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suze_1624's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it!
Can't believe this is my first book by this author. And I definitely feel there needs to be more from these two.
I liked seeing how they healed each other, how it wasn't all nice and easy for them but ultimately they were right for each other.
Eddie was a stand up guy underneath his ' I need to keep moving' facade. Despite being branded by his itinerant lifestyles, he was a guy who had principles and stood for them.
Gray wasn't perfect either - making rash assumptions and locking himself into his castle.
Whilst the story ended at a good place for the story, it left me wanting more of these two - please!
Can't believe this is my first book by this author. And I definitely feel there needs to be more from these two.
I liked seeing how they healed each other, how it wasn't all nice and easy for them but ultimately they were right for each other.
Eddie was a stand up guy underneath his ' I need to keep moving' facade. Despite being branded by his itinerant lifestyles, he was a guy who had principles and stood for them.
Gray wasn't perfect either - making rash assumptions and locking himself into his castle.
Whilst the story ended at a good place for the story, it left me wanting more of these two - please!
veethorn's review against another edition
4.0
Heartwarming and lovely, without being too saccharine.
kaje_harper's review against another edition
4.0
Glass Tidings is a low-key, slow burn holiday romance. Eddie had a neglectful mother, and then grew up in the foster care system, mostly in group homes. He's had impermanence deeply imprinted into his soul. When you can be moved to an entirely new home, school and life, on a moment's notice, with no more possessions than you can fit in a trash bag, you learn to not get attached to stuff. Or people. Eddie ran away at 16 and has been working the Ren Faire circuit ever since. He's now a skilled glass-worker, but still earns barely enough to live day to day and faire to faire.
This year, he met a man who promised him something more - a settled life that Eddie had only seen in movies. But that man turned out to be more interested in drugs, than in daily living, or in Eddie. Eddie left abruptly, back to his nomadic life. Except that witnessing a hit-and-run in a small town he was passing through, ends up with him asked not to leave town by the cops, and housed temporarily with a local do-gooder.
Eddie's sure it's a very temporary thing. He's going to leave any day now. Not like anyone will miss him, and no one has ever wanted him around long-term. He kind of wishes Grayson was different, because the man is kind and secure and older and appealing and his home is the kind of stability Eddie never had. But sticking around is a pipe dream. Still, as the hunt for the hit-and-run culprit drags out, Eddie is going to have a harder and harder time leaving...
Grayson is also solitary. It doesn't seem to be his natural state, because he has frequent impulses to take care of Eddie. There's a story to his determined solo life in this pretty, empty house. But to be more than a short term friend to Eddie, he'll have to deal with both his own baggage, and Eddie's deep-set lifetime of distrust in other people.
This was nicely realistic, and had emotional moments but was free of melodrama. It was sweet without being sugary. The relationship takes quite a while to feel more real than simple proximity, and both men are awful at communicating, but I really enjoyed this story of two loners discovering each other..
This year, he met a man who promised him something more - a settled life that Eddie had only seen in movies. But that man turned out to be more interested in drugs, than in daily living, or in Eddie. Eddie left abruptly, back to his nomadic life. Except that witnessing a hit-and-run in a small town he was passing through, ends up with him asked not to leave town by the cops, and housed temporarily with a local do-gooder.
Eddie's sure it's a very temporary thing. He's going to leave any day now. Not like anyone will miss him, and no one has ever wanted him around long-term. He kind of wishes Grayson was different, because the man is kind and secure and older and appealing and his home is the kind of stability Eddie never had. But sticking around is a pipe dream. Still, as the hunt for the hit-and-run culprit drags out, Eddie is going to have a harder and harder time leaving...
Grayson is also solitary. It doesn't seem to be his natural state, because he has frequent impulses to take care of Eddie. There's a story to his determined solo life in this pretty, empty house. But to be more than a short term friend to Eddie, he'll have to deal with both his own baggage, and Eddie's deep-set lifetime of distrust in other people.
This was nicely realistic, and had emotional moments but was free of melodrama. It was sweet without being sugary. The relationship takes quite a while to feel more real than simple proximity, and both men are awful at communicating, but I really enjoyed this story of two loners discovering each other..
lenoreo's review against another edition
3.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2018/12/21/glass-tidings-by-amy-jo-cousins/
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3.5 stars — This book has recently been rereleased as an Indie read, but I read an old NetGalley ARC copy from Riptide Publishing…I doubt there were any major changes, but figured I’d mention which version I was specifically reviewing.
