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Blue Umbrella Sky
Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Gay Romance
Milt Grabaur has left his life, home, and teaching career in Ohio to start anew. The Summer Winds trailer park in Palm Springs, butted up against the San Jacinto mountain range, seems the perfect place to forget the pain of nursing his beloved husband through Alzheimer’s and seeing him off on his final passage.
Billy Blue is a sexy California surfer type who once dreamed of being a singer but now works at Trader Joe’s and lives in his own trailer at Summer Winds. He’s focused on recovery from the alcoholism that put his dreams on hold.
When his new neighbor moves in, Billy falls for the gray-eyed man. His sadness and loneliness awaken something Billy’s never felt before—real love.
When a summer storm and flash flood jeopardize Milt’s home, Billy comes to the rescue, hoping the two men might get better acquainted…and maybe begin a new romance.
But Milt’s devotion to his late husband is strong, and he worries that acting on his attraction will be a betrayal.
Milt Grabaur has left his life, home, and teaching career in Ohio to start anew. The Summer Winds trailer park in Palm Springs, butted up against the San Jacinto mountain range, seems the perfect place to forget the pain of nursing his beloved husband through Alzheimer’s and seeing him off on his final passage.
Billy Blue is a sexy California surfer type who once dreamed of being a singer but now works at Trader Joe’s and lives in his own trailer at Summer Winds. He’s focused on recovery from the alcoholism that put his dreams on hold.
When his new neighbor moves in, Billy falls for the gray-eyed man. His sadness and loneliness awaken something Billy’s never felt before—real love.
When a summer storm and flash flood jeopardize Milt’s home, Billy comes to the rescue, hoping the two men might get better acquainted…and maybe begin a new romance.
But Milt’s devotion to his late husband is strong, and he worries that acting on his attraction will be a betrayal.
ebook
First published March 19, 2019
13 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Rick R. Reed
118 books1,048 followersReal Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 17, 2019
The more books I read by this Author,the more I love his writing.This one deals with some heavy topics,the death of a spouse and a recovering alcoholic BUT at no time did it feel depressing.It's more about coming to terms with the past,moving forward and letting love in again.
Milt wanted a fresh start when his husband died and chose to move to Palm Springs.He's kind of just existing,living in a trailer with his beloved dog for company.He certainly didn't expect to have his world turned upside down by a sexy blonde surfer type.
Billy hit rock bottom when his drinking got out of control.Now in recovery,he's desperately trying to get his life back on track.He's been watching Milt for a while,although Milt seems to be oblivious of his interest.A summer storm one night sees the two men's worlds colliding but is Milt willing to let go of the past and love again?
The Author perfectly portrays the two men's struggles.It's an extremely slow burn which totally worked.Both Milt and Billy are highly likeable,well developed characters who find each other at just the right time in their lives.
Recommend Read.
Arc generously provided by the publisher to DirtyBooksObsession.Thank you!
This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession
April 24, 2019
This is my second read from Rick R.Reed and just like the first time, I was surprisingly moved, in a good way, by this very slow-burn between Billy and Milt.
Milt is in his forties and decides to move to Palm Springs after losing his husband from an aggressive form of Alzheimer. Still mourning, he doesn’t realize that he doesn’t socialize anymore.
Billy is in his twenties and recovering from alcoholism with a sunny and positive, but not blind, attitude. And with that, he finally grabs the attention of Milt, his neighbour he has been eyeing with interest for several months.
There is no issue around the age-gap, nor steam, nor overdrama. No, this story has a “quiet atmosphere”, something I quite enjoy when well written, which is the case here for me. It’s centred on the journey that Milt and Billy take to at peace on their own and together. It’s full of reflection. It’s about grieving and remaining sober. There is some melancholy but also some hope and light.
As much as I was concerned before starting this read that it would be too gloomy, it was not and once again, Rick R. Reed captivated me with this story of two “ordinary” guys who so nicely compliment and find solace in each other. Four well-deserved stars !!
ARC of “Blue Umbrella Sky” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Milt is in his forties and decides to move to Palm Springs after losing his husband from an aggressive form of Alzheimer. Still mourning, he doesn’t realize that he doesn’t socialize anymore.
Billy is in his twenties and recovering from alcoholism with a sunny and positive, but not blind, attitude. And with that, he finally grabs the attention of Milt, his neighbour he has been eyeing with interest for several months.
There is no issue around the age-gap, nor steam, nor overdrama. No, this story has a “quiet atmosphere”, something I quite enjoy when well written, which is the case here for me. It’s centred on the journey that Milt and Billy take to at peace on their own and together. It’s full of reflection. It’s about grieving and remaining sober. There is some melancholy but also some hope and light.
As much as I was concerned before starting this read that it would be too gloomy, it was not and once again, Rick R. Reed captivated me with this story of two “ordinary” guys who so nicely compliment and find solace in each other. Four well-deserved stars !!
ARC of “Blue Umbrella Sky” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2019
When I read a book written by Rick R. Reed, I never feel like I'm reading a story, he always transports me into a snippet of the lives of two - on the surface - ordinary men who together manage to find the right glue to hold them together.
In this one he gives us two vastly different men, different ages, different life experiences, different expectations and then he slowly, oh so slowly, brings them together into a glorious, but so very realistic, future.
There's no real central plot to Blue Umbrella Sky, it's more about accepting change, accepting you eventually will move on after loss, though the hurt will always remain, it's about accepting your flaws and your frailties and learning how to live your best life with them.
It also has possibly one of the best representations of an alcoholic living in sobriety and the steps needed to remain in that state without it being overly dramatic, overly angsty or depressing.
I loved the characters of both Billy and Milt and even though this is low steam, all fade to black or off page, it didn't annoy me as much as that often does because this story wasn't about the passion of a sexual relationship, it was about finding a new place to call home.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
In this one he gives us two vastly different men, different ages, different life experiences, different expectations and then he slowly, oh so slowly, brings them together into a glorious, but so very realistic, future.
There's no real central plot to Blue Umbrella Sky, it's more about accepting change, accepting you eventually will move on after loss, though the hurt will always remain, it's about accepting your flaws and your frailties and learning how to live your best life with them.
It also has possibly one of the best representations of an alcoholic living in sobriety and the steps needed to remain in that state without it being overly dramatic, overly angsty or depressing.
I loved the characters of both Billy and Milt and even though this is low steam, all fade to black or off page, it didn't annoy me as much as that often does because this story wasn't about the passion of a sexual relationship, it was about finding a new place to call home.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
March 9, 2019
Okay. So, I'm going to quickly spew my bipolar response to this book.
The blurb gave me major feels. *preparing for angsty read*
The cover made me swoon. *preparing for solid romance*
RRR has made the cut of my top 10 authors for years but the last few books I've read have felt...different. So I'm pulling for this one...big time.
Kicks off with a great start.
I didn't realize Milt was Dane's bestie!?!
And I love Dane and Seth. Yayyyy! *happy smile*
All right...it's hard and heavy early on. *grabs tissues*
Milt's husband Corky has Alhemizer's disease. It's not a kind disease and Milt loses a piece of himself when he loses Corky. Caring for his husband during those final horrific months was a battle he barely survived. But survive he did. And this, THIS, is what I loved. I loved the realism; not only in the portrayal of surviving grief but surviving alcoholism that Billy is fighting. I loved Billy Blue and his optimism. I loved his perseverance...with not only himself but with his lonely neighbor too.
And now my 'other' face. *grimace*
I was expecting romance. And I'm sorry, but romance this is not.
Life journey? Absolutely. Personal rebirth? You bet. But.....
