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Finding Family #1
The Family We're Born With
Jesse Calhoun met Devin Palmer five years ago, in front of a Christmas tree at a friend's party. It was Jesse's first holiday alone, away from home. Devin didn't have much of a home to go back to. They found a way to make the season brighter, together.
Four years ago, Jesse brought Devin to his parents' house and came out to them. It wasn't all roses, but his family came around, and Devin has spent each holiday with the Calhouns since then. Jesse really loves sharing Christmas with his family, and sharing his family with Devin.
So he isn't prepared to hear his mom say, “I don't want Devin to come to the house for Christmas Eve this year.” Suddenly it's not smooth sailing, keeping peace with the family he was born with.
Four years ago, Jesse brought Devin to his parents' house and came out to them. It wasn't all roses, but his family came around, and Devin has spent each holiday with the Calhouns since then. Jesse really loves sharing Christmas with his family, and sharing his family with Devin.
So he isn't prepared to hear his mom say, “I don't want Devin to come to the house for Christmas Eve this year.” Suddenly it's not smooth sailing, keeping peace with the family he was born with.
52 pages, ebook
First published December 14, 2013
About the author
Kaje Harper
84 books2,648 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
November 29, 2015
Written December 17, 2013
4 Stars - a tender Christmas (freebie) story - important topics about families, traditions, who fits in and when - and how difficult it can be at times - but time...
For a change it's nice to read about an established couple. Two men who are confident and incredibly in love with each other but, somewhat surprisingly, has some emotionally challenging fights left with their family. This was a wonderful story that gave me the best (and most) I can hope for, in an atmospheric Christmas romance. Both sweet and sour, and also nicely hot and cute.
~ It's Christmas time... and a new family member will be with them this year. ~
Jesse and Devlin are, according to tradition, in Jesse's childhood town to celebrate Christmas with his parents and family, but complications arise soon. The guys were upset and so was I...
Sometimes it's so hard to make everyone happy, and to ignore that other people might still have old outdated prejudices. It's tough to do it all really well for everyone always, it's so easy to believe that someone is not going to be satisfied. Jesse's mom wants well for her sons, new and old, but she has her fears and I can understand her. Right or wrong.
The Family We're Born With was another lovely story by a writer (..Kaje Harper) who has the ability to make me feel happy and safe, but still on the tension, because it almost always happens something unexpected. This is just a shorty but on these relatively few pages, it was still enough time to get to know, and feel for, a number of (...lovely human) individuals in a fairly ordinary family. - A family that has not yet fully finished to "grapple" with all the circumstances around that one in the family (..or two) is gay.
...But time, knowledge, LOVE and some real effort solves.... the very most. ~ Go and get it, it's for free!!
I LIKE - A very nice and beautiful gem that both I and Rudolph enjoyed
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A free holiday gift from the author Kaje Harper, see: https://www.goodreads.com/user_status....
...and Thank you dear Macky who recommended me to read this nice story.
4 Stars - a tender Christmas (freebie) story - important topics about families, traditions, who fits in and when - and how difficult it can be at times - but time...
For a change it's nice to read about an established couple. Two men who are confident and incredibly in love with each other but, somewhat surprisingly, has some emotionally challenging fights left with their family. This was a wonderful story that gave me the best (and most) I can hope for, in an atmospheric Christmas romance. Both sweet and sour, and also nicely hot and cute.
~ It's Christmas time... and a new family member will be with them this year. ~
Jesse and Devlin are, according to tradition, in Jesse's childhood town to celebrate Christmas with his parents and family, but complications arise soon. The guys were upset and so was I...
Sometimes it's so hard to make everyone happy, and to ignore that other people might still have old outdated prejudices. It's tough to do it all really well for everyone always, it's so easy to believe that someone is not going to be satisfied. Jesse's mom wants well for her sons, new and old, but she has her fears and I can understand her. Right or wrong.
‘This was home, here, with this man. He'd known that in his head and in his hearth, and now felt it penetrate soul-deep into his bones.’
The Family We're Born With was another lovely story by a writer (..Kaje Harper) who has the ability to make me feel happy and safe, but still on the tension, because it almost always happens something unexpected. This is just a shorty but on these relatively few pages, it was still enough time to get to know, and feel for, a number of (...lovely human) individuals in a fairly ordinary family. - A family that has not yet fully finished to "grapple" with all the circumstances around that one in the family (..or two) is gay.
