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Turkey in the Snow
2 hrs and 32 mins
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2012 Advent Calendar collection Evergreen.
Since Hank Calder's four-year-old niece Josie came to live with him, his life has been plenty dramatic, thank you, and the last thing he needs is a swishy, flaming twinkie to complicate things. But when Justin, the daycare worker at his gym, offers to do something incredibly nice for Hank - and for Josie - Hank is forced to reconsider. Justin may be flamboyant in his speech and gestures, but his heart and kindness are as rock steady and dependable as anyone, even Hank, could ask for. Can Hank trust in his dramatic “turkey in the snow” to offer his heart the joy he and Josie have never known?
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2012 Advent Calendar collection Evergreen.
Since Hank Calder's four-year-old niece Josie came to live with him, his life has been plenty dramatic, thank you, and the last thing he needs is a swishy, flaming twinkie to complicate things. But when Justin, the daycare worker at his gym, offers to do something incredibly nice for Hank - and for Josie - Hank is forced to reconsider. Justin may be flamboyant in his speech and gestures, but his heart and kindness are as rock steady and dependable as anyone, even Hank, could ask for. Can Hank trust in his dramatic “turkey in the snow” to offer his heart the joy he and Josie have never known?
3 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 1, 2012
16 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,488 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
September 1, 2016
*3.5 stars*
Some stories work better in audiobook than in print, and I think this is one of them. The main complaint of most readers seems to be the over-the-top language of Justin, but in audiobook form, he was positively charming. If sweet, family-centric love stories with a butch/fem pairing are your thing, than this is the audiobook for you!
This was an unusual Amy Lane for me. It has almost no sex content whatsoever, which is REALLY rare for this author, and it was pretty low angst. Apparently, this is Amy Lane: Holiday edition. And, I'll admit, I enjoyed it. It was an adorable, quick listen (nicely narrated by Gomez Pugh), and while it lacked a bit of relationship development and a lacked a lot of steam, it was a very satisfying novella.
If you are looking for a little something to put you in the holiday spirit, then you can't go wrong with this one.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
December 13, 2012
3.9 stars rounded up
First -- I needed to deduct the rating because the ohmygah and its variety was OVERKILL. I loved Justin, I really did. I loved his optimism, I loved his ray-of-sunshine personality. If I hear him talk, I probably won't mind. But hearing and READING those words are two different things, 'kay? When I encountered it for the 5th time, I was ready to find a weapon to shoot the turkey.
Other than that, I thought this was cute. I can't help it, when a story has kids in it, it usually makes me happy. But this is Amy Lane's; I have made a promise to myself, she is one of the authors I prefer not to automatically read. I was glad that this was one of her fluffy stories. It was slightly minimum angst (oh, there was that one scene promising to be quite a drama, but luckily it was resolved quick).
I loved how the two main characters were total opposite but compliment each other perfectly. Hank, who was the anti-drama guy and more level-headed (I couldn't believe he still talked and was willing to work with his cheater of an ex to paint Josie's room!). While Justin was the flamboyant and over-the-top drama queen, who was persistent and barged into Hank's life and planted himself there.
It was good and it made me feel good.
First -- I needed to deduct the rating because the ohmygah and its variety was OVERKILL. I loved Justin, I really did. I loved his optimism, I loved his ray-of-sunshine personality. If I hear him talk, I probably won't mind. But hearing and READING those words are two different things, 'kay? When I encountered it for the 5th time, I was ready to find a weapon to shoot the turkey.
Other than that, I thought this was cute. I can't help it, when a story has kids in it, it usually makes me happy. But this is Amy Lane's; I have made a promise to myself, she is one of the authors I prefer not to automatically read. I was glad that this was one of her fluffy stories. It was slightly minimum angst (oh, there was that one scene promising to be quite a drama, but luckily it was resolved quick).
I loved how the two main characters were total opposite but compliment each other perfectly. Hank, who was the anti-drama guy and more level-headed (I couldn't believe he still talked and was willing to work with his cheater of an ex to paint Josie's room!). While Justin was the flamboyant and over-the-top drama queen, who was persistent and barged into Hank's life and planted himself there.
It was good and it made me feel good.
December 25, 2020
Turkey in the Straw by Amy Lane
A heartwarming M-M holiday novella.
