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The Woodcarver's Model
Sometimes the truth is the hardest thing to reveal.
Travel writer Rob Hanson has been from the summit of Mount Everest to the markets of Mogadishu. He loves adventure, he loves his job, and he loves the freedom of being single. At least that’s what he tells himself.
Everything changes when an assignment takes him to a small, idyllic west-coast island where he falls in love with the local woodcarver. From the first moment he sets eyes on Mitch, he feels like he’s found his perfect match. But things are never that simple for Rob.
Before long he finds himself involved with devious deals, jealous ex-lovers, and secrets from the past that refuse to go away. Rob knows that the only way to get what he needs is to reveal the truth. But does he have the courage to do what must be done in time to save himself and the man he loves?
Reader advisory: This book contains references to past drug addiction, past non-consensual prostitution, alcoholism, animal death, and serious injury.
Travel writer Rob Hanson has been from the summit of Mount Everest to the markets of Mogadishu. He loves adventure, he loves his job, and he loves the freedom of being single. At least that’s what he tells himself.
Everything changes when an assignment takes him to a small, idyllic west-coast island where he falls in love with the local woodcarver. From the first moment he sets eyes on Mitch, he feels like he’s found his perfect match. But things are never that simple for Rob.
Before long he finds himself involved with devious deals, jealous ex-lovers, and secrets from the past that refuse to go away. Rob knows that the only way to get what he needs is to reveal the truth. But does he have the courage to do what must be done in time to save himself and the man he loves?
Reader advisory: This book contains references to past drug addiction, past non-consensual prostitution, alcoholism, animal death, and serious injury.
237 pages, Paperback
Published April 19, 2022
46 people are currently reading
1520 people want to read
About the author
Peter E. Fenton
8 books106 followersIt started with poetry. When Peter E. Fenton was having a difficult day, he would put pen to paper and dive into a world of imagination. None of these poems were published. They were kept in a book on a shelf for future reference. A way of looking back at a time and place in life.
But poems led to short stories...tales often told in letter form to amuse friends during their long summers away from home working jobs in theatre.
And then twenty-five years ago he met a composer and writer and they became life partners, and they got the ridiculous idea that perhaps writing musicals and plays would be fun. And so they did that. While his partner wrote on over twenty projects, Peter participated in four of those projects, and these plays were produced across the country, won awards and some were even published.
But life can't all be "play". There was also some work to be done, in this case a 42 year relationship with the Royal Ontario Museum, where Peter spent his time in palaeontology doing collection management and going on expedition in remote locations including the Canadian Rockies, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
When the time came to step away from the fossils at the museum, a new passion took hold ...the desire to write a longer narrative...a book... a gay romance. He wanted to write something that would draw on many years of living, loving and exploring the world.
And so with the kind support of his partner, he began writing his first novel, and a publisher expressed interest, and in the spring of 2022 The Woodcarver's Model was released and was a four time nominee in the Goodreads M/M Romance Readers’ Choice Awards.
That was followed by the release of Mann Hunt in the summer of 2023, which was also nominated in the Goodreads M/M Romance Readers’ Choice Awards. The book has been translated into German, Italian and Spanish. They even made an audio book of the novel.
The came Hoodoo House in the summer of 2024, which is the second part of the Declan Hunt Mysteries series and is now also available in Italian and Spanish. The book was nominated for a Goodreads M/M Romance Readers' Choice Award.
In the fall of 2024 his youth novella Not Not Normal published by Lorimer Publishing came out to critical acclaim (and another Goodreads M/M Romance Readers Choice Award nomination)
The third novel in the Declan Hunt Mysteries series entitled The Burnt was released in August of 2025. It came out in Italian and Spanish editions as well. It was recently nominated for a Goodreads M/M Romance Readers' Choice Award in the Mystery/Whodunnit category.
The final book in the series, entitled The Attercop, will be released on August 4th of 2026.
PUBLICATIONS
The Attercop (August, 2026)
Vite Bruciate (October 2025)
El Calcinado (October 2025)
The Burnt (August of 2025)
Trova L'uomo Giusto (July 2025)
La Casa Incantata (July 2025)
Jagd Auf Mann (July 2025)
Casa Hoodoo (March 2025)
Mann Hunt - Spanish (January 2025)
Not Not Normal (September of 2024)
Hoodoo House (June of 2024)
Mann Hunt (August of 2023)
The Woodcarvers Model (April of 2022)
Bemused or Bonita Goes Bananas
The Giant's Garden (A full length musical)
CONTACTING PETER:
Website: www.peterefenton.ca
Blog: www.peterefenton.ca/blog/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/peterefenton...
insta: https://www.instagram.com/peterefento...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterefenton...
