The Woodcarver’s Model
Delightful love story with complexity, found family and passion. I really enjoyed this surprisingly good read from an unknown, to me author. There is action, drama, sweet connections and most of love that make this story terrific. The writing was really good as it gently wove a beautiful and complex plot in a very unhurried and colorful plot. The supporting characters are numerous and yet just right. They do not take over the plot but add depth and context to this story. Some surprising connections and some hurt your heart truths move this story along.
The connection between Rob and Mitch felt authentic and the connections that were built on the island were like threads that are the basis of a community.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I freely give my honest opinion and review.
— Dixiecowgirl060 (Amazon.com Review)
There’s love, romance, heartbreak and grief…with some suspense and a “cad” as well. Great book. Thoroughly recommend it!!
— Miki J (MM Romance Review)
Wow, this book was so much more detailed than I was initially expecting! I loved how open to everything Mitch was and how he threw himself into the relationship with Rob when they reconnected. There were so many unexpected twists and turns in this Book and I was just hooked.
I loved how determined Rob was to earn back Mitch’s trust and also how fiercely protective the islanders were, both of Mitch and of their home. There was just so much detail in this book and it was really amazing.
— Reds Books Reads (Amazon.co.uk Review)
Sweet, humorous, compelling M/M age-gap romance with surprises
I can’t believe this is the first book published by Peter Fenton. It was well-written and edited. Had just the right amounts of thrill, mystery, romance and intrigue. This was a compelling gay romance with very little explicitness; it was more romantic than steamy, but beautifully written about two sweet guys who deserve an HEA. The banter between Rob and Mitch is so fun. Mitch’s is all flirty innuendo while Rob’s is awe and surprise. A revelation will explain Mitch’s forthrightness.
Independently wealthy, Rob Hanson is a 45yo Canadian adventure travel writer who has travelled all over the world, most recently in Somalia where an event on his last day sends him home quickly. As a favor he is sent to quaint little Marsh Island, which is somewhat isolated and accessible only by ferry from the mainland. He’s been told to find the 33yo woodcarver, Mitch for picturesque island information. Rob is struck the moment he starts taking pictures of Mitch. There’s a connection he’s never felt before.
Through Rob and Mitch, we are introduced to many wonderful secondary characters and even a dog who are simply put, delightful. There will be intrigue, jealous shenanigans, political mischief, humor and a romantic ending in parts that had me happy-crying. This was a real treat to read and if you like good M/M romance with low steam but lots of passion, try this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews.
— Linda Reads (Amazon.com Verified Review)
Wow, the Woodcarver’s Model came with all the feels, all the emotions. I laughed, I cried, I laughed while crying. I liked how this new author took care in providing each character’s backstory, even the tertiary ones. Understanding their backstory made all the characters richer and that in turn added to the story’s realism.
I’m hoping there’s more. I loved the Canadian setting. It’s interesting to learn more about our Northern neighbors and I hope there’s a novel dedicated to Eric and Tylor with the return of Rob and Mitch and Estelle and Sheila and Frances and Francis and the rest of the Islanders.
— MM Book (Goodreads Review)
Just lovely. We have a story of a man finding a home, even when he didn’t know he needed one. Another is almost treading water while he wrestles with his past. Rob and Mitch are so good together. Then lies were told to purposely split them up. Other manipulations are going on to threaten everything.
The island is full of quirky characters that have each other’s back, no matter what. The bad guys are bad, and then there’s everyone else. There’s a great view and a really great dog! The slightly witchy vibe just adds to the story.
It’s well written, with just enough conflict. One of the best books I’ve read lately!
— Jerri (Love Shack Romance Review)
This is damn good.
It’s not your typical romance novel. This is full of suspense, intrigue, mystery, and a touch of spiritualism. With a healthy dose of miscommunication, devious interlopers, and quirky island characters to make things interesting.
Its dramatic plot feels a bit dark and rough, but the lovable and sometimes ridiculous friends (and dog) keep it from being too heavy. Told from multiple POVs, it keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing as to where this will go next. You won’t’ be bored, that’s for sure but you may want to smack one or both characters upside the head a time or two!
I also have to give a shout to this being Canadian!! We need more of that.
— Heather Duff, Not Guilty of Books (Amazon.ca Review)
I stayed up to finish this because it was quite addictive reading with a fast moving and often dramatic plot.
While there are a few niggles, such as Mitch’s past being revealed and then glossed over, overall it was a great read.
Told in multiple povs, there is a little bit of on page steam and also an encounter with someone else outside the main pairing. Those things didn’t bother me, this was more about the various plots and Rob and Mitch finding love.
— Jacquie (Amazon.co.uk Review)
A delightful main course of gay romance with small sides of sex and violence. Dessert was sublime. You’ll recognise many of the characters amongst your own friends or family which brings an immediate intimacy to the book, reminds you of, or just like so-and-so. It has a comfortable and familiar feel right from the start. Too short—I wanted to spend more time with these characters.
— John (Goodreads Review)
Peter E. Fenton 