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By The Creek (2013)

by Geoff Laughton(Favorite Author)

3.95 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1623802989 (ISBN13: 9781623802981)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Harmony Ink Press

review 1: The young adult genre is difficult to negotiate as an adult reader and especially as a writer. This said, Geoff Laughton has balanced the need for the honest writing of awakening sexuality and the need to be mindful of information overload for young adult readers. (Yes they think they know everything but are often uncomfortable with seeing things in print, as words tend to have an emotional impact that pictures do not!).What is presented is the story of an evolving friendship/relationship between two young men that culminates in an adult HEA. As in all good YA fiction, we are presented with the emotional side of a sexual awakening and sexual encounters not the acts themselves. And for most YA’s it is the emotional connection that they are longing for anyway.The story pro... morevides a “classic” confrontation with parents, which can and often does occur when sexuality is revealed. However, Mr Laughton has removed “classic” religious hysteria and replaced it with a lesser known religious denomination. Thus opening the story to any YA feeling overwhelmed by any hateful religious belief. It also allows the reader to find themselves in the story even if they are not confronted by religious stereotypes; and by any of the disapproving parent situations that may arise at the revelation of ones sexuality. Juxtaposed with this scenario is the loving and warm parent that accepts their child with love. Kind and accepting friends, that offer wise and sound advice, which includes wishing for an adult to talk to and ask for help, rounds out a cast of characters that contribute to a lovely story.This is romance and not written as an edgy, gritty depiction of every YA coming out story. What is nice is that not all YA are angsty and confronted by horror in their everyday lives and this story would suit them well. YA want to see their stories in print and this is a well written offering to those who do yearn for love and friendship in an accepting world.I would recommend this to young people both male and female looking for a LGBTQ love story. It is perfect for reading while hiding in your room or sitting “by the creek”.
review 2: This has been on my TBR pile for awhile. I needed a romantic, boy-meets-boy story without cops, mob bosses or too much angst--this really hit the spot! It's a gentle story about a boy who moves to the country and falls for an Amish boy he sees at a swimming hole. The author's research on the Amish felt pretty solid and I liked that the romance is of a soul-mates kind that overcomes all odds (though I would not call it insta-love). I would have liked a little more intimacy in the book because it was a big deal to both boys, being their first time with anyone. I have a feeling Geoff Laughton aka Andrew Grey held back on sex because it's a YA, but I have seen YAs with much more, and I think it would have worked well in this story. In any case -- 5 stars from me! Thank you, Andrew. less

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