British Publisher: https://www.pride-publishing.com/inde...
Canadian Publisher: https://lorimer.ca/childrens/contribu...
Email: peterefenton@gmail.com
But poems led to short stories...tales often told in letter form to amuse friends during their long summers away from home working jobs in theatre.
And then twenty-five years ago he met a composer and writer and they became life partners, and they got the ridiculous idea that perhaps writing musicals and plays would be fun. And so they did that. While his partner wrote on over twenty projects, Peter participated in four of those projects, and these plays were produced across the country, won awards and some were even published.
But life can't all be "play". There was also some work to be done, in this case a 42 year relationship with the Royal Ontario Museum, where Peter spent his time in palaeontology doing collection management and going on expedition in remote locations including the Canadian Rockies, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
When the time came to step away from the fossils at the museum, a new passion took hold ...the desire to write a longer narrative...a book... a gay romance. He wanted to write something that would draw on many years of living, loving and exploring the world.
And so with the kind support of his partner, he began writing his first novel, and a publisher expressed interest, and in the spring of 2022 The Woodcarver's Model was released and was a four time nominee in the Goodreads M/M Romance Readers’ Choice Awards.
That was followed by the release of Mann Hunt in the summer of 2023, which was also nominated in the Goodreads M/M Romance Readers’ Choice Awards. The book has been translated into German, Italian and Spanish. They even made an audio book of the novel.
The came Hoodoo House in the summer of 2024, which is the second part of the Declan Hunt Mysteries series and is now also available in Italian and Spanish. The book was nominated for a Goodreads M/M Romance Readers' Choice Award.
In the fall of 2024 his youth novella Not Not Normal published by Lorimer Publishing came out to critical acclaim (and another Goodreads M/M Romance Readers Choice Award nomination)
The third novel in the Declan Hunt Mysteries series entitled The Burnt was released in August of 2025. It came out in Italian and Spanish editions as well. It was recently nominated for a Goodreads M/M Romance Readers' Choice Award in the Mystery/Whodunnit category.
The final book in the series, entitled The Attercop, will be released on August 4th of 2026.
PUBLICATIONS
The Attercop (August, 2026)
Vite Bruciate (October 2025)
El Calcinado (October 2025)
The Burnt (August of 2025)
Trova L'uomo Giusto (July 2025)
La Casa Incantata (July 2025)
Jagd Auf Mann (July 2025)
Casa Hoodoo (March 2025)
Mann Hunt - Spanish (January 2025)
Not Not Normal (September of 2024)
Hoodoo House (June of 2024)
Mann Hunt (August of 2023)
The Woodcarvers Model (April of 2022)
Bemused or Bonita Goes Bananas
The Giant's Garden (A full length musical)
CONTACTING PETER:
Website: www.peterefenton.ca
Blog: www.peterefenton.ca/blog/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/peterefenton...
insta: https://www.instagram.com/peterefento...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterefenton...
British Publisher: https://www.pride-publishing.com/inde...
Canadian Publisher: https://lorimer.ca/childrens/contribu...
Email: peterefenton@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 10, 2022
I saw the potential in this book but romance was surreal with some excessive drama. I like the drama but should be better built
April 10, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
I seem to be in the minority, but unfortunately not much about this story worked for me. I didn't believe the couple's connection. It was very insta lovey and the big drama was over the top and ridiculous for a couple that had been together for only a week. It just felt like it was trying too hard and I couldn't connect to the characters and their surface level relationship even by the end.
I seem to be in the minority, but unfortunately not much about this story worked for me. I didn't believe the couple's connection. It was very insta lovey and the big drama was over the top and ridiculous for a couple that had been together for only a week. It just felt like it was trying too hard and I couldn't connect to the characters and their surface level relationship even by the end.
April 12, 2022
This is damn good.
It’s not your typical romance novel. This is full of suspense, intrigue, mystery, and a touch of spiritualism. With a healthy dose of miscommunication, devious interlopers, and quirky island characters to make things interesting.
Its dramatic plot feels a bit dark and rough, but the lovable and sometimes ridiculous friends (and dog) keep it from being too heavy. Told from multiple POVs, it keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing as to where this will go next. You won't’ be bored, that’s for sure but you may want to smack one or both characters upside the head a time or two!
