Review: Of Autumn Leaves and New Beginnings by Nell Iris

Title: Of Autumn Leaves and New Beginnings

Author: Nell Iris

Publisher: JMS Books

Length: 67 Pages

Category: Contemporary

At a Glance: Of Autumn Leaves and New Beginnings is full of heart, and lovely prose. It’s short but satisfying—complete with a fabulous little epilogue—and left me smiling all day.

Reviewed By: Jules

Blurb: At 47, Oren Walker isn’t looking for love. When he knocks on Pete Higgins’ door, all he wants is to thank him for helping his mom after she broke her femur. He never expected that one look at the man would make his knees weak and heart flutter.

Pete is happy, albeit a bit lonely, after divorcing his wife of twenty years and isn’t looking to replace her. But when Oren shows up, all grateful and handsome and in that fancy suit, the longing for the deep connection of a relationship flares up inside him.

As the leaves turn yellow, Oren and Pete spend a lot of time in honest conversations. Their attraction grows. Will the two men recognize the promise of new beginnings, and take the chance to find the happiness they both deserve?

Review: Nell Iris’s Of Autumn Leaves and New Beginnings is a wonderfully sweet little novella. I’ve adored just about everything of hers I’ve read, and this story is a perfect example of what she does so well. Before I actually get started, though…Am I the only one who thinks the cover model looks just like Luke Wilson? Show of hands…Anyone? Heh. Ok—back to business.

When Oren Walker’s mom breaks her leg in a fall, her next-door neighbor comes to her rescue. When Oren goes next door to express his gratitude to said neighbor, he finds him out in his garage working on his motorcycle and is instantly smitten. He’s obviously not sure initially if Pete is even into guys, but while in the house, he sees a picture of Pete with his family, and figures he’s married. But Oren can’t help still wanting to get to know Pete, even if just as friends. Luck is on Oren’s side, however, as it turns out that Pete is divorced, albeit still very close friends with his ex-wife, and is very interested in dating Oren.

Of Autumn Leaves and New Beginnings is full of heart, and lovely prose. Iris is so good at drawing her readers in with her relatable characters and storylines. This is a simple story of two middle-age men finding each other by chance and falling in love, and Iris tells that story effortlessly. There’s no drama, no angst, just a beautifully crafted romance. I absolutely loved this passage:

When did long strong fingers and a callused palm become my anchor? When did this man with his maddeningly charming crow’s feet, kissable lips, and kind eyes become my rock, the one I turn to when I need support?

Go and grab this one! It’s short but satisfying—complete with a fabulous little epilogue—and left me smiling all day.

You can buy Of Autumn Leaves and New Beginnings here:
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