What do you think?
Rate this book
Farlough
Newly turned thirty, Cameron North is preparing himself to spend his life alone. When he inherits his great-aunt's teashop on the remote island of Farlough, he returns for the first time in more than a dozen years to a place where memories—and demons—flit close to the surface of his mind. There he meets Gwyneth, a sassy barista who becomes his instant best friend—until Cam discovers she’s the wife of his first love, Matthias. She has only the best of intentions when she arranges a reunion between the two men, and it forces them to finally discuss why Cam left the island so long ago.
With his heart broken anew, Cam retreats to his great-aunt’s house—where he learns he is not alone. Someone—or something—has pledged an oath to look out for Cam, and as he investigates the presence, he uncovers wounds that both he and his mysterious guardian sought to escape by coming to Farlough. Now Cam must figure out how to heal them—and himself.
With his heart broken anew, Cam retreats to his great-aunt’s house—where he learns he is not alone. Someone—or something—has pledged an oath to look out for Cam, and as he investigates the presence, he uncovers wounds that both he and his mysterious guardian sought to escape by coming to Farlough. Now Cam must figure out how to heal them—and himself.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2017
3 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Xavier Mayne
14 books190 followersXavier Mayne is the pen name of a writer who has been both a university professor of English and a marketing professional for software companies. He currently manages a team of writers for a large technology company based in the US Pacific Northwest. Versed in academic theories of sexual identity, he is passionate about writing stories in which men experience a love that pushes them beyond the boundaries they thought defined their sexuality. He believes that romance can be hot, funny, and sweet in equal measure.
The name Xavier Mayne is a tribute to the pioneering gay author Edward Prime-Stevenson, who also used it as a pen name. He wrote the first openly gay novel by an American, 1906’s Imre: A Memorandum, which depicts two masculine men falling in love despite social pressures that attempt to keep them apart.
The name Xavier Mayne is a tribute to the pioneering gay author Edward Prime-Stevenson, who also used it as a pen name. He wrote the first openly gay novel by an American, 1906’s Imre: A Memorandum, which depicts two masculine men falling in love despite social pressures that attempt to keep them apart.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 19, 2017
I had difficulties to keep going and interested.
I loved the blurb and the possibilities of a newfound love and forgiveness of an old love.
But I found this too long and too much telling. Until 60% mark, Cam was still trying to make peace of his past and solved his impending problem with Mads. I didn't like Mads's wife. I think she's annoying and sounds like a nosy old woman, and that's bothering me.
We met Tristan way much later. There's nothing really happen in this book, I kept waiting for a little drama or whatever that make my heart beating faster, but no.
Cam and Tristan got their happy ending of course. But, even the ending did not really gripping.
I need more, or less...No idea. This is kinda let down.
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for reviewing on Lelyana's Book Blog.*
I loved the blurb and the possibilities of a newfound love and forgiveness of an old love.
But I found this too long and too much telling. Until 60% mark, Cam was still trying to make peace of his past and solved his impending problem with Mads. I didn't like Mads's wife. I think she's annoying and sounds like a nosy old woman, and that's bothering me.
We met Tristan way much later. There's nothing really happen in this book, I kept waiting for a little drama or whatever that make my heart beating faster, but no.
Cam and Tristan got their happy ending of course. But, even the ending did not really gripping.
I need more, or less...No idea. This is kinda let down.
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for reviewing on Lelyana's Book Blog.*
April 14, 2018
This was my first Xavier Mayne book and whilst I liked it well enough I didn’t love it.
For me Cam and Mads should have been together all the romance was in their back story and my heart broke for them both. I know sometimes love doesn’t conquer all, in this case I think it should have. Tristan was nice enough but never developed into more than a peripheral character for me. I think he was introduced too late into the story to have the impact required for him to become a believable love interest for Cam.
