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A Trouble Halved
Allen Schneider is anxious to get away to the freedom of college life. He struggles with being closeted at home and at school, and to make matters worse, he has a huge crush on one of his childhood friends, Greg Harmon, now a big football star. Allen’s forced to go to Pennsylvania with his family for Christmas rather than staying in Virginia with his friends, but he’s thrilled when Greg starts to text and instant message him. It’s the beginning of a budding romance that develops when Greg ends up visiting family nearby, but as the press of family makes it difficult to find any time alone, will they be able to start something that will last?
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
172 people want to read
About the author
Andy Eisenberg
6 books34 followersAndy Eisenberg, a lifelong avid reader, writes as an escape from her career as a microbiologist. She has more interests than time, enjoying everything from building furniture to needlework. A cancer survivor, she has spent the time since her recovery in more quiet pursuits and has concentrated on writing--one of those things that she always wanted to do but put off until there was more time.
Her husband, her own personal happy-ever-after, provides the background music to her writing in the form of his PS3 and XBox360. Andy and her husband are both transplanted Yankees who now make their home in Virginia at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They live with two large dogs, three cats, and assorted fish and houseplants and enjoy watching baseball and football together.
Visit Andy's blog at http://andy-eisenberg.livejournal.com/. You can contact her at andy.l.eisenberg@gmail.com.
Her husband, her own personal happy-ever-after, provides the background music to her writing in the form of his PS3 and XBox360. Andy and her husband are both transplanted Yankees who now make their home in Virginia at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They live with two large dogs, three cats, and assorted fish and houseplants and enjoy watching baseball and football together.
Visit Andy's blog at http://andy-eisenberg.livejournal.com/. You can contact her at andy.l.eisenberg@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 18, 2016
2.5, historia corta que empieza muy bien pero al final se queda en un meh.
December 6, 2010
Allen Schneider has been spending every holiday at his grandparents' house in Salemville, PA. This Christmas is no different: Allen's request is to spend time with his friends in Virginia is rejected by his parents. However, things get a little better when he IM from his childhood friend, Greg Harmon, who is now a big football star. Allen has been having crush with Greg for such a long time -- though he never does anything about it, only settling by checking Greg's photos on his Facebook page. Apparently, Greg is going to Altoona (which is only half an hour away from Salemville) this Christmas holiday. So, he might visit Allen too. With his crush coming over, this Christmas holiday might be better than Allen thinks it would be.
Another story I read the past two days with young-adult characters ... and I enjoy this one very much. I love the contemporary setting. The idea of using IM, texts, and Facebook photo upload is just wonderful to read in stories because I can totally connect with it. Allen and Greg are enjoyable to read. Here's Allen, eighteen years old, only out with his best friend, Dusty. He doesn't realize that other people already know that he is gay (his grandma, his brother, and even his parents) but they give him time to actually do the first step to tell. It is a surprise for Allen when he realizes that Greg actually labors mutual feeling. Their 'attempt' to making out is almost always interrupted with the number of family members and relatives coming to visit, so it is entertaining to read on how Allen and Greg try to sneak out just so they can kiss. I also love the character of Allen's grandmother.
The ending is sweet, a note to a hopeful future for the two teenagers.
Another story I read the past two days with young-adult characters ... and I enjoy this one very much. I love the contemporary setting. The idea of using IM, texts, and Facebook photo upload is just wonderful to read in stories because I can totally connect with it. Allen and Greg are enjoyable to read. Here's Allen, eighteen years old, only out with his best friend, Dusty. He doesn't realize that other people already know that he is gay (his grandma, his brother, and even his parents) but they give him time to actually do the first step to tell. It is a surprise for Allen when he realizes that Greg actually labors mutual feeling. Their 'attempt' to making out is almost always interrupted with the number of family members and relatives coming to visit, so it is entertaining to read on how Allen and Greg try to sneak out just so they can kiss. I also love the character of Allen's grandmother.
The ending is sweet, a note to a hopeful future for the two teenagers.
November 26, 2011
This was a very cute and sweet read. It was exactly what I was looking for after reading an extremely long and most frustrating book.
I was able to sink myself into it because Allen and Greg's fledgling relationship was very nice to read about and they were just adorable and lovable characters. Considering they used to be childhood friends and then drifted apart made the book all the more sweet because we get to see them reconnect over the Christmas break that they both were forced to go on.
I loved that Allen was so nervous about everyone finding out about him being gay and how he was crushing on Greg for so long so he was nervous about what Greg would think of him now. I enjoyed the parts that told about Allen's Uncle Nick, what he left behind and what he was like especially since it seemed to bring Greg and him even closer together. I especially loved Allen's grandma. She was such a sweetheart and his brother made me laugh in a few scenes because of his actions.