I wanted my breath to catch.
I wanted my toes to curl.
I wanted my face to split with joy.
None of those things happened.
In all honesty, I growled and even begged, 'come on Rick!' around the 75% mark.
I was...disappointed. And damn it...that sucks.
And one more thing about Billy...I was desperate for him to sing again. That was a beautiful scene waiting to happen. And I mourned its absence.
So yeah. There it is.
Bumming.
At times I would say this was a firm 4 stars and then it plummeted to 2.
I'll settle my inconsistent emotions on 3.
I really wish I could give it more.....
The blurb gave me major feels. *preparing for angsty read*
The cover made me swoon. *preparing for solid romance*
RRR has made the cut of my top 10 authors for years but the last few books I've read have felt...different. So I'm pulling for this one...big time.
Kicks off with a great start.
I didn't realize Milt was Dane's bestie!?!
And I love Dane and Seth. Yayyyy! *happy smile*
All right...it's hard and heavy early on. *grabs tissues*
Milt's husband Corky has Alhemizer's disease. It's not a kind disease and Milt loses a piece of himself when he loses Corky. Caring for his husband during those final horrific months was a battle he barely survived. But survive he did. And this, THIS, is what I loved. I loved the realism; not only in the portrayal of surviving grief but surviving alcoholism that Billy is fighting. I loved Billy Blue and his optimism. I loved his perseverance...with not only himself but with his lonely neighbor too.
And now my 'other' face. *grimace*
I was expecting romance. And I'm sorry, but romance this is not.
Life journey? Absolutely. Personal rebirth? You bet. But.....
I wanted my breath to catch.
I wanted my toes to curl.
I wanted my face to split with joy.
None of those things happened.
In all honesty, I growled and even begged, 'come on Rick!' around the 75% mark.
I was...disappointed. And damn it...that sucks.
And one more thing about Billy...I was desperate for him to sing again. That was a beautiful scene waiting to happen. And I mourned its absence.
So yeah. There it is.
Bumming.
At times I would say this was a firm 4 stars and then it plummeted to 2.
I'll settle my inconsistent emotions on 3.
I really wish I could give it more.....
March 22, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
If you are lucky, sometimes a book really resonates with you and reflects either something you hold dear inside you or echoes a journey you have been on before, making you feel that the story you are reading really understands just how you felt in that moment. Rick R. Reed has given me such a book. Blue Umbrella Sky deals first and foremost with how to survive the trauma that is caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s and I can tell you first hand that this author hits it spot on. The disease affected not one, but both, of my in-laws and I watched the agony my husband went through when his parents no longer knew who he was and they turned from caring, gentle people to sometimes violent and remote strangers. It was heartbreaking and I will tell you that every emotion Milt Grabaur feels and every trial he goes through is not only realistic, but carefully and gently crafted. This is a love story about three men—two living and one deceased. It is sad, hopeful, lovingly written, and heartfelt.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
If you are lucky, sometimes a book really resonates with you and reflects either something you hold dear inside you or echoes a journey you have been on before, making you feel that the story you are reading really understands just how you felt in that moment. Rick R. Reed has given me such a book. Blue Umbrella Sky deals first and foremost with how to survive the trauma that is caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s and I can tell you first hand that this author hits it spot on. The disease affected not one, but both, of my in-laws and I watched the agony my husband went through when his parents no longer knew who he was and they turned from caring, gentle people to sometimes violent and remote strangers. It was heartbreaking and I will tell you that every emotion Milt Grabaur feels and every trial he goes through is not only realistic, but carefully and gently crafted. This is a love story about three men—two living and one deceased. It is sad, hopeful, lovingly written, and heartfelt.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
March 19, 2019
Billy and Milt both live on a trailer park at Palm Springs. Billy already lives there and Milt chose this place for a new start. Billy saw the new man arrive and was instantly smitten by the lonely, silent guy. He watched him with his dog and when there is a flood and Milt shout for help Billy is there to help him.
When Milt tells his story about his life with his deceased husband to Billy, Billy’s heart sank more and more. He can never compete with this husband. Instead they build a friendship.
With the look-backs on both men’s lives we get to know them, what they’ve been through. The devastating situations they’ve been through, both in their own way.
Billy’s life was and is so emotional, and Milt was going through a very hard time, I shed more than once tears for them.
Milt was not available at all. He was grieving.
Billy makes a decision... if Milt doesn’t want to start anything with him, he’ll just leave this place. Because staying here would hurt too much.
The struggle both men had, one with his constantly nagging addiction and one with a massive hole in his heart was palpable on every page. Chapter after chapter we get to know more and more about them. It was an emotional journey.
The way this all was written was incredible kind and with so much dedication, i felt so involved. Even after finishing I’m still flooding with emotions.
It’s not a light fluffy read, it’s profound and thoughtful, it has a respectful approach to both men with their complex characters and circumstances, it’s all wonderful developed and captivating.
When Milt tells his story about his life with his deceased husband to Billy, Billy’s heart sank more and more. He can never compete with this husband. Instead they build a friendship.
With the look-backs on both men’s lives we get to know them, what they’ve been through. The devastating situations they’ve been through, both in their own way.
Billy’s life was and is so emotional, and Milt was going through a very hard time, I shed more than once tears for them.
Milt was not available at all. He was grieving.
Billy makes a decision... if Milt doesn’t want to start anything with him, he’ll just leave this place. Because staying here would hurt too much.
The struggle both men had, one with his constantly nagging addiction and one with a massive hole in his heart was palpable on every page. Chapter after chapter we get to know more and more about them. It was an emotional journey.
The way this all was written was incredible kind and with so much dedication, i felt so involved. Even after finishing I’m still flooding with emotions.
It’s not a light fluffy read, it’s profound and thoughtful, it has a respectful approach to both men with their complex characters and circumstances, it’s all wonderful developed and captivating.
March 13, 2019
This was a great hurt/comfort story about two men, both in different places in life, hoping to move forward at the same time, together.
Milt was a happily married man for a long time. His husband, Corky, was affected with Alzheimer's and died recently. Without a real plan, Milt just had to get away. The hot desert of Southern California called to him and he answered. Living in a trailer with his dog, he was doing okay. He didn't think he needed anyone until it rained and his trailer flooded. And then his life changed.
Billy tried for six months to get his new neighbor to notice him. Pulled all the stops. Then one rainstorm later, he's crying out for help. And Billy gets his chance.
The tale was told through dual POV's with frequent flashbacks for both. I loved the idea of getting to know each character through their own experience, but I found sometimes that the flashbacks detracted from the story and were sometimes confusing.
The overall feel of the romance was heart-warming. Through Billy's experience with AA and dealing with his own ghosts and his patience for Milt while he struggled with the loss of his companion and a promise that was made, I could feel that it was real. It was well written and planned. A feel good story with a great HEA.
Milt was a happily married man for a long time. His husband, Corky, was affected with Alzheimer's and died recently. Without a real plan, Milt just had to get away. The hot desert of Southern California called to him and he answered. Living in a trailer with his dog, he was doing okay. He didn't think he needed anyone until it rained and his trailer flooded. And then his life changed.
Billy tried for six months to get his new neighbor to notice him. Pulled all the stops. Then one rainstorm later, he's crying out for help. And Billy gets his chance.
The tale was told through dual POV's with frequent flashbacks for both. I loved the idea of getting to know each character through their own experience, but I found sometimes that the flashbacks detracted from the story and were sometimes confusing.
The overall feel of the romance was heart-warming. Through Billy's experience with AA and dealing with his own ghosts and his patience for Milt while he struggled with the loss of his companion and a promise that was made, I could feel that it was real. It was well written and planned. A feel good story with a great HEA.
