Uninvited Guest

Such a simple yet enjoyable read - a breath of fresh air. Anton Swann deserves to find love and so does Dr Stephen Miller--even though the latter behaves like a grump for the first half of the book. Until gradually we find out why.
When Anton's car breaks down and he stumbles into the lives of this warm clutch of gay men, you sense that somehow he has come home, even though he has never been to this remote moorland house before. And as things conspire to keep him there, as the story of Stephen's tragic past unfolds, and a couple of odd sightings occur, we begin to realise that there is something otherworldly at work. Because Stephen's deceased partner, Sebastian, is unable to find peace until he has helped the doctor to find lasting happiness.
What I like about Lancaster's writing is not only his depiction of the flawed protagonist and his struggle to move his life forward but the way he brings to life lesser characters such as the sister Gemma who refuses to sugar coat her thoughts about her brother's decisions, Stephen's solid and dependable friends Martin and Gallagher, and even the ex's new boyfriend, Max, who appears to be the villain of the piece until you realise he is simply being manipulated in the same way Anton was manipulated by his ex, Christian.

Not sure what the other reviewer meant but the ending for me was perfect. One partner overcoming his worst fears to be with the other. Sure, this is not a traditional happy ever after tale, because real life means making compromises, and in the end both Anton and Stephen have to make those in order to move forward. But even with that, you just know they will both end up happily together.
Like my hot water bottle that keeps me warm on rare cold nights, I will keep this story close by, to drag out and read again in case I find myself getting disenchanted with the world.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.