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Aspen Friends #1
Mending Defects
Life in a small town can be tricky. Laid-back Glory Eiben learned long ago that keeping personal information and opinions to herself goes a long way toward staying hassle free in her chosen home town. Much adored by the residents, she's maintained the life she's always wanted with good friends, close family, and a successful career. For someone with a rare congenital heart defect, this life is more than she could have hoped for.
Leaving behind big city excitement, a demanding position, and a failed relationship, Lena Coleridge thinks this small ski town may be exactly what she needs to come back from her wit's end. She didn't think that job politics or social landmines would exist in such a small town. Keeping to herself won't be an option with these nosy locals. It doesn't help that she lives next door to one of the more popular residents who seems too easy going and nice to be true. Friendship is inevitable, but as she gets to know Glory, friendship isn't the only thing on her mind. After her last relationship, Lena doesn't want anything to do with another complication, and dating her neighbor could definitely get complicated.
Leaving behind big city excitement, a demanding position, and a failed relationship, Lena Coleridge thinks this small ski town may be exactly what she needs to come back from her wit's end. She didn't think that job politics or social landmines would exist in such a small town. Keeping to herself won't be an option with these nosy locals. It doesn't help that she lives next door to one of the more popular residents who seems too easy going and nice to be true. Friendship is inevitable, but as she gets to know Glory, friendship isn't the only thing on her mind. After her last relationship, Lena doesn't want anything to do with another complication, and dating her neighbor could definitely get complicated.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
43 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Galli
19 books267 followersLynn Galli calls the Pacific Northwest home even though she's never written any software code, built an airplane, worn socks with sandals, or slung coffee. For the most part, she enjoys her real job but absolutely lives for the time she gets to spend writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 8, 2019
Lynn Galli is one of those authors where I've accumulated a handful of her books but never read. I changed that this weekend, going for "Mending Defects" first and can see why she's so popular.
Glory is a really lovable character and Galli did a great job of introducing a number of family and friends, describing the small town life, and making Glory's condition believable. The story was strong and the quality of writing was high. I only wished to get closer to Lena as a reader but I still liked the storytelling device Galli chose for her character.
"Mending Defects" delivers a sweet, feel good, low drama style of romance and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. Recommend.
As a quick note, the story includes an age gap romance, ice queen, character with a disability, a lead with ethnic diversity, and is slow burn.
Glory is a really lovable character and Galli did a great job of introducing a number of family and friends, describing the small town life, and making Glory's condition believable. The story was strong and the quality of writing was high. I only wished to get closer to Lena as a reader but I still liked the storytelling device Galli chose for her character.
"Mending Defects" delivers a sweet, feel good, low drama style of romance and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. Recommend.
As a quick note, the story includes an age gap romance, ice queen, character with a disability, a lead with ethnic diversity, and is slow burn.
June 25, 2018
A heartwarming story that kinda tugged your heart as you read. I didn’t expect to enjoy reading the book but somehow enjoyed it - a sappy love story less all the drama; something that we all need to get lost once in a while. I simply loved the main characters, Glory & Lena, and their friends and family. As I read further, the characters and the storyline feels real/realistic. Ending came a bit too fast and we know it will end with a HEA but I would have loved to read just a couple of chapters more on Glory & Lena and end with a high.
May 26, 2018
Lena is the principle of the small town high school. Glory is an accountant and has a serious heart issue. This is a very sweet age-gap love story with emotionally mature and appealing main characters. There was witty dialog, and it was simply fun to read.
October 3, 2018
Well now. I came here expecting certain things when I was going to mark up this book as a reread. Some of those expectations were caused involved faulty memory on my part. As in, I forgot I'd made some comment about this being the weakest Galli book I'd read (and I haven't reread that review beyond those words). Heh. I went into this reread thinking/remembering that I quite enjoyed this book. Then spotted a few things here or there that might give me pause, but otherwise found that I rather enjoyed myself with this reread. Spotted few things I'm not sure I noticed the first time around.
Ah, whatever. My first reread of a Galli book - one that I'd originally read more than three years ago back in 2015.
Good solid characters. Good bit of tension here and there. I like how the conflict seemed like something people would have a conflict about and that it wasn't due to miscommunication and/or failure to communicate. The side characters seemed solid, with the possible exception of that former boyfriend who was giving me vibes telling me there'd be some 'incident' later in the book involving him - because I have read a book exactly like that, and this was giving me issues as I reread as I didn't specifically recall anything like that in this book (and my, albeit often faulty, memory was right - that 'incident' that I was seeing be foreshadowed wasn't a true foreshadowing).
