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The Woodcarver's Model Kindle Edition
FROM EXCITING NEW AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE PETER E. FENTON
Sometimes the truth is the hardest thing to reveal.
Travel writer Rob Hanson has been from the summit of Mount Everest to the markets of Mogadishu. He loves adventure, he loves his job, and he loves the freedom of being single. At least that’s what he tells himself.
Everything changes when an assignment takes him to a small, idyllic west-coast island where he falls in love with the local woodcarver. From the first moment he sets eyes on Mitch, he feels like he’s found his perfect match. But things are never that simple for Rob.
Before long he finds himself involved with devious deals, jealous ex-lovers, and secrets from the past that refuse to go away. Rob knows that the only way to get what he needs is to reveal the truth. But does he have the courage to do what must be done in time to save himself and the man he loves?
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From the Publisher



Editorial Reviews
Review
- Reds Books Reads
"There's love, romance, heartbreak and grief .... With some suspense and a "cad" as well. Great book - thoroughly recommend it !!"
- Miki J - MM Romance Reviewed
From the Author
It is filled with devious deals, jealous exes and secrets from the past that won't stay hidden.
But it is also a love letter to the beauty of nature found on the islands of the west coast of Canada and the small communities who band together around those they care about.
Ultimately, the book is about finding love and finding a sense of place in the world.
I hope you enjoy this small town romance filled with humour and heart.
-Peter E. Fenton
About the Author
Peter's previous work was focused on writing for the stage, with award-winning productions of The Giant's Garden, Newfoundland Mary, and Bemused playing across Canada and the U.S. His newest play, The Detective Disappears will tour in Canada in the fall of 2023.
Peter spent many years working in palaeontology in remote locations including the Canadian Rockies, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. He is now writes full time and lives in Toronto, Canada with his partner of more than twenty years.
Product details
- ASIN : B09SZGQK9P
- Publisher : Pride Publishing
- Publication date : April 19, 2022
- Language : English
- File size : 962 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 235 pages
- ISBN-13 : 978-1839431876
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Best Sellers Rank: #178,304 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #2,302 in Gay Fiction
- #5,645 in Gay Romance
- #7,311 in LGBTQ+ Romance (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Peter’s first novel, The Woodcarver’s Model was released by Pride Publishing in April of 2022 and was a four time nominee in the Goodreads M/M Romance Readers’ Choice Awards.
Following the success of the first book, Pride Publishing released The Declan Hunt Mysteries series which includes Mann Hunt (nominated for a Goodreads M/M Romance Readers’ Choice Award and recently translated into Spanish), Hoodoo House, (also a Goodreads M/M Romance Readers’ Choice Award nominee and now available in Spanish), and The Burnt which will come out in August of 2025 with Entwined Publishing.
2024 also saw the release of the critically acclaimed teen novella Not Not Normal, published by Lorimer Press.
His previous work was focused on writing for the stage, with award-winning productions of The Giant’s Garden, Newfoundland Mary, Bemused, and The Detective Disappears being produced across the country.
All of his novels are proudly set in Canada and are filled with humour and heart.
He spent many years working in palaeontology in remote locations including the Canadian Rockies, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Peter lives in Toronto, Canada with his partner of more than twenty years, Scott White. At heart, he is an incredible romantic.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoy this romance book, with one review describing it as a compelling M/M age-gap story. Customers find the book humorous, with one highlighting the enjoyable banter between characters Rob and Mitch.
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Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a well-written tale with intriguing elements, and one customer specifically mentions it as a compelling M/M age-gap romance.
"...this book: Great world building /Wonderful characters /Witty /Romantic /Tragic /Twisted /Unpredictable /Easy-to-read /Page-turner /Entertaining..." Read more
"...What I found was a well written story with just enough international intrique along with pseudo mysticism to keep me interested until the end...." Read more
"Fenton's delightful tale triggered many recent memories of experiences in the islands off southwest British Columbia, where the action here is set...." Read more
"...This was a compelling gay romance with very little explicitness; it was more romantic than steamy, but beautifully written about two sweet guys who..." Read more
Customers find the book engaging and humorous, with one mentioning the enjoyable banter between characters Rob and Mitch.
"...I enjoyed this book: Great world building /Wonderful characters /Witty /Romantic /Tragic /Twisted /Unpredictable /Easy-to-read /Page-turner..." Read more
"...No, but it makes perfect sense. Great read from a new to me, author." Read more
"...There will be intrigue, jealous shenanigans, political mischief, humor and a romantic ending in parts that had me happy-crying...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024This was a very fun read. The characters were well rounded and the dialog was very realistic. What I enjoyed most was the no drama between the two main characters. Yes, there were misunderstandings, but they begin their relationship falling in love with each other...and that made this story all the more interesting and fun to read. The one thing that I found strange was the Epilogue. It really did not add anything to the rest of the story. But I would encourage everyone to read this story. The author is on to something in the way he creates and expands his storyline.
Reasons I enjoyed this book: Great world building /Wonderful characters /Witty /Romantic /Tragic /Twisted /Unpredictable /Easy-to-read /Page-turner /Entertaining /Original /Steamy /Happily Ever After
- Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2023I read this whole book in a single evening and quite enjoyed it. It felt like a screwball comedy, with the romance sometimes taking a backseat to the madcap adventures the two men have trying to keep the island from being developed. There are a host of interesting side characters, from Rob’s house sitter and agent to the vet, mayor, ferry operator, and others on the island. I could see any of them being played very amusingly by a strong character actor; I feel like this is Fenton’s experience as a playwright coming through. I recommend this for anyone who would like to escape to a peaceful small island and watch some feelings and shenanigans.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2024I had no idea what to expect when I started this book, but something about the title had me curious. What I found was a well written story with just enough international intrique along with pseudo mysticism to keep me interested until the end. Was the voice Mitchell heard while he was at The Peak what he thought it was? No, but it makes perfect sense. Great read from a new to me, author.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2022This book wasn't quite what I expected. From the blurb, I went in thinking it would be suspenseful and actiony and instead it felt more like a peak into the lives of Rob and the people of this small island off Canada's west coast. It really took a while for Rob to even get to the island and there seemed to be quite a bit of unnecessary filler really slowing down the pace of the story. It picks up once Rob meets Mitch, and while they quickly jump into bed together everything is fade to black. Besides sharing some past together, both are now in different places in life and their relationship building feels off page and quick. Mitch is actually the more interesting character with his background and yet we didn't really get much time to understand him. There's quite a cast to this story and at times characters blurred together. I almost wish there was more action or backstabbing of ex's or something to spice up the pages. In the end, this felt more suited towards people who like to read about people's lives than someone looking for a romance. I also think the title is a bit misleading as it wasn't really focused on Mitch's woodwork. Maybe "The Journalist's Mountain" would've been more accurate. This didn't really hit the mark for me, though I didn't hate it so I settled on three stars.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2024Fenton's delightful tale triggered many recent memories of experiences in the islands off southwest British Columbia, where the action here is set. Two seeking souls, despite interference from friends and family, come together in love. Beautiful descriptions of lush and rugged lands and a community dog just enrich a well told story.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2022There are plenty of things to like here: a intriguing cast of characters, both central and supporting, with plenty of information to help readers get to know them; multiple POVs for enhanced perspective and immersion; a blend of dark and light: there’s intrigue and mystery on one hand, and on the other a super-sweet, almost instalove connection between protagonists and some exuberant and implausible but interesting supporting characters. While there are some rough edges — I couldn’t always follow The who/what/why of the narrative arc easily, and sometimes interesting context seemed to be introduced only to be ignored— overall, I really enjoyed this book. It isn’t what I was expecting, and I appreciated that.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2022I can’t believe this is the first book published by Peter Fenton. It was well-written and edited. Had just the right amounts of thrill, mystery, romance and intrigue. This was a compelling gay romance with very little explicitness; it was more romantic than steamy, but beautifully written about two sweet guys who deserve an HEA. The banter between Rob and Mitch is so fun. Mitch’s is all flirty innuendo while Rob’s is awe and surprise. A revelation will explain Mitch’s forthrightness.
