Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Clay and Daniel fell in love as enlisted men during Desert Shield, but Don't Ask Don't Tell meant they had to keep it a secret. After Clay's convoy was ambushed, PTSD changed him and their relationship ended in a horrible fight on Christmas Eve.

Twenty-five years later, they've reconnected on Facebook, and Clay finds out that Daniel will be alone on Christmas Eve. Impulsively, he sets out for Daniel's hometown of Gilead, Ohio—where Daniel is now the mayor—to surprise him with a visit. But a blizzard strikes and Clay wrecks his car. All hope at seeing Daniel is lost. Until a mysterious old man named Nick offers Clay a ride.

The weight of past wounds and the scars of war might make their reunion awkward, but Clay is willing to take the risk to win back his lost love. Despite a lifetime of disappointing holidays. Clay hopes that this soldier is finally coming home for Christmas.

 

 

First edition published as a part of the 2017 Advent Calendar "Stocking Stuffers" at Dreamspinner Press, December 2017.

 

Book Review

“We had the right love at the wrong time. Guess I always knew inside, I wouldn't have you for a long time. But, somewhere down the road, our roads are gonna cross again...I know that heart of yours will come to see that you belong with me...” ~ (Somewhere Down the Road) by Barry Manilow

Losing Daniel, of 'Welcome Home Soldier' by Deanna Wadsworth, was the worst mistake Clay ever could have made, but it just wasn't the right time in either of their lives to be together. Years, and many changes later, Clay finds Daniel on Facebook. Clay is delighted to find the man that he has never stopped loving; he reestablishes a relationship with Daniel. After a few months of familiarity, they make tentative plans to meet for coffee. When Clay finds out that Daniel will be alone for Christmas, impulsively, he makes plans to surprise him with a visit. If Clay had checked the weather, he would have realized that it is too bad to be driving anywhere, but Clay is determined to make the trip at all costs and almost pays for the trip with his life when he wrecks it in a snow bank. With a little Christmas magic, he is picked up by a man named Nick, who takes him right to Daniel's door.

The last person Daniel expects to be at his door, especially in the awful weather, is Clay. Clay explains that he wanted to surprise him but didn't realize the weather would be so bad. It's awkward at first but then the good memories begin to flood back into both of their minds; they can't help but feel some of the old magic their lovers brought. As pleasant as this may be, there are a lot of things to overcome before Daniel can welcome his former lover back into his home.

This is an endearing love story about two men who are lucky enough to get a second chance. When one comes, they can't deny the power of their love. There is a right time for everything and their special Christmas present is an opportunity to get it right the second time. Thanks, Deanna. I could almost smell the Christmas cookies, regardless of what shape they were in.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 103 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	25-November-2022
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Home-Soldier-Gilead-Book-ebook/dp/B0BJMQBRGK