I also have to give a shout to this being Canadian!! We need more of that.
Stars: 4.5
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
It’s not your typical romance novel. This is full of suspense, intrigue, mystery, and a touch of spiritualism. With a healthy dose of miscommunication, devious interlopers, and quirky island characters to make things interesting.
Its dramatic plot feels a bit dark and rough, but the lovable and sometimes ridiculous friends (and dog) keep it from being too heavy. Told from multiple POVs, it keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing as to where this will go next. You won't’ be bored, that’s for sure but you may want to smack one or both characters upside the head a time or two!
I also have to give a shout to this being Canadian!! We need more of that.
Stars: 4.5
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
March 30, 2022
Just lovely. We have a story of a man finding a home, even when he didn’t know he needed one. Another is almost treading water while he wrestles with his past. Rob and Mitch are so good together. Then lies were told to purposely split them up. Other manipulations are going on to threaten everything.
The island is full of quirky characters that have each other’s back, no matter what. The bad guys are bad, and then there’s everyone else. There’s a great view and a really great dog! The slightly witchy vibe just adds to the story.
It’s well written, with just enough conflict. One of the best books I’ve read lately!
The island is full of quirky characters that have each other’s back, no matter what. The bad guys are bad, and then there’s everyone else. There’s a great view and a really great dog! The slightly witchy vibe just adds to the story.
It’s well written, with just enough conflict. One of the best books I’ve read lately!
April 11, 2022
Wow, the Woodcarver's Model came with all the feels, all the emotions. I laughed, I cried, I laughed while crying. I liked how this new author took care in providing each character's backstory, even the tertiary ones.. Understanding their backstory made the all the characters richer and that in turn added to the story's realism.
I'm hoping there's more..I loved the Canadian setting. It's interesting to learn more about our Northern neighbors..and I hope there's a novel dedicated to Eric and Tylor with the return of Rob and Mitch and Estelle and Sheila and Frances and Francis and the rest of the Islanders.
I'm hoping there's more..I loved the Canadian setting. It's interesting to learn more about our Northern neighbors..and I hope there's a novel dedicated to Eric and Tylor with the return of Rob and Mitch and Estelle and Sheila and Frances and Francis and the rest of the Islanders.
April 19, 2022
4.5
I stayed up to finish this because it was quite addictive reading with a fast moving and often dramatic plot.
While there are a few niggles, such as Mitch's past being revealed and then glossed over, overall it was a great read.
Told in multiple povs, there is a little bit of on page steam and also an encounter with someone else outside the main pairing. Those things didn't bother me, this was more about the various plots and Rob and Mitch finding love.
I stayed up to finish this because it was quite addictive reading with a fast moving and often dramatic plot.
While there are a few niggles, such as Mitch's past being revealed and then glossed over, overall it was a great read.
Told in multiple povs, there is a little bit of on page steam and also an encounter with someone else outside the main pairing. Those things didn't bother me, this was more about the various plots and Rob and Mitch finding love.
May 27, 2023
I read this whole book in a single evening and quite enjoyed it. It felt like a screwball comedy, with the romance sometimes taking a backseat to the madcap adventures the two men have trying to keep the island from being developed. There are a host of interesting side characters, from Rob’s house sitter and agent to the vet, mayor, ferry operator, and others on the island. I could see any of them being played very amusingly by a strong character actor; I feel like this is Fenton’s experience as a playwright and screen writer coming through. I recommend this for anyone who would like to escape to a peaceful small island and watch some feelings and shenanigans
April 21, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
The Woodcarver’s Model looks to be author Peter E. Fenton’s debut novel. It boasts a sprawling and diverse cast of melodramatic characters that offer tough love, outrageous propositions, dastardly deeds, and more. The plot itself is built around a jet-setting main character who criss-crosses Canada as he juggles his Marsh Island assignment and the fallout caused by his ex meddling in Rob’s and Mitch’s affairs. There are almost as many threads in the plot as there are characters who crop up in it. Overall, I think Fenton does a fair job tying the MCs and main supporting characters to all the events reasonably well. That said, I thought the author really dropped the ball on the timing of events. As I read the story, it felt like mere days had passed, but every now and again characters would mention it had been a week or sometimes several. This happened often in the book; I just could not get a bead on how much time was supposed to have passed. It was jarring to think it was only two days and the characters are talking like weeks have passed. The other big quibble I had was the tone of the book.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
The Woodcarver’s Model looks to be author Peter E. Fenton’s debut novel. It boasts a sprawling and diverse cast of melodramatic characters that offer tough love, outrageous propositions, dastardly deeds, and more. The plot itself is built around a jet-setting main character who criss-crosses Canada as he juggles his Marsh Island assignment and the fallout caused by his ex meddling in Rob’s and Mitch’s affairs. There are almost as many threads in the plot as there are characters who crop up in it. Overall, I think Fenton does a fair job tying the MCs and main supporting characters to all the events reasonably well. That said, I thought the author really dropped the ball on the timing of events. As I read the story, it felt like mere days had passed, but every now and again characters would mention it had been a week or sometimes several. This happened often in the book; I just could not get a bead on how much time was supposed to have passed. It was jarring to think it was only two days and the characters are talking like weeks have passed. The other big quibble I had was the tone of the book.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
April 18, 2022
Sweet, humorous, compelling M/M age-gap romance with surprises
I can’t believe this is the first book published by Peter Fenton. It was well-written and edited. Had just the right amounts of thrill, mystery, romance and intrigue. This was a compelling gay romance with very little explicitness; it was more romantic than steamy, but beautifully written about two sweet guys who deserve an HEA. The banter between Rob and Mitch is so fun. Mitch’s is all flirty inuendo while Rob’s is awe and surprise. A revelation will explain Mitch’s forthrightness.
