Book ~ "Sighs Too Deep For Words" (2012) William Jack Sibley

From Goodreads ~ Sighs Too Deep For Words is the story of a man in prison who falls in love, through lengthy correspondence, with a woman he's never met. Getting out, he goes to find her and discovers that the love letters he's received were written not by a woman but by a closeted gay man -- a small town minister. Not only did the minister deceive the prisoner but he sent a photograph of his sister (who lives with him) as a picture representing himself. And not only is the sister unaware of the ruse, but she herself happens to be a lesbian. The ex-prisoner has fallen in love physically with a woman who doesn't know he exists, and mentally with a man he doesn't know how to love. 

Set in the scenic Texas Gulf Coast fishing village of Rockport, Sighs Too Deep For WordsS is a darkly humorous and contemplative examination of the parameters of love, sex, sexuality and cultural perspective.

Lester is in his late twenties and has just spent the last four years in prison.  He started corresponding with Laurel Jeanette, telling her his deepest darkest secrets and fell in love with her.  When he is unexpectedly released, he heads to her hometown to surprise her.  But it's Lester who gets the surprise when he discovers there is no Laurel Jeanette.  The letters had been written by Philip, who as a minister has kept his homosexuality a secret.  He had sent Lester a picture of his sister, Luz.  Leroy is physically in love with Luz and determined to woo her ... but Luz is a lesbian and has no interest in him other than being friends.

Melanie and Daniel are the rich spoiled children of Yvonne and Bob.  Melanie is engaged to Brian and wants to have one last summer of fun.  Daniel is openly gay and just wants to have fun.  Their housekeeper, Rosa, is pregnant with Bob's baby but Yvonne doesn't know her husband is having an affair.  Bob loves both women and is hoping it's all going to work out.

Lots going on, eh?  The book has all these characters (and more!) interacting in each other's lives.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it.  I liked the writing style and it moved quickly.  I liked the characters ... they were all kind of wacky in their own way.  It's not your traditional love story, that's for sure.  I was happy with the ending.  The language and activity was mature at times.

The only problem I had was when Lester discovers (right away) that it was Philip who was writing the letters.  Had it been me, I would have freaked out (especially since Lester had just gotten out of prison) if I found out that the love of my life doesn't really exist.  I thought Lester took it too calmly.

If you are looking for a different kind of love story, you should check this out ... I'd recommend it.

I received a copy of this ebook at no charge in exchange for my honest review.