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Andrea Reynolds and Heather Johnson were childhood friends, but were separated when Andrea's mother was killed by her father and she goes away to live with other family members. Years later Andrea is sent back to her hometown by her employer to set up a new production line at a plant. Since she will only be in town for a limited time, she decides to rent a room in a house, then is stunned to discover that it's Heather's house. Both women harbor difficult feelings from what occurred between them before and they struggle to come to terms with those. Heather's ex-girl friend Robin does everything she can to keep them apart. Not only do they have to deal with the past, but they have to establish trust in the present. Caring for each other becomes quite easy, but being able to forgive each other will hold the answer to whether or not they can establish a closer relationship.
Some people avoid self-published books because their quality can be questionable. That's not a consideration in this case. Paisley tells a fairly good story with no grammar or printing problems. Any weaknesses in the book are due to issues with the plot, not the set up. This is a straightforward romance that follows the typical formula. The plot is a little contrived, but it works.
Absolute Forgiveness tells an interesting story with likable characters. The plot is predictable, but entertaining. The book is short, so it won't take long to read it.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
Lizzy Mayfield is an independent film director who lost her lover to cancer three years ago. She hasn't been able to recover from that, so she buries herself in her work. When she returns to her home in Amsterdam after a trip, she's surprised to discover that she has two house guests. Judith Hilford and her daughter Emily have run away from a husband, father and relationship that neither one could stand anymore. A mutual friend put them in Lizzy's house thinking they could use it while she was away, giving Judith an opportunity to decide what her next move would be. To Judith's surprise, Lizzy is willing to let them stay and slowly they begin to form a new family. Lizzy isn't sure she's ready for a family and the changes it will bring to her life and Judith isn't sure she's a lesbian. They have a chance to heal each other if they can overcome their fears.
t-size:12.0pt; ">Awakening to Sunlight has a slightly exotic feeling to it because it's set in a European city with a different culture. It has a nice pace as the situation develops gradually giving the characters a chance to really get to know each other. It also addresses two major issues. One woman is trying to piece her life back together after a tremendous loss. The other illustrates the struggle of someone who knows she's in an impossible relationship, but is unsure how to escape from it and start over again. Judith also reveals the economic difficulties many women go through when they have to separate from their husbands or partners who have been supporting them.
Lindsey Stone has created a thoughtful romance with interesting characters. It could have occurred anywhere, but the setting makes it just a little different. Reading the book is worth it just to see Judith emerge from her shell.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
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Title: Beacon of Love
Author: Ann Roberts
ISBN: 13) 978-1594931802 10) 1594931801
Publisher: Bella Books
Available At: Bella Books
Price: $14.95
Pages: 264
Genre: Romance
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Stephanie Rollins’ life is not what everyone thinks it is in her hometown of Eugene, Oregon. She’s married to a boor in a loveless marriage in Arizona, which finally comes to an end when her own college-bound, insightful son encourages her to leave. When she does, she journeys back to Eugene and finds her way to Heceta Lighthouse, now owned by an old high school classmate, and then, there’s the lighthouse’s resident ghost.
For Stephanie, going home conjures up memories of a youthful friendship with Paula South. The two were inseparable until the day that Stephanie announced she was going away to college. Paula was devastated at the impending separation and the two never spoke again.
With news that Paula has just lost her mother, who was like a second mother to Stephanie, the latter decides to attend Francine’s funeral where she and Paula meet again. The years of separation melt away and old feelings return—feelings that Stephanie now realizes were more than those of a friendship between two young women. They begin a struggle toward a relationship that is fraught with landmines from Steph’s ex and from Francine--as Paula discovers that her mother continues to try to control her life from the grave.
While cleaning out her mother’s house and attempting to fulfill her last wishes, Paula discovers things about both Stephanie’s family and her own. Secrets long hidden come to light. Relationships are not what they seemed. Paula is stunned. She hopes to find comfort with Steph, but Steph is torn between Paula and the manipulations of a man with whom she no longer wants to try to make a life.
Beacon of Love will keep the reader on the edge of her seat wondering if Stephanie and Paula will ever be able to make a life together. Twists and turns, unexpected and scandalous revelations make for stirring reading. In addition to the women’s strained relationship, Stephanie must also figure out what message the ghost in the Heceta lighthouse is trying to give her—if only she believed she exists. Add to all this, the potential for the blossoming romance after a seventeen year hiatus. An entertaining read with wonderful descriptions of two of Oregon’s lighthouses and their surroundings.
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Reviewed by Anna Furtado
Angie Cantinnini writes great detective stories, but her publisher and agent don't believe that people will accept the books under a woman's name, so she has hidden behind the pseudonym "Zack England" for years. Her success allows her to live in obscurity on a boat in Key West and everyone thinks she is simply the owner of a popular bar.