For me it will be Cam and Mads forever and I will have to get over my dissatisfaction that it isn’t so. Perhaps I’ll do better with Frat House Troopers which is waiting with great patience on my TBR.
*2.75 Stars* rounded up
For me Cam and Mads should have been together all the romance was in their back story and my heart broke for them both. I know sometimes love doesn’t conquer all, in this case I think it should have. Tristan was nice enough but never developed into more than a peripheral character for me. I think he was introduced too late into the story to have the impact required for him to become a believable love interest for Cam.
For me it will be Cam and Mads forever and I will have to get over my dissatisfaction that it isn’t so. Perhaps I’ll do better with Frat House Troopers which is waiting with great patience on my TBR.
*2.75 Stars* rounded up
May 16, 2017
A departure from the norm
If I were to sum up my feelings about this book with a single word, it would be “intriguing”. This book was different than your standard contemporary romance- from the setting to the somewhat eccentric characters and even the story itself. Nevertheless, I was drawn to it. So often when I was reading Farlough, I wouldn’t know what to make of it…which only served to intrigue me more. There were unexpected twists and connections. Some connections I correctly anticipated, yet I couldn’t envision how they would factor into Cam’s story or a romance. By a third of the way in I was considering skipping to the end to catch a glimpse of what to expect, but I stopped myself because I was so enjoying the element of mystery. And it continued that way for much of the middle section of the book. Considering I enjoyed the not knowing how things would progress, I’m going to be intentionally vague about the romance portion of the book. (I promise if you choose to read Farlough, you’ll understand my choice)
The bulk of the story is told from Cameron’s point of view. Cam was a difficult main character to pin down. At the start of the story he came off as emotionally detached, and even as he traveled back to the island of Farlough to find what his great aunt willed to him, I had a difficult time connecting. However, I did find his story a bit sad and was interested to see what he would uncover once he returned to the remote island. As the story progressed and I understood his history a bit better, I grew to like Cam, particularly his dry, often biting sense of humor. Though he remained distant and a little melancholy throughout the first part of the book, I saw those glimmers that hinted that there was more to him. I ended up liking this style because as he made personal connections with old and new friends and especially once he found love, there was a noticeable shift in tone and his thoughts that reinforced the changes in Cam and his outlook on life.
The romance aspect of the story was nice but a bit hurried. Although I liked seeing the changes in Cam, thought the match was perfect, and liked the way they were set up, I wished there was a bit more of a development to their feelings. The connection was evident and palpable, but it felt rushed when the rest of the plot developments had a more languid rhythm. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were unique and a little eccentric in their interactions, mannerisms, and speech, but it fit with the uniqueness of the island. I loved the setting of Farlough. I found it as mysterious as it was endearing, and the residents echoed that vibe. The entire book was a bit different but it absolutely pulled me in. I’m not sure it is a title I’d say most would love because it does have a slower pace and has an odd hero who is difficult to connect with, but I think many readers will find it as enchanting a story as I did.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
If I were to sum up my feelings about this book with a single word, it would be “intriguing”. This book was different than your standard contemporary romance- from the setting to the somewhat eccentric characters and even the story itself. Nevertheless, I was drawn to it. So often when I was reading Farlough, I wouldn’t know what to make of it…which only served to intrigue me more. There were unexpected twists and connections. Some connections I correctly anticipated, yet I couldn’t envision how they would factor into Cam’s story or a romance. By a third of the way in I was considering skipping to the end to catch a glimpse of what to expect, but I stopped myself because I was so enjoying the element of mystery. And it continued that way for much of the middle section of the book. Considering I enjoyed the not knowing how things would progress, I’m going to be intentionally vague about the romance portion of the book. (I promise if you choose to read Farlough, you’ll understand my choice)
The bulk of the story is told from Cameron’s point of view. Cam was a difficult main character to pin down. At the start of the story he came off as emotionally detached, and even as he traveled back to the island of Farlough to find what his great aunt willed to him, I had a difficult time connecting. However, I did find his story a bit sad and was interested to see what he would uncover once he returned to the remote island. As the story progressed and I understood his history a bit better, I grew to like Cam, particularly his dry, often biting sense of humor. Though he remained distant and a little melancholy throughout the first part of the book, I saw those glimmers that hinted that there was more to him. I ended up liking this style because as he made personal connections with old and new friends and especially once he found love, there was a noticeable shift in tone and his thoughts that reinforced the changes in Cam and his outlook on life.
The romance aspect of the story was nice but a bit hurried. Although I liked seeing the changes in Cam, thought the match was perfect, and liked the way they were set up, I wished there was a bit more of a development to their feelings. The connection was evident and palpable, but it felt rushed when the rest of the plot developments had a more languid rhythm. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were unique and a little eccentric in their interactions, mannerisms, and speech, but it fit with the uniqueness of the island. I loved the setting of Farlough. I found it as mysterious as it was endearing, and the residents echoed that vibe. The entire book was a bit different but it absolutely pulled me in. I’m not sure it is a title I’d say most would love because it does have a slower pace and has an odd hero who is difficult to connect with, but I think many readers will find it as enchanting a story as I did.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
May 24, 2017
First of all, I was totally charmed by the island of Farlough-which is a fictitious island, so don't bother googling it like I did- and by Cam's inheritance. I also liked the characters, who were all so nice and wonderful. I wanted to hate Gwyneth and Mads, but I just couldn't do it because they're one of the kindest and most down-to-earth characters that I've ever met.
I think Cam was quite a fool, but I did understand that he needed time to grow up and to realize what he really wanted and needed in his life. Cam's reunion with Mads was bittersweet, while Cam's new romance was a bit too quick and too sappy for me. But, the whole story worked for me; it's a satisfying read with beautiful cover that truly complemented the story.
I think Cam was quite a fool, but I did understand that he needed time to grow up and to realize what he really wanted and needed in his life. Cam's reunion with Mads was bittersweet, while Cam's new romance was a bit too quick and too sappy for me. But, the whole story worked for me; it's a satisfying read with beautiful cover that truly complemented the story.
April 30, 2017
WARNING: PERSONAL OPINION AHEAD.
...and you know what they say about opinions, right? Amiright?
I didn't like most of the story. Filled with purple prose, odd situations, and not very well-fleshed out characters or setting, I spent a large majority of the time reading this and wondering why I didn't just set it down. I still can't really adequately explain why I continued to read.
I didn't like Cameron, mostly because he struck me as a very self-centered character. When he left Farlough when he was eighteen and heartbroken, he never seemed to even contemplate that his Aunt Hilda was without any other family, and that she was getting older. He barely even communicated with her, and never visited her. Frankly, he spared little thought to her life, or her death. Then again, it didn't seem like he had a different reaction to his parent's death.
He returns to Farlough only because the inheritance from his parent's estate is running out and he loses his job. So he comes back to fulfill the requirements of the will, and then plans to leave quickly again. Otherwise, he probably never would have returned.
When he does come back to the island and people figure out who he his, he's treated warmly by the Farlegions. Because Hilda was so proud of him, had kept tabs on him, and spoke of him highly to all who would listen. At first Cam doesn't even appreciate it.
As the reader I didn't feel like I was really given great insight into Cameron's character, other than his selfishness, so he was a hard character to warm up to or like. He's alone in the world? Whose fault was that? He had a loving, and willing family member, a community to be a part of - but he kept himself separate deliberately.
Like I said, it was hard to like him.
Don't get me wrong, there are some nice characters in the story (The Misters, Gwyneth), and while we get some insight into some of them, through multiple points of view (besides Cam we also get POV from Gwyneth and Matthias), I continued to feel as though something was missing.
I liked Gwyneth, who I found to be a lovely character, and I appreciated her practical reaction to finding out Cam and Matthias has been lovers. I liked that the women in the story were practical, familial, loving, and warm. It made a nice change to have it be the men who were messes.
I wouldn't really characterize the story as a romance, though I'm sure some will, and maybe it was the structure of the story that kept me from investing emotion into it. I don't know.
Bottom line is this didn't work for me on many levels. I was hoping for more insight into life on the island, getting a better understanding of its inhabitants and, frankly, of Cameron. I didn't get what I wanted with this.
But maybe you'll have better luck or a different take - this is only my opinion.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Farlough provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
...and you know what they say about opinions, right? Amiright?
I didn't like most of the story. Filled with purple prose, odd situations, and not very well-fleshed out characters or setting, I spent a large majority of the time reading this and wondering why I didn't just set it down. I still can't really adequately explain why I continued to read.
I didn't like Cameron, mostly because he struck me as a very self-centered character. When he left Farlough when he was eighteen and heartbroken, he never seemed to even contemplate that his Aunt Hilda was without any other family, and that she was getting older. He barely even communicated with her, and never visited her. Frankly, he spared little thought to her life, or her death. Then again, it didn't seem like he had a different reaction to his parent's death.
He returns to Farlough only because the inheritance from his parent's estate is running out and he loses his job. So he comes back to fulfill the requirements of the will, and then plans to leave quickly again. Otherwise, he probably never would have returned.
When he does come back to the island and people figure out who he his, he's treated warmly by the Farlegions. Because Hilda was so proud of him, had kept tabs on him, and spoke of him highly to all who would listen. At first Cam doesn't even appreciate it.
Cam, who had never considered himself to be anything other than alone in the world, felt an alien weight settle onto his chest. It was the burden of attachment—of meaning something to someone. He had, he was starting to realize, carefully constructed his adult life to avoid meaning anything to anyone.
As the reader I didn't feel like I was really given great insight into Cameron's character, other than his selfishness, so he was a hard character to warm up to or like. He's alone in the world? Whose fault was that? He had a loving, and willing family member, a community to be a part of - but he kept himself separate deliberately.
“You are alone, Cameron Percival North. You will always be alone.”
He said this aloud several times. It was an incantation, a curse, a lament. It was the truest thing he knew about himself. And it would never be other than it was. Of this he was certain.
Like I said, it was hard to like him.
Don't get me wrong, there are some nice characters in the story (The Misters, Gwyneth), and while we get some insight into some of them, through multiple points of view (besides Cam we also get POV from Gwyneth and Matthias), I continued to feel as though something was missing.
I liked Gwyneth, who I found to be a lovely character, and I appreciated her practical reaction to finding out Cam and Matthias has been lovers. I liked that the women in the story were practical, familial, loving, and warm. It made a nice change to have it be the men who were messes.
I wouldn't really characterize the story as a romance, though I'm sure some will, and maybe it was the structure of the story that kept me from investing emotion into it. I don't know.
Bottom line is this didn't work for me on many levels. I was hoping for more insight into life on the island, getting a better understanding of its inhabitants and, frankly, of Cameron. I didn't get what I wanted with this.
But maybe you'll have better luck or a different take - this is only my opinion.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Farlough provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
August 6, 2017
The writing had a lovely old-fashioned feel to it, very fitting the setting of the story.
Farlough is a remote island in the middle of the North Sea, off the Scottish coast. There are no cars there, no telephones- let alone internet- there's just enough electricity for light, and the ferry runs once a week at most.
The story in and of itself was quiet, slow-moving and relaxed, a bit melancholic and very sweet. A perfect Sunday afternoon read.
Farlough is a remote island in the middle of the North Sea, off the Scottish coast. There are no cars there, no telephones- let alone internet- there's just enough electricity for light, and the ferry runs once a week at most.
The story in and of itself was quiet, slow-moving and relaxed, a bit melancholic and very sweet. A perfect Sunday afternoon read.
September 22, 2024
Cameron North has had a life of woe. At age six, his wealthy parents left him with a nanny, went off on vacation and orphaned him. Learning the news, his great aunt Hilda rescued him and brought him to her home, on a remote North Sea island, Farlough. For an extended summer, he slowly grieved and healed. In the falls, he went off to boarding school, before returning to Furlough for the summers.
His best friend on Farlough was Mads, another young man his age. They spent all their time together running around the island. The summer they turned 16, when Cam returned, things changed... and they fell in love. They had a quiet romance (with a lot of sex). But then the summer he graduated from high school, Cameron screwed it up and told Mads he wanted them to go off into the real world and be gay together. But Mads turned him down and broke his heart. So Cam left and never returned to the island.
Twelve years later, Cam is nearly 30, just lost his job, and gets the news that Hilda has passed... six months ago. She's also left everything to him, her property on Farlough and her tea shop. But in order to claim it all, either to keep or sell, the lawyer warns him he must find a specific letter from her and bring it back to his office. Expecting a quick week turn around, he takes the long boat ride to the island and... finds out that the delay in informing Cam about her estate and his arrival on island was all deliberate timing and strands him on island for 4 weeks.
His first day, Cam finds the local coffeeshop and makes fast friends with the local barista, who turns out to be very married to none other than Mads, his first (and only) love. After some fairly cringe-inducing heart-to-hearts the two men do become friends again. But that's only because Cam is falling for his resident ghost, the mysterious housekeeper who's been cleaning up his aunt's home. Enter Tristan, the most boring love interest.
Tristan was a beautiful boy and everybody treated him so specially because of it. He even made good money for his family when his mother sent him to be a child model. But spoiler alert! TW: So then we get pages and pages of how Tristan got to college and realized that everyone treated him different because of his looks, which spoiled his chances to get laid or even get a date. So he takes a machete and goes out in the woods and cuts his face, marring his beauty. He then decides to find the most remote place to move to, which turns out to be a farm owned by Hilda, on Furlough.
I got to 72% and was getting a bit annoyed at how fatuous and self-absorbed Cam was... then Tristan's backstory began about 55% and there was even even more boring and self-involved character. I couldn't stay interested anymore and DNF'ed.
I think there was a decent 3-star story in here, if most of the second half (basically everything including Tristan) had been cut and a solid resolution involving Cam having a realization how shitty he treated his loving aunt, but that didn't seem to be happening so I got super bored.
One star.
His best friend on Farlough was Mads, another young man his age. They spent all their time together running around the island. The summer they turned 16, when Cam returned, things changed... and they fell in love. They had a quiet romance (with a lot of sex). But then the summer he graduated from high school, Cameron screwed it up and told Mads he wanted them to go off into the real world and be gay together. But Mads turned him down and broke his heart. So Cam left and never returned to the island.
Twelve years later, Cam is nearly 30, just lost his job, and gets the news that Hilda has passed... six months ago. She's also left everything to him, her property on Farlough and her tea shop. But in order to claim it all, either to keep or sell, the lawyer warns him he must find a specific letter from her and bring it back to his office. Expecting a quick week turn around, he takes the long boat ride to the island and... finds out that the delay in informing Cam about her estate and his arrival on island was all deliberate timing and strands him on island for 4 weeks.
His first day, Cam finds the local coffeeshop and makes fast friends with the local barista, who turns out to be very married to none other than Mads, his first (and only) love. After some fairly cringe-inducing heart-to-hearts the two men do become friends again. But that's only because Cam is falling for his resident ghost, the mysterious housekeeper who's been cleaning up his aunt's home. Enter Tristan, the most boring love interest.
Tristan was a beautiful boy and everybody treated him so specially because of it. He even made good money for his family when his mother sent him to be a child model. But spoiler alert! TW: So then we get pages and pages of how Tristan got to college and realized that everyone treated him different because of his looks, which spoiled his chances to get laid or even get a date. So he takes a machete and goes out in the woods and cuts his face, marring his beauty. He then decides to find the most remote place to move to, which turns out to be a farm owned by Hilda, on Furlough.
I got to 72% and was getting a bit annoyed at how fatuous and self-absorbed Cam was... then Tristan's backstory began about 55% and there was even even more boring and self-involved character. I couldn't stay interested anymore and DNF'ed.
I think there was a decent 3-star story in here, if most of the second half (basically everything including Tristan) had been cut and a solid resolution involving Cam having a realization how shitty he treated his loving aunt, but that didn't seem to be happening so I got super bored.
One star.
June 5, 2017
~ 2.5 Stars ~
Farlough has the feel of a Harlequin novel to it, with flourishes of language and proper decorum (besmirched at times by naughty thoughts and bedroom antics). Descriptions, moments, and slight turns of phrase were meticulously written in such a smooth and careful manner, making the words the star of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Xavier Mayne crafted his story.
Unfortunately, for me, that is as far as my enjoyment of this book went.
The primary missing element was a likable protagonist. Cam was more of an opportunist in this book, his life shaping nicely, but due to the actions of others and not due to any choice of his own. And we are robbed of the actual change of heart when he makes his final decision, learning of it after the fact. Beginning with his aunt, who adored him, and followed by a cast of characters, all of whom (except for one with whom Cam shares a personal history) adored Cam as the heir of their First Lady of Farlough. He didn’t really have to work at all to be given a spot of honor, and therefore, his choices and the victories lacked fire for me.
The other aspect of the book that didn’t work for me was how quickly and completely major reconciliations and life choices rose and resolved. There were many twists and turns in this story, each one big enough to throw a person for an emotional loop, yet Cam and the other characters prove to be remarkable in their ability to instantly accept and move past these life-altering moments.
In terms of issues the author addresses, the book is relatable. We’ve all had our hearts broken (except for a rare one or two people), and we’ve all made choices we regret and have to somehow reconcile. The scenes where these are addressed are well-written and I enjoyed them, tempered by the earlier comment that they resolved too quickly and easily. However, in each of those moments, the story and writing was quite lovely.
All in all, this book had the promise of delivering a mighty punch, but fell a bit short for me.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
Farlough has the feel of a Harlequin novel to it, with flourishes of language and proper decorum (besmirched at times by naughty thoughts and bedroom antics). Descriptions, moments, and slight turns of phrase were meticulously written in such a smooth and careful manner, making the words the star of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Xavier Mayne crafted his story.
Cam sipped the tea, and all he could taste was lack. Lack of his great-aunt, lack of any family whatsoever, lack of love in his life. It was a cup of absence, and he let it linger in his throat until it burned.
Unfortunately, for me, that is as far as my enjoyment of this book went.
The primary missing element was a likable protagonist. Cam was more of an opportunist in this book, his life shaping nicely, but due to the actions of others and not due to any choice of his own. And we are robbed of the actual change of heart when he makes his final decision, learning of it after the fact. Beginning with his aunt, who adored him, and followed by a cast of characters, all of whom (except for one with whom Cam shares a personal history) adored Cam as the heir of their First Lady of Farlough. He didn’t really have to work at all to be given a spot of honor, and therefore, his choices and the victories lacked fire for me.
The other aspect of the book that didn’t work for me was how quickly and completely major reconciliations and life choices rose and resolved. There were many twists and turns in this story, each one big enough to throw a person for an emotional loop, yet Cam and the other characters prove to be remarkable in their ability to instantly accept and move past these life-altering moments.
In terms of issues the author addresses, the book is relatable. We’ve all had our hearts broken (except for a rare one or two people), and we’ve all made choices we regret and have to somehow reconcile. The scenes where these are addressed are well-written and I enjoyed them, tempered by the earlier comment that they resolved too quickly and easily. However, in each of those moments, the story and writing was quite lovely.
All in all, this book had the promise of delivering a mighty punch, but fell a bit short for me.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
May 17, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This story of a selfish, aging New York club kid who travels to a remote Scottish Island to secure his inheritance is the most conventional book I’ve read by Xavier Mayne. This is a gentle rural romance set in a timeless island community. As a long time fan of the author, I was expecting high camp dramatics, slapstick humour and steamy, smutty sex scenes. Instead, this is the quiet story of a thirty year old man reflecting on the life he has lived and the life he wants to live.
At the start of this book, Cameron is a very difficult character to like. He comes across as shallow and materialistic. As he settles into life on Farlough, he becomes more sincere and his relationships slowly start to feel more genuine. His growth as a character is slow but I enjoyed watching him get more comfortable in his own skin.
There are almost two romance stories in this book. Cameron spends a great deal of time reflecting on his childhood first love - a story which is wonderfully sweet and sad. At the same time, the adult Cameron finds himself in a mysterious relationship laced with a hint of the supernatural. In a long, slow novel, the adult romance feels somewhat hurried. I enjoyed the two characters but I wanted more tension and more of a build up to their relationship.
The island’s residents give this story colour and warmth. This is an idyllic view of village life. The islanders are quirky and eccentric and they are quick to welcome Cameron into their community.
So - this isn’t at all what I was expecting when I requested the book but this story has a gentle charm that captured my imagination.
This story of a selfish, aging New York club kid who travels to a remote Scottish Island to secure his inheritance is the most conventional book I’ve read by Xavier Mayne. This is a gentle rural romance set in a timeless island community. As a long time fan of the author, I was expecting high camp dramatics, slapstick humour and steamy, smutty sex scenes. Instead, this is the quiet story of a thirty year old man reflecting on the life he has lived and the life he wants to live.
At the start of this book, Cameron is a very difficult character to like. He comes across as shallow and materialistic. As he settles into life on Farlough, he becomes more sincere and his relationships slowly start to feel more genuine. His growth as a character is slow but I enjoyed watching him get more comfortable in his own skin.
There are almost two romance stories in this book. Cameron spends a great deal of time reflecting on his childhood first love - a story which is wonderfully sweet and sad. At the same time, the adult Cameron finds himself in a mysterious relationship laced with a hint of the supernatural. In a long, slow novel, the adult romance feels somewhat hurried. I enjoyed the two characters but I wanted more tension and more of a build up to their relationship.
The island’s residents give this story colour and warmth. This is an idyllic view of village life. The islanders are quirky and eccentric and they are quick to welcome Cameron into their community.
So - this isn’t at all what I was expecting when I requested the book but this story has a gentle charm that captured my imagination.
May 19, 2017
Farlough is a beautiful sweet romance set in both a modern day setting and in a more historic setting. how can that be? Farlough is an island far off the shore of Aberdeen and only accessible by Ferry. the only modern convenience is enough to power to have lights everything else is done with peat for heat and cooking and manpower. There is no TV no cell phones or electronics and you get around by horse or bicycle or walking. Cam left Farlough behind when he was 17 and never looked back. He didn't even go to is aunts funeral. Now e is alone in the world and tired of only having hookups but his heart won't allow anything else. He loses his job right after a shocking announcement that e received all of his Aunt Hilda's estate, her teashop, house and the money to go with it. There was one exception. he had to go there to get it. When e arrived on the day she said it had to be the day of the equinox he found himself stranded for 28 days before the next ferry would arrive.
. He makes friends with a coffee barista to find her happily married to the man tat broke his heart causing him never to return. He finds the house perfectly clean and well stocked and each day this happens. Who is this mystery person that is tending to Cam and drying the herbs for the tea shop?
I adored this story. I loved everything, the charming setting, te story, how the town was so close and everyone helped each other.There is a touch of mystery and hidden romance. If you like a good romance that just makes you feel good this is for you
May 22, 2017
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-azD
From that review: " Oh, that synopsis....what a teaser! I had no idea which way this story was going to go, there was even a hint that there might be an element of the supernatural here but no. It's simply a wonderful contemporary romance about putting the past to rest, finding out who you really are and coming home.
I absolutely need to contact Xavier Mayne to see if Farlough is real. He made it so for me, it came alive on these pages. I wanted to meet these people and come for the Solstice celebrations (not that it was for outsiders). I wanted to ride the Ferry and meet everyone that lived, laughed and loved so well on this amazing island. From the librarian to the Misters at the Tea Room and so many others, this place had my heart soon after I arrived along with Cam..."
for all our reviews, author interviews and more, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-azD
From that review: " Oh, that synopsis....what a teaser! I had no idea which way this story was going to go, there was even a hint that there might be an element of the supernatural here but no. It's simply a wonderful contemporary romance about putting the past to rest, finding out who you really are and coming home.
I absolutely need to contact Xavier Mayne to see if Farlough is real. He made it so for me, it came alive on these pages. I wanted to meet these people and come for the Solstice celebrations (not that it was for outsiders). I wanted to ride the Ferry and meet everyone that lived, laughed and loved so well on this amazing island. From the librarian to the Misters at the Tea Room and so many others, this place had my heart soon after I arrived along with Cam..."
for all our reviews, author interviews and more, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
August 10, 2018
A slow, sweet tale of loves lost, loves found, lives lst and lives found. 3.5*
Written in quite an other worldly style, just like Farlough. Isolation brings its own idiosyncrasies and these came across.
Cam begrudgingly goes to Farlough to claim an inheritance. As he travels we get to understand this is more than some distant relative - it is the island and woman who raised him. His first love was here so he has to confront this time in his life, how it ended, the other person as well, clear up misunderstandings. Cam is generally regarded as the returning hero by the islanders but he’s done nothing to earn this other than return and be Hilda’s nephew.
Mads and Gwyneth make an interesting couple, especially Gwyneth’s acceptance of their history.
The mysterious T is found eventually, and their story is quite first world problems but shows the effect that pressures and perceptions can have.
Things happened quickly but in a small closed enviroment they probably would. I did enjoy.
Written in quite an other worldly style, just like Farlough. Isolation brings its own idiosyncrasies and these came across.
Cam begrudgingly goes to Farlough to claim an inheritance. As he travels we get to understand this is more than some distant relative - it is the island and woman who raised him. His first love was here so he has to confront this time in his life, how it ended, the other person as well, clear up misunderstandings. Cam is generally regarded as the returning hero by the islanders but he’s done nothing to earn this other than return and be Hilda’s nephew.
Mads and Gwyneth make an interesting couple, especially Gwyneth’s acceptance of their history.
The mysterious T is found eventually, and their story is quite first world problems but shows the effect that pressures and perceptions can have.
Things happened quickly but in a small closed enviroment they probably would. I did enjoy.
September 28, 2017
This was a very sweet story, and I enjoyed all of the characters very much. Save time by not looking for the actual Farlough island (I looked, its fictional). I loved the description of island life and the connection to Mother Earth. The seemingly supernatural occurrences has a very satisfying conclusion. I will definitely reread this one. But not a single kilt? Bummer.
August 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this little novel. It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
If it wasn't for "the sex scenes", which, for me, were simply unnecessary, I would have given it 5 stars.
If it wasn't for "the sex scenes", which, for me, were simply unnecessary, I would have given it 5 stars.
January 27, 2018
Unexpected
It's not what one would expect in a romance novel, It flow's freely and kept me reading till the end, The island is charming, the people of the island may well make you laugh .
It's not what one would expect in a romance novel, It flow's freely and kept me reading till the end, The island is charming, the people of the island may well make you laugh .
Read
June 8, 2017review to follow
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews