Genre: Contemporary, Historical
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Mikael Ferreira seems to have it all—a great career, looks, intelligence, and charm to boot. But his work as a full-time caregiver at Hawthorne Manor barely leaves him time to breathe, let alone date. Then a new employee arrives at the manor and makes Mikael question whether he’s been living at all or merely existing…
Elliot Olsson is Mikael’s polar opposite. Elliot’s autism has always made him feel isolated. Until now. Mikael truly sees Elliot in a way no one ever has. Elliot wants to open his heart to Mikael and connect with him on a deeper level. But wanting won’t make it any easier to overcome the obstacles Elliot knows they’ll face as a couple…
As Mikael and Elliot’s story is beginning, eighty-eight-year-old Walter Hawthorne’s is coming to an end. But while his health is failing, Walter’s mind is sharp as ever—and he has a thing or two to share about life, intimacy, and love with the two young men who seem to know nothing about any of it . . .
Hawthorne Manor, a contemporary LGBTQ+ romantic novel, is an exploration of the foibles of aging, friendship, love, and the beauty that can exist in a found family. It features a house full of eccentric characters, witty banter, and a deeply emotional M/M romance. HEA guaranteed. Download today, and enter Hawthorne Manor.
The Review
Elliot Olsson lives with his Aunt Kathy and his sweet Cher in a small apartment. He’s held his job at Food-Fair Grocery for four years. He is saving his money so one day he can have his own apartment.
Elliot has Aspergers (ASD) but he doesn’t let that stop him from being independent. He’s really nervous and excited about his new job at Hawthorne Manor. He’s pretty sure he can do it. There are a few people who work at the Manor, but Elliot spends most of his time alone when he takes a break. He likes the quiet, doesn’t talk too much, and too many voices all at once confuse him. Before he speaks he needs to pause and think about what he’s going to say.
Everything for Elliot is very direct – there are no gray areas, and there are still many things he struggles to handle. Elliot is also talented, but no one has realized what those talents are yet.
Mikael Ferreira was working as a nurse at UCSF and met Walter Hawthorne when the man was admitted to his hospital unit. Mikael couldn’t believe a man of Walter’s status was in such poor condition. As they became friends Walter, asked Mikael to come and be his nurse at the Manor. Now, two years later, he still enjoys every minute taking care of the feisty Walter.
Mikael has issues of his own. He has low self-esteem and struggles with the word “love,” as he blames himself for his failed relationships. His need to take care of others is his main ambition.
When Mikael and Elliot meet at Hawthorne Manor, it’s not the first time. Elliot remembers Mikael from fourth grade. Mikael often came to Elliot’s defense when he was teased, bullied and called “Mute-boy.” When they meet again, there’s already a chemistry between them.
Mikael decides to teach Elliot how to bring Walter Hawthorne his meals. Elliot has already done some research on Walter, so he knows some things about him. Just like with Mikael, there’s and instant connection with Walter.
Walter is eighty-eight, feisty, gruff but charming, and extremely flirty. He reminds Elliot of his Grandpa, who he misses with all his heart. Elliot starts to spend a lot of time with Walter, who shares the beautiful and heart-rending time he spend with his own love, Spencer Christianson. Walter gives many life lessons to Elliot and Mikael, and will also help Elliot discovering his hidden talent.
Mikael and Elliot are both conflicted in their own ways. They will learn what each other needs and they get some very well needed advice from Walter Hawthorne. And the past relationship between Walter Hawthorne and Spencer Christianson reflects on the different stages throughout their lives and troubles of the world: AIDS, prejudice, racism, ageism and more.
Clark has written an excellent, well written, wonderful and beautiful love story – and not just one, but two. They will warm your heart. I haven’t read many books that get me teary eyed, but prepare yourself, and have those tissues ready!
The line-up of secondary characters is amazing: Ms. Jennifer Martin, like a daughter to Walter and takes care of the Manor; Mr. Chim, caretaker; Juanita, chef; Shirley, housekeeper, who is often disturbing for Elliot; and Aunt Kathy, who loves Elliot. And as much as I loved Elliot and Mikael, I have to give special thanks to Mr. Clark for Walter Hawthorne, a character that I will remember for a long time.
Hawthorne Manor is a must read – I highly recommend it! I have read many of Clark’s novels and this is the best one he has written yet.
Outstanding!!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
