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Good to Know #3
Roots and Wings
In the six years since Jerry, David, and William first welcomed Billie and Cory into their home, a lot has changed in their lives. William has fallen in love, Cory has graduated and is engaged, and Jerry is as irascible as ever. David, however, is struggling. He worries about William and Cory, about how he and Jerry will deal with their house becoming an empty nest, and about his aging parents.
Then circumstances conspire to give David more concrete Jerry finds a potentially cancerous lump, William’s first experience with love is in jeopardy because he has two dads, and David’s long-lost mother shows up, wanting to reconcile with him. Amidst the drama of a heartbroken sixteen-year-old, a husband facing a medical crisis, and an impending wedding, David will learn that life should be lived to the fullest—and that each of us is endowed with roots and wings.
Then circumstances conspire to give David more concrete Jerry finds a potentially cancerous lump, William’s first experience with love is in jeopardy because he has two dads, and David’s long-lost mother shows up, wanting to reconcile with him. Amidst the drama of a heartbroken sixteen-year-old, a husband facing a medical crisis, and an impending wedding, David will learn that life should be lived to the fullest—and that each of us is endowed with roots and wings.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2011
3 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
D.W. Marchwell
21 books184 followersWhen D. W. Marchwell is not teaching future generations the wonders of science, he can usually be found hiking, writing, riding horses, trying new recipes, or searching for and lovingly restoring discarded antique furniture. A goofy and incurable romantic, D.W. admits that his stories are inspired by actual events and has a soft spot for those where boy not only meets boy but also turns out to be boy's soul mate. After almost fifteen years of working his way across Canada, D.W has finally found the perfect place to live at the foot of the Canadian Rockies. He still can't believe how lucky he is, and, as his grandmother taught him, counts his blessings every day.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 12, 2013
Another lovely update on the lives of David, Jerry, Cory and William.
This is a nice slow, no angst, light on the drama, read.
I did need a tissue when William and Jerry were reminiscing on the early days when William first came to stay. I always choke on the pure emotion in those scenes lol.
A lovely way to say Goodbye to this family.
Just as a personal note,
This is a nice slow, no angst, light on the drama, read.
I did need a tissue when William and Jerry were reminiscing on the early days when William first came to stay. I always choke on the pure emotion in those scenes lol.
A lovely way to say Goodbye to this family.
Just as a personal note,
November 17, 2011
I love David and Jerry. Hope to get more from these characters.
December 28, 2012
Wow, where to start. First off I have to say that this book caused me so many ups and downs with my feelings that I thought I'd never get through the entire book. This was a beautiful series and I am torn between wanting more and hoping that this is the last of the series. I would love to hear about David and Jerry spoiling and loving grandkids but at the same time they are alot older and I'm afraid if there is another book that one of them will die in it and I honestly don't think my heart could take that.
October 7, 2012
It continues to be a sweet read. I do love this family !
The writing was so bland, though,I had a hard time finishing it. There was too much author voice and not enough Character Voice. It all sounded the same after a bit.The characters were warm, friendly and humorous, I just wanted to hear more from THEM.
The writing was so bland, though,I had a hard time finishing it. There was too much author voice and not enough Character Voice. It all sounded the same after a bit.The characters were warm, friendly and humorous, I just wanted to hear more from THEM.
April 19, 2020
The only thing I would really change about this series of books, if I could, would be to remove the explicit sexual content. It isn't needed and seems completely out of context with the tone of the books.
July 13, 2017
j ai beaucoup aimé cette suite qui permet de conclure cette très belle série en suivant tous nos héros
December 17, 2019
Un po' sottotono rispetto agli altri libri rispetto della serie.
January 30, 2018
“Ali e radici” è la degna conclusione di una serie bellissima, che è riuscita ad appassionarmi e a sorprendermi con i suoi fantastici personaggi.
Quest’ultimo volume è ambientato sette anni dopo l’inizio di tutto e segna un momento importante nella loro vita. David e Jerry sono ancora felicemente innamorati, ma devono affrontare una serie di problemi, imprevisti e novità che sconquasseranno la loro quotidianità, mandandoli un po’ in crisi.
David, in particolare, deve ritrovare il proprio equilibrio interiore e combattere alcune ansie e paure che lo assalgono. L’autore è stato bravissimo a delineare le introspezioni di tutti; le inquietudini di David, in particolare, sono molto realistiche e il lettore prova quella sensazione di stretta allo stomaco tipica di quando un’epoca sta per finire e un’altra sta per cominciare, quel grande cambiamento che c’è nell’aria prima dei grandi eventi che segnano irrimediabilmente una famiglia.
Anche Jerry ha i propri problemi da affrontare, ma mi fermo qui, perché la sinossi esprime già il succo della trama.
Marchwell ci ha sempre insegnato che la forza di questa famiglia è l’unità, l’affetto fortissimo che li lega, il rispetto reciproco e la sensibilità che li caratterizza. Pur nelle avversità, questa storia trasuda amore, comprensione e sostegno. Tutti sono pronti a rimettersi in gioco e a sostenersi reciprocamente, ma senza invadenza o imposizioni. Adoro come questa saga sia una lezione di vita d’indubbio valore, perché sa trasmettere delle piccole perle di saggezza. “Ali e radici” ci insegna a spiccare il volo verso il futuro, ma senza dimenticare i saldi valori del nostro passato, le radici che ci fanno stare in piedi anche nel mezzo della burrasca.
Un’altra cosa che ho amato di questo autore è che non si vergogna dell’emotività dei suoi personaggi. Jerry e David sono uomini tutti d’un pezzo, eppure sanno emozionarsi e commuoversi e non si impediscono di esternare ciò che provano, perché sanno di essere accettati e capiti.
La storia ha un buon ritmo e contiene la giusta dose di guai e tanto amore: amore paterno e fraterno, amore filiale, amore romantico. Non mancano scene sensuali e coinvolgenti, piacevolmente esplicite. C’è tempo per tutti per rimettersi in gioco, correggere i propri errori, fare scelte importanti e maturare sempre un po’ di più, sia come coppia sia come singoli.
Mi dispiace che questa saga sia finita, ma credo che ogni cosa in sospeso sia stata chiarita e questa è una buona conclusione.
Quest’ultimo volume è ambientato sette anni dopo l’inizio di tutto e segna un momento importante nella loro vita. David e Jerry sono ancora felicemente innamorati, ma devono affrontare una serie di problemi, imprevisti e novità che sconquasseranno la loro quotidianità, mandandoli un po’ in crisi.
David, in particolare, deve ritrovare il proprio equilibrio interiore e combattere alcune ansie e paure che lo assalgono. L’autore è stato bravissimo a delineare le introspezioni di tutti; le inquietudini di David, in particolare, sono molto realistiche e il lettore prova quella sensazione di stretta allo stomaco tipica di quando un’epoca sta per finire e un’altra sta per cominciare, quel grande cambiamento che c’è nell’aria prima dei grandi eventi che segnano irrimediabilmente una famiglia.
Anche Jerry ha i propri problemi da affrontare, ma mi fermo qui, perché la sinossi esprime già il succo della trama.
Marchwell ci ha sempre insegnato che la forza di questa famiglia è l’unità, l’affetto fortissimo che li lega, il rispetto reciproco e la sensibilità che li caratterizza. Pur nelle avversità, questa storia trasuda amore, comprensione e sostegno. Tutti sono pronti a rimettersi in gioco e a sostenersi reciprocamente, ma senza invadenza o imposizioni. Adoro come questa saga sia una lezione di vita d’indubbio valore, perché sa trasmettere delle piccole perle di saggezza. “Ali e radici” ci insegna a spiccare il volo verso il futuro, ma senza dimenticare i saldi valori del nostro passato, le radici che ci fanno stare in piedi anche nel mezzo della burrasca.