Hank’s four year old niece has him busy from sunup to sundown. A little time on the treadmill is all he wants to reset his patience level to toddler. The daycare at his gym has a rather flamboyant caregiver but as long as Josie is entertained for an hour, Hank can get in a quick run. It’s never that easy, of course.
The more Josh and Hank work together to care for Josie, the more they learn to appreciate each other’s confidence and idiosyncrasies.
A lovely romance with a bit of fun and holiday sentiment.
I listened to the audio version which was engaging and sweet.
A heartwarming M-M holiday novella.
Hank’s four year old niece has him busy from sunup to sundown. A little time on the treadmill is all he wants to reset his patience level to toddler. The daycare at his gym has a rather flamboyant caregiver but as long as Josie is entertained for an hour, Hank can get in a quick run. It’s never that easy, of course.
The more Josh and Hank work together to care for Josie, the more they learn to appreciate each other’s confidence and idiosyncrasies.
A lovely romance with a bit of fun and holiday sentiment.
I listened to the audio version which was engaging and sweet.
December 19, 2018
4.5 Stars!
By no means is this a perfect holiday story, but I will say it has realistic heart where life can never be a smooth ride with nary a bump or roadblock, and unfortunately, Hank knows this all too well.
In his quest for as much peace and smooth sailing as possible, Hank tries so hard and lovingly takes care of his niece (who was unceremoniously dumped on him by his horribly irresponsible sister). He’s burning the candle at both ends, and the poor guy is this close to having a meltdown. Though Hank finds the gym daycare employee visually enticing, Justin’s personality just oozes drama and so, Hank avoids him like the plague. Good thing circumstance won’t stand for that snafu to carry on any longer when Hank is in dire need of some help.
I loved the interactions between Hank and Justin as they come to know and appreciate each other more and more. This was a great “opposites attract” story that was filled with lots of snarky funny and feels. Smexy lite for sure by Lane standards, I hardly noticed. A really warm your soul love story with real foibles and thus, a real win!
By no means is this a perfect holiday story, but I will say it has realistic heart where life can never be a smooth ride with nary a bump or roadblock, and unfortunately, Hank knows this all too well.
In his quest for as much peace and smooth sailing as possible, Hank tries so hard and lovingly takes care of his niece (who was unceremoniously dumped on him by his horribly irresponsible sister). He’s burning the candle at both ends, and the poor guy is this close to having a meltdown. Though Hank finds the gym daycare employee visually enticing, Justin’s personality just oozes drama and so, Hank avoids him like the plague. Good thing circumstance won’t stand for that snafu to carry on any longer when Hank is in dire need of some help.
I loved the interactions between Hank and Justin as they come to know and appreciate each other more and more. This was a great “opposites attract” story that was filled with lots of snarky funny and feels. Smexy lite for sure by Lane standards, I hardly noticed. A really warm your soul love story with real foibles and thus, a real win!
January 1, 2014
This was a sweet, quick, Christmas read. Hank’s sister drops her daughter and leaves without telling him. Hank is gay, has a good job and no man in his life. He caught his ex fucking another guy when he got home from work one day. He is not into drama, he is not into twinkies.
Justin is a fun guy who works in the Gym day care centre when Hank leaves Josie, his niece. He is a bit OTT “gay” if you get my drift. Giggles, squeeling, gushing … Justin thinks Hank is straight.
When Justin finds out he is gay he is very happy.
A fairly quick read but very sweet. No protracted sex scenes - actually don’t think there were any.
Finished it with a smile on my face.
August 2, 2015
Good grief, Amy Lane fucking filets my heart. Every time. This was so beautiful. A perfect Christmas read. I can't wait for Christmas to read it again.
December 10, 2025
Re-read December 2025
This is still so cute.
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This was a very heart warming book that made me feel all the happy feels.
Hank’s sister suddenly left her 4 year old daughter in Hank’s care. Hank loves his niece and does everything in his power to give her a good home. But he really needs his workout at the end of the day to destress. Luckily the gym has a daycare where he can bring Josie.
Justin is one of the gym’s daycare employees and Hank hates him. Because Justin is always happy. He is young and bubbly and Hank wants nothing to do with him. Or maybe he does….
This was the perfect Christmas short. I loved how Justin never let Hank push him away, how he showed Hank how wonderful life could be. Justin brought so much joy to Hank’s life. Hank just needed a little break from the stress of having to take care of a 4 year old suddenly. And Justin was the perfect fit for their new family.
This was a true Amy Lane low angst story. Comforting, with all the warm winter fuzzies. I loved it.
This is still so cute.
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This was a very heart warming book that made me feel all the happy feels.
Hank’s sister suddenly left her 4 year old daughter in Hank’s care. Hank loves his niece and does everything in his power to give her a good home. But he really needs his workout at the end of the day to destress. Luckily the gym has a daycare where he can bring Josie.
Justin is one of the gym’s daycare employees and Hank hates him. Because Justin is always happy. He is young and bubbly and Hank wants nothing to do with him. Or maybe he does….
This was the perfect Christmas short. I loved how Justin never let Hank push him away, how he showed Hank how wonderful life could be. Justin brought so much joy to Hank’s life. Hank just needed a little break from the stress of having to take care of a 4 year old suddenly. And Justin was the perfect fit for their new family.
This was a true Amy Lane low angst story. Comforting, with all the warm winter fuzzies. I loved it.
December 6, 2018
4 Stars
Lane’s Turkey in the Snow is yet another of her beautifully heart-warming and tender holiday reads.
Hank is feeling a tad overwhelmed leading up to the holiday season. He’s trying his best to provide a stable and loving home to his four-year-old niece, Josie, who was unceremoniously dumped in his lap by his irresponsible and reckless sister. At the same time, Hank is also trying his darnedest to avoid the allure of Justin, the gorgeous but outrageously flamboyant day-care worker at Hank’s gym; because if his past has taught him anything, it’s that his life just doesn’t need that kind of added drama.
When Hank gets in a pinch and Justin graciously offers his services to help out with Josie outside of professional hours, Hank soon finds that his perceptions of Justin were perhaps a bit misguided, and that Justin might just be what Hank and Josie need so desperately in their lives.
There were a lot of complex and profound feelings layered into this holiday novella, for which I was greatly appreciative. I love when a novella can manage to deliver a story that feels full and complete, featuring rich and vibrant characters you can easily fall in love with and whose happiness you can root for and believe in. That’s certainly what Lane has delivered here!
Lane’s Turkey in the Snow is yet another of her beautifully heart-warming and tender holiday reads.
Hank is feeling a tad overwhelmed leading up to the holiday season. He’s trying his best to provide a stable and loving home to his four-year-old niece, Josie, who was unceremoniously dumped in his lap by his irresponsible and reckless sister. At the same time, Hank is also trying his darnedest to avoid the allure of Justin, the gorgeous but outrageously flamboyant day-care worker at Hank’s gym; because if his past has taught him anything, it’s that his life just doesn’t need that kind of added drama.
When Hank gets in a pinch and Justin graciously offers his services to help out with Josie outside of professional hours, Hank soon finds that his perceptions of Justin were perhaps a bit misguided, and that Justin might just be what Hank and Josie need so desperately in their lives.
There were a lot of complex and profound feelings layered into this holiday novella, for which I was greatly appreciative. I love when a novella can manage to deliver a story that feels full and complete, featuring rich and vibrant characters you can easily fall in love with and whose happiness you can root for and believe in. That’s certainly what Lane has delivered here!
December 3, 2012
Over the top drama queen meets drama hating banker. Sit back and watch the sparks fly. This was fun and angsty and totally sexy. There were some great lines in this that had me laughing. Great little Christmas story about family.
March 29, 2016
This is a moderate length holiday story - something to sit down with when you need a quiet hour watching pain melting into joy.
The story arc is familiar, a man who is left with his sister's child before the holidays finds the guy who can turn a tough situation into family. But no one does characters better than Amy Lane, and this story introduces bubbly, dramatic Justin who has hidden strength, and pessimistic, responsible Hank, who learns to take a chance. It's sweet and lovely, the child is realistic, and it will warm your heart.
The story arc is familiar, a man who is left with his sister's child before the holidays finds the guy who can turn a tough situation into family. But no one does characters better than Amy Lane, and this story introduces bubbly, dramatic Justin who has hidden strength, and pessimistic, responsible Hank, who learns to take a chance. It's sweet and lovely, the child is realistic, and it will warm your heart.
December 12, 2012
I enjoy most Amy Lane books and this was no exception.
This is a sweet almost angst free read. Ideal to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Hank took a little bit of time for me to warm too, but after getting to know him I can only admire him.
I was worried Josie was going to be a whinny brat, but after reading more deeply things became clear and I could understand why Josie was the way she was.
Justin is a sweetie, I loved him immediately, but if I hear the term “ohmygah” once more I’m going to throw something. That was slight overkill for me.
As for Amanda, she needs a swift kick up the ass. Awful woman.
Overall a gentle read, not as emotional as I was expecting.
This is a sweet almost angst free read. Ideal to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Hank took a little bit of time for me to warm too, but after getting to know him I can only admire him.
I was worried Josie was going to be a whinny brat, but after reading more deeply things became clear and I could understand why Josie was the way she was.
Justin is a sweetie, I loved him immediately, but if I hear the term “ohmygah” once more I’m going to throw something. That was slight overkill for me.
As for Amanda, she needs a swift kick up the ass. Awful woman.
Overall a gentle read, not as emotional as I was expecting.
April 17, 2016
Wow. How have I not read this before? I loved this!
Gomez Pugh does a terrific job with the narration of this sweet, and short, novella. A departure from Lane's usual modus operandi, this story has very little angst or sexy times. Not that I felt the lack.
I enjoyed this thoroughly from start to finish. Usually my big complaint with a novella is I want more, I want the story to be more fleshed out...not so with Turkey in the Snow. I thought it had a very satisfying ending.
Like I said before, Gomez Pugh was terrific, and I loved the narration.
Recommended!
Gomez Pugh does a terrific job with the narration of this sweet, and short, novella. A departure from Lane's usual modus operandi, this story has very little angst or sexy times. Not that I felt the lack.
I enjoyed this thoroughly from start to finish. Usually my big complaint with a novella is I want more, I want the story to be more fleshed out...not so with Turkey in the Snow. I thought it had a very satisfying ending.
Like I said before, Gomez Pugh was terrific, and I loved the narration.
Recommended!
September 18, 2024
A cute and heartwarming read.
After his sister bails, it's up to Hank to look after his niece Josie. She's his main concern and he's doing everything to make her happy. That means his own life has taken a backseat. That is until things with Justin, his gym's daycare worker, gets a bit more personal.
The romance is low angst and very sweet. Hank and Justin are really cute together, and I love how much Justin cares for Josie.
My main annoyance was how judgmental Hank was of Justin, specifically his voice. It was not good.
After his sister bails, it's up to Hank to look after his niece Josie. She's his main concern and he's doing everything to make her happy. That means his own life has taken a backseat. That is until things with Justin, his gym's daycare worker, gets a bit more personal.
The romance is low angst and very sweet. Hank and Justin are really cute together, and I love how much Justin cares for Josie.
My main annoyance was how judgmental Hank was of Justin, specifically his voice. It was not good.
December 4, 2016
3.5 stars
April 26, 2025
nice story... it was sweet and simple and Gomez Pugh did a great job with the narration
December 26, 2012
Ohmygah, Ohmygah this was just sooo cute!
I say with just a smidgen of sarcasm
This books is a short sweet Christmas story, complete with HEA we all want for the holidays. Justin and Hank, opposites in form and character find love.
Justin is a raging "mo" complete with the flapping hands and everything
He is quite funny though and he had my inner fag hag jumping up and down and clapping hands. Justin's been crushing on the big alpha man Hank for months, but always thought him to be straight.
Justin might be the prettiest guy Hank has ever seen, but he is way too much of a drama queen for Hank. He's had enough drama and despises what Justin seems to be about...until he gets to know him a bit.
Hank has his own drama at home, looking after his young niece after her mother recently abandoned her.
2.5 Stars It's a sweet story, just enough to rid any of the post Christmas blues.
I say with just a smidgen of sarcasm
This books is a short sweet Christmas story, complete with HEA we all want for the holidays. Justin and Hank, opposites in form and character find love.
Justin is a raging "mo" complete with the flapping hands and everything
He is quite funny though and he had my inner fag hag jumping up and down and clapping hands. Justin's been crushing on the big alpha man Hank for months, but always thought him to be straight.
Justin might be the prettiest guy Hank has ever seen, but he is way too much of a drama queen for Hank. He's had enough drama and despises what Justin seems to be about...until he gets to know him a bit.
Hank has his own drama at home, looking after his young niece after her mother recently abandoned her.
