Matches by Rick R. Reed

81CsO4hWJ4L._SL1500_Title: Matches
Author: Rick R Reed
Genre: Holiday/Fairy Tale
Length: Novella (17 pages)
Publisher: Rick R. Reed (December 7th 2011)
Heat Level: None
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: A poignant gay twist on the beloved Hans Christian Andersen classic, “The Little Match Girl”…

Christmas Eve should be a night filled with magic and love. But for Anderson, down on his luck and homeless in Chicago’s frigid chill, it’s a fight for survival. Whether he’s sleeping on the el, or holed up in an abandoned car, all he really has are his memories to keep him warm: memories of a time when he loved a man named Welk and the world was perfect.

When Anderson finds a book of discarded matches on the sidewalk, he pockets them. Later, trying to keep the cold at bay hunkered down in a church entryway, Anderson discovers the matches are the key to bringing his memories of Welk, happiness, and security to life. Within their flames, visions dance and perhaps a reunion with the man he loved most.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q1UTSA6

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Anderson is an unlucky victim of life and circumstance. He lost his lover in an accident, and then lost his job, and finally his home. Living his life in abandoned cars or wherever he can find at the time, he longs for the life and the love he lost. When a train operator mistakes him for a vagrant and sends him back out onto the cold streets, he happens upon a book of matches that prove to be a welcome distraction from the cold.

This little story broke my heart! For the short time, I was with Anderson I truly felt his pain in the words I was reading. It made me thankful to have a job, a roof over my head, a nice warm bed to lay my head down on at night. So sad how life sometimes gives all the bad cards to the same person.

If you are a fan of bittersweet stories, then Matches is just perfect for you.