Spring 1895. As London is gripped by the scandalous trials of Oscar Wilde, a blacksmith’s apprentice in a parochial Kent village is fighting a much quieter, lonelier battle.
Joe Webster is desperate to escape the suffocating expectations of his family and his village. The only way out is to free himself of his indenture, which he can only do by becoming a journeyman. To do that, he must forge a new casket for the church, include a secret compartment, and swear an oath of absolute silence.
Joe is lost for inspiration until the archdeacon’s office sends the handsome and erudite historian, Harvey Cade, to inspect the parish records. As Harvey investigates a historical mystery, Joe realises what he needs to succeed: The forbidden love Harvey offers.
But navigating a double life under the watchful eyes of the village is a dangerous game. In the shadow of Oscar Wilde’s ruin, a single slip could cost them everything.
When the casket's secret threatens to publicly expose them both, Joe must choose: Protect the truth he was sworn to hide, or protect the man he loves.
Genre: Gay Romance
Joe Webster is desperate to escape the suffocating expectations of his family and his village. The only way out is to free himself of his indenture, which he can only do by becoming a journeyman. To do that, he must forge a new casket for the church, include a secret compartment, and swear an oath of absolute silence.
Joe is lost for inspiration until the archdeacon’s office sends the handsome and erudite historian, Harvey Cade, to inspect the parish records. As Harvey investigates a historical mystery, Joe realises what he needs to succeed: The forbidden love Harvey offers.
But navigating a double life under the watchful eyes of the village is a dangerous game. In the shadow of Oscar Wilde’s ruin, a single slip could cost them everything.
When the casket's secret threatens to publicly expose them both, Joe must choose: Protect the truth he was sworn to hide, or protect the man he loves.
Genre: Gay Romance
Used availability for Jackson Marsh's Journeyman Joe