Vermont Homecoming, Old Wounds

Roderick Waites, broke and heartbroken, drives from Nashville to his childhood home in Vermont, hoping for a fresh start. Instead, he's met with the same cold, conditional love from his parents, who refuse to accept his sexuality. The pain of their rejection is familiar, but this time, Roderick is older, more tired, and less willing to beg for acceptance. He leaves, determined to survive on his own terms, haunted by nostalgia for a place that never truly welcomed him. The ache of family rejection is softened only by the beauty of Vermont and the faint hope that somewhere, he can belong. Roderick's journey is one of resilience, as he steels himself to find work, shelter, and maybe, a sense of home.

Kieran's Secret Longing

Kieran Shipley, dutiful son and farmhand, is trapped by family obligations and his own repressed sexuality. He's always the reliable one, picking up the slack for his brother and father, but inside, he's restless and lonely. A chance sighting of Roderick at the gym stirs up old memories and forbidden desires from high school, when Kieran secretly watched Roderick with another boy. The memory is both thrilling and shaming, a reminder of everything Kieran has denied himself. As he works the farm, Kieran's longing for connection and authenticity grows, but fear and duty keep him silent. His internal struggle is a quiet storm, threatening to break the surface.

Roderick's Rejection and Resolve

After his parents' rejection, Roderick spends a cold night sleeping in his car, wrestling with the aftermath of a failed relationship and the sting of being unwanted. Memories of his ex, Brian, and the emotional manipulation he endured, mingle with the practical worries of survival—finding food, work, and a place to shower. Despite the bleakness, Roderick's determination hardens. He refuses to return to the vulnerability of his youth, vowing to carve out a life for himself, no matter how humble. The small town of Colebury, with its quirky businesses and unexpected opportunities, becomes a beacon of possibility, even as Roderick's future remains uncertain.

The Busy Bean Lifeline

Roderick's luck turns when he stumbles into the Busy Bean, a vibrant coffee shop run by Audrey and Zara. Their warmth and humor contrast sharply with his recent experiences, and when he reveals his baking skills, they offer him a trial. The Busy Bean is more than a job—it's a community, a place where Roderick's talents are valued and his identity is accepted without question. The camaraderie and creative energy of the shop rekindle his hope. For the first time in a long while, Roderick feels seen and wanted, and the prospect of stability and friendship begins to thaw the loneliness that has shadowed him.

Farm Family Tensions

On the Shipley farm, Kieran's life is a cycle of chores, family squabbles, and unspoken resentments. His father's back injury and the looming winter intensify the pressure, as Kieran and his brother Kyle juggle responsibilities and old rivalries. The family's expectations weigh heavily, especially as Kieran dreams of independence and a place of his own. The farm is both a source of pride and a prison, binding Kieran to a life that feels increasingly small. Yet, beneath the surface, there's love and loyalty, and the hope that one day, Kieran might find the courage to live openly and claim happiness for himself.

Chastity's New World

Chastity, a young woman who escaped a repressive religious cult, is learning to navigate college life, friendship, and her own burgeoning sexuality. Her innocence and curiosity make her both vulnerable and brave as she attends her first college party, experiences alcohol, and grapples with feelings for her friend Dylan. The world is overwhelming, full of temptations and risks, but also thrilling possibilities. Chastity's journey is one of self-discovery, as she tests boundaries, makes mistakes, and begins to imagine a future defined by her own choices, not the dictates of her past.

Dylan's Complicated Love

Dylan Shipley, Kieran's younger brother, is the family's golden boy—charming, musical, and popular. But beneath his easygoing exterior, Dylan is torn between his girlfriend Kaitlyn and his deep, unspoken bond with Chastity. The pressures of school, family, and romantic entanglements leave him feeling stretched thin, especially as October brings memories of his father's death and the weight of family expectations. Dylan's relationships are messy and imperfect, but his kindness and sense of responsibility anchor him. His story is one of growing up, learning to balance desire with duty, and facing the pain of letting go.

