Beneath the Palisade: Reliance

Wry wit and dry humor captured my attention on the first page of Beneath the Palisade: Reliance. By page five, I was laughing out loud as Ian Burke is being put through the paces creating a commercial for his new company, Burke Landscaping. Quickly we meet Harper Callahan, an exploited lawyer working on the defense of a known Ponzi scheme criminal.
Both men reveal loneliness, in spite of broad circles of acceptance for their alternate lifestyle. They seek companionship, not just in the form of sex, but in lives made more complete by finding a soul mate. Fortunately,
Harper sees Ian in his commercial and decides to treat himself to a new backyard…a reward for his long hours at work. Chemistry sizzles off the page as the two meet and make plans for Harper’s backyard paradise. After a proper amount of fun and games, Ian and Harper find their lives entwined.
A life changing episode orients Harper toward a different set of life goals. He can no longer stomach the shackles of the law office and seeks a lifestyle more in tune with his gentle nature, which Ian has beautifully captured in the backyard landscaping.
Meanwhile, we meet Alex, a closeted high school senior in pursuit of a fresh start. He’s been saving the money he earns bussing tables at the Lip Smacker café in hopes of leaving his drunken father and small town life. Anywhere has got to be better than Lake Superior’s North Shore.
Skelton weaves the stories of these men into a story filled with enduring friendship, compassionate mentoring and honest love. He misses a few opportunities for gut wrenching conflict, but I enjoyed the smooth and easy read of love between people who genuinely care for one another. Skelton’s story telling is colorful and engaging. I highly recommend popping the top off your favorite brew, sitting back and relishing this delightful book.