I find Ms. Cousins writes very differently from most authors I read. I don’t know how to describe the stylistic difference, but it’s definitely unique. I haven’t decided if I like it or not, but I guess I don’t mind it. I will say that in this one she presents us with a very flawed character in Eddie, who wasn’t always likable for me. He had a really rough upbringing, and so he sees the world in a very different way, and it’s often all about assuming bad intentions from everyone, and manipulating them first. It’s not that I don’t get how he ended up that way, but it’s not always comfortable to read from that perspective, you know? And we definitely had more time in Eddie’s head than in Gray’s. I actually thought some of his musings about his childhood to be really enlightening — things like growing up reading really old sci-fi or watching old VHS tapes b/c that’s what people were willing to give away. And while his character wasn’t my favourite, I did appreciate that he showed growth, and really seemed to be letting himself become vulnerable and feel.
I actually would have liked to learn a bit more about Gray, figure out better what made him tick. We definitely got glimpses, but I feel like there were more layers to him that we just didn’t get to peel back. His past with Brady didn’t completely explain his hermit tendancies, so was he just introverted? It wasn’t super clear. I liked what I did get to know about Gray, and I appreciated that he owned up to his own mistakes as well.
As for the two of them together? I enjoyed some of the more companionable parts, like them reading together, and forming that kind of friendship. I didn’t really feel that much chemistry between them…like under different circumstances, would they have even noticed one another? I don’t know. So the romance had its ups and downs.
I thought some of the side goodies were pretty intriguing, and I kind of liked how they weaved together — like Gray’s friend Christine, and her connection to Mrs. Wasserman. I also appreciated that we learned a bit more about who caused the accident, but I will admit I was a bit surprised Eddie never visited Lily Rose.
I also appreciated the descriptions of Eddie’s life traveling to Ren Faire’s, and how that worked for him. And I loved the bits of details we got about his work with glass…though I can’t help but wonder how he learned the trade in the first place.
So all in all it was an enjoyable Christmas read, but definitely a different one.
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3.5 stars — This book has recently been rereleased as an Indie read, but I read an old NetGalley ARC copy from Riptide Publishing…I doubt there were any major changes, but figured I’d mention which version I was specifically reviewing.
I find Ms. Cousins writes very differently from most authors I read. I don’t know how to describe the stylistic difference, but it’s definitely unique. I haven’t decided if I like it or not, but I guess I don’t mind it. I will say that in this one she presents us with a very flawed character in Eddie, who wasn’t always likable for me. He had a really rough upbringing, and so he sees the world in a very different way, and it’s often all about assuming bad intentions from everyone, and manipulating them first. It’s not that I don’t get how he ended up that way, but it’s not always comfortable to read from that perspective, you know? And we definitely had more time in Eddie’s head than in Gray’s. I actually thought some of his musings about his childhood to be really enlightening — things like growing up reading really old sci-fi or watching old VHS tapes b/c that’s what people were willing to give away. And while his character wasn’t my favourite, I did appreciate that he showed growth, and really seemed to be letting himself become vulnerable and feel.
I actually would have liked to learn a bit more about Gray, figure out better what made him tick. We definitely got glimpses, but I feel like there were more layers to him that we just didn’t get to peel back. His past with Brady didn’t completely explain his hermit tendancies, so was he just introverted? It wasn’t super clear. I liked what I did get to know about Gray, and I appreciated that he owned up to his own mistakes as well.
As for the two of them together? I enjoyed some of the more companionable parts, like them reading together, and forming that kind of friendship. I didn’t really feel that much chemistry between them…like under different circumstances, would they have even noticed one another? I don’t know. So the romance had its ups and downs.
I thought some of the side goodies were pretty intriguing, and I kind of liked how they weaved together — like Gray’s friend Christine, and her connection to Mrs. Wasserman. I also appreciated that we learned a bit more about who caused the accident, but I will admit I was a bit surprised Eddie never visited Lily Rose.
I also appreciated the descriptions of Eddie’s life traveling to Ren Faire’s, and how that worked for him. And I loved the bits of details we got about his work with glass…though I can’t help but wonder how he learned the trade in the first place.
So all in all it was an enjoyable Christmas read, but definitely a different one.
the_novel_approach's review
4.0
Poor Eddie can’t catch a break. He’s left his sort-of-boyfriend in Chicago and is headed to Texas when the ex’s car breaks down outside a small Illinois town. He’s worked the Ren Faires in the summer and since things didn’t work out with the ex, he’s headed for warmer climes with friends for the winter. But then he accidentally becomes the material witness in a hit and run, and so he’s asked to stay put for a while until the local police can follow up—and, of course, this happens Thanksgiving evening.
