A Holiday to Remember 2017
Publisher: Mischief Corner Books
Pages: 58
Characters: Amir/Esmail
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Blurb:
Life hasn’t been easy for Amir since he fled Iran after a brutal imprisonment. The trauma experienced at the hands of the guards left a dark spot on his soul. The one constant in his life since relocating to Chicago has been his lover—now husband—Esmail, whose steadfast love and support has soothed his wounded heart.
But this Shab-e Yalda, Amir wants to be the one giving his husband something special, because even after the darkest nights, the sun will rise again.
Review
For a short story Watermelon Kisses packs a lot of emotional punch. I loved the glimpse of another culture, and could really feel the love between the two men who have been through so much to be together. Amir’s PTSD came across very well and realistically, and I really felt for him and his worry that he is broken. I loved that although he’d been through a horrific experience, his husband is his light. The watermelon kisses were very romantic.
This is the first story I’ve read by Freddy MacKay but it won’t be the last. I finished reading, thought ‘wow,’ and was very impressed. An added bonus is an explanation about Shab-3 Yalda at the end of the book plus recipes!
I’d recommend Watermelon Kisses to readers who enjoy a glimpse of another culture, three dimensional realistic characters, and a beautiful romance. 5 out of 5 stars.