Independently wealthy, Rob Hanson is a 45yo Canadian adventure travel writer who has travelled all over the world, most recently in Somalia where an event on his last day sends him home quickly. As a favor he is sent to quaint little Marsh Island, which is somewhat isolated and accessible only by ferry from the mainland. He’s been told to find the 33yo woodcarver, Mitch for picturesque island information. Rob is struck the moment he starts taking pictures of Mitch. There’s a connection he’s never felt before.
Through Rob and Mitch, we are introduced to many wonderful secondary characters and even a dog who are simply put, delightful. There will be intrigue, jealous shenanigans, political mischief, humor and a romantic ending in parts that had me happy-crying. This was a real treat to read and if you like good M/M romance with low steam but lots of passion, try this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews.
I can’t believe this is the first book published by Peter Fenton. It was well-written and edited. Had just the right amounts of thrill, mystery, romance and intrigue. This was a compelling gay romance with very little explicitness; it was more romantic than steamy, but beautifully written about two sweet guys who deserve an HEA. The banter between Rob and Mitch is so fun. Mitch’s is all flirty inuendo while Rob’s is awe and surprise. A revelation will explain Mitch’s forthrightness.
Independently wealthy, Rob Hanson is a 45yo Canadian adventure travel writer who has travelled all over the world, most recently in Somalia where an event on his last day sends him home quickly. As a favor he is sent to quaint little Marsh Island, which is somewhat isolated and accessible only by ferry from the mainland. He’s been told to find the 33yo woodcarver, Mitch for picturesque island information. Rob is struck the moment he starts taking pictures of Mitch. There’s a connection he’s never felt before.
Through Rob and Mitch, we are introduced to many wonderful secondary characters and even a dog who are simply put, delightful. There will be intrigue, jealous shenanigans, political mischief, humor and a romantic ending in parts that had me happy-crying. This was a real treat to read and if you like good M/M romance with low steam but lots of passion, try this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews.
April 29, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up.
Robert Hanson is a travel journalist who falls for Mitchell Carcross, the mysterious woodcarver on the island that he travels to in order to write his next piece. Rob's current job, and his incipient new love relationship, are both affected by the fallout from his last job that has him cast in a negative light, and Mitch, his new love interest, who under normal circumstances is quite gun shy, predictably believes the worst of Rob and has to be won over again. There's a lot going on in this story, which is sometimes written in an episodic style, rather like British police procedurals. The insta-love is overshadowed by all the other stuff that happens in the story, and while each character is interesting in his own right, I'm not especially drawn to either of them, either as romantic leads or as men in general. I'm assuming that this is meant to be romantic suspense, though the suspense is not just related to the end of Rob's job in Mogadishu. Also, what's with the title? The model isn't the main romantic lead. I dislike stories that have titles with little or no real relevance to the narratives as they are actually told. It's very distracting.
