Loved it

Find myself once again surprised by some of the free books on audible - really good quality. Enjoyed the story, enjoyed the going back in time to tell the story of the war through their eyes. Highly recommend

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beautiful love story

really great listen. interesting historical setting and commentary on the culture and society of the day. heartwarming love story with some steamy scenes

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Cal and the apple farm

Hard life of a closeted gay mens in late 1940s, dealing with normal life after WW2

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Wars to fight

Cal and Jim meet as marines fighting the Japs. They lose friends and see things so terrible it's scratched into their sights forever. But during this time they at least have each other. Cal is deeply in love with Jim and holds on to that feeling as long as he can. Because when the war is over Jim is going back to his wife and children. When they each return to their old lives when the war is finally over, it seems they need to fight another war when feelings become clearer as Cal comes running when Jim needs his help. I really loved the story which switched between war time and the early years after the war and showed how Cal and Jim grew together in a time when being gay is still a crime. It's so sad to read how gay people had to hide away and always sneak around and lie. Johnny Solo did an awesome job with telling this story.

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A proper romance book

The author has certainly put an effort into crafting the story and characters. Both men were believable and consistent, and it was interesting to follow their lives. The war was described quite accurately too, meaningless carnage as it is. The fate of the soldiers made an impact even on my old black heart.
The author doesn't lecture readers, which is rare nowadays, but lets the characters live for themselves, have their own thoughts, morals and faults. It is a bit idealistic, the romance story. But it's like a chicken soup to the soul, in contrast to the war descriptions.
My only complaint is that the intimate scenes are a bit awkward. But I am yet to find a book that does it without making me cringe a bit.
The narrator was a good fit too. I've enjoyed his performance.

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sweet

a lovely story from dark times, finding yourself and acceptance. had some teary moments

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Epic!

What a lovely love story spanning years . Jim and Cal had lived through horrific times yet never lost their connection.
Beautiful writing and a good narration.

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One of the best books I've listened to

You know when a book takes your breath away... Yep this did. One of the most beautifully crafted stories about love, longing and staying true to the person you love. Listened to it multiple times and the narrator was incredible - I had a movie in my head and didn't want it to end.

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Touching reminder of the past

Story of the difficulties of the past and not so present times for gay men in this case but would have been similar for woman. Definately not the best of times.

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1 person found this helpful

Such an amazing listen

I listened to so much of this on the edge of tears. Such amazing writing and such brilliant narration. it’s quite a hard listen in places - perhaps my soft heart just struggled - especially when thinking how lucky I am to live my life in today’s time, compared to how it was during the war - for LGBTQ+ people but also just for those involved in the war full stop. Definitely one of those listens that will stay with me in my thoughts for a long time after I’ve finished it.

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