by | August 17, 2014 · 8:00 am
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4.5 Stars for Disappear with Me by L. Dean Pace-Frech #M/M #historical #romance

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Title: Disappear with Me
Author Name: L. Dean Pace-Frech
Publication Date & Length: Dec 4, 2013 — 261 pgs

Synopsis

Love is greater than hope or faith, but can Reverend Leander Norris convince a jury that the love he shares with another man is natural?

In 1910, the United Kingdom was in turmoil. King Edward died after only nine years on the throne. The social class system that upheld British society for centuries was being chipped away by social, political, and economic unrest across the Commonwealth. Amidst this backdrop, Reverend Leander Norris is accused of sodomy. After discovering his own self-worth and unconditional love, Leander finds the courage to stand up for what he believes is right and pleads not guilty to the charges. Throughout the trial, Leander’s past is revealed, including the temptations that bring the accusations against him. By the end of the trail, Leander is once again reunited with a romantic interest from the past by the end of the trial; it may be too late to rekindle any love that might remain, given the circumstances of the era and Reverend Leander’s likely sentence.

Review

FourandHalfStars

Once again, I’m out of my typical, comfortable box when it comes to genre literature. I’m not usually one to pick up historical fiction, let alone historical romance. However, this one piqued my curiosity for the faith/spirituality angle, and I’m glad I took a chance.

When I think of a good story, the element that is most important to me is the characters. From the first pages I was drawn to the main character, Leander, and his world and struggles. Yet I also felt connections with the other supporting players, from those mentioned only briefly–such as the jurors at his trial–to his closest companions and lovers. There are no weak, flat characters in this story.

Though the storyline itself is tender and romantic rather than exciting and action-packed, the flow was still fast-paced enough to grab my attention and hold it. I read it on and off over the course of a couple of days; I didn’t want to put it down.
For me, the best part was that it was both deeply romantic and deeply spiritual, an expert blending of both. I have no doubt this is intentional–the main character himself sees his love for his various partners as spiritual. And though other characters attempt to impose shame on him, he never accepts it, maintaining his right throughout to live his life in peace and happiness.
Reading this was an emotional ride for me. Leander’s strong love for God, his lovers, those under his care, and the Bible shine through every part of the story, as though he is simply so full of life and love that he can’t help spilling it over into every act, including standing strong in his convictions. I am convinced this is what it means to truly be like Jesus.
I have no misgivings about  recommending this book to just about anyone. Although the themes might be considered “adult” in nature, there is no explicit content, and I would not feel strange about giving this to my own children in a few years when the religious and social contexts will make more sense to them. Nor do I feel any hesitation about recommending it specifically to my religiously-minded friends.
I give this 4.5 stars.
~Amy

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AuthorBio

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With inspiration from some historical tourism sites, the love of reading, and a desire to write a novel, L. Dean Pace-Frech started crafting his debut novel, A PLACE TO CALL THEIR OWN, in 2008. After four years of writing and polishing the manuscript, he submitted it for publication and Musa Publishing offered him a contract in early 2013. DISAPPEAR WITH ME is his second novel.

Dean lives in Kansas City, Missouri with his partner, Thomas, and their two cats. They are involved in their church and enjoy watching movies, outdoor activities in the warmer weather and spending time together with friends and family. In addition to writing, Dean enjoys reading and patio gardening.

Prior to novels, Dean did some technical writing in his career. He plans to write a sequel to both A PLACE TO CALL THEIR OWN and DISAPPEAR WITH ME.

SocialLinks

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Twitter: @DeanPaceFrech

1 Comment

Filed under 4.5 Stars, Amy, M/M, Review

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One Response to 4.5 Stars for Disappear with Me by L. Dean Pace-Frech #M/M #historical #romance

  1. Dean Pace-Frech
    August 17, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Thanks so much for the wonderful review!!

    Reply

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