Un’altra cosa che ho amato di questo autore è che non si vergogna dell’emotività dei suoi personaggi. Jerry e David sono uomini tutti d’un pezzo, eppure sanno emozionarsi e commuoversi e non si impediscono di esternare ciò che provano, perché sanno di essere accettati e capiti.
La storia ha un buon ritmo e contiene la giusta dose di guai e tanto amore: amore paterno e fraterno, amore filiale, amore romantico. Non mancano scene sensuali e coinvolgenti, piacevolmente esplicite. C’è tempo per tutti per rimettersi in gioco, correggere i propri errori, fare scelte importanti e maturare sempre un po’ di più, sia come coppia sia come singoli.
Mi dispiace che questa saga sia finita, ma credo che ogni cosa in sospeso sia stata chiarita e questa è una buona conclusione.
September 1, 2013
C’est un plaisir de retrouver cette petite famille hors norme.
Grâce à ce troisième tome nous approfondissons encore plus une romance M/M et c’est un régal.
Jerry et David sont toujours égaux à eux même, cependant vient enfin le temps de certaines épreuves dont ils ressortiront sans nulle doute vainqueurs…
David qui se dévoue beaucoup pour ses hommes et les autres se posera des questions et finalement évoluera vraiment vers le paradis au fil du récit.
Jerry nous offre ici une autre facette de lui, nous qui l’avions connu sûr de lui, il montrera quelques faiblesses.
J’ai adoré voir William avec son premier amour, d’un enfant qu’on a connu tout hésitant et tremblant on retrouve un presque adulte encore peu sur de lui sur certaines choses sauf l’amour qu’il porte à ceux qu’il aime. Heureusement quand il est perdu, les siens sont là pour l’épauler.
Cory sera peu présent dans ce tome mais on apprendra ce qu’il est devenu: une fierté pour ses pères adoptifs.
Ce livre n’est pas vraiment une romance tout comme le tome deux mais une continuité de l’histoire et je dois dire que c’est tout de même préférable à un épilogue et plus développé. En lui même il nous offre une belle leçon, à savoir que respecter les codes traditionnels ne fait pas une famille, ce qui la constitue ce sont les liens qui en unissent les membres.
J’aime beaucoup la plume de D.W Marchwell qui nous offre de belles scènes érotiques et en même temps une belle histoire, seul point négatif parfois la romance sous-jacente peut paraître un peu froide.
En résumé une histoire dont l’idée centrale est la famille. Je l’ai dévorée, je vous la recommande sans nul doute, si vous avez aimé les deux premiers tomes vous ne pouvez passer à côté de celui ci qui conclue la trilogie.
Grâce à ce troisième tome nous approfondissons encore plus une romance M/M et c’est un régal.
Jerry et David sont toujours égaux à eux même, cependant vient enfin le temps de certaines épreuves dont ils ressortiront sans nulle doute vainqueurs…
David qui se dévoue beaucoup pour ses hommes et les autres se posera des questions et finalement évoluera vraiment vers le paradis au fil du récit.
Jerry nous offre ici une autre facette de lui, nous qui l’avions connu sûr de lui, il montrera quelques faiblesses.
J’ai adoré voir William avec son premier amour, d’un enfant qu’on a connu tout hésitant et tremblant on retrouve un presque adulte encore peu sur de lui sur certaines choses sauf l’amour qu’il porte à ceux qu’il aime. Heureusement quand il est perdu, les siens sont là pour l’épauler.
Cory sera peu présent dans ce tome mais on apprendra ce qu’il est devenu: une fierté pour ses pères adoptifs.
Ce livre n’est pas vraiment une romance tout comme le tome deux mais une continuité de l’histoire et je dois dire que c’est tout de même préférable à un épilogue et plus développé. En lui même il nous offre une belle leçon, à savoir que respecter les codes traditionnels ne fait pas une famille, ce qui la constitue ce sont les liens qui en unissent les membres.
J’aime beaucoup la plume de D.W Marchwell qui nous offre de belles scènes érotiques et en même temps une belle histoire, seul point négatif parfois la romance sous-jacente peut paraître un peu froide.
