This book was so beautiful. This was the story of Milt and Billy coming together, but it was so much more than that. There was a very slow burn while Milt grieved the long decline and subsequent passing of his husband. He felt lost for a bit and struggled with feeling like he was allowed to move on. Billy had his own struggles, but he was in a place of relative peace by the time we got to the story of the guys. He is an alcoholic and we learn of some of his past struggles, but he is pushing every day to remain sober.

My heart really hurt for Milt. His love with Corky was great, and the sacrifices he made to help his husband were beautifully written. The struggle was present, and so was their love. Watching him come to terms with moving on was very powerful. I cried a few times. I loved his "dreams" and really felt like they were exactly what Milt needed.

This was beautiful.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by Signal Boost Promotions ( )

Most of Rick R. Reed's books are an automatic request for me when it comes to reviews. I'm so glad that I read Blue Umbrella Sky. This book isn't really a romance in the usual sense...but I'll explain that!

When the book begins, Milt is living in a trailer in Palm Springs... When his husband died of Alzheimer's, he sold his house and left behind his friends to start over. The problem seems to be that he didn't really start over, he just continued to exist. He's living in a trailer with his dog Ruby.

A flood catches him off guard and he is rescued by his neighbor, Billy. Who would know that flooding was even a possibility in Palm Springs!? Well, Billy does. Billy has been trying to get Milt's attention, but Milt is so wrapped up in his grief that he doesn't even see it.

And here is where this book differs from other romances. This isn't just about a potential new relationship, it's about first love. It's about living a full and loving life with someone, losing them, and then trying to figure out what is next. Milt had a fantastic marriage but when Corky became ill... he began to slip away from Milt. Of course, Milt stuck with him. He cared for his husband, watched over him and continued to love him even between the few moments of clarity that remained.

This past love in Milt's life is a touching story. Losing a partner to such a terrible illness is all-encompassing and the grief can be completely overwhelming. I really liked how Rick wrote Milt's character. He wasn't overwhelmed by his grief all the time...but he had those familiar moments that shock him: a mug on the counter, dreams of a conversation, a touch. Rick has written a beautiful and subtle exploration of a character's guilt, relief, fear, sadness and all the other emotions and feelings that are wrapped up in losing someone. Corky and Milt's love was the read kind. It was messy and painful in the end, but there are so many memories for Milt to relish in as he tries to move on.

Billy is on his own journey in this novel. He is an alcoholic in recovery. He spotted Milt when he first moved in and despite his attempts to introduce himself, they don't become friends until a minor flood gives an unexpected opportunity. Billy is confident and insecure at the same time. He's a lovely character and I really enjoyed reading about his journey with his sobriety. It was well thought out and very authentic.

This is one of those books that will lead you on a bit of a journey in your own mind. There's a lot to think about as you read along with these two characters. I loved this beautiful story. ( )