June 26, 2019
REVIEWED BY: ULYSSES DIETZ
MEMBER OF THE PARANORMAL GUILD REVIEW TEAM
When is a romance more than a romance? Answer: when it looks at love as part of the process of healing, and not simply the result of physical attraction.
Rick Reed really pushed two of my major buttons with this one. On the one hand, we have the widower, Milt, still reeling from the loss of his long-time husband to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. He’s only forty-two, but feels older, drained by both his grief and the residual exhaustion of having been his beloved Corky’s prime caregiver.
On the other hand is Billy, a thirty-something would-be singer, whose long journey through alcoholism has brought him at last to a place of health and serenity. Many years sober, he happens to live in a rented Airstream just next to Milt’s mobile home at the Summer Winds Mobile Home Community.
Yes, this romance is set in a trailer park in Palm Springs. Not something I’d ever have imagined – although it’s no real surprise. Billy works at Trader Joe’s, and Milt is a public-school teacher from Ohio, living on the proceeds of his house and his husband’s life insurance. The glittering Palm Springs, full of affluent gay men of a certain age, is just on the horizon, but it is not where Milt and Billy have retreated from their troubles. I sort of love Rick Reed for doing this.
It is a simple, time-honored plot, but the author surprises us by taking us into Milt and Billy’s stories, into their hearts and memories. He sheds a sometimes painful light on what they’ve been through, the winding path that has brought them by chance as neighbors at Summer Winds.
Letting go of suffering is not as easy as one might think. Nor is feeling that, at last, one might be worthy of love, when there has never been love before. For both men, being alone is the only guarantee that there will be no more pain; but being alone is, well, lonely.
Reed manages to avoid didacticism in his narratives of Alzheimer’s and alcoholism, but he nevertheless manages to teach us a lot. The important lesson is that, as long as one is alive, there are always possibilities.
I confess this brought tears to my eyes numerous times. Reed gives his readers stories of gay men and the realities of their lives. I’m grateful for his skill as a writer and as a storyteller.
MEMBER OF THE PARANORMAL GUILD REVIEW TEAM
When is a romance more than a romance? Answer: when it looks at love as part of the process of healing, and not simply the result of physical attraction.
Rick Reed really pushed two of my major buttons with this one. On the one hand, we have the widower, Milt, still reeling from the loss of his long-time husband to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. He’s only forty-two, but feels older, drained by both his grief and the residual exhaustion of having been his beloved Corky’s prime caregiver.
On the other hand is Billy, a thirty-something would-be singer, whose long journey through alcoholism has brought him at last to a place of health and serenity. Many years sober, he happens to live in a rented Airstream just next to Milt’s mobile home at the Summer Winds Mobile Home Community.
Yes, this romance is set in a trailer park in Palm Springs. Not something I’d ever have imagined – although it’s no real surprise. Billy works at Trader Joe’s, and Milt is a public-school teacher from Ohio, living on the proceeds of his house and his husband’s life insurance. The glittering Palm Springs, full of affluent gay men of a certain age, is just on the horizon, but it is not where Milt and Billy have retreated from their troubles. I sort of love Rick Reed for doing this.
It is a simple, time-honored plot, but the author surprises us by taking us into Milt and Billy’s stories, into their hearts and memories. He sheds a sometimes painful light on what they’ve been through, the winding path that has brought them by chance as neighbors at Summer Winds.
Letting go of suffering is not as easy as one might think. Nor is feeling that, at last, one might be worthy of love, when there has never been love before. For both men, being alone is the only guarantee that there will be no more pain; but being alone is, well, lonely.
Reed manages to avoid didacticism in his narratives of Alzheimer’s and alcoholism, but he nevertheless manages to teach us a lot. The important lesson is that, as long as one is alive, there are always possibilities.
I confess this brought tears to my eyes numerous times. Reed gives his readers stories of gay men and the realities of their lives. I’m grateful for his skill as a writer and as a storyteller.
March 24, 2020
“It's a wise man who understands that every day is a new beginning, because boy, how many mistakes do you make in a day? I don't know about you, but I make plenty. You can't turn the clock back, so you have to look ahead.” — Mel Gibson
New beginnings often sound better than they turn out to be, usually take longer than expected, and can require a lot more hard work than advertised. This novel tells the story of two very different men who are trying to start over but encounter lots of obstacles, both of the expected and of the unexpected kind. Set in a trailer park with the inspiring name “Summer Winds” southwest of Palm Springs, California, their struggle for happiness touched me deeply. There are a fair number of flashbacks to fill in the gaps of the past, and even though I normally don’t like them, they gave me more details about the characters while keeping the story going and since each was set in a separate chapter, they were well enough placed not to interrupt too much.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
New beginnings often sound better than they turn out to be, usually take longer than expected, and can require a lot more hard work than advertised. This novel tells the story of two very different men who are trying to start over but encounter lots of obstacles, both of the expected and of the unexpected kind. Set in a trailer park with the inspiring name “Summer Winds” southwest of Palm Springs, California, their struggle for happiness touched me deeply. There are a fair number of flashbacks to fill in the gaps of the past, and even though I normally don’t like them, they gave me more details about the characters while keeping the story going and since each was set in a separate chapter, they were well enough placed not to interrupt too much.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 22, 2020
First off, "Blue Umbrella Sky" is a beautifully written story of loss, grief, addiction, failure, redemption and recovery. What it isn't is a garden variety M/M romance full of steamy, sweaty sex against any number of surfaces. So, perhaps adjust your expectations ... and get ready for an absolutely wonderful book.
If you've read Reed's Big Love (and you definitely should - it is exceptional), Milt is Dane Bernard's friend and fellow teacher in Summitville, Ohio, and after the death of his beloved husband Corky, Milt decides to move away and settle in a Palm Springs, CA trailer park. Caring for Corky and watching his gentle bear of a husband disappear bit by bit to the ravages of Alzheimer's disease has left Milt depressed and convinced he will never love again.
Enter Billy Blue, a recovering alcoholic living in the same trailer park who has watched Milt from afar and is harboring a crush on the lonely attractive widower. A flash flood brings the two men together and they begin a friendship based on long hikes and shared meals. The pace of the story is slow, but necessary as we get a series of flashbacks and learn of Billy's dreams of being a singer, his fierce battle with alcoholism and his recovery via the community he finds at AA. We also see Milt caring for Corky while hoping that deep down inside the man he loves is still there and realizes the extent of his care and devotion.
I love how Reed uses Ruby, the frightened rescue dog Milt saves at the start of the book, as a metaphor for both men. "But, God, she was a scared thing. I'd lift my hand to pet her and she'd cower, tail between her legs, terrified eyes looking at me, just begging. It broke my heart." Just as Ruby changes due to Milt's love, Milt's loneliness and self-isolation changes in the kindness Billy exudes. And as for Billy:
I received an ARC from NineStar Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
If you've read Reed's Big Love (and you definitely should - it is exceptional), Milt is Dane Bernard's friend and fellow teacher in Summitville, Ohio, and after the death of his beloved husband Corky, Milt decides to move away and settle in a Palm Springs, CA trailer park. Caring for Corky and watching his gentle bear of a husband disappear bit by bit to the ravages of Alzheimer's disease has left Milt depressed and convinced he will never love again.
Enter Billy Blue, a recovering alcoholic living in the same trailer park who has watched Milt from afar and is harboring a crush on the lonely attractive widower. A flash flood brings the two men together and they begin a friendship based on long hikes and shared meals. The pace of the story is slow, but necessary as we get a series of flashbacks and learn of Billy's dreams of being a singer, his fierce battle with alcoholism and his recovery via the community he finds at AA. We also see Milt caring for Corky while hoping that deep down inside the man he loves is still there and realizes the extent of his care and devotion.
I love how Reed uses Ruby, the frightened rescue dog Milt saves at the start of the book, as a metaphor for both men. "But, God, she was a scared thing. I'd lift my hand to pet her and she'd cower, tail between her legs, terrified eyes looking at me, just begging. It broke my heart." Just as Ruby changes due to Milt's love, Milt's loneliness and self-isolation changes in the kindness Billy exudes. And as for Billy:
Billy himself had been an abused animal, and the abuser had been the worst kind of enemy - himself.Reed's writing is eloquent as he slowly unfolds this tale of two men who emerge from their respective losses to find one another, to truly see one another. 5 stars and a Recommended Read for "Blue Umbrella Sky."
Yeah. I know this is something, what we have here. I know it is not in my head so much, but in my heart. My head tells me all the things Dane would say. But my heart knows. The heart always knows what it wants, what it needs. [...] Who it needs. What matters.
I received an ARC from NineStar Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
April 5, 2019
Blue Umbrella Sky is a frustratingly slow burn romance, understandable with all the baggage.
I didn't really enjoy the story and the chemistry between the two MCs felt a little bit flat (?)
But one plus point is, Blue Umbrella Sky is honest and raw. All with the feeling of mourning your love ones, and the struggled Billy had with his drinking problem. But at least, he tried. Not like some people I knew who denied that they needed help.
I admit I did some skimming finishing this, put it down a few times, I think this was just an okay read, not too memorable for me. But if you're a fan of Rick, don't consider my review, read some high stars reviews. Those reviews could be really help you to consider to read this book.
March 12, 2019
The blurb describes our two main characters fairly well, which is really what the story is about. Milt, still reeling from the long, slow decline of his husband Corky to Alzheimer’s, has fled from his friends and job in Ohio to Palm Springs, CA. He keeps to himself, avoiding neighbors, social activities and life, except for his rescue dog Ruby.
Billy is a recovering alcoholic. Bill threw away his potential career as a singer for the bottle. He works at Trader Joes, goes hiking, attends daily AA meetings, and spends the rest of his spare time harboring a crush on Milt.
It’s never stated out loud, but Milt is struggling from depression. It’s stated out loud, he’s working through his loss and is struggling emotionally.
It’s stated out loud, Billy is a recovering alcoholic.
This is a story of love (for Corky; for a drink); a story of loss (losing a beloved; losing self-esteem and dreams); and of trying to start over (in a trailer park in Palm Springs).
What this isn’t, is a romance. Oh…there’s some romance, toward the end, but it’s one bumpy road full of flashbacks, guilt and angst getting to that place of mutual attraction.
The plot started out strong, stumbled a bit with the flashbacks, sat down for a goodly rest during the Big Misunderstanding (which the reader can see coming from a mile away), and then kinda staggered to its feet for the ending.
I understand loss, and the reaction to loss, is different for each and every person. But I couldn’t help but wonder, where was Milt’s Alzheimer’s support group? Where was a widower’s support group? And yes, some people aren’t comfortable attending…but still. Made me wonder because SO much emphasis was placed on Billy’s AA meetings.
Billy expresses his concern that Milt “wouldn’t get” the AA meetings, the need for the support group, that for Billy’s sake, Billy has to attend the AA meetings daily – but no mention was made of ALANON. If the concern was so great, why not ask Milt to go to an ALANON meeting?
Ultimately, I have some very mixed thoughts about this book. This is one you’ll have to read and make up your own mind on. But I’m going to have to go with three stars and leave the review at that.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Billy is a recovering alcoholic. Bill threw away his potential career as a singer for the bottle. He works at Trader Joes, goes hiking, attends daily AA meetings, and spends the rest of his spare time harboring a crush on Milt.
It’s never stated out loud, but Milt is struggling from depression. It’s stated out loud, he’s working through his loss and is struggling emotionally.
It’s stated out loud, Billy is a recovering alcoholic.
This is a story of love (for Corky; for a drink); a story of loss (losing a beloved; losing self-esteem and dreams); and of trying to start over (in a trailer park in Palm Springs).
What this isn’t, is a romance. Oh…there’s some romance, toward the end, but it’s one bumpy road full of flashbacks, guilt and angst getting to that place of mutual attraction.
The plot started out strong, stumbled a bit with the flashbacks, sat down for a goodly rest during the Big Misunderstanding (which the reader can see coming from a mile away), and then kinda staggered to its feet for the ending.
I understand loss, and the reaction to loss, is different for each and every person. But I couldn’t help but wonder, where was Milt’s Alzheimer’s support group? Where was a widower’s support group? And yes, some people aren’t comfortable attending…but still. Made me wonder because SO much emphasis was placed on Billy’s AA meetings.
Billy expresses his concern that Milt “wouldn’t get” the AA meetings, the need for the support group, that for Billy’s sake, Billy has to attend the AA meetings daily – but no mention was made of ALANON. If the concern was so great, why not ask Milt to go to an ALANON meeting?
Ultimately, I have some very mixed thoughts about this book. This is one you’ll have to read and make up your own mind on. But I’m going to have to go with three stars and leave the review at that.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
March 22, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
Milt’s husband of many years, Corky, has passed away after suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, a horrible deterioration of mind and body. As is the case with many who suffer from this disease, Corky forgot who Milt was at times and at other times was angry and resentful toward him. He escaped his home, sometimes while nude, and in short, tested Milt’s reserves to the nth degree. But Milt never stopped loving him and now, sitting in his new mobile home in Palm Springs, California, he’s far away and yet still close in his heart. Some thought Milt was being too reactionary when he packed up and moved across country, but he and his adopted dog, Ruby, are beginning to acclimate to their new lives together.
Then, along comes a flash flood and a friendly neighbor to rescue them. Billy Blue, handsome, young, a former singer, now working at Trader Joe’s is an alcoholic in recovery for several years and planning to stay that way, despite the emotional ups and downs he begins to feel when Milt enters his life. Though several years older than Billy, Milt is nevertheless exactly the man of Billy’s dreams and Billy has to exercise all his life lessons to remember that good things happen in their own time, not on his time schedule.
Those who follow my reviews know I get a little (okay, a lot) peeved when authors glaze over a “drinking problem” or have their character in detox and then have him live a happy life, drinking again whenever he’s out with friends—with no consequences. But in this story, Mr. Reed presented alcoholism and recovery, through the twelve step fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, as clearly, kindly, respectfully, and honestly as I’ve ever read. And I’m old, so I’ve read a lot! I appreciate his attention detail more than I can say.
A frequently heard term in AA is “the joy is in the journey, not the destination.” And for me, the joy was in the journey of reading this beautiful portrayal of a man coming to grips with the death of his husband, moving through the stages of grief as time goes on, and ultimately recognizing that it’s okay to love again. There’s also joy in being present for Billy’s journey as he follows direction from his sponsor and does what he’s learned is most important to his balance—to put his sobriety first. After all, he wouldn’t have any chance with Milt if he wasn’t the man he is today and that’s due to working the program.
I simply loved this story. It’s not explicit, thankfully. That wasn’t necessary. What was necessary was to allow two men to have an opportunity to get to know each other, become friends, and eventually move to a firm and loving relationship. Slow burn, hurt-comfort, age gap, men over forty, grief, men with pets—I can think of many more tags I’d use for this one. But ultimately, the tag I’d use first and foremost is amazing. Thank you Rick R. Reed! You have set the bar high.