“I'm glad to be here too. And family's never easy, is it?”
“Nope.” (...) “Worth it though.”
...But time, knowledge, LOVE and some real effort solves.... the very most. ~ Go and get it, it's for free!!
I LIKE - A very nice and beautiful gem that both I and Rudolph enjoyed
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A free holiday gift from the author Kaje Harper, see: https://www.goodreads.com/user_status.... ...and Thank you dear Macky who recommended me to read this nice story.
December 15, 2013
First of all thank you Kaje for making this a free Xmas story. Awesome!
I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this addition to the seasonal stories that are around at the moment. A hot, sexy but still sweet, tender and at times very poignant little family drama that I'm not ashamed to say brought me to tears. Bringing home how lucky we are to have family that accept us and love us for who we are.
It starts with Jesse and Devin's Christmas being shaken by the revelation that not only does Jesse have a brother he didn't know about who is coming to meet the family but that also for the first time in 5 years, his lover and established partner Devin isn't welcome on Christmas Eve for fear of upsetting the apple cart until they find out whether Sam is anti gay or not. This makes Jesse look at his parents and their ' acceptance' of his lifestyle in a different way and obviously brings up resentment, threatening to spoil Christmas for all involved. However when Sam the new brother arrives, he's bringing some extra baggage of his own and its not long before everyone has to take a step back to re-evaluate what family really means to them.
I just loved how in such a short piece, Kaje managed to fit all the seperate sub plots together to make a really satisfying family drama that had depth and so much feeling for its length. I see sawed between feeling really angry and exasperated at times, yet sympathetic and feeling sorry at others. Thankfully though it all comes together at the end and I was left riding a lovely wave of hope for the future for all these guys. * sigh*
I'm hoping with all my might that this isn't the last we hear from Jesse, Devin, Sam, Rick and the supporting family members. Fabulous!
I downloaded this free from Smashwords because I couldn't wait to read it but I'd be very happy to pay the nominal fee on Amazon or ARe, when its released on there because I'm not sure but it might be for charity? Either way I've paid money for a lot less enjoyable novellas than this! A real Christmas treat.
I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this addition to the seasonal stories that are around at the moment. A hot, sexy but still sweet, tender and at times very poignant little family drama that I'm not ashamed to say brought me to tears. Bringing home how lucky we are to have family that accept us and love us for who we are.
It starts with Jesse and Devin's Christmas being shaken by the revelation that not only does Jesse have a brother he didn't know about who is coming to meet the family but that also for the first time in 5 years, his lover and established partner Devin isn't welcome on Christmas Eve for fear of upsetting the apple cart until they find out whether Sam is anti gay or not. This makes Jesse look at his parents and their ' acceptance' of his lifestyle in a different way and obviously brings up resentment, threatening to spoil Christmas for all involved. However when Sam the new brother arrives, he's bringing some extra baggage of his own and its not long before everyone has to take a step back to re-evaluate what family really means to them.
I just loved how in such a short piece, Kaje managed to fit all the seperate sub plots together to make a really satisfying family drama that had depth and so much feeling for its length. I see sawed between feeling really angry and exasperated at times, yet sympathetic and feeling sorry at others. Thankfully though it all comes together at the end and I was left riding a lovely wave of hope for the future for all these guys. * sigh*
I'm hoping with all my might that this isn't the last we hear from Jesse, Devin, Sam, Rick and the supporting family members. Fabulous!
I downloaded this free from Smashwords because I couldn't wait to read it but I'd be very happy to pay the nominal fee on Amazon or ARe, when its released on there because I'm not sure but it might be for charity? Either way I've paid money for a lot less enjoyable novellas than this! A real Christmas treat.
December 30, 2021
4 Stars
I had this sitting unread on my kindle for a solid 7 years, and, thankfully, something finally sparked me into action this holiday season.
The story follows established couple, Jesse and Devin, as they head to Jesse's family home for their annual Christmas holiday. Once there, they face a dilemma that hurts hearts and breaks trust between their already precarious family bonds, when Jesse's mother announces that a son she gave up for adoption as a teenager, is coming to visit for the first time... oh, and could Devin not come to dinner, because they wouldn't want to appear too gay and offend the newcomer.
Needless to say, Jesse is livid and Devin is hurt. As a reader, I wanted to throttle Jesse's parents on sight (and they never managed to improve in my eyes, regardless of where the story went).
Thankfully, newcomer Sam was a lovely, kind, open-hearted veteran, with a younger gay brother of his own, also going through some intense family dramas with their parents.
Although I felt thrown in mid-story (which is often the case whenever I'm faced with established couples with years of history I don't know), this story worked really damn well, setting a great scene and moving at a fast, engaging pace because of the multi-POV narrative.
Kaje Harper managed to knock my socks off, yet again, with her complex characters and compelling relationship dynamics, which are full of substance and have a realistic quality that always impresses.
At this point, I'm also intrigued enough to want to read the sequel, following Sam's younger brother, Rick, a young, gay runaway, with a world of hurt to overcome of his own.
The ultimate lesson learned here, again, is not to judge a book by its cover. I'll learn eventually.
I had this sitting unread on my kindle for a solid 7 years, and, thankfully, something finally sparked me into action this holiday season.
The story follows established couple, Jesse and Devin, as they head to Jesse's family home for their annual Christmas holiday. Once there, they face a dilemma that hurts hearts and breaks trust between their already precarious family bonds, when Jesse's mother announces that a son she gave up for adoption as a teenager, is coming to visit for the first time... oh, and could Devin not come to dinner, because they wouldn't want to appear too gay and offend the newcomer.
Needless to say, Jesse is livid and Devin is hurt. As a reader, I wanted to throttle Jesse's parents on sight (and they never managed to improve in my eyes, regardless of where the story went).
Thankfully, newcomer Sam was a lovely, kind, open-hearted veteran, with a younger gay brother of his own, also going through some intense family dramas with their parents.
Although I felt thrown in mid-story (which is often the case whenever I'm faced with established couples with years of history I don't know), this story worked really damn well, setting a great scene and moving at a fast, engaging pace because of the multi-POV narrative.
Kaje Harper managed to knock my socks off, yet again, with her complex characters and compelling relationship dynamics, which are full of substance and have a realistic quality that always impresses.
At this point, I'm also intrigued enough to want to read the sequel, following Sam's younger brother, Rick, a young, gay runaway, with a world of hurt to overcome of his own.
The ultimate lesson learned here, again, is not to judge a book by its cover. I'll learn eventually.
December 16, 2013
Kaje Harper is one of my auto-get authors -- I didn't even know what the blurb was, I just went ahead and grabbed it.
This free 20k story was about family around Christmas time, but instead of making it sweet fluffy Christmas read, Kaje brought complexities in a smooth-sailing way, about what it was TO BE family ... the one you were born with, the one you were placed with, or the one you created.
We got Jesse who was upset with his mother's request, to not bring his lover for his Christmas Eve, because she worried about what his adopted son would be thinking about gay people. We got Sam, who was adopted, and had a search and rescue mission of his own. We got Jesse with Devon, his lover for the past five years, who were creating their own family. All sides of this story was presented without preaching, without judging...
My complaint would be that I still felt like I was reading an extended epilogue. I guess I wanted to read the beginning. I wanted to read how Devon and Jesse came together. I also wanted a sequel of sort regarding Rick. Kaje Harper just made a greedy girl out of me.
This free 20k story was about family around Christmas time, but instead of making it sweet fluffy Christmas read, Kaje brought complexities in a smooth-sailing way, about what it was TO BE family ... the one you were born with, the one you were placed with, or the one you created.
We got Jesse who was upset with his mother's request, to not bring his lover for his Christmas Eve, because she worried about what his adopted son would be thinking about gay people. We got Sam, who was adopted, and had a search and rescue mission of his own. We got Jesse with Devon, his lover for the past five years, who were creating their own family. All sides of this story was presented without preaching, without judging...
My complaint would be that I still felt like I was reading an extended epilogue. I guess I wanted to read the beginning. I wanted to read how Devon and Jesse came together. I also wanted a sequel of sort regarding Rick. Kaje Harper just made a greedy girl out of me.
December 23, 2013
*sigh*
I just...really, really enjoyed this so much.
I love that Kaje Harper writes REAL stories about REAL families with REAL dysfunction and REAL imperfections. And all of that REAL intertwines together to make a true kind of love. It's not this sticky sweetness (that I admittedly eat up and adore), but it's like looking into your own home. And there's something about it that is bittersweet but feels...honest.
I felt myself happy, then aggravated, then outraged, then sad, then worried, then hopeful, then full of love...as I read about the interactions of this gay couple Jesse & Devin, Jesse's family, Sam (Jesse's mom's birth son she gave away for adoption), Sam's brother Clint...there are just these great STORIES and RELATIONSHIPS and they go through trials and arguments and hurt...but what remains is this GREAT love for each other, new and old.
There's also lovely romance in this book and Jesse & Devin made my heart full.
And Sam's utter devotion and concern for his younger brother Clint also tug at me.
This is such a really FULL and WONDERFUL story. I hope you'll all give it a go...
December 19, 2020
Really enjoyed this little tale.
It had all I love in my reads, a great couple a little angst and some drama lol.
I really tried to understand where Gayle was coming from, but I'm afraid I just couldn't see it. My heart hurt for Devin, just imagining how he must of felt. I wanted to shout at the pair of them when Lloyd called Devin “son”. Talk about rub salt in the wound.
Loved the story of Sam and Clint/Rick, but of course now I really want to read Clint/Rick's story lol.
A lovely addition to my Christmas reads. Thank you Macky for pointing this one out to me
ETA
On second reading I'm still mad at Gayle. No matter how I try I just can not see it from her point of view. She really upset me, poor Devin. And the dad was just as bad.
Upping to a 5 star as this really got my emotions going even though it was only a short.
ETA Still worth re reading
It had all I love in my reads, a great couple a little angst and some drama lol.
I really tried to understand where Gayle was coming from, but I'm afraid I just couldn't see it. My heart hurt for Devin, just imagining how he must of felt. I wanted to shout at the pair of them when Lloyd called Devin “son”. Talk about rub salt in the wound.
Loved the story of Sam and Clint/Rick, but of course now I really want to read Clint/Rick's story lol.
A lovely addition to my Christmas reads. Thank you Macky for pointing this one out to me
ETA
On second reading I'm still mad at Gayle. No matter how I try I just can not see it from her point of view. She really upset me, poor Devin. And the dad was just as bad.
Upping to a 5 star as this really got my emotions going even though it was only a short.
ETA Still worth re reading
December 17, 2013
It always amazes me when an author can pack so much story into so few pages. It's hard to find, so I imagine it's hard to do. This Christmas short about family and acceptance was perfect.
It was sweet, hot and truthful, I loved it! My favorite part is right after the title where it says "Finding Family, #1" - that means there will be more. And I want more, lots more.
Thank you Macky for the rec, you are the best my friend!
It was sweet, hot and truthful, I loved it! My favorite part is right after the title where it says "Finding Family, #1" - that means there will be more. And I want more, lots more.
Thank you Macky for the rec, you are the best my friend!
December 19, 2013
Thank you to Kaje Harper for this lovely holiday treat.
Jesse gets an unpleasant request from his mother the day before Christmas Eve when his mother requests his partner of four years, Devin, not come to the house on Christmas Eve. Not only has Devin always been welcome, but he has already traveled from Pennsylvania to Minnesota with Jesse. While Jesse's mother has her reasons, Jesse is unimpressed. This is just part of the family turmoil in this short novella.
The reactions to this request from the extended family were interesting and not always what was expected. Kaje Harper explores this drama from several points of view and while there are serious issues at stake, she manages not to make the story too heavy, especially when the focus is on the love between Jesse and Devin.
Looking at the subtitle, Finding Family #1, I'm hopeful that there will be a continuation, since there is so much more to explore.
Jesse gets an unpleasant request from his mother the day before Christmas Eve when his mother requests his partner of four years, Devin, not come to the house on Christmas Eve. Not only has Devin always been welcome, but he has already traveled from Pennsylvania to Minnesota with Jesse. While Jesse's mother has her reasons, Jesse is unimpressed. This is just part of the family turmoil in this short novella.
The reactions to this request from the extended family were interesting and not always what was expected. Kaje Harper explores this drama from several points of view and while there are serious issues at stake, she manages not to make the story too heavy, especially when the focus is on the love between Jesse and Devin.
