Title: The Rhubarb Patch
Series: A Men of Gilead Novel
Author: Deanna Wadsworth
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Release Date: July 24, 2017
City boy, sci-fi novelist, and recovering pushover Scott Howe doesn’t know what to expect when he inherits his grandmother’s house outside the quaint village of Gilead, Ohio—but it isn’t an enormous bald man in nothing but tighty-whities and orange rubber boots shouting at him to keep his weed wacker away from the rhubarb patch.
Scott has never met anyone like Phineas Robertson: homesteader, recluse… Republican. A tender—if unlikely—friendship grows over the summer while Phin and his schnauzer, Sister Mary Katherine, teach Scott about life in the country and the grandmother he never knew. Opposites attract, but widower Phin worries his secret will send Scott running faster than his politics, and Phin isn’t convinced he deserves a second chance at romance.
Scott is convinced—rural life, and his one-of-a-kind, older neighbor, is the future he wants. Before he can settle in, his mother drops a bombshell that strains their already tenuous relationship, and a cousin who believes he is the rightful heir to the property puts Scott in danger. It’ll take a lot of compromises, and even dodging a few bullets before they’re out of the weeds, but nurturing something as special as true love always takes hard work.
Grandma Helen’s Rhubarb Crumble
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup shortening (I use coconut oil)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda Combine until crumbly then pat half of mixture into 13×9 pan For filling: 5 cups rhubarb 1/2 cup sugar 3 Tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 cup water Combine in a pan and cook until clear then add 1 teaspoon vanilla Pour over crust and sprinkle the other half of the crumbly crust on top. Bake 20 to 25 min
4.5 Stars!!!
Scott Howe moves to Gilead, Ohio after inheriting his grandma's house. He's a city boy through and through, a sci-fi author and has decided to stay single for at least a year after his last disastrous relationship. The last thing he expects is to be attracted to his quirky neighbor, who couldn't be more different from Scott if he tried. Phin is a country man, happy to tend to his garden and his aging dog, Sister Mary Katherine. He's not looking for a relationship since he's still kind of grieving the death of his husband ten years ago. Never mind that he harbors a secret that will surely put a stop to any romantic inclinations Scott might feel for him faster than him learning that Phin is a Republican.
I loved Phin, he was such a sweet, patient, caring man. I could understand his reticence to start anything with Scott, especially since he hadn't grieved properly. I think the whole issue with his secret was dealt with in a very sensitive and informative manner, there were a few things I wasn't aware of and found very interesting. I liked Scott, he was really nice, even if there were moments in which he frustrated me. While they were opposites, Scott and Phin fit very well together. I loved that their romance was such a slow burn, the pacing felt just right for them.
I wasn't too fond of Scott's mom, who I wanted to slap more than a couple of times. She was so selfish. And don't get me started on her boyfriend. Ugh. I loved Davis, though, he seemed like a character I'd love to read more about!
The mystery portion of the book was well done, even if it was a tad predictable with respect to Scott's cousin. The part with his grandma was more of a surprise as it unfolded, though.
Overall, this was a delightful read, angsty and sweet and really well-written. Deanna Wadsworth did a fantastic job with this book and I'm very curious about trying the rhubarb now since it's not something we eat in my country, but it sounded delicious. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Deanna Wadsworth might be a bestselling erotica author, but she leads a pretty vanilla life in Ohio with her wonderful husband and a couple adorable cocker spaniels. She has been spinning tales and penning stories since childhood, and her first erotic novella was published in 2010. She has served multiple board positions at her local RWA chapter and is the current President 2017 for Rainbow Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing books or brainstorming with friends, you can find her making people gorgeous in a beauty salon. She loves music and dancing, and can often be seen hanging out on the sandbar in the muddy Maumee River or chilling with her hubby and a cocktail in their basement bar. In between all that fun, Deanna cherishes the quiet times when she can let her wildly active imagination have the full run of her mind. Her fascination with people and the interworkings of their relationships have always inspired her to write romance with spice and love without boundaries.
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