Milt’s husband of many years, Corky, has passed away after suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, a horrible deterioration of mind and body. As is the case with many who suffer from this disease, Corky forgot who Milt was at times and at other times was angry and resentful toward him. He escaped his home, sometimes while nude, and in short, tested Milt’s reserves to the nth degree. But Milt never stopped loving him and now, sitting in his new mobile home in Palm Springs, California, he’s far away and yet still close in his heart. Some thought Milt was being too reactionary when he packed up and moved across country, but he and his adopted dog, Ruby, are beginning to acclimate to their new lives together.
Then, along comes a flash flood and a friendly neighbor to rescue them. Billy Blue, handsome, young, a former singer, now working at Trader Joe’s is an alcoholic in recovery for several years and planning to stay that way, despite the emotional ups and downs he begins to feel when Milt enters his life. Though several years older than Billy, Milt is nevertheless exactly the man of Billy’s dreams and Billy has to exercise all his life lessons to remember that good things happen in their own time, not on his time schedule.
Those who follow my reviews know I get a little (okay, a lot) peeved when authors glaze over a “drinking problem” or have their character in detox and then have him live a happy life, drinking again whenever he’s out with friends—with no consequences. But in this story, Mr. Reed presented alcoholism and recovery, through the twelve step fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, as clearly, kindly, respectfully, and honestly as I’ve ever read. And I’m old, so I’ve read a lot! I appreciate his attention detail more than I can say.
A frequently heard term in AA is “the joy is in the journey, not the destination.” And for me, the joy was in the journey of reading this beautiful portrayal of a man coming to grips with the death of his husband, moving through the stages of grief as time goes on, and ultimately recognizing that it’s okay to love again. There’s also joy in being present for Billy’s journey as he follows direction from his sponsor and does what he’s learned is most important to his balance—to put his sobriety first. After all, he wouldn’t have any chance with Milt if he wasn’t the man he is today and that’s due to working the program.
I simply loved this story. It’s not explicit, thankfully. That wasn’t necessary. What was necessary was to allow two men to have an opportunity to get to know each other, become friends, and eventually move to a firm and loving relationship. Slow burn, hurt-comfort, age gap, men over forty, grief, men with pets—I can think of many more tags I’d use for this one. But ultimately, the tag I’d use first and foremost is amazing. Thank you Rick R. Reed! You have set the bar high.
March 21, 2019
Blue Umbrella Sky is a great romance by Rick R Reed.
Billy and Milt are neighbors who meet during a storm. Both men are dealing with a whole lot of damage from their previous experiences, but the attraction is undeniable.
Milt's new in town, trying to escape his loss, and is isolating himself in his grief. His background with his husband is so damn dismal, as watching a spouse with Alzheimer's is never easy. It's tough enough that he lost his husband, but it's worse that he nursed him for years, without the advantages that marriage bring. As Milt struggles to move on, he finds that it's okay to love again. Moving on doesn't diminish what he had before. Milt's grief is expertly written, as it's on his face, in his body, and whole demeanor.
Their relationship is an emotional ride, full of longing, acceptance, and taking chances. It's about moving forward from both your low and your grief. The author expertly illustrates the importance of not judging someone from what we see, as we have no idea what they've experienced.
It's a fantastic story supporting the importance of surrendering, and turning your will over. Whether you're a religious person or not, this is something we can all benefit from doing more often.
Billy's alcoholic background is sad and it's very realistic in it's development. It gets into the nitty-gritty, ugly truth of alcoholism. If that's a trigger for you, skip this one. The alcoholism is written with extreme knowledge, care, and understanding. It's tough to read, but very accurate. It definitely brought out all the feels for me.
I always enjoy a good May to December romance, and this one deals with the age gap in a fun and wonderful manner.
Blue Umbrella Sky is a beautiful tale of overcoming your grief and allowing yourself to move forward with your life. It's another terrific read by Rick R Reed.
Billy and Milt are neighbors who meet during a storm. Both men are dealing with a whole lot of damage from their previous experiences, but the attraction is undeniable.
Milt's new in town, trying to escape his loss, and is isolating himself in his grief. His background with his husband is so damn dismal, as watching a spouse with Alzheimer's is never easy. It's tough enough that he lost his husband, but it's worse that he nursed him for years, without the advantages that marriage bring. As Milt struggles to move on, he finds that it's okay to love again. Moving on doesn't diminish what he had before. Milt's grief is expertly written, as it's on his face, in his body, and whole demeanor.
Their relationship is an emotional ride, full of longing, acceptance, and taking chances. It's about moving forward from both your low and your grief. The author expertly illustrates the importance of not judging someone from what we see, as we have no idea what they've experienced.
It's a fantastic story supporting the importance of surrendering, and turning your will over. Whether you're a religious person or not, this is something we can all benefit from doing more often.
Billy's alcoholic background is sad and it's very realistic in it's development. It gets into the nitty-gritty, ugly truth of alcoholism. If that's a trigger for you, skip this one. The alcoholism is written with extreme knowledge, care, and understanding. It's tough to read, but very accurate. It definitely brought out all the feels for me.
I always enjoy a good May to December romance, and this one deals with the age gap in a fun and wonderful manner.
Blue Umbrella Sky is a beautiful tale of overcoming your grief and allowing yourself to move forward with your life. It's another terrific read by Rick R Reed.
March 1, 2019
Like many of Mr Reed's books, this is not an easy read. It features two broken men who, in their own way, are fighting every day to live a normal life.
Milt's grief is palpable, this, coupled with his guilt, makes reading about him quite gut- wrenching . Billy's alcoholism isn't played down. It's an illness, which he battles every single moment of each day. His struggle is intense, I felt that I was living every minute with him.
As with most of Mr Reed's books, the writing flows, and his characters always complete a journey which leads to them evolving and learning. This is such an emotional read, be warned, tissues will be needed. Beautifully presented, with deep sympathetic characters, battling within themselves, their HEA comes, after one heckuva struggle, but when it does happen it's beautiful. Recommended if you like a well written, angsty read.
Milt's grief is palpable, this, coupled with his guilt, makes reading about him quite gut- wrenching . Billy's alcoholism isn't played down. It's an illness, which he battles every single moment of each day. His struggle is intense, I felt that I was living every minute with him.
As with most of Mr Reed's books, the writing flows, and his characters always complete a journey which leads to them evolving and learning. This is such an emotional read, be warned, tissues will be needed. Beautifully presented, with deep sympathetic characters, battling within themselves, their HEA comes, after one heckuva struggle, but when it does happen it's beautiful. Recommended if you like a well written, angsty read.
March 23, 2019
I truly enjoyed this story by new to me author, Rick R. Reed. The loss of the love of your life can bring such immense pain that you truly believe that you never deserve happiness again. Milt and Billy meet during some trying times. Will Milt allow Billy in despite the age difference? Despite his belief that must forever be alone? Story of love and loss and finding yourself again?
March 14, 2019
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the slow, reflective story of two neighbours who meet while rebuilding their lives. Milt is a widower still grieving his ex husband and Billy is a recovering alcoholic.
As the blurb suggests, this is a gritty, angsty read. A compilation of memories, reflections and small shared moments, most of the story takes place in the past as Milt - and often Billy too - seems to live inside his own head. Milt’s experience of dementia is raw and real. I think his reflections will ring true for anyone with personal experience of the disease. As he starts to surface from his grief, there are moments when his loyalty to his husband wars against his need to live and his growing attraction to Billy.
We don’t see quite as much of Billy as we do of Milt but his experiences are equally heartbreaking. The age gap makes sense as both men are in an almost transient stage of rebuilding. I love how Billy is beautiful and shiny on the outside but emotionally scarred and wary of being hurt again.
This is a more mature second chance romance that will probably appeal to older readers. It’s a slow read with little action. There is almost no heat in the connection between Milt and Billy and there’s very little traditional romance. Milt and Billy fumble towards each other first as neighbours, then as friends and finally, maybe as something more. I love the connection they share and I really enjoy the way both men feel very real and very human. I love the growth we see in both men throughout the story and I love the thread of hope that weaves through their attempts to restart their lives.
This is the slow, reflective story of two neighbours who meet while rebuilding their lives. Milt is a widower still grieving his ex husband and Billy is a recovering alcoholic.
As the blurb suggests, this is a gritty, angsty read. A compilation of memories, reflections and small shared moments, most of the story takes place in the past as Milt - and often Billy too - seems to live inside his own head. Milt’s experience of dementia is raw and real. I think his reflections will ring true for anyone with personal experience of the disease. As he starts to surface from his grief, there are moments when his loyalty to his husband wars against his need to live and his growing attraction to Billy.
We don’t see quite as much of Billy as we do of Milt but his experiences are equally heartbreaking. The age gap makes sense as both men are in an almost transient stage of rebuilding. I love how Billy is beautiful and shiny on the outside but emotionally scarred and wary of being hurt again.
This is a more mature second chance romance that will probably appeal to older readers. It’s a slow read with little action. There is almost no heat in the connection between Milt and Billy and there’s very little traditional romance. Milt and Billy fumble towards each other first as neighbours, then as friends and finally, maybe as something more. I love the connection they share and I really enjoy the way both men feel very real and very human. I love the growth we see in both men throughout the story and I love the thread of hope that weaves through their attempts to restart their lives.
February 21, 2019
It's difficult to summarize this book. Both Milt and Billy have issues that they need to work through before attempting a relationship. Milt is still mourning the loss of his husband. Billy is a recovering alcoholic. When a flash flood brings them together it doesn't start with a bang. It starts with a slow friendship that leads to more. Milt feels like he's betraying his late husband by even thinking about Billy in any way outside of friendship. Billy knows he's competing with a ghost. He doesn't push or ask for more than Milt is willing to give.
This is an emotional book. Billy's alcoholism isn't brushed over as I've seen in more books than I can count. He battles it every day. Milt can't just get over his husband simply because a handsome man has come into his life. It takes awhile for them to get where they need to be. When they do, it's beautiful.
If you're going to read this I suggest keeping tissues handy. You'll need them.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy and for giving me the okay to publish my review early.
Full review can be found at -
This is an emotional book. Billy's alcoholism isn't brushed over as I've seen in more books than I can count. He battles it every day. Milt can't just get over his husband simply because a handsome man has come into his life. It takes awhile for them to get where they need to be. When they do, it's beautiful.
If you're going to read this I suggest keeping tissues handy. You'll need them.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy and for giving me the okay to publish my review early.
Full review can be found at -
January 4, 2020
This was so good and so hard to read. Wow. I’m still in hangover mode. There are possible triggers. One of the MCs is an alcoholic. He talks about his addiction and there are flashbacks to it. The other MC deals with a spouse with Alzheimer’s and I know the survivors go through absolute hell. So just a word of caution if it is needed. You may need tissues during parts of this book. I did. It doesn’t hold back and I appreciate what the author did with that. These two things are nothing to sneeze at, whether it be the person dealing with it or the loved ones who are.
Milt had to leave. He couldn’t handle being in Ohio anymore where everything was a reminder of Corky. The good, the bad and the ugly of it. So he left for Palm Springs, to start over, to grieve and maybe someday heal. What he didn’t know, was he had a neighbor who has wanted him since the moment he moved in. Billy has been watching those sad eyes, waiting, hoping Milt would talk to him. But he never has. Just always seems lost. Until one rainy day, the trailer he lived in started flooding and Milt screamed for help. Billy jumped at the chance. But Milt’s grief is doubled as he can’t find his new companion, his dog Ruby. It’s just one thing after another. Over time, Billy makes his interest known, but Milt isn’t ready. On top of it all, Milt is ‘feeling’ like he’s being given love taps on the back of his head every time he says no. But Billy is just as scared, as he comes with his own baggage. And is scared to death Milt will run when he finds out what it is. But one thing Billy finally realizes out of all of it, everything comes in its own time. And he hopes that Milt will finally be ready.
Shew. With baggage like both of these, it’s so hard to know what to do sometimes. Grief, of course, doesn’t come with a time frame. Everyone who grieves in their own time and their own way. Alcoholism is just as bad. It’s an every day fight. It never ends. There’s never a time where at some point there’s not an urge. So for these two, I feel so bad. I don’t know who to feel worse for. It broke my heart for both of them, their stories. But the one thing I loved about the both of them, is one thing they found in the lowest of lows. One tiny hint of hope. And that’s all it takes. One minute at a time, one second, one day. However you want to do it. It takes one tiny seed of hope that it will be better. It’s hard as can be, but not impossible. They just had to learn to get past it all, at their own time, in their own way.
It’s a beautiful but harsh story. There’s no holding back or coddling. It’s the highs and lows and in betweens. But the beauty is like a story told in this story. A cocoon becomes a butterfly when given what it’s needed.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Milt had to leave. He couldn’t handle being in Ohio anymore where everything was a reminder of Corky. The good, the bad and the ugly of it. So he left for Palm Springs, to start over, to grieve and maybe someday heal. What he didn’t know, was he had a neighbor who has wanted him since the moment he moved in. Billy has been watching those sad eyes, waiting, hoping Milt would talk to him. But he never has. Just always seems lost. Until one rainy day, the trailer he lived in started flooding and Milt screamed for help. Billy jumped at the chance. But Milt’s grief is doubled as he can’t find his new companion, his dog Ruby. It’s just one thing after another. Over time, Billy makes his interest known, but Milt isn’t ready. On top of it all, Milt is ‘feeling’ like he’s being given love taps on the back of his head every time he says no. But Billy is just as scared, as he comes with his own baggage. And is scared to death Milt will run when he finds out what it is. But one thing Billy finally realizes out of all of it, everything comes in its own time. And he hopes that Milt will finally be ready.
Shew. With baggage like both of these, it’s so hard to know what to do sometimes. Grief, of course, doesn’t come with a time frame. Everyone who grieves in their own time and their own way. Alcoholism is just as bad. It’s an every day fight. It never ends. There’s never a time where at some point there’s not an urge. So for these two, I feel so bad. I don’t know who to feel worse for. It broke my heart for both of them, their stories. But the one thing I loved about the both of them, is one thing they found in the lowest of lows. One tiny hint of hope. And that’s all it takes. One minute at a time, one second, one day. However you want to do it. It takes one tiny seed of hope that it will be better. It’s hard as can be, but not impossible. They just had to learn to get past it all, at their own time, in their own way.
It’s a beautiful but harsh story. There’s no holding back or coddling. It’s the highs and lows and in betweens. But the beauty is like a story told in this story. A cocoon becomes a butterfly when given what it’s needed.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
March 19, 2019
Rick Reed’s "Blue Umbrella Sky’ showcases the honor and dignity grief allows us.
After all, whether we’ve lost a person, pet, a dream, or simply years wasted in bad choices, our mourning reflects the depth to which we’ve loved. Without a moment of maudlin, nor any attempt to evade, Mr. Reed views Milt Grabaur’s healing with a gentle, firm gaze.