All of that starts to unravel when a prestigious newspaper hires a new book reviewer. Meryl McClain not only uses her first column to trash "England's" latest book, but she suggests that "he" may in fact be a "she." Angie isn't sure what is worse, that her secret is about to be revealed or that Meryl is the woman she has loved for years. When Meryl's boss gives her the assignment to find out the truth about England, she pops up unexpectedly in Key West and the women are reunited. Angie will have to make a decision, reveal the truth and possibly lose her career or hide the truth and lose Meryl.
This is a well written book and shows Paynter's growth as an author. She uses flashbacks efficiently to show the depth of the women's previous relationship and why they are uncomfortable around each other. It follows a typical romantic format and the characters are pleasant. The course of the story is predictable, but it's still enjoyable to read.
One interesting aspect is the fact that the author uses a pseudonym. This book is written for a population that is used to authors who have to use other names to hide their identities, though not for the same reason. The reader will be reminded that there are still reasons for identity to be obscured.
Come Back To Me is a quick easy read, fine for an afternoon or evening of escapism.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
Julie Cannon once again takes her readers somewhere many have not been before. This time, it's to the rough and tumble world of mountain bike racing. Cannon gives us information about the gear, the bikes, and the various race courses. She also describes the dirt, sweat, competition and danger. Her protagonists, Shannon and Caroline, were high school lovers until Caroline's father caught them a week before graduation. Caroline went on to college, and now is about to defend her dissertation and earn her Ph.D in astrophysics. Shannon has become the bad girl of the race circuit, winning most of the races and bedding many of the racers.
Caroline and Shannon have spent the last ten years ignoring each other when they've met at races. Now, both are competing to win the world mountain bike championship. The race is run on some of the most physically demanding courses in the world, in several different time zones, and over several weeks. Caroline hopes to win a spot with NASA after she gets her Ph.D, and this will be her last race. Shannon, seeing her competition get younger and younger, plans to retire after the championship races. Both women dearly want to win the championship.
In Descent, Cannon skillfully describes the approach and avoidance Caroline and Shannon feel toward each other. Both were deeply in love in boarding school, and both were deeply hurt when the affair was ended. Now, mixed with the sweat and dirt of the trail are lingering memories and very real sexual tension. How it will all end, and who will be on top makes for a very good armchair ride.
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Reviewed by RLynne
End of the Rope returns to two characters that were included in Calhoun's earlier books, Triple Exposure and Wrong Turns. Reading the two previous books might add to this story some, but it isn't necessary.
Meg Klein is trying to turn her property into a profitable stable, but the economy is hard and people keep leaving their horses for her to take care of instead of paying the boarding fees she was hoping for. Her friend Nicky Hennessey tries to help when she is forced to move in with Meg. Nicky's long time partner is running for a judgeship and has decided that being identified as a lesbian will not win her votes. Nicky tries to forget her problems by focusing on her photography business and engaging in the kind of relationship that Meg has secretly imagined for many years. With financial ruin and an uncertain relationship facing them, Meg and Nicky may both be at the end of their ropes.
This book seems to drift. Scenes occur and don't add to the story. Secondary characters appear for no apparent reason and then disappear. The main characters sometimes come off as irritating. Meg seems fairly focused, but Nicky at times appears to be a lost soul. Her supposed lover of many years puts her out, so she turns immediately to Meg and then stalks her former lover and harbors the hope they might get back together. It's difficult to determine who is more aggravating, Nicky or Meg for putting up with her behavior. The part of the book that is interesting deals with the training and showing of horses. Calhoun obviously knows something about this environment.
End of the Rope is flat as a romance, but the story is fair.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
Andi Marquette detours from her better known mysteries to journey in the realm of science fiction with Friends in High Places, which is listed as the first volume in the Far Seek Chronicles.
Torri Rendego is the captain of the space ship Far Seek. She's also a renegade trader and smuggler. She skates right on the edge of the law trying not to draw the notice of the Coalition, the organization that runs her corner of the universe. When she's sent to procure some rare black opals, she runs into Kai Tinsdale, a rising officer in the Coalition. The women first met when they were both cadets at the Academy, and though they're on opposite sides of the law, they quickly become lovers and co-conspirators. Kai realizes that someone is setting Torri up to be caught and sets out to help Torri and her crew.
Because this book is obviously a set up for a series there are some weaknesses. The story just ends with no resolution, but lots of hints about what is to come. The reader is definitely left feeling that more plot could have been included. The story is sometimes difficult to follow because so many characters use aliases that have to be kept track of and there are words that have meaning in that universe, but the reader is left to figure them out. A glossary of some sort would have been helpful.
There is the basis for a good series in this book, but a great deal more development is needed. Since it's the first book, you'll have to read it and then see how the story develops as time goes on.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
Graysen Viola had a very successful college career playing basketball, including an Olympic gold medal, followed by successful careers playing in the WNBA and coaching women's college teams. When her best friend, who is the athletic director at Lake Merritt University, asks her to join him as coach of the basketball team, Gray assumes he means the nationally ranked women's team. Instead she finds she's coaching the men's team which is mired in scandal and missing most of its best players from the previous year. She also didn't expect to meet up with Darby Evan, coach of the women's volleyball team and a friend from the Olympics, or Kesara Luz, Tavian's very beautiful assistant. Gray struggles with a team that doesn't want her, trying to get a house restored and attractions to two women. She's going to have quite a year.
