A post-apocalyptic Christmas story is not exactly a common occurrence, but once I was reading it I realized there is no better situation to demonstrate the importance of hope. If most of humankind has been killed by some disease and the survivors' only worry is how to make it to the next day, a new beginning, finding love, or beginning to enjoy the little fun events in life is truly essential. This story, in a sweet, quiet way, gave the main characters (and me) exactly that: hope that love would still find a way.

Daniel has lost his previous life as an English teacher, and his husband died of the disease that destroyed everything. He doesn't dare hope for much more than a quiet Christmas on the small farm he has made his, but he has decided this year he will celebrate it again. When he ventures into the countryside to find a Christmas tree, he meets Jake. And suddenly he has a lot more t be grateful for than mere survival.

Jake has also lost a partner, but he has chosen to travel. He hasn't thought of settling down, but meeting Daniel and seeing the comparatively comfortable life he has eked out for himself, Jake wonders. Going through the Christmas preparations, including his first hot meal in a very long time, he begins to think there may be other, better ways of spending his life.

Both men have lost the man they loved, but both know they should go on and try to be happy. Neither of them has found that possible until they meet each other. Deprived of human companionship due to the struggle for survival, they find in each other what neither of them had dared hope for. If you're looking for a story about Christmas spirit in its truest form, give this one a try.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dremspinner Press for the purpose of a review. ( )