Finding Home: Halos and Heroes, Bk 1

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.  

This is first a beautiful love story, but it is also a story full of realistic people with traumatic pasts.  The significant and lasting effects of domestic abuse, homophobia, military combat, and the sex trade are what make this story stand out.  Real and raw emotions impact each character as well as those around them.  @JJQuinn thoughtfully and artfully holds his readers into the very real tension of family, friendships, and intimacy as each relationship vacillates between the hopelessness of the past and present and hope for the future.

This is a survivor's story, which is what I liked most about it.  I met the characters largely post-trauma, and while those damaging years and moments are mentioned, they are not the plot.  Each character is in the process of picking up shattered pieces of their heart and mind in an effort to find peace, belonging, identity, and love.  

I cried.  I binged.  I set it aside for a few days.  Then it was over and I wished it wasn’t, but I was also deeply satisfied.  

I highly recommend this passionate and poignant tale.  I will be back for the future installments.

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.