Full Court Pressure isn't about basketball. That's just a framework for the story. It's really about relationships; those between a coach and a team; those between romantic interests; and those between people of different cultures. The interactions between the characters come across as very real, even when they're not positive. Gray's emotions radiate off of the page as she deals with arrogant players, an overly possessive woman and the realization that not everyone has the friendly feelings she's developed for members of the Hispanic community. As the story develops, the basketball aspect fades into the background as the interactions between the people become more important.
This is an enjoyable book to read. Some of it stretches credulity a little, but it's fiction. It develops at just the right pace and the characters are fully developed. Readers should find it worth spending some time with. An added bonus for those who are not familiar with Galli's other work is that there is a synopsis of each book included at the back of this one.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
After a gap of two years, JLee Meyer returns with a real winner.
In her previous book, Hotel Liaison, Meyer introduced Laurel Hoffman, her partner Stefanie Beresford and the hotel they were restoring to be a gathering center for a very unique group of powerful and influential women. High Risk picks up the story as the hotel is preparing to open and Laurel has called on her sister Kate, a famous actress, to give the event star power. When Kate agrees she doesn't realize she will be brought into contact with a woman she has been trying to avoid for five years, super agent Dasher Pate. She's been warned that associating with Dasher could ruin her career, but every time they are together, Kate feels a growing attraction for the other woman, which confuses her. Dasher has loved Kate for years, but she can't risk being rejected again. Eventually Kate will have to decide where her priorities lie; what is more important, her career or finally having someone who loves her for who she is?
High Risk is a typical romance, with the normal amount of conflict and misunderstandings. What makes it worth reading is the fact that it's a very entertaining story and it's told very well. The pacing of the story is excellent and the characters are exceptionally appealing, especially Kate and Dash. There is tension at appropriate moments and Meyer includes some very humorous scenes and personalities. Kate and Dash go on a camping trip that takes on the tone of a slapstick comedy and Dash's mother proves to be a most unusual person. The interactions between all of the characters seem very realistic and make the story more believable. The resolution with the villain in the story seems a little contrived, but it's also satisfying, so the coincidences can be forgiven.
High Risk would be a perfect choice for a reader who wants to spend a few hours escaping from the world. It shows clearly why readers of her previous books have been impatient for Meyer to publish another one. This story is complete, but it leaves some openings for other books, so let's hope that it doesn't take another two years to have the next one available.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
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Title: House of Cards
Author: Nat Burns
ISBN: 978-1-59493-203-8
Publisher: Bella Books
Available At: Bella Books
Price: $14.95
Pages: 216
Genre: Romance
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House of Cards is an unusual lesbian romance in that the main character is a widow of forty. Kaylen Stauder is a well behaved Southern lady who lives in the little town of Freshwater. Through observation of her fellow townspeople, she knows what happens to people who fail to follow the unwritten rules and customs of the small town. Those people are shunned until they give up and move away.
Kaylen's acceptance of the rules changes when she hires twenty-five-year-old Eda Byrne to redo her yard. For Kaylen, Eda is a breath of fresh air with her winsome, tinkling laugh, and her tiny figure. Soon, Kaylen finds herself examining her life and the choices that were made by and for her. Burns does a wonderful job of showing the emotional path Kaylen takes as she looks at her life. Burns has also skillfully shown the character of Eda, as she and Kaylen do their delicate dance toward each other.
House of Cards is a richly detailed book showing the growth of main characters as well as life in a small town.
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Reviewed by RLynne
Being a nice person only gets you pain, or so it seems to Veterinarian Tory Greyson.
Tory is nice to everyone, sometimes too nice, and she usually ends up getting hurt. She's watched her best friend steal every girlfriend she's had, including the one Tory thought she might really love. Even when she does pro bono work for people who can't afford care for their horses, she ends up getting shot by a demented old woman who thinks Tory is a horse thief. At least that causes her to meet the woman's granddaughter Leah Montgomery, an out of work journalist. Having a woman dig buckshot out of your butt is certainly a different way to start a relationship. As they come to know each other better an attraction develops, but Leah isn't planning on staying in town and Tory is afraid of being hurt again. If there was ever a relationship that was a long shot, it's this one.
Long Shot travels around Virginia from horse country, across to the race course outside of Richmond and then over to Chincoteague for the annual pony swim. It's beautiful scenery that provides a variety of interesting backgrounds for the story. It also deals with a painful issue that more people are facing all of the time: what to do with a relative who is slowly fading away mentally, but not physically. One of the hardest parts of that experience is trying to find a facility that will provide proper care and maintain the dignity of the patient. That combination isn't easy to find and even when it exists, family members still feel a level of guilt for not being able to cope with the situation. Leigh brings that emotion out very well in what Leah goes through. One of the most intriguing parts of the book is to watch Tory be emotionally drained each time her good actions are turned back on her and wonder when she will draw the line. When the explosion comes, it's a very satisfying scene.