2.5 Stars It's a sweet story, just enough to rid any of the post Christmas blues.
December 16, 2012
What a great story! I loved the characters, the things that happened kept me glued to the pages, and the deep emotions between the two men at the center of this whirlwind touched me deeply. The overall analogy, referenced in the title, is a pretty accurate description of the story's theme. Just like turkeys that panic seemingly without having reason to when snowflakes hit them, but remain still and peaceful when a fox comes to visit, life's dramas hit different people in different ways. What upsets one person to no end leaves another basically untouched, and vice versa. We all carry our own definitions of "drama" around with ourselves, based on our past history and personal quirks. Some of us thrive on it, just like Justin in this story, and others abhor it with a vengeance, just like Hank.
Hank has reason to dislike drama. Not just because he likes things to be ordered and make sense, he is a banker after all, but because he's had a lot of drama growing up. He basically raised his younger sister, Amanda, and from what we find out his previous boyfriend was a drama queen, and unfaithful to boot. Now Amanda has dropped her daughter Josie with Hank and vanished. Hank does the best he can, but it never feels like enough. So adding Justin, a self-admitted drama queen and in charge of childcare at Hank's gym, to his life doesn't initially seem like a good idea.
Justin is a great guy. Very flamboyant and a self-admitted lover of drama, he loves kids, is still in college, and has admired Hank from afar for quite a while. When he finally finds out Hank is gay, there is no stopping him. I loved the way Justin just goes for it, how he brings a much-needed ray of sunshine and happiness into Hank's life, and how he helps Hank see that life is better when shared with someone you can rely on and even love.
Despite the fact that the one thing Hank cannot stand is drama, this story is full of it. Hank learns to gradually accept that there are different types of drama and that some kinds, like the ones Justin loves, are actually a good thing. If you like stories with lots of emotion and more than a little angst, if you enjoy reading about men who learn to deal with being a parent, and if you're looking for a heartwarming story that will make you smile, you will probably like this one. It is definitely in my "favorites to pull out when in need of cheering up" pile.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Hank has reason to dislike drama. Not just because he likes things to be ordered and make sense, he is a banker after all, but because he's had a lot of drama growing up. He basically raised his younger sister, Amanda, and from what we find out his previous boyfriend was a drama queen, and unfaithful to boot. Now Amanda has dropped her daughter Josie with Hank and vanished. Hank does the best he can, but it never feels like enough. So adding Justin, a self-admitted drama queen and in charge of childcare at Hank's gym, to his life doesn't initially seem like a good idea.
Justin is a great guy. Very flamboyant and a self-admitted lover of drama, he loves kids, is still in college, and has admired Hank from afar for quite a while. When he finally finds out Hank is gay, there is no stopping him. I loved the way Justin just goes for it, how he brings a much-needed ray of sunshine and happiness into Hank's life, and how he helps Hank see that life is better when shared with someone you can rely on and even love.
Despite the fact that the one thing Hank cannot stand is drama, this story is full of it. Hank learns to gradually accept that there are different types of drama and that some kinds, like the ones Justin loves, are actually a good thing. If you like stories with lots of emotion and more than a little angst, if you enjoy reading about men who learn to deal with being a parent, and if you're looking for a heartwarming story that will make you smile, you will probably like this one. It is definitely in my "favorites to pull out when in need of cheering up" pile.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 16, 2013
~ ~ ~
A quick, sweet holiday short.
THE STORY
The holidays are hectic for anyone, but Hank is particularly busy. A single guy raising his four year old niece, he has to accept help from Justin. Justin's adorableness is just too much for Hank, or maybe it's exactly what Hank really needs.
All in all an enjoyable story. Solid characters, realistic plot (if a little scrunched) and a nice message of hope.
THE CHARACTERS
I think you'll enjoy Hank's curmudgeon paired with Justin's twinkly drama queen-ness. The characters are vivid, likeable and sexy.
I thoroughly enjoyed Justin, while I wish Hank had actually been a bit more cranky, but maybe that's just me.
THE WRITING
This story could have been stretched out over a longer period of time to make it feel a little more realistic. There really wasn't any reason to crunch it into such a short time frame. Not a fail, but just could have been a little better that area. That, plus just one too many "ohmygah"'s kept if from being 3.5 stars.
Recommended
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
A quick, sweet holiday short.
THE STORY
The holidays are hectic for anyone, but Hank is particularly busy. A single guy raising his four year old niece, he has to accept help from Justin. Justin's adorableness is just too much for Hank, or maybe it's exactly what Hank really needs.
