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187th out of 459 books
—
267 voters
What Can Be (I'll Be Home for Christmas)
by
Mary Calmes (Goodreads Author)
Thirteen years ago, Eli went on a summer trip with his mother and never came back. Now, existing in a new life as Jacob Somerville, he’s again running from fear and memories, only to end up where he started. As Jacob struggles to reconnect with his father and brothers, he realizes that his lover, Craig Zhao, was the only thing filling his empty heart and standing between h...more
ebook, 124 pages
Published
December 1st 2011
by Dreamspinner Press
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This story blew me away. I wasn’t really sure what was going on for a while, but had a feeling the mystery about to unravel was going to be devastating, interesting, or both. It ended up being utterly emotional on top. Not only was I totally invested in the main character who tells the story in first person, I was also fascinated by the psychology of what was going on, the slow reveal of the reasons behind his behavior and the final revelations and solution had me tearing up. A truly amazing sto...more
A lovely story that will bring you to tears but with a perfect ending. Poor Eli is a beautiful character, his lover Craig is a real knight in shining armour, I loved them both. Eli's story is heartbreaking but a must read. For a short story this packs a lot in without feeling rushed or feeling like parts are missing. Brilliantly told I had to read in one sitting as I couldn't wait to see all the hows and whys of Eli's disapearence.
A nice surprise and not what I was expecting, this had it all drama, tears, courage and love and I loved every little bit. I adored Craig he is my hero the lovable sneak such a smarty who wouldn't give up on his skittish Jake/Eli who runs when he feels overwhelmed and can't cope. What he doesn't realize is it's too late Craig is not stupid he knows everything about Jake and what makes him tick the tactics he uses to find him are clever and I was cheering him on throughout his talks with Jake whi...more
I really like this one - 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Very dramatic and dark, but I liked the characters. Eli/Jake is of course damaged and scarred by his ordeal. He still has trouble dealing with the aftermath of his mother's death, but he is ready to close this page and move on to the next chapter of his life - with the help of Craig and his family. I usually like this writer's work, so no surprise here. Liked the closure at the end.
This was 3.5 for me. First, I really enjoy the way Mary writes. Her characters come screaming into your life and you cannot help but go along for the ride. That is exactly how I felt with What Can Be. It opens at a gas station and someone calling the name 'Eli'. We are then taken into Eli's world where he has not seen his family for 13 years. The story unfolds to a remarkable and at parts twisted story of how Eli became Jacob and what has happened over the last 13 years. All through the story I...more
This novella length story packed a punch. I typically don't enjoy novellas because they lack development. In this case, however, I was not disappointed. Eli left home 13 years ago with his mother, leaving behind his father and two brothers, and for some reason never returned. Finally home for a visit, and now under the name of Jacob Somerville, Eli must explain to his family why he left. In traveling to see his family, Eli also left behind a lover, Craig Zhao, who is confused about why "J" left...more
4 1/2 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Oh, Mary Calmes, this is why we love you so. Eli/Jake has been hiding from the past and although he loves Craig more than anything, it has become an ingrained habit to run. Craig isn’t about to let the best thing to ever happen to him slip through his fingers so he sets about to convince Eli/Jake that there is no reason to run anymore.
This is an incredibly written book that just happens to wring your emoti...more
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Oh, Mary Calmes, this is why we love you so. Eli/Jake has been hiding from the past and although he loves Craig more than anything, it has become an ingrained habit to run. Craig isn’t about to let the best thing to ever happen to him slip through his fingers so he sets about to convince Eli/Jake that there is no reason to run anymore.
This is an incredibly written book that just happens to wring your emoti...more
What Can Be is a Joyfully Recommended Read
Thirteen years after Eli Hartline left home with his mother, he’s come back, looking to find the family he left behind. Eli’s father and brothers are happy to see him, but Eli is doesn’t feel like he belongs anywhere, which is why he left his boyfriend, Craig Zhao, behind as well. Can Craig and Eli’s family convince him that he’s worth more than what he thinks of himself?
What Can Be is a beautiful and poignant story about loss, love, strength, and hope....more
Thirteen years after Eli Hartline left home with his mother, he’s come back, looking to find the family he left behind. Eli’s father and brothers are happy to see him, but Eli is doesn’t feel like he belongs anywhere, which is why he left his boyfriend, Craig Zhao, behind as well. Can Craig and Eli’s family convince him that he’s worth more than what he thinks of himself?
What Can Be is a beautiful and poignant story about loss, love, strength, and hope....more
Eli left California thirteen years ago with his mother for a summer vacation before school started back. His mother needed a break from the pressures of being a successful man's wife and mother, and Eli needed to be away from a crush gone wrong, and to watch out for his mother. They never came back.
Until now.
Present day, Eli, driving through his home town after hightailing it away from his lover, Craig Zhou, is spotted by his younger brother as he stops for gas. "Funny the people you forgot til...more
Until now.
