Published Synopsis:
Parenting is hard. That's what Edward Rosenberg has always assumed although his only experience with children has been as the drunken uncle. Now the love of his life, Sam DaCosta, is yearning for fatherhood. Edward's been sober for years. He and Sam are in a good place. Why rock the boat? On the other hand, how can he deny Sam his dream of a family?
Then they meet Ginger. At twelve she's been through more than either Edward or Sam can imagine. She's seductive, secretive and dishonest. But somewhere between stealing his cash and alienating Sam, Ginger manages to wind herself into Edward's heart. Can the three of them create a family? Or will Ginger blow them all apart?
Review:
Edward and Sam are a committed gay couple who seemingly have it all. Nice house. Great careers. Amazing friends. But, Sam is unsettled. His biological clock is ticking and he wants to be a father. Unfortunately, Edward's not too keen about being tossed into the murky realm of parenthood but is open to exploring foster care through their attorney and close friend, Henry. And for Henry, the uncanny timing of his and Edward's conversation could not have come at a more perfect time as he already knows of a 12-year-old girl, Ginger, who desperately needs a good home.
After Edward and Sam sift through a wad of red tape to become foster parents, Ginger is finally introduced into their lives. The transition is anything but smooth. Acting as a buffer, Sam is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Ginger, the victim of severe sexual and physical abuse, nearly pushes Edward to his breaking point as he contemplates sending her away to what would amount to her seventh foster home. Sam, however, is determined to keep Ginger and ultimately takes on the role of mother and father while Edward glowers in the background.
Edward eventually comes around and Ginger slowly starts to settle in to her new home. Sam breathes a big sigh of relief, but continues to keep one eye open in case Ginger has a slip up and starts acting out again. As the saying goes, all's well that ends well and "Wild Ginger" concludes with a very happy ending.
I give "Wild Ginger" four stars. It's a very sweet story that gently unfolds to reveal Edward and Ginger's journeys of self-discovery as Edward learns that history does not have to repeat itself and Ginger discovers she can recreate herself to leave her dark past behind. "Wild Ginger" also shows that it really does take a village to raise a child. "Wild Ginger" is tactful and beautifully written, and is sensitive to what otherwise could be very touchy subjects. Kudos to Tara Wooply for crafting such an unusual story.
I thank the author for a review copy.
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