All in all an enjoyable story. Solid characters, realistic plot (if a little scrunched) and a nice message of hope.
THE CHARACTERS
I think you'll enjoy Hank's curmudgeon paired with Justin's twinkly drama queen-ness. The characters are vivid, likeable and sexy.
I thoroughly enjoyed Justin, while I wish Hank had actually been a bit more cranky, but maybe that's just me.
THE WRITING
This story could have been stretched out over a longer period of time to make it feel a little more realistic. There really wasn't any reason to crunch it into such a short time frame. Not a fail, but just could have been a little better that area. That, plus just one too many "ohmygah"'s kept if from being 3.5 stars.
Recommended
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
December 8, 2014
3.5 stars I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narrator, Gomez Pugh, did a great job. He was able to give Justin the flamboyant lilt without it being obnoxious or seeming like a caricature, and I didn't pick up a single hint of it with Hank's speech. Similarly, he did Josie and the other female characters well without them seeing like high-pitched stereotypes.
This was a sweet story that was the perfect length. We meet everyone after Hank has met Justin, and is not enamored. But to be fair, he was putting his own issues on Justin and stereotyping. Justin of course wins him over and Hank learns the error of his ways. There's some mildly bumpy road with Josie and Amanda, and allusion to bedroom scenes (although I don't think they quite got there), but a relatively smooth wide overall. Very sweet 'lil nugget.
This was a sweet story that was the perfect length. We meet everyone after Hank has met Justin, and is not enamored. But to be fair, he was putting his own issues on Justin and stereotyping. Justin of course wins him over and Hank learns the error of his ways. There's some mildly bumpy road with Josie and Amanda, and allusion to bedroom scenes (although I don't think they quite got there), but a relatively smooth wide overall. Very sweet 'lil nugget.
December 3, 2012
So. Freaking. Adorable. I loved this little morsel of Christmas cuteness. I have to be the biggest fan of Amy Lane's happy feel-good stories. I have the feeling that this is going to be my favorite of the season. This was a great start to my Holiday story happiness.
December 9, 2012
'Ohmigah''.......(My favourite phrase from this book) I loved this story!!
I laughed so loud and so long at some of the scenes that my son thought I had truly and finally lost it, epecially when I laughed about the scenes with the social worker.
This is an opposites attract Christmas story with a kid thrown into the mix, just the right amount of humour, a tiny amount of angst, realistic parenting stresses and voila!! The perfect short story for the season.
The characters in the story were just so real and vivid. With a delightful love interest, an absent sister, moody mother and an ex boyfriend who is like Shere Khan from the jungle book.
The story also manages to pack an emotional punch. I could feel the stress Hank goes through as he tries to be a good single parent to his niece. I wanted to yell 'I've been there!! Can I get a witness!!' and then give him a high-five on behalf of all tired and stressed parents who juggle work and home, and struggle to keep a balance.
I loved the way Justin and Hank were just sooooo different but managed to find some common ground. This is a bee-you-tee-full short story for Christmas and 'ohmygah' it is truly a lovely one :)
I laughed so loud and so long at some of the scenes that my son thought I had truly and finally lost it, epecially when I laughed about the scenes with the social worker.
This is an opposites attract Christmas story with a kid thrown into the mix, just the right amount of humour, a tiny amount of angst, realistic parenting stresses and voila!! The perfect short story for the season.
The characters in the story were just so real and vivid. With a delightful love interest, an absent sister, moody mother and an ex boyfriend who is like Shere Khan from the jungle book.
The story also manages to pack an emotional punch. I could feel the stress Hank goes through as he tries to be a good single parent to his niece. I wanted to yell 'I've been there!! Can I get a witness!!' and then give him a high-five on behalf of all tired and stressed parents who juggle work and home, and struggle to keep a balance.
I loved the way Justin and Hank were just sooooo different but managed to find some common ground. This is a bee-you-tee-full short story for Christmas and 'ohmygah' it is truly a lovely one :)
December 22, 2015
BR with Paul, Sonia, (and Els)!
I stated liking this one as soon as I cracked the book open. The way Hank was with his 4yo niece... *sigh* a man after my own heart. And Justin was the right amount of drama(queen) he needed.
