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A Simple Life
Frank wasn't sure what to think when Clark gave him a present in a little white box. It wasn't his birthday; it wasn't their anniversary. But what he finds will become a precious piece of his life.
31 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2009
66 people want to read
About the author
Chrissy Munder
48Ìýbooks46ÌýfollowersChrissy Munder writes light and sometimes erotic contemporary LGBTQ+ romance filled with everyday people and extraordinary passion to transport readers into their personal world of love, laughter, and desire
She is an avid reader, a wanderer of Michigan’s wilderness, and, while not in any particular order, a lover of lists, legally blind, and a certified crazy cat lady. There are those who might tell you she started writing as a way to justify her office supply addiction, but shhhhh! don’t listen to them.
After too many jobs in too many states she’s eagerly awaiting her chance to become a full-time Lake Michigan beachcomber. Until then, she’s excited to share her love of romance, laughter, and happy-ever-afters.
She is an avid reader, a wanderer of Michigan’s wilderness, and, while not in any particular order, a lover of lists, legally blind, and a certified crazy cat lady. There are those who might tell you she started writing as a way to justify her office supply addiction, but shhhhh! don’t listen to them.
After too many jobs in too many states she’s eagerly awaiting her chance to become a full-time Lake Michigan beachcomber. Until then, she’s excited to share her love of romance, laughter, and happy-ever-afters.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 4, 2017
Third time reading this story and I still love it.
Re-read for the Re-Romancing Favorites Challenge and I loved it just as much again as the last time I read it. This story packs an even more emotional punch for me this time around since my Mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. My Dad is now her caregiver (a total role reversal) and his worries about the future (what will happen as she worsens and what would happen to Mom if something happened to him) are just heartbreaking. Such a sad situation.
As I said in my original review this story is "a wonderful testament to the enduring power of love."
Original review from June 2009
I'll start by saying how very glad I am that I saw this book featured both in emily83176's LJ and at Jenre's Well Read blog. I did not order the Dreamspinner To Have and To Hold book collection because I wasn't comfortable paying for books without knowing anything about them. It's an interesting idea and I'm sure the books are all good but that's just how I felt.
After reading about the book I went and bought it. Despite being told that I'd probably cry it sounded like something I would enjoy. Well, I read it, then read it again. Just as I'd been told, I did cry a bit. But even though I shed a few tears I wasn't sad. Yes, parts of the book are sad but the overall spirit of the love shared by these two men was just so beautiful that the tears are more of a "God how beautiful I hope my love endures like this" than true sadness.
I really loved this book!!!!!!!
This beautifully written short story is about Frank Mills and Clark Sullivan and the life and love they've shared over the years. The story is told in the present and uses flashbacks to tell their history, it's a wonderful testament to the enduring power of love. There is so much in these 27 pages that it seemed like I was reading a longer book. We are given glimpses of their lives together, including the happy good times and some of their heartbreaks, both past and present.
's writing was so wonderfully descriptive and I was immediately "right there" in the story. I can't say more because I'd hate to spoil any part of the book for someone who hasn't yet read it. All I can say is that it is a fabulously engrossing, emotionally moving and even uplifting story. A definite must read for anyone who likes to read well written books about love. Just remember to keep the tissues handy, just in case.
Re-read for the Re-Romancing Favorites Challenge and I loved it just as much again as the last time I read it. This story packs an even more emotional punch for me this time around since my Mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. My Dad is now her caregiver (a total role reversal) and his worries about the future (what will happen as she worsens and what would happen to Mom if something happened to him) are just heartbreaking. Such a sad situation.
As I said in my original review this story is "a wonderful testament to the enduring power of love."
Original review from June 2009
I'll start by saying how very glad I am that I saw this book featured both in emily83176's LJ and at Jenre's Well Read blog. I did not order the Dreamspinner To Have and To Hold book collection because I wasn't comfortable paying for books without knowing anything about them. It's an interesting idea and I'm sure the books are all good but that's just how I felt.
After reading about the book I went and bought it. Despite being told that I'd probably cry it sounded like something I would enjoy. Well, I read it, then read it again. Just as I'd been told, I did cry a bit. But even though I shed a few tears I wasn't sad. Yes, parts of the book are sad but the overall spirit of the love shared by these two men was just so beautiful that the tears are more of a "God how beautiful I hope my love endures like this" than true sadness.
I really loved this book!!!!!!!
This beautifully written short story is about Frank Mills and Clark Sullivan and the life and love they've shared over the years. The story is told in the present and uses flashbacks to tell their history, it's a wonderful testament to the enduring power of love. There is so much in these 27 pages that it seemed like I was reading a longer book. We are given glimpses of their lives together, including the happy good times and some of their heartbreaks, both past and present.
's writing was so wonderfully descriptive and I was immediately "right there" in the story. I can't say more because I'd hate to spoil any part of the book for someone who hasn't yet read it. All I can say is that it is a fabulously engrossing, emotionally moving and even uplifting story. A definite must read for anyone who likes to read well written books about love. Just remember to keep the tissues handy, just in case.
February 6, 2010
I loved it.
Oh, you need more? Sometimes books and stories are so good, they almost defy trying to explain. There have been several short stories that I greatly enjoyed reading and was very glad I got the opportunity to review and share why. This particular story seems to be summed up simply by saying I loved it, completely and thoroughly. Even as I had problems with the author’s longer length work, she truly shines in her short stories. So before reading more ~ go buy the story. Now please.
For those readers that are unwilling to take simply my word for it, let me attempt to explain why this short story is really that wonderful. The blurb is somewhat misleading, though the story does involve a present. I can’t say too much about the story unfortunately as the telling and unfolding is truly one of the great delights. The slow dispersal of information keeps you guessing about what’s going on, leaving several possibilities running through your mind at the scene. Eventually you just give up and let the author take you where you need to go. It’s entirely worth the ride.
What you may need to know is the story is about the life of Frank and Clark. In the space of 27 pages, Munder has delivered an entire lifetime spanning numerous decades� worth of love, laughter, heartache, sorrow, disappointment and happiness. The romance in the relationship between Frank and Clark is sure to delight any reader and will likely bring a few tears to your eyes reading it. Not only was the ending incredibly touching, moving, and brilliant, but the entire story from beginning to end held a tangible emotion and chemistry between the couple. This feeling was easily translated to the reader, allowing a quick and smooth immersion into the story of these men.
The prose and writing are wonderful and if there are errors they don’t matter and won’t affect your reading. The emotion and depth of meaning between the characters is immediate and effective. From memories to present day activities, the lifetime of experiences and shared knowledge make this couple attractive, relatable, and enviable. The story shows the true romance in life, even through the pain while showing the work and love involved in a lasting relationship through all obstacles. Although depicting a technically simple life, their relationship has such depth and meaning that it is anything but simple. The beauty inherent in small gestures, gifts, laughter and understanding make this story one that takes you from laughter to tears and back again.
If this review alone hasn’t convinced you, you must read this story and decide for yourself. You’re sure to love it.
Oh, you need more? Sometimes books and stories are so good, they almost defy trying to explain. There have been several short stories that I greatly enjoyed reading and was very glad I got the opportunity to review and share why. This particular story seems to be summed up simply by saying I loved it, completely and thoroughly. Even as I had problems with the author’s longer length work, she truly shines in her short stories. So before reading more ~ go buy the story. Now please.
For those readers that are unwilling to take simply my word for it, let me attempt to explain why this short story is really that wonderful. The blurb is somewhat misleading, though the story does involve a present. I can’t say too much about the story unfortunately as the telling and unfolding is truly one of the great delights. The slow dispersal of information keeps you guessing about what’s going on, leaving several possibilities running through your mind at the scene. Eventually you just give up and let the author take you where you need to go. It’s entirely worth the ride.
What you may need to know is the story is about the life of Frank and Clark. In the space of 27 pages, Munder has delivered an entire lifetime spanning numerous decades� worth of love, laughter, heartache, sorrow, disappointment and happiness. The romance in the relationship between Frank and Clark is sure to delight any reader and will likely bring a few tears to your eyes reading it. Not only was the ending incredibly touching, moving, and brilliant, but the entire story from beginning to end held a tangible emotion and chemistry between the couple. This feeling was easily translated to the reader, allowing a quick and smooth immersion into the story of these men.
The prose and writing are wonderful and if there are errors they don’t matter and won’t affect your reading. The emotion and depth of meaning between the characters is immediate and effective. From memories to present day activities, the lifetime of experiences and shared knowledge make this couple attractive, relatable, and enviable. The story shows the true romance in life, even through the pain while showing the work and love involved in a lasting relationship through all obstacles. Although depicting a technically simple life, their relationship has such depth and meaning that it is anything but simple. The beauty inherent in small gestures, gifts, laughter and understanding make this story one that takes you from laughter to tears and back again.
If this review alone hasn’t convinced you, you must read this story and decide for yourself. You’re sure to love it.
August 20, 2009
This was truly a rich, delightful, witty, poignant, fabulous read. The characters are in a single setting but their whole life passes through for us to see the men and the depth and delight of their relationship. So much in a short story yet it doesn't feel short-changed, but nicely balanced. Great prose, every word a treasure.
March 15, 2010
Eversince Nicholas Spark's "The Notebook", I think love story that involves two elderly, where one is suffering from Alzheimer, will always grab my heart. So this one is no exception. The story is told mainly from Frank's point of view ... as he relieves his day with Clark, his husband for many years. The short story captures a number of "milestones" in their life, including the time when Frank discovers Clark's affair, the birth of their daughter, and even the time when he asks Clark to marry him. It's a beautiful short story.
September 19, 2012
Crap I'm a blubbering mess!! Eyes all blurry and nose running. The works! It was very "The Notebook"ish But I laughed and I cried. Worth the read.
5 stars for all the emotions it touched in me
5 stars for all the emotions it touched in me
March 22, 2017
Frank leads a simple life, especially at his age. There are a lot of things he doesn't do as much of as he used to, but he has set patterns that get him through the days. On this day he is thinking back on his life with Clark, of the wonderful memories and years of loving they have had together, as well as a rough patch here and there. All the while, he is preparing for a special visit.
This is a phenomenal story and I'm not sure I could ever do it justice. In the space of just twenty-seven pages, Chrissy creates a character that is engaging from the moment we meet him. The above summary is most definitely light as there isn't much about this story that I can reveal without giving away too much. This is the type of story that you must read, and any advance knowledge would damper the beauty ever so slightly, something that I'm not willing to do. The times that Frank thinks back over his life are well done, and they are woven into the present quite elegantly. Frank is in his later years which is thankfully handled quite realistically. For years he and Clark have been well past the point of being able to physically express their love but they have accepted this and still are laughing and showing each other how much love they still possess through things as simple as kissing. I truly laughed out loud at their attempts to make a particular birthday of Frank's quite memorable, and it was beautiful and touching. I never knew exactly where this story was going and was able to immerse myself in the story and the characters. I am not ashamed to admit that I was fighting back tears as I was reading the end of this story, and was unsuccessful. These were not tears of sadness, but tears from being so moved and touched by a short story that reached in and wrapped itself around my heart. Rarely does a story affect me so strongly ~ I had no idea what was in store for me but what an exceptionally affecting tale. This story is about two men who embraced living a simple life, but it is far from simple. It has a deep emotional core that is heartwarming and tender and magical. I have read a few of Chrissy's short stories, and this has moved up to the top of my favorites. An wonderful job all around and a highly recommended read!
This is a phenomenal story and I'm not sure I could ever do it justice. In the space of just twenty-seven pages, Chrissy creates a character that is engaging from the moment we meet him. The above summary is most definitely light as there isn't much about this story that I can reveal without giving away too much. This is the type of story that you must read, and any advance knowledge would damper the beauty ever so slightly, something that I'm not willing to do. The times that Frank thinks back over his life are well done, and they are woven into the present quite elegantly. Frank is in his later years which is thankfully handled quite realistically. For years he and Clark have been well past the point of being able to physically express their love but they have accepted this and still are laughing and showing each other how much love they still possess through things as simple as kissing. I truly laughed out loud at their attempts to make a particular birthday of Frank's quite memorable, and it was beautiful and touching. I never knew exactly where this story was going and was able to immerse myself in the story and the characters. I am not ashamed to admit that I was fighting back tears as I was reading the end of this story, and was unsuccessful. These were not tears of sadness, but tears from being so moved and touched by a short story that reached in and wrapped itself around my heart. Rarely does a story affect me so strongly ~ I had no idea what was in store for me but what an exceptionally affecting tale. This story is about two men who embraced living a simple life, but it is far from simple. It has a deep emotional core that is heartwarming and tender and magical. I have read a few of Chrissy's short stories, and this has moved up to the top of my favorites. An wonderful job all around and a highly recommended read!
January 16, 2013
For those of you who are a fan of The Notebook (both novel and film) and other such books this story will greatly appeal to you. Even for those not a fan of type of stories this one was still a good read although it did sadden me a great deal when it was revealed by Frank that Clark had an affair that resulted in a child. But the ending result turned out well for Frank.
I enjoyed Frank's trip through memory lane, it was cute, funny, sad and sweet.
I enjoyed Frank's trip through memory lane, it was cute, funny, sad and sweet.
September 3, 2012
Story of a poor guy that gets cheated on by his partner and stays with him. Such a wrong message to send out there. And the guy who cheated just wants to stay with the other one because he got some girl pregnant and he needed help to raise the kid (he was such a douche). So yeah, the story sucked.
March 9, 2010
Terribly sweet, wonderfully simple, slightly sad and gut-wrenchingly heartwarming
November 21, 2011
Sweet and tough and heart wrenchingly sad. A simple life can be the best kind. This was so short, but had my crying my head off at the end.
March 18, 2012
A very sweet story.
September 20, 2012
Beautifully written short story about a love lasting a lifetime. A lot of bittersweet punch in a few short pages. Well done.
June 8, 2011
I felt this book was trying too hard and came off as schmaltzy.
September 3, 2016
Sniff, it mad me tear up. Very sweet and well-written.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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