Present day, Eli, driving through his home town after hightailing it away from his lover, Craig Zhou, is spotted by his younger brother as he stops for gas. "Funny the people you forgot til...more
What Can Be by Mry Calmes:
From Dreamspinner Press:
"Thirteen years ago, Eli went on a summer trip with his mother and never came back. Now, existing in a new life as Jacob Somerville, he’s again running from fear and memories, only to end up where he started. As Jacob struggles to reconnect with his father and brothers, he realizes that his lover, Craig Zhao, was the only thing filling his empty heart and standing between him and ghosts of the past. It will take the power of love—from his family,...more
From Dreamspinner Press:
"Thirteen years ago, Eli went on a summer trip with his mother and never came back. Now, existing in a new life as Jacob Somerville, he’s again running from fear and memories, only to end up where he started. As Jacob struggles to reconnect with his father and brothers, he realizes that his lover, Craig Zhao, was the only thing filling his empty heart and standing between him and ghosts of the past. It will take the power of love—from his family,...more
Usually I find books written by Mary Calmes to be ridiculous. While the story edges on melodrama I wouldn't call it ridiculous at all.
In terms of character, Calmes almost always writes variations of Jory, where no matter what the character says or does they are well liked and every man they meet gay or straight wants to sleep with them.
In Eli/Jacob's case, the only people drawn to him are his family members he hasn't seen in 13 yrs and his lover who he is trying to leave. I think that's all perf...more
In terms of character, Calmes almost always writes variations of Jory, where no matter what the character says or does they are well liked and every man they meet gay or straight wants to sleep with them.
In Eli/Jacob's case, the only people drawn to him are his family members he hasn't seen in 13 yrs and his lover who he is trying to leave. I think that's all perf...more
An emotionally driven short story from Mary Calmes with slightly darker undertones than her normal offerings. Like another review I've read about it I agree that the story would have proffered more if it had been longer. There was a lot more to explore from each of Eli's/ Jacobs separate lives, but having said that it was still a satisfying read. Not sure if I would want to reread it again but having read all her others I'm glad I did give it a go.
I like Mary Calmes books and am one of her reade...more
I like Mary Calmes books and am one of her reade...more
2.5
very annoying how every character says how much he looks like his dead mother. like in details. the reader gets it, he is physically perfect and everyone loves him. whole book everyone keeps saying how much he looks like his mom, even characters that already said it repeat it. WHY???
although nothing really happened and i didn't like the MC he was 28 but acted like he was 13. Apparently growing up with a drug addict made him perfect. perfect appearance, perfect manners, perfectly flawed, perfect...more
although nothing really happened and i didn't like the MC he was 28 but acted like he was 13. Apparently growing up with a drug addict made him perfect. perfect appearance, perfect manners, perfectly flawed, perfect...more
I can't seem to help myself. Every Mary Calmes book I read makes me bawl like a baby, even as I gnash my teeth with annoyance.
I love how she writes. I love the language and the emotion, not so much the plots which I often find contrived and overly complicated, but they work - I cry and cry and cry. What I really can't stand are the replicant Mary Sues, and this book is unfortunately no exception.
The MC is so beautiful (of course he doesn't know it) and so charming and so necessary to so many peo...more
I love how she writes. I love the language and the emotion, not so much the plots which I often find contrived and overly complicated, but they work - I cry and cry and cry. What I really can't stand are the replicant Mary Sues, and this book is unfortunately no exception.
The MC is so beautiful (of course he doesn't know it) and so charming and so necessary to so many peo...more
There is something about Mary's writing and characters that makes me love them even when sometimes I want to yell at them.
This story was actually a bit of a surprise because it's a light, easy read and then it becomes deeper, delving into topics that made me, the reader, feel sympathy for the main character, Eli aka Jacob. I loved Eli from the beginning but his constant need to evade everyone's questions frustrated me beyond belief! Probably because I'm one of those people that hate it when som...more
This story was actually a bit of a surprise because it's a light, easy read and then it becomes deeper, delving into topics that made me, the reader, feel sympathy for the main character, Eli aka Jacob. I loved Eli from the beginning but his constant need to evade everyone's questions frustrated me beyond belief! Probably because I'm one of those people that hate it when som...more
3.5 stars
What I do like ... the idea of love and devotion between Craig and Eli, it's simply awesome, my favorite scene will be when Craig is handling Eli (view spoiler). I also like Eli's brothers. The 'secret' that keeps Eli away from his family for 13 years is dark and heartbreaking. What I don't like, the way Eli refuses to talk about his past is a tad too long after several chapters. Plus, I have to admit that the story is a bit melod...more
What I do like ... the idea of love and devotion between Craig and Eli, it's simply awesome, my favorite scene will be when Craig is handling Eli (view spoiler). I also like Eli's brothers. The 'secret' that keeps Eli away from his family for 13 years is dark and heartbreaking. What I don't like, the way Eli refuses to talk about his past is a tad too long after several chapters. Plus, I have to admit that the story is a bit melod...more
Wow, take a the editor away from a mediocre author and you get a huge disappointment. This was the fourth book I've read from Mary Calmest, the previous three having been interesting enough plot lines and apparently edited by an outside party that I could grin and bare the shortcomings in the character development. This one unfortunately couldn't even be saved by what might have been an interesting plot line. I was hoping when I checked the copyright dates that this one would have been a very ea...more
I thought this was really well done. The relationship between Eli/Jake and Craig was well written. There was great sex and lovely sentimentality without it being overdone. We watch as Eli has flashbacks and takes steps to resolve inner turmoil and issues that resulted from trauma he experienced as a teen. The family dynamic seemed really well handled to me. It may be a novella, but there is a lot of substance and meat in it. All the right details were there and my only complaint was that it ende...more
After 13 years the prodigal Son Jake/Eli comes home.