Looking at the subtitle, Finding Family #1, I'm hopeful that there will be a continuation, since there is so much more to explore.
June 14, 2016
This was a slice of real life. Pretty short but it packs a punch, and touches a lot of important issues.
Recommended. And free.
December 19, 2013
Like wine and cookies and snowfalls.
Basically, the essence of Christmas - love and family. And that sounds so cheesy, doesn't it?, but Kaje Harper manages to make it just the right amount of sweet and sexy and a little bit painful, and overall just so incredibly heartwarming.
I think everyone knows what the quality of Harper's stories in matters of writing and devopment is, so I don't need to expound on that.
Seriously though, I literally feel like spreading the love around now, and I'm usually a chilly bitch.
Basically, the essence of Christmas - love and family. And that sounds so cheesy, doesn't it?, but Kaje Harper manages to make it just the right amount of sweet and sexy and a little bit painful, and overall just so incredibly heartwarming.
I think everyone knows what the quality of Harper's stories in matters of writing and devopment is, so I don't need to expound on that.
Seriously though, I literally feel like spreading the love around now, and I'm usually a chilly bitch.
December 20, 2013
I didn't adore this story, but it was really nice. The couple made me smile and it was a Christmassy book. I'm really glad I read it because it left a smile on my face.
September 8, 2019
Reread 9/8/19. So good! And I didn’t know there was a second book!
December 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. It is not really a romance in the sense that we follow an established couple who don't have any problems. The story is not about them or a conflict between them but one with one of their families. We have 4 POVs in this story and it very much felt like a long introduction to the next, that I'm jumping to right away. I loved that no one was perfect here (well maybe Sam), that not everyone was LGBTQ+. The conflict with Jesse's mother felt very real and its resolution was as well. I'm really looking forward to the full book!
December 17, 2013
Well, I read it in record time, I liked it, but now I'm at a loss at what to write. Yes, I liked it, but after finishing it I felt as if something important was missing?! And for the life of me I can't put my finger on it.
February 4, 2014
This is a story of acceptance, or possibly of rejection. It is a story of attitudes and opinions and how they can change over time or stay frozen in the ice of ignorance. This story is short and easy to read. But there are many stories in many families that never have a happy ending. Too many people are held captive by the teachings of the families they are born with, the religion they are born with, and the society they are born into.
This story happens to be about homosexuality, but the same plot lines can be built around any subject or human condition that is difficult for some people to deal with successfully.
Someone I love very much is gay. When I say "someone I love very much" should and does mean that I accept everything about the person. How could I profess love and then attach conditions on that love? Can love mean "I will love you only if you are just what I want you to be?" Hell no. Real love has no conditions.
You may ask if I were born thinking this way. The honest answer is no. I am a product of life experiences, education, and a willingness to be flexible in what I believe and accept. You probably know that I'm not too religious, which in this regard I see as an advantage. I seek balance in all things in my life, and I always ask the "great spirit" for wisdom and understanding. With that comes the desire to love and be loved without conditions.....Michael
This story happens to be about homosexuality, but the same plot lines can be built around any subject or human condition that is difficult for some people to deal with successfully.
Someone I love very much is gay. When I say "someone I love very much" should and does mean that I accept everything about the person. How could I profess love and then attach conditions on that love? Can love mean "I will love you only if you are just what I want you to be?" Hell no. Real love has no conditions.
You may ask if I were born thinking this way. The honest answer is no. I am a product of life experiences, education, and a willingness to be flexible in what I believe and accept. You probably know that I'm not too religious, which in this regard I see as an advantage. I seek balance in all things in my life, and I always ask the "great spirit" for wisdom and understanding. With that comes the desire to love and be loved without conditions.....Michael
December 30, 2013
Family, the ones you are born with you don't get to choose, so you figure out a way to live with them, or not. Stir in conservative religion and add some rocks in the shape of a gay relationship and pow, what a way to celebrate Christmas.
Kaje creates hard to love and easy to love characters and deftly gives us a complex story that pushes buttons of rage and also joy allowing us to marvel at how a situation can turn on a dime and make you cry tears of joy. Joy that we humans can be so overwhelmingly caring and loving. She gets to me every time.
