Seven Days by Andrew Grey ~ Audiobook

SevenAUDlgTitle: Seven Days
Series: Seven Days #1
Author: Andrew Grey
Narrator: Sean Crisden
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 5 hours and 38 minutes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (11-17-2011)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: Can a person’s life change in just one day? How about seven? This is the story of seven pivotal days in Evan Donaldson’s life. Evan was a teenage street hustler when Father Valentin talked him into coming to Saint Bartholomew’s Academy. In that one day, Evan’s entire life changed. That’s the day he met his roommate, Clay Mueller, and the day Evan began to live. But Evan’s life would change again and again, from abuse to first love, to separation and heartbreak, and eventually to starting his own family. Through it all, whenever a door closed for Evan, a window opened, and the window was Clay. From the first day of finding faith and connecting with Clay through their relationship’s twists and turns, this is a glimpse into seven decisive days and the critical, amazing way a single moment can change destiny.

Purchase Link: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Seven-Days-Audiobook/B0068S4Y14?ref_=sr_1_2

Review: Evan Donaldson is a teenage, homeless boy who lost both his parents in a car accident and then ran away from the foster parents he was placed with. He learned how hard life could be that very first night on the street, and now he does whatever he has to do to survive. When he first meets Father Valentin on the street, he assumes the priest wants to be his next customer. But Father Valentin wants so much more for Even. The chance to give the young man the life he deserves. Evan is wary at first, but he puts his faith in the older, gentle man and it changes his life irrevocably.

For a teenage boy who has lost everything including his hope and dignity, Father Val, the school and the friends he meets that very first day turn his life around. Especially Clay Mueller. Evan is smitten with Clay from the start, but he never acts on it. Not only has Father Val explained the rules of the school, but also Evan is certain that Clay is straight, and doesn’t want to lose his best friend. Years later, the night before they graduate, Evan learns that Clay shares his attraction. But then after graduation the two drift apart, going to separate colleges and leading different lives. But Clay remains the one constant in Evan’s life. Through school, growing up, boyfriends, girlfriends and eventually adopting a little boy who is not much different from Evan all those years ago. Time and distance cannot escape destiny.

This is by far one of my favorite books in the genre. It is also my favorite book by Andrew Grey. I read the print copy several years ago and the story of Evan, Clay and Father Val has always resonated with me. It’s deep and powerful and shows that with determination, anyone can do anything. And that when you love unconditionally and give as much as you can to someone, expecting nothing in return as Father Val did with Evan and all the young men at the school, it can stay with them throughout their lives. Shaping them into decent and loyal human beings with a scale for love that has no limit.

Narrated by Sean Crisden, one of the best storytellers that we have today. I imagine those old radio shows from back in the day and the voice coming through the speaker transporting you into the world he was reading about. That is what Crisden does with this story. I have both read and listened to this book, and neither variance was disappointing. This is a must read if you like coming of age, finding who you are, beating the odds and that sometimes elusive HEA ending. And, who doesn’t love Andrew Grey?!