July 15, 2014 by William Morrow

Hardcover: 432 pages

Review Copy via TLC Book Tours
Adult Fiction- Literature

Warnings: Graphic sexuality, language, violence, death, gay issues, terrorism

2/5 Stars (For 18&Up)

For years, Matthew Greene and Daniel Rosen have enjoyed a contented domestic life in Northampton, Massachusetts. Opposites in many ways, they have grown together and made their relationship work. But when they learn that Daniel’s twin brother and sister-in-law have been killed in a Jerusalem bombing, their lives are suddenly, utterly transformed.

The deceased couple have left behind two young children, and their shocked and grieving families must decide who will raise six-year-old Gal and baby Noam. When it becomes clear that Daniel’s brother and sister-in-law had wanted Matt and Daniel to be the children’s guardians, the two men find themselves confronted by challenges that strike at the heart of their relationship. What is Matt’s place in an extended family that does not completely accept him or the commitment he and Daniel have made? How do Daniel’s complex feelings about Israel and this act of terror affect his ability to recover from his brother’s death? And what kind of parents can these two men really be to children who have lost so much?

The impact that this instant new family has on Matt, Daniel, and their relationship is subtle and heartbreaking, yet not without glimmers of hope. They must learn to reinvent and redefine their bond in profound, sometimes painful ways. How does a family become strong enough to stay together and endure when its very basis has drastically changed? And are there limits to honesty or commitment—or love?

Thoughts

I think I overstepped my comfort zone when I agreed to review this book....not that I couldn't handle the subject matter its just that I didn't want to. May sound lazy, but the book was so blatant in its one-sided opinion from an obviously very liberal author. Which of course is fine, because everyone has a right to opinions, but not the type of book I would normally read or political views I would choose for myself.

Outside of the couple in the book being gay (a subject people still try to make controversial when we live in a society that is very progressive about gay, lesbian and transgender issues) they struggled with mostly the same things all couples struggle with, including the added dramatic issues of death and adoption. The gay stuff was not heavy, the heavy stuff for me was all the political messages, yes it reflects the sensitive issues going on in the middle east, however I found myself disagreeing with EVERYTHING  the author took liberty of projecting onto her characters when it came to politics and the affairs of Israel. I felt it drag me down after each turn of the page and I was certainty not in the mood for such yammering.

While the writing flowed nicely, I had no connection to the men as characters, while the portrayal of their gay relationship seemed authentic, and both men dealt with some serious issues, I found Matthew and Daniel cliche. I don't want everything I say to sound negative, because I did have sympathy for the situation and I did admire the struggle and choices they had to make for their family but due to the politics of the story even with the interesting narrative I felt disconnected and on the outside of this entire book.

In the end I guess I was confused, was this a "Hands up in arms for gay peoples rights" or was this a "political commentary for liberal like minded people"............hmmm, Im not sure and furthermore not a book that I would recommend outside of a book club who is looking for a good political debate.

*Special Thanks to TLC Book Tours and William Morrow for Review Copy