Review: Great character growth and intriguing plot threads contained in this gripping, highly plausible story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 7, 2014
Wow! This was an excellent story that tackled several tough subjects head on with such realistic, emotional depth. The author took the time to show the characters changing and growing with absolute plausibility.  Mark, the openly gay Anglican priest, was happiest giving guidance to people one-on-one. While never giving up on God, his church leaders eventually gave him reason to give up on his church. Mark’s journey was of course affected by coming to terms with the presence in his life of Lucas Cain, the man who had accidentally killed Mark’s brother three years earlier and was now out on parole. His vocation was threatened when he counseled sixteen year old Alex – and the boy’s father objected vehemently.The three men’s lives – Mark, Alex and Cain – became intertwined over time. Each man was forced by circumstances to find inner strength, to grow on an individual level. As they accomplished this, they were able to be of support and comfort to each other. They also get some great help from other friends. One is Father Terry from Mark’s church, and the other is Elise, the crusty yet soft hearted owner of a farm where Alex and Cain find a second home and purpose in life.  Mark struggles with the faltering support his church is willing to give him as a gay man, and if that isn’t enough, his father becomes very ill. Cain struggles with leaving behind his punk, small town thug life and those he knows that are still living that life. He genuinely wants to be a better man. Mark and Cain struggle with their growing attraction to each other.  Alex struggles with the fact his father won’t accept a gay son, and Cain doesn’t reciprocate his love.  By the end of the story, all of the men have found their way to perhaps unexpected, yet very happy places.  I loved their difficult, triumphant, soul searching journey so much. Again, Kate Sherwood did amazing things here weaving together multiple storylines, including the sometimes controversial subject of openly gay clergy, while molding the stunning personal growth of Mark, Cain and Alex.  Mark and Cain brought each other exactly the personal support they needed. Such a beautiful fit for each other. ♥Highly recommended read.