Review: Sweet Story of Love and Staying True to Yourself
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 1, 2014
Physically and emotionally scarred while stationed in the Middle East, 26 year old Christian Derringer has been discharged from the Air Force. After 10 months away, 5 of those recuperating and rehabbing from almost losing his life, Christian returns home to live with his parents while he attempts to understand his new limitations and determine what to do with himself. The changes in Christian are evident in his eyes and his demeanor to those who love him: “She could only hope that while his body was forever scarred, something could heal the man on the inside.”I found Christian’s return home very odd and out of sync with how loving and supportive his family dynamic is. His parents knew he was returning, but not when. The day of his return, no one made an attempt to go out of their way to see him; after a year away, and almost losing him, excitement would be expected. If not ready to throw a party, at least placing all else as secondary, and yet this was not the case, and I don’t understand why this was.In his depression, Christian becomes a bit of a recluse. But Annabelle, being the loving and supportive mother she is, forces him to interact. It’s at a laid back Christmas party where Christian meets Logan Mannette, a 21 year old college student with a friendly and open personality. The two men immediately have a connection full of witty and humorous banter. I loved Logan’s character – he’s funny, gregarious, charming, and compassionate towards Christian and his struggles. Knowing he’s been attracted to men all his life; Logan is outwardly gay, not hiding who he is or what he wants. The self-assuredness Logan has is opposite to Christian who, while admitting he has found men attractive before, has only ever wanted to be with women. Meeting Logan changes many preconceptions for Christian, and places him on a path of self-discovery.The relationship which forms between Christian and Logan is heartwarming and inspiring to follow as it slowly unfolds and develops. As the reader, I appreciate the ability to travel this new path with Christian and experience his growth, with him. Altering one’s personal views and sexual orientation could never be an easy path, but the author has made it a beautiful one. I finished this book with a warm feeling and a light heart, loving Christian and Logan more at the end for the journey they traveled together.