The Handyman's Reality

THE HANDYMAN'S REALITY IS THE WINNER OF THE GAY/LESBIAN FICTION CATEGORY OF THE 2007 FOREWORD MAGAZINE BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS The story of handyman Ed Stephens and his mailman boyfriend Rick Benton continues in The Handyman’s Reality, the anticipated follow-up to The Handyman’s Dream. When Rick decides to move in with Ed and begin a committed relationship, Ed believes his long-time dreams about the perfect man have come true. However, he quickly learns that the day-to-day reality of living with another man is not always the blissful fantasy he had imagined. Ed’s good friend and staunch supporter, Mrs. Hilda Penfield, complicates matters further with a stunning proposal for Ed and Rick. As they make their first major decision as a couple, Ed realizes that Rick’s vision of their life together isn’t an exact match of his own. In addition, Ed’s concerns about living openly with another man in Porterfield, Indiana—population nine thousand—continue to haunt him, and are brought into sharper focus after an unpleasant encounter with one of his clients. Ed doesn’t lack for input and advice from his opinionated mother, Norma; his younger but more experienced sister, Laurie; his mouthy but lovable friend, Gordy; and the wise and wonderful Mrs. Penfield. Fortunately, Ed’s practicality and his desire to make his marriage with Rick work enable him to navigate the unexpected twists and turns of his new life with the grace and humor that endeared Ed to readers of The Handyman’s Dream. With another soundtrack of timeless pop classics, author Nick Poff invites you to enjoy the continuing heartwarming journey of Ed and Rick as they make the transition from romantic courtship to the realities of a life together.