Milt has moved from Ohio to a Palm Springs trailer park after nursing his husband, who died of early onset Alzheimer’s. But he’s been in shock the last six months, barely speaking to old friends or his neighbors. When Billy Blue, who rents an uphill trailer, offers Milt refuge from his own flooded trailer, they become friends. Billy, a recovering alcoholic, quietly nurses his first-glance crush on Milt. Since Milt still lives firmly in the past, Billy uses AA to remain sober and hopeful.
As an addiction psychologist, intimately acquainted with the 12-Step program, I offer sincere thanks to Reed for an excellent rendition of recovery. Billy applies the program “in all (his) affairs,” a phrase from the twelfth step – especially to his romantic dreams. Taught to reciprocate his sponsor’s time and caring by “‘paying it forward,’” Billy is mostly patient awaiting the moment Milt may realize what is right in front of him. But can Milt?
Why does Billy have empathy for Milt’s self-pity? “Billy himself had been an abused animal, and the abuser had been the worst kind of enemy-himself,” Rick Reed informs us. This is the essence of the 12-Steps – to surrender judgement of others, ourselves, and of how the world “should” function, in order to appreciate what we have.
Mr. Reed allows Milt to experience all his pain because… the only way through pain is to feel it. Milt’s healing allows us to “let go” of a little of our own sadness. Again, kudos to Rick Reed for capturing the essence of grief, even as life swirls vibrantly on.
Sure, as an author Reed offers pithy relationship advice, like what a fellow AA member tells Billy, “‘Once you get past the initial ‘perfection stage’, it’s all about a decision to make it work.’” But perhaps my favorite line is “they were two men acknowledging not their weakness, as some might say, but their vulnerability, their humanity.” And this is the beauty of Billy and Milt – their pain is an aspect of their strength; it elevates one another.
If you’ve hit a low point, wondering how you can possibly turn your life around, please read Rick Reed’s slow-burn Blue Umbrella Sky. And even if you’re at the pinnacle of joy, this is a delightfully worthwhile novel.
Milt has moved from Ohio to a Palm Springs trailer park after nursing his husband, who died of early onset Alzheimer’s. But he’s been in shock the last six months, barely speaking to old friends or his neighbors. When Billy Blue, who rents an uphill trailer, offers Milt refuge from his own flooded trailer, they become friends. Billy, a recovering alcoholic, quietly nurses his first-glance crush on Milt. Since Milt still lives firmly in the past, Billy uses AA to remain sober and hopeful.
As an addiction psychologist, intimately acquainted with the 12-Step program, I offer sincere thanks to Reed for an excellent rendition of recovery. Billy applies the program “in all (his) affairs,” a phrase from the twelfth step – especially to his romantic dreams. Taught to reciprocate his sponsor’s time and caring by “‘paying it forward,’” Billy is mostly patient awaiting the moment Milt may realize what is right in front of him. But can Milt?
Why does Billy have empathy for Milt’s self-pity? “Billy himself had been an abused animal, and the abuser had been the worst kind of enemy-himself,” Rick Reed informs us. This is the essence of the 12-Steps – to surrender judgement of others, ourselves, and of how the world “should” function, in order to appreciate what we have.
Mr. Reed allows Milt to experience all his pain because… the only way through pain is to feel it. Milt’s healing allows us to “let go” of a little of our own sadness. Again, kudos to Rick Reed for capturing the essence of grief, even as life swirls vibrantly on.
Sure, as an author Reed offers pithy relationship advice, like what a fellow AA member tells Billy, “‘Once you get past the initial ‘perfection stage’, it’s all about a decision to make it work.’” But perhaps my favorite line is “they were two men acknowledging not their weakness, as some might say, but their vulnerability, their humanity.” And this is the beauty of Billy and Milt – their pain is an aspect of their strength; it elevates one another.
If you’ve hit a low point, wondering how you can possibly turn your life around, please read Rick Reed’s slow-burn Blue Umbrella Sky. And even if you’re at the pinnacle of joy, this is a delightfully worthwhile novel.
March 25, 2019
A sweet and moving story.
This is the first book I've read by Rick R. Reed and I really enjoyed it. The story is sweet but also a bit melancholy. Milt is mourning his dead husband, Corky, and at the same time he feels a bit guilty. Corky died from early-onset Alzheimer’s and Milt kept him at home as long as he could and was burned out from the stress of being a caregiver. As much as he misses Corky it was almost a relief for it all to be over.
Billy was attracted to Milt when he saw him moving into the trailer park where they both now live. He's always had a thing for older guys but no matter what he tries he can't get Milt to talk to him other than a passing hello.
I like how the story is told in third person but alternates between Milt and Billy. One small thing bothered me at first…Some of the chapters are flashbacks to the past but there wasn't any visual indication in the book to let the reader know that. It didn't take me long to catch on but it was still a bit disconcerting at the time I read it. Other books I've read that do this usually have a timeline/date reference, or use italic type, at the beginning of the section where the flashback starts. I'm not sure who controls this when it's not a self-published book and it's possible that since I was reading an ARC that it was corrected in the copy that was used for publication.
The story itself was really good despite the melancholy. I would definitely call this a slow-burn romance; Billy and Milt don't really get together until pretty late in the book. If you're looking for steamy this won't be the book for you but then you'd miss a really sweet and touching book.
Another thing I liked about the book was the frank discussion about Billy's past. Since it's not disclosed in the blurb, I won't tell you about it other than to say the depiction of his struggle seemed very real to me.
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
This is the first book I've read by Rick R. Reed and I really enjoyed it. The story is sweet but also a bit melancholy. Milt is mourning his dead husband, Corky, and at the same time he feels a bit guilty. Corky died from early-onset Alzheimer’s and Milt kept him at home as long as he could and was burned out from the stress of being a caregiver. As much as he misses Corky it was almost a relief for it all to be over.
Billy was attracted to Milt when he saw him moving into the trailer park where they both now live. He's always had a thing for older guys but no matter what he tries he can't get Milt to talk to him other than a passing hello.
I like how the story is told in third person but alternates between Milt and Billy. One small thing bothered me at first…Some of the chapters are flashbacks to the past but there wasn't any visual indication in the book to let the reader know that. It didn't take me long to catch on but it was still a bit disconcerting at the time I read it. Other books I've read that do this usually have a timeline/date reference, or use italic type, at the beginning of the section where the flashback starts. I'm not sure who controls this when it's not a self-published book and it's possible that since I was reading an ARC that it was corrected in the copy that was used for publication.
The story itself was really good despite the melancholy. I would definitely call this a slow-burn romance; Billy and Milt don't really get together until pretty late in the book. If you're looking for steamy this won't be the book for you but then you'd miss a really sweet and touching book.
Another thing I liked about the book was the frank discussion about Billy's past. Since it's not disclosed in the blurb, I won't tell you about it other than to say the depiction of his struggle seemed very real to me.
