Customer Reviews

Finding Hope

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's beyond commendable when an author can present and develop realistic and emotionally-complete characters one can identify with so completely, to the point where a sequel feels like a visit with old friends. After reading the first two wonderful books in this series, that's exactly the feeling I got from "Finding Hope," the latest in the series.

We find that life has gone on for Taylor (senior partner of a successful law firm on the outskirts of his adopted home town, Pine Creek) and his life-partner Tom (now close to his PhD, while teaching at the local college and helping out at the bakery he co-owns with Taylor), as well as their small adoptive children and members of their "extended family", including Gen (now mayor of the town) and Pete (Taylor's business partner and a good friend). It is also a "coming of age" time for their young ward Wayne (just finished his junior year at the university, and manager of their bakery), his boyfriend Eric and their best friends Dan and Emmy. We learn that the relationship between Eric and Wayne took a detour while Eric finished his degree at Ohio State, with Dan becoming Wayne's roommate to help him through that difficult time.

When it becomes known that an aggressive real estate developer is looking to buy the store next to the bakery, Tom and Taylor decide to bid against him, primarily to protect the quaint historical shopping district from becoming the target of bigger chain stores. At the suggestion of Wayne and his friends, they decide to open a coffee shop in the adjacent space, connected directly to the bakery. The new store provides an employment opportunity for Jason, who lives above the store, and quickly becomes popular with the local townspeople. Meanwhile, Gen hears that the real estate developer plans to run against her in the next mayoral election, and enlists Taylor's help in fighting him off. Eric returns to town, on a temporary hiatus before starting employment in the city with a big corporation, and he starts courting Wayne again, although Wayne holds him at arms length, afraid of being hurt again. An unexpected accident puts Eric, Taylor and Pete's unborn child at risk. Taylor plans a hotly-anticipated debate between Gen and the developer, and increasing time demands with their businesses, on top of their own careers and family, make Taylor and Tom wonder if they spread themselves too thin, and are unfairly depending on Wayne to do too much.

"Finding Hope" is a delightful, positively mesmerizing tale about a place you will wish you lived, with people you feel you already know, but would like to know better. As I said after the second book, I can definitely see success if the author ever tried to adapt this into a television series, perhaps on Showtime to replace QAF, or on one of the new gay cable networks offering original programming. It would be on my "must see" list, for sure!

Last but not least, the author parodies DVDs by including some "extras" at the end of the book, included deleted scenes, a map of the town and a floorplan of Taylor's law office. Original and clever, and adds to the overall enjoyment of the book.

"Finding Hope," by Andrew Barriger, is the third and perhaps finest book in the Taylor and Tom series. Tom is a professor at the local university, and Taylor's law practice is booming. Between caring for their adopted children--with the help of friends and family--work, and running Downey McEwan's Baked Goods, the guys barely have time to themselves. When the opportunity for a relaxing summer presents itself, the guys go for it.

Tom's parents have taken the younger children on a road trip to Florida, leaving the vacationing Taylor and Tom with some well earned time to themselves. College age Wayne runs the bakery; and best friend Gen has taken over as Pine Creek's mayor, relieving Taylor of those duties. Life is peaceful, except for Wayne's problems with his boyfriend, Eric.

Eric and Wayne have been separated for two years because Eric was away at Ohio State finishing up his engineering degree so he could return to Pine Creek, and Wayne. But, does Wayne understand the reason for Eric's lack of communication? As college ends, adult life begins. They are about to make very important decisions for their future.

When the property next door to Downey McEwan's Baked Goods goes up for sale, Taylor and Tom, with Wayne's enthusiastic support, decide to add a coffee shop next to the bakery. The owner of the property gladly sells to them, rather than the wheeler-dealer real estate developer, Stuart DiNardo. Facing reelection as mayor, Gen now has opposition-DiNardo--who hopes to "revitalize" the historic downtown area of Pine Creek with national chain stores.

Andrew Barriger's characters are well developed. Most of our favorite people are back as well as some new friends we are pleased to meet, with the exception of villain DiNardo. All characters, old and new, seamlessly glide in and out of the everyday lives of our favorite couple. Barriger's talent shines brightest in passages containing dialog. A very humorous conversation takes place on page sixteen, in which the author shows us, rather than tells us, how Taylor and Tom have grown together, in thoughts and feelings, in the five years they have shared their lives.

Barriger has added a unique touch we happily discover at the book's end...deleted scenes, and a map of Pine Creek. As readers, what we get out of what we read is highly subjective. I feel that "Finding Hope" is the best Taylor and Tom book to date. Barriger's third published novel has action, suspense, romance and of course, humor. I highly recommend "Finding Hope."

I have read reviews of Andrew Barriger's novels describing them as unbelievable. The reviewers go on to state how unrealistic is the depiction of an accepting, tolerant small town in America. What these reviewers seem to have missed was the section of the bookstore (or website) from whence they chose his book: It clearly reads "fiction."

Barriger's novels are the apple pie America myself and many others wish existed. Where family has no blue print, and masculinity is not measured by how many women you can bed. Everyone who has ever been gay in a small town knows you make up your family as you go, adopting brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, even fathers and mothers. We search for those whose love comes without condition or threat of penalty.

I commend Mr Barriger. His books are hopeful in a world teetering on the fanatical whim of a few to the detriment of the many. If you're starting to lose hope in being accepted, pick this book up. There's light here.

Andrew Barriger has done it again in the latest installment of the Tom and Taylor series, "Finding Hope." He has brought us back to Pine Creek, five years after the life-altering event when Taylor met Tom at the bakery, for another fine adventure.

Five years later, the two men are more committed to each other than ever, and they are the proud fathers of their three adoptive children and Wayne, who is both an older son and brother to them. The two dads are not without a support system, what with Tom's mom, Donna, Taylor's best friend, Gen, Wayne, and other assorted friends who are more like family-Tom and Taylor have plenty of help with child rearing. Like a neo-Rockwell, Barriger paints a portrait of the perfect American family-even if there are two fathers, rather than a mother and a father.

Two years after "Finding Peace," Taylor's law practice is booming. He has passed the Mayor's torch to Gen in order to have more time for his family. Everything is comfy-cozy at the McEwan-Connolly household...which naturally means Tom wants to add more tumult to the mix when the opportunity presents itself to expand the business. All hell brakes loose when Stuart DiNardo, a local real estate developer, wants to usurp Gen from her position as Mayor in order to further his financial position. What would have been a quiet summer for Tom and Taylor turns into chaos. Will they be able to beat DiNardo and keep him from ruining their quaint hometown? Will Gen remain Mayor and stop the money-grubbing monster from overbuilding Pine Creek for his own profit? How will Tom and Taylor manage their increasingly hectic lives?

Find out the answers to these questions and more when you read Finding Hope. Once again, Barriger delights his readers with crisp, clear, and catchy dialogue. He captures his audience with humor, drama, and romance as he weaves an endearing tale with twists and turns, and plenty of surprises.

While it is not essential to read "Finding Faith" and "Finding Peace" before embarking on "Finding Hope," I highly recommend it for full enjoyment. "Finding Hope" is a winner as it continues to follow the lives of favorite characters Tom, Taylor, Wayne, Eric, and Gen, on their journey through life. Barriger says it best when he writes, "When peace becomes elusive, hope remains..." in describing his latest novel.

Andrew Barriger has done it again. This third instalment in the Taylor & Tom series continues their story two years on. A welcome return to Pine Creek, where people really are good neighbours working together with understanding, for their own happiness and for a town that's inclusive and diverse.

The book is a real tonic, perfect to perk up the spirits and send you on your way with a song in your heart and a spring in your step. I'm awash with warm feelings, on a natural high, seeing the world in glorious Technicolor. I devoured the novel in one sitting and put it down with an ear-to-ear grin, thinking how wonderful life is.

But you know the best thing? It's never sickly sweet or unrealistic, no mean achievement in this genre. There's humour and an edge, so it works, always believable. Provided you make that leap of faith and accentuate the positive. Something I'm working on in my personal life. Unlike Taylor & Tom I tend to the glass half-empty POV.

It's 5 years since Taylor made that trip to the local bakery where he met Tom, just after moving to Pine Creek to stay with good friend Gen. Barriger provides a handy synopsis of events, essential for new readers and a trip down memory lane for the rest of us.

