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Hobbs #9
The Vanishing Bridge
Reverend Susan Gedney returns to Hobbs after facing the wreakage of her past in the Midwest, but she soon learns her own recovery is incomplete until she earns back everyone’s trust. Susan remembers what she learned in ‘You’re only as sick as your secrets’. She may have to reveal a few before winning back the support of the people who want to believe in her again.
Meanwhile, at the Hobbs Family Practice, Bobbie Lantry, the new Nurse Practitioner, has a big secret of her own. She seems always to be rushing away to take care of a mysterious older woman. Why? And who is the mystery lady? And why does Bobbie feel she can’t tell anyone what’s going on in her life?
Meanwhile, at the Hobbs Family Practice, Bobbie Lantry, the new Nurse Practitioner, has a big secret of her own. She seems always to be rushing away to take care of a mysterious older woman. Why? And who is the mystery lady? And why does Bobbie feel she can’t tell anyone what’s going on in her life?
- GenresLesbian
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2023
22 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Elena Graf
19 books97 followersAward-winning novelist Elena Graf has been scribbling stories since high school. Her first novel, Occasions of Sin was published in 2012. She considers herself primarily a historical novelist, but she is probably best known for the contemporary Hobbs series, featuring a group of middle-aged women living in a small town in Maine.
The novels in the Passing Rites series are set in Europe in the early 20th century and show how a noble family dealt with the momentous changes of the period. Two volumes in the series won both Golden Crown Literary Society and Rainbow Awards for historical fiction.
Elena Graf pursued a Ph.D. in philosophy and often explores difficult moral situations in her fiction. She ended up in the “accidental profession” of publishing, where she worked for almost four decades. She lives in coastal Maine.
The novels in the Passing Rites series are set in Europe in the early 20th century and show how a noble family dealt with the momentous changes of the period. Two volumes in the series won both Golden Crown Literary Society and Rainbow Awards for historical fiction.
Elena Graf pursued a Ph.D. in philosophy and often explores difficult moral situations in her fiction. She ended up in the “accidental profession” of publishing, where she worked for almost four decades. She lives in coastal Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 18, 2023
The Hobbs family continues with new twists
I am big fan of the stories Graf writes about the women living in Hobbs, Maine: it‘s about chosen (queer) family, small-town living, the women are mature (50+) and there are always relevant topics incorporated related to the challenges and joys aging brings. And last: the writing is always top-notch. So of course I have been eagerly waiting for a new installment of the iconic Hobbs series.
I always admire Graf for adressing important issues: This time there are quite a bunch of themes. At the foremost is a storyline about what happens when your partner is not capable anymore to help herself. What if your role changes from lover to caregiver? The subject is tackled head-on as are other developments concerning our beloved Hobbs family. And there is finally redemption and a place in the circle for a someone who has been around Hobbs for some time: not a trivial story-line and executed masterfully.
The book ends with a wonderful tableau where music, community and new members of the community bring everyone together. Sigh. What a satisfying read with food for thought. As someone in her sixties I feel seen. Thanks.
Thanks for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
I am big fan of the stories Graf writes about the women living in Hobbs, Maine: it‘s about chosen (queer) family, small-town living, the women are mature (50+) and there are always relevant topics incorporated related to the challenges and joys aging brings. And last: the writing is always top-notch. So of course I have been eagerly waiting for a new installment of the iconic Hobbs series.
I always admire Graf for adressing important issues: This time there are quite a bunch of themes. At the foremost is a storyline about what happens when your partner is not capable anymore to help herself. What if your role changes from lover to caregiver? The subject is tackled head-on as are other developments concerning our beloved Hobbs family. And there is finally redemption and a place in the circle for a someone who has been around Hobbs for some time: not a trivial story-line and executed masterfully.
The book ends with a wonderful tableau where music, community and new members of the community bring everyone together. Sigh. What a satisfying read with food for thought. As someone in her sixties I feel seen. Thanks.
Thanks for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
April 8, 2023
Nearly four years ago I was introduced to High October, the first book in the Hobbs Series. The storyline sounded intriguing and I was excited to read about a community of strong, capable and intelligent women in their fifties and early sixties. When I finished that I book, I immediately wanted more—more Liz, more Maggie, more Hobbs. The tight community of women immediately felt like friends, and I was eager to know more about them.
After reading The Vanishing Bridge, Graf’s latest addition to the series, I sat back and reflected on why I enjoyed the series so much. Graf gets a lot of things right from a literary perspective and I appreciate that. Her style is certain and direct, utilizing language that elevates the storytelling. She’s built a story world that I can count on, one that I enjoy returning to time and again. But as alluring as the town of Hobbs, Maine is, the real meat and potatoes of the series lies in its characters. This is a character driven series, and it pivots around the dynamic women of Hobbs. I’m all about that; it’s why I show up for each new book.
Even though the cast of characters has grown over the years, Liz Stolz remains at its nucleus. She binds these characters together. She’s a solid presence and bears the responsibility of prominent protagonist with grace. I don’t always agree with her, but that’s the genius of her design. She’s a dynamically fluid character that guides the series in productive ways, ways that suit the series. Therefore, her choices not only benefit the series, they open it up for potential and possibility.
Graf finds new story ideas in several places, but her ability to develop storylines through her secondary and supporting characters is admirable. In fact, it’s what helps make the overreaching arc capable of expansion. Graf understands that she must keep things fresh by creating narratives that capitalize on the utilization of secondary characters. Pulling these characters to the front creates a depth and complexity to the storytelling. Additionally, it feeds the central arc, which is crucial for maintaining a strong pulse in the series.
That’s what Graft did with Susan and Bobbie’s storyline in The Vanishing Bridge. Their relationship and all that it entails definitely pumps new blood into the arc. The events involving these two women unearth new tensions and obstacles for the central plot. Inarguably, they make the storytelling more complex and layered. Furthermore, they aid in keeping the series from becoming flat and uninteresting, something no author wants!
Throughout the course of the Hobbs Series, Graf has relied on her instincts to guide and nurture it, and they’ve served her well. She isn’t afraid to try new things, but that doesn’t mean she approaches the task without consideration. In The Vanishing Bridge, for example, she takes care to pen Susan and Bobbie’s developing storyline with balance and sensitivity. She remains cognizant of the need to keep things consistent, relevant and engaging. Additionally, Graf angles it in a manner that ensures reader investment. She makes sure to keep the steaks high for the subplot as well as the larger plot. And last but not least, she engages the emotions. There’s always a strong need to return to Hobbs and see what will happen next.
Final remarks…
The Vanishing Bridge is a compelling addition to this well-established series. Susan and Bobbie’s budding romance provides new possibilities for the series arc, heating it up in interesting degrees. Graf lets us know there’s more to come, though. Bread crumbs were left, thus spiking curiosity to return. Unfortunately we must remain patient to see how it unfolds next. No doubt the wait will be worth it, as it always is.
Strengths…
Storyline contains relevant and timely topics
New characters are masterfully used
Plotting remains credible
Storytelling remains consistent
Characters are dynamically developed
Foreshadowing is masterfully used
Conclusion is satisfying
After reading The Vanishing Bridge, Graf’s latest addition to the series, I sat back and reflected on why I enjoyed the series so much. Graf gets a lot of things right from a literary perspective and I appreciate that. Her style is certain and direct, utilizing language that elevates the storytelling. She’s built a story world that I can count on, one that I enjoy returning to time and again. But as alluring as the town of Hobbs, Maine is, the real meat and potatoes of the series lies in its characters. This is a character driven series, and it pivots around the dynamic women of Hobbs. I’m all about that; it’s why I show up for each new book.
Even though the cast of characters has grown over the years, Liz Stolz remains at its nucleus. She binds these characters together. She’s a solid presence and bears the responsibility of prominent protagonist with grace. I don’t always agree with her, but that’s the genius of her design. She’s a dynamically fluid character that guides the series in productive ways, ways that suit the series. Therefore, her choices not only benefit the series, they open it up for potential and possibility.
Graf finds new story ideas in several places, but her ability to develop storylines through her secondary and supporting characters is admirable. In fact, it’s what helps make the overreaching arc capable of expansion. Graf understands that she must keep things fresh by creating narratives that capitalize on the utilization of secondary characters. Pulling these characters to the front creates a depth and complexity to the storytelling. Additionally, it feeds the central arc, which is crucial for maintaining a strong pulse in the series.
That’s what Graft did with Susan and Bobbie’s storyline in The Vanishing Bridge. Their relationship and all that it entails definitely pumps new blood into the arc. The events involving these two women unearth new tensions and obstacles for the central plot. Inarguably, they make the storytelling more complex and layered. Furthermore, they aid in keeping the series from becoming flat and uninteresting, something no author wants!
Throughout the course of the Hobbs Series, Graf has relied on her instincts to guide and nurture it, and they’ve served her well. She isn’t afraid to try new things, but that doesn’t mean she approaches the task without consideration. In The Vanishing Bridge, for example, she takes care to pen Susan and Bobbie’s developing storyline with balance and sensitivity. She remains cognizant of the need to keep things consistent, relevant and engaging. Additionally, Graf angles it in a manner that ensures reader investment. She makes sure to keep the steaks high for the subplot as well as the larger plot. And last but not least, she engages the emotions. There’s always a strong need to return to Hobbs and see what will happen next.
Final remarks…
The Vanishing Bridge is a compelling addition to this well-established series. Susan and Bobbie’s budding romance provides new possibilities for the series arc, heating it up in interesting degrees. Graf lets us know there’s more to come, though. Bread crumbs were left, thus spiking curiosity to return. Unfortunately we must remain patient to see how it unfolds next. No doubt the wait will be worth it, as it always is.
Strengths…
Storyline contains relevant and timely topics
New characters are masterfully used
Plotting remains credible
Storytelling remains consistent
Characters are dynamically developed
Foreshadowing is masterfully used
Conclusion is satisfying
April 18, 2023
Hobbs series book number nine is here!!
What I most like about Elena Graf’s Hobbs series are the remarkable characters involved and the close lesbian community they have built in Hobbs.
They are mature women in their fifties or sixties, they have been through life and they have vast life experience in so many areas: the hardships, the risk taking, the effort and the drama of reality, love, sexuality, religion, self-discovery, self-understanding, self-acceptance, the improvement of character, knowledge and talent, the becoming more confident, more assured of themselves.
I love their intellect and both their scientific and emotional intelligence make their communication vibrant and smart, like in no other in lesbian fiction.
I really enjoy how their passion for the arts, music, theatre, religion, sense of community bring them together and these great loves and friendships are build and they flourish with such beauty and they are so rare in this troubled world.
They are not the typical lesbian romance characters, because the Hobbs series is not about romance, but about real life, and in real life people are flawed, thus the Hobbs characters are far more complex. They are at different stages in life: Liz and Lucy got married, Lucy wrote a book about sex and religion, Sam and Maggie are deeper in their relationship, Sam is working, while Maggie didn’t go back to the stage, but is helping her daughter Alina with her grandchildren and Liz feels the distance between her and Sam and she doesn’t like it.
I like Cherie’s aunt from Louisiana, Simone. She is such a blessing.
We are, also, introduced to Susan Gidney’s brighter and better side.
There are new characters: deacon soon to become priest Sudan refugee, Reshma John, than Teresa, Grace, the Sudan refugee family Reshma helps out, and Bobby Lantry, Liz’s new P.A., who treats especially elderly customers.
The meaning of the title:
“Bridges symbolize change and flexibility! They show us this simple philosophy: When you are on one side, you can easily move to the other side!”
(Mehmet Murat)
“To walk the vanishing (invisible) bridge means to go forward, even if you would rather hang back and blend into the crowd. To walk into the unknown, trusting that the net will appear; to speak out and step forth, even when the path looks uncertain and the territory hostile.”
Gia Storms
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are so many plot changes and new situations that leave the reader amazed.
Liz and Lucy live their fairytale as newlyweds, in their intimacy, Lucy really loves Liz, and while Liz loves her, also, she becomes more attentive to Lucy’s needs and happiness, and discovers new sides of herself, from within the emotion, the sensuality, the security and the trust between each other.
Lucy’s book on sexuality and religion, is not very well received and she struggles with the bad reviews, but she is encouraged by Liz and all their friends not to give up and continue with supporting her ideas and perhaps she can write a new book.
Lucy loves being on the stage again and gives her best as an opera professional.
Liz loves this new Lucy she is seeing.
However, Lucy is really tired with all these activities that keep her busy.
I really enjoy this theme: mature women don’t settle and take care of their children only, they work hard even in their sixties, they follow their passions and have wonderful love lives.
Brenda and Cherie adopted their young children, Olivia is recovering from a stroke and feels lonely, Denise and Maggie struggle to get along for the sake of helping Lucy running the musical director part for the church.
Susan struggles to become a respectable priest again starting anew in Hobbs, she tries to get involved and help Lucy with different kind of issues and surprisingly, she can help Reshma to follow her vocation as a priest and help her with the sermons.
Susan, also, teaches at the local school in the old fashioned way, and Courtney, the school’s principal, is really impressed with Susan’s way of teaching and interacting with the children, based on her vast experience as a teacher. She also struggles financially, but she gets help from unexpected persons.
Can Susan overcome her villain status and become a positive character?
Can she stay sober against all odds?
Can she gain Lucy’s trust once more?
Other themes are touched here: can a former alcoholic recover and become a respectable priest once more; can she find love again?
Reshma John came as a refugee from Africa, more specific, from Sudan. The Episcopal Diocese in Maine was very involved in helping the new refugees. A few parishes got together and sponsored her and two other girls to get very good education.
She is very intelligent and smart as a whip.
First, she was a deacon in Lucy’s church and now she is to become a priest, but she questions her vocation, and postponed her
She is also confused of her attraction to Denise and judges herself for it.
Lucy and Susan help her with insightful discussions and give her a little advice from their vast experience on how to self-acceptance, self-understanding and self-discovery.
And these themes are touched here: can a refugee child become an educated intelligent woman, can a priest accept her attraction to a trans woman?
Bobby Lantry is Liz’s new P.A., specialized in treating elderly customers.
She lives in a big house on the beach, where she lives together with an older woman, whom she seems to be taking care of: Joyce.
She has two students living upstairs, who help her take care of Joyce in exchange of lodging and nice meals.
Bobby and Susan start a nice friendship, but is friendship seems not be blooming, because they both have their secrets and insecurities.
Who is Joyce?
Can Susan tell Bobby she is a recovering alcoholic?
Can their friendship bloom after the secrets are disclosed?
Themes touched here : friendship can't be based on hidden truths and the hardship of taking care of an incapacitated older woman after certain age.
I enjoyed the many food we are introduced to in this book: Reshma cooks sudanese receipts, Simone cooks Lousiana receipts a.s.o.
I would have loved to live in Hobbs, if the characters were real and Hobbs was a real place.
I still love Liz - „A fallen idol is still a god.” (Elizabeth Cheresh Allen)
And I love Lucy more – „She is a saint with the lips of a sinner / She is an angel with a devilish kiss.” (n3r)
I totally recommend the Hobbs series by Elena Graf, because of the remarkable characters, these lovely lesbian ladies in their fifties or sixties who form the Hobbs universe.
Can't wait for Hobbs series book #10!
Inkmarksonemptydreams~
What I most like about Elena Graf’s Hobbs series are the remarkable characters involved and the close lesbian community they have built in Hobbs.
They are mature women in their fifties or sixties, they have been through life and they have vast life experience in so many areas: the hardships, the risk taking, the effort and the drama of reality, love, sexuality, religion, self-discovery, self-understanding, self-acceptance, the improvement of character, knowledge and talent, the becoming more confident, more assured of themselves.
I love their intellect and both their scientific and emotional intelligence make their communication vibrant and smart, like in no other in lesbian fiction.
I really enjoy how their passion for the arts, music, theatre, religion, sense of community bring them together and these great loves and friendships are build and they flourish with such beauty and they are so rare in this troubled world.
They are not the typical lesbian romance characters, because the Hobbs series is not about romance, but about real life, and in real life people are flawed, thus the Hobbs characters are far more complex. They are at different stages in life: Liz and Lucy got married, Lucy wrote a book about sex and religion, Sam and Maggie are deeper in their relationship, Sam is working, while Maggie didn’t go back to the stage, but is helping her daughter Alina with her grandchildren and Liz feels the distance between her and Sam and she doesn’t like it.
I like Cherie’s aunt from Louisiana, Simone. She is such a blessing.
We are, also, introduced to Susan Gidney’s brighter and better side.
There are new characters: deacon soon to become priest Sudan refugee, Reshma John, than Teresa, Grace, the Sudan refugee family Reshma helps out, and Bobby Lantry, Liz’s new P.A., who treats especially elderly customers.
The meaning of the title:
“Bridges symbolize change and flexibility! They show us this simple philosophy: When you are on one side, you can easily move to the other side!”
(Mehmet Murat)
“To walk the vanishing (invisible) bridge means to go forward, even if you would rather hang back and blend into the crowd. To walk into the unknown, trusting that the net will appear; to speak out and step forth, even when the path looks uncertain and the territory hostile.”
Gia Storms
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are so many plot changes and new situations that leave the reader amazed.
Liz and Lucy live their fairytale as newlyweds, in their intimacy, Lucy really loves Liz, and while Liz loves her, also, she becomes more attentive to Lucy’s needs and happiness, and discovers new sides of herself, from within the emotion, the sensuality, the security and the trust between each other.
Lucy’s book on sexuality and religion, is not very well received and she struggles with the bad reviews, but she is encouraged by Liz and all their friends not to give up and continue with supporting her ideas and perhaps she can write a new book.
Lucy loves being on the stage again and gives her best as an opera professional.
Liz loves this new Lucy she is seeing.
However, Lucy is really tired with all these activities that keep her busy.
I really enjoy this theme: mature women don’t settle and take care of their children only, they work hard even in their sixties, they follow their passions and have wonderful love lives.
Brenda and Cherie adopted their young children, Olivia is recovering from a stroke and feels lonely, Denise and Maggie struggle to get along for the sake of helping Lucy running the musical director part for the church.
Susan struggles to become a respectable priest again starting anew in Hobbs, she tries to get involved and help Lucy with different kind of issues and surprisingly, she can help Reshma to follow her vocation as a priest and help her with the sermons.
Susan, also, teaches at the local school in the old fashioned way, and Courtney, the school’s principal, is really impressed with Susan’s way of teaching and interacting with the children, based on her vast experience as a teacher. She also struggles financially, but she gets help from unexpected persons.
Can Susan overcome her villain status and become a positive character?
Can she stay sober against all odds?
Can she gain Lucy’s trust once more?
Other themes are touched here: can a former alcoholic recover and become a respectable priest once more; can she find love again?
Reshma John came as a refugee from Africa, more specific, from Sudan. The Episcopal Diocese in Maine was very involved in helping the new refugees. A few parishes got together and sponsored her and two other girls to get very good education.
She is very intelligent and smart as a whip.
First, she was a deacon in Lucy’s church and now she is to become a priest, but she questions her vocation, and postponed her
She is also confused of her attraction to Denise and judges herself for it.
Lucy and Susan help her with insightful discussions and give her a little advice from their vast experience on how to self-acceptance, self-understanding and self-discovery.
And these themes are touched here: can a refugee child become an educated intelligent woman, can a priest accept her attraction to a trans woman?
Bobby Lantry is Liz’s new P.A., specialized in treating elderly customers.
She lives in a big house on the beach, where she lives together with an older woman, whom she seems to be taking care of: Joyce.
She has two students living upstairs, who help her take care of Joyce in exchange of lodging and nice meals.
Bobby and Susan start a nice friendship, but is friendship seems not be blooming, because they both have their secrets and insecurities.
Who is Joyce?
Can Susan tell Bobby she is a recovering alcoholic?
Can their friendship bloom after the secrets are disclosed?
Themes touched here : friendship can't be based on hidden truths and the hardship of taking care of an incapacitated older woman after certain age.
I enjoyed the many food we are introduced to in this book: Reshma cooks sudanese receipts, Simone cooks Lousiana receipts a.s.o.
I would have loved to live in Hobbs, if the characters were real and Hobbs was a real place.
I still love Liz - „A fallen idol is still a god.” (Elizabeth Cheresh Allen)
And I love Lucy more – „She is a saint with the lips of a sinner / She is an angel with a devilish kiss.” (n3r)
I totally recommend the Hobbs series by Elena Graf, because of the remarkable characters, these lovely lesbian ladies in their fifties or sixties who form the Hobbs universe.
Can't wait for Hobbs series book #10!
Inkmarksonemptydreams~
September 20, 2023
Disclaimer: I wanted to see if this book stands well alone and for the most part, it does, but there were several issues I had with it, which may just be alleviated by actually following along the previous books in the series.
I appreciated that this series is based on women in the clergy, something I haven't really seen much of before and found reasonably interesting now. I was a bit disappointed that the main conflicts appeared to just be superficially about politics within the church rather than any introspection of reconciling queer identities with priesthood.
I was also not super impressed by the sheer number of characters thrown at the reader in the first third of the book, particularly since most of them fade into the background not too long after and are not part of the main conflict. The blurb led me to believe that this was a story about Susan and Bobbie's points of view and struggles, but there was honestly more of Liz and Lucy, a couple that I found unconvincing as newlyweds deeply in love (having no exposure to their past interactions, just based on this book where we meet them a month into having gotten married).
Despite having a diverse cast of (mostly, aside from a couple of brief appearances from men in their families and the church) women in the story, across a range of ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels, sexualities, nationalities, and a trans woman who is formerly a singer as well. Unfortunately, the dialogue is mostly similar across all these diverse backgrounds, including characters who are freshly emigrated from an African country.
Also, in the year of our lord twenty twenty-three, I was shocked to find frequent casual mentions of someone "getting over" severe sexual trauma in the past and also an instance of the r-word slur to refer to a woman who is suffering from Alzheimers. It was a bit much for me to be able to give this book a good review from me personally.
The other major issue I had was the infodumping. There's a lot of telling rather than showing, which always gives me the impression of a bit of clumsy dumping of context to literally tell the reader things instead of subtly using cues and dialogue to lead the reader to consider what the subtext is.
I would give another book in the series a try and see if any of the issues are resolved by just having a bit more historical context from this book, but would otherwise not really recommend this series based on this book.
I appreciated that this series is based on women in the clergy, something I haven't really seen much of before and found reasonably interesting now. I was a bit disappointed that the main conflicts appeared to just be superficially about politics within the church rather than any introspection of reconciling queer identities with priesthood.
I was also not super impressed by the sheer number of characters thrown at the reader in the first third of the book, particularly since most of them fade into the background not too long after and are not part of the main conflict. The blurb led me to believe that this was a story about Susan and Bobbie's points of view and struggles, but there was honestly more of Liz and Lucy, a couple that I found unconvincing as newlyweds deeply in love (having no exposure to their past interactions, just based on this book where we meet them a month into having gotten married).
Despite having a diverse cast of (mostly, aside from a couple of brief appearances from men in their families and the church) women in the story, across a range of ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels, sexualities, nationalities, and a trans woman who is formerly a singer as well. Unfortunately, the dialogue is mostly similar across all these diverse backgrounds, including characters who are freshly emigrated from an African country.
Also, in the year of our lord twenty twenty-three, I was shocked to find frequent casual mentions of someone "getting over" severe sexual trauma in the past and also an instance of the r-word slur to refer to a woman who is suffering from Alzheimers. It was a bit much for me to be able to give this book a good review from me personally.
The other major issue I had was the infodumping. There's a lot of telling rather than showing, which always gives me the impression of a bit of clumsy dumping of context to literally tell the reader things instead of subtly using cues and dialogue to lead the reader to consider what the subtext is.
I would give another book in the series a try and see if any of the issues are resolved by just having a bit more historical context from this book, but would otherwise not really recommend this series based on this book.
March 26, 2023
The Vanishing Bridge (Hobbs Book 9)
by Elena Graf
A review by Ka
In her writing, Elena Graf skillfully combines literary fiction and history lessons, whether in her historical Passing Rites series, in which the plot unfolds against the backdrop of German history from the late nineteenth up to mid-twentieth century, or her contemporary Hobbs series that chronicles current day history as part of the plot.
In small-town fictional Hobbs on the southern coast of Maine, she created a tightly knit and true to life, multicultural community encompassing a considerable number of LGBTQ characters, most of her protagonists being mature (hence for me very relatable) lesbians in, or past, their middle years, each character with their personal history as well as the history of relationships and friendships developed throughout the series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, tackling one of life's major challenges that is brought to a satisfactory conclusion through the creative efforts of a growing family of friends, though there is a story arc that connects all of the series' installments, which makes reading them all consecutively a true pleasure.
Hard to believe that The Vanishing Bridge is already book nine of this rich and compelling series. I greatly enjoyed learning about new developments in the lives of the overall series' major protagonists, Liz and Lucy, and other characters from earlier books as well. I was captivated by the central moral dilemma raised in this book that has to overcome moralistic issues to finally arrive at a solution that could be termed a morality of the heart.
And as always, I loved Ms Graf's succinct narrative style devoid of redundancies. A gifted observer, she brings to life everyday scenes in just a few words, and sketches emotional landscapes that the reader can visualize in their mind's eye like a movie clip.
Like all of her books, I can recommend reading this one without reservation, and as always, I am looking forward to her next.
This review is based on an ARC, kindly provided by the author's publisher.
by Elena Graf
A review by Ka
In her writing, Elena Graf skillfully combines literary fiction and history lessons, whether in her historical Passing Rites series, in which the plot unfolds against the backdrop of German history from the late nineteenth up to mid-twentieth century, or her contemporary Hobbs series that chronicles current day history as part of the plot.
In small-town fictional Hobbs on the southern coast of Maine, she created a tightly knit and true to life, multicultural community encompassing a considerable number of LGBTQ characters, most of her protagonists being mature (hence for me very relatable) lesbians in, or past, their middle years, each character with their personal history as well as the history of relationships and friendships developed throughout the series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, tackling one of life's major challenges that is brought to a satisfactory conclusion through the creative efforts of a growing family of friends, though there is a story arc that connects all of the series' installments, which makes reading them all consecutively a true pleasure.
Hard to believe that The Vanishing Bridge is already book nine of this rich and compelling series. I greatly enjoyed learning about new developments in the lives of the overall series' major protagonists, Liz and Lucy, and other characters from earlier books as well. I was captivated by the central moral dilemma raised in this book that has to overcome moralistic issues to finally arrive at a solution that could be termed a morality of the heart.
And as always, I loved Ms Graf's succinct narrative style devoid of redundancies. A gifted observer, she brings to life everyday scenes in just a few words, and sketches emotional landscapes that the reader can visualize in their mind's eye like a movie clip.
Like all of her books, I can recommend reading this one without reservation, and as always, I am looking forward to her next.
This review is based on an ARC, kindly provided by the author's publisher.
April 6, 2023
Standing on the bridge to some place new but still much home.
This is book 9 of the Hobbs series. I received an ARC copy but as usual I purchased one to have in my collection. I think of this one as the culmination of so many personal journeys. Susan is back to stay, and though I had a hard time liking her the growth she makes is beautiful. We meet Bobbie who is Liz's new PA for elderly clients. Her story is now new but there certainly was many questions about how one honorably live out devotion. Her spirit is truly a gift. Bobbie and Susan bring to light a very difficult and loving part of their story. I wrestled with their choices and needs.
Lucy has been growing in her faith journey. Her new book was not as well received but today's climate makes talk of sexuality so difficult. It has been admirable to feel her reactions but not least of all her passionate sharing of her writing. Not letting the negative people win but seeing them could be enlightening. The experiences of Denise and Lucy singing just makes this story so beautiful. The musical inputs throughout the book have always added to The Hobbs book but it was divine on so many occasions. Liz has been a blessed surprise as she opens up with more of who she is as Lucy loves her more unconditionally. Their dynamic has given the book some great twists. I chuckled more than once at their dialogue. Reshma's journey has grabbed so much of my heart. The last chapter of this book had tears flowing down my cheeks. I needed many Kleenex and my inhaler to breathe. Not because of sadness. The majesty of her coronation, Lucy's attention to every detail and the sheer connected community it told. Teresa, Grace, and Simone brought love of family in a new way. Oh my I loved this book. I am hoping it is not the end of the Hobbs Story may they keep talking to our author. I love this series and its characters.
This is book 9 of the Hobbs series. I received an ARC copy but as usual I purchased one to have in my collection. I think of this one as the culmination of so many personal journeys. Susan is back to stay, and though I had a hard time liking her the growth she makes is beautiful. We meet Bobbie who is Liz's new PA for elderly clients. Her story is now new but there certainly was many questions about how one honorably live out devotion. Her spirit is truly a gift. Bobbie and Susan bring to light a very difficult and loving part of their story. I wrestled with their choices and needs.
Lucy has been growing in her faith journey. Her new book was not as well received but today's climate makes talk of sexuality so difficult. It has been admirable to feel her reactions but not least of all her passionate sharing of her writing. Not letting the negative people win but seeing them could be enlightening. The experiences of Denise and Lucy singing just makes this story so beautiful. The musical inputs throughout the book have always added to The Hobbs book but it was divine on so many occasions. Liz has been a blessed surprise as she opens up with more of who she is as Lucy loves her more unconditionally. Their dynamic has given the book some great twists. I chuckled more than once at their dialogue. Reshma's journey has grabbed so much of my heart. The last chapter of this book had tears flowing down my cheeks. I needed many Kleenex and my inhaler to breathe. Not because of sadness. The majesty of her coronation, Lucy's attention to every detail and the sheer connected community it told. Teresa, Grace, and Simone brought love of family in a new way. Oh my I loved this book. I am hoping it is not the end of the Hobbs Story may they keep talking to our author. I love this series and its characters.
April 4, 2023
Elena Graf has written another great book in the Hobb Series! She manages to mix history & a love story together in each book and this one is no different!
There were many familiar faces as all the characters interacted. Old and new characters are melded together, facing real life problems. Elena Graf gives us a view of life as an older person as well as mixing in younger, new thought characters.
This historical series continues with Liz, Lucy, Maggie, Sam, Brenda, Cherie, Olivia, Courtney, Melissa, Denise, plus new characters introduced that face the same problems we deal with in real life. New insecurities and old angst melded into this story to create the current lives of the characters and the edition of new characters to enhance the drama.
Lucy and Liz are a dynamic couple, but there were times I would have throttled Liz for the way she acted. The wisdom and life experience of each character, blend together to help them progress further and enjoy life.
The Hobbs series describes the life of a community of lesbian women in their fifties or sixties all living and working together and facing many of the issues those of us in the same age bracket face in today’s world.
As in Elena Graf’s other books in this series there are many twists and turns, and sorrow and joy to keep you turning the pages. Her books show her command of the language, depth of research and character development, as well as her knack for plotting the story content.
There were many familiar faces as all the characters interacted. Old and new characters are melded together, facing real life problems. Elena Graf gives us a view of life as an older person as well as mixing in younger, new thought characters.
This historical series continues with Liz, Lucy, Maggie, Sam, Brenda, Cherie, Olivia, Courtney, Melissa, Denise, plus new characters introduced that face the same problems we deal with in real life. New insecurities and old angst melded into this story to create the current lives of the characters and the edition of new characters to enhance the drama.
Lucy and Liz are a dynamic couple, but there were times I would have throttled Liz for the way she acted. The wisdom and life experience of each character, blend together to help them progress further and enjoy life.
The Hobbs series describes the life of a community of lesbian women in their fifties or sixties all living and working together and facing many of the issues those of us in the same age bracket face in today’s world.
As in Elena Graf’s other books in this series there are many twists and turns, and sorrow and joy to keep you turning the pages. Her books show her command of the language, depth of research and character development, as well as her knack for plotting the story content.
July 5, 2024
Book 9 in the series. And well done for sustaining interest in this community for this length of time. Although these books have all been published in a short span of time - an absolute achievement.
Susan has returned and needs to find her place. She has been met with some suspicion as to why she has come back and needs to win the trust of the people.
But it is her turn to see if she can have a relationship within the community.
Enter Bobbie - caring for her long term partner with dementia.
This brings up difficult issues in itself - the level of care and coordination of people that this demands makes sobering reading. The difficulty in figuring out what the person with dementia understands about the people in her life is also apparent.
When Susan meets Joyce - Joyce appears to recognise the nature of the relationship and feels threatened. Susan being Susan runs away.
Real life is also shown here - in that the death of the Queen is mentioned and poor Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, is noted by Liz to be a lousy speaker!
recommended.
Susan has returned and needs to find her place. She has been met with some suspicion as to why she has come back and needs to win the trust of the people.
But it is her turn to see if she can have a relationship within the community.
Enter Bobbie - caring for her long term partner with dementia.
This brings up difficult issues in itself - the level of care and coordination of people that this demands makes sobering reading. The difficulty in figuring out what the person with dementia understands about the people in her life is also apparent.
When Susan meets Joyce - Joyce appears to recognise the nature of the relationship and feels threatened. Susan being Susan runs away.
Real life is also shown here - in that the death of the Queen is mentioned and poor Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, is noted by Liz to be a lousy speaker!
recommended.
May 9, 2023
I love the whole Hobbs series, but The Vanishing Bridge is now my favorite. I appreciate the complex development of the old characters and the introduction of interesting new characters, including an immigrant family and a physician's assistant caring for her partner with dementia, two circumstances rarely addressed in our literature. The hilarious scene of Liz changing the bishop's flat tire is alone worth the price of the paperback.
In so many lesbian novels, the main characters have few or no lesbian friends. In Hobbs, vibrant networks of lovers, ex-lovers, children, parents, colleagues, and friends support these women through heartbreak, loss, accomplishments, and joy.
The Vanishing Bridge, like other Elena Graf's novels, is impeccably edited. An added bonus is the embedded links to glorious music from Wicked to Vivaldi.
The Vanishing Bridge deserves every prize I hope it will win.
In so many lesbian novels, the main characters have few or no lesbian friends. In Hobbs, vibrant networks of lovers, ex-lovers, children, parents, colleagues, and friends support these women through heartbreak, loss, accomplishments, and joy.
The Vanishing Bridge, like other Elena Graf's novels, is impeccably edited. An added bonus is the embedded links to glorious music from Wicked to Vivaldi.
The Vanishing Bridge deserves every prize I hope it will win.
April 3, 2023
The Hobbs series has been a continual source of delight and surprise for my wife and I. Book 9 doesn't fail to impress and move you - the writing is exceptional as always and the women are older so relating is so easy. Elena Graf's books have always touched on matters that were extremely relevant and personal for us. In this case, a partner not being able to help themselves. We were stunned and deeply moved at how accurately the emotions of both partners were portrayed. A few tears were shed. We can recommend this book and the series itself highly enough. Prepared to be moved and to feel like you're leaving friends behind when you close book. A very grateful shout out to the author for letting us be ARC readers.
April 6, 2023
This book is fantastic! Perhaps The Vanishing Bridge is the best (so far 😉) in the Hobbs series. I love Graf's writing, no matter the setting or the topic, and this book just reminds me once again of her talent. The Vanishing Bridge has a different tone to it - more somber and sober. The way Graf is developing characters like Susan, and introducing new characters like Bobbie, Joyce, and Teresa, is just masterful! The characters are deep and well-developed - their tribulations are painful and heart wrenching. Graf has done a great job, bringing along the “old-timers”, who learn lessons in compassion and patience. Thank you Elena Graf, for the Hobbs series, and especially for The Vanishing Bridge.
April 19, 2025
Another solid addition to this series as the balance shifts from pretty much all Lucy in book 8 to being much more of lots of different characters, particularly Susan and her relationships. Susan hasn’t been the most sympathetic character in previous instalments, but with her playing a large role in this, you find yourself rooting for her as she battles to repair her friendship with Lucy and against her alcoholism. There’s also a new love interest in the shape of Liz’s nurse Bobbie, but there are obstacles in the way, that aren’t quickly and easily resolved by the end of this. But there’s hope for a way forward…
July 18, 2023
I like the way Elena Graf weaves in the threads of different characters' stories. She creates a whole community of ongoing, mostly lesbian, characters in a small town on the Maine coast. This is the ninth book in an ongoing series that is well-written and believable, with intelligent characters. Some couples break up and form new relationships, yet they have continuing, though somewhat tense, friendships. That's real lesbian life. But the characters don't just think about sex. They have a deep focus on their careers in fields like music, medicine, and pastoral care.
April 8, 2023
With her continued deep characterization and themes that touch the hearts and souls of her readers Elena continues the saga of friends and colleagues in the Hobb’s community. With each book her writing becomes more and more eloquent and mature. It allows one to imagine that one is herself a member of this strong community with all of the joys and sorrows that we personally or collectively face as part of our human condition. I cope that the series continues.
February 24, 2024
Insightful and Beautiful
This book has more angst in it but also more insight (into many things) while treating the information with so much beauty and understanding. I was deeply moved throughout.
I've not personally dealt with dementia or alcoholism and I appreciate the insight this story has given me.
It does that while maintaining the continuing story, and does it with good writing and grace.
This book has more angst in it but also more insight (into many things) while treating the information with so much beauty and understanding. I was deeply moved throughout.
I've not personally dealt with dementia or alcoholism and I appreciate the insight this story has given me.
It does that while maintaining the continuing story, and does it with good writing and grace.
May 8, 2023
Absolutely beautiful
I started this series nine days ago. I read one book a day and I have loved every one of them. I hope there are more to come. I love the town and these beautiful strong women. I am 72 and it is so wonderful to read of love and sex is alive and well in us older gals. Thank you so much. The Hobb's community feels like home.
I started this series nine days ago. I read one book a day and I have loved every one of them. I hope there are more to come. I love the town and these beautiful strong women. I am 72 and it is so wonderful to read of love and sex is alive and well in us older gals. Thank you so much. The Hobb's community feels like home.
April 6, 2023
Discovering a Community of Friends
Even though this is book 9 of the Hobbs series, it was my introduction to these captivating characters where I became enthralled in their challenges, experiences, relationships, and ongoing stories.
Since I hadn't read the previous installments, I found myself needing to think through what I thought might have taken place in order to better understand what was occurring as I read. And I was delighted that Elena Graf's writing gave me what I needed to not only become invested in these intriguing characters and the engaging story unfolding but as I neared the conclusion of The Vanishing Bridge, I felt like I was leaving a community of friends.
Now I'm going to go back to the beginning and read through this series in order and hope there will be a book ten because I'm not ready to leave Hobbs, Maine. And I really want to see more of Susan's continued growth, the ongoing healing and flourishing of her relationships and place in Hobbs as a priest, counselor, teacher, and true friend as well as the ongoing stories of other characters. I feel like there is so much more that needs telling and I'm ready to read on.
I guess you can say I'm hooked and delighted I received an ARC, which introduced me to Hobbs.
Even though this is book 9 of the Hobbs series, it was my introduction to these captivating characters where I became enthralled in their challenges, experiences, relationships, and ongoing stories.
Since I hadn't read the previous installments, I found myself needing to think through what I thought might have taken place in order to better understand what was occurring as I read. And I was delighted that Elena Graf's writing gave me what I needed to not only become invested in these intriguing characters and the engaging story unfolding but as I neared the conclusion of The Vanishing Bridge, I felt like I was leaving a community of friends.
Now I'm going to go back to the beginning and read through this series in order and hope there will be a book ten because I'm not ready to leave Hobbs, Maine. And I really want to see more of Susan's continued growth, the ongoing healing and flourishing of her relationships and place in Hobbs as a priest, counselor, teacher, and true friend as well as the ongoing stories of other characters. I feel like there is so much more that needs telling and I'm ready to read on.
I guess you can say I'm hooked and delighted I received an ARC, which introduced me to Hobbs.
April 18, 2023
I have loved this whole series. Elena Graf has built a queer community in small town Maine that is really fascinating and character driven. The books are about real people with real life issues. Can't wait for #10.
December 17, 2023
A great mix of new and familiar Hobbs characters
Graf does an excellent job of covering tough issues like dealing with a partner's dementia and negotiating early sobtlriety. She also demonstrates the process of ordination and people living their faith.
Graf does an excellent job of covering tough issues like dealing with a partner's dementia and negotiating early sobtlriety. She also demonstrates the process of ordination and people living their faith.
March 31, 2023
Love this book. Really enjoyed catching up with the Hobbs locals and meeting the new residents. Elena catches everyone's emotions.
April 8, 2023
I love this series and this book is no different. The characters are amazing and the storyline is always good. I recommend this series and author.
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