Finding Peace

Rating:
Summary: Excellent "feel good" read with realistic characters
Review: "Finding Peace" is Barriger's second novel, and sequel to last year's "Finding Faith." It picks up two years after the first novel, which detailed the rocky courtship of Taylor (big city attorney who relocated to this small town following the end of a longtime relationship) and Tom (local boy who works as a baker while studying to become a high school teacher). When we rejoin the couple and their friends, Taylor's local law partnership is starting to florish, while Tom still works part time at the bakery while teaching school. The couple take a generous offer to buy the bakery from the current owner, and advertise for help to minimize their time needed in the business. This brings into their lives an 18 year old gay high school student, Wayne, who came from a physically abusive home, with Tom and Taylor taking him in their homes as surrogate guardians/role models. This comes right before a whirlwind Thanksgiving holiday, not just the busiest time of the year for the bakery, but also the planned meeting of both Tom's and Taylor's families for the first time.

The presence of Taylor's married brother at the holiday awakens a regret on his part that our laws do not recognize same-sex marriages, leaving it to each couple to convince their families and others of the legitimacy of their relationship. Taylor's frustration is not so much on the legal protections marriage offers (which, to some extent, can be duplicated through legal documentation, wills, etc.) but something as simple as terminology, as he refers to "my Tom" in lieu of terms such as "partner" or "lover" which seem to trivialize the relationship. The couple consider a "marriage" ceremony for the benefit of their families and friends, as well as the possibility of starting a family, an event that later becomes an unexpected reality.

All of their friends from the first novel are back, and Barriger's rich characterizations are the best part of the book. I personally am a sucker for "inclusive" novels that show gay and straight characters interacting in ideal but realistic situations, and this novel scores considerable extra points with me on perfecting that concept; it makes you ready to pack up and go househunting in this small town! While it would be preferabke to have read Barriger's first novel, "Finding Faith", first, enough background information is given to make that not essential to enjoyment of this sequel.

I rate "Finding Peace" a magnificent 5 out of 5 stars, and wait expectantly for his announced third novel.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent "feel good" read with realistic characters
Review: "Finding Peace" is Barriger's second novel, and sequel to last year's "Finding Faith." It picks up two years after the first novel, which detailed the rocky courtship of Taylor (big city attorney who relocated to this small town following the end of a longtime relationship) and Tom (local boy who works as a baker while studying to become a high school teacher). When we rejoin the couple and their friends, Taylor's local law partnership is starting to florish, while Tom still works part time at the bakery while teaching school. The couple take a generous offer to buy the bakery from the current owner, and advertise for help to minimize their time needed in the business. This brings into their lives an 18 year old gay high school student, Wayne, who came from a physically abusive home, with Tom and Taylor taking him in their homes as surrogate guardians/role models. This comes right before a whirlwind Thanksgiving holiday, not just the busiest time of the year for the bakery, but also the planned meeting of both Tom's and Taylor's families for the first time.

The presence of Taylor's married brother at the holiday awakens a regret on his part that our laws do not recognize same-sex marriages, leaving it to each couple to convince their families and others of the legitimacy of their relationship. Taylor's frustration is not so much on the legal protections marriage offers (which, to some extent, can be duplicated through legal documentation, wills, etc.) but something as simple as terminology, as he refers to "my Tom" in lieu of terms such as "partner" or "lover" which seem to trivialize the relationship. The couple consider a "marriage" ceremony for the benefit of their families and friends, as well as the possibility of starting a family, an event that later becomes an unexpected reality.

All of their friends from the first novel are back, and Barriger's rich characterizations are the best part of the book. I personally am a sucker for "inclusive" novels that show gay and straight characters interacting in ideal but realistic situations, and this novel scores considerable extra points with me on perfecting that concept; it makes you ready to pack up and go househunting in this small town! While it would be preferabke to have read Barriger's first novel, "Finding Faith", first, enough background information is given to make that not essential to enjoyment of this sequel.

I rate "Finding Peace" a magnificent 5 out of 5 stars, and wait expectantly for his announced third novel.

