained his strength to clean up. Now, he’s been caught by the boss-man, George Parker.
A.L. Lester creates a heartfelt, wonderful, love story about George and Peter, who have suffered the traumas of war, loss of family and loneliness. The novella flows perfectly, with the time period and what life was like for both characters. Even though it’s a short story there’s enough shared about George and Peter that’s makes them easy to like. The gradual care and connection and feelings are written from the heart. The story especially brings out the beauty of music and the piano.
There’s a few secondary characters: Alice, Millie, and Mrs.Leland. They never questioned anything of George and Peter and played small supportive roles. And of course Polly! She was sweet and knew how to pick her people.
“Warning! Deep Water” is an excellent read!
April 30, 2022
This story of George and Peter, two people struggling to be themselves again after the horrors of war, is absolutely delightful. It's a quiet story full of moments that just grab you and won't look go. I love both characters. George with his steadiness and kindness that Peter simply *needs* after he's been out of doors since he was discharged from the armed services. And Peter is the spring of life that George needs to wake him up. I felt the whole relationship was beautifully distilled during the scene where George finds Peter playing the piano. Peter is playing his favorite music, classical pieces with sweeping scope (Beethoven and Debussy), which he didn't play much of during the war, instead playing the bright dancing tunes others wanted, and music that's a far cry from the hymns George's mother once played on the piano. Peter loves to play, and George loves to listen to him play. It's simply a *chef's kiss* of a scene.
I'd also like to add that all the cultural references in this 1947 story are pitch-perfect, but I totally went down the rabbit hole with the movie Black Narcissus. I'm watching it as I type this review! How had I never heard of it before?? Deborah Kerr is in it!
I highly recommend this story, with its lovingly told slow-burn romance. It's the perfect read to curl up with when you need a little bit of loveliness, peace, and the warmth of a gorgeous HEA.
**Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'd also like to add that all the cultural references in this 1947 story are pitch-perfect, but I totally went down the rabbit hole with the movie Black Narcissus. I'm watching it as I type this review! How had I never heard of it before?? Deborah Kerr is in it!
I highly recommend this story, with its lovingly told slow-burn romance. It's the perfect read to curl up with when you need a little bit of loveliness, peace, and the warmth of a gorgeous HEA.
**Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 22, 2024
Look, I haven't yet read a story by A.L. Lester that I didn't like, and this novella was not an exception.
Set after WWII, this story follows George, a farmer who's felt a little lost since he returned from the war, and Peter, who lost literally everything in the war and intentionally lost himself, choosing to live as a vagabond.
After Peter weathers out the flu hiding out in George's greenhouse, he unexpectedly meets George (while nekkid) and ends up being invited in to his house for the night for a hot meal, a warm bath, and a place to sleep. Things proceed from there, in the same sort of way they usually do in A.L. Lester story. It's historical, so there is mention of the attitudes towards lgbt+ folk of the time, and a mention of a past incidence of homophobic child abuse. That isn't the focus of the story, though, so while those incidences are acknowledged and not shied away from, they're not front and center.
I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil things here (though I don't think it would be hard to spoil; this isn't a story that's really built with surprises in mind). It's a romance, so you sort of know things are going to turn out well in the end. It's a story about two characters who have suffered some terrible losses finding some happiness with each other, and watching it happen is very sweet. The story, like its characters, is very kind, and when you get to the end of it you feel warm. It's a really pleasant novella to pick up if you have a couple of hours to spare.
Set after WWII, this story follows George, a farmer who's felt a little lost since he returned from the war, and Peter, who lost literally everything in the war and intentionally lost himself, choosing to live as a vagabond.
After Peter weathers out the flu hiding out in George's greenhouse, he unexpectedly meets George (while nekkid) and ends up being invited in to his house for the night for a hot meal, a warm bath, and a place to sleep. Things proceed from there, in the same sort of way they usually do in A.L. Lester story. It's historical, so there is mention of the attitudes towards lgbt+ folk of the time, and a mention of a past incidence of homophobic child abuse. That isn't the focus of the story, though, so while those incidences are acknowledged and not shied away from, they're not front and center.