Robert Hanson is a travel journalist who falls for Mitchell Carcross, the mysterious woodcarver on the island that he travels to in order to write his next piece. Rob's current job, and his incipient new love relationship, are both affected by the fallout from his last job that has him cast in a negative light, and Mitch, his new love interest, who under normal circumstances is quite gun shy, predictably believes the worst of Rob and has to be won over again. There's a lot going on in this story, which is sometimes written in an episodic style, rather like British police procedurals. The insta-love is overshadowed by all the other stuff that happens in the story, and while each character is interesting in his own right, I'm not especially drawn to either of them, either as romantic leads or as men in general. I'm assuming that this is meant to be romantic suspense, though the suspense is not just related to the end of Rob's job in Mogadishu. Also, what's with the title? The model isn't the main romantic lead. I dislike stories that have titles with little or no real relevance to the narratives as they are actually told. It's very distracting.
April 19, 2022
Delightful love story with complexity, found family and passion. I really enjoyed this surprisingly good read from an unknown, to me author. There is action, drama, sweet connections and most of love that make this story terrific. The writing was really good as it gently wove a beautiful and complex plot in a very unhurried and colorful plot. The supporting characters are numerous and yet just right. They do not take over the plot but add depth and context to this story. Some surprising connections and some hurt your heart truths move this story along.
The connection between Rob and Mitch felt authentic and the connections that were built on the island were like threads that are the basis of a community.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
The connection between Rob and Mitch felt authentic and the connections that were built on the island were like threads that are the basis of a community.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
April 21, 2022
A beautiful love story full of drama and steamy connection.
By the end of this book I was swooning, I didn't want it to end. It took me a bit to get through the first few chapters but there was a point where everything just snapped together and the story flowed. (Somewhere around Rob's visit with his sister). The storyline for this book is awesome, it made me want to pack up my life and move to a small island off the North West Coast and live amongst the trees.
Rob and Mitch work well as main characters, from the moment they set eyes on each other they know they are meant to be together. Their chemistry is explosive and their connection romantic. That is until Ex lovers, developers, and life gets in their way.
By the end of this book I was swooning, I didn't want it to end. It took me a bit to get through the first few chapters but there was a point where everything just snapped together and the story flowed. (Somewhere around Rob's visit with his sister). The storyline for this book is awesome, it made me want to pack up my life and move to a small island off the North West Coast and live amongst the trees.
Rob and Mitch work well as main characters, from the moment they set eyes on each other they know they are meant to be together. Their chemistry is explosive and their connection romantic. That is until Ex lovers, developers, and life gets in their way.
May 11, 2022
Five stars for this exceptional book , I couldn’t put the kindle down its that compelling.
Everything about this book I adored , I was swept up with their feelings for each other.
Believe me they had feelings plus.
Such a believable storyline trying to find out who , when and where , all the characters are wonderful, were written so clearly I felt as I knew them.
Rob and Mitch found themselves wanting every moment together from the time they met,
Neither had had that instant connection before.
The banter between them is hilarious , a huge amount of humour in this book that kept me laughing out loud .
Twists and turns, mystery, drama , jealousy, adventure, passion , suspense , such a beautiful wonderful book .
Everything about this book I adored , I was swept up with their feelings for each other.
Believe me they had feelings plus.
Such a believable storyline trying to find out who , when and where , all the characters are wonderful, were written so clearly I felt as I knew them.
Rob and Mitch found themselves wanting every moment together from the time they met,
Neither had had that instant connection before.
The banter between them is hilarious , a huge amount of humour in this book that kept me laughing out loud .
Twists and turns, mystery, drama , jealousy, adventure, passion , suspense , such a beautiful wonderful book .
April 18, 2022
Wow, this book was so much more detailed than I was initially expecting! I loved how open to everything Mitch was and how he threw himself into the relationship with Rob when they reconnected. There were so many unexpected twists and turns in this Book and I was just hooked.
I loved how determined Rob was to earn back Mitch’s trust and also how fiercely protective the islanders were, both of Mitch and of their home. There was just so much detail in this book and it was really amazing.
I loved how determined Rob was to earn back Mitch’s trust and also how fiercely protective the islanders were, both of Mitch and of their home. There was just so much detail in this book and it was really amazing.
April 21, 2022
Each of the main characters, Mitch and Rob fall hard and fast. The fact that each of them get manipulated to the point of danger and almost losing each other makes this such an interesting read. So much going on. Such a great community. I found myself horrified at one point and realised that the characters became so real for me I was sucked in completely. “I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.”
April 22, 2022
Really enjoyed this insta-love story of Mitch and Rob. All the characters were well developed as was the setting and now I want everyone's story. I enjoyed the multiple POVs very much. I also liked the way that this book took me back to romances I read decades ago when I first discovered them where characters were kept apart by the blatant manipulations and lies of others but the book never felt dated nor obvious in its solution. I very much look forward to this author's next book.
