“I mean, are you going to allow your life to be defined by a two-thousand-year old book or by other people’s opinions? Or are you going to listen to your own heart?”
In a word: Read the thing. I absolutely loved this. So. Much. David and Christie are from worlds almost as opposite as you can get, but that doesn’t stop them from forming a connection with each other and then building on it to get to their happily ever after. David is a closeted widowed Mennonite farmer with two grown children, while Christie is an out and proud party boy from New York City. They’re an odd pair to be sure. Christie is out in Lancaster County because his recently deceased aunt left him her house, and he needs a change of scenery after a traumatic experience had him re-evaluating his life choices. His aunt’s house just happens to be next door to David’s farm, which is how he meets David. They start off as casual neighbours, then become friends, and then something more. And though their relationship is easy when they’re alone, things get more complicated in public, mostly on David’s end due to his religion and family. What I really loved about this story was all the emotions, especially Christie and David’s emotions towards each other. They’re both attracted to each other and very sexually compatible, but the main core of their relationship is their emotional connection. Even before David even considered them being together like that, he was already enamored with Christie. He was basically falling in love with Christie without even realizing it. And David has been repressing his true desires his whole life, so now they’re just pouring out of him with this outlet, and it’s both sad and freeing. I really loved the two main characters and their relationship, and I loved the depth of feelings they both had. The main monkey wrench in their romantic plans revolve around David’s family, and I will say that I wasn’t expecting it all to blow up in the way that it did. But this was a good, emotional read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Summary: (from Goodreads) David Fisher has lived by the rules all his life. Born to a Mennonite family, he obeyed his father and took over the family farm, married, and had two children. Now with both his kids in college and his wife deceased, he runs his farm alone and without joy, counting off the days of a life half-lived.
Christie Landon, graphic designer, Manhattanite, and fierce gay party boy, needs a change. Now thirty, he figures it’s time to grow up and think about his future. When his best friend overdoses, Christie resolves to take a break from the city. He heads to a small house in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to rest, recoup, and reflect.
But life in the country is boring despite glimpses of the hunky silver fox next door. When Christie’s creativity latches on to cooking, he decides to approach his widower neighbor with a plan to share meals and grocery expenses. David agrees, and soon the odd couple finds they really enjoy spending time together.
Christie challenges the boundaries of David’s closed world and brings out feelings he buried long ago. If he can break free of the past, he might find a second chance at happiness.
[available for purchase at Dreamspinner Press, Amazon.ca, Book Depository, Chapters, and Barnes & Noble]
In A Word 