I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil things here (though I don't think it would be hard to spoil; this isn't a story that's really built with surprises in mind). It's a romance, so you sort of know things are going to turn out well in the end. It's a story about two characters who have suffered some terrible losses finding some happiness with each other, and watching it happen is very sweet. The story, like its characters, is very kind, and when you get to the end of it you feel warm. It's a really pleasant novella to pick up if you have a couple of hours to spare.
May 6, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Warning! Deep Water is set in 1947 and concerns two guys recovering from WW2. A big part of their recovery is the result of them meeting and bonding. George runs a nursery and market garden after his parents died in a bombing while he was fighting in France. Peter lost his parents and his home in another bombing. He has very little and since the end of the war he has been avoiding human contact as much as possible. Until, that is, Geaorge takes him in when he is sick.
This story works on many levels. As a romance it is very sweet and honest. It also gives a good reflection of the post war years. Rationing is still in place and the fact that if you grew your own food you could eat reasonably well. It answered some of the questions I did not realise I had concerning the large number of tramps that were still around in the fifties. People did not talk about much back then. Soldiers came back from the war with next to no support. If they had no relations alive then they had nothing other than themselves and what they could make for themselves.
The characters are believable including the two land girls and reflect how ordinary people help each other out. This was an enjoyable thought provoking read.
Warning! Deep Water is set in 1947 and concerns two guys recovering from WW2. A big part of their recovery is the result of them meeting and bonding. George runs a nursery and market garden after his parents died in a bombing while he was fighting in France. Peter lost his parents and his home in another bombing. He has very little and since the end of the war he has been avoiding human contact as much as possible. Until, that is, Geaorge takes him in when he is sick.
This story works on many levels. As a romance it is very sweet and honest. It also gives a good reflection of the post war years. Rationing is still in place and the fact that if you grew your own food you could eat reasonably well. It answered some of the questions I did not realise I had concerning the large number of tramps that were still around in the fifties. People did not talk about much back then. Soldiers came back from the war with next to no support. If they had no relations alive then they had nothing other than themselves and what they could make for themselves.
The characters are believable including the two land girls and reflect how ordinary people help each other out. This was an enjoyable thought provoking read.
April 19, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free & am reviewing voluntarily.
Warning! Deep Water has a lot in its favor: The writing is solid, Peter and George are both appealing characters, and there's sweetness and comfort in a story about kindness leading to love for two people who've both suffered profound losses. Plus, that opening scene is simultaneously touching and hilarious.
My chief complaint is that this book wanted to be much, much longer. The historical ground of WWII's aftermath, both Peter and George having lost their families, their loneliness and, esp. in Peter's case, withdrawal from human contact -- all that requires much more development than it gets. Same goes for the barely-there secondary characters. Especially since an important part of the story is Peter re-entering human community, it would seem right that we see more of that community.
One more point: The editor named for this book should be ashamed of herself. I spotted three editing/proofreading errors in the first two pages and many more as I went on -- I soon stopped flagging them.
In spite of the book's flaws I was charmed. I would honestly love to see a fleshed-out version …
Warning! Deep Water has a lot in its favor: The writing is solid, Peter and George are both appealing characters, and there's sweetness and comfort in a story about kindness leading to love for two people who've both suffered profound losses. Plus, that opening scene is simultaneously touching and hilarious.
My chief complaint is that this book wanted to be much, much longer. The historical ground of WWII's aftermath, both Peter and George having lost their families, their loneliness and, esp. in Peter's case, withdrawal from human contact -- all that requires much more development than it gets. Same goes for the barely-there secondary characters. Especially since an important part of the story is Peter re-entering human community, it would seem right that we see more of that community.
One more point: The editor named for this book should be ashamed of herself. I spotted three editing/proofreading errors in the first two pages and many more as I went on -- I soon stopped flagging them.
In spite of the book's flaws I was charmed. I would honestly love to see a fleshed-out version …
April 26, 2022
🍅Recovery after war and loss: gentle, sweet romance🤗
Despite its briefness, this MM story really evoked an emotional connection to these two solitary men returned to England from service in WWII. George extends a hand of generosity and kindness to Peter, giving him shelter on a cool May night and it's only the start of a gradually-built relationship.
It's a thoughtful, sweet story of loss and renewal that focuses on comfortable companionship with a happy ending with some gentle heat. I really liked the way George gave Peter the freedom to adapt and heal at his own pace.
The ending, though positive, just sort of stopped rather than giving an impression of a true conclusion. Could have been more definitive, but overall a good read.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Despite its briefness, this MM story really evoked an emotional connection to these two solitary men returned to England from service in WWII. George extends a hand of generosity and kindness to Peter, giving him shelter on a cool May night and it's only the start of a gradually-built relationship.
It's a thoughtful, sweet story of loss and renewal that focuses on comfortable companionship with a happy ending with some gentle heat. I really liked the way George gave Peter the freedom to adapt and heal at his own pace.
The ending, though positive, just sort of stopped rather than giving an impression of a true conclusion. Could have been more definitive, but overall a good read.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
April 27, 2022
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed this story but I wanted more. I wanted the finer details but these were glossed over. It was up to our imaginations to fill in the blanks. I wanted to read the words. That being said, I really enjoyed Warning! Deep Water..
It is post WW2 and Peter is living on the land. He doesn't want to see anyone and he certainly doesn't want to interact with anyone. This changes when he is sleeping rough on George's land. He has been sick and he needs help although he is slow to admit this. We see Peter coming out of his self imposed exile and we see Peter and George opening up to each other. We get some backstory but there is so much more to tell.
I still have to recommend this story because it is definitely worth reading.
Three and a half stars rounded up to 4.
I enjoyed this story but I wanted more. I wanted the finer details but these were glossed over. It was up to our imaginations to fill in the blanks. I wanted to read the words. That being said, I really enjoyed Warning! Deep Water..
It is post WW2 and Peter is living on the land. He doesn't want to see anyone and he certainly doesn't want to interact with anyone. This changes when he is sleeping rough on George's land. He has been sick and he needs help although he is slow to admit this. We see Peter coming out of his self imposed exile and we see Peter and George opening up to each other. We get some backstory but there is so much more to tell.
I still have to recommend this story because it is definitely worth reading.
Three and a half stars rounded up to 4.
May 7, 2022
Warning! Deep Water is a lovely, very British love story of two men after WWII. The pace is slow and dignified. Peter has what we now call PTSD and has been roaming the countryside. He hides out in George's hothouse. George was lucky to come home to his family business, still up and running because they grow food, but his parents died in the Blitz. These two begin to thaw each other's hearts over time and realize that the other is also gay. Their sexual connection is loving and sweet but slow to arrive--remember, this is the 1940s in rural England.
The story is very different and well written--not your average gay romance.
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.
The story is very different and well written--not your average gay romance.
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2023
4.5 stars
I like A.L. Lester's stories, they're simple, sweet and slow burn. The settings are nice and peaceful.
George and Peter are lovely and gentle with each other, George offers Peter not also a home where he can live and work, but also a safe place where he can find himself again.
The story takes place just after the end of WW2 so, unfortunately, they have to be careful since at that time homosexuality was considered a crime.
Since this is a short story, I would have liked for the MCs to get together sooner, to have more of them as a couple. Instead the novella is almost all about their first encounter and their living and working together. We still have a happy ending though.
I think this book is a little gem and I recommend it.
I like A.L. Lester's stories, they're simple, sweet and slow burn. The settings are nice and peaceful.
George and Peter are lovely and gentle with each other, George offers Peter not also a home where he can live and work, but also a safe place where he can find himself again.
The story takes place just after the end of WW2 so, unfortunately, they have to be careful since at that time homosexuality was considered a crime.
Since this is a short story, I would have liked for the MCs to get together sooner, to have more of them as a couple. Instead the novella is almost all about their first encounter and their living and working together. We still have a happy ending though.
I think this book is a little gem and I recommend it.
April 23, 2022
Such a lovely and quiet romance, I really enjoyed this quick but wonderful read. George and Peter are both recovering from their time spent in the war and scars left from losing their families. I love the kindness in this story and the friendship that slowly grows into love. The author does a skillful job bringing post war England to life ~ it was very believable and atmospheric. Great job developing both the rich setting and the complicated characters within the novella form, that is quite rare. Loved it❤️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 4, 2022
3.5 stars. A good start as George makes his rounds of closing up but had no idea why his dog would be barking. Finding a man naked in his greenhouse was lest expected.
Peter was litterrally caught with nothing on.
An okay story of two men who have been to war and now getting back to life, but not without some struggles especially Peter. George has his families vegetable farm and throws some kindness toward Peter who needed help.
A short freindship to lovers book with an HEA ending with dual povs. Scenes in this are rushed over for the short novella to make this a winner. I did note a few edit misses with sentence repeating.
Peter was litterrally caught with nothing on.
An okay story of two men who have been to war and now getting back to life, but not without some struggles especially Peter. George has his families vegetable farm and throws some kindness toward Peter who needed help.
A short freindship to lovers book with an HEA ending with dual povs. Scenes in this are rushed over for the short novella to make this a winner. I did note a few edit misses with sentence repeating.
May 26, 2022
A.L. Lester's story for Naked Gardening Day is a wonderfully unrushed read, building up the characters and atmosphere to completion.
Set in rural Somerset shortly after WW2, traumatised and displaced demobbed soldier Peter finds shelter in a greenhouse when he is caught by owner and market gardener George. After initial wariness, George's compassion settles Peter's nerves as the two men start to get to know, respect and like, and then fall for each other.
This beautiful story is perfectly paced and the details of 1940s life and manners are faultless. One to read and relish over and again.
Set in rural Somerset shortly after WW2, traumatised and displaced demobbed soldier Peter finds shelter in a greenhouse when he is caught by owner and market gardener George. After initial wariness, George's compassion settles Peter's nerves as the two men start to get to know, respect and like, and then fall for each other.
This beautiful story is perfectly paced and the details of 1940s life and manners are faultless. One to read and relish over and again.
April 30, 2022
Warning! Deep Water by A.L. Lester was an enjoyable read. Not being gifted with a green thumb, it was fascinating to read about a commercial nursery, especially one right after WWII. I liked George, the owner who inherited the business. He is the quintessential stoic Englishman who realizes the world needs more kindness after the war, much like today. It was good to watch Peter come out of his shell that he needed to handle his changed life after the Army. As always, the author populated the story with some fun secondary characters, helping to ground the book in the world they’ve created.
May 8, 2022
An amazing post World War II story about two soldiers who have returned from the war changed and not inclined to socialize with people. George at least has his plants and greenhouses but Peter is living hand-to-mouth getting by doing the occasional odd job but mostly squatting wherever he can find shelter. George's warm greenhouses are a godsend until he's caught bathing by George and his dog, Polly, who has great taste in people. George offers Peter a job and a place to call home and despite the times and the laws, these two find each other. Just a wonderful read.
May 8, 2022
As usual with this author we get a sweet and tender story, never too long and always a solid plot, sometimes sadness slips, this one is no exception. The war is over, people are trying to get back into normal life, so many have lost loved ones, for some life seem black and white, lacking something. Two broken men trying to put themselves back together after the war, both have had their losses, both, maybe, still a little shell shocked, both craving yet fearing company. A wonderful read, I was sad to reach the end and say goodbye to George and Peter but happy with their peace.
May 6, 2022
This was an addicting short read. I loved George and Peter - navigating a world where being gay isn't even close to accepted, and healing from WWII combat, as well as losing their families. They felt so real, and it was easy to like them. This was definitely a slow-burn romance, but worth the wait as they got to know each other. A wonderful, quick read that will leave you wanting to know what happens next for them!
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