Sins of the Father by D.W. Marchwell is a contemporary homoerotic romance.

In 1981, Charlie's life was drastically changed the night his father drove drunk and killed a woman and her children. The only thing that kept his life stable at all was his mother who stood by him, loving and raising him until she died leaving him alone. The entire town turned against them when his father was convicted holding them to blame. Years later, still embittered Charlie met Jesse, a gentle and loving man who changed the course of Charlie's life. After years of happiness, Jesse died leaving Charlie broken inside. Charlie's friends Beth and Deanna keep trying to set him up with blind dates, but they just remind him of Jesse. Charlie has found solace in a writer who seems to understand his feelings of grief, loss, and betrayal. Charlie agrees on one last blind date hoping that this one man will be someone different who can fill the hole in this life.

James's life ended when he witnessed his father brutally murder his mother leaving him alone and grief stricken. After years of running, James started writing out his deepest feelings, and one publisher agreed to publish the short book. James finds out that one of his books has sold, leaving him with a feeling of success. James's friend Deanne wants him to meet Charlie, a man who she feels is perfect for him.

Caleb Farmer in an inmate at a local jail who is trying to make amends to the people he hurt for the crime he committed, and the only one left to contact is his son Junior. Caleb asked Charlie, a teacher who volunteers at the jail, to help him write a letter for his son. Charlie has been working at the jail ever since his father lived there, and he agrees to help Caleb.

What will happen when Charlie and James's lives intersect? Will Caleb get his wish or is the past to painful for James to resurrect?

Mr. Marchwell has created a fascinating story about three men in a contemporary setting. It is sad that society blames the innocent family members who are as much victims as the people he killed. Both James and Charlie had terrible childhood experiences. Charlie was lucky enough to find Jesse, while James never found the man of his dreams and he wasn't willing to settle for anything less. Charlie found himself torn between his desire to help Caleb and his growing feelings for James. I wouldn't want to have to choose and wouldn't know what to do. Most people wouldn't care what Caleb wanted, but Charlie's big heart allows him see what Caleb wants- to find and spend his last days with the son he really loves. The growing trust and love between Charlie and James is poignant and beautiful, but is it strong enough to overcome their past, to look towards tomorrow? Thanks go to Mr. Marchwell for an inspiring story.

Reviewed by: Teresa