Mari Donne

Christmas has been called a time of miracles, and many movies and books exist to "document" some people's belief in its power. But sometimes it isn’t Christmas that causes the miracle. It can be the small things in life that make a difference, just like a tiny pebble thrown into a lake can cause ripples all over its surface. This story is a perfect illustration of a seemingly insignificant event, the incorrect delivery of a package, causing a positive change in two men's lives. Yes, it happens in wintertime, just before Christmas, but I loved the fact it is Hanukkah and its customs that make a difference in this book.

Dan has just moved to a new town, discovers he is most likely the only Jewish and probably the only gay man in the neighborhood, and even though he loves his job, he has little hope for an interesting personal and social life. He does think there is a ray of hope when he notices one of the neighbors has a rainbow flag in his window, and when said neighbor comes over to hand him a misdirected package, Dan invites him to enjoy its content: a menorah and some Hanukkah specialties sent by his grandmother. Sharing the customs of his family with Chris is a wonderful way for them to get to know each other, and I loved reading about the small details and bigger discoveries they make over the eight days of the festival.

Chris doesn't think he is anything special, but he is curious about the cute guy in the condo across the road. The package is only an excuse to get to know him, but Chris can’t stay away from the beautiful and fascinating man. He can cook and Dan can't, so this becomes a way for Chris to learn new recipes, and for Dan to have some of the things (like latke and kugel) he normally wouldn’t have had because his parents live too far away for a quick visit. Chris is only too happy to provide since, for him, any excuse to be near the man he is already falling for is a good one.

Dan and Chris quickly made their way into my heart, and I loved discovering what each new day brought them in personal discoveries. With equal emphasis on the developing relationship and all the food they tried, this is definitely my kind of book! Dan's family is adorable and I was so happy Chris found such a nice group of people who accepted him for who he is, in total contrast to his own nasty parents and relatives. It just goes to show, yet again, that the family you chose, or who choses you, can sometimes give you a more positive environment than the one you were born into.

If you like stories about two lonely men discovering how well they fit together, if you enjoy sweet romances, and if you're looking for a read with lots of interesting little facts about Hanukkah as well as considerable, very loving heat generated by two guys falling in love, then you will probably like this novella.
… (altro)