Long Shot is a quick read with enough plot points to keep it interesting. Anyone looking for a story to provide some brief leisure reading should find this book more than satisfactory.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
Quinlan McKee is a private investigator and heads an organization in Chicago that specializes in solving crimes. She had lived in Los Angeles until her pregnant partner, a police officer, was murdered, then Quin retreated totally from her friends. She is drawn back to the city to work on a case of child slavery and police corruption and during the investigation discovers that there are ties to the previous tragedy. Quin doesn't mind twisting the law to suit her needs, which becomes difficult when she finds herself working with Detective Vivian Walsh, a by-the-book police officer. They find themselves involved in corruption in many areas and learn that the line between friend and foe can be very indefinite. Quin and Vivian may have a chance for a happy ending, if they can survive this case.
McKee the Return is a fairly average mystery. It has the required really "bad guys" and there are some surprise turns in the story, but much of it is predictable. Quin is interesting because she's not against using force to get what she wants, so she's not a classic "good guy." The book is fine for general reading.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
Justine Saracen works her magic once again and proves that an old story can be given a new twist that keeps the story vibrant and interesting. Her concept in Mephisto Aria is based on Faust and the idea of selling your soul to the Devil to get what you want.
Katherina Marow is a rising star in the opera world when she receives word that her father has committed suicide. She returns home, discovers his journal and makes astonishing discoveries about his past. Though she continues her career, she is constantly drawn back to the journal and her father's attempts to resist temptation. Katherina is facing her own temptations in the form of her married co-star Anastasia Ivanova. When their love seems impossible, Kaherina is seduced by Gregory Raspin, a mysterious figure who seems to radiate evil, to appear in a new version of "Faust" that is scheduled to be performed on Walpurgisnacht (Witches' Night). Katherina sees an opportunity to appear on international television and rise to the top of her profession. She has no idea how dangerous this production is intended to be and what is going to be asked of her. Katherina's father was destroyed by not being able to resist temptation. Will this be a case of like father, like daughter?
Saracen's books are always full of detail about the environment, people and history in which a book is set so that the reader feels like she is part of the story. Mephisto Aria is no exception. It is apparent that Saracen has spent time in the opera world with the little details she includes that add richness to the scenes. In fact a criticism of the book could be that there is almost too much detail sometimes because it gets in the way of the plot moving forward. That is a minor aspect though because of the complexity of the characters and subplots. She manages to weave the aspects of the Faust story through the book without completely stealing the plot of the original classic. The underlying theme between Katherina and her father, that someone you think you know might be very different, flirts through the rest of the story giving it a deeper meaning.
Mephisto Aria shows that lesbian fiction can contain very intricate, sophisticated stories, yet tell them in a way that the reader can easily understand. It should provide the reader with some very enjoyable hours of entertainment.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
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Title: More Than An Echo
Author: Linda Kay Silva
ISBN: 975-1-59493-219-9
Publisher: Bella Books
Available At: Bella Books
Price: $15.95
Pages: 281
Genre: Paranormal Intrigue
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Linda Kay Silva is known for her smart, fast paced and unique novels. More Than An Echo introduces her new Echo Branson series. It is another engrossing, page turner which introduces her readers to the world of people with paranormal talents. Echo is an empath, which means she can read the feelings of others. Silva clearly describes the advantages and disadvantages of having unique powers. Imagine being able to feel what others are feeling in a crowded room. Readers travel with Echo as she works with a mentor to learn how to handle her power and to protect herself from the assault of the emotions from others.
Echo is a strong character who is driven to find the truth and to be an agent for change. As an investigative reporter in San Francisco, she's in an ideal spot. When what seems to be a human interest story turns into something more, Echo suddenly finds herself in danger. Silva has surrounded Echo with some wonderfully quirky friends, each of whom has his or her own special skills. Silva tells her story with wit, strong characters and wonderful settings, More Than An Echo is a book which will keep readers gripped until the very last page.
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Reviewed by RLynne
My Sweet Wild Dance takes the reader on a very personal trip through the life of Mikaya Heart. In a series of vignettes she talks about her life growing up in Scotland and her experiences traveling around the world. Her story includes humorous adventures, family conflict and traumatic encounters with other people. As she grows out of childhood, she wanders from country to country taking life-threatening risks and abandoning lovers like used tissues. She examines numerous religions, meditative styles and philosophies in a search to discover who she is, why she carries such anger inside and whether or not she can ever experience inner peace and love.
Much of this book is very interesting. The stories of Heart's childhood and travels are told in an engaging manner, although there are enough instances of child abuse to make the reader uncomfortable. The process she went through to discover her sexuality will strike a chord with many readers. It's when she gets involved in mysticism, shamanism and other philosophies that the book begins to lose its focus. She drifts from one idea to another and ends up mixing them into a belief system that works for her.
