Stevie‘s review of Count the Shells (Porthkennack, Book 6) by Charlie Cochrane
Historical Gay Romance published by Riptide Publishing 14 Oct 17
The Porthkennack series has proved an utter delight so far with its mix of familiar and new-to-me authors, and the variety of characters we’ve got to meet in both contemporary and historical settings. For the latest story, Charlie Cochrane takes us back to a very familiar era for her regular readers: the years that directly followed the First World War; and, as is often the case, all the characters to whom we are introduced have been affected by the war and its aftermath in many different ways.
Michael Gray survived the War with permanent, but not life-changing, injuries, although his lovers from before and after the conflict were not so fortunate. Visiting his family’s holiday retreat at Porthkennack – once a much favoured destination, but now overshadowed by memories of his first love and the bitter way they parted some years before the outbreak of war – Michael spends his time on the beach with his young nephew, playing counting games, or back at the house with his sister and her husband, reminiscing about happier times in summers past.
A chance encounter further reawakens Michael’s memories of his lost love, when he and his nephew meet the younger brother of that man. Harry Carter-Clemence is keen to re-establish the bonds that once existed between their families, and is not completely bashful about revealing his attraction to Michael. Although at first unsure of his feelings, Michael enters into a relationship with Harry, but learns along the way that the image he has been holding of Harry’s brother is not quite the true picture he wanted it to be.
I loved this book. All the characters were a delight, and it was wonderful to see Michael slowly re-embrace familiar people, places, and hobbies from his youth, while also coming to terms with both the physical losses of his first love – by estrangement and then through death – and with the revelation that his love was never the model of perfection Michael has mourned all these years. I also loved the imagery of shells and sketching that run through the book and the different ways in which Michael counts with his nephew in a range of languages and traditions.
A most excellent addition to the series, and I hope we meet more members of the two families: past or future (from Harry and Michael’s point of view) at some point in the series.
Grade: A
Summary:
Michael Gray returned from World War One injured, but at least he returned. Others were not so fortunate, including his first and greatest love, Thomas Carter-Clemence, with whom Michael had parted bitterly before the conflict began.
Broch, the Carter-Clemence home in Porthkennack, was an integral part of pre-war holidays for the Grays, the two families drawn together in the wake of their sons’ friendship. Returning to the once-beloved Cornish coast for a break with his sister and her family, Michael has to find the courage to face old memories . . . and dare new relationships.
When Thomas’s brother Harry makes an unexpected appearance, Michael is surprised to find himself deeply attracted to Harry for his own sake. But as their relationship heats up, it unearths startling revelations and bitter truths. Michael must decide whether Harry is the answer to his prayers or the last straw to break an old soldier’s back.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
