The Long Journey To You

Nathan doesn't know how to stop dwelling on the failures and tragedies that have plagued him since the last time we saw him at the end of The Mayor of Oak Street, a twenty-one-year-old happily in the arms of the handsome young doctor he had pined for since he was twelve. Many years later, what could mend Nathan's heart after the latest tragedy and stop his deep dives into the past? After a chance meeting on the street with ER nurse, Mateo, a big chunk of Nathan's reminiscing is now devoted to that encounter. Will he seize the day or continue wallowing in the past, having lunch with his BFF, and writing poetry? He has traveled the globe and survived a disease that people once thought was a death sentence. There are moments with Mateo he is convinced that his whole life led him to this great love. At other times, he's ready to kill him. Mateo, for his part, must take care of his ailing mother while he works full time in the emergency room. The practical aspects of starting a new relationship are challenging. Above all, this novel is a story of healing and finding true love. "In this romantic and engaging novel, Meis presents an authentic story of an older man reflecting upon his past and facing an uncertain future. An emotionally honest love story featuring a tragic history and a new beginning."
-Kirkus Reviews "The Long Journey to You is an in-depth portrait of an older man, whose age and past yield a rich panoply of experiences that are vividly described and artfully interwoven into the narrative. Meis' dialogue is fast and taut, heightening the growing excitement between Nathan and Mateo. While the novel is a love story about a spring/winter relationship, it also achieves a nuanced interiority that takes the reader inside a decades-long life."
-Laury A. Egan, author of The Firefly, The Psychologist's Shadow & more "In The Long Journey to You, Meis takes a not-quite unlikable character, manages to redeem him, and convinces the reader to cheer him on to a hard-won chance at life-changing and affirming love. Meis is particularly skilled in adding dialogue that is unexpected, irreverent, and at times, hilarious. Readers who desire meaty character arcs, exotic locations, and a non-traditional romance will embrace this fever dream full of loss, love, and hope."
-R.L. Merrill, author of A Peace Offering, Love Is All series & more "Vincent Meis beautifully conveys the depths of loss and heights of rebirth in this love story that will capture even the hardest of hearts."
-Pat Henshaw, author of What's in a Name, Foothills Pride series & more "The Long Journey to You is a well-crafted novel that balances romance, personal growth, and historical context. It's a story that not only entertains but also enlightens, offering insights into the LGBTQ experience across different eras. The narrative's journey across the globe, coupled with Nathan's internal journey toward understanding and acceptance, makes for an engaging read. I am certainly looking forward to more works from Meis."
-Literary Titan