My Sweet Wild Dance is about a woman who is seeking freedom for herself, internally and externally. A journey like this can result in liberation of a person from the constraints of society or provide excuses for treating other people badly. The reader will have to decide which has occurred, but in either case, Heart shows bravery in putting her story into print.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
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Title: Side Door
Author: Jan Donley
ISBN: 10) 1935226126; 13) 978-1935226123
Publisher: Spinsters Ink
Available At: Bella Books
Price: $14.95
Pages: 288
Genre: Young Adult
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Starting high school always brings new challenges. In this young adult novel, Melrose Bird (called Mel), discovers there are plenty of things to learn, like dealing with peers in the “in-crowd” when she strives to be different from the status quo, and finding out that her best friend is straddling a very dangerous line as he comes to grips with his sexuality.
In the midst of all this, Mel embarks on a journey to bring truth to a town that prefers to pretend that uncomfortable things never happen around them. As Mel struggles to discover her own sexuality, and looks for her own voice, she also battles with giving voice to the cries for help from a young man who died tragically years before Mel ever knew of him.
This story deals with teen issues on a deep level. The main character is fully realized with profound emotional struggles and a strong desire to be herself, while bringing truth to the larger community. If you know a teen who struggles with sexual issues, suicide, or harassment, do them a favor and give them a copy of this book—but whether you do or not, read it yourself to gain a great deal of insight into what teens might be going through today. The Side Door is a stunning read and a timely topic in today’s world.
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Reviewed by Anna Furtado
Sam Delaney and Emily MacKenzie played soccer on the same team when they were in high school and Emily has had a crush on Sam ever since then. Sam flees from her hometown to Seattle after the death of her brother and is surprised to discover that she's living near Emily, who is all grown up and about to become an assistant coach for the local college soccer team. As their paths continue to cross, Sam and Emily renew their friendship and begin spending time together. Emily knows how she feels about Sam, but is leery of a relationship since Sam is supposed to be straight. Sam is confused about her feelings and scared of how her parents will react if she tells them she's gay. Life was supposed to be simpler for her in Seattle, but it proves to be anything but.
Solstice is a typical romance in how it develops. Women meet, face problems and struggle to overcome them. It isn't typical in that it is totally devoid of the sex scenes that many romance readers want to have. In fact, the only scene that gets close to an encounter is a fade to black episode that is reminiscent of old movies. To some readers this will be the tease without any delivery. The characters also are perplexing. One moment Emily is a "player" who is used to loving and leaving women and the next she is devoted to the pursuit of her "true love," who she has wanted for years. Sam claims to be shocked at her feelings for Emily, but half way through the book admits that she felt something when they were in high school. The reader might wonder if Christie was as conflicted as her characters when she was trying to write about their relationship. The choice of the title for the book is odd unless it's supposed to be a metaphor for the length of time it takes these characters to figure out what their relationship is going to be.
Solstice is actually a pretty good story. It's a realistic depiction of two women struggling to establish a relationship and it focuses on what happens as a relationship develops, especially when one participant is somewhat reluctant. For those who think that some books have the characters jumping into bed too quickly, this book is event driven; however, for the romance fan who expects to be paid with an intense sexual encounter, it isn't here. Kate Christie shows promise as a writer. It will be interesting to see how future books develop.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
Jay Conway is a successful banker in Philadelphia who devotes more of her time to her job than to developing a personal life. Thirteen years before she and her best friend Bailey McIntyre discovered they had deeper feelings for each other, but Bailey couldn't deal with the situation and ran away. Now Bailey is back and not only does she want to reestablish their relationship, but she's hired to work at Jay's bank. Their boss, Sharon, is deeply closeted and encourages them to be also because she doesn't believe that known lesbians can have a successful career in finance. Unfortunately, Jay is diagnosed with cancer and for Bailey to be able to take care of her, they have to make their relationship known. Sharon decides to help them and possibly risk her own career. The three of them are joined in the battle by Jay's friend Riley who is the golf pro at the country club. The women are going to fight battles together and support each other as they try to deal with the stresses that are placed on their personal and professional lives.
Hoffman tries to deal with a number of issues in this story, probably too many. There is the broken relationship between Jay and Bailey, which causes Jay to be distrustful of any other women for years. That plot line takes an unbelievable turn when suddenly all is forgiven and things go on as if the bitter feelings of thirteen years never existed. There is a very realistic description of what Jay has to go through with her cancer treatments and it would have made a very thought provoking story. Or there is the struggle that Jay and Bailey go through to establish their rights as partners both with the medical profession and at work. Finally, there is the story between Sharon and Riley as they try to reconcile a relationship where one is closeted and the other is an out lesbian. Any one of these would have been a good basis for a book, but in trying to put them all in the same story, none of them developed completely or got the attention that they deserved.
