Home

by Kenneth Sean Campbell

The definition of home is different for everyone. For some, it’s a place, for others another person or a work of art or an old comfy sofa. Connoly Bradshaw IV moved 1800 miles from all he knew of home to avoid coming out to his family and friends. And Portland, Oregon had welcomed him. He has a job he loves, good friends and he has met his soulmate, Travis Craig. They are even thinking of buying a home together but, in order to move forward, he must face his family and the lies of omission. The miles are closing in on him and the inevitable Texas showdown hangs over his head. Then he receives word of his grandfather’s death and he must return to East Texas for the funeral. Putting his own life aside out of respect for his grandfather and namesake, he decides to keep his secret a little while longer when he returns to Madison, Texas and the family he loves and fears. But on the day of the funeral, his aunt gives him a package left for him by his grandfather. Inside is a journal kept fifty years earlier when the elder Bradshaw was a young man. The journal, the final gift of love, will change Con’s life forever, and the lives of everyone around him will be affected. HOME is the story of two Connoly Bradshaws: one, a contemporary story of love and coming out and acceptance. The other is a fifty year old tale of romance, love and loss in the summer of 1959. The youngest Bradshaw is about to be caught up in his grandfather’s life in a way he never expected and comes to understand that generations may differ in many ways but some things never change and one of those is love.

Genres: M M Romance, Historical, Contemporary

268 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2012

About the author

Kenneth Sean Campbell is a native Texan. He’s lived in Florida, California, Michigan, Oregon and Colorado. He knows the value of finally finding that place to call home and he found it when he returned to his beloved Sacramento, California last year. If it’s good enough for Joan Didion and Herb Caen, it’s good enough for him! Mr. Campbell started this phase of his life five years ago with the publication of Without Paradise. That was followed last year with Home. Gangplank! is the third book in a series that he calls “those stories I’ve always wanted to tell.” These writing projects have been the centerpiece of a clean and sober life and a great source of joy. He says, “Twenty-four year old twinks in Los Angeles aren’t the only gay men who have lives. There is a whole world of us out there over 50, over 60, over 70 who live and laugh and yes, fall in love. I write for them...and for myself!” Mr. Campbell is 66 years old, a Moon Child and an atheist (the nice kind.) He lives alone, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t love in his life!

Reviews

[Bookbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm amazed that his book has so few ratings. I found it to be quite captivating.

Unfortunately it also needs a good edit, the worst problem being the sudden tense changes, mid sentence at times. Seriously irritating, but worth struggling through.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little florid for my taste in places, perhaps, but the style was right for the characters and their stories. Well written and, I think, very genuine.

[Nijin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did 20%, nothing to speak about.

[Steven Letner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it: like reading two books in one