galleytrot's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
FIRST READ: Mar 2023
SECOND READ: Jun 2023 (rating unchanged)
FORMAT: Audio
FORMAT: Audio
BRIEF SUMMARY:
In this contemporary romance, Charles is a man who is unashamed of living life to its most enjoyable, driving him to pursue the work he adores and all the pleasure he could possibly want for, despite his brother’s attempts at focusing his drive and passion into projects for their estate. Without formal credentials as a teacher, his resume is packed with temporary positions, and his latest interview at Glynn Harber doesn’t quite take the direction he was hoping. After proving himself in a crisis though, the headmaster has a different offer for him: take an assist role for the teacher as they seek a suitable replacement for her upcoming maternity leave, all-the-while boarding with Hugo, the school’s Padre, and helping him to find happiness again.
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: 5 / 5⭐
I'm not sure I have anything adequate to say about this book because, to be perfectly honest, I just don't know that I could do it justice.
Charles is a man who unapologetically celebrates life by using the body he was given without any shame or reservation. He is the youngest son of an Earl who has struggled all his life with a form of dyslexia that has hampered his education, his work experience, and confidence in his own abilities. The one thing he's more certain of than anything is this: his calling in life is to work with young children, whose education and and disadvantages should be informed through their senses and through play, not through test scores and performance.
Hugo is a man who has waited for his chance at love, although a war injury has left him recovering in both mind and body. His direction in life and career is uncertain because, as a gay clergyman in the modern day, he understands that the church hasn't put its money where its mouth is in support of men like him within the order, so he hasn't completed his ordainment. Luke, the headmaster, has made space at Glynn Harber for Hugo In the time since his injury, but Hugo is beginning to struggle with taking up that space when someone more permanent ought to hold the position.
A personal confession: romances where a character lacks a sense of belonging and/or feels undesirable (be it due to their appearance, or their circumstance, or whatever else) are the romances that hit me the hardest and leave an impact-crater deep in my chest. When Hugo and Charles find each other, they see the very best pieces of one other when they're down at their very worst, and they build each other up again while highlighting those wonderful things: in Charles, his absolute zeal and his defiant passion for living boldly; in Hugo, his remarkable compassion and ability to truly listen and make someone feel heard.
Hugo is a man who has waited for his chance at love, although a war injury has left him recovering in both mind and body. His direction in life and career is uncertain because, as a gay clergyman in the modern day, he understands that the church hasn't put its money where its mouth is in support of men like him within the order, so he hasn't completed his ordainment. Luke, the headmaster, has made space at Glynn Harber for Hugo In the time since his injury, but Hugo is beginning to struggle with taking up that space when someone more permanent ought to hold the position.
A personal confession: romances where a character lacks a sense of belonging and/or feels undesirable (be it due to their appearance, or their circumstance, or whatever else) are the romances that hit me the hardest and leave an impact-crater deep in my chest. When Hugo and Charles find each other, they see the very best pieces of one other when they're down at their very worst, and they build each other up again while highlighting those wonderful things: in Charles, his absolute zeal and his defiant passion for living boldly; in Hugo, his remarkable compassion and ability to truly listen and make someone feel heard.
TECHNICAL / PRODUCTION: 5 / 5⭐
From beginning to end, this book is truly wonderful. The characters have such depth and such clear intent and drive. Their dialogue is so well-written and never feels off, which is something I’ve been missing in much of my recent reads. It's extremely refreshing. The story is simple but beautiful; one of growth, of challenging previous experiences, of taking the reins of one’s path in life despite the challenges faced. The chemistry between the characters is strong. The side characters are each given depth of their own. Nobody feels like they are out of place, existing without reason beyond moving the story along.
A note from my second read through: I want to say that this is the first story of Con Riley's that I had read. By this second read, I have read half of the Learning to Love series, all of the His series, and two of the Seattle Stories series, and I have read all of these books without consideration for their written order. If I could do things differently, I would have read all of the His series before any of the Learning to Love series, and would recommend doing so to any potential reader of Charles. This is NOT necessary to do for the enjoyment of Learning to Love, but I was shocked at precisely how interconnected the characters of the two series would be.
A note from my second read through: I want to say that this is the first story of Con Riley's that I had read. By this second read, I have read half of the Learning to Love series, all of the His series, and two of the Seattle Stories series, and I have read all of these books without consideration for their written order. If I could do things differently, I would have read all of the His series before any of the Learning to Love series, and would recommend doing so to any potential reader of Charles. This is NOT necessary to do for the enjoyment of Learning to Love, but I was shocked at precisely how interconnected the characters of the two series would be.
FINAL THOUGHTS - OVERALL: 5 / 5⭐
This book won’t thrill you or leave you in suspense. It also won't pile on the angst. It is far more than a conflict-ridden drama fest. No, this book is a spiritual experience, one that feels absolutely reverent, while the characters come together to battle their doubts and worries. Sometimes that’s just the speed I need to operate on for a while. Give this book a read if you want to feel good about life for a bit. It’s perfectly lovely, and pleasantly humorous.
This book has representation for the gays. One main character experiences a form of severe dyslexia. At least one side-character is non-white, but there is otherwise not much in the way of diversity.
The following elaborates on my content warnings. These may be interpreted as spoilers, but I do not go into deep detail.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: War, Infertility, and Pregnancy
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Ableism, Homophobia, Miscarriage, and Religious bigotry
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