Whispers of Home (Pickleville, #1)

by April Kelley

[Cocktails and Books]

Kenna's Thoughts

I really can't find the exact words to tell you how much I loved this book. I picked it (and the other two books in the "Pickleville" series) up because I thought the blurb sounded good, but I was so pleasantly surprised at how SWEET it was. As much as I love MM stories, there aren't a lot of them that make me say, "Awwww" and then cry. I'm talking real emotions and real tears.

It doesn't start out that way, though. The beginning is all about how Jaron is bullied in school because he is gay. All he wants to do is get out of Pickleville and to the city where he'll blend in and not be judged. His mother doesn't seem to care much for him, and his best friend/downlow boyfriend loves him, but he wants to stay in the closet. Mention is made of a particular boy that Jaron likes, but Travis is certainly not gay, and he's actually considered to be a manwhore.

While in the city, Jaron finds that he's far from happy. He has to do things that he is ashamed of just to get by. He makes friends with a pregnant drug addict who doesn't even know who the baby's father is. So...he has her put his name on the boy's birth certificate. He is most certainly little Bobby's father in every way.

Due to a terrible tragedy, Jaron and Bobby find themselves back home in Pickleville trying to put their lives back together, and the story takes off, and it takes off rather quickly. It's not a problem though. It actually feels that it should be that way. I fell head over heels for Jaron and Travis, and my heart melted over little Bobby. Their road to becoming a family is long and arduous. There are obstacles to overcome and old demons to face. Through all of this, the previously mentioned sighing, crying, and aww-ing is nearly constant.

I am highly recommending "Whispers of Home" to anyone who wants to read a great love story. It's not just for fans of MM. In fact, if you've never read an MM book, this is a perfect starter. April Kelley's writing style is very smooth. Her characters are charming and solid, right down to the background ones that you just know will be in the next installments of the series. Honestly, this is really awesome. Definitely pick it up.