May's Shattering Discovery

May Shipley, the family's quiet achiever and only lawyer, is blindsided when she discovers her girlfriend Daniela cheating on her in a public, humiliating scene at Alec's bar. The betrayal is compounded by the realization that Daniela's affection had been waning for months, and May's efforts to salvage the relationship were in vain. The breakup forces May to confront her own patterns—her tendency to ignore red flags, her struggle with addiction, and her fear of being the family's "hot mess." With the help of Alec, she makes a dramatic, cathartic exit from Daniela's life, but the wounds run deep, and recovery is far from simple.

Alec's Bar, Alec's Heart

Alec Rossi, owner of the Gin Mill, is a charismatic bartender with a complicated past and a knack for reading people. His bar is a hub of local life, full of laughter, gossip, and the occasional drama. Alec's easy charm masks insecurities about his own worth and the fear of failure. When May's crisis unfolds in his bar, Alec steps up, offering practical help and emotional support. His growing connection with May surprises him, challenging his self-image as a perpetual bachelor and party boy. Alec's journey is about learning to care deeply, to risk vulnerability, and to find meaning beyond the next good time.

May's Messy Exit

With Alec's help, May packs up her life with Daniela, enduring the indignity of garbage bags and the bittersweet relief of escape. Returning to her family's farmhouse, she's met with a mix of concern, pity, and love. The Shipley clan rallies around her, but May feels exposed and fragile, haunted by the fear of relapse and the pain of lost dreams. The comfort of home is tinged with the discomfort of old roles and expectations. Yet, in the chaos of family dinners and shared burdens, May begins to glimpse the possibility of healing and new beginnings.

Family, Food, and Fallout

The Shipley farmhouse is a place of bustling activity, hearty meals, and complicated relationships. As May reintegrates into family life, she's surrounded by siblings, cousins, and friends, each with their own struggles and joys. The rituals of food and conversation provide solace, even as old wounds and new challenges surface. The family's acceptance is imperfect but steadfast, offering May a foundation to rebuild. Through laughter, arguments, and shared work, the Shipleys demonstrate the messy, resilient love that sustains them all.

Lark's News, May's Pain

May's best friend Lark returns from a romantic trip with news of her engagement to Zachariah, another close friend. The announcement is bittersweet—May is genuinely happy for Lark, but the news intensifies her own sense of loss and isolation. The unspoken history between May and Lark, the depth of May's feelings, and the reality of moving on collide in a wave of grief and longing. May's struggle is not just with heartbreak, but with the challenge of supporting those she loves while tending to her own wounds.

Temptation and Recovery

Back in her childhood room, May is beset by cravings for alcohol, memories of past relapses, and the suffocating sense of being watched by her well-meaning family. The urge to numb her pain is strong, but May draws on hard-won tools—meetings, honesty, and the support of friends like Alec—to resist. Her journey through addiction is raw and ongoing, marked by setbacks and small victories. The struggle is not just to stay sober, but to believe in the possibility of happiness and self-worth.

Friendship, Flirtation, and Healing

Alec's check-ins and jokes become a lifeline for May, offering levity and understanding without judgment. Their friendship grows into something more, as shared vulnerability and mutual attraction break down old defenses. Alec's presence at May's side—at awkward events, in moments of crisis, and in everyday life—helps her rediscover joy and confidence. Together, they navigate the complexities of new love, the baggage of past hurts, and the challenge of building trust. Their relationship is a testament to the healing power of laughter, kindness, and second chances.

Facing the Past, Finding Hope

As winter settles over Vermont, the characters reckon with their histories—family traumas, lost loves, and the scars of rejection. Roderick finds belonging at the Busy Bean, Kieran edges closer to self-acceptance, Chastity continues to explore her freedom, and May and Alec tentatively build a future together. The Shipley family, with all its flaws and strengths, remains a touchstone for everyone. Through forgiveness, honesty, and the courage to hope, each character moves toward a life that is more authentic, connected, and full of possibility.

