Stardust by Andrew Grey | Review, Guest Post & Giveaway | DSP 2014 Advent Calendar story

Stardust (Celebrate! - 2014 Advent Calendar) 

Duncan is an ocean from home over the holidays and expects to spend them alone. To his pleasant surprise, one of his European co-workers, Georg, befriends him and includes Duncan in the holiday traditions of his homeland: cutting a Christmas tree under starry skies at Georg’s country estate, decorating it at the family’s city home, and shopping at the Christmas market in Munich. Both men are lonely and realize they have much in common. But Georg’s life is in Germany and Duncan’s is in Boston. With the project they’re working on nearing completion, any chance for more than a holiday fling seems as elusive as stardust.


A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Advent Calendar package "Celebrate!".

Buy links for Stardust: DSP | Amazon

Buy link for the Advent Calendar: DSP

Duncan volunteered to work in Munich over the Christmas Holidays so a co-worker could stay home with his expecting wife. As a single, gay man without a boyfriend or family to speak of, it seemed like a no brainer. A few weeks into the project his liaison is replaced by one tall, dark and handsome German named Georg. From the start Duncan feels very comfortable with Georg and the two share details about their lives over lunch and a sightseeing trip where Georg shares the love of his country and his home with his new American friend.

The attraction is mutual but Duncan needs a little reassuring that he won’t be just another notch in the proverbial bed post. He is leaving in a few weeks back to America, so how could a torrid affair possibly end well for either of them. The stars seem to shine down on them though, making their connection impossible to ignore. Chemistry, passion and common interests can only take you so far when you live oceans apart. Duncan wonders how he will be able to leave this man that he is falling for, but what other choice is there?

I love that Grey put time and effort into researching the area this story takes place in. The descriptions of scenery, traditions and the family dynamics of someone of Georg’s stature added a little weight to the story, making it more than just fluff and romance. Ah, but the fluff and romance were quite fun to read as well. The perfect story for the season, I think my face hurts from smiling so much. A sweat and endearing love story for all us hopeless romantics, a very light hearted read. 

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation. Andrew's hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world's most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Visit Andrew's web site at: www.andrewgreybooks.com           >> Tams, Andrew and Dominic at GRL 2014 >>

Guest Post with Author Andrew Grey, Christmas Traditions...

Dominic and I have a number of holiday traditions.  Dominic worked for ten years as a pastry chef, so a lot of what we do revolves around the kitchen.  Even before Thanksgiving Dominic usually begins making his holiday cooking preparations.  He makes a number of cookies including Cherry Brandy Cookies, old fashioned cutout cooking, walnut kipfle, coconut macaroons, and molasses cookies that he does especially for me based on an antique recipe from my family.   In fact as I’m writing this he’s in the kitchen filling the house with scents that have my tummy rumbling. 

It’s my job to decorate the house.  We have three trees this year, one with angels in it in the living room.  The bug tree is covered with pink and white lights with hundreds of birds, and the small tree in the hall had some favorite family ornaments.  We decorate the mantle and dining room as well.  This year I cut back just a little because of time, but the house is always filled with holiday cheer and twinkling lights. 

We do all this work in preparation for our holiday parties.  In early December, we host the Christmas party for my writers’ group.  The ladies were here last Saturday and we had such a good time.  They are always a fun group and I got to open my first gift of the season.   (In case you don’t know I’m all about the presents.)   The second Saturday of December is always our holiday open house where we invite all our friends and coworkers to an evening of fun, food, and conversation.  I build a fire in the parlor fireplace, Dominic designs a signature drink for the evening, and the wine flows.   It’s an amazing evening and the highlight of our season. 

Of course the holidays wouldn’t be complete without holiday movies and this year Dominic and I are seeing a performance of the Nutcracker.  For Christmas Eve, we have dinner plans with special friends and Christmas morning, we’ll get up early to drive to Baltimore to spend the day with my family.    I hope you all have an amazing holiday with your family filled with the traditions that make your holiday season special.  

Thank you so much Andrew for stopping by and sharing your Holiday with us today!

For giveaway Andrew is offering up an ebook copy of Stardust for 1 winner, and I'm offering up a GRL surprise swag pack for 1 winner (US only shipping), so that's 2 winners! Just leave a comment below and share with us one of your Christmas Traditions. Winner to be chosen at random from the comments left on 12-14-2014. 

Happy Holidays everyone!!