Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Salvaging Christmas
AUTHOR: Brian Lancaster
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 264 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 30, 2021
BLURB:
Tired with awkward family Christmases, Trevor McTavish and his best friend have planned a getaway each year for twelve close gay friends to enjoy the festive season together in remote country locations around Britain. Far from the maddening crowds. Beautiful Stratham Lodge in Scotland, hugging the shores of Loch Arkaig, is set to be this year’s rental destination.
Except this year, one by one, friends have dropped out. Against their better judgement, they decide to bite the bullet and forge ahead with a much reduced, and somewhat contentious party, which includes Trevor’s formerly gay ex-husband and his new girlfriend.
On the second day, Trevor realises this year’s break is going to be a disaster. But then the son of the lodge owner, Rudy Mortimer, appears and saves the day.
Reader advisory: This book contains mention of homophobia, domestic abuse and sexual assault.
REVIEW:
Trevor and his bestie, Cheryl, have put together a holiday away for a dozen gay friends and family each year for some time. This year, that holiday outings has been planned for a gorgeous lodge on a lake in Scotland. However, as the time approached, a number of the usual suspects has dropped out for one reason or another and additions have somehow been made to the list that could lead to a less than melodious Christmas. In the past year Cheryl’s mother’s partner Monica died suddenly. Cheryl’s girlfriend literally dumped her the day before they are to leave. One couple is traveling around the world and Trevor’s husband announced he had fallen in love with a woman and they have divorced. So things are definitely not the same.
When Trevor arrives at Cheryl’s to leave for the trip, he discovered that things are even more awkward as some workmates of Cheryl’s now ex are coming along and also Trevor’s ex and his new partner are coming also. Brenda Madison, or Mrs. M as she’s called, will be solo. But they decide to crack on. Arriving at the lodge, they discover unexpected mates have returned and arrived at the lodge. They are able to get into the lodge and the heat’s on, but not electricity, but ever resourceful, Mrs. M has a camp stove and they are able to have a meal by candlelight.
The following morning, the proprietor’s representative arrives – and whoa! Is he a sight for sore eyes 😉 Trevor is blown away by the gorgeous man who arrives Putin style 😛 Rudy Mortimer-King, son of the lodge owners has been left in charge and he’s willing to help and put to rights the things he’s forgotten. Trevor worries that he’s offended the man, but they work together to decorate the lodge and he shares some of the lodge secrets with Trevor 🙂
As everyone assembles, Trevor’s ex Karl and his new partner Mary arrive with more than one surprise. As the friends rally around Trevor, Mary is definitely not a popular new addition – and frankly none are too happy to see Karl either. When Mary starts to compare vegetarianism to being gay though was when I lost it. I had a hard time with her being that clueless. Thankfully while Trevor is forever the peacemaker, Mrs. M lays down the law 🙂
Along side this bit of difficulty, Trevor is getting friendlier with Rudy. He invites him to the Christmas Eve dinner at the lodge with the group. Rudy is happy to join and puts Karl in his place – killing him with kindness and standing up for Trevor. Rudy finally makes himself clear to Trevor that indeed he “like likes” him too 🙂 They spend a glorious night together and have a wonderful Christmas dinner before more of life intrudes on their holiday.
As guest arrive for the annual Estate New Year’s Eve celebration, things get even more strained when an unexpected blast from the past shows up. This leads to more then one misunderstanding and encroachment on Trevor and Rudy’s time together. It also puts into motion a potential new relationship for one of the gang and settles some old scores as well. Add in a medical crisis and things are really hopping 🙂 But in the end, it’s a lovely holiday in complete unexpected ways that leads to a new path forward for nearly everyone in the group.
Well this story certainly has a lot going on 🙂 Overall I really enjoyed this tale of moving on from the past, new beginnings and found family. I really struggled with anyone allowing their ex and new partner to join an established set of friends. I’ve seen this work exactly once – and they are relationship goals! I really loved Trevor and I was glad that Rudy was able to make him see that he was worth so much more than he was giving himself credit for. I really didn’t like Karl – despite Trevor’s forgiving nature. My view was that he never ever treated Trevor as an equal and that he took much more from the relationship than he gave. His new partner was generally a royal pain in the behind and while she redeemed herself slightly, her attitude was really intolerable and for no discernable reason. And then there is Rudy – who was just lovely! Such a nice guy and ready to be happy and enjoy his life authentically. He realized what a treasure he had in Trevor and was willing to make things happen. His family was also wonderful. My only complaint about this story is that it did drag a bit at some points and I just wanted to move on. But if you’re in the mood for a hard-won HEA with second chances and moving on and leaving the past behind with some really lovely holiday elements, then I think you’ll enjoy this book. Recommended.
RATING: 
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