I loved the book a lot but it was too short so I definitely want more of them and I hope we get to see them again in the future. This was a very sweet, light and easy read. Perfect for something warm and fuzzy after a brutal or frustrating read. Definitely recommended.
I was able to sink myself into it because Allen and Greg's fledgling relationship was very nice to read about and they were just adorable and lovable characters. Considering they used to be childhood friends and then drifted apart made the book all the more sweet because we get to see them reconnect over the Christmas break that they both were forced to go on.
I loved that Allen was so nervous about everyone finding out about him being gay and how he was crushing on Greg for so long so he was nervous about what Greg would think of him now. I enjoyed the parts that told about Allen's Uncle Nick, what he left behind and what he was like especially since it seemed to bring Greg and him even closer together. I especially loved Allen's grandma. She was such a sweetheart and his brother made me laugh in a few scenes because of his actions.
I loved the book a lot but it was too short so I definitely want more of them and I hope we get to see them again in the future. This was a very sweet, light and easy read. Perfect for something warm and fuzzy after a brutal or frustrating read. Definitely recommended.
December 30, 2010
A short sweet story about Allen, who can't wait to go off to college. When he discovers that his old boyhood friend, Greg, is as interested in him as he is, everything changes. I really liked the stolen moments between dealing with family and the question of how to come out. The ending was cute as well, showing that everything doesn't always have to be as complicated or momentous as expected.
June 17, 2011
i just loved these guys great story
May 1, 2013
First read this in March 2011, I remember liking it so I'm doing a reread.
Allen, poor Allen, he's 18 and wants to do his own thing this Christmas, he doesn't want to travel with his parents and annoying brother to his grandparents house.
His grandparents live in a very rural area, no Internet,coal heating, two TV channels, poor Allen, the world just might end.
Allen is gay, but only his best friend Dusty knows, well, that's not quite true, but I'll leave it at that for now.
Greg was a childhood friend of Allen's but after grade school they sort of drifted apart and traveled in different circles, even in their very small school.
But Allan loves looking at Greg's FB photos and he has a major secret crush on him, so imagine his surprise when Greg starts IM and texting him.
Greg is close to where Allen is on holiday and stops by, one thing leads to another and young love ensues.
This story just has a sweet and real feel to it, they want to kiss and make out, but with family all around, that isn't happening, even if Christian, Allen's brother actively tries to throw a wrench in their plans, all in good fun though.
It's touching too, Allen learns of his Uncle and another time, his grandmother is also very wise and great, and he realizes that coming out doesn't have to be a big scary thing, at least not for him.
It ends on a hopeful HFN.
Allen, poor Allen, he's 18 and wants to do his own thing this Christmas, he doesn't want to travel with his parents and annoying brother to his grandparents house.
His grandparents live in a very rural area, no Internet,coal heating, two TV channels, poor Allen, the world just might end.
Allen is gay, but only his best friend Dusty knows, well, that's not quite true, but I'll leave it at that for now.
Greg was a childhood friend of Allen's but after grade school they sort of drifted apart and traveled in different circles, even in their very small school.
But Allan loves looking at Greg's FB photos and he has a major secret crush on him, so imagine his surprise when Greg starts IM and texting him.
Greg is close to where Allen is on holiday and stops by, one thing leads to another and young love ensues.
This story just has a sweet and real feel to it, they want to kiss and make out, but with family all around, that isn't happening, even if Christian, Allen's brother actively tries to throw a wrench in their plans, all in good fun though.
It's touching too, Allen learns of his Uncle and another time, his grandmother is also very wise and great, and he realizes that coming out doesn't have to be a big scary thing, at least not for him.
It ends on a hopeful HFN.
October 13, 2012
Such a sweet and heartwarming story. Just what I needed after the last couple of reads I've had.
June 19, 2011
A very sweet coming of age, coming out, and first love story, set at Christmas in the country, with the kind of family people wish for.
January 25, 2011
Allen is a senior in high school and pissed he has to go and spend a week at his Grandparents for Christmas. He ends up chatting by chance with the rich star of the football team who mentions he’s going to be up in the same area. Allen outs himself and is surprised to find that Greg is also gay and interested. They arrange to spend some time together at his Grandparents' and due to a storm Greg stays over. They also arrange for him to stay for the following week as his parents have to work. This is a sweet story of two young guys just working on their first relationship. Allen is afraid to come out although his Grandmother and brother says it’s no secret. Finally on NYE, he makes the move by kissing Greg in front of his family, even though they’d have to be blind not to catch on. It’s a bit of escapism, Greg claims his family and team mates are fine with it, everyone in Allen’s family seems fine with it and the life on the farm with a big family seems very ideal, but if that kind of happy place doesn’t bother you it was a cute story about two young guys. One thing I’ll note, and I know this is publisher requirements usually, great pains are taken to note that both boys are already 18. I don’t want to read a story about a 34 year old and a 16 year old, but to me, when two guys are 16 or 17, it makes sense that they are likely sexually involved in some way. Also in Canada “legal” is 16 (and many places in the US it’s less than 18) so I always find that a bit of an artificial number and when special mention is made it tends to make me roll my eyes.
November 23, 2011
4 Stars
This was a very well written short and sweet coming of age story, about Allen and his childhood friend Greg, rekindling their friendship and more. Allen is a gay high school student who is still in the closet to everyone except is straight best friend Dusty. Or that's what he thinks.
Allen had two close friends growing up. Dusty and Gregg. When the guys got to high school, only Dusty and Allen maintained a close friendship, while Greg drifted away to become the school jock. Allen has the biggest crush on Gregg and imagines them together in his dreams. However, a simple chat on Facebook asking for a homework assignment is the beginning of Allen and Greg rekindling their friendship and reveling new secrets.
The author does an excellent job of showing us the journey Allen takes to revealing who he is and finding love. Although I love hot sex scenes in my MM romance books, there is very little sex in this book and I was totally fine with that.
My only compliant is that the story was too short. Allen and Greg need a sequel because there is so much I still want to learn about their relationship.I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for something light, sweet and quick to read without a lot of sex and angst.
This was a very well written short and sweet coming of age story, about Allen and his childhood friend Greg, rekindling their friendship and more. Allen is a gay high school student who is still in the closet to everyone except is straight best friend Dusty. Or that's what he thinks.
Allen had two close friends growing up. Dusty and Gregg. When the guys got to high school, only Dusty and Allen maintained a close friendship, while Greg drifted away to become the school jock. Allen has the biggest crush on Gregg and imagines them together in his dreams. However, a simple chat on Facebook asking for a homework assignment is the beginning of Allen and Greg rekindling their friendship and reveling new secrets.
The author does an excellent job of showing us the journey Allen takes to revealing who he is and finding love. Although I love hot sex scenes in my MM romance books, there is very little sex in this book and I was totally fine with that.
My only compliant is that the story was too short. Allen and Greg need a sequel because there is so much I still want to learn about their relationship.I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for something light, sweet and quick to read without a lot of sex and angst.
November 17, 2012
Allen is forced to go with his parents for the holiday. He feels tight and closed in. With the star of his fantasy starts to text him and shows up for a visit its time to start being open about himself. Loved the grandmother and the story of the uncle. They really added a wonderful element to the story and a remind that things aren't as new as we think they are sometimes. This turned out to be a very sweet story of young love.
June 30, 2011
I read this book in one sitting and I loved it. I've read other books by this author, so she is an automatic buy for me. A Trouble Halved was a sweet story of two 17 year old boys, nerd boy, Allen, and jock, Greg. Not an original setup, but I did find Greg's suggestion to Allen on how to come out to his family very refreshing and absolutely perfect. Recommended!
December 3, 2012
Allen has to go with his family to his grandmother's for Christmas and he is dreading it. That is until Greg texts him. They end up being within 30 minutes of each other and Allen finds out that Greg has been wanting him for a while. This is a sweet story about first times, first loves and coming out.
August 28, 2013
A cute little holiday/coming out/friends to lovers story. I'm rereading it for about the 3rd time & it's only *just now* occurred to me that it's set near my in-laws -- I have a SIL in Altoona & my MIL & BIL & his family live in Bedford. & they have done for the whole 14 years since I first met them. I'm slow sometimes; what else can I say?
December 30, 2015
Sweet story Allen is spending time with his grandma and recently his childhood crush Greg has recently started talking to him. So Allen can only hope it leads to more. Sweet story young love and Christmas times.
December 7, 2010
It was a sweet story and I really enjoyed it!
December 25, 2010
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this story; it was short and sweet!
I really enjoyed this story; it was short and sweet!
April 10, 2011
sweet story of finding that special someone when not even looking.
October 20, 2011
A sweet without being saccharine story about first love trying to take root amidst the family gathering for the holidays.
March 8, 2011
Very cute and terribly sweet teen actualization story. Andy keeps the boys as boys their age, complete with body language and dialog.
November 12, 2011
I know this was just a short story but I felt like there needed to be way more. For what was there, it was amazing.
July 30, 2011
Short, sweet read.
Read
April 17, 2011to-read
June 18, 2011
Short and sweet.
August 30, 2011
This story was so sweet, but sadly too short. I would gladly read more about Allen and Greg, they were so cute together!
October 28, 2014
2.5 stars
February 1, 2012
An adorable Christmas story about coming out. Allen and Greg were so cute I was smiling all the way through this book. Great for a pick me up
December 17, 2011
Very sweet, cute story! Loved it!
Want to read
January 25, 2012$3.59 on Amazon
February 12, 2014
The highlight in this for me was Allen's grandmother. I can't help it I just loved her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews