I loved the line when Stanley first kissed Walter - “I thought it best to get that out of the way,” Stanley said. “In case you punched me rather than kissed me back.” That scene kicked off their clandestine relationship and blossomed as the book continues. This story has quite a bit more detailed bedroom scenes than other books by this author, but i enjoyed it. I feel like it lent to the authenticity of the couple's relationship and what would be typical of a taboo relationship during the time period.

I also loved the interactions between Mr. Webb and his son. They are both the strong and silent type, but communicate so much more with what isn't said than with what is. The scene at the end when Mr. Webb is going to Mrs. Hill's house to advance his future and he proposes the plan with his son for future living situations - absolutely the best. It's the silent way of saying he accepts him as he is. Loved this part so much!

There are flashbacks to the war (WWI) so that might be triggering for some readers, but it's nothing graphic or too horrific. Mostly nightmares for Walter and some lingering health issues for Stanley.

While the book does go through a few months of time, it ends at Christmas time, which in my mind makes this a Christmas book. As such, imagining Walter and Stanley getting to spend their first holiday together as the closest to a married couple as they'll ever get, just warms my heart and truly gave this story a happy ending.