Independently wealthy, Rob Hanson is a 45yo Canadian adventure travel writer who has travelled all over the world, most recently in Somalia where an event on his last day sends him home quickly. As a favor he is sent to quaint little Marsh Island, which is somewhat isolated and accessible only by ferry from the mainland. He’s been told to find the 33yo woodcarver, Mitch for picturesque island information. Rob is struck the moment he starts taking pictures of Mitch. There’s a connection he’s never felt before.
Through Rob and Mitch, we are introduced to many wonderful secondary characters and even a dog who are simply put, delightful. There will be intrigue, jealous shenanigans, political mischief, humor and a romantic ending in parts that had me happy-crying. This was a real treat to read and if you like good M/M romance with low steam but lots of passion, try this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews.
Top reviews from other countries
- PangeaReviewed in Canada on May 24, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, eminently Canadian love story
The Woodcarver's Model packs in action-adventure, travelogue, and a few surprise twists alongside the main story about trust, perseverance, and hope, which made it overall a very enjoyable read. The self deprecating and witty humour comes through nicely and keeps things light-hearted, even when dark past events are hinted. Loved the character development, especially for the quirky side characters, that bring the scenes to life. Between the scenic descriptions, conservation themes, and colourful desriptions of communities, the book is packed with Canadian vibes. Highly reccomended for anyone looking for an entertaining gay romance with lots of heart.
- Laura McIvorReviewed in Canada on April 29, 2022
4.0 out of 5 stars LOVE is LOVE! Great read!
This is my first time reading a gay romance. So I frankly didn't know what to expect. It was a great read and I look forward to reading more from Peter E. Fenton. He wrote a clever novel that interwove humor, joy, intrigue, sorrow, and of course, romance. It also re-affirmed what I already knew - LOVE in any form is quite simply LOVE!
- amanda clarkReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 29, 2024
2.0 out of 5 stars got bored sorry
Two much description. The first section telling all about our Writers home. Side characters we might never meet again unnecessary to the plot. Managed to last out til the market but lost interest in finally meeting the other guy :(. If it makes any différence I couldn’t read Tolkien either for the same reason :(
- MacTorontoReviewed in Canada on May 20, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful romantic novel
This is the second book of Peter’s I’ve read and loved it! A story it’s believable characters, conflict, intrigue, new romance and travel adventures.
Peter has a knack for creating believable, interesting characters and the story is another that kept me up way past my bedtime…I couldn’t put it down!
Highly recommend
- Paul RyanReviewed in Canada on October 30, 2024
3.0 out of 5 stars Hmmmm
This came up as a suggestion on Kindle and, having read the brief synopsis, I was intrigued. What drew me most was the setting. I built a house on Gabriola Island and lived there for five years, after decades in West Vancouver (now on Vancouver Island). I am curious as to why the author, whilst being meticulous in detail about other locations (overly meticulous?), felt the need to create a fictional Island, with a vehicle ferry no less. Gabriola may have been a little too populated for his purposes, but what he created was an unsustainable community. There several islands off Gabriola, which are water access only, but any of which would actually have made a more suitable and believable model. Additionally, the naiveté of the topic around the proposed resort development astounded me. Has he never heard of The Islands Trust? Something of this nature would have taken years and years to get to the stage reached here and would have involved so many local groups and small organisations in the process, that it would have been front and centre in the community for years already. Nothing would have been sprung on anyone and a politician would have carried no sway in getting something of this magnitude quickly passed. It would never have been approved because of lack of infrastructure - water supply being the main issue on the Gulf Islands. I would respectfully suggest that the author might have taken a more in depth look at the logistics for more authenticity, rather than just throwing in place names, street names and even street numbers.
As for the rest of the plot? Too simple and scarcely believable. Only the two main characters were at all developed. I found the writing style to be underdeveloped also - almost as if written for a teenage audience. (But not for teenagers of today.)
This had the makings of a good story, but turned into too much of an amateur travel blog, unfortunately. The romantic plot was very shallow.
I'm being kind in giving this book three stars - only because I know how low ratings can adversely affect the average rating.