Book Reviews

Book Blurb

In the summer of 1966, Todd Milonik, a devout practicing Catholic, is introduced to Matt Rideaux, a fellow Catholic trying to reconcile his sexual orientation with his faith. After a disastrous first impression, they become close friends and, eventually, lovers.

When the opportunity arises, Matt moves to Indiana to be closer to Todd, where they both find positions at the University of the Mother of Mercy. Unfortunately, an influential senior professor threatens to out them and ruin their careers.

Despite sympathetic friends and family, Todd and Matt must deal with homophobic threats -- both personal and professional. Is their love strong enough to weather all that stands against them? Or will the bigotry of others drive them apart?

Book Review

Even in the best of circumstances, many of us falter when love beckons us. We doubt whether we're smart enough, pretty enough, passionate enough. We may even wonder if we deserve the love we are being offered. With that in mind, try to imagine how Matthew Rideaux of 'Love Bade me Welcome' by Tom Jemielity feels when all of his life he'd been told that, because he was gay, he was evil, an abomination, completely undeserving of love. Fortunately, he meets Todd Milonik who becomes his best friend, lover, and companion through life's journey; through this relationship, he discovers that it is possible to have the intimacy and fulfillment he so desires.

Todd and Matthew are a wonderful couple, so compatible, so compassionate with each other. They weather the storms of life together, fiercely, but as discreetly as possible, defending their right to love each other and be together. It isn't easy in 1966 to be homosexual. In fact, it could be downright dangerous not only physically, but socially. Todd and Matt hate the covertness of their situation, but they are willing to do anything to protect their relationship. Fortunately, they have good friends, including one very special priest, and family along the way who love and support them. I loved both of their mothers who, in my humble opinion, are as much heroes in this story as their sons are. They stand up against anyone who threatens them and there is no wrath greater than a mother's when they perceive their child is in danger.

This is a poignant story written in a more formal language style which fits nicely with circumstances of the time period. There's very little overt sex, but the guys love each other with an intensity which is tangible and further explicitly simply isn't necessary to capture the moment. For me, the real charm of the story was in the subtle, cautious, but deeply-felt emotions which are revealed to us in a slow but steady pace.

I'd recommend this story to anyone who wants to enjoy a lovely, subtle, but meaningful story about true love overcoming the challenges that life throws at them. Thank you, Tom, for a comfortable, enjoyable reading experience.
 

 

DISCLAIMER:  Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was provided by JMS Books for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novella, 172 pages/45593 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	15-July-2012
Price
Buy Link