Finding Joy: A Gay Romance
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4.4 • 19 Ratings
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
As his twenty-sixth birthday approaches, Desta Joy Walker finds himself in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the one place he's been actively avoiding most of his life. For Desta, the East African capital encompasses some of the happiest and saddest parts of his life—his first home and the place where his father died. When an unavoidable work obligation lands him there for twelve weeks, he may finally have a chance for the closure he so desperately needs. What Desta never expected was to catch a glimpse of his future as he reconnects with the beautiful country and his family's past.
Elias Fikru has never met an opportunity he hasn't seized. Except, of course, for the life-changing one, he's stubbornly ignored for the past nine months. He'd be a fool not to accept the chance to pursue his doctoral studies in the U.S., but saying yes means leaving his homeland, and Elias isn't ready to make that commitment. Meeting Desta, the Dominican-American emergency relief worker with the easy smile and sad eyes, makes Elias want things he's never envisioned for himself. Rediscovering his country through Desta's eyes emboldens Elias to reach for a future where he can be open about every part of himself. But when something threatens the future that's within their grasp, Elias and Desta must put it all on the line for love.
Customer Reviews
A Real JOY!!
I often choose books to read based on a premise or location, and “Finding Joy”’s location in Ethiopia caught my attention. The story told by Desta was a much deeper hook and somehow drew me in almost immediately. I could feel the attraction of Desta to Elias as they worked together and shared each other. They each seemed to make tentative attempts to delve into each other… When the friendship naturally evolved into a relationship, the homophobic constraints of Ethiopian culture were part of the story, but not to a crisis stage. The feelings I had about this book and Ethiopia reflects the author’s affection and sensibilities for that nation. Desta and Elias worked for Aid USA, and that work was also described so well that I now have a new respect for that organization.. I will fondly remember this book and hope to find more by Ms. Herrera in the future.