James Fritzhand

Third "random appearance on my shelf" and this one I actually don't have any sarcastic comments about!

The book has four central characters, David and Judd who meet and eventually move in together as committed lovers, plus their friend Ellen and her daughter Chrissie. Since Ellen's father died, David and later Judd had picked up the father figure role in her life.

Unlike most romance stories, it was interesting to see the romance from a man's perspective, and based upon love, not lust. David and Judd have a lovely relationship that is also real and flawed.

It was also interesting to see the non-traditional family structure portrayed here. At one point Ellen considers moving in with the two men to create one single household. Later, when she learns she has terminal cancer, she plans to legally marry David to ensure that he is able to care for Chrissie after she is gone.

Unfortunately, she dies before she can get all of her affairs in order and David, Judd and Chrissie find themselves enmeshed in a custody battle against Chrissie's great aunt and uncle who don't believe that two men can properly raise a young girl.

The antagonists are still portrayed in a humanising light, and the conclusion is tender and heart warming.… (mehr)