En résumé une histoire dont l’idée centrale est la famille. Je l’ai dévorée, je vous la recommande sans nul doute, si vous avez aimé les deux premiers tomes vous ne pouvez passer à côté de celui ci qui conclue la trilogie.
August 26, 2012
Third visit to the McKenzie clan - fast forward to Cory being in college, William is soon to follow, Billie is no longer a puppy and both young men are starting their love lives - and that is dealt with so well, because it would have been easy to have everyone be the same, or at least William. And really is adorable that William is surprised by his attraction!!! Then his worry that he has finally done something that will be too much of a disappointment to his fathers, and how is he going to deal with that? Especially in the wake of Cory's news?
Once again, well written, and the fact that Jerry and David are older plays a part with potential empty nest syndrome, do they have enough in common to have a relationship without the kids? What if illness were to happen to either of them as they face going down to just the two of them, and how does that affect their family and their future, including grandchildren? And as if that isn't enough, David had reconciled with his father, his sisters, and now he is attempting to connect with his mother after she was in an auto accident.
A lot to be dealt with and addressed in this book, but not at any time did it seem like too much, it actually all made sense, it was like real life and it flowed so well, it never seemed too rushed to address all the topics that come up!
And Jerry shows just how impressive he is as a father and husband in showing William and David how much he loves them (Cory already knew!).
Loved this series, bought the rest of the author's work!
Once again, well written, and the fact that Jerry and David are older plays a part with potential empty nest syndrome, do they have enough in common to have a relationship without the kids? What if illness were to happen to either of them as they face going down to just the two of them, and how does that affect their family and their future, including grandchildren? And as if that isn't enough, David had reconciled with his father, his sisters, and now he is attempting to connect with his mother after she was in an auto accident.
A lot to be dealt with and addressed in this book, but not at any time did it seem like too much, it actually all made sense, it was like real life and it flowed so well, it never seemed too rushed to address all the topics that come up!
And Jerry shows just how impressive he is as a father and husband in showing William and David how much he loves them (Cory already knew!).
Loved this series, bought the rest of the author's work!
January 28, 2012
I liked it, but had a few annoyances that kept me from getting really into it. The word "husband" was overused so much that I was thoroughly sick of it by about 25% into the story, and started thinking it could make a drinking game or something. Also, Cory and Tara seemed to appear whenever it was convenient, but there was no explanation for times they weren't mentioned (for example, one morning while they're still around, Jerry wakes up early and thinks about how soon he expects David and William to wake up. No mention of Cory and Tara, who presumably were there, too, and who reappeared the next time they had some part to play).
But I think the thing I had the most trouble with was the constant sense of antici... which never seemed to be followed by any ...pation. So many things were mentioned in a way that made me think they'd be significant later (like why the dog didn't follow William downstairs as usual one morning) but then there was no follow up. Or, if there was, there was no drama around the follow up. Which is fine, except that I kept expecting it. Perhaps the problem was just with my expectations. The blurb made me think there'd be drama, and there were a few times there started to be, but then it was always wrapped up so quickly and neatly it was a non-starter.
Read this book for the sweet family life and follow up on beloved characters, and I'm sure it's a delightful story.
But I think the thing I had the most trouble with was the constant sense of antici... which never seemed to be followed by any ...pation. So many things were mentioned in a way that made me think they'd be significant later (like why the dog didn't follow William downstairs as usual one morning) but then there was no follow up. Or, if there was, there was no drama around the follow up. Which is fine, except that I kept expecting it. Perhaps the problem was just with my expectations. The blurb made me think there'd be drama, and there were a few times there started to be, but then it was always wrapped up so quickly and neatly it was a non-starter.
Read this book for the sweet family life and follow up on beloved characters, and I'm sure it's a delightful story.
March 11, 2012
The tone of this book is somewhat melancholy as David believes that his role as father is nearing its conclusion. Jerry reminisces over the changes in his own life from being a confirmed swinging bachelor to a man longing for grandparenthood. When a serious health crisis looms David becomes so depressed he has to seek professional counseling while Jerry hides his own fears from even himself.