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
March 24, 2020
“It's a wise man who understands that every day is a new beginning, because boy, how many mistakes do you make in a day? I don't know about you, but I make plenty. You can't turn the clock back, so you have to look ahead.” — Mel Gibson
New beginnings often sound better than they turn out to be, usually take longer than expected, and can require a lot more hard work than advertised. This novel tells the story of two very different men who are trying to start over but encounter lots of obstacles, both of the expected and of the unexpected kind. Set in a trailer park with the inspiring name “Summer Winds” southwest of Palm Springs, California, their struggle for happiness touched me deeply. There are a fair number of flashbacks to fill in the gaps of the past, and even though I normally don’t like them, they gave me more details about the characters while keeping the story going and since each was set in a separate chapter, they were well enough placed not to interrupt too much.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
New beginnings often sound better than they turn out to be, usually take longer than expected, and can require a lot more hard work than advertised. This novel tells the story of two very different men who are trying to start over but encounter lots of obstacles, both of the expected and of the unexpected kind. Set in a trailer park with the inspiring name “Summer Winds” southwest of Palm Springs, California, their struggle for happiness touched me deeply. There are a fair number of flashbacks to fill in the gaps of the past, and even though I normally don’t like them, they gave me more details about the characters while keeping the story going and since each was set in a separate chapter, they were well enough placed not to interrupt too much.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 14, 2019
3+ Stars
Oh my. “Blue Umbrella Sky” is such a poignant yet romantic read all at the same time. It revealed the journey of two men who went through hardship and came out the other end as new men ...and found each other. The tone of the alternate POVs - throughout the present-days and flashbacks - were melancholy as hell, but rather sweet, too. I couldn’t help but liking Milt and Billy in spite of their flaws and vulnerabilities. Especially for Billy for being wise and patient (for his age), even when feeling anxious and on the verge of breaking down.
There’s also a touch of supernatural aspect - most could be construed as (the MC’s) imagination - played in the story as both tender and amusing. While it might not be my typical sort of book, I found “Blue Umbrella Sky” as gripping. The delivery of the story felt really personal and engaging to me (even had me shed a tear or two). It’s a mature romance between two different characters with age-gap between them. All I want to caution (prospective) readers are be patient over the slow-burn and teary moments these guys had. It’d be worth it in the end.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my. “Blue Umbrella Sky” is such a poignant yet romantic read all at the same time. It revealed the journey of two men who went through hardship and came out the other end as new men ...and found each other. The tone of the alternate POVs - throughout the present-days and flashbacks - were melancholy as hell, but rather sweet, too. I couldn’t help but liking Milt and Billy in spite of their flaws and vulnerabilities. Especially for Billy for being wise and patient (for his age), even when feeling anxious and on the verge of breaking down.
There’s also a touch of supernatural aspect - most could be construed as (the MC’s) imagination - played in the story as both tender and amusing. While it might not be my typical sort of book, I found “Blue Umbrella Sky” as gripping. The delivery of the story felt really personal and engaging to me (even had me shed a tear or two). It’s a mature romance between two different characters with age-gap between them. All I want to caution (prospective) readers are be patient over the slow-burn and teary moments these guys had. It’d be worth it in the end.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2019
Blue Umbrella Sky is about coping with grief after losing someone you. Milt lost his husband to Alzheimer and had to take care of also. Billy is a recovering alcoholic who is attracted to Milt. Rick Reed did a tremendous job with the book. You can feel the struggle that both are suffering throughout the book. At sometimes the book is so intense and very emotional that you feel their pain coming off the pages. The book is so well written that you can't do anything but read it in one sitting.
March 20, 2019
Oh my word!! The author has written a beautiful, heartbreaking yet hopeful, powerful, grab-you-by-the-feels, raw, gritty, intense, sometimes happy, sometimes sad, gripping, and totally awesome story about grief, pain, hope, redemption, and revelations.
March 19, 2019
When I see new work being advertised by this particular author, I get so excited! I expect well written characters, a strong plot, and I normally need a box of Kleenex before I reach the epilogue...tears just always seem to fall.
This is a story of new beginnings. A start over for a middle aged man who has lost his partner to a horrific disease. A do over for a younger man who has decided he can beat addiction.
A heartbroken school teacher and a talented singer trying to find his voice.
So highly recommended!
This is a story of new beginnings. A start over for a middle aged man who has lost his partner to a horrific disease. A do over for a younger man who has decided he can beat addiction.
A heartbroken school teacher and a talented singer trying to find his voice.
So highly recommended!
March 27, 2019
Blue Umbrella Sky
Sweet, slightly emotional story about love, loss and finding it again. The characters were well written and I like the flashbacks that showed where Milt and Billy had been.
Sweet, slightly emotional story about love, loss and finding it again. The characters were well written and I like the flashbacks that showed where Milt and Billy had been.
March 21, 2019
I enjoyed this quiet, sometimes painful story of Milt and Billy, neighbors becoming friends and slowly finding peace and love together. Both men were struggling to overcome their pasts, which the author provided detailed information on via flashbacks. Both men had people who loved and supported them, though I would have loved to see Milt find a support group or even a counselor.
I was expecting a great story from this author, and that's what I got. I loved Billy and Milt, and I wanted them to be happy. I would be thrilled to see a follow-up with more of Billy's singing. I'd love for him to show himself what sober Billy Blue could do with an audience. Even without that, I was satisfied with this book. Nicely done, Mr. Reed!
I was expecting a great story from this author, and that's what I got. I loved Billy and Milt, and I wanted them to be happy. I would be thrilled to see a follow-up with more of Billy's singing. I'd love for him to show himself what sober Billy Blue could do with an audience. Even without that, I was satisfied with this book. Nicely done, Mr. Reed!
April 2, 2019
I think this would fit into the second chance trope. I know some people only reserve that for the same couple getting a second chance at their relationship, but in this story two of the MC's are experiencing something a bit different to that.
One of the MC's, Milt, just recently lost his husband and is looking for a fresh start. Grief can take a lot out of someone, and the idea of "starting anew", I think, relates back to the aspect of a second chance. The second MC, Billy, is an alcoholic in recovery. The act of drug/alcohol rehabilitation is in fact giving the addict a second lease on life. Now, Billy has been eyeing Milt for quite some time, however, Milt is still grieving and is not always present to the world around him. It takes a bit of work for Milt to see the potential of something real again.
I liked how these two connected and how they each found something they were longing to find; unexpectedly they found that in each other. They became each others anchors, something to keep them tethered and present to the world, instead of lost in grief or in a bottle. It was a beautiful story and I appreciate the writing style and the language that the author implemented within this book.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
One of the MC's, Milt, just recently lost his husband and is looking for a fresh start. Grief can take a lot out of someone, and the idea of "starting anew", I think, relates back to the aspect of a second chance. The second MC, Billy, is an alcoholic in recovery. The act of drug/alcohol rehabilitation is in fact giving the addict a second lease on life. Now, Billy has been eyeing Milt for quite some time, however, Milt is still grieving and is not always present to the world around him. It takes a bit of work for Milt to see the potential of something real again.
I liked how these two connected and how they each found something they were longing to find; unexpectedly they found that in each other. They became each others anchors, something to keep them tethered and present to the world, instead of lost in grief or in a bottle. It was a beautiful story and I appreciate the writing style and the language that the author implemented within this book.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
March 25, 2019
Milt has lost his beloved husband to early Alzheimers and he had taken care of him to the bitter end. Now lost and adrift, he leaves his home and friends to move to a warmer climate. Hiding in his grief, he doesn't make contact with any of his neighbors but does get himself a dog to give him company. Billy Blue struggles with grief of his own. Unable too fight his addiction to drugs and alcohol his singing career goes down the drain. Now on the right path with AA, he has been dry for years and has developed a deep understanding of what drives a person in their grief. Finding Milt attractive, kind and thoughtful, he attempts a relationship with him, but Milt only wants friendship as he has deep guilt about leaving his husbands memory behind. This is a deeply thoughtful book where the author dives into the world of alcoholism, addiction and grief. big stories to write about, but he does it in a way that leaves the reader with the hope that the HEA of Milt and Billie is a lasting one and they can forge a future together. A well written book that I would recommend to to other readers. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
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