I love being transported into Lavender Shores every few months. Between Rosalind Abel’s words and Kirt Graves’ narration, I feel like I’m in another time and place. Somewhere far away from the world of intolerance and hate. Of homophobia and racism. Of a place where being a bigot is a badge of honor. Lavender Shores is the antithesis of that world and although it is unrealistically wonderful, it still gives me hope of what the world could one day look like. Like a place where everyone is embraced, no matter who they are and no matter where they’ve come from. Aspirational and inspirational at the same time.
This is the fifth audio in the series and, like always, I’m in love. This time it’s with two of the men from the founding Bryant family. There are five founding families and the website has family trees if you’re interested in those things. For this story, the other families are in the background. For this story, it’s a personal journey for Micah Bryant and Connor Clark. One has always belonged to the family and to Lavender Shores and the other was brought into the family as a young man of just thirteen who was abandoned by his devoutly religious family who were convinced if he didn’t change who he was, he’d be condemned to Hell. But his identity as a gay man, is as much a part of his self as the color of this hair and eyes. The tattoos came later, but even they have great significance.
Micah Bryant is in many ways Connor’s opposite. He also is gay but has been raised in a loving family and always accepted for who he is. That loving family is still wonderful, but they are constantly nagging him to leave Lavender Shores again and take up his music in New York. He’s a talented violinist who walked away from a successful career in order to come home to the place he loves. To the man he loves. Because although Lavender Shores, and the Bryants in particular, view Micah and Connor as brothers, they are not so in their own eyes. Both understand revealing their loving relationship will cause heartache and distress, but Micah has convinced Connor that it’s worth the risk. Until Connor’s past rears its’ ugly head and the men are forced to put their relationship on hold.
I love these two men. Both tried to make a life apart, but both are so much stronger with the other in his life. It’s a kind of love I can envy. The strength of the bond gives them a reason to reveal everything to those whom they love and who love them.
The hideaway in this story is described in amazing detail and I can see Micah playing his violin down there. Hidden away from the world, but always waiting there for Connor.
Magic.
As I’ve said, Kirt Graves is doing a fantastic job at narrating the series and this book is no exception. I highly recommend it. And as I said in my review of the book, if you haven’t read the books, no worries. This one stands alone, but like a good meal, is better enjoyed with friends.