Lovely, loving Christmas story with so much future going for everyone in the family, those who just joined as well as those who have been born into it.
Read it in one quick sitting. Get a box of tissues though.
Kaje creates hard to love and easy to love characters and deftly gives us a complex story that pushes buttons of rage and also joy allowing us to marvel at how a situation can turn on a dime and make you cry tears of joy. Joy that we humans can be so overwhelmingly caring and loving. She gets to me every time.
Lovely, loving Christmas story with so much future going for everyone in the family, those who just joined as well as those who have been born into it.
Read it in one quick sitting. Get a box of tissues though.
July 3, 2017
4.5 Stars
March 3, 2014
I don't usually give five star reviews.
I am a fan of Kaje Harper's books, so take that as a warning.
I'm also a middle-aged gay man who really doesn't need sex scenes in his romances. Just saying. But I do need love, and all the mess that goes with it. Kaje always gives us the love we need.
This is a particularly well crafted and balanced novella - really sort of an ultra-long story. The central couple is Jesse and Devin, but they're not really all that matters here, which is why I liked it so much. Jesse's parents are Gayle and Lloyd, and his younger sister is Emily. For the last several years, it's been a warm, accepting family, in which the all-but-orphaned Devin feels he's found something missing in his life, especially at Christmas.
But this year Sam has turned up. Sam is the thirty-one-year-old ex-marine that Gayle gave up for adoption when she sixteen and scared. In her anxiety and desire to present her long-lost child with the kind of family she couldn't give him as a baby, she hurts Jesse by asking Devin to stay away for Christmas Eve, when Sam is scheduled to arrive and meet his newly-found family. This is no spoiler: it's all on the first page.
And while this tale is indeed about Jesse's anger and Devin's reaction to this temporary prohibition, it's also about Sam, the half-brother. For Sam has a secret, and one that worries him as much as Gayle's need to hide her son's boyfriend worries Jesse.
Family is important to me, and I've been blessed with a wonderful family. Christmas is the time when family is both more necessary and more troublesome than at any other time of the year. Kaje Harper's touching tale of Christmas love and caring is perfect for any time of year.
I am a fan of Kaje Harper's books, so take that as a warning.
I'm also a middle-aged gay man who really doesn't need sex scenes in his romances. Just saying. But I do need love, and all the mess that goes with it. Kaje always gives us the love we need.
This is a particularly well crafted and balanced novella - really sort of an ultra-long story. The central couple is Jesse and Devin, but they're not really all that matters here, which is why I liked it so much. Jesse's parents are Gayle and Lloyd, and his younger sister is Emily. For the last several years, it's been a warm, accepting family, in which the all-but-orphaned Devin feels he's found something missing in his life, especially at Christmas.
But this year Sam has turned up. Sam is the thirty-one-year-old ex-marine that Gayle gave up for adoption when she sixteen and scared. In her anxiety and desire to present her long-lost child with the kind of family she couldn't give him as a baby, she hurts Jesse by asking Devin to stay away for Christmas Eve, when Sam is scheduled to arrive and meet his newly-found family. This is no spoiler: it's all on the first page.
And while this tale is indeed about Jesse's anger and Devin's reaction to this temporary prohibition, it's also about Sam, the half-brother. For Sam has a secret, and one that worries him as much as Gayle's need to hide her son's boyfriend worries Jesse.
Family is important to me, and I've been blessed with a wonderful family. Christmas is the time when family is both more necessary and more troublesome than at any other time of the year. Kaje Harper's touching tale of Christmas love and caring is perfect for any time of year.
November 24, 2020
11/23/20: Second re-read: Yeah, this might just become something that I read every year. The reactions of both Devin and Jesse to Gayle's request, trying to deal with both current family and new (maybe) family, the pull between being oneself and honoring what those around you are going through...so good. And reminds me how to be the best Mom I can be to my kids and whoever they fall in love with.
Re-read just before reading The Family We Make -- dammit, the story is SO GOOD! Reminds me once again what a damn fine writer Kaje Harper is!
Re-read just before reading The Family We Make -- dammit, the story is SO GOOD! Reminds me once again what a damn fine writer Kaje Harper is!
December 20, 2013
3.5 stars
It’s so hard not to like or even love Kaje Harper’s books because they are so full of love and centers around family or the concept of family in whatever shape it comes in. I don’t know how she did it, but in 62 pages I felt like I really knew Jesse’s family. I think getting to read from several POVs really helped let us know the key players better. I’ve added two more items in my Christmas wish list. 1) To have a full book about Clint’s story (this wish will likely be granted because Kaje has mentioned she’s writing this book! Hooray! I’m curious as to what Clint was up to in the 8 months after he ran away from home. 2) A short (or even a full) story of Jesse and Devin’s relationship. I know it was a bit like love at first sight, but I just want more! And if I can sneak in a M/F book wish..I want more of Sam too..he’s a great character and so easy to love!
Thank you for this Christmas treat Kaje!
It’s so hard not to like or even love Kaje Harper’s books because they are so full of love and centers around family or the concept of family in whatever shape it comes in. I don’t know how she did it, but in 62 pages I felt like I really knew Jesse’s family. I think getting to read from several POVs really helped let us know the key players better. I’ve added two more items in my Christmas wish list. 1) To have a full book about Clint’s story (this wish will likely be granted because Kaje has mentioned she’s writing this book! Hooray! I’m curious as to what Clint was up to in the 8 months after he ran away from home. 2) A short (or even a full) story of Jesse and Devin’s relationship. I know it was a bit like love at first sight, but I just want more! And if I can sneak in a M/F book wish..I want more of Sam too..he’s a great character and so easy to love!
Thank you for this Christmas treat Kaje!
January 13, 2015
4.5 stars
So, so good. Jesse only wants his family to fully accept his being gay, to accept Devin as his partner into the fold. That’s all he wants for Christmas.
When Jesse finds out that he has a half-brother, Sam, given up for adoption as a baby, he finds out what family really means.
When Sam gets his Christmas wish it brought tears. This is a heartfelt story about family-- imperfections and all-- and how the holidays, difficult as they can be, can also bring us together. Loved this.
April 14, 2017
A good Christmas story that differs from the usual tropes while still being about family bonds.
Here Jesse's mother is welcoming a son that she gave up as a baby, she's stressed and her reasoning is understandable if not what we'd wish. She loves Jesse but stress and not really understanding threatens to mess things up.
Jesse himself acts up, and again his attitude is easily understood and human.
Devin is clearly a saint and Sam quite possibly the highlight of the story.
It works out by the end with some cute moments and the tease of another story.
Here Jesse's mother is welcoming a son that she gave up as a baby, she's stressed and her reasoning is understandable if not what we'd wish. She loves Jesse but stress and not really understanding threatens to mess things up.
Jesse himself acts up, and again his attitude is easily understood and human.
Devin is clearly a saint and Sam quite possibly the highlight of the story.
It works out by the end with some cute moments and the tease of another story.
January 5, 2015
4.5 Stars. Wonderful holiday story about family - those you're born with and those you create. Although Jesse is a bit of a brat, I understood where he was coming from and thought Devin handled things well. I enjoyed learning about Sam and look forward to book 2.
August 11, 2016
Really sweet (but not saccharine) story about family and holidays. We're not seeing Jesse at his best, but I thought he handled the circumstances well. I also found the circumstances - his mother's actions - understandable and sympathetic as well, if a bit obnoxious. But who among us has never been obnoxious when stressed?
I adored Devin, and thought he and Jesse made a great couple. I also really loved Sam, and think his brother's story begs for a sequel. I'm hoping Kaje'll write it, and that we'll get to see a lot more of Sam in it. And since he's straight, I don't have to feel the tiniest bit guilty for lusting after him. Aside from the fact that he's fictional, I suppose... ;p
I beta'ed this, so haven't read the final version. But I know it's better than the version I read because I peeked at the revised ending. It's WAY better now, thanks to a teeny but significant change. :D
I adored Devin, and thought he and Jesse made a great couple. I also really loved Sam, and think his brother's story begs for a sequel. I'm hoping Kaje'll write it, and that we'll get to see a lot more of Sam in it. And since he's straight, I don't have to feel the tiniest bit guilty for lusting after him. Aside from the fact that he's fictional, I suppose... ;p
I beta'ed this, so haven't read the final version. But I know it's better than the version I read because I peeked at the revised ending. It's WAY better now, thanks to a teeny but significant change. :D
December 30, 2013
4.25
That was bloody fantastic! A really great story about families and all their different ideas and fears and problems. About losing the people you love and finding them again.
There was one drawback though: I thought there was too much going on considering the shortness of the story. Not too much drama-wise or anything like that, but just too many focal points with focus on the relationship of Jesse and Devin, Jesse and Devin and Jesse's mom Gayle, Sam and Gayle, and Sam and his brother Clint/Rick. And off that in less than 60 pages. The many changes in POVs helped there actually - I usually don't like many POVs, but here it made sense and facilitated understanding of what was going on. Which was a lot. As mentioned. ;-D
Definitely recommended!!
That was bloody fantastic! A really great story about families and all their different ideas and fears and problems. About losing the people you love and finding them again.
There was one drawback though: I thought there was too much going on considering the shortness of the story. Not too much drama-wise or anything like that, but just too many focal points with focus on the relationship of Jesse and Devin, Jesse and Devin and Jesse's mom Gayle, Sam and Gayle, and Sam and his brother Clint/Rick. And off that in less than 60 pages. The many changes in POVs helped there actually - I usually don't like many POVs, but here it made sense and facilitated understanding of what was going on. Which was a lot. As mentioned. ;-D
Definitely recommended!!
December 20, 2013
Nice short Christmas story of an established couple, Jessie & Devin, and the difficulties they face when Jessie's half brother - who his mother gave up for adoption 30 years before - comes to meet the family for the first time during the festive period. The reactions of the characters are realistic and there is a nice happy ending for everyone - but with a catch in for hopefully another story, in that Jessie's half brother Sam's own brother is found after running away 8 months before the story when he came out to his parents.
November 19, 2015
Kaje Harper keeps writing good books that I have to read. This is no exception.
My favorite part of this story was that it centered on an established couple that were secure in their love for each other. They were hot together also. I felt the hurt when Jesse's mother made a request that insulted Devin and his relationship with her son, Jesse. Sam was interesting. He was the son that a young Gayle gave up for adoption. Now he is a man seeing his biological mother for the first time.
This is a series that I will continue to read.
My favorite part of this story was that it centered on an established couple that were secure in their love for each other. They were hot together also. I felt the hurt when Jesse's mother made a request that insulted Devin and his relationship with her son, Jesse. Sam was interesting. He was the son that a young Gayle gave up for adoption. Now he is a man seeing his biological mother for the first time.
This is a series that I will continue to read.
December 16, 2013
Aw that was a very very touching and beautiful Christmas story!
Jesse and Devin have that beautiful romance thing going; they are absolutely sweet together! I loved their little customs and how they met... Squeal! Not to mention they're also very sexy together - yum yum!
I'm glad how the family drama could be solved in so many ways! :)
I'm poorly with reviews... But I want to point out that this is a very enjoyable piece of work!
Much thanks!
Jesse and Devin have that beautiful romance thing going; they are absolutely sweet together! I loved their little customs and how they met... Squeal! Not to mention they're also very sexy together - yum yum!
I'm glad how the family drama could be solved in so many ways! :)
I'm poorly with reviews... But I want to point out that this is a very enjoyable piece of work!
Much thanks!
August 6, 2014
Cute and so true to life. Great characters, nice little plot.
The story centres around Jesse's anger at his Mother's request not to have Devin, his boyfriend to Christmas Eve dinner, regardless of the fact that Devin has spent the previous four Christmases with Jesse's family.
I can totally empathise with Jesse's anger, especially as the gay couple will be there on Christmas Day anyway.
Short story, well written, slightly angsty. Really enjoyed it.
The story centres around Jesse's anger at his Mother's request not to have Devin, his boyfriend to Christmas Eve dinner, regardless of the fact that Devin has spent the previous four Christmases with Jesse's family.
I can totally empathise with Jesse's anger, especially as the gay couple will be there on Christmas Day anyway.
Short story, well written, slightly angsty. Really enjoyed it.
January 19, 2015
This was my second book by this author and I thought it was quite enjoyable. For such a short story, it sure packed in a lot of drama and angst, and maybe it's just me, but as with her other book (The Rebuilding Year), I wasn't as emotionally moved as I should have been. Still, it was well worth reading.
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