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Pattern for an Angel
Can an angel gown for a little boy let a single dad and a drag queen stitch together a new pattern for love?
Hospice nurse Gabe Martin is bisexual but doesn’t have time for love—his main priority is raising Ian, his adopted five-year-old son. Ian loves wearing dresses at home and wants an angel gown for his kindergarten holiday pageant. When Gabe visits a sewing store to get help with Ian’s costume, he’s assisted by a bewitching employee named Loren who opens up Gabe’s focused world.
Drag queen Loren Schuster likes playing with gender norms and wearing skirts and dresses in everyday life. A bad breakup killed his interest in serious relationships, but he reconsiders that stance when gorgeous single dad Gabe walks into the shop. Loren helps young Ian see it’s okay to be himself, and together, Loren and Gabe create a new pattern for a family full of love.
Hospice nurse Gabe Martin is bisexual but doesn’t have time for love—his main priority is raising Ian, his adopted five-year-old son. Ian loves wearing dresses at home and wants an angel gown for his kindergarten holiday pageant. When Gabe visits a sewing store to get help with Ian’s costume, he’s assisted by a bewitching employee named Loren who opens up Gabe’s focused world.
Drag queen Loren Schuster likes playing with gender norms and wearing skirts and dresses in everyday life. A bad breakup killed his interest in serious relationships, but he reconsiders that stance when gorgeous single dad Gabe walks into the shop. Loren helps young Ian see it’s okay to be himself, and together, Loren and Gabe create a new pattern for a family full of love.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2019
5 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
CJane Elliott
23 books41 followersAfter years of hearing characters chatting away in her head, CJANE ELLIOTT finally decided to put them on paper and hasn’t looked back since. A psychotherapist by training, CJane enjoys writing sexy, passionate stories that also explore the human psyche. CJane has traveled all over North America for work and her characters are travelers, too, traveling down into their own depths to find what they need to get to the happy ending.
CJane is an ardent supporter of LGBTQ equality and is particularly fond of coming-out stories. In her spare time, CJane can be found dancing, listening to music, or watching old movies. Her husband and son support her writing habit by staying out of the way when they see her hunched over, staring intensely at her laptop.
CJane is the author of the award-winning Serpentine Series, New Adult contemporary novels set at the University of Virginia. Serpentine Walls was a 2014 Rainbow Awards finalist, Aidan’s Journey was a 2015 EPIC Awards finalist, and Sex, Love, and Videogames won first place in the New Adult category in the 2016 Swirl Awards and first place in Contemporary Fiction in the 2017 EPIC eBook Awards.
CJane is an ardent supporter of LGBTQ equality and is particularly fond of coming-out stories. In her spare time, CJane can be found dancing, listening to music, or watching old movies. Her husband and son support her writing habit by staying out of the way when they see her hunched over, staring intensely at her laptop.
CJane is the author of the award-winning Serpentine Series, New Adult contemporary novels set at the University of Virginia. Serpentine Walls was a 2014 Rainbow Awards finalist, Aidan’s Journey was a 2015 EPIC Awards finalist, and Sex, Love, and Videogames won first place in the New Adult category in the 2016 Swirl Awards and first place in Contemporary Fiction in the 2017 EPIC eBook Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 19, 2020
This sweet story about a single dad wih a 6yo son who loves to wear dresses who want to be an angel in his kindergarden Xmas pagent cuz it the prettiest costume so they go to a fabric shop to make the costume and meet Loren and then things get interesting! Whew that was on long run-on sentence! Anyway, the important stuff is that this story was downright adorable, fluffy, sweet as sugar and pretty darn awesome! Gabe, his little boy Ian and loren end up making just about the cutest found family ever! Love every word of this wonderful Christmas love story!
December 20, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Pattern for an Angel is a sweet get together story. It features a cast of delighfully queer characters and I thought these characters were very positive representations for the community. For example, Gabe demonstrates his support of Ian’s sartorial choices in multiple ways. Gabe ensures Ian will have support at school by contacting Ian’s teacher and Gabe lets Ian make his own choices when things turn a bit sour at school. There’s also the scene where Gabe (who identifies as cis-male) tries wearing feminine clothing to Ian’s holiday production as a demonstration of his unwavering support for both Ian and his own date, Loren.
There was a good balance between scenes with Gabe and Ian, and with Loren. There was a small supporting cast of characters that helped make the MCs feel more dimensional—specifically Gabe and Loren’s sisters. Our romantic interests both have personal issues that make them wary of immediately starting a relationship with each other. I appreciated that the sisters offered emotional support to their brothers; it made me feel like they all were connected. Loren has trust issues after his last longterm boyfriend started shaming Loren for wearing feminine clothes; Gabe’s mother cannot accept a bisexual son and has cut him (and Ian) out of her life. Including these backgrounds and having both principal and supporting characters acknowledge them made the story more meaningful to me that just a get-together.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Pattern for an Angel is a sweet get together story. It features a cast of delighfully queer characters and I thought these characters were very positive representations for the community. For example, Gabe demonstrates his support of Ian’s sartorial choices in multiple ways. Gabe ensures Ian will have support at school by contacting Ian’s teacher and Gabe lets Ian make his own choices when things turn a bit sour at school. There’s also the scene where Gabe (who identifies as cis-male) tries wearing feminine clothing to Ian’s holiday production as a demonstration of his unwavering support for both Ian and his own date, Loren.
There was a good balance between scenes with Gabe and Ian, and with Loren. There was a small supporting cast of characters that helped make the MCs feel more dimensional—specifically Gabe and Loren’s sisters. Our romantic interests both have personal issues that make them wary of immediately starting a relationship with each other. I appreciated that the sisters offered emotional support to their brothers; it made me feel like they all were connected. Loren has trust issues after his last longterm boyfriend started shaming Loren for wearing feminine clothes; Gabe’s mother cannot accept a bisexual son and has cut him (and Ian) out of her life. Including these backgrounds and having both principal and supporting characters acknowledge them made the story more meaningful to me that just a get-together.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
December 16, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review.
This was adorable, affirming, and over much too soon.
Hospice nurse Gabe is bisexual, but too busy for a relationship because he's raising his adopted son Ian, who's only 5 years old. Lately Ian has found much joy in wearing dresses at home and now wants to be an angel for his kindergarten class' holiday pageant. Armed with a pattern but no clue to how to sew, Gabe enlists the help of a sewing store employee named Loren.
Loren is a drag queen and also thumbs his nose at gender norms, wearing skirts and dresses whenever he feels like it. He hasn't been lucky in love, but no matter how much he tries to guard his heart, the hunky Gabe intrigues him. So Loren offers to help Gabe with the angel dress for Ian.
This is a sweet story, with a sprinkle of Christmas magic and an easy plot line. At novella-length, the relationship obviously starts quickly and hotly, but the focus isn't just on the romance but also the teasing and bullying Ian faces at school, simply because he wants to wear a pretty dress instead of pants. Gabe and Loren both cheer Ian on, showing him support and encouragement and simply loving him for who he is.
If only all parents love their children like that - unconditionally supporting and encouraging them to be exactly who they are meant to be.
I'd love to read more if the author chooses to revisit this couple and the little boy down the road.
Give this a try. I think you'd like this as much as I did.
This was adorable, affirming, and over much too soon.
Hospice nurse Gabe is bisexual, but too busy for a relationship because he's raising his adopted son Ian, who's only 5 years old. Lately Ian has found much joy in wearing dresses at home and now wants to be an angel for his kindergarten class' holiday pageant. Armed with a pattern but no clue to how to sew, Gabe enlists the help of a sewing store employee named Loren.
Loren is a drag queen and also thumbs his nose at gender norms, wearing skirts and dresses whenever he feels like it. He hasn't been lucky in love, but no matter how much he tries to guard his heart, the hunky Gabe intrigues him. So Loren offers to help Gabe with the angel dress for Ian.
This is a sweet story, with a sprinkle of Christmas magic and an easy plot line. At novella-length, the relationship obviously starts quickly and hotly, but the focus isn't just on the romance but also the teasing and bullying Ian faces at school, simply because he wants to wear a pretty dress instead of pants. Gabe and Loren both cheer Ian on, showing him support and encouragement and simply loving him for who he is.
If only all parents love their children like that - unconditionally supporting and encouraging them to be exactly who they are meant to be.
I'd love to read more if the author chooses to revisit this couple and the little boy down the road.
Give this a try. I think you'd like this as much as I did.
December 2, 2019
Third-person POV
Loren works at sister's fabric shop, prefers femme fashion, and performs in drag.
Gabe is the adoptive dad to Liam and is a hospice nurse.
Kindergartener, Liam, also likes to wear dresses and has a Christmas performance coming up.
Instead of being a shepherd, Liam wants to be an Angel but in order to be one, Gabe has to make his costume.
Both guys have meddling, loving sisters. It's the sisters and Liam that really bring Loren and Gabe together.
This was a cute, quick (under 100 pages) MM Holiday novella with a satisfying ending.
.
Rating: PG-13 ~ Score: 4.125 ~ Stars 4
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from IndiGo Marketing with author consent and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
Loren works at sister's fabric shop, prefers femme fashion, and performs in drag.
Gabe is the adoptive dad to Liam and is a hospice nurse.
Kindergartener, Liam, also likes to wear dresses and has a Christmas performance coming up.
Instead of being a shepherd, Liam wants to be an Angel but in order to be one, Gabe has to make his costume.
Both guys have meddling, loving sisters. It's the sisters and Liam that really bring Loren and Gabe together.
This was a cute, quick (under 100 pages) MM Holiday novella with a satisfying ending.
.
Rating: PG-13 ~ Score: 4.125 ~ Stars 4
===========================
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from IndiGo Marketing with author consent and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
November 16, 2023
This was totally adorable, I just wish it was longer!
November 25, 2019
CJane Elliott's Pattern for an Angel is a beautiful Christmas story.
Gabe's raising his adopted son, Ian, who prefers to wear dresses, and wants to wear an angel dress in the pageant. Enter Loren who not only understands Ian, but also can help encourage him.
Each character is completely loveable, and unique. They are pure delight.
This is a short and super sweet story packed with a whole lot of meaning. Despite being just 67 pages, it's full of love, support, and charm. I love this book and can't recommend it enough. Read it and enjoy.
Gabe's raising his adopted son, Ian, who prefers to wear dresses, and wants to wear an angel dress in the pageant. Enter Loren who not only understands Ian, but also can help encourage him.
Each character is completely loveable, and unique. They are pure delight.
This is a short and super sweet story packed with a whole lot of meaning. Despite being just 67 pages, it's full of love, support, and charm. I love this book and can't recommend it enough. Read it and enjoy.
Read
December 6, 2019Content Warnings
Instead of including so much queer and trans trauma and pain, the story would have been better served by showing more of the romance building between the MCs, their romantic and sexual attraction.
link: Read the rest of my review on my blog.
Instead of including so much queer and trans trauma and pain, the story would have been better served by showing more of the romance building between the MCs, their romantic and sexual attraction.
link: Read the rest of my review on my blog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2019
I enjoyed this sweet story about being true to who you are. I was drawn to Gabe and Loren and their stories as individuals immediately, as well as becoming invested in their growing friendship and relationship.
The supporting cast were wonderful, especially Ian and Gabe and Loren’s sisters, and Ian’s teacher. I loved loved how their sisters encouraged their relationship, and the banter between the siblings. I felt for Loren how he is lonely and craves connecting with someone underneath his quirky personality.
I also loved the way Gabe describes non-binary to Ian, and the drag queen story hour is a fabulous idea. I also the reaction of both Ian and Nita to Gabe’s attempt at solidarity—it was one of several moments that kept the story real.
The epilogue and happy ending made me happy. This is the first story I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last.
The supporting cast were wonderful, especially Ian and Gabe and Loren’s sisters, and Ian’s teacher. I loved loved how their sisters encouraged their relationship, and the banter between the siblings. I felt for Loren how he is lonely and craves connecting with someone underneath his quirky personality.
I also loved the way Gabe describes non-binary to Ian, and the drag queen story hour is a fabulous idea. I also the reaction of both Ian and Nita to Gabe’s attempt at solidarity—it was one of several moments that kept the story real.
The epilogue and happy ending made me happy. This is the first story I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last.
December 13, 2019
Charming, charming story
Perfect story about a single dad and his kindergarten-age son who likes to wear dresses. Gabe, the father, is fully accepting, but because he knows the world we all live in, he is scared for his young son because of comments and bullying he might have directed at him.
After they meet Loren, a person at the sewing store who also wears skirts and dresses, Gabe and Ian, the boy, gain a friend and learn more about what it's like to be different from what society thinks we should be like.
This story had so much punch and so much love that I am fully stoked right now! I even learned a few things about being femme and how to deal with others expectations... And the HEA was super special. It's a short story which is totally developed!
Perfect story about a single dad and his kindergarten-age son who likes to wear dresses. Gabe, the father, is fully accepting, but because he knows the world we all live in, he is scared for his young son because of comments and bullying he might have directed at him.
After they meet Loren, a person at the sewing store who also wears skirts and dresses, Gabe and Ian, the boy, gain a friend and learn more about what it's like to be different from what society thinks we should be like.
This story had so much punch and so much love that I am fully stoked right now! I even learned a few things about being femme and how to deal with others expectations... And the HEA was super special. It's a short story which is totally developed!
April 30, 2023
Disappointing. Such a cute premise, largely squandered with clunky dialogue that sounds more like samples from a text book on how to raise gender diverse children than feeling like real interactions between people. Too much trauma and not enough joy in the sweet found family. There's instalove but why?
March 4, 2023
Short and not quite enough
A very sweet story, and well written. Just a little too fluffy for me, but very easy to read and with a HEA. There was a "Chekhov's Gun" in the beginning that I was a little disappointed about when it didn't get resolved at the end, and that's why this is 3 stars instead of 4 (it's more like 3.5).
A very sweet story, and well written. Just a little too fluffy for me, but very easy to read and with a HEA. There was a "Chekhov's Gun" in the beginning that I was a little disappointed about when it didn't get resolved at the end, and that's why this is 3 stars instead of 4 (it's more like 3.5).
December 9, 2019
Loving and leading by example
This is such a loving story. Two lonely souls find each other while showing the sweetest little child that it's ok to dress and feel however you choose. That there is no wrong way and that love is truly amazing and healing.
This is such a loving story. Two lonely souls find each other while showing the sweetest little child that it's ok to dress and feel however you choose. That there is no wrong way and that love is truly amazing and healing.
February 1, 2020
Accepting father finds accepting friends
I enjoyed reading a book where the boy who dresses outside of gender norms is supported by his father. Gabe gets a boyfriend in addition to a happy son. And shout out to Drag Queen Story Time at the library!
I enjoyed reading a book where the boy who dresses outside of gender norms is supported by his father. Gabe gets a boyfriend in addition to a happy son. And shout out to Drag Queen Story Time at the library!
December 9, 2019
Pattern for an angel
This is such a cute story of acceptance and living your truest life. Ian is an adorable kid with a wonderful Dad, Gabe.
This is such a cute story of acceptance and living your truest life. Ian is an adorable kid with a wonderful Dad, Gabe.
February 5, 2020
First time first-time reader for C Jane Elliot, and I love the main characters and the little angel in the middle. This was a nice, cozy and fun happy feelings book. Highly recommend!
June 30, 2020
Sweet little story featuring sewing, drag queens, and little boys who like wearing dresses (and are thoroughly supported in their desire to do so, yay!). I admit, I pictured the fabric shop as my current favorite, which just made me want to go buy fabric and make something, too.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews