Theme : family, parenting, divorce, children, gaming, corporate business, women loving women relationships, exes, bisexuality, finding love and happiness
Tropes : nanny/boss, rich girl/poor girl, age-gap
The blurb from the publisher…
The nanny is hot for her boss, but she’s been burned falling for a straight woman in the past.
Julianna Bristol is on the brink of success as her fledgling video game design company goes after the opportunity of a lifetime. But her ex-husband is intent on making her fodder for late-night comedy. When she unexpectedly gains custody of her nine-year-old niece, everything in Julianna’s exquisitely planned life changes in the blink of an eye.
Sadie Culpepper is out of work and drowning in debt. She’s as unable to commit professionally as she is romantically. A last-minute nanny gig offers a lifeline, but making it through the summer working for the woman the late-night hosts call Permafrost might take everything she’s got.
Their mutually beneficial business arrangement is threatened as the magnetic pull between them grows stronger with each passing day. Both women are forced to confront their deepest fears and insecurities. Julianna is drawn to the younger Sadie in ways she never imagined possible. And Sadie, scarred by past heartbreak, struggles to trust again, especially with her heart and financial security on the line.
Will they have the courage to defy convention and seize their chance at happiness? Or will they succumb to the pressures of society, letting go of the one thing that could save them both?
If you enjoy seductive, taboo, age-gap romance with a lot of heart, don’t miss the latest collaboration of Miranda MacLeod and TB Markinson.
My thoughts…
T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod have always been known to deliver engaging, well-written narratives, but this one might be their most commendable yet. Pieces of Us is a tenderly told story that revolves around Julianna Bristol, a video game designer on the verge of success, and Sadie Culpepper, a nanny struggling with debt and commitment issues. Their lives intertwine in complex ways when Julianna unexpectedly gains custody of her niece, causing them both to pause and question everything they’ve believed about themselves and love.
The novel immediately captivates readers and pulls them in with its well-developed storyline and likable characters. Julianna is a talented businesswoman standing on the brink of a major career breakthrough with her video game design. When tragedy suddenly strikes her family, she is given custody of her niece, causing her to navigate uncharted territory and reassess her busy professional life. This balance of corporate ambition and family need proves to be challenging, so she enlists in the aid of a nanny. Bringing Sadie onboard to help her care for her niece sets the stage for a complex and evolving relationship between the women, one filled with self-discovery and love, key ingredients for an engaging read.
The novel’s strengths lie in its exploration of its themes—love, trust, and courage, especially in regards to societal norms. Markinson and MacLeod skillfully depict Julianna and Sadie’s emotional journey as they confront their deepest fears and insecurities. As the story progresses, the women’s relationship evolves and takes shape as they navigate the challenges of their intertwined lives. This naturally provides an interesting dynamic to the story’s overall composition. Furthermore, it fuels a chemistry between the women that’s completely palpable, creating a compelling interplay that keeps readers thoroughly invested. Most impressively though, it underscores Markinson and MacLeod’s talent as writers, for they effectively use the interactions of these two characters to reveal the complexities of human emotion and the transformative power of love, making the story meaningful and convincing for the reader.
Pieces of Us’s major appeal lies in the fact that it is written with real sensitivity, making it incredibly heartwarming. Markinson and MacLeod have consistently earned much acclaim for their writing, but Pieces of Us, in my opinion, is breathtakingly beautiful and a real standout. The way they handle taboo subjects is beyond praiseworthy. Their approach to sensitive, emotional material is scripted with depth and maturity, capturing a truth that makes scenes resonate. Because the duo tackles tender subjects with a delicate touch, they ensure that the narrative remains respectful and thought-provoking. They pursue a delicate dance of family drama and personal ambition, yet are mindful of the love story between Julianna and Sadie, letting it unfold naturally. This allows readers to be immersed into Julianna and Sadie’s journey. Ultimately though, it showcases Markinson and MacLeod’s talent as storytellers.
Not only does Pieces of Us deserve attention for its emotional depth and adept handling of complex themes, it contains strong character arcs. Julianna and Sadie’s journey is well-scripted and relatable, marked by personal growth and self-discovery. The characters’ struggles and triumphs strike a chord with readers, making their story relatable and inspiring. Additionally, their arcs are built upon layers of emotion, creating a depth that allows readers to connect on a profoundly personal level. And because it is attentive to Julianna and Sadie’s relationship challenges, readers are able to easily embrace them, ensuring engagement and satisfaction until the end.
Final remarks…
Pieces of Us by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod is a captivating novel that explores themes of love, trust, and societal norms. The engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and heartwarming romance make it a standout read. The authors’ ability to handle complex themes with sensitivity and depth adds to its strength and appeal. Readers will root for Julianna and Sadie’s happiness as they are immersed in their journey. Ultimately, Pieces of Us is a testament to the power of love and should not be missed.
Strengths…
Engaging narrative
Strong character arcs built upon reliable, reliable emotional depth
Heartwarming romance filled with touching tenderness
TB Markinson is a best selling author who lives in New England. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs, or reading. Not necessarily in that order.
Besides being a writer, she is an advocate and proud promoter of sapphic fiction. She cohosts the Lesbians Who Write Podcast with Clare Lydon and runs the I Heart SapphFic website with Miranda MacLeod.
A bit about Miranda MacLeod…
Originally from southern California, Miranda now lives in New England and writes heartfelt romances and romantic comedies featuring witty and charmingly flawed women that you’ll want to marry. Or just grab a coffee with, if that’s more your thing. Before becoming a writer, she spent way too many years in graduate school, worked in professional theater and film, and held temp jobs in just about every office building in downtown Boston.
Authors: Nan Campbell, Alaina Erdell, Jesse J. Thoma
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Publication date: June 1, 2024
Editor: Cindy Cresap
ISBN 13: 978-1-63679-652-9
Available formats: ebook, paperback
Print Length: 312 pages
Genre: romance
Themes: women loving women, family, culture, marriage, careers, relationships, independence, striking out on one’s own, love, romance, white collar crime, whistle blowers, getting framed for murder, running from bad guys
The blurb…
When business turns to pleasure, romance ignites.
In “New York is Losing Hope” by Nan Campbell: With thirty-five on the horizon and still single, Hope Mason is abandoning her beloved New York City to try her luck in bright, shiny Los Angeles. One problem. This New Yorker is terrified of driving, an essential skill for Californians. She hires instructor Val Caceres to teach her how to drive off into the sunset, but Val could be the one thing she doesn’t want to leave behind.
In “Two Women, Two Weddings” by Alaina Erdell: Aarti Singh’s brilliance in cardiology hasn’t diminished her longing to be an event planner, even if familial expectations demand a career in medicine. Meanwhile, Jo Samuels’s love life has taken a back seat to her demanding chef career and her desire to keep her life simple. When Aarti hires Jo to cater a wedding, their attraction is undeniable, but how can they fall in love when they’re struggling to be true to themselves?
In “For Love or Money” by Jesse J. Thoma: Short-seller Frances “Frankie” Sender has always been good at picking winners, but her skills might make her the ultimate loser when a company she is researching frames her for a crime. Her only chance at staying alive is Dakota “Oz” Osborne, a woman with a million-dollar reason to toss her in jail. They’ll have to trust each other and avoid the easy cash out if they want the stock to rise on a chance at love.
My thoughts…
Anthologies are wonderful because they give readers a nice sampling of a publisher’s authors. It’s especially appealing when they pick a solid lineup of writers, like Bold Strokes Books did with their most recent release, Hot Hires. It features Nan Campbell, Alaina Erdell, and Jesse J. Thoma, and each writer puts their best foot forward, showcasing their distinct talents as storytellers.
Nan Campbell gets top billing in this publication, and with four books to her name, Campbell is quickly becoming a hot commodity at Bold Strokes Books. Her debut, The Rules of Forever, was not only a hit with readers but also earned her a Lambda Literary Award. Her second and third books, The No Kiss Contract and Like They Do in the Movies, garnered her even more praise. Both are currently up for an Ann Bannon Golden Crown Literary Award. Though her career as an author is still in its infancy, it’s quite clear that Bold Strokes has struck gold with her.
Once readers get into Campbell’s contribution, they’ll quickly see that she was a good choice for this anthology. Her writing is a real treat; there’s just so much to enjoy. Readers easily fall in love with Hope and Val. They are appropriately fleshed out and likable characters—quite adorable actually. Furthermore, Campbell does a nice job building the romance between them. I must say, I was impressed; for a short story, Campbell accomplishes a lot. Her use of secondary characters and setting (which almost acts like a supporting character) make the writing shine. Each is well developed and well structured, adding nice dollops of contrast and texture to the storytelling. Bottom line—the whole piece is just nicely done. In fact, I wouldn’t mind an expanded version of “New York is Losing Hope” 😉
The second short story is written by Alaina Erdell, and she never misses with her work. Like Campbell, her debut also earned her some healthy attention. Fire, Water, and Rock tallied six awards, which is certainly something to crow about. Her second book underscores that her talent is real, and that she’s not just a one-hit wonder. Off the Menu collected seven awards and is my personal favorite.
One of the things that readers appreciate about Erdell is the way she weaves her unique passions into her storytelling. She has a real knack for captivating readers with the details, whether it be art, geology, or cooking, but especially cooking. Her Hot Hires contribution involves a lovely romance between an uptight, high-strung wedding planner (who happens to be the bride’s sister) and a chef for the wedding festivities. Even though “Two Women, Two Weddings” is short, Erdell demonstrates that she knows how to create believable tension while keeping the romance fun. Her vivid descriptions and fluid prose add so much life to the storytelling; it truly makes for an enticing read. Like Campbell, Erdell may have just recently cut her teeth in this business, but she’s proven she’s quite comfortable on the page. Whether it’s a full-length novel or a short story, she always provides a pleasurable read.
The last selection in this anthology, “For Love or Money,” is written by Jesse J. Thoma. Unlike her fellow co-authors, she’s not new to the storytelling game. She wrote her first book, The Chase, in 2013 and garnered positive feedback for it. Since then, she’s produced eight more novels, spanning genres like butch-femme romance and crime fiction. Many of them have caught the attention of award panels, garnering nominations from both the Golden Crowne Literary Society and the Lambda Literary committee. Readers are drawn to her high-octane, fast-paced dramas, and that’s what she delivers in Hot Hires. Her story “For Love or Money” packs a punch and leaves readers wanting more. For just a short tale, she’s able to develop a complex plot without any confusing leaps or jumps, tying everything up neat and sweet in the end. She sets it up perfectly too with a real flash-bang start; readers are pulled into the high-speed drama immediately and they don’t want to let go. Furthermore, the leading ladies are much too alluring to be denied. They have chemistry for days, and their sizzle jumps off the page. This was my first story by Thoma, but it won’t be my last!
Final remarks…
Hot Hires is a fun anthology. I enjoyed all three stories. The writing is strong and cohesive with tight themes throughout. The character development is solid and the plots are completely engaging. This is a perfect beach read—light, entertaining and easy to enjoy. I highly recommend it.
Nan Campbell’s debut novel, The Rules of Forever, is a Lambda Literary Award winner. She grew up on the Jersey Shore, where she first discovered her love of romance novels as a kid, spending her summers at the beach reading stories that were wholly inappropriate for her age. She was, and continues to be, a sucker for a happy ending. Nan lives in New York City.
Alaina Erdell lives in Ohio with her partner and their crazy but adorable cats. Prior to writing contemporary sapphic romances, she worked as a chef. She enjoys painting, cooking for friends and family, experimenting with molecular gastronomy, reading, traveling, and spoiling her beloved nephews.
Jesse J. Thoma: Although she works best under the pressure of a deadline, Jesse Thoma balks at being told what to do. Despite that, she’s no fool and knows she’d be lost without her editor’s brilliance. Seneca Falls was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award in romance. Data Capture, Serenity, and Courage were finalists for the Golden Crowne Literary Society “Goldie” Award.
Want to know more about these authors? Check out their websites or Goodreads page:
Architect Gene López-Pérez has everything she’s ever wanted: her daughter Susana, a flourishing career, and Isa—the love of her life and Susana’s biological mother. But when Gene is denied entry to a hospital emergency room because Susana is not biologically hers, the harsh reality of her situation begins to sink in.
Meanwhile, Isa, a trailblazing biomedical engineer, juggles her hidden family life and a career threatened by homophobia in a male-dominated field. She doesn’t dare risk losing the funding for the important medical research that she’s doing.
When Spain legalizes same-sex marriage, Gene proposes a bold solution—move to Spain, marry, and secure the parental rights she’s never known. But Isa’s refusal sparks a rift, pushing Gene to a daring decision for her family’s future.
As Gene contemplates a groundbreaking legal battle for parental rights in Florida, and Isa’s career teeters on the edge, their love faces the ultimate test. Can they bridge the divide between them, or will their dreams and duties force them apart?
My thoughts…
This book blew me away. Cris Ascunce’s narrative dives deep into the relationships people build and the connections they share with one another. Through her poignantly scripted prose, she relates the importance of family and how it not only shapes one’s life, but their romantic relationships as well. Both Isa and Gene’s family members have a strong presence in their lives. This is especially true of Martha, Isa’s mother. Martha provides a strong support system for the women as they find their way back to one another, and it’s touchingly beautiful to see. The compassion she shows towards Gene is especially heartwarming; their interactions are inspiring as well as comforting. Their bond is undeniably close and adds an emotional depth that’s real and meaningful.
It’s apparent that Ascunce has done her homework before sitting down to write this one. It comes through clearly in the text. She intricately threads culture, tradition and history into the storytelling, making it absorbing as well as compelling. Furthermore, she neatly ties it into the setting to push the narrative, honoring the LGBTQ history in honest and emotional ways. Ascunce’s approach quietly draws readers in, inspiring them to care about the characters and their families. She’s a smart storyteller, too; she provides readers with a story within a story, as this isn’t just about Gene and Isa’s journey. It is a reflection of something bigger. Through it, one might say she tells a grand love story, a tribute to all the real-life Genes and Isas that have traveled the same path and triumphed.
Final remarks…
This is a fantastic debut. It’s intelligent and insightful. Ascunce lets readers get to know these characters on a deep and visceral level. Readers understand them and care about them. And because they do, they appreciate their joy as well as their pain as they grow and change. Gene and Isa’s backstory—as well as relevant lgbtq historical markers—is neatly woven into the narrative, making their journey compelling as well as page turning. Ascunce tells this tale with gracious compassion and respect, squeezing readers’ hearts at times. In many ways, this story represents many queer couple’s. Narratives like these are so important and need to be more present in the world. I can’t recommend My Best Plan enough. I am excited to see what Ascunce writes next.
Strengths…
Intelligently written
Compelling narrative
Well-developed characters
Soundly constructed plot
Enticing writing style
A peek inside…
Gene
“Pampa pampa pampa!” Tito Horacio yells incoherently in my ear. He tries to sing—poorly, but God love him, enthusiastically—over the phone. In the background, Kool & The Gang belts out a cacophonous rumble of the cheesy song from the last millennium as people sing along and glasses clink. My uncle’s explosive laughter rolls through the phone, and I hold my BlackBerry away from my ear a few seconds until it dies down. Delightful as it is to hear, I wonder if he’s drunk-dialing from a party.
“¿Qué está pasando, Tito?” I yell through the phone, hoping he can hear me. Glancing at the digital clock on my computer screen, it’s after midnight in Barcelona and he’s carrying on like a college student during spring break.
“Gene. You haven’t heard? Parliament passed same-sex marriage this morning.” His voice cracks. “Can you believe it?”
“Today?” I say. “No way, not today. I knew it was coming, but I had no idea it’d be today.”
While Tito’s party guests seem to distract him, I open a tab in Safari and type Spain, same-sex marriage in the Google search box. A moment and about a thousand results later, I click on the first link. It’s a New York Times article by Renwick McLean, and right there, the bold headline with an image of the rainbow flag reads, “Spain Legalizes Gay Marriage; Law Is Among the Most Liberal.”
I flip my desk calendar to today’s date. Thursday, June 30, 2005. Well, damn. Who’da thought Spain would beat the US at legalizing same-sex marriage? Spain—the country of my parents’ birth—a Catholic country, no less.
But it’s not until I skim through the article that a few words in the second paragraph catch my eye and momentarily stop my heart from beating. “The bill, passed 187 to 147, says couples will have the same rights, including the freedom to marry and to adopt children, regardless of gender.”
I hang up with Tito and begin daydreaming, of course, because that’s what I do. If Isa and I got married in Spain, I could petition the courts there to legally adopt Susana as her second parent, and we can finally be a family. Legally! Being a Spanish citizen has its privileges: I can sponsor my wife and daughter, so they can become Spanish citizens, too. If we do all that now, by the time it’s legal in the United States, our marriage and my parental rights would be legal everywhere else, including Florida. But how much longer until that happens? It’d be easier if we did it in Spain, now. Then, I wouldn’t constantly feel marginalized when it comes to raising my five-year-old daughter. Big dreams, Gene.
The more I think of marriage as the traditional next step for couples wanting to enrich their lives and start a family, the more I think of my own precarious situation in Susana’s life, who’s my daughter in name only because we have no biological connection. Love is the only thing binding us.
In less than a month, Susana will be five years old. She’ll start kindergarten in the fall, but I shuttle her back and forth to a pre-K program now. With a notarized signature, Isa authorized me to drop Susana off and pick her up from that school. Martha, Isa’s mom, has the same privilege, sans the notarized authorization. And since I’m mostly the one who takes her to see her pediatrician, Isa signed consent forms there, too. It’s ridiculous. A puñetero authorization form is needed everywhere I go where Susana is concerned.
With all the focus on marriage, the end to my workday has arrived. I shut down my AutoCAD, sign out of my company’s network, lock the door to my suite, and walk the twenty paces it takes to get to my house for dinner.
[When I] slide open the glass door and walk into the kitchen, Isa is bent over the open oven, two juicy chicken breasts (one of them pierced with a thermometer) are laid out in a deep-dish oven pan, sitting on the center rack, and she’s poking at the birds, testing their doneness, I suppose. Meanwhile, Susana sits happily in her booster seat, hands, mouth, and dimpled chin covered in chicken juice, kicking her legs to and fro as she chomps down on a drumstick.
“Hey, G,” Isa says, peeking up at me, and I’m suddenly pulled out of this Norman Rockwell-ian portrait that’s labeled M A R R I A G E. The only thing Isa is missing is a white apron with a ruffled edge.“I made rice, and the chicken just needs to rest for a couple more minutes. You hungry? I was just about to call you.” Isa meticulously places the two breasts on a slab of butcher block, kicks the oven door closed, then saunters to the sink to fill the pan with soapy water. Routine. It’s the only thing in our lives that doesn’t change. She lives for it…
Without a word, Susana hops off her booster, walks over to me, gives me the greasiest hug, and smudges a kiss on both my cheeks. [She heads to her room and I make] a mental note to wipe down the banister, railing, and walls when I go back upstairs.
“Did you hear that Spain passed same-sex marriage today?” I ask, standing a few feet behind Isa… “You know,” I say as I walk over to the sink and wash my hands. “Since I’m a Spanish citizen, we could, for the sake of argument, get married in Jerez, or if that’s too provincial, we can do it in Sevilla.” I pause… “We can live on the vineyard in Jerez with Don Rigoberto while we establish my parental rights over Susana.” I rush my words, so I can get them all out…What I’m thinking of doing might seem far-fetched to her, but it’s an excellent plan, if only she’d listen. “By the time same-sex marriage is legal in the States, we could either move back here or stay there, in case Florida is the last state in the union to recognize same-sex marriages and adoptions by gay people.” This might be the Sunshine State, but it’s been putting a damper on my life since I was born.
Isa fixes her eyes on me but remains silent as my hopes seem to evaporate.
“[We could] live in Spain. [We could] get married there, the law will protect us. We’d have all the rights afforded to all other married couples in Spain, including adoption. And I would be somebody in your life and in our daughter’s life over there. I’d be her recognized parent if something were to happen to you. And if something happens to me, you’d both inherit my stake in the vineyard.”
“G, my work is here. You know I’m in the middle of important research at the hospital, growing human tissue to replace mechanical heart valves. We’re building real heart valves with human tissue…in a lab! It takes time.” She folds up the towel and places it on the counter, seemingly putting an end to my daydreaming. “I won’t leave my research now. Besides I can’t. I still have another two years to fulfill my obligation. Remember, they paid my student debt. And anyway, you’re a successful architect. Your career is booming. Why would we move from here?” she asks, dramatically raising her hands in the air as she turns in a circle. “And, if something does happen to me here, I signed palimony papers making you Susana’s guardian, or have you forgotten? So, for all practical purposes, you’ll be her parent.”
“Yes but ‘for all practical purposes’ isn’t enough for me anymore. You’re forgetting that a judge for Children and Family Services has to rule in my favor for me to be her guardian. And that’s if something happens to you, but what about now? I want it to be known that I’m her mother, too.” My voice cracks. I clasp my hands together behind my back to hide their trembling.
“And,” I say calmer, centered. “If something does happen to you and I wanted to adopt her, I would have to lie about my sexual orientation.”
“Well, what’s wrong with that?” she asks. “Wouldn’t you do that for your daughter’s sake?”
“Isa,” I reply, tamping down the sudden tension headache. The pressure between my eyebrows is digging into my brain. My hands aloft, I grasp my index finger. “First of all, it’s illegal to lie on official documents, and you’d better believe that officials for the state of Florida will investigate, but regardless, I don’t think I should have to lie to adopt the daughter I helped bring into this world. That’s if something happens to you.”
I grasp my middle finger. “Second, you are required to be present to give consent for medical care. Remember what happened the first time we rushed Susana to the emergency room?”
I take a breath, trying to wipe the memory away and grasp my ring finger. “Third, I can’t sign any kind of legal document for her because I’m not her legal parent.”
Pulling at my pinky, sending pins and needles up my arm, I continue, “And fourth, I pay a tax on the benefit I receive from the firm to have both of you on my health insurance. You know, it’s a real shame my company is more liberal than this country.”
With my chest heaving, head throbbing, and stomach spinning, I give her my final point. “Isa, marriage is about more than just the bond between you and me. There are laws in place that protect the family unit. Why is that so hard for you to understand?”
“Gene, we can’t move to another country to get married,” she says with cutting finality.
“Isa, we’ve been together for fifteen years! Living together since college, officially, like most straight married couples. We’ve created a family. You won’t move to Spain so that I may feel secure in my role as one of Susana’s mothers?” I keep my voice low, so Susana doesn’t hear us argue. A bit clearer than a whisper, but my throat might as well be bleeding from forcing my words through my esophagus without involving any vocal cords.
“Gene…Where is the urgency? Why can’t you wait until Florida follows suit and legalizes adoptions for gays and lesbians?” she asks.
“Because I know what it’s like to lose both my parents and to be unprepared to live without them!” I bellow with a sob. This time, a little louder than before, and the words seem to gush out of me just as the tears sting at my eyes. “But the difference is the state knew who both my parents were. If I die right now, there’s no record of whom I loved or by whom I’m survived. Don’t you see? I have a birth certificate that says who my parents were. It doesn’t say ‘unknown’ under the word father.”
“So, you want your name on Susana’s birth certificate under the word father?” she asks, brows furrowed. “I don’t understand how that’s going to change anything.”
“Because you have no idea what it means to have a child you love, who loves you just as hard, and have zero legal connection to her. You gave birth to Susana, that is undeniable. Your name is on her birth certificate. Mother: Isabel Susana Acosta,” I say, making gestures in the air as if Isa’s name and title were top billing on a theater marquee.
“I can’t do this anymore,” I hear myself say, the words leaving my mouth in slow motion and in a deep wistful tone. I drop my arms to my sides and lower my gaze to my Reeboks. The back of my neck is stiff as tears swell in my eyes. “I’ve given this everything I have, and if you can’t at least understand where I’m coming from, then you and I have no business being together at all…”
“Ay,Wait, what?” She rounds the peninsula and steps right behind me. She puts her hand on my shoulder, and I turn to face her, shrugging it off in the process. “You’re leaving? Leaving us?”
“No, Isa.” I point a trembling finger at her. My voice is quivering. “I’m leaving you.” Never in a million years did I think I would ever utter those words to Isa. “I will still be in Susana’s life, provide for her, and co-parent her with you, the way it states in our palimony papers. I just…I can’t live here with you anymore.” Shaking my head, I turn back around and make my way to the stairs.
“Gene!”
I turn to face her.
“Be reasonable,” she says. Stomach acid churns, melting my insides. “You won’t stay here with me if I don’t move to another country where we can get married?”
I shove my fists in the pockets of my Bermuda shorts. My head thrashing as if I’ve just come back from a Mötley Crüe concert. This isn’t an impossible task. My own parents moved to the States when the future of their family became untenable in Franco’s fascist Spain in 1969. Both sets of Isa’s grandparents did the same when they fled Castro’s communist Cuba in the early sixties. “Isa,” I say to her, after a few deep breaths. “We both knew this day was coming, let’s be honest with ourselves. I’ve loved you since I was thirteen years old, but while you’ve been playing make-believe, I’ve been building a family, a home, and a life with you.” I pound my chest again, and it’s as if my heart has stopped beating. “We’ve been lovers from the get-go, sharing a house, the chores, the expenses, and a bed. For all practical purposes, as you say, you’re my wife.”
“But, G, we’ve been best friends,” she insists, and she’s being serious, which is what’s most astonishing.
“¿Qué?” As my blood blisters, my eyes strain under the sudden pressure, I’m befuddled by her words. “No. Don’t you dare say that!” Spittle springs off my bottom lip. “Don’t you dare call me your best friend. We are a couple! Best friends don’t plan the life we’ve planned for fifteen years, they don’t sleep together, and they certainly don’t have children together. Friends don’t miss each other so much they practically starve themselves, waiting to be reunited with the other in college! You and I have never been friends, and because you only think of me as such reassures me that I am nothing to you.” I stop to give my rapid pulse a chance to ease.
“I wanted more from this relationship,” I continue. “From the life we diligently pieced together. The life you planned for us doesn’t fit me anymore! But you still don’t realize that aside from all the papers we signed, Susana is legally only your daughter. Do you get that? I can write it a hundred times in the air, and it’ll still be air and not a legal document.” I stop speaking abruptly, turn, and climb the stairs. I need to leave for my own sanity and figure out how I’m going to adopt my daughter.
“Wait. Fuck, Gene, you know I would never take her away from you, if that’s what you’re worried about!” She’s right behind me.
I wait until we’re inside our bedroom to turn around. “Really? You won’t even marry me; how can I expect you to think of me as her other parent?” As I blurt out those last words, I know I’ve gone too far and immediately regret them. But I carry on because an apology won’t help matters. “Is it really because you don’t want to move to Spain that you won’t marry me, or is it because I’m a woman?”
“I don’t see you like that,” she says. “You’re just Gene to me.”
“Well,” I say. “Gene has a pair of tits and a vagina.” I grab my breasts and then cup my crotch.
“Gene!” Isa says in a hard whisper. “Don’t say that.”
“Don’t you get it? Susana came out of your body, she shares your DNA. She looks exactly like you.” I point out our door toward her bedroom. “I need it to say somewhere that she’s my daughter, too.”
I turn and walk away, quietly making my way across the hall, leaving Isa to wonder what just happened…Ambling into the dressing room, I grab my suitcase from my side of the closet and open it over the ottoman that sits in the center of the room. I can’t stay here one more minute.
“You’re leaving now?” Isa asks, closing the door gently behind her.
“I can’t stay here with you.”
Isa
Fuck me! She’s gone.
When she left, Gene closed the side door so gently, it barely made a sound on her way out. I felt my insides spill all over [the floor].
Mother of fucking pearl!
When that breaking news alert about Spain passing marriage equality came through, I should have known Gene was going to start this up again. But she doesn’t get it. She never has. At the research hospital, I’m at the end of an infinite tug-of-war, and the rope is slipping away on my side.
Frustrated and needing some motherly advice, I pick up the kitchen phone, swiftly dialing Mami’s number.
“Hola mi niña ¿cómo estas?” Mami says after picking up on the first ring. Her voice is warm and familiar, and it’s hard to remember how contentious our relationship was once. She’s probably sitting in her plush butaca with her TV table covering her thighs, eating one of her healthier concoctions she bulk-cooked earlier in the week. She did her best cooking wholesome food after the cardiologist diagnosed my dad with a calcified heart valve. But after receiving a bio-prosthetic valve implant, he died four years later. And now that he’s gone, she probably has more vegetables on her plate than anything else. I clear my throat before answering to keep my voice from collapsing.
“Ay, Mami,” I reply with a quivering lip. “I think Gene just left me.”
“¿Qué?” she asks, incredulous. “Pero, Isabel Susana Acosta, what have you done?”
I somehow calm my frenzied weeping and answer, “She…Spain…same-sex marriage…” Okay, maybe that wasn’t calm at all.
“Take a deep breath and start from the beginning.”
A Miami native, Cris Ascunce was born to Cuban immigrants. Author of the novel My Best Plan, Cris is a voracious LGBTQ rights advocate and hopes to enlighten her readers on the struggles, advancements, and setbacks the community has endured and still faces, as well as what the long road ahead has in store to reach full equity with her writing. A graphic designer by trade, she once designed collateral with catchy headlines to lure visitors to Miami; now, she writes about it in her prose. A lover of travel, reading, and animals, Cris divides her time between Miami and Spain with her wife and their canine and feline daughters.
Themes: grad school, California, family, divorce, children, surrogacy, motherhood, women loving women, friendship, falling in love, bisexuality, sapphic romance, suspense, crime, investigations, CIA, misogyny, the 90’s
Tropes: age-gap
The blurb from the publisher…
A charged lesbian romantic suspense set in the early nineties, with gripping twists, turns, and surprising secrets.
A mission gone wrong leads to rising-star CIA operative Annie Weaver quitting her job and reinventing herself as a college student. But the CIA, desperate for her skills, refuses to let her go without a price.
Annie finds herself juggling classes in Criminology and falling for her beautiful landlord, Professor Helen Everton, while dealing with off-the-books secret missions for an increasingly controlling ex-boss. As the perceptive Helen circles ever closer to the truth, Annie has to figure out how to keep her freedom without putting Helen in danger—and without revealing her own past.
My thoughts…
Great stories appeal to readers’ deepest emotions. They surprise them and leave an impression. Furthermore, they contain characters that readers not only care about, but understand. That’s something Emily Waters grasps when crafting her stories. It’s why her debut novel received notice (and a Golden Crown Literary Society Award) and why her sophomore novel, Two is a Pattern, stands out.
Waters gets right to it and doesn’t waste any time hooking readers. It’s something she does in Honey in the Marrow and again in Two is a Pattern. She’s a stage setter, and it works, especially for Two is a Pattern. Readers are quickly drawn into the narrative and their curiosity is stirred. With mentions of former CIA bosses and paranoid feelings of being watched, they immediately want to know more about Annie Weaver.
Readers readily connect with the character of Annie, and the reason is this: Waters lets readers witness her defining moment as a CIA agent early on in the storyline. She does not drag this out and let readers hang in the wind with wild guesses as to what motivates Annie. These scenes are powerful, shedding a light onto Annie’s vulnerabilities. Through this, readers begin to understand her deepest and darkest fears. In turn, her choices make sense to them, and this enacts an empathy that’s needed for the story to matter.
Helen, Annie’s landlord and lover, is marvelous in this story. Her tender affection for Annie brings out a sweetness that’s as alluring as it is captivating. Their relationship, though a bit unique, provides the storytelling with layers and depth. It exposes vulnerabilities that are heart tugging, making Two is a Pattern an emotional read at times. Readers appreciate Helen for not only who she is to Annie, but what she means to the narrative.
Final remarks…
Waters’ Annie is a character like no other; she’s a bit of an unexpected hero, and readers will be hard pressed to resist her. She battles the odds with her back pressed up against a wall, facing adversity with admirable bravery. Her love for Helen is so noble and unselfish, it’s almost heartbreaking. It stirs readers, leaving them wanting more. And if my guess is correct, readers will get more. The final chapter reads like a cliffhanger, so one can assume there will be a sequel. (If there isn’t: 😕)
Emily Waters is a Children’s Librarian who loves reading picture books and middle grade fiction and doing storytime for little ones. A citizen of the internet, Emily is a fan of all things fandom and pop culture. Her other interests include reading, binge watching old television shows, drinking coffee, and saying “Gasp! A dog!” anytime she sees a dog.
Emily currently resides in Northern California with her family. To learn more about her, click on the following links:
√ Sapphic Novella √ Romance √ Part of a series but can be read as a standalone √ A perfect way to sample The San Francisco Mystery Series √ A wedding with action, adventure, and a touch of fantasy
The eagerly anticipated day has arrived for Dr. Jen Dawson and Agent Amanda Hathorne to exchange wedding vows at a breathtaking destination on the California coast. Best friends and soulmates, Jen and Amanda have triumphed over a myriad of obstacles, ranging from an unexpected pregnancy to the perils of Amanda’s dangerous, all-consuming career.
Despite the lingering drama and trauma from their recent missions—Jen’s valiant efforts in the hospital during a bioterror attack and Amanda’s covert mission with Roxy and Tommy—they are determined to create a jubilant, romantic, and unforgettable wedding weekend.
Perched on a cliff above Rainbow Beach, the idyllic wedding site is adorned with a magnificent wedding arch, fresh flowers, and a satin runner strewn with rose petals. Cherished family and friends have gathered to witness Jen and Amanda’s love for each other, and on the surface, everything appears to be going according to plan.
However, a cloud of unease shrouds Amanda as struggles with bizarre visions and ominous premonitions that make her question her own sanity. Despite her unwavering love for Jen and the desire to seal their commitment, her newly-acquired powers of perception are feeding her information that is overwhelming, threatening to throw her off her game.
Meanwhile, Tommy grapples with life-altering news but is reluctant to share it with Jen and Amanda for fear his situation might dampen the celebratory atmosphere. Compounded by his internal struggle over whether to join Amanda at Central Missions, a covert CIA division, he is at a personal and professional crossroads.
As the wedding weekend unfolds, unforeseen forces conspire to break the iron-clad bond forged by Jen, Amanda, and Tommy in both their co-parenting roles and careers. The wedding weekend will no doubt be unforgettable, but will they survive it?
My thoughts…
Readers love Alexi Venice’s San Francisco Mystery Series, and it’s not without good reason. Each new book offers a compelling mix of mystery, drama and romance, keeping readers engaged throughout. Venice’s original mysteries have been praised for their well-developed characters and intricate plot lines. Their trademark blend of love, humor and suspense hooks readers and has them flipping through the engaging storylines.
If you haven’t read any of the books from the San Francisco Mystery Series, now’s a good time to start. Wedding Balloon marks new beginnings for SFMS’s characters. Readers watch as Jen, Amanda and Tommy discover new things about themselves and their loved ones, prompting changes for them, their careers and their families. It’s a San Francisco Mystery so there are plenty of captivating twists and turns that keep the storytelling fresh and exciting; Venice always knows how to give her readers a non-stop, action-packed read.
Even though this is a novella, there are a myriad of things to appreciate about this latest installment. First and foremost, the mystery, humor and romance are nicely balanced. Not one overshadows the other. In fact, they work in equal measures to complement and enhance the storytelling. This balance provides a contrast between the dark and the tender moments, heightening the emotional impact of the story. Furthermore, it provides the narrative with opportunities to explore the complexities and challenges that lie within Amanda and Jen’s relationship. The end result is a more dynamic story, one that readers will not only find compelling but interesting.
As far as the plot, Wedding Balloon is no different than any of the others in the series. It’s well developed and well designed. Venice employs her usual craftsmanship and scripts plenty of high stake, roller-coaster moments, keeping readers invested until the very end. Furthermore, she carefully plants clever clues and red herrings within the narrative, ensuring that the tension is at a fast and fluid pace. Though the ending does give readers what they want—Jen and Amanda’s wedding, readers will be left with lingering questions. However, one has to remember that this is an ongoing series, and Venice always leaves enough room for future developments—as any well-designed series should. Fans of SFMS are accustomed to this though and hopefully won’t have to wait long for book nine. In the meantime, they can head back to book one, and enjoy Jen and Amanda’s journey again…
Award-winning author Alexi Venice’s legal and crime thrillers with LGBTQ leads serve up deadly appetizers, spicy main dishes, and HEA desserts. Her bestselling legal thriller, Standby Counsel, A Monica Spade Novel, received the 2020 Lesfic Bard Award in Mystery and was named The Best Legal Thriller of 2021 by BestThrillers.com.
Venice is a member of International Thriller Writers, Golden Crown Literary Society, the Crime Writers’ Association, and Romance Writers of America.
Thirty-four years of practicing law informs Venice’s legal, medical, and crime fiction. Her heart, imagination, and life experience are the pesto on the pizza.
Venice and her husband love wrangling grandchildren and dogs at their Wisconsin home.
Themes: love, WW2, undercover government spying, espionage, women loving women, friendship, survival, loyalty, forgiveness
The blurb from the publisher…
Victory isn’t always the end of the story.
Paris, 1944.
As OSS agents Kathryn Hammond and Jenny Ryan navigate the dangerous world of espionage, they are faced with the ultimate test of love and loyalty. Can their love overcome the obstacles in their path, or have time and the shadows of the past cost them a second chance at happiness?
Join Kathryn and Jenny on their journey of forgiveness, healing, and devotion, as they discover the strength of their love in the thrilling conclusion to the sapphic noir Shadow series.
Note: This is the fourth and final book in the Shadow series. Reading the books in order is highly recommended.
My thoughts…
In the Shadow of Victory by J.E. Leak is a remarkable conclusion to the Shadow Series. It offers readers a captivating sapphic romance that seamlessly blends espionage, suspense, and love against a rich historical backdrop. The narrative takes readers on a thrilling journey through a landmark time in history, exploring the lives of two intriguing women as they find love and solace amidst the unease and destruction of World War II. This series has garnered much attention among sapphic readers, and it’s easy to see why.
One might think Leak has written at least a dozen books by the way this latest flows across its pages. However, In the Shadow of Victory is only her fourth book. With this, she has clearly demonstrated that she is a gifted and capable storyteller. Her ability to craft complex and relatable characters makes the storytelling stand out. The lead characters, Kathryn and Jenny, are both strong-willed and independent women who defy the societal norms and expectations of the era. She does a fantastic job developing them; their love story is beautifully depicted, employing a delicate balance of passion and tenderness.
Sapphic representation in literature is important as sapphic readers crave a broader range of perspectives and reading experiences. For this, Leak deserves high praise for her portrayal of Kathryn and Jenny. Their wlw representation is beautifully crafted and comes across as authentic and heartfelt, especially considering the historical time period. Leak incorporates the social issues and obstacles faced by lesbians with sensitivity, and this further highlights Kathryn and Jenny’s determination to live authentic lives despite the societal pressures. Readers feel like their love affair is celebrated with sensitivity and devotion, and because its development feels organic and genuine, the romance works. In the end, Kathryn and Jenny’s love is the natural evolution of two souls drawn together against societal constraints, government obligations and war. It has impact and it sticks with readers long after they finish the last chapter.
Not only does Leak do a wonderful job developing Kathryn and Jenny as a couple, she shines at developing their individual personas as well. These are relatable, complex characters. Each one grapples with unique insecurities and pressures due to their obligations to the war. This complicates their relationship to one another as well as their loyalty to the OSS. Leak threads this well-scripted tension neatly throughout the narrative and readers find themselves easily connecting with Kathryn and Jenny—vulnerabilities, flaws and all.
As significant as Kathryn and Jenny are, they don’t work without their supporting cast. These secondary characters have always been notable contributors to the Shadow Series’s story arc and they continue to do a remarkable job in this final installment. These characters complement the storytelling with their well-drawn design, adding depth and nuance to the narrative. Furthermore, their distinct traits and motivations contribute in meaningful ways without overshadowing Kathryn and Jenny. From friends and family to fellow spies and adversaries, each person plays a compelling, crucial role in the storytelling.
Because In the Shadow of Victory is a historical fiction, I would be remiss not to mention how well played Leak’s knowledge of World War II is within this story. Set against the backdrop of the war, Leak creates an immersive story world for readers. Her meticulous attention to historical details easily transports them into the chaos of war-torn Europe, creating believable drama and tension. What’s more, she seamlessly weaves the events of WWII into the narrative with masterful grace, making the storytelling read as authentic. All in all, these sharp-eyed details provide an engaging depth that any history enthusiast would appreciate.
Final remarks…
Leak’s In the Shadow of Victory is sure to keep readers flipping pages long into the night. The storytelling is as captivating as it is praiseworthy. If you enjoy well-researched historical fiction with queer representation, then this book is definitely worth adding to your TBR pile.
J.E. Leak was born in Washington, DC, and grew up on the beautiful South Jersey shores of Long Beach Island. An antiques conservator by trade, she has always been fascinated by history and the stories objects could tell if they could speak. When she isn’t bingeing 1940s noir films, she’s writing or photographing nature on the spring-fed azure rivers of Central Florida. She has an Associate of Science degree in graphic design and is a devoted night owl. To learn more about her, click on the links below.
Audiobook length: 10 hours and 11 minutes; narrated by Abby Craden
Genre: Romantic Action & Suspense
Themes: spies, foreign terrorists, government corruption, undercover intelligence agencies, long distance love affairs, national security, women loving women
The blurb from the publisher…
Last month, intelligence analyst Lexie Martin found out a secret that could ruin lives. After a week on the run from her own government with her maybe-almost girlfriend, Sophia Flores, Lexie was forced to turn herself in and accept her punishment. But that punishment never came….
Aside from Lexie’s confusion about the whys of her release, things seem to be okay—she’s free, back at work, and is officially dating Sophia, which is way better than just okay. But when you embarrass the most powerful man in the country, you risk incurring his petty wrath, and when Lexie is reassigned back into a field position in a hostile country, she’s sure it’s retaliation for knowing the truth and that the president is going to leverage what Lexie did to keep her in line.
Now Lexie has a new mission. Make it home to the woman she loves.
My thoughts…
Leverage is Noyes’s second book in the Halcyon Division Series, and it proves to be well worth the wait. I can’t speak too much about the plot without spoiling it for readers, but know this: This book is one high-speed ride of intensity. Minds will be blown.
Inarguably, Noyes is a gifted storyteller. This latest book is just one more example of why readers are excited each time she pens a new tale. Leverage’s story arc is neatly scripted and smoothly blended with well-developed character arcs, making this one smartly-executed novel. Few people can capture a reading audience like Noyes, so it should surprise no one that Leverage is hard to put down.
This is a fast-paced novel; Noyes keeps readers on their toes throughout. They are constantly surprised and never know what to expect. Even as they try to stay ahead of the plot guessing game, Noyes only gives them enough to raise more questions and spike their adrenaline. Nevertheless, readers are easily drawn to the actions and motivations of these characters, and it makes for some exciting, page-turning fun. It’s pure Noyes storytelling, and fans won’t want it to end!
Leverage basically picks up where book one left off. However, new players are introduced in this ‘who’s who’ spy thriller. Readers aren’t sure who to trust and are surprised by those that are trustworthy. It all adds up to some interesting twists and turns, ones that definitely have readers’ hearts beating for Lexie and Sophia’s well-being.
Lexie is still positioned as the narrator of this adrenaline-filled thriller; that hasn’t changed. Readers have come to know her as a kind and smart character with a cutting sense of humor; her winsome personality never fails to enamor them. Furthermore, her sharp and intelligent perspective continues to add color to the first-person narrative, providing readers with an intimate view of the story world. Noyes uses it to her advantage, and the readers’ experience is all the richer for it.
Once again, Sophia plays Lexie’s love interest. She’s an extremely likable character, and readers are no doubt glad to see her again. As always, she plays a pivotal and impactful role in the storytelling. However, it’s the addition of Lexie’s partner that’s most welcome. He gives appreciative depth to the narrative; his presence pushes it in the most surprising and endearing ways. Readers will want to see more of him in book three.
Final remarks…
If you read Integrity, then you won’t want to miss out on Leverage. Noyes changes things up a bit in book two, making some clever choices to heighten interest and keep readers flipping pages. This is a must-read for fans of suspense thrillers; it does not disappoint. My only caution—be prepared to immediately want book 3!
E. J. Noyes is an Australian transplanted to New Zealand which may be one of the best things that’s happened to her. She lives with her wife and the best cat in the world.
She started writing because she was bored and had “ideas” and thought writing might free up some brain space. It didn’t. Now she’s addicted and spends much of her free time bashing out words while more new words jostle for attention.
In her scant free time, E. J. scream-swears at computer games, tries to sleep past dawn, coos at her cat and works the fact she’s a best-selling and award-winning author into conversation.
E. J. loves to procrastinate, so feel free to get in contact so she can read that instead of doing work. Here’s her links:
Themes : sailing the high seas, women loving women, pirates, female empowerment and independence
The blurb from the publisher…
Haunted by a vengeful past, Captain Branna Kelly embarks on a redemption quest with the Banshee’s new officer, Julia Farrow. They face a dangerous mission in a neighboring port, battling the merciless Ferryman and its captain, Isaac Shaw. When Julia proves herself in combat, her prowess stirs both pride and concern in Branna.
But their fiercest challenge isn’t their enemies—it’s the growing love between them. Ghosts from Branna’s past and Julia’s mysterious behavior weave a web of mistrust. Both love and loyalty are tested as Captain Kelly and Julia Farrow navigate treacherous waters—where their greatest threat may lie within.
Don’t miss this highly anticipated, swashbuckling sequel to The Raven and the Banshee.
My thoughts…
If you’re a sapphic reader with a love for action and adventure, then you’ll find something incredibly captivating about Carolyn Elizabeth’s The Heart of the Banshee. From the swashbuckling action on the high seas to the spirited camaraderie of the close-knit sailing crew, Elizabeth’s latest tale has a way of drawing readers in and keeping them hooked until the very last page.
The Heart of the Banshee is the sequel to The Raven and the Banshee, but book one does not need to be read to enjoy book two. Elizabeth provides enough backstory and clues for readers to understand the relationships and dynamics involved in this latest story arc; I did not read book one and was able to follow book two along just fine. That being said, after reading The Heart of the Banshee, I fully intend to go back and pick up The Raven and the Banshee. These characters are too wonderful, and I now long to appreciate their beginnings.
This is a fast-paced story. Moreover, it provides a fascinating exploration of power dynamics, both within relationships and in the broader context of the pirate and sailing society. This narrative challenges traditional gender roles and subverts power imbalances, allowing readers to witness strong, independent women taking control of their destinies.
Elizabeth’s storytelling is completely engrossing. She has a way of exploring the freedom and agency that these female sailors possess, and it’s very alluring. In a time period where women’s roles were often restricted, Captain Branna Kelly and new officer Julia Farrow defy expectations and achieve the unthinkable. For women-loving-women readers who seek stories that celebrate female empowerment and independence, this pirate-themed story provides the perfect backdrop.
This story isn’t all action and adventure though; Elizabeth skillfully weaves a lovely romance into this narrative. She explores deeper themes and issues that arise in relationships, creating a romance that isn’t just passionate but dynamic as well. Branna and Julia are compelling characters that share a spirited romance, one that’s filled with a nice balance of desire and tension. This tension and desire give the story teeth, providing not only an extra layer of excitement but emotional depth as well. These tension-filled moments push the storytelling, making the reader turn pages.
This is my first book by Elizabeth, and it won’t be my last. She is a clever and skilled writer. She uses vivid character development, authentic dialogue, and nuanced descriptions to evoke real emotions. It works to create a connection between readers and characters. Readers feel the chemistry and tension genuinely and authentically. Most importantly, Elizabeth’s storytelling resonates and comes alive on the page. What more could a reader ask for?
Final remarks…
The Heart of the Banshee challenges the status quo of sea life in the 1700s, all while exploring themes of adventure and romance. It resonates deeply with readers yet provides a wonderful sense of escapism. These are courageous and resilient women, and their story would make an excellent movie. Right from the first scene, readers are hit with heart-pumping action, and it never seems to let up. Carolyn Elizabeth knows how to keep readers engaged page after page, making this book a whole lot of fun!
Carolyn Elizabeth is an enthusiastic writer of Sapphic stories where serious camp meets upbeat macabre. Her sarcasm and love of pop culture are sprinkled throughout her stories and she would love to publish at least one novel in every subgenre.
Carolyn once bungee jumped in the parking lot of a bar in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. She’s been a bridesmaid five times and a bride once. She’s sailed a tall ship, spent a night in jail, gotten many tattoos, been scuba diving twice, and fired a handgun.
For fun, she used to play winter rugby 7’s in an indoor horse arena in New Hampshire. She’s been to Savannah, Georgia, for Saint Patrick’s Day, and been on a medical mission to northern Argentina.
Carolyn is a mom of two rambunctious boys, living in London, Ontario, and working in cancer research. She enjoys weaving elements of her colorful and diverse life experiences, including her education in pathology, into her romantic blend fiction.
GCLS Goldie Awards
Gallows Humor, Finalist, Romantic Blend. The Other Side of Forestlands Lake, Winner, Paranormal/Occult/Horror and Finalist, Tee Corinne Award for Outstanding Cover Art. Dirt Nap, Finalist, Romantic Blend. Zero Chill, Finalist, Romantic Blend.
Themes: Christmas, love, women loving women, good vs evil, family, traditions, small town
The blurb from the publisher…
Returning to her hometown of Kringle Falls, big-city librarian Andi Thatcher grapples with her feelings—both about inheriting her grandmother’s library and about the intriguing Theodora Declan.
Forthright antiquities agent Theodora Declan has her sights set on a coveted collection within the library.
As the pair negotiate, their encounters outside the library’s walls grow frequent, evolving from mere friendship to undeniable attraction. Amidst the burgeoning romance, they unearth a secret centuries in the making. But as their bond deepens, they face a choice: embrace a transformative love or make a monumental sacrifice for the greater good.
My thoughts…
Kringle Falls is a romance set in a small town in Upstate New York during Christmas. The storyline provides readers the ability to transport themselves into a world of imagination and wonder. It works elements of speculative fiction and mystery into a narrative that’s heavily infused with the spirit of Christmas, evoking a sense of intrigue and wonder for the reader. Overall, this novel provides an engaging reading experience for one to enjoy.
The author Lynn Oliver Hudson uses the setting of Upstate New York to add a sense of charm and mystique to her storytelling. The quaint town of Kringle Falls, the picturesque landscape and the snowy weather create a magical backdrop for this story to unfold. The north eastern part of the United States is often associated with a sense of nostalgia and tradition anyway, so this makes it the perfect setting for a Christmas-time story. Furthermore, the small-town atmosphere and the close-knit community add a sense of warmth and familiarity to the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story.
Besides designing a well-structured setting, Hudson is clever with her story world. She uses it to create the perfect stage for a holiday-themed plot. Christmas is a time of joy, love, and togetherness, and readers feel all of that in this novel. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making it the perfect world for a heartwarming romance. The hometown feeling transports readers to an idyllic place adorned with twinkling lights, snow-covered streets and cozy fireplaces. Overall, it adds an extra layer of magic to the story, making the dreamy setting alluring to readers.
Hudson is a debut writer and like so many new writers, she is still learning to hone her craft. However, she understands the importance of setting. She uses it to create a foundation for the most surprising characteristic of this holiday novel: the speculative/paranormal aspect. Hudson works elements of fantasy and supernatural into her narrative and it adds heavy doses of intrigue to her storytelling. Her introduction of the magical and otherworldly creates unique and unexpected plot twists, ones that keep the readers engaged and eager to uncover the mysteries within the story. These elements add excitement and wonder to the narrative, making it all the more enchanting for readers.
It should be mentioned that Hudson employs alternating points of view in her storytelling. It adds a nice depth and complexity to the narrative and allows the reader to see the story from two perspectives. Most importantly though, it helps to create a more immersive experience for the reader. Alternating first person points of view can be tricky, but Hudson pulls it off with relative ease. She develops distinctive character voices, and that helps. Her characters have clear, identifiable voices and the reader is able to differentiate between the characters, making the story fairly easy to follow.
Final remarks…
This Christmas-time romance is unique with its touch of mystery and otherworldly paranormal intrigue. Its homey small town setting provides tons of appeal to captivate readers. The combination of the speculative elements along with the gorgeous Upstate New York setting contribute to the overall enchantment of the novel. Hudson offers a nice blend of romance, intrigue and holiday cheer in her debut that transports readers into a world of imagination and wonder. However, there are points where readers will really have to suspend their belief for this novel to work. It takes some liberties with reality, time and space but the reading experience is entertaining nonetheless.
Strengths…
Interesting storyline
Surprising twists
Interesting characters
Festive, small-town setting
A word about the book from the author…
Kringle Falls is the product of watching too many Hallmark Christmas movies that lacked queer representation. My love of Christmas and the paranormal came together when I asked my best friend to give me a topic for a book. Her response was simple and quick, “a librarian with a secret collection.” Sprinkle in a quirky family, a dog who repeatedly steals the show, a life-changing love, and you have Kringle Falls. This magical place will stay with you long after the holiday season.
After moving around the world as an army brat, Lynn Oliver Hudson settled in Ohio with her wife, son, and two dogs. She credits her middle school teaching career for her sarcastic wit and humorous worldview. She proudly wears the self-proclaimed titles of science and history nerd. She spends hours on Lego creations and dreaming up epic adventures with her wife and son. Her love of everything supernatural and anything Christmas come together in her debut novel, Kringle Falls.
Want to know more about Lynn Oliver Hudson? Clink on the following links.
Themes : small town murder, family feuds and traumas, Southern politics, crime
The blurb from the publisher…
Lt. Jenna Ferrari is in the middle of two cases and has just moved in with her girlfriend, Randi, so this is not a good time to hear from her estranged father asking for her help. But with her brother wrongly accused of murder, how can she refuse?
Randi isn’t about to let Jenna return home to face her past alone, even if it means she’ll be placed in a lot of awkward positions. However, she doesn’t truly know what she’s getting into until they arrive.
The sheriff calls it open and shut, but Jenna teams up with a deputy who is inclined to believe her brother is being framed. Together, they track clues and witness statements until they arrive at a shocking and dangerous conclusion. Can Jenna repair her relationship with her family and save her brother from life in prison, or are the odds simply unsurmountable?
This full-length novel includes all the sweet, quirky moments between our lovebirds, a new murder to solve, and intense family drama that will keep you turning the pages.
This is book 6 in the popular Lessons in Murder series, by award-winning, best-selling author Edale Lane.
My thoughts…
A great mystery novel turns readers into amateur sleuths, and Edale Lane’s latest addition to the Lessons in Murder series, Homecoming in Murder, accomplishes just that. Lane skillfully employs the perfect balance of literary devices, creating an interactive experience that builds intrigue splendidly.
The main characters in Lane’s new novel are likable, relatable and credible individuals. Their unique and well-developed personalities provide genuine substance for this mystery. Readers easily invest in the journey of this mystery and root for Lt. Jenna Ferrari to succeed in finding out who framed her brother for murder. That, along with the family drama, are more than enough to keep readers flipping pages long into the night.
What makes Homecoming in Murder a real stand out is that it allows room for reader involvement. Readers feel as if they are solving this mystery right alongside Lt. Ferrari. By cleverly placing breadcrumbs throughout the story, such as overheard conversations, longstanding grudges, and unexplained whereabouts, Lane heighten the tension twofold. Furthermore, she masterfully scripts crime scene descriptions, compelling suspect interrogations and believable culprits, all working to engage the reader’s curiosity and desire to uncover the truth.
Though this is a mystery, there is a bit of romance too. Lane uses Jenna and Randi’s relationship to strengthen the plot and further develop Jenna’s character arc. Randi has a depth to her that softens Jenna’s persona; Randi makes Jenna more compelling and vulnerable, adding substance to her character as well as the storytelling. Together they have good chemistry and complement the narrative nicely.
Final remarks…
First and foremost, it’s important to note that Homecoming in Murder can be enjoyed as a standalone. Consumption of books 1 through 5 in the Lessons in Murder series are not crucial in understanding the gist of the series arc. Beyond that, know that this thrilling mystery should be commended for its well-structured plot and interesting characters. Furthermore, Lane’s expert storytelling will keep one engaged and guessing until the very end. The clues are well-placed but not overly obvious, ensuring a fun reading experience for all. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Homecoming in Murder to anyone seeking a compelling and absorbing read.
Edale Lane is an Amazon Best-selling author and winner of Rainbow, Lesfic Bard, and Imaginarium Awards. Her sapphic historical fiction and mystery stories feature women leading the action and entice readers with likeable characters, engaging storytelling, and vivid world-creation.
Lane holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in History, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.
Learn more about Edale Lane by following the links below.
Women Using Words 