One unique aspect of the book is that it contains a few recipes at the back for those readers who want to try them out. Two of the characters like to cook and these are the meals they prepare.
Strength in Numbers could have been developed into a stronger book, but it's a good story and fine for a few hours of entertainment. Be careful which paperback version you purchase. The first edition had some mistakes that the publisher says have been corrected now. The eBook shouldn't be a concern
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
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Title: The Choice
Author: Maria V. Ciletti
ISBN: 10-1560236288
Publisher: Harrington Park Press
Released: June 30, 2007
Available At: Bella Books
e-Book At: Kindle version $11.95
Pages: 210
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance/Medical drama/Lesbian |
Maria V. Ciletti has proven herself a notable author in her very first novel. The Choice is well-written as it deftly depicts tough issues married women face when they fall in love with another woman. Ciletti’s main character, Mina Thomas, practices an "unorthodox style of nursing" according to management and is precisely the kind of nurse any nursing home resident, especially the sickest ones in her charge, would be lucky to have. Mina treats her residents like family members. She’s kind, caring, competent and a role model for her profession. She loves her job at St. Michael the Archangel Nursing Home and it shows.
Raised in a devout home, Mina follows in the traditional footsteps of the majority of Catholic women. Along with a satisfying career, she is married to her best friend Sean, a kind and caring man, and together they’ve weathered many storms throughout a marriage that Mina describes as, “…comfortable, like a favorite old pair of Levi’s” (Kindle location 568-73; paperback p. 21). Although her husband would like to start a family, Mina isn’t sure she ever wants to have kids. Other than that, this RN and her law enforcement husband live amicably. She can’t imagine living any other way.
But Mina is no longer satisfied. Sex with her husband has become a routine obligation. It’s what she can imagine that gets her into trouble. “My heart pounded and my face was damp with dewy sweat. I had had the dream again, the exquisite dream about the honey-haired woman. This time the dream was about the woman and me lying naked on a deserted beach somewhere, and when I slid my hand beneath the rumpled sheet, my face wasn’t the only thing that was damp” (Kindle location 65-70; paperback p. 1).
Life as Mina knows it is seriously put to the test when she’s placed in charge of a delightful new nurse. Regan Martin, a bright straight-A graduate of St. Anne’s Nursing School, is scared to death her first day on the job. She follows Mina around like a puppy dog and Mina can’t stop thinking about her in a way that will change everything. The guilt she feels over a mere dream is about to worsen when she can’t deny what she wants and needs from Regan. This is the real test. Is Mina up for the task?
Once Mina and Regan acknowledge their feelings for one another, Mina soon discovers that life would be easier in a different world. Perhaps if societal mores, family prejudices, religious taboos and Regan’s own denial of her lesbianism didn’t get in their way. And what about Mina and Sean’s marriage? If she leaves Sean, she loses the man she loves and faces uncertainty about her future. Mina has to choose between her husband and her newfound love in what feels like a no-win situation. She knows that if she leaves she loses the societal acceptance and privileged heterosexual lifestyle to which she’s accustomed. But if she stays then she sacrifices herself.
Ciletti has written a deeply felt story about love, yearning, faith, and profound loss. The angst Mina, Sean and Regan feel when Mina finally comes to a conclusion about her sexuality is deeply moving and without a question heart-rending. The liberation Mina feels when she comes out to her loved ones is freeing in a way only a person who has experienced it can truly understand. However, Ciletti does a commendable job of spelling it out in this honest and engaging story you won’t soon forget. The author gives hope that it’s possible to live a full and happy life without going straight to hell, do not pass Go, do not collect $200, even if you’re gay.
I highly recommend this gem. The Choice is truly an inspirational, informative, gripping and poignant look at what it’s like for a straight married woman to come out later in life. As a woman dealing with similar issues to those Mina faces, I couldn’t help but feel it was beshert (meant to be) that I read The Choice now rather than when I purchased it in 2007. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. I was sorry when it ended and wanted to know more about what happened to Mina and Regan. Fortunately, I had the sequel, Clinical Distance, published by Intaglio Publications, at my fingertips. Ciletti writes powerful and memorable stories. Her characters are as real as flesh, bone and blood. The topic is timely as many women from all walks of life are coming out after living heterosexually for decades. Ciletti maintains a swift pace with engaging and thought-provoking prose. Don’t miss her talent to turn a well-told tale while learning something new about yourself or someone you know.
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Reviewed by Cheri Crystal
The Devil Be Damned is the fourth book in the Casey Family Saga and picks up where Deal With the Devil left off.
Cain Casey should be enjoying her life. Her wife Emma is pregnant with their third child, her family is at the height of its power and the FBI is still running in circles trying to prove that Cain has done something illegal. Problems abound however. Cain's organization is still searching for the men who harmed Emma in the last book, drug lords are trying to form a partnership with the Casey empire, cousin Muriel is sleeping with the FBI agent charged with catching Cain, and Remi Jatibon, Cain's friend and business partner, is trying to help her lover Dallas Montgomery overcome shadows from her past. Further complicating matters is the arrival of a woman who wants to control New Orleans and unleashes a brutal wave of killing that shocks even the Caseys and the Jatibons. Cain may have met her match this time.
Ali Vali is one of the best writers in the genre and has created a unique character in Cain Casey. It's not often that the head of a crime family, who doesn't hesitate to use torture and murder when necessary, is used as the definition of honor, tradition and heroism. Vali uses stereotypes in some areas, specifically making FBI agents fanatics, bumblers or criminals, and plays against type when she gives women dominant positions in an environment that usually expects women to stay in the shadows. The use of women in non-traditional roles gives a lift to the story and a different flavor.
The Devil Be Damned illustrates the strongest and weakest aspects of a series. For those fans who have read the previous books, this gives them a chance to catch up with the latest chapters in the lives of some favorite characters. It moves the story forward and allows the reader to reacquaint with Cain, Emma, Remi and the others. Where it falls down is that it's weak as a stand alone novel. There are references to past events with little explanation to set them in context and some of the behaviors in the book don't make sense or seem overblown if the reader doesn't know what's happened before in the saga. The plot lines in this book are also not all resolved. Instead this book is used as a set up for the next in the series. That may be good for selling books, but it's frustrating for a reader. This is an above average book and worth reading; however, for total enjoyment, it really would be good to start with the first book and work forward. That isn't mandatory, but it will increase the appreciation of the book.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
Ali Vali excels at creating strong, romantic characters along with her fast paced, sophisticated plots. Her setting, New Orleans, provides just the right blend of immigrants from Mexico, South America and Cuba, along with a city steeped in traditions.
The Devil Be Damned finds Cain Casey searching for her longtime enemies Juan Luis and rogue FBI agent Anthony Curtis. With Emma pregnant with their third child, Cain wants to do everything possible to ensure the safety of her family.
As the story moves quickly along, Vali skillfully shows the heads of the various crime families, the villains, the agents, and Cain and her clan as three dimensional characters complete with admirable and less than admirable traits. By the end of her story, the reader feels as though she'd recognize each character if she met them on the street. Vali's dialogue is witty, even as the dramatic action causes the pages to fly. And there is plenty of "in your face" action, as well as some very hot sex in this thoroughly enjoyable read. I'm already looking forward to the next novel in this series.
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Reviewed by RLynne
Morrisey Hawthorne has a secret that she's never shared, even with her family. Her four-year-old son Gareth is the product of a brutal gang rape. She's tried to move on with her life and create something nice for herself and her son. One day they have a chance encounter with Charlene Sudsbury who is trying to recover from the suicide of her son JP. Charlene is immediately attracted to Gareth because he looks exactly like her son. Charlene won't be satisfied until she finds out the truth and it eventually comes out that Gareth is her grandson. Morrisey and Charlene then build an unlikely relationship, eventually falling in love. When one of the other rapists turns up he creates an obstacle that may be too big for them to overcome.
Q. Kelly has certainly not written the usual romance. How many women fall in love with the mothers of their rapists? This plot twist just seems beyond strange and is bothersome throughout the book. It would be difficult enough to have a child that looks like the rapist and not let that affect you, but to then have an affair with the woman who raised the criminal is bizarre. However, if the reader can get past that fact, the rest of the story is fairly routine. The two female characters are actually likable and then there is a cute kid. The book itself is well written though there are some mistakes the editor should have caught.
The Odd Couple puts a unique twist in the romance formula. The reader will have to suspend disbelief to get past much of the plot, but then this IS fiction. If the relationship seems acceptable, then the book is fine for some quick reading.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
Turn For Home is the sequel to Turning Point and picks up the story of actresses Brenna Lanigan and Cassidy Hyland as they are trying to decide how public to make their relationship. Their sons are divided in their support and Brenna is going through a divorce, so keeping things quiet seems best. As the stars of a popular TV show and actresses who are in demand for other jobs, they have a lot at risk professionally. The issue is taken out of their hands when a violent attack against Cassidy by her ex-husband brings everything out into the open. The women find out just who their friends are and how much the entertainment world will support. Brenna is also in for some surprises from her sons.
Like any sequel, there is a comfortable feeling about this book. It provides an opportunity to catch up with characters the reader may already be familiar with and see how their lives are progressing. It covers a brief, but traumatic period in the women's relationship. There are few books that describe a physical attack as vividly as Zielinsky does in this one. Besides the issue of abuse, the book also delves into the difficulty that partners can have with the health care system when they have no legal rights and the parents of one of them tries to seize control of the situation.
Turn For Home has a weakness. It's really necessary that the first book, Turning Point, has been read. A new reader will definitely feel like she's walked into the middle of what is going on and won't have much frame of reference for how these women reached the point where the story picks up. Adding more back story to this book would have resolved the problem.