April 14, 2022
This is a fabulous debut novel!! It is a romance but so much more! Along with the usual trappings of a good romance, this emotional read has suspense, intrigue and some great laughs. So many of the side characters are just wonderful too along with the main couple. The setting was also written that it comes alive off the pages. Great read.
April 19, 2022
There's a lot to take in with this story but its a great one. Rob and Mitch both go through so much before and during the story and get deeply into your heart by the end of this. These two definitely deserve their HEA and the Solstice Day celebration scene was the best.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
April 21, 2022
He has been there and done all that, saying he was enjoying his life. He never considered it as hiding his loneliness until he ends up in the small town where he found them. He never expected to fall for this man but he has. It is not going to be an easy time as the past comes to try to spoil it all. Can they come out on the other side? Will they keep that love? See where you are taken
April 23, 2022
This book is full of suspense, intrigue and mystery. Rob is an adventure travel writer who has travelled all over the world and Mitch is a woodcarver. The banter between Rob and Mitch was great. The supporting characters were well written. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
April 16, 2022
This book wasn't quite what I expected. From the blurb, I went in thinking it would be suspenseful and actiony and instead it felt more like a peak into the lives of Rob and the people of this small island off Canada's west coast. It really took a while for Rob to even get to the island and there seemed to be quite a bit of unnecessary filler really slowing down the pace of the story. It picks up once Rob meets Mitch, and while they quickly jump into bed together everything is fade to black. Besides sharing some past together, both are now in different places in life and their relationship building feels off page and quick. Mitch is actually the more interesting character with his background and yet we didn't really get much time to understand him. There's quite a cast to this story and at times characters blurred together. I almost wish there was more action or backstabbing of ex's or something to spice up the pages. In the end, this felt more suited towards people who like to read about people's lives than someone looking for a romance. I also think the title is a bit misleading as it wasn't really focused on Mitch's woodwork. Maybe "The Journalist's Mountain" would've been more accurate. This didn't really hit the mark for me, though I didn't hate it so I settled on three stars.
July 7, 2022
After a very precipitous 'falling into the sack' for the MCs, this action plus romance plot progressed steadily toward a confrontational end; and a deeply regrettable demise of a secondary character. Robbie's agent (with the raspy voice) was a total hoot - possibly my favorite character overall.
April 19, 2022
Mitch and Rob's story is sweet and tender as well as a little heart-breaking at times. There are so many things I like about this book, and one thing I like is the how the back story is told. I like the setting for the book. I can picture the place in my mind, and it's very peaceful. I also really like the other characters and their devotion to their home which includes their neighbors. This is the author's first novel, and I will be looking for more in the future.
April 20, 2022
Too much scenery description, not enough connection
I wanted to love this and I did, to a point. I felt as though I was taking the trip with Rob as he journeyed from his home to Marsh Island. The descriptions of the landscape of the island were well-done and atmospheric, and I could close my eyes and picture myself actually standing there.
The problem I had was with Rob and Mitch. This was insta-love but at the same time, not. I won't spoil the story but everything happened so quickly and it just didn't ring true, especially considering Mitch's past. If the whole sequence of events took place over a much longer time span, it would have made everything more plausible, and would have suited the story and the characters and all the events that took place. I wanted this to be a book to savour because it had so much potential but it it played out at breakneck speed, to its detriment.
I noticed that another reviewer said that it should possibly have been called "The Journalist's Mountain" instead as that would have been more accurate and I totally agree. Rob was by far the main narrator and the title didn't really make much sense to me until the very end, and even then it felt as though the author was reaching.
I liked the other characters very much, both from Rob's life and from the island, apart from villains I was supposed to dislike. Each was distinct and enriched the story, along with the island itself which had its own character.
I would definitely consider reading more of Peter's novels in the future because I was engaged by the story, despite all of the above, and wanted to see how it played out.
I wanted to love this and I did, to a point. I felt as though I was taking the trip with Rob as he journeyed from his home to Marsh Island. The descriptions of the landscape of the island were well-done and atmospheric, and I could close my eyes and picture myself actually standing there.
The problem I had was with Rob and Mitch. This was insta-love but at the same time, not. I won't spoil the story but everything happened so quickly and it just didn't ring true, especially considering Mitch's past. If the whole sequence of events took place over a much longer time span, it would have made everything more plausible, and would have suited the story and the characters and all the events that took place. I wanted this to be a book to savour because it had so much potential but it it played out at breakneck speed, to its detriment.
