My Happiness, a historical romance novel by Tom Bither, was published on September 7, 2026. The series follows Russian Lieutenant Alexeev Kondurov through love, loss, persecution and personal change in 1700s Russia.
Alexeev falls in love with an older man, Tomi Pedorov. After six years apart, they find their way back to each other, and Alexeev retires from the army. Together, they travel from Moscow to Tomi’s home in Storozhevsk, in the Komi Republic.
The journey tests them. Tomi’s illness grows worse, Alexeev faces difficult choices about their relationship, and they encounter prejudice and danger because they are a same-sex couple.
When they reach Tomi’s estate, Alexeev takes on the role of his caregiver. Their relationship is tested again as Tomi’s health declines, and the future they imagined becomes uncertain.
A year after Tomi’s death, Alexeev finds love again with Timur, a man 15 years younger. But the Tsar rescinds Alexeev’s retirement and issues arrest orders, forcing him and Timur to flee the country.
Their journey south brings them together with Tomi’s nephew, Ivan, and Maksim, an orphan Tomi had befriended. The group heads toward the Black Sea, where new relationships, dangers and unexpected events await them.
In Khadjibey, they meet Pelageya, a seer and relative of Orlov’s wife. She gives them predictions about their journey, and two soon come true.
Bither began writing in 2017 at age 57. He spent more than 45 years working at Bank of America across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange and Riverside counties. His experiences with people from different cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, generations and faiths helped shape the themes of his writing.
The series focuses on love, identity, acceptance and the struggles faced by LGBTQ people in a different time.
“My message to my readers: Be true to yourself in every way while still allowing others to be true to themselves in your presence,” says Bither.
My Happiness is written for adults 18 and older, including LGBTQIA+ readers and allies. The series combines historical fiction with LGBTQ romance and explores the choices people make when love and survival are at stake.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tom Bither began writing in 2017 at age 57. He spent more than 45 years working at Bank of America and made a point of getting to know people from different cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, generations and faiths. Those experiences continue to shape his writing and its focus on diversity, equality and acceptance.
Amazon Link : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HHPV3MHC?binding=hardcover&ref_=saga_sdp_cft_dsk
Contact Media:
Contact Name: Tom Bither
Website URL: authortombither.com
Amazon Link : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HHPV3MHC?binding=hardcover&ref_=saga_sdp_cft_dsk
