Wow! This book was amazing! Ms. O’Tierney managed to fully invest me in Crowley’s plight by halfway through the first chapter. I felt so sorry for Averell as well. It just seems like everyone in both of their lives discounted, wrote off or just plain didn’t care about either of them. There are so many relatable elements in this story that I think everyone can find something that applies to them on one level or another. This book is about acceptance, accepting one’s self and not trying to conform to the wants and expectations of others. Both of these men have been burying their true selves for so long, but they recognize a kindred spirit and cling to one another. It was so wonderful to watch them bond and encourage each other to pursue their dreams.I was so invested in this book I did not realize it was almost over until it was. But there was a little tidbit at the end that has me just begging for the next book. I had a love/hate relationship with Tyler the whole book and I have a feeling the next book in the series will explain why he acts the way he does. I am very much anticipating the next book in this series so I hope it comes LONG before next Christmas! I am always looking for books with main characters a little less hero-like (less good, less tall, less muscled, less or more anything actually). I find over the top stereotypically beautiful heroes sort of boring, I want characters to be more like people in real life - and that's what pulled me to this book in the first place. Crowley Fredericks is like a lot of real people, he has beautiful brown eyes and longish hair that he ties back in a ponytail. He used to be a lot overweight and he was teased - no, bullied, for it back in high school. Some things put their mark on people and come to overshadow our future. Crowley's past is the main reason he still at the age of 22 has never dated or been kissed. As if a tormenting past isn't enough the story takes starts with Crowley just finding out his mother don't want him to come home for Christmas. Luckily Crowley's best friend Tyler is more than willing to bring him home to Tyler's family for the holiday. The Lang family home is full of ... well, family, but it is Tyler's twin brother and hopeless slacker Averell that catches Crowley's eye.This is a story about body-issues, about loving yourself, about coming to terms with who you are and what you want and it is a typical Christmas holiday story with lots of typical holiday foods, sledding, and carol singing along with more than a few stolen kisses behind the closed door to Averell's room. It's a sweet story about first kisses, first love and a sort of gay for you. Despite that when things finally fall into place Crowley and Rell fall into bed a little too fast and easily this is a lovely holiday story with two likable and sweet characters. The end though ... well, that reads mostly ike a teaser part for a sequel, and I have to say if there will be a sequel and that is about Tyler and the jock then I will read it.
What do You think about Bowl Full Of Cherries (2014)?
I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading this book. It was amazing
—ninja
