I’m participating in the A to Z blogger challenge this year. Since April also is the anniversary month for the release of my novel, ’Til Death Do Us Part, I thought I’d use that for the theme of my posts. For each letter I will come up with a word that is pertinent to the story, and post a short excerpt featuring it.

In general these excerpts will bounce around the timeline (after all, the story isn’t told in alphabetical order). No worries, I’ll give a little context leading into each scene so it won’t be necessary to read the others to enjoy the snippet-of-the-day.

P is for Parents

P is for parents—Henry’s parents and Sam’s parents. If you’ve been following along you’ll know that the chapters in this book (mostly) alternate between Henry’s 1st-person POV and Sam’s 3rd-person POV (although I’ve mostly been sharing from Henry’s chapters). But, because Henry and Sam are separated for the first sizable chunk of the book, and it is a love story, there are flashback scenes at the the beginning of each of the chapters where they are separated chronicling the highlights of their lives together from the time they first started dating to the night before Henry leaves on his ill-fated trip. Today’s scene is one of those flashbacks, and is told from Henry’s 3rd-person POV:

“Do you think it would help if I made the phone call?” Sam’s dad offered.

Henry took a deep breath and counted to ten while he considered Truman’s suggestion.

“No, I don’t think it would make a difference,” replied Henry. “I know you have a hard time understanding that parents could be so resolute in rejecting their own child, but they really don’t want anything to do with me. If it means that much to you guys that I try to extend an olive branch with a wedding invitation, I’ll make the call myself. Seriously, though, I don’t hold out any hope.”

Sam’s mom shook her head sadly. “No, I can’t understand it. You’re a wonderful young man. You’re smart and outgoing, you’re kind, you’re witty. I don’t understand a religion that could turn parents against their son simply because he’s attracted to other men—like-minded men—and not to women. It has no effect on how we feel about our son.”

“They’re not like you and Truman, Claire. Their lives revolve around their church. If their church says I’m evil, then to them I’m evil.”

“Is it possible they’ve done some research? Modified their thinking? Some churches have been updating their doctrines regarding homosexuality,” added Simon.

Henry closed his eyes and deliberated. He really didn’t want to call his parents. When he reopened his eyes, Sam’s family members were all still gazing thoughtfully at him.

He surrendered. “I’ll give them a call.”

Blurb

Henry and Sam Miller-Greene are living the dream. They love their careers — which afford each of them opportunities to travel to exotic locations — they love their home, Sam’s caring family, and each other. They disagree on the subject of adoption, but are fully committed to each other in marriage … ’Til Death Do Us Part.

The dream is shattered when Henry’s plane crashes, and he’s presumed dead. But four people — Henry, two other men, and a child — survive undetected on a remote, small, and insignificant island. Will Sam and Henry’s love be able to survive as well?

Henry fights to endure in harsh conditions, never knowing when disaster will strike. Sam struggles with his loss, but with help moves on with his life. Will Sam be able to put aside his new love when he reunites with Henry?

Info & Links: ’Til Death Do Us Part