This book is good for a couple of hours of entertaining reading. It should be particularly appealing to those who enjoyed Turning Point.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
Nina Christie is running from a humiliating experience. Her girlfriend left her standing at the altar, literally, and disappeared without a word, leaving Nina to explain to her family and friends what happened. The problem is, she doesn't know. When she inherits her grandfather's home on Chincoteague Island in Virginia, it seems a perfect solution. She spent much of her childhood there, knows most of the people on the island and she can hide away while she nurses her hurt feelings.
Nina needs a place to stay while renovations are completed on the house, so she rents a cabin from Hazy Duncan, who has a reputation for being the town grump. Hazy was hurt herself years before, doesn't trust women and doesn't believe in permanent relationships. Although they react like acid and water, the women slowly form a friendship and then begin to explore deeper feelings. When Nina's old girlfriend shows up trying to reclaim her, a misunderstanding destroys the little trust that Hazy has built up and seems to spell doom for any relationship between Nina and Hazy.
Two Weeks in August is a typical romance. Two women meet, they overcome their feelings, then resolve the issues. There's nothing new or challenging here; however, the story is well told and entertaining. The characters are appealing, especially Hazy. It also features some beautiful scenery and interesting glimpses of the small town life that develops in an island community. The book doesn't stand out as unusual or unique among lesbian romances, but it's perfectly suited for a few hours of escapist reading.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce
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Title: Worth Every Step
Author: KG MacGregor
ISBN: 10: 1594931429; 13: 978-1594931420
Publisher: Bella Books
Available At: Bella Books
Price: $14.95
Pages: 256
Genre: Romance/Adventure
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Take one lovely Southerner, uncomfortable in her own skin, and one recent graduate of an MBA program. Add a bit of insecurity and confusion about their places in the world while mixing in a trek to the top of Kilimanjaro. Once this recipe reaches its peak, garnish with a healthy heaping of sultry physical attraction and allow it all to come to a boil in the hot African savannah.
That’s the recipe conjured between Mary Kate Sasser and Addison Falk, two women about to realize their dream to conquer the mountain. Mary Kate has struggled to get there. Her family and the boyfriend she left behind think she’s gone off the deep end. When Addison joins the hiking party, the two women begin their quest. As they journey up the mountain, they find their lives are filled with similar issues and the trek becomes a metaphor for their struggles to overcome other people’s expectations and control in their lives. This is also a journey of self-discovery for Mary Kate as she gets in touch with her own sexuality. Realizing that she is attracted to women, she doesn’t think she can come out to her family and friends. Addison, on the other hand, has had her fill of girlfriends deep in the closet. Conquering Kilimanjaro is a symbol for the personal issues the women must overcome in order to live fully realized lives. The question is: are they up to the task?
Descriptions of the adventure and the beautiful diversity of the African continent are well drawn. Mary Kate and Addison are likeable characters struggling to overcome the expectations of others while trying to find true love. To find out if they succeed, read this Goldie award-winner (Golden Crown Literary Society—Traditional Contemporary Romance category). MacGregor offers both adventure and romance in one account.
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Reviewed by Anna Furtado
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Title: Ximora
Author: Patty G. Henderson
ISBN: 13) 978-0615326528 10) 0615326528
Publisher: Black Car Publishing
Available At: LuLu; Barnes and Noble: Amazon
e-Book available at: LuLu; Amazon
Price: $15.00; e-Book: LuLu
Pages: 224
Genre: Horror
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Ximora is the fourth volume in the Brenda Strange mystery series. Like all of the others it combines genres to mix mystery, suspense and horror with the supernatural.
This book follows The Missing Page two years later when Brenda is finally coming out of her shell of grief caused by the death of her partner. Her friend Cubby is relieved when Brenda shows an interest in the world by agreeing to help with a series of gruesome murders that are puzzling Tampa police detective Lisa Chambliss. Chambliss is extremely attractive and the feelings that Brenda begins to have for her are the proof that she's ready to move on with her life. Simultaneously, Brenda is enmeshed in a family secret when her grandmother dies and wills enhanced psychic powers and leadership of the family to Brenda. Those powers will come in handy as Brenda finds herself chasing evil from the past through myth and reality. The ending is desperate as Brenda races to save the life of the most innocent victim.
Ximora is not the strongest story in the Strange series, but it does reintroduce the character after a hiatus. It also sets up the possibility of another book with new powers to be explored and a possible relationship for Brenda. Ximora is one of the least developed characters in the book and seems almost a device to convey the rest of the story and provide a framework to tie everything together. There are also references to previous books that may not be clear to any reader who has not followed the series. However there is drama in the story and a particularly harrowing scene at the end does give the book some punch. The relationship between Brenda and Lisa also is interesting because Lisa comes to Brenda for help, but doesn't or won't believe in her abilities despite the evidence that is in front of her. Seeing how or if they work this out could be interesting for later books.
Patty G. Henderson is an experienced author and knows how to tell a story. This is a book for fans of horror and supernatural stories and should provide a few hours of entertaining reading.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce |
