[The Blog of Sid Love & Dreamspinner Press comes together once again to make this Valentine’s Day a special one for you! As DSP releases each of its books in their “A Valentine Rainbow” Anthology, you get to read their reviews right here from us and also get a chance to win them. A whole set of this anthology plus individual books will given away during this event. And all you need to do is leave a comment to every post that is tagged “A Valentine Rainbow Event” as this one. You will also find it on the Home Page. Contest Ends 15th February, 2014]

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Reviewed by Sid

TITLE: Pretty Sally Couldn’t Marry Albert

AUTHOR: Jefferson Parish

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 45 Pages

BLURB: Recovering from a stroke, Albert struggles to help his sister deal with her husband’s death and the demands of single parenthood. Everyone puts on a brave face, but the family is overwhelmed and left with a hole in their hearts. The discovery of a stash of old valentines makes Albert nostalgic for the sunny days spent with his childhood friend, Harry. Albert’s nephew, Kyle, decides to find the long-lost Harry only to discover life hasn’t been kind to Harry either.

REVIEW:

This story is about Albert seeking his childhood friend with whom his relationship was very special. But it ends when Harry admits to having feelings for Albert and they decide it is good for them to not see each other for a while. Albert always knew he had an emotional connection with this man but sexual? That one he never felt toward any man or even a woman. It’s complicated.

However when Albert’s nephew suggests that even though he had no sexual interest, his uncle should focus on the emotional one he has with Harry, Albert decides it is time he made contact with his old friend again.

Harry’s life hasn’t been a cake walk for him, Albert discovers. The man has had disasterous relationships and the ones that hurt him not only emotionally but physically as well. With Albert showing interest in him, Harry finds it hard to believe that he could have his happy ending with the man he always wanted. Their adorable moments and the trust Albert shows toward him, brings about a change in the mood all of a sudden.

The title of this story is so witty that I admire the author for thinking of it. When I first came across it – I thought this was about a gay man being forced to marry a woman named Sally. Ha! And then I read the blurb and it got me more confused. I have to give it to the author; I was impressed. The best thing about this book, I guess, is the childhood flashback where we find what the title actually means. The characters are loving and believably created. Back stories affected me deeply like the story of how Bonnie’s husband died and the way it changed the whole meaning of living for the family. It’s sad, but their will to keep moving on is great!

I have to be honest, I didn’t enjoy the story much in the beginning. For instance, the shifting POVs were distracting and Albert really didn’t strike me as a good main character. But then the storyline picked up. With Bonnie finding all the Valentine letters and Albert reminiscing Harry moments of his life, it intrigued me.

If you fancy reading stories about mature men falling in love- this is a good one to read!

RATING:

BUY LINK: Dreamspinner Press  ::  ARe