Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing for an advance copy of this wonderful, heartwarming book. It addresses the stigma of old age and the accompanying boredom and loneliness. It shows how the elderly may have their wishes and opinions ignored and are often addressed as if they were children. It touches on themes of family estrangement, unconditional love, friendship, forgiveness, death and loss, and the importance of living each day to its fullest. The charming story may at times bring tears to one’s’ eyes but will also bring a smile to your face.

Joel is considered an unhappy, grumpy old man. When he retired he moved into a nursing home with his pleasant wife where they shared a room together. It has been three years since her sudden death. He has become despondent and increasingly withdrawn. When it is necessary to talk to the staff he is complaining or argumentative. A comatose patient was moved into his deceased wife’s bed and Joel’s longest dialogues are with this man who can neither hear him and answer back. When this comatose man died, Joel went into a depression and is contemplating suicide. He hates being told when to eat, sleep and take medications. He is estranged from his daughter and grandchildren. Because of a medical condition he cannot leave the nursing home grounds on his daughter’s orders.

His next roommate is a flamboyant, gay, former soap opera actor. The extroverted Frank Adams also goes by his stage name, Frank De Selby. Frank is outwardly optimistic, likes entertaining with his stories and jokes. He is very popular with the other residents. The two men, this ‘curmudgeon’ and the ‘popinjay’ strike up an unlikely friendship. Joel confides his plans to commit suicide. Frank does not dissuade him but criticizes the methods which Joel is contemplating. He says he needs to find the perfect method to end his life and he will help him plan. While causing Joel to postpone the act, the two men sneak out of the nursing home on four occasions and embark in a series of life-affirming adventures while enjoying the nightlife in the city.

Joel is now enjoying life when away from the nursing home. Suicide is receding from his mind. He reconciles with his family and does not want to die and leave Frank, his daughter and grandchildren, and a lady friend in the nursing home.

I could see this story as a movie or TV series. It contains a mixture of hilarity and sadness. Reading it was a pleasure.