Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: The Woodcarver’s Model
AUTHOR: Peter E. Fenton
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 235 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 19, 2022
BLURB:
Sometimes the truth is the hardest thing to reveal.
Travel writer Rob Hanson has been from the summit of Mount Everest to the markets of Mogadishu. He loves adventure, he loves his job, and he loves the freedom of being single. At least that’s what he tells himself.
Everything changes when an assignment takes him to a small, idyllic west-coast island where he falls in love with the local woodcarver. From the first moment he sets eyes on Mitch, he feels like he’s found his perfect match. But things are never that simple for Rob.
Before long he finds himself involved with devious deals, jealous ex-lovers, and secrets from the past that refuse to go away. Rob knows that the only way to get what he needs is to reveal the truth. But does he have the courage to do what must be done in time to save himself and the man he loves?
Reader advisory: This book contains references to past drug addiction, past non-consensual prostitution, alcoholism, animal death, and serious injury.
REVIEW:
A brand new author’s first novel.
Canadian Travel Writer Rob Hanson has spent most of his life chasing the next big travel adventure to turn his actions into words on a glossy page in a travel section of a magazine. Having just returned from a harrowing trip to Somalia Rob is fine with going out to a remount island not far from Nanaimo, BC to write a short fluff piece as a favor to his agent. When he takes the journey he wonders about the strange people that seem to be populating the remote island. When he is steered in the direction of the local woodcarver he his pleasantly surprised with what he discovers. Mitch Carcross has been on Marsh Island since his Aunt Sarah adopted him and got him away from the perils that just about took him under in college. Mitch has always had a huge crush on his older brother Kevin’s ex since he was a gangly teenager. Now his dream man is standing right in front of him at the local Saturday market he sells his cravings at.
It was nice to get the chance to return to several of the sites I got to visit while on a cruise to this beautiful area. I still remember shopping at the local craft fair booths in Nanaimo where we docked. The author captured the visit perfectly.
I liked Rob and Mitch and wanted them to get a chance. Kevin was a disgusting piece of trash that Frances and France should keep off the island. I loved that the ferry operators were the gate keepers to their tiny refuge. I wasn’t so sure about Eric. As sleazy as he came off he did redeem himself a bit when he was needed most. Several of the townspeople were real characters but, when they were needed, stepped up…no questions asked! They sure were a close knit group.
All in all a pleasant first offering by this new author.
RATING: 
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