Rating:
Summary: A solid, fun follow-up to Finding Faith
Review: Andrew Barriger came into authorship already a mature writer. His first novel Finding Faith was well plotted, clever, and fun, while still managing to have believable, likeable characters in Tom, Taylor, and a whole range of supporting characters. In this sequel, Tom and Taylor are a little further down the road in their relationship-a real marriage if there ever was one. And the situations in their mutual life together just gets more complicated and better. Barriger manages to maintain characters with solid moral compasses and is just as entertaining with his use of words in this book as he was in the first one. If you enjoyed Finding Faith, you'll continue smiling through this one. There damn well better be a third book in this series!

--Ronald L. Donaghe, author of Common Sons and Uncle Sean

Rating:
Summary: I Couldn't Put It Down!
Review: For anyone searching for an author that can bring characters to life on paper, Andrew Barriger is your man. Finding Peace is the continuing story of Taylor and Tom who faithfully came together in Finding Faith. You as the reader will find intrigue, romance, anger, sadness, joy and HOPE. This truly is a book you'll enjoy and re-read again. I only HOPE that the next installment, Finding Hope will be published soon.

Rating:
Summary: Finding Andrew
Review: For anyone searching for an author that can bring characters to life on paper, Andrew Barriger is your man. Finding Peace is the continuing story of Taylor and Tom who faithfully came together in Finding Faith. You as the reader will find intrigue, romance, anger, sadness, joy and HOPE. This truly is a book you'll enjoy and re-read again. I only HOPE that the next installment, Finding Hope will be published soon.

Rating:
Summary: Hooray! FINDING PEACE is here.
Review: I just finished FINDING PEACE and it was even better than I anticipated. I was able to move through the story very smoothly without having to refer back to the first book, Finding Faith. There are nice little reminders and mini-flashbacks to Finding Faith that keep the reader in tune at all times without being redundant or monotonous.

Barriger's story moves along at a pretty good clip that doesn't allow the reader to get anywhere near bored. The protagonists, Taylor and Tom, were so incredibly busy with so many irons in the fire that toward the end *I* was almost exhausted.

Wayne and his boyfriend Eric was a really sweet and hot young couple to be brought into the family. And what a family it was: in-laws, outlaws, friends and neighbors a-plenty. I liked the way some of the more tense situations were handled, too. Taylor is put to the test in many situations that were resolved with aplomb, insight and integrity rather than anger, hate and violence.

All in all it was an excellent read-I just wish it were longer. But then, I had complained previously that I had waited long enough for this sequel, and it was well worth it. Even through tragedy, the boys became stronger and met the challenge without fear and with more determination than ever. I recommend this book to anyone at any age. It will appeal to a much wider audience than the other books I read. Thanks for the good read... jjl

Rating:
Summary: Hooray! FINDING PEACE is here.
Review: I just finished FINDING PEACE and it was even better than I anticipated. I was able to move through the story very smoothly without having to refer back to the first book, Finding Faith. There are nice little reminders and mini-flashbacks to Finding Faith that keep the reader in tune at all times without being redundant or monotonous.

Barriger's story moves along at a pretty good clip that doesn't allow the reader to get anywhere near bored. The protagonists, Taylor and Tom, were so incredibly busy with so many irons in the fire that toward the end *I* was almost exhausted.

Wayne and his boyfriend Eric was a really sweet and hot young couple to be brought into the family. And what a family it was: in-laws, outlaws, friends and neighbors a-plenty. I liked the way some of the more tense situations were handled, too. Taylor is put to the test in many situations that were resolved with aplomb, insight and integrity rather than anger, hate and violence.

All in all it was an excellent read-I just wish it were longer. But then, I had complained previously that I had waited long enough for this sequel, and it was well worth it. Even through tragedy, the boys became stronger and met the challenge without fear and with more determination than ever. I recommend this book to anyone at any age. It will appeal to a much wider audience than the other books I read. Thanks for the good read... jjl

Rating:
Summary: I Couldn't Put It Down!
Review: The book picks up two years into the relationship of Tom McEwan and Taylor Connolly. All is well until new, and very unexpected, players test the relationship between Tom and Taylor. Their love is strong but can it handle everything that has happened?

This book made me laugh so much I got kicked out of the room!But there were also times were I had to cry because of an unsuspecting death.I read this book in a day, then read Finding Faith, then read Finding Peace again! These books are addicting and I recomend this book to everyone. I can't wait for Finding Hope!

Rating:
Summary: Review of Finding Peace by Cheri
Review: What could be better than marital bliss? How about marital bliss with a marriage license? If only it were available to Taylor and Tom; perhaps then, Taylor would have a proper word to assign to his relationship with Tom. Taylor goes through the usual terms of endearment, i.e., partner, lover, boyfriend, significant other, spouse, etc., but he longs to be legally bound to, and have a permanent title for, the man he loves. In Andrew Barriger's sequel to Finding Faith, we find Taylor and Tom setting up a home and life together in Finding Peace.

For those who have read Finding Faith, which is not a pre-requisite to reading Finding Peace, you already know and love Taylor and Tom. For those who haven't read Barriger's first book, it won't take long to get to know these two extraordinary men, who met by chance, fell in love, and went through all sorts of trials and tribulations before ending up a loving, committed couple. Taylor, an attorney, relocated from the city, leaving behind a cheating ex-boyfriend, to live with his friend, Gen, in a small, quaint town. Moving led to greater happiness than he ever thought possible---he met Tom.

In Finding Peace, Taylor has opened a law firm in town, and, he's still helping Tom at the bakery. Additionally, Taylor has become the town's first gay mayor, openly accepted by his constituents. Talk about needing a 48 hour day! Tom is teaching at a local High School, and still works at the bakery. He loves the bakery and has no intention of leaving: it is the place where he first laid eyes on Taylor. Tom and Taylor manage to have some quality time together, but unfortunately, not enough. As if their hectic lives aren't busy enough, events occur which put further demands on their leisure time together. Can a relationship withstand the stresses of careers and business, even though they possess a strong commitment?

In Finding Peace, Barriger introduces us to many new and interesting characters we would be happy to call friends and family. Wayne is a troubled youth from a dysfunctional, abusive family who Tom hires to help at the bakery, allowing him more free time with Taylor. Taylor is skeptical at first, to entrust the care of the bakery to a gay young man with such a troubled past. Taylor worries about appearances. What would the townspeople think about two gay men hiring a gay teenager? Tom convinces Taylor to give Wayne a chance. They take Wayne under their wings and quickly become father figures to the high school senior. Wayne is a bright, sensitive young man who works hard and wants to make something of his life even though he was dealt a tough hand. What he finds with Taylor and Tom is more than just friendship-he finds the love and family he never knew.

The plot unfolds as Taylor and Tom decide to invite both their families for the Thanksgiving holiday. The two sets of parents, who never met, have Taylor anxious with anticipation. Tom is much more laid back and tries to convince Taylor not to worry. Tom's sister, Mandy, asks if it's okay to invite her college friend, Eric, who has nowhere to spend the holiday. When Eric meets Wayne, sparks fly, and the plot thickens.

Emmy is Wayne's school friend and co-worker at the bakery. Emmy and Wayne have a strong bond; she helps Wayne deal with the stormy relationship with his family. She's also there to help him come to terms with his sexuality. While Taylor and Tom are Wayne's father figures, Emmy is Wayne's peer.

Bryce, Taylor's straight, married, younger brother, is another character worth noting. He adds a refreshing element to the novel with his unconditional acceptance and support of his brother's sexuality. According to the author, "He's sort of a man's man who doesn't care that his brother is gay." While Taylor's parents are the kind of people "who meddle and then get distracted by something and disappear," Tom's parents are more traditional and provided him with a solid upbringing. Tom and his mom are close and she approves of Tom's choice of a mate.

There are other characters who add to the story but you'll have to read Finding Peace for yourself to find out who they are and how they affect the world of Taylor and Tom.

Plot twists and turns-not to be revealed here-make for an engrossing and entertaining read. Barriger accomplishes this feat with wit and charm. He turns adversity into something propitious, tragedy into triumph, and even manages to redeem some despicable characters. By the giving of yourself to others, you reap rewards that far surpass what you gave. Andrew Barriger is currently working on the sequel to Finding Peace, tentatively titled, Finding Hope. I can't wait for it to be published. Finding Hope promises to have a stadium full of wonderful characters. Don't miss this delightful series by Andrew Barriger, a talented and prolific writer.