Treading Water

Browsing and saw the review for this story from one of my favorite authors on this site, so thought I would give it a chance; so glad that I did.  Read it in one sitting; and it truly flows well enough to do so.

The main characters a so well drawn and you are immediately drawn to them.  Some of the secondary characters are not as fleshed out but that did nothing to impede my enjoyment reading this story.  The writing and plotting were both first rate as is everything that I have read from Headstall.  

The story is fiction and truly well written and constructed; but not sure that I could see it playing out quite like this in reality, but what a wonderful world it would be if it could.  The idea that family is truly who you choose to make it; just permeates this whole story.  We see that actual family can do everything they can to make you miserable but that only happens in you decide to let them.  Don't want to say too much; don't want to give anything away.

Get a nice cup of tea; and get ready to spend a little enjoyable time getting to know Craig and Jared; you will love them as much as I do.

This is truly a great love story about two best friends who were denied the opportunity to declare their love in high school by the manipulations of a jealous, self-centred sibling.  Their struggle to overcome tragedy and help each other is a tender and heartwarming story of triumph.  Headstall is a gifted writer that has an amazing ability to envelope readers in the feelings of the characters and create an environment so realistic you feel you are there with them.  This is a great story to read to get a feel for this author.  Once he has touched your soul, you will want to read more.   

Wonderful, engaging story! You are a fantastic author. I’m late to finding your stories, but so glad I did. 

I had read this story a few years ago and I loved it. However, the story stuck, every now and then I thought back to it without remembering many details. I'm glad to have read it again! Despite the fierce beginnings, it's a real feel good story. 

What an AMAZING story! So enjoyed reading and feeling the emotions Jared and Craig were experiencing during it. Thank you so much for a real life, realistic, happy ever after love story! ❤️ Definitely a recommended read.

This is my second time reading this story.  I had a rather rough week so I needed some binge reading to help me center myself and I turned to Headstall's "Treading Water" !  It is an an amazing story that speaks to very real circumstances not unfamiliar to me!  His writing is excellent and character development is superb.  Plus, I'm a succor for the HEA!!!  I highly recommend this as well as Gary's other stories.. You'll not be disappointed! 

Another 'right-on' story by this author built with tenderness and insight.  The story is engrossing leading the reader from chapter to chapter sometimes with pain and others with hopefulness. Super read!

Once again we get to experience just about ever emotion possible, but thankfully the sweet, gooey ones came out on top.  So if you are looking for a sweet, loving story (with a few detours so you don’t hit saccharinly sweet), this is perfect for you. 

This story showcases sibling rivalry at it’s worse. At least the one-sided kind of rivalry. Carly is a…umm, let’s just say she isn’t a nice woman and leave it at that.

Craig and Jared make a great couple and work together to overcome any obstacles put in their way. I like how they learn to communicate with each other and work through their problems together.

Once Carly’s plans are thwarted, the couple soon settles into being blissfully happy with each other.

This story had a little bit of everything I enjoy.  There was laughter, and there were tears.  I swore at my screen, and ranted at about selfish characters, but in the end, you gave us the happily ever after I love.  Both characters had their issues, and neither man was perfect, but they were so perfect for each other.  It just took them longer than the rest of us to figure it out.  Although events/people beyond their control kept them apart, I don't think either man would give up the good things they have (like a beautiful daughter, and the bittersweet memory of a loving husband) in order to change the past.  To me, that is what made these men real.