The Dickens with Love in Q&A with Josh Lanyon

Feb 07, 2012 Ije the Devourer of Books rated it it was amazing

A lovely romantic Christmas novella from Josh Lanyon and just right for a quiet rainy afternoon/evening in London even though it isn't Christmas. So i read this snuggled beneath my duvet and without a care in the world because I have five more weeks of my sabbatical and still have time to devour more books, and indulge myself with lazy afternoons, ginger beer, chocolate and stories from a master storyteller.

This story is about James Winter who is a book hunter. In some ways it is similar to the A lovely romantic Christmas novella from Josh Lanyon and just right for a quiet rainy afternoon/evening in London even though it isn't Christmas. So i read this snuggled beneath my duvet and without a care in the world because I have five more weeks of my sabbatical and still have time to devour more books, and indulge myself with lazy afternoons, ginger beer, chocolate and stories from a master storyteller.

This story is about James Winter who is a book hunter. In some ways it is similar to the 'Darkling Thrush' which also features a book hunter but this story is set in our world so there is no magic, no fey and no servant brownies and no heart racing mystery. But there is an Ocelot and the mystery is about love and finding it in the most unlikely situations.

Three years ago James Winter was involved in a scandal which damaged his reputation. He is down on his luck and working in a book store when he has an opportunity to assess the authenticity of a rare story by Dickens. The owner, Professor Crisparkle, wants to auction the book and James is sent by a client to assess the book and make a pre-auction bid. James and the Proff eventually hit it off but the Proff is not the most sensitive of people and James is still hurt and recovering from the scandal which ruined his career and life. James is also kind of ducking and diving because he can't disclose who the potential buyer is. The two men are very different but they are deeply attracted to each other and so is this the beginning of something or is it just a casual acquaintance, something that will just pass by into memory?

I really liked this story but this is no surprise because I like all Josh Lanyon's stories. I particularly liked that the Proff had a father who was a vicar and that the family were generally accepting of him. I liked the gentle references to faith and how the story gently conveys a message of faith, hope and the discovery of love at Christmas. The story shows how James has hit rock bottom. He has had a difficult and isolated life and has no faith and very little hope and no love either.

Both the Proff and James were just such well developed characters in the story. The Proff came across as a Proff - no nonsense, professional and a bit brusque. James came across as someone who was lonely, kind of injured but still trying to find his way. Both men were attracted to each other but is this enough without trust and without faith in each other? Each man also has his faults and vulnerabilities. I felt the Proff could be quite harsh and I really felt for James because he seemed quite broken.

Of course this is a story with a HEA so of course the story is about a journey that the two men make to each other and to finding faith, hope and love in each other despite their differences. It is a lovely story. My only gripe was that I wanted to know what happened next?

One of the things I appreciated in the story was the love James had for books and Dickens. It made me think that I should revisit Dickens and other classics. Oh for the time to read all the books I would like to. For now I shall continue to delight myself in Josh Lanyon and the lovely stories he tells.
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May 30, 2013 Deanna rated it really liked it

Shelves: fav-authors, romance-contempory, fantasy, m-m

Love the concept. Harden man who has no one in his life. He has only loneliness and betrayal. He meets a Brit who is his opposite. They find love very quickly but there are problems. In the midst of all this there is a book. It is a book that could be worth a lot of money. James's and Sedgwick's relationship revolves around that book This was a good story. The characters were different and interesting. I wish I had had more of Sedgwick's personal story. I enjoyed this story except the absurdity ...more

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Dec 16, 2013 Susana rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 24, 2012 Darkm rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m, short-stories

I think for me is impossible not to love Lanyon's books, and this one is no exception.

James has lost everything, from his work, to his house, to his partner when his last boss has been accused of forgery and murder, because people didn't believe he was completely unaware of what was happening.

He's cynic, disillusioned, and still, when he meets Sedgwick he can't stop from falling in love for the man. And right before Christmas is exactly this man that "heals" James and gives him a new future to l ...more

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Feb 05, 2013 Allison rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio, shorts

I don't normally read Christmas books because they don't appeal and to me it seems like a band that suddenly releases a Christmas album and you know it's just for the money. Not that I am saying that is what was being done here, not at all, but that is my reasoning for avoiding most Christmas stories.

Having said that, I loved this book! I was immediately, completely drawn into James' world. The story is so well balanced the humor mixed with the sadness and stress of the season, just when it is n ...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Kay Sachse rated it really liked it

Shelves: schwulenromane, ebooks

Sometimes it is a nice thing when a book is short, just a novella or a short story because only the most important parts of a character are depicted. James, in his solitude after being involved in a murder case, lost all his wealth but is about to receive a splendid gift. Yes, this is a Christmas story with a happy ending. Read it because it ought to touch you!

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Dec 25, 2019 ΛNNΞ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-books-of-2019

I loved this. A little more angsty than most Christmas stories but for me, this short story is precisely what makes this author a master at what she does. Delightfully atmospheric ... this book ends with a perfect Christmas holiday ending. Joy!

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