Stone, Dan. The Rest of Our Lives: A Novel. Maple Shade, NJ: Lethe Press, 2009. trade paperback. 227p. $15.00. ISBN: 9781590211472.

Dan Stone’s debut novel, The Rest of Our Lives, combines the genres of romance and fantasy. Colm McKenna, a bookstore employee and photographer, has the power to freeze time and summon cold weather. He was raised by a Baptist aunt in North Carolina, and does not understand his powers until he meets Aidan Gallagher, a writer who also has unusual powers with regards to temperature. As they fall in love, Aidan introduces Colm to the world of witchcraft. Colm’s realization that he and Aidan had been together in previous lives complicates their relationship.

Colm’s discovery of the hidden world of witchcraft has a slightly Harry Potter-ish feel to it, but it is well done. The contrast between Aidan’s flirty, happy-go-lucky personality and Colm’s shy, awkward, and guarded personality is charming. The elements of magic and reincarnation are important to the novel, but they do not overpower the main theme of love. Stone’s humorous style of writing adds to the strength of the novel.

The Rest of Our Lives is a delightful light read perfect for a rainy day or a day at the beach. This novel is a finalist for the 2010 Lambda Literary Awards in the Gay Romance category. It is recommended for public libraries serving a GLBT population or those libraries with a good fantasy or romance collection.

Reviewed by, Paul Hubbard
Retired Public Reference Librarian