He has had no contact with them, since he left at age 15 with his mother for what was supposed to be a summer trip, and his family wants to know what happened to his mother and why he never came back.
(view spoiler)...more
He has had no contact with them, since he left at age 15 with his mother for what was supposed to be a summer trip, and his family wants to know what happened to his mother and why he never came back.
(view spoiler)...more
This one made me cry. It was a lovely story of coming home, of facing your demons, and of realizing that the person you love the most is the person who gives you the courage to do just that. Mary Calmes sets her stories in the land of the lovely and the rich and powerful, but that doesn't make her people any less human for all of that. I loved Jake/Eli, and I loved Craig--their dialog was sweet and affectionate, and made all of Jake's healing apparent and possible. Melodramatic? Yes--but I'm a f...more
A good story, although it wasn't particularly Christmas-themed. Eli has been gone for 13 years and his family has heard nothing from him in all that time. He decides to run from his new life and face the demons of his old one, but neither is willing to let him go. He might end up all alone and the real question is, is that what he wants?
Like I said, I thought it was a great story with great writing, I just don't know that is particularly Christmasy. It could easily have taken place in the middle...more
Like I said, I thought it was a great story with great writing, I just don't know that is particularly Christmasy. It could easily have taken place in the middle...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Eli is a moron! When his mother dies he should have just gone home or called home so his brothers or dad could pick him up. Ever heard of a phone stupid? After all the truama he went thru with his loser of a weak mama he should have enough sense of self preservation.
His perfect boyfriend billionaire genius craig wants him back after he ran off with no word while the guy was on a business trip? WHY!!!? He, like his mother, apparently longs to be miserable. The first Mary Calmes book I have that...more
His perfect boyfriend billionaire genius craig wants him back after he ran off with no word while the guy was on a business trip? WHY!!!? He, like his mother, apparently longs to be miserable. The first Mary Calmes book I have that...more
I love Mary Calmes' stories and this one is 100% amazing. It packs a heck of a lot of punch into a little over a hundred pages. It's the tale of Jake (aka Eli) who comes home after 13 years of being lost to his family. There's tons of angst about what happened during that time and even more angst due to the fact that Jake has left his live-in boyfriend Craig without notice.
What happens in this story during the week preceding Christmas is heartwarming with the fun, sexy banter between MC's and t...more
What happens in this story during the week preceding Christmas is heartwarming with the fun, sexy banter between MC's and t...more
3.5 stars
Well, well...a surprising twist from our Queen O' Fluff, Ms. Calmes. "What Can Be" is a bit darker than anything I've read from QoF before. And I quite enjoyed it.
It's about Eli-Jory...a 28 year old young man with secrets...a past life kept secret from his current and a current life kept secret from his past. The details of those secrets aren't revealed until the end, but the build up was quite suspenseful and I was entertained purely by the relationships in the story...both of the MC...more
I did like how this was a little different from her usual reads. I liked the scene where Craig calms Eli down. It was sad to finally hear the real story from Eli...But things just got too melodramatic, which is typical for Mary Calmes's stories. I wanted to like this more than I did, but I couldn't take this seriously.
I enjoyed this book immensely,
This book was a mystery, concerning the MCs disappearance many years before, and his journey back to his family. He is in an established relationship and the story explores the stresses placed on this relationship.
I was not able to guess how the mystery would be resolve, and I enjoyed how it all unravelled
Shed a lot of tears with this one. Each of the main characters is closed off in their own way but can't be with each other. Each is wounded by find a safe place with each other. I think a lot of us want to find that one person that can look at us warts and all, mistakes, bad judgements etc and still love us and Mary did a good job representing that here.
I find that Mary Calmes has an extraordinary sensitivity to deal with certain issues, writing pages full of intense and passionate feeling. I see the soul of the characters and that makes me cry and smile, it always happens ... What can be is a short story but it has an intensity of a great book
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Mary Calmes lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband and two children and loves all the seasons except summer. She graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, with a bachelor's degree in English literature. Due to the fact that it is English lit and not English grammar, do not ask her to point out a clause for you, as it will so not happen. She loves writing, becomi...more
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Dec 12, 2011 11:56am