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Finding Home: Halos and Heroes, Bk 1

   (2 reviews)
Genres: General Fiction, Romance, Literary Fiction
Sub-genres: Drama, General Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Literary, Family Drama, Family Saga

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Former Delta Operative, Sam Trammel’s entire world has just collapsed and with no other option, he returns to Florida to bury his twin and his past. Ben Santiago is an Episcopal priest, a man with a checkered past, and a close friend of Sam's family. After a chance meeting brings them together, the two men navigate the tangled web of regret and forgiveness as friendship turns into love despite the obstacle of Sam's PTSD, and his reluctance to move toward Ben instead of away.  Family and new friendships help Sam to rebuild and realize that sometimes the path to healing and finding home, is by confronting your past head-on.

 
Please be advised this novel contains mention of PTSD, excessive alcohol use, past domestic abuse, military combat scene flashbacks, death of a family member and the topics of both military, religion and profanity pertinent to character.  Although I attempt to write with sensitivity to these topics and do not do so gratuitously, they are central elements to the story. It's a very slow burn, not stroke story. I previously published a version of this story on another story site. This has been edited and revised with plot changes so you may still wish to read this version as the changes will affect the stories that eventually come after. Thanks!
Copyright © 2024 JJQuinn; All Rights Reserved.

Story Recommendations (25 members)

  • Action Packed 14
  • Addictive/Pacing 21
  • Characters 23
  • Chills 10
  • Cliffhanger 4
  • Compelling 23
  • Feel-Good 15
  • Humor 14
  • Smoldering 16
  • Tearjerker 20
  • Unique 17
  • World Building 10
  • Like 6
  • Love 19
  • Wow 1
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Table of Contents
  • 1. Chapter 1
    • 16,412 Words
    • 3,145 Views
    • 28 Comments
  • 2. Chapter 2
    • 22,183 Words
    • 1,888 Views
    • 24 Comments
  • 3. Chapter 3
    • 24,782 Words
    • 1,995 Views
    • 20 Comments
  • 4. Chapter 4
    • 11,996 Words
    • 1,506 Views
    • 17 Comments
  • 5. Chapter 5
    • 15,047 Words
    • 1,927 Views
    • 22 Comments
  • 6. Chapter 6
    • 12,016 Words
    • 1,591 Views
    • 28 Comments
  • 7. Chapter 7
    • 14,019 Words
    • 1,914 Views
    • 26 Comments
  • 8. Chapter 8
    • 18,430 Words
    • 1,490 Views
    • 19 Comments
  • 9. Chapter 9
    • 11,691 Words
    • 1,385 Views
    • 14 Comments
  • 10. Chapter 10
    • 18,140 Words
    • 1,501 Views
    • 21 Comments
  • 11. Chapter 11
    • 15,884 Words
    • 1,327 Views
    • 22 Comments
  • 12. Chapter 12
    • 8,119 Words
    • 1,220 Views
    • 25 Comments
  • 13. Chapter 13
    • 14,487 Words
    • 1,771 Views
    • 30 Comments
  • 14. Chapter 14
    • 7,532 Words
    • 1,396 Views
    • 29 Comments
  • 15. Chapter 15
    • 18,649 Words
    • 1,398 Views
    • 20 Comments
  • 16. Chapter 16
    • 13,182 Words
    • 1,339 Views
    • 14 Comments
  • 17. Chapter 17
    • 16,221 Words
    • 1,201 Views
    • 14 Comments
  • 18. Chapter 18
    • 23,256 Words
    • 1,331 Views
    • 25 Comments
  • 19. Chapter 19
    • 11,289 Words
    • 800 Views
    • 10 Comments
  • 20. Chapter 20
    • 12,514 Words
    • 853 Views
    • 17 Comments
  • 21. Chapter 21
    • 16,296 Words
    • 763 Views
    • 10 Comments
  • 22. Chapter 22
    • 14,792 Words
    • 594 Views
    • 17 Comments

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Gary L

Gary L 14,377

   5 of 5 members found this review helpful 5 / 5 members

A very long day in Sam’s life as he returns for a funeral from Afganistan.  This heart rendering story gradually reveals what has caused the terrible nightmares from which he has suffered. 
 

This is easily one of my books of the year so far and I can’t recommend reading it more highly.   The writing is first class, the storyline hypnotic, and the depth of Sam’s characterisation is impressive.

A difficult read, but one that merits our tears.  

Response from the author:

Thank you so .much Gary. I hope you've read it to the end. I promise the endibg is happy despite all the emotional ups and down. Tha as so much for the kind words and for giving a new GA writer a chance. ❤️ 

  • Like 1
  • Love 3
Cane23

Cane23 16,847

   3 of 3 members found this review helpful 3 / 3 members

This is @JJ Quinn's big entry to the GA author's stage with extended and polished, new version of her epic story "Halos & Heroes". As part of Finding Home series, this tale is homage to American veterans, a truly monument to heroes and patriotism. But it is also the story of dysfunctional family, damaged people with serious issues developed by war trauma and family legacy. And yes, this is a love story.

Author tells the story of identical twin brothers, Sam and Connor Trammel with same look but different personality. Raised by abusive alcoholic father they become soldiers and national heroes. Sam is coming home, honorably discharged due to PTSD complications. Connor is coming in a coffin. Connor left family behind – wife and two daughters. Although not alive, his shadow covers the lives of characters. We discover how deeply damaged person he was, prone to self-destruction.

Sam has to face the family he has abandoned, starting the process of healing the scars of the past. Somewhere in between funeral, horrible nightmares and drowning in alcohol, Sam meets Ben, episcopal priest. Sparkles are there since the first encounter, but Ben is not for a one-night stand, he wants something more with Sam as he sees deep into his soul, finding more than handsome man...

Deep and profound story with multidimensional and complex characters brings fantastic dialogs and monologues (as story is written from Sam's POV - we follow him through the deepest labyrinths of his mind). Author reveals human psychology in a manner of some grate classical writers. The intelligent banter between characters and genuine humor, often colored with fine irony are @JJ Quinn's trademark. 

Finally, I'm really proud if I made even a little contribution in @JJ Quinn's decision to become GA author. She's amazing addition to this community.

Response from the author:

Oh Cane you know ypu have played more than a simple small part. You were the reason I came to gayauthors in the first place and stuck it out despite all the setbacks. I have always appreciated the support and feedback you have given and the sheer tenacity to read and  finish it TWICE lol knowing how much longer and in-depth the revision is. That's dedication and my author's heart is so grateful and validated because of it. ❤️ I appreciate you more than you know!

 

  • Like 1
  • Love 2

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