Review: Audrey gave her boys a place where they could grow comfortably into good men
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 4, 2014
One Door ClosesOne Door Closes introduces readers to a home in Washington that has served as a home for gay and questioning boys. Audrey gave her boys a place where they could grow comfortably into good men. She gave them the sanctuary they needed to develop into who they wanted to be. As Audrey passes she brings three of her sons back to Neverwood to continue her work.Calvin is the first to return to his childhood home. The home is filled with memories, many he had hoped to forget. He had his first love there and it is something he never really got over. He still thinks about all the mistakes he made with Will. Calvin still has much insecurity when it comes to all things Will. So anyone can imagine the surprise Calvin gets when it is Will that shows up on his doorstep as one of the building contractors there to make the numerous repairs in Neverwood.I’m on the fence about how I feel about this book. I loved the story. The Neverwood history and bringing the boys back and the process of saving the home is a wonderful journey to follow. Cal’s character kept me guessing about how he would react to any given situation. I enjoyed that. He is a uniquely intriguing man. I wanted more romance. I’m not talking about actual sex scenes. I know the feelings Will and Cal share because it is written in black and white on my Kindle in the form of memories and dreams. I needed more than that. The romance felt like a rekindle of something that never went away.One Door Closes is the first story in the complete book. I am looking forward to what Danny and Devon have coming with their story of Neverwood.The Growing SeasonAudrey the matron of Neverwood called three of her boys home upon her death. Her home in Elk Ridge, Washington has served as a home for gay and questioning boys. She gave her boys a place where they could grow comfortably into good men. She provided them the sanctuary they needed to develop into who they were meant to be. Now she wishes for three of her sons to bring Neverwood back to its former glory and to continue her work.Danny is the youngest of the three. He has quite the chip on his shoulder though. He has struggled to make people really see him. Those struggles have never been easy and no one other than Audrey has ever noticed his true potential. One bad decision has left him to where he is not even comfortable in his own skin.Sam has returned home to Elk Ridge dealing with his own family when he goes to Neverwood for some possible work. It doesn’t take Sam long to work his way under Danny’s skin. It takes Sam an even shorter amount of time to realize that there is more to Danny than he ever imagined there could be. While dealing with his own problems Sam soon finds himself drawn into the familiar comfort that is simply Neverwood it’s a familiarity that is even more welcoming due to Danny.This installment of the Secrets of Neverwood series worked a little better for me than the previous one. Growing Season had the love story that I was looking for. The only thing I sort of miss is Audrey. I would love to have read her as the loving nurturing mother while she was still alive. I do love that she is still a strong presence in her son’s lives though. She was exactly what these three men needed while growing up. I can’t wait to see how her plans for them come together in the next book.The Lost YearNeverwood is doing what it has always done, welcoming people to come live there with open arms. The three brothers who returned have added new family members into the fold. In hopes fulfilling Audrey’s wishes Calvin, Danny, and Devon are doing everything they can to reopen the doors of Neverwood to once again be the safe haven foster home that they grew up in.From the beginning of the Secrets of Neverwood I’ve been so curious about Devon. He was one of Audrey’s first boys. I can only image the unexpected complications that would arise with the first. It was an unfamiliar venture for Audrey. It would also have been something scary and new for a young Devon. Sadly that is about as interesting as Devon got for me.Nicholas approaches Devon about some photos he took on an assignment. Nicholas is looking for his son and Devon has photographed him living on the streets. From there they embark on a mission to find Robbie and bring him home. There is not much romantic buildup. Devon and Nicholas fall into bed and eventually a convenient relationship. I really did need a little more romance with The Lost Year.I did enjoy the story that surrounds Devon and Nichols. I’ve enjoyed my time spent within the walls of Neverwood. I really did need a little more romance with The Lost Year. I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of page time with Audrey. She is the bond that has brought these men together, she is the foundation that has held Neverwood together, and she is the gift that will keep young boys in need of sanctuary coming to Neverwood.book provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review