Taylor & Tom are a happily married couple with three kids and semi-detached adolescent, Wayne, the boy they rescued from an abusive family in Finding Peace. They have a loving relationship, demonstratively affectionate, perfect role models for the youngsters in their care. A believable picture of family life. Somehow they're never too exhausted for an intimate half hour in the early morning. Maybe because they're amply supported by friends and family. It's a positive light on the non-traditional family that's great to see. A diverse group of characters, with different ages, backgrounds, sexual preferences, etc., just getting on with life, so natural you'd swear you could visit them in their ideal American town.

Gen has taken over from Taylor as Mayor, a job she doesn't want anymore. She has enough problems trying to have a baby with fertility treatment.

Redevelopment threatens the historic district our friends call home. Unscrupulous real estate developer Stuart DiNardo is buying up downtown property and persuading established businesses to move out of town to an area Taylor & Tom call `The Pit of Prosperity'. DiNardo has the backing of those in town inclined to jump onto the bandwagon of success. He'll stop at nothing to drive through modernisation and exploit the town for personal gain.

With Taylor & Tom a couple of old marrieds, we need conflict and resolution in the romance stakes. Wayne's love life is in limbo, following boyfriend Eric's shock return to Ohio to resume studies. The course of true love never runs smooth when you're young and inexperienced. Added pressure from family if it's same-sex love makes things more complicated.

Jason Harper moves into an apartment next to the bakery. Taylor & Tom wonder whether he plays for their team. Gay or straight, if he's looking for love then he's made the right move. When Jason loses his job, the boys help out by offering a position in their newly expanded business. Jason is on the rebound from a string of broken affairs, a challenge to Pine Creek's matchmakers.

Barriger is adept at turning ordinary life into a satisfying story. With love and support it's possible to do anything if you keep thinking positively, meeting challenge with confidence and making the most of opportunities. Bad things happen. Pine Creek isn't paradise, but these good people never give up hope. In troubled times that's not a bad way to live. Maybe we don't have control over what happens in the world, but if we do our best for our little corner, it'll be a better place for everyone, whoever they are.

Don't miss the `extras', with deleted scenes, at the end. It's a great idea. Highly recommended.

This third book in the Tom and Taylor "Finding..." series was quite good, but a little lacking in some respects compared to the first two. There seemed to be an awful lot of recapping the previous books in this one, which was a bit disappointing. But the story with the greedy land developer running against Gen for mayor made for a good story. I liked the new characters, particularly Jason, but the whole subplot with the professor and his students in the coffee shop was a bit over the top. This book did make me laugh out loud a few times as Barriger really showed some good comic timing. The characters remain engaging and he has kept their personalities consistent throughout. He is writing them like they are old friends, which made the book enjoyable to read. The ending of this one was a good way to end the series. I hope he does not continue the series unless he has more good stories to tell; it would be a shame to keep this one going just for the sake of keeping it going. I am interested now to see Barriger take us somewhere else with new characters.

I have throughly enjoyed this serious of books. I swear I am not the type to pick up a book and then not want to put it down, but with this serious it was just like that. Excellent serious and hope that he plans on writing more!!!

This is the third book about Taylor and Tom, starting with "Finding Faith" and then "Finding Peace." It's been about five years since the beginning of the first book. It's not a requirement to have read the first book (I didn't realize this was a series till I'd already bought it), since there is a synopsis about what has happened.

Tom McEwan is a professor, and Taylor Connolly is a successful lawyer in the town of Pine Creek. It's not a typical anti-gay small town. There is now some warmth and acceptance, which apparently was not true at the beginning of their time in the town. But the town is threatened by an aggressive real estate developer who also plans to oust the Mayor, Gen, a friend of Tom and Taylor's.

A subplot is that of Wayne, a teen Tom and Taylor took in earlier, and Wayne's lover, Eric, who has been away at Ohio State.

It's an engrossing story about the goings-on within a family and with their friends and neighbors in small-town America. Ironically, it has a sort of "Ozzie and Harriett" feel, with the twist that this is about a gay couple with kids who live in that small town.