Karen D. (Kraduate) reviewed on 3/2/2010 + 35 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

Geoff was living the city life of partying, meaningless one night stands, and a mundane career until his dads life partner Len calls to inform him his dad lost his battle with cancer. Geoff returns home for his fathers funeral and ultimately decides to stay home and take over the farm. When one door closes, another opens; in this case the door is hinged to a closet and in the form of a young Amish man Geoff finds asleep in his barn. And so our love story begins.

Eli is on his year away from his community. At first hes hesitant when Geoff offers him a job as hes never lived among non-Amish people. But he and Geoff quickly become close and both men struggle with their budding feelings for each other. Geoff was raised by two men both equally his fathers and the only major resistance to their gay lifestyle is from his nasty and bitter Aunt Janelle. Eli, on the other hand, grew up in a community where gays are shunned and his coming out could mean problems for his family. Can Geoff and Eli overcome adversity as they fall unconditionally and irrevocably in love?

Love Means No Shame is a beautifully written love story that had me fall in love with the characters romance. I was brought to laughter and to tears, which is unusual for me as a reader, especially the latter. Geoff and Elis love is so tender and sweet and the writing is strongest when it describes it. You write what you know and clearly the author is a romantic soul.

The overall quality of the writing, however, is why Ive docked one star. I wouldve liked the supporting characters to be more fleshed out. The editing is crap. (What is the deal with editors these days?) Theres a lot of repetitive language and a lot of glossing over. If this novel was cleaned up a bit it would be stellar.

4-stars

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