William has fallen in love and in the process of becoming sexually active is part of the cause of his girlfriend’s family melt down. Cory is not seen much in this book but his upcoming nuptials with Tara are discussed and happily anticipated. (Their wedding might make a great short story, DW, hint, hint?)
I will miss Mr. Marchwell’s family of men and now of women. This is one of those books and series that you hate to see end. Definitely character-driven, the books contain people that you almost feel are real enough to send letters and pictures letting you know how they are doing. ROOTS AND WINGS was a wonderful, warm conclusion to a favorite series.
I am providing a rating for the book as well as for the entire the series, which maintained a satisfying, consistent tone and structure from the first paragraph of the first book to the last words of the final book. Well done.
Please see my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... (March 12, 2012)
William has fallen in love and in the process of becoming sexually active is part of the cause of his girlfriend’s family melt down. Cory is not seen much in this book but his upcoming nuptials with Tara are discussed and happily anticipated. (Their wedding might make a great short story, DW, hint, hint?)
I will miss Mr. Marchwell’s family of men and now of women. This is one of those books and series that you hate to see end. Definitely character-driven, the books contain people that you almost feel are real enough to send letters and pictures letting you know how they are doing. ROOTS AND WINGS was a wonderful, warm conclusion to a favorite series.
I am providing a rating for the book as well as for the entire the series, which maintained a satisfying, consistent tone and structure from the first paragraph of the first book to the last words of the final book. Well done.
Please see my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... (March 12, 2012)
June 11, 2012
It's a good end to a cute series. It's a romance (i would dare to say almost erotic, because it's full of sex scenes).
If you are a romantic person, searching a VERY romantic story you MUST read this serie. David and Jerry story (and their two son, William and Cory) is wonderful.
I think this book just had one problem: too many parts explaining things from book one and two (or maybe saying "repeating"? It's full of flashbacks, and it sort of tired me). Also the almost drama was too quick
But the 3 stars is for personal reasons, i still recommend it, and think all this series quality is superb. It's rare to find a story about two mature men as I found in this story (Jerry is 50 years old, and almost 60 in the last book. David younger but just few years than his husband.
3 stars
If you are a romantic person, searching a VERY romantic story you MUST read this serie. David and Jerry story (and their two son, William and Cory) is wonderful.
I think this book just had one problem: too many parts explaining things from book one and two (or maybe saying "repeating"? It's full of flashbacks, and it sort of tired me). Also the almost drama was too quick
But the 3 stars is for personal reasons, i still recommend it, and think all this series quality is superb. It's rare to find a story about two mature men as I found in this story (Jerry is 50 years old, and almost 60 in the last book. David younger but just few years than his husband.
3 stars
November 25, 2011
A fitting continuation of the series. This one skips a few years into the future and focuses quite a bit on William's current relationship, David's relationship (or lack thereof) with his mother, and Jerry has a bit of a health scare. It was a little slow for me to get into because the beginning seemed to have a lot of info-dumping instead of action.
You could potentially read this if you haven't read the first two in the series, but I don't think you would want to. There are a lot of callback references to things which occurred in the first two books. I think if you've read the first two but it's been a while, you don't need to re-read them first; your memory should be sufficiently jogged by this story.
This is a fairly simple family drama story. It occurs over the course of 2-3 weeks total. It's pretty much a slice of life and quite enjoyable. I might have given it 4 stars but for the info-dumping, so it gets 3.5, and I usually round down until I determine rereadability.
You could potentially read this if you haven't read the first two in the series, but I don't think you would want to. There are a lot of callback references to things which occurred in the first two books. I think if you've read the first two but it's been a while, you don't need to re-read them first; your memory should be sufficiently jogged by this story.
This is a fairly simple family drama story. It occurs over the course of 2-3 weeks total. It's pretty much a slice of life and quite enjoyable. I might have given it 4 stars but for the info-dumping, so it gets 3.5, and I usually round down until I determine rereadability.