"...So I started thinking about those turkeys in the snow, remember?" [...] "So, they freaked out with the snowflakes and hurt each other, but... but that wasn't the deadliest thing. The deadliest thing was the quiet stuff, the fox that didn't make any noise. With you, I'll always know where you stand. God, baby, you make a lot of noise, and I sort of love that about you, is that okay?..."
-Henry
Easily my 2nd favorite 2015 Christmas read.
I stated liking this one as soon as I cracked the book open. The way Hank was with his 4yo niece... *sigh* a man after my own heart. And Justin was the right amount of drama(queen) he needed.
"...So I started thinking about those turkeys in the snow, remember?" [...] "So, they freaked out with the snowflakes and hurt each other, but... but that wasn't the deadliest thing. The deadliest thing was the quiet stuff, the fox that didn't make any noise. With you, I'll always know where you stand. God, baby, you make a lot of noise, and I sort of love that about you, is that okay?..."
-Henry
Easily my 2nd favorite 2015 Christmas read.
February 11, 2014
I loved this. It was perfect for a Christmas novella. The plot was well developed and chunky as a novel. Both MCs were three-dimensional and detailed. Justin was a hoot -- I enjoy this kind of flamboyant character and he was very funny. The sub-plot around the little girl was moving. Amy Lane has a wonderful prose voice that goes down like buttah! Recommended.
Re-read Feb 2014. Still my favorite Amy Lane!
Re-read Feb 2014. Still my favorite Amy Lane!
January 2, 2016
This was very cute.
April 15, 2018
The story is adorable and the narrator of the audiobook is yummmmmmmm.
February 29, 2016
**** 4 Shrek and donkey stars ****
Audio edition, narrator Gomez Pugh.
2 hours 32 minutes
Overall: 4
Performance: 5
Story: 4
------------------------------------------------
"You're like Shrek, uncle Hank."
"Yeah?"
"All grumpy sometimes. And Justin is like donkey."
------------------------------------------------
Hank Calder suddenly had to take on the father role when his irresponsible sister dumped her own daughter (!) on Hank. Hank is a down-to-earth kind of guy who hates drama (Shrek, right?), but he loves his little niece because he is a caretaker and has always wanted a child and a family of his own. Justin, the daycare worker at Hank's gym is a "swishy, flaming twinkie" who Hank feel is drama through and through (lol, donkey). However, when Hank sorely needs help, Justin offers.
This was a really great story! I was positively surprised. There's no perfect little mini-adult in Hank's four year old niece and Hank's thoughts and feelings about the challenges of caring for her is spot on. And not in an annoying way, but in a smirking kinda way when you recognize his thoughts with familiarity.
There's an age gap between Hank and Justin.
-------------------------------------------------
We have real pizza", he [Hank] said hopefully. "And beer. That is if you're, um, you know.. 21 yet? And if not I've got milk. But would you..."
Justin brighten while he was talking, like the light that made him Justin from the inside had been flipped on.
"I'd totally love to", he said keeping his voice quiet even if his gestures started to get a little loud. "And don't worry, I turned 21 in November so you're totally safe. Not corrupting a minor or anything."
Hank had been leading him down the hall and he turned around and looked at him sharply over that. Justin returned the look cheekily.
-------------------------------------------------
Milk, Hank? Seriously? LOL!
The story is full of little funny moments like this. Especially the conversation that explained the title. Hilarious!!
Gomez Pugh did an excellent narration and he really brought life to the characters. I think he made this story better.
Highly recommended for a short, sweet and funny audio book.
Audio edition, narrator Gomez Pugh.
2 hours 32 minutes
Overall: 4
Performance: 5
Story: 4
------------------------------------------------
"You're like Shrek, uncle Hank."
"Yeah?"
"All grumpy sometimes. And Justin is like donkey."
------------------------------------------------
Hank Calder suddenly had to take on the father role when his irresponsible sister dumped her own daughter (!) on Hank. Hank is a down-to-earth kind of guy who hates drama (Shrek, right?), but he loves his little niece because he is a caretaker and has always wanted a child and a family of his own. Justin, the daycare worker at Hank's gym is a "swishy, flaming twinkie" who Hank feel is drama through and through (lol, donkey). However, when Hank sorely needs help, Justin offers.
This was a really great story! I was positively surprised. There's no perfect little mini-adult in Hank's four year old niece and Hank's thoughts and feelings about the challenges of caring for her is spot on. And not in an annoying way, but in a smirking kinda way when you recognize his thoughts with familiarity.
There's an age gap between Hank and Justin.
-------------------------------------------------
We have real pizza", he [Hank] said hopefully. "And beer. That is if you're, um, you know.. 21 yet? And if not I've got milk. But would you..."
Justin brighten while he was talking, like the light that made him Justin from the inside had been flipped on.
"I'd totally love to", he said keeping his voice quiet even if his gestures started to get a little loud. "And don't worry, I turned 21 in November so you're totally safe. Not corrupting a minor or anything."
Hank had been leading him down the hall and he turned around and looked at him sharply over that. Justin returned the look cheekily.
-------------------------------------------------
Milk, Hank? Seriously? LOL!
The story is full of little funny moments like this. Especially the conversation that explained the title. Hilarious!!
Gomez Pugh did an excellent narration and he really brought life to the characters. I think he made this story better.
Highly recommended for a short, sweet and funny audio book.
December 9, 2014
So... this redhead has a hard time with audio books. I have a thing with being read to but I will admit to loving the narrator for this, Gomez Pugh reads wonderfully and his Justin was so freaking good he made the boy come to life.
I loved how he read as Hank because Hank was Hank until he was Henry *sigh* and Josie was totes adorbs with her "JUSTIN!!! and I loved all of them and was enjoying being read to, until the kiss. Ugh. I don't know what it is but I listened to the kiss and felt nothing. Total meh so I decided to get the book out and read the same scene after a break from the story. Guess what? I freaking loved the kiss and FELT the kiss and decided that once again, audio books just aren't for me no matter how good the narrator is.
I didn't finish this on audio but I did read the rest of it and loved it. How can a self proclaimed angst whore love Amy Lane Light? It's Amy Lane, that's how and OHMYGAH! I will take these boys every year for Christmas.
The story was so stinking cute even though Hank read as an old man at times and I was shocked he was only a few years older than Justin. It makes sense, due to all he has done in his life, so I get it.
Justin? He is my type of boy and I enjoyed watching him crush on the dude he thought was straight and then going for what he wanted when he learned he wasn't. I thought the ending was perfect with all Hank could see and Turkey's in the snow, aren't so dumb and naive.
So, I liked the story both ways, audio and ebook but for me, I will read it again before I listen to it.
***Review half the audio and half the ebook, but for the whole stinking cute story.***
I loved how he read as Hank because Hank was Hank until he was Henry *sigh* and Josie was totes adorbs with her "JUSTIN!!! and I loved all of them and was enjoying being read to, until the kiss. Ugh. I don't know what it is but I listened to the kiss and felt nothing. Total meh so I decided to get the book out and read the same scene after a break from the story. Guess what? I freaking loved the kiss and FELT the kiss and decided that once again, audio books just aren't for me no matter how good the narrator is.
I didn't finish this on audio but I did read the rest of it and loved it. How can a self proclaimed angst whore love Amy Lane Light? It's Amy Lane, that's how and OHMYGAH! I will take these boys every year for Christmas.
The story was so stinking cute even though Hank read as an old man at times and I was shocked he was only a few years older than Justin. It makes sense, due to all he has done in his life, so I get it.
Justin? He is my type of boy and I enjoyed watching him crush on the dude he thought was straight and then going for what he wanted when he learned he wasn't. I thought the ending was perfect with all Hank could see and Turkey's in the snow, aren't so dumb and naive.
So, I liked the story both ways, audio and ebook but for me, I will read it again before I listen to it.
***Review half the audio and half the ebook, but for the whole stinking cute story.***
December 11, 2012
Ok, so if you like your holiday stories with kids and family issues and pure sweetness, you'd probably give this 4 or 5 stars. I'd def say give this a go.
I, for whatever reason, really don't want to read about kids right now in my books. I don't want to read about custody issues or anything else. I want to read UST, sweet mysteries, and adult talk.
Thus, for my own personal enjoyment, I'd give this a 3.
I, for whatever reason, really don't want to read about kids right now in my books. I don't want to read about custody issues or anything else. I want to read UST, sweet mysteries, and adult talk.
Thus, for my own personal enjoyment, I'd give this a 3.
December 18, 2012
Very cutesy and enjoyable. Cookie cutter man with child meets man who loves child and man. Quick and sweet.
December 25, 2019
3 and 1/2 stars. It was a really sweet story, but I felt like the ending was a little rushed.
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