I noticed that another reviewer said that it should possibly have been called "The Journalist's Mountain" instead as that would have been more accurate and I totally agree. Rob was by far the main narrator and the title didn't really make much sense to me until the very end, and even then it felt as though the author was reaching.
I liked the other characters very much, both from Rob's life and from the island, apart from villains I was supposed to dislike. Each was distinct and enriched the story, along with the island itself which had its own character.
I would definitely consider reading more of Peter's novels in the future because I was engaged by the story, despite all of the above, and wanted to see how it played out.
April 14, 2022
I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Oomph. I struggled with this book. It has been months since I DNF'd a book, but I'm sitting at about 20% and I can't make myself pick this story up anymore.
I typically binge read a book in about 4 hours. Maaaybe 1 day if I stretch it out. Day 3 of reading this book and I was trying to convince myself I was savoring the story. I will often push through and continue reading a story I'm not completely invested in just to see how it ends. This book pushed me into a reading slump. I didn't even want to open my Kindle, because I would see this book and felt it was mocking me for not finishing it. I gave it my best attempt, and after about a week, I called it quits.
The premise of the story sounded intriguing. I am always open to new stories, different genres, different tropes, and I frequently pick up debut novels. My issue was less with the storyline or characters, and more with the writing style itself. The story was written in choppy sections. I repeatedly read a paragraph, thought it would continue in the next paragraph, only to find the character in a different location or doing something else. I couldn't tell if this was a lack of formating in the ebook, or due to writing style. I would flip back and reread the previous paragraph just to confirm I was at the same part. It felt as if I was in the story as a character and also reading from outside of the entire storyline as a bystander. Utimately, it was jarring and I had a hard time immersing myself in this story.
I only just met Rob, who I believe I could identify with and enjoyed his character overall. Plus his best friend and some other characters made for intriguing people. I did not quite make it to meeting Mitch, unfortunately.
I am disappointed in my inability to finish the book, however, I will not say I will never finish it. Perhaps I am just not at the point in my reader journey to appreciate this style of writing.
Oomph. I struggled with this book. It has been months since I DNF'd a book, but I'm sitting at about 20% and I can't make myself pick this story up anymore.
I typically binge read a book in about 4 hours. Maaaybe 1 day if I stretch it out. Day 3 of reading this book and I was trying to convince myself I was savoring the story. I will often push through and continue reading a story I'm not completely invested in just to see how it ends. This book pushed me into a reading slump. I didn't even want to open my Kindle, because I would see this book and felt it was mocking me for not finishing it. I gave it my best attempt, and after about a week, I called it quits.
The premise of the story sounded intriguing. I am always open to new stories, different genres, different tropes, and I frequently pick up debut novels. My issue was less with the storyline or characters, and more with the writing style itself. The story was written in choppy sections. I repeatedly read a paragraph, thought it would continue in the next paragraph, only to find the character in a different location or doing something else. I couldn't tell if this was a lack of formating in the ebook, or due to writing style. I would flip back and reread the previous paragraph just to confirm I was at the same part. It felt as if I was in the story as a character and also reading from outside of the entire storyline as a bystander. Utimately, it was jarring and I had a hard time immersing myself in this story.
I only just met Rob, who I believe I could identify with and enjoyed his character overall. Plus his best friend and some other characters made for intriguing people. I did not quite make it to meeting Mitch, unfortunately.
I am disappointed in my inability to finish the book, however, I will not say I will never finish it. Perhaps I am just not at the point in my reader journey to appreciate this style of writing.
December 8, 2022
I enjoyed this greatly. The book had a terrific cast of characters, twists and surprises, humour and was filled with love. For me the book started gradually, but around page 70 I found I couldn't put it down.
October 15, 2022
I started out really liking the way Peter Fenton writes, with an ease and clarity that makes the trip a joy. This book provides older/younger and boyfriend's brother tropes, but that's just the clothesline to hang his quick-witted phrases and succinct descriptions on.
I didn't notice the depth charges he expertly slipped in along the way.
Then, about halfway through, he put pedal to the metal. Call it angst or call it adventure, whatever it was caught hold of me and pulled me through to the end in one sitting.
It's the story of a travel writer, Robert Hanson, who has a brief and ugly encounter in Somalia. But most of the action is located on an island off Canada's west coast, where Rob meets with Mitchell Carcross, a young woodcarver he once knew as his (now former) boyfriend's brother. They click almost instantly.
Twirling the two elements together with taut detail, great action and great action writing, the book speeds the reader through ups and downs, lies and misunderstandings till, ultimately, romance wins out.
One quibble: the love scenes have steam, but not length. And one great big chef's kiss: Fenton creates an island community of support, love and service that we can only wish to find in real life.
If this is Peter Fenton's first, we have to wonder (and wait impatiently for) what he may serve up next.
I didn't notice the depth charges he expertly slipped in along the way.
Then, about halfway through, he put pedal to the metal. Call it angst or call it adventure, whatever it was caught hold of me and pulled me through to the end in one sitting.
It's the story of a travel writer, Robert Hanson, who has a brief and ugly encounter in Somalia. But most of the action is located on an island off Canada's west coast, where Rob meets with Mitchell Carcross, a young woodcarver he once knew as his (now former) boyfriend's brother. They click almost instantly.
Twirling the two elements together with taut detail, great action and great action writing, the book speeds the reader through ups and downs, lies and misunderstandings till, ultimately, romance wins out.
One quibble: the love scenes have steam, but not length. And one great big chef's kiss: Fenton creates an island community of support, love and service that we can only wish to find in real life.
If this is Peter Fenton's first, we have to wonder (and wait impatiently for) what he may serve up next.
April 26, 2025
The Woodcarver’s Model
By Peter E. Fenton
Pride Publishing 2022
Four stars
Rob Hanson is a man searching the world for adventure, until he stumbles across a magical place more or less in his own back yard. Mitch Carcross is a young woodcarver who found a haven in that same unspoiled place, working with his hands to help him heal from neglect and abuse.
Peter Fenton fills this classic, angsty romance with vivid characters and idiosyncratic situations. While the denizens of Marsh Island play an important role as guardians and allies, they’re not the only colorful characters—particularly Estelle, Rob’s agent, and Karen, his longtime best friend.
Ultimately, Rob the adventure travel writer is running away from happiness because he somehow feels he doesn’t deserve it. By contrast, Marshall is hiding from happiness thinking that his sheltering community is all he has the right to hope for.
For a USA citizen like me, this book also gives a nice overview of a large chunk of Canada, reminding me of that country’s vastness and geographic beauty. I love Toronto, and have had high tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria—but of course, Canada is a great deal more than that. For Rob and Mitch (and like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz), it turns out that “there’s no place like home” is more than just a cliché.
By Peter E. Fenton
Pride Publishing 2022
Four stars
Rob Hanson is a man searching the world for adventure, until he stumbles across a magical place more or less in his own back yard. Mitch Carcross is a young woodcarver who found a haven in that same unspoiled place, working with his hands to help him heal from neglect and abuse.
Peter Fenton fills this classic, angsty romance with vivid characters and idiosyncratic situations. While the denizens of Marsh Island play an important role as guardians and allies, they’re not the only colorful characters—particularly Estelle, Rob’s agent, and Karen, his longtime best friend.
Ultimately, Rob the adventure travel writer is running away from happiness because he somehow feels he doesn’t deserve it. By contrast, Marshall is hiding from happiness thinking that his sheltering community is all he has the right to hope for.
For a USA citizen like me, this book also gives a nice overview of a large chunk of Canada, reminding me of that country’s vastness and geographic beauty. I love Toronto, and have had high tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria—but of course, Canada is a great deal more than that. For Rob and Mitch (and like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz), it turns out that “there’s no place like home” is more than just a cliché.
April 8, 2022
I liked the unorthodox way of telling the story. We could see multiple points of view from side characters when the main couple was on on the scene. I am not particularly a fan of insta love, so I found it a little unbelievable that the main characters would go from first meeting to immediate boyfriend status, especially when there’s such an important prior connection between them. The relationship was very sweet and it had a lot of potential, it just felt a little rushed. I understand this probably happened to make the storyline move forward faster, but it wasn’t really something I was comfortable with.
Now, I did really like the story. The location was dear and near to my heart, as a PNW resident and I definitely liked the quirkiness of the characters. Very much true of isolated communities, especially those with such high stakes to conserve their lands. I just was not 100% comfortable with the speed of the relationship development. Great first novel otherwise! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Now, I did really like the story. The location was dear and near to my heart, as a PNW resident and I definitely liked the quirkiness of the characters. Very much true of isolated communities, especially those with such high stakes to conserve their lands. I just was not 100% comfortable with the speed of the relationship development. Great first novel otherwise! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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