November 21, 2011
It's always nice to be able to visit with friends after not seeing them for awhile and that was what reading this book was like. After seven years these guys are still a great family but with a few bumps they have to contend with. Poor David is dealing with a whole slew of problems that just seem to get bigger and bigger, but of course Jerry is there for him to lean on and shows him to just keep believing in their family and things will get better. It was nice seeing William in the first love phase and his feelings of having to tell his dads he was "straight". Seeing HEA always makes me happy and this book had it in spades. Well done D.W. Marchwell.
December 8, 2014
The conclusion book of the Good To Know series where we find Jerry & David 7 years later and dealing with the empty nest syndrome.Cory who is a foster son of our favorite couple has graduated from college and soon to be married to his high school girlfriend. William is now a senior in high school and must come out as not only as straight to his dads but let them know his girlfriend and he have done the deed.We follow the two dads through angst,cancer scare and laughter all to a wonderful conclusion...This is indeed a good read and a happy conclusion to this wonderful series!
March 13, 2016
The 2nd was average, this one is still bland. Even more than the previous one. There's still potential with the plot, but every time there's feeling coming close it's "Abort mission! Abort mission! Feelings incoming!"
It's like the characters are watching their lives from afar.
When the author could develop the relationships between the characters, it stays at the level of "He said/They said"
And David becomes annoying being too perfect.
It's like the characters are watching their lives from afar.
When the author could develop the relationships between the characters, it stays at the level of "He said/They said"
And David becomes annoying being too perfect.
November 19, 2011
3.5 - This is the the third book in the Good to know series. And really they should be called feel good series. I always get a warm feeling inside when I think of these books, and Roots and Wings is no different. In Roots and Wings we find our MCs, Jerry and David entering a new phase in their lives. Their kids are growing up, they are soon to be empty nesters and then Jerry has a health scare.
I would not hesitate to read more from this family.
I would not hesitate to read more from this family.
December 31, 2011
Roots and Wings, the third, and I'm assuming the final book in the Good to Know Series, is a wonderfully satisfying ending to Jerry, David, and the boy's story. Granted, the book can be a bit schmaltzy at times, and I had to wonder if any more "bad" could come they're way, but in the end everything does work out and the books message of "Family First" holds true.
I give Roots and Wings four stars.
September 13, 2015
Dunno why all the negative reviews, I thought this story was a nice little conclusion to the series. I loved this family, now that the kids were grown and the dads getting a little older it was nice to see how they were all still so close. I also had wondered if William was going to like men, but was glad to see how he found someone to love and to love him like he deserved.
Cute series... very much worth reading!
Cute series... very much worth reading!
December 6, 2011
A sweet addition (ending?) to a series I enjoyed reading.
While at times I found myself wondering how much trouble are Jerry and David were in for, overall the story stayed low on angst and drama so all was good in the end.
While at times I found myself wondering how much trouble are Jerry and David were in for, overall the story stayed low on angst and drama so all was good in the end.
April 13, 2013
Another delightful story from D. W. Marchwell. This is the third tale about Jerry, David, and their family. The book is truly like catching up with old friends. There is family drama, a health scare, and more than enough love to go around.
June 12, 2014
Franchement cet auteur a un effet doudou. Il ne se passe pas grand chose ds ce T3, impression de lire un happy end sans fin tellement tout le monde nage ds le bonheur. A lire pour voir les perso evoluer quelques années plus tard.
November 14, 2011
I absolutely love all these characters...
August 30, 2012
This was a nice story although William's romance felt a bit too grown up for his age. David and Jerry are still a lovely, loving couple and it was nice to see Cory, and Tara too, doing well.
November 19, 2011
2.5 stars A little to mushy for my taste at the present time.
November 12, 2013
This was a nice third book in the series. At one point, I asked myself just how many horrible things could happen to this family, but everything was resolved in the end.
August 24, 2014
wasn't too keen on this book. I don't think another book was needed after the 2nd one...
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews