I feel it is difficult to write a convincing May-Decemeber romance because the reader will always wonder how could the wide age gap not matter. In this story, Hilary is 65 years old while Tom is a mere 23 years old and 24 towards the end of the story. A forty two years age gap. How could these two men make it work. But it does for me because of their characters and the convincing manner in which their romance developed. There is such a beauty to this quiet, tender and gentle romance that it is a pleasure for me to read it straight through. And of course the writing is lovely. I love these two guys. Young Tom is so eager, filled with enthusiasm for the things he loved and yet such an old and faithful soul. And Hilary..I love this gentle and shy man. Hilary thought that was it for him. His life has never amounted to much. He is in his twilight years and does not expect much more except to live out his remaining years and expire quietly. When I ponder upon this gentle man's expectation in life, it is so poignant and I am just so moved. When Hilary finally accepted Tom it is beautiful.The plot against which the romance developed is also so fitting. The revelation of the garden, not only the ancient plants but possibly a hidden shameful past. The fact that the closure of this past is left to the reader's imagination is just right for the tone of the story.The first reviewer in Amazon did not like the sudden drama towards the end. I disagree. For me this unexpected development only made their romance more touching and memorable. I could so understand why Hilary did it and the ending is just so much sweeter and moving because of it. Also, I just love a British MM romance. There is such a unique charm to it being British with all the tea drinking, lol. Looking forward to many more stories from this exceptional writer in the MM romance genre. A beautifully written romance story that made me laugh, cheer and tear. Ms Bozza writes a character that is so wonderfully human and real that you know them and love them. I have never given any thought about large age differences between partners. You simply fall in love and act upon it. I thought Hilary took the difference in age to the extreme although most of it was because of insecurity. The search for the truth about Thaddeus was intriguing and meshed perfectly with Tom and Hilary's love. The garden was also the ultimate example of age making no difference and the way both men worked at it was perfect.
What do You think about The Apothecary's Garden (2013)?
Tender. Sweet. A little angst in the mix. The last part brought tears to my eyes. More to follow.
—lilbean19