New Beginnings, Open Doors

In the end, the story is one of renewal. Roderick's career and confidence flourish, Kieran dares to imagine a life lived openly, and May and Alec's romance offers both comfort and excitement. The Busy Bean thrives as a symbol of community and acceptance, while the Shipley farm endures as a place of hard work and deep roots. The characters' journeys are far from over, but they face the future with greater resilience, self-knowledge, and hope. Love, in all its forms, proves to be the strongest force of all.

Characters

Roderick Waites

Roderick is a talented baker whose life is upended by heartbreak and family rejection. His return to Vermont is both a retreat and a leap of faith, as he seeks a place where he can be himself without shame. Roderick's relationship with his parents is fraught, marked by conditional love and the pain of being disowned for his sexuality. Despite these wounds, he remains open-hearted, resourceful, and determined to build a life on his own terms. The Busy Bean becomes his sanctuary, offering not just employment but community and acceptance. Roderick's journey is one of healing, as he learns to trust again, embrace his worth, and find joy in both work and friendship.

Kieran Shipley

Kieran is the dependable son, always putting family and farm before his own needs. Beneath his stoic exterior lies a deep well of longing—for freedom, for love, and for the courage to live authentically. Kieran's sexuality is a closely guarded secret, shaped by fear and the conservative values of his upbringing. His attraction to Roderick is both a source of hope and a reminder of everything he's denied himself. Kieran's internal conflict is palpable, as he navigates loyalty to family, the weight of expectations, and the slow, painful process of self-acceptance. His growth is subtle but profound, as he edges toward claiming his own happiness.

May Shipley

May is the Shipley family's only lawyer, a high achiever who struggles with addiction and self-doubt. Her relationship with Daniela exposes her vulnerability—her tendency to ignore red flags, her fear of being the family's "problem," and her deep need for love and validation. May's journey through heartbreak, relapse temptation, and the challenges of sobriety is raw and honest. Her friendship with Lark is both a source of comfort and pain, as unrequited feelings complicate her recovery. May's connection with Alec offers a new model of love—one built on humor, acceptance, and mutual support. Her story is one of resilience, as she learns to forgive herself and believe in the possibility of joy.

Alec Rossi

Alec is the owner of the Gin Mill, a bar that serves as both his livelihood and his social world. Outwardly confident and playful, Alec harbors insecurities about his worth and fears of failure, shaped by a history of family instability and professional setbacks. His role as bartender makes him a confidant and observer, but he's often on the outside looking in. Alec's growing relationship with May challenges his self-image, drawing out his capacity for care, vulnerability, and commitment. His journey is about moving beyond surface pleasures to embrace deeper connections and a sense of purpose.

Chastity

Chastity is a young woman who escaped a fundamentalist cult, determined to build a life of her own choosing. Her naivety is matched by a fierce desire to experience the world—college, friendship, romance, and self-expression. Chastity's feelings for Dylan are intense and complicated, colored by her lack of experience and the trauma of her past. Her story is one of courage, as she navigates new freedoms, makes mistakes, and learns to trust herself. Chastity embodies the hope and vulnerability of starting over, and her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery.

Dylan Shipley

Dylan is the Shipley family's golden boy, beloved for his humor, talent, and warmth. Yet, he is caught between competing loyalties—to his family, his girlfriend Kaitlyn, and his friend Chastity. Dylan's easy charm masks deeper struggles with grief, responsibility, and the fear of disappointing those he loves. His relationships are messy, marked by both genuine affection and the pain of unspoken truths. Dylan's arc is one of maturation, as he learns to balance desire with duty and to face the complexities of love and loss.

Lark

Lark is May's best friend and the center of a close-knit circle. Her engagement to Zachariah is a source of joy and pain, especially for May, whose feelings for Lark run deeper than friendship. Lark's warmth, beauty, and loyalty make her a beloved figure, but her happiness also serves as a mirror for May's own struggles. Lark's role is both catalyst and comfort, embodying the bittersweet nature of change and the enduring power of friendship.

Daniela

Daniela is May's ex-girlfriend, whose infidelity and emotional distance precipitate May's crisis. Outwardly confident and passionate, Daniela is ultimately unable to commit, clinging to past loves and sabotaging her relationship with May. Her actions are hurtful and cowardly, forcing May to confront hard truths about love, trust, and self-respect. Daniela's character serves as both antagonist and cautionary tale, illustrating the damage wrought by dishonesty and unresolved baggage.

Zara Rossi

Zara is Alec's sister and co-owner of the Busy Bean. Her sharp humor, business acumen, and maternal instincts make her a pillar of support for both family and friends. Zara's history with the Shipleys is complicated, but her loyalty and pragmatism shine through. She is a voice of reason and encouragement, helping others find their footing and reminding them of their worth. Zara's presence is a steadying force, anchoring the community and fostering connection.

Griffin Shipley

Griffin is the eldest Shipley sibling, the de facto head of the family farm. His sense of duty is unwavering, and he often puts others' needs before his own. Griffin's gruff exterior hides a deep well of love and vulnerability, especially in the face of family crises and personal loss. His leadership is both a burden and a gift, shaping the family's resilience and unity. Griffin's journey is one of balancing strength with tenderness, and tradition with change.

Plot Devices

Alternating Perspectives

The novel employs a rotating cast of narrators, allowing readers to experience the story through the eyes of Roderick, Kieran, May, Alec, Chastity, and others. This structure enriches the narrative, providing insight into each character's inner world and the ways their lives intersect. The shifting perspectives create empathy, tension, and a sense of community, as the characters' struggles and triumphs echo and amplify one another.

Found Family and Community

A central theme is the power of found family—communities built on acceptance, support, and shared experience. The Busy Bean, the Shipley farm, and the Gin Mill serve as hubs where characters find belonging, purpose, and love. These spaces contrast with the pain of biological family rejection, highlighting the importance of chosen kinship and the possibility of starting anew.

Food and Work as Metaphor

The characters' professions—baking, farming, running a bar—are more than livelihoods; they are metaphors for healing, creativity, and connection. The act of making bread, tending crops, or serving drinks becomes a way to nurture others and oneself. These daily rituals ground the characters, offering both solace and a path to self-acceptance.

Foreshadowing and Parallel Arcs

The narrative weaves together parallel arcs—Roderick's search for belonging, Kieran's struggle with identity, May's battle with addiction, Alec's quest for meaning—foreshadowing each other's breakthroughs and setbacks. The characters' journeys mirror and inform one another, creating a tapestry of resilience and transformation.

Humor and Dialogue

Sharp, playful dialogue and moments of levity punctuate the story, providing relief from heavier themes and deepening relationships. Humor becomes a tool for coping, flirting, and forging bonds, reminding characters and readers alike that joy can coexist with sorrow.

Analysis

Roommate by Sarina Bowen is a heartfelt exploration of chosen family, resilience, and the messy, beautiful process of healing. Through its ensemble cast and interwoven narratives, the novel delves into themes of rejection, addiction, sexuality, and the search for belonging. The Vermont setting, with its small-town intimacy and natural beauty, serves as both backdrop and character, shaping the lives and choices of those who call it home. Bowen's storytelling is marked by empathy, wit, and a keen understanding of human vulnerability. The characters' struggles—with family expectations, heartbreak, and self-doubt—are rendered with honesty and compassion, making their victories all the more poignant. At its core, Roommate is a celebration of the ways we find and make home—not just in places, but in people. It reminds us that love, in all its forms, is both a refuge and a catalyst for growth, and that even in the aftermath of loss, new beginnings are possible. The novel's lessons are clear: authenticity is worth the risk, community is essential, and hope endures, even in the darkest seasons.

Last updated: November 25, 2025