The local police officer on the scene, Christine, enlists the aid of a good Samaritan who has stopped to see if he can help. It’s clear to Eddie that Christine and Grayson know each other well, and when it becomes obvious that she needs to leave, and Eddie needs somewhere to stay, Grayson’s big empty house is the answer. Gray isn’t too excited, but he also feels bad for Eddie, who is covered in blood, and cold, and it’s late on Thanksgiving.
When Eddie and Gray get to Gray’s house, things are a bit awkward—as expected. Eddie’s traveling light as he’s always done. He’s tired and cold and dirty, and his clothes are a mess. Gray offers him a shower and a meal, and Eddie’s almost too tired to argue. And he also recognizes something in Gray—desire. Gray almost pushes his luck, but he doesn’t want Eddie to think that this is some kind of quid pro quo arrangement or anything.
Gray is a bit suspicious of Eddie; he can tell Eddie hasn’t had it easy. He’s too thin, he’s too wary, and he’s too defensive and prickly. There are, of course, reasons for this that are revealed as the story unfolds. For his part, Gray is a bit overbearing, tends to jump to conclusions and get a tad bit preachy for Eddie’s liking. But Eddie also is a glass artist, and Gray thinks he could use him in his Christmas Shoppe for the rest of the season, and also sell his glass works. The majority of the story is these two working their way around each other and trying to figure out what kind of a relationship this is. Houseguest and owner? Friends? Employer and Employee? What? There are a number of layers that each is excavating as they reveal more of their past and experiences to each other. And, more than anything, both of them are afraid that this might be, could be, something more.
The subplot of the hit and run, and the search for the culprit, is a nice device in the story as well. There are also some lovely moments with some of the townspeople, and we get to see Eddie at work, revealing his vulnerabilities. There are some good friends that also help both Gray and Eddie see the possibilities rather than the obstacles.
I’ve been a fan of Amy Jo Cousins since I read her wonderful free story Five Dates for the M/M Goodreads group a few years ago. Since then, she’s gone on to publish a number of well received novels and stories, and this one will be a hit as well, I think. This is a really lovely story of two lonely souls who haven’t had a lot of success in the relationship department. They are thrown together in a serendipitous way, and they have to work against their own insecurities and fears to move forward in their lives. If their relationship seems to move pretty fast, well, sometimes that just happens. They literally spend all day and night together for a month, so there is a rather rushed/forced intimacy that seems to be a byproduct of that kind of togetherness. It’s like when you’re a kid at camp and you make a friend the first day, and by the end of the week, you’re crying when you both have to go home. It just kind of happens.
Highly recommended for those who love holiday stories with a little angst and a happy ending…and the possibility of another story for these characters.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach Reviews
The local police officer on the scene, Christine, enlists the aid of a good Samaritan who has stopped to see if he can help. It’s clear to Eddie that Christine and Grayson know each other well, and when it becomes obvious that she needs to leave, and Eddie needs somewhere to stay, Grayson’s big empty house is the answer. Gray isn’t too excited, but he also feels bad for Eddie, who is covered in blood, and cold, and it’s late on Thanksgiving.
When Eddie and Gray get to Gray’s house, things are a bit awkward—as expected. Eddie’s traveling light as he’s always done. He’s tired and cold and dirty, and his clothes are a mess. Gray offers him a shower and a meal, and Eddie’s almost too tired to argue. And he also recognizes something in Gray—desire. Gray almost pushes his luck, but he doesn’t want Eddie to think that this is some kind of quid pro quo arrangement or anything.
Gray is a bit suspicious of Eddie; he can tell Eddie hasn’t had it easy. He’s too thin, he’s too wary, and he’s too defensive and prickly. There are, of course, reasons for this that are revealed as the story unfolds. For his part, Gray is a bit overbearing, tends to jump to conclusions and get a tad bit preachy for Eddie’s liking. But Eddie also is a glass artist, and Gray thinks he could use him in his Christmas Shoppe for the rest of the season, and also sell his glass works. The majority of the story is these two working their way around each other and trying to figure out what kind of a relationship this is. Houseguest and owner? Friends? Employer and Employee? What? There are a number of layers that each is excavating as they reveal more of their past and experiences to each other. And, more than anything, both of them are afraid that this might be, could be, something more.
The subplot of the hit and run, and the search for the culprit, is a nice device in the story as well. There are also some lovely moments with some of the townspeople, and we get to see Eddie at work, revealing his vulnerabilities. There are some good friends that also help both Gray and Eddie see the possibilities rather than the obstacles.
I’ve been a fan of Amy Jo Cousins since I read her wonderful free story Five Dates for the M/M Goodreads group a few years ago. Since then, she’s gone on to publish a number of well received novels and stories, and this one will be a hit as well, I think. This is a really lovely story of two lonely souls who haven’t had a lot of success in the relationship department. They are thrown together in a serendipitous way, and they have to work against their own insecurities and fears to move forward in their lives. If their relationship seems to move pretty fast, well, sometimes that just happens. They literally spend all day and night together for a month, so there is a rather rushed/forced intimacy that seems to be a byproduct of that kind of togetherness. It’s like when you’re a kid at camp and you make a friend the first day, and by the end of the week, you’re crying when you both have to go home. It just kind of happens.
Highly recommended for those who love holiday stories with a little angst and a happy ending…and the possibility of another story for these characters.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach Reviews
fictionbrarian's review
4.0
4.5 stars
This was my first Cousins book. I've been reading good things about her for a while now, and about this story, so I finally moved it up my TBR pile. I'm glad I did. Both heroes were interesting, appealing in their own ways, and the conflict was believable which made the normally-infuriating "if only they would have a real conversation" aspect negligible.
I would absolutely read another book by Amy Jo Cousins.
This was my first Cousins book. I've been reading good things about her for a while now, and about this story, so I finally moved it up my TBR pile. I'm glad I did. Both heroes were interesting, appealing in their own ways, and the conflict was believable which made the normally-infuriating "if only they would have a real conversation" aspect negligible.
I would absolutely read another book by Amy Jo Cousins.
prgchrqltma's review
3.0
Two prickly people who have trust and intimacy issues learn how to be with each other.
frothy's review
3.0
Intensely christmassy. One MC starts decorating the house with christmas decorations, while the other has kept all christmas stuff out of his house.
Standard "grifter rescue and mutual healing" scenario, plus how nice small towns are.
Not her best.
Standard "grifter rescue and mutual healing" scenario, plus how nice small towns are.
Not her best.
endemictoearth's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Two delightfully grumpy assholes! Two grumps that are only fleetingly sunshine for each other?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident
nyphren's review
3.0
Also on my blog.
ARC acquired through Netgalley.
I liked Glass Tidings, but my enjoyment of it suffered a little thanks to my (wrong) expectations of it. When I read the blurb I thought the mystery of who ran over the girl would be a bigger part of the story, and well… it wasn’t. So I was very confused for the first 30% or so (and honestly a bit disappointed, because I would love read a story about queer people investigating stuff). That was my mistake, but it affected my opinion of the book anyway.
Glass Tidings is a fun story, though, with excellent characters. Both Eddie and Gray were really well developed & the writing managed to bring them to life. It took me some time to warm up to their relationship, but by the end of the book I was completely invested. I just wish the book was longer, because the latter half felt a little too rushed and I would like it more if there had been more… I don’t know, intimate moments (not sex) between them. I wanted to see more of how they worked together.
In conclusion, Glass Tidings is a good Christmas story even for those who don’t care much about Christmas (or for those who live where Christmas happens on summer and therefore can’t relate to all the talk about snow) like me. 3.5 stars.
ARC acquired through Netgalley.
I liked Glass Tidings, but my enjoyment of it suffered a little thanks to my (wrong) expectations of it. When I read the blurb I thought the mystery of who ran over the girl would be a bigger part of the story, and well… it wasn’t. So I was very confused for the first 30% or so (and honestly a bit disappointed, because I would love read a story about queer people investigating stuff). That was my mistake, but it affected my opinion of the book anyway.
Glass Tidings is a fun story, though, with excellent characters. Both Eddie and Gray were really well developed & the writing managed to bring them to life. It took me some time to warm up to their relationship, but by the end of the book I was completely invested. I just wish the book was longer, because the latter half felt a little too rushed and I would like it more if there had been more… I don’t know, intimate moments (not sex) between them. I wanted to see more of how they worked together.
In conclusion, Glass Tidings is a good Christmas story even for those who don’t care much about Christmas (or for those who live where Christmas happens on summer and therefore can’t relate to all the talk about snow) like me. 3.5 stars.