Whispers in Sycamore Hollow

by Jerry Moreno

Cody is desperately trying to escape his nightmare homelife. Michael is a doctor from extraordinary wealth. What they have in common is being shunned and abused by their families for being gay. Through completely different circumstances, they both arrive in the same, rural Georgia town and, when they meet, the attraction between them is instant and strong.

Together they face bigotry, homophobia, and hate. As attacks on them intensify, Michael and Cody rely more heavily on each other. Each new assault serves only to strengthen and deepen their relationship.

In this storm of violence, they confront their families and refuse to back down, only to be rejected again. Meanwhile, an unknown perpetrator escalates his attacks on their home, their businesses, and even their very lives.

Will Michael and Cody survive the attacks? Can their relationship endure the constant insults of bigotry and hatred? Through chaos and hostility, they have to fight for their love.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2024

About the author

I was an executive in the financial industry who left to pursue my real passion – writing. I'm an avid reader, love the theater, and I volunteer as a Paramedic with my local rescue squad. When I'm not writing, I'm cooking or playing the piano. I have three sons, a daughter-in-law and a grandson that I love and adore immensely.

I also love to travel. Last year I was fortunate enough to visit the Bahamas, Hawaii and Ireland. Previous trips include Italy, Spain, Mexico, Peru, French Polynesia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Turkey and Antigua & Barbuda. I still have 11 more states to visit to complete the full 50. Scotland, New Zealand and Australia are to-be-scheduled in the next couple of years and Scandinavia and Asia are soon to come under consideration.

Reviews

[Fay MMBookworm]

4+ stars I found this a really enjoyable novel.
This was a first read for the author for me which I enjoyed from the first page. After reading the blurb I was intrigued enough to take a chance and I’m glad I did.
This is a story written in third person which sadly I couldn't connect to because of that.
Cody was escaping his parents trailer with no direction in place leaving it to a beck of cards to decide for him.
A jack of hearts leads him to his new life.
Dr Micheal had his own plan to leave Sycamore Hollow in 10 months to go a big city where there was more opportunity for him.

A good first meeting for them both, I guess the Doc doesn't know much about a barbecue set up which Cody offers to help him.
Cody finds his way into town and quickly lands himself into a new job at the hardware store. Cody and Michael's double meanings in conversations make their first date funny.
Being a small country town neither MCs wanted to be out just in case it causes trouble. But secrets often come out regardless. Chapter 12 has some horrible tales of a violent sexual attacks that aren't pretty that may trigger readers. Also homophobia is included. A fantastic ending to the book with their HEA ending.

*Also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com

[Steve Wylie]

I loved this book. The story of Michael and Cody and how their relationship grows was really touching. The challenges they face in the small Georgia town are no match for them and the friends that they make, but that doesn't make the difficulties any less scary. The characters were relatable, and I believed in them even though they come from very different worlds. I literally read the book in a day. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.

[Maureen]

An enjoyable tale full of drama, love, and wonderfully kind people, well, except for one. A nice read.