Rating: 5
October 2 2018
(hopefully this review is coherent - wrote this while being ill (the can't keep food down kind of ill))
Ah, whatever. My first reread of a Galli book - one that I'd originally read more than three years ago back in 2015.
Good solid characters. Good bit of tension here and there. I like how the conflict seemed like something people would have a conflict about and that it wasn't due to miscommunication and/or failure to communicate. The side characters seemed solid, with the possible exception of that former boyfriend who was giving me vibes telling me there'd be some 'incident' later in the book involving him - because I have read a book exactly like that, and this was giving me issues as I reread as I didn't specifically recall anything like that in this book (and my, albeit often faulty, memory was right - that 'incident' that I was seeing be foreshadowed wasn't a true foreshadowing).
Rating: 5
October 2 2018
(hopefully this review is coherent - wrote this while being ill (the can't keep food down kind of ill))
January 27, 2018
I had a sense of melancholy creeping around the back of my mind all the way through reading this one. I probably should have read the blurb before reading it but I would have read it anyway, most likely. Mending Defects is written in first person from Glory's point of view. She has a congenital heart defect but in spite of it comes across as laid-back, friendly and open. I really enjoyed that she is a much more complicated character than the first impression. She takes a welcome basket over to her new neighbour, Lena, who initially appears to be reserved, sharp and sharp-witted. She also is much more complicated and weirdly, less complicated as a character.
Instead of alternating the point of view, we are privy to a number of journal entries by Lena which give a lovely insight into her thoughts on occasion. There is a mix of supporting characters who come into play and everyone has their nose in everyone else's business. With them, come a number of themes ranging from homophobia to cheating giving the novel a much fuller reading experience.
I usually know what I'm going to get a Galli novel but this one felt different and I can't put my finger on what it was.
Instead of alternating the point of view, we are privy to a number of journal entries by Lena which give a lovely insight into her thoughts on occasion. There is a mix of supporting characters who come into play and everyone has their nose in everyone else's business. With them, come a number of themes ranging from homophobia to cheating giving the novel a much fuller reading experience.
I usually know what I'm going to get a Galli novel but this one felt different and I can't put my finger on what it was.
January 2, 2025
Another cracking story - a slow burner but well worth the wait. Really enjoyed Winter Calling and this has just added to Lynn's street credibility. Thank you.
Read whilst waiting for the gasman…. Only 5 hours late!
Read whilst waiting for the gasman…. Only 5 hours late!
September 30, 2014
My favourite Lynn Galli book so far. Great characters, great humour and a great, slow romance.
An instant re-read.
An instant re-read.
October 25, 2025
Lovely easy read, which after a little easing into really draws you in.
September 29, 2017
Great read, with all the stuff i love about lesfics. Good characters with substantial background and slow romance. I loved the interactions and humor.
November 12, 2017
Loved it, some issues could be explored deeper but I like that this book is not formulaic, it felt fresh for a change. Life altering health issues and how to deal with them are rarely explored in the lesfic world.
February 1, 2022
Product Description From Amazon.com
“Life in a small town can be tricky. Laid-back Glory Eiben learned long ago that keeping personal information and opinions to herself goes a long way toward staying hassle free in her chosen home town. Much adored by the residents, she’s maintained the life she’s always wanted with good friends, close family, and a successful career. For someone with a rare congenital heart defect, this life is more than she could have hoped for.
Leaving behind big city excitement, a demanding position, and a failed relationship, Lena Coleridge thinks this small ski town may be exactly what she needs to come back from her wit’s end. She didn’t think that job politics or social landmines would exist in such a small town. Keeping to herself won’t be an option with these nosy locals. It doesn’t help that she lives next door to one of the more popular residents who seems too easy going and nice to be true. Friendship is inevitable, but as she gets to know Glory, friendship isn’t the only thing on her mind. After her last relationship, Lena doesn’t want anything to do with another complication, and dating her neighbor could definitely get complicated.”
Review: 4 out of 5 Stars
Once again Lynn Galli does not disappoint with her writing. Even the supporting characters are interesting, but what really hooked me were the porch front conversations between Glory and Lena. Glory has Lena pegged from the beginning on so many levels. She understands what makes this woman tick, and it bugs Lena that she is so easily read by Glory. The fantastic thing is that the reverse is true as well and the reader gets to watch the crazy making unfold into friendship and then much more.
The only semi-negative thing I can say about this book is that I read it much too quickly (6 hours). I think that was in part because I couldn’t put the book down without knowing what happened next. At the same time I wish it was longer so that I could have continued to read. I’ll just have to wait for her next one.
“Life in a small town can be tricky. Laid-back Glory Eiben learned long ago that keeping personal information and opinions to herself goes a long way toward staying hassle free in her chosen home town. Much adored by the residents, she’s maintained the life she’s always wanted with good friends, close family, and a successful career. For someone with a rare congenital heart defect, this life is more than she could have hoped for.
Leaving behind big city excitement, a demanding position, and a failed relationship, Lena Coleridge thinks this small ski town may be exactly what she needs to come back from her wit’s end. She didn’t think that job politics or social landmines would exist in such a small town. Keeping to herself won’t be an option with these nosy locals. It doesn’t help that she lives next door to one of the more popular residents who seems too easy going and nice to be true. Friendship is inevitable, but as she gets to know Glory, friendship isn’t the only thing on her mind. After her last relationship, Lena doesn’t want anything to do with another complication, and dating her neighbor could definitely get complicated.”
Review: 4 out of 5 Stars
Once again Lynn Galli does not disappoint with her writing. Even the supporting characters are interesting, but what really hooked me were the porch front conversations between Glory and Lena. Glory has Lena pegged from the beginning on so many levels. She understands what makes this woman tick, and it bugs Lena that she is so easily read by Glory. The fantastic thing is that the reverse is true as well and the reader gets to watch the crazy making unfold into friendship and then much more.
The only semi-negative thing I can say about this book is that I read it much too quickly (6 hours). I think that was in part because I couldn’t put the book down without knowing what happened next. At the same time I wish it was longer so that I could have continued to read. I’ll just have to wait for her next one.
January 29, 2015
I give it 2.5.
This was a nice, quick read. But I wouldn't read it again. The only thing I really liked in this book was Glory's sense of humor.
There were too many things that bothered me:
- too many supporting characters and boring scenes that do not bring much to the story
- very few intimate moments between both women that show how their friendship and affection grows. It's hard to understand why they fall in love with each other. They are both gay, they find each other attractive, but the book skips months without us knowing what really happened during that time.
- there is no chemistry whatsoever between the girls. No subtle touches, no longing looks, no sexual tension at all until this one day they almost have sex. One day they re friends, the next they admit they want to rip each other's clothes off. It comes a bit out of the blue.
- it is not a very romantic story. Feelings don't sound very intense or powerful. It basically sounds like two friends who care for each other decide to have sex. I prefer the (maybe less realistic) stories about true love.
- the characters are a bit inconsistent. At first, Lena is depicted as someone who is closed off, very proud. She keeps to herself, she is afraid of getting hurt, she is almost cold. Glory is depicted as the girl everybody loves in town, she is warm, she brings food to welcome her neighbors, she is open. But halfway through the book it felt like the roles were reversed: Lena was the one opening up to Glory, putting herself out there, being vulnerable, extremely nice and affectionate. And Glory became standoffish, distant, and almost mean. Lena is also very annoying when she insists on going "slow". To me, if there is passion between two people, that passion has to be consumed.
- the ending left me very frustrated. I actually didn't expect it to end so abruptly.
This was a nice, quick read. But I wouldn't read it again. The only thing I really liked in this book was Glory's sense of humor.
There were too many things that bothered me:
- too many supporting characters and boring scenes that do not bring much to the story
- very few intimate moments between both women that show how their friendship and affection grows. It's hard to understand why they fall in love with each other. They are both gay, they find each other attractive, but the book skips months without us knowing what really happened during that time.
- there is no chemistry whatsoever between the girls. No subtle touches, no longing looks, no sexual tension at all until this one day they almost have sex. One day they re friends, the next they admit they want to rip each other's clothes off. It comes a bit out of the blue.
- it is not a very romantic story. Feelings don't sound very intense or powerful. It basically sounds like two friends who care for each other decide to have sex. I prefer the (maybe less realistic) stories about true love.
- the characters are a bit inconsistent. At first, Lena is depicted as someone who is closed off, very proud. She keeps to herself, she is afraid of getting hurt, she is almost cold. Glory is depicted as the girl everybody loves in town, she is warm, she brings food to welcome her neighbors, she is open. But halfway through the book it felt like the roles were reversed: Lena was the one opening up to Glory, putting herself out there, being vulnerable, extremely nice and affectionate. And Glory became standoffish, distant, and almost mean. Lena is also very annoying when she insists on going "slow". To me, if there is passion between two people, that passion has to be consumed.
- the ending left me very frustrated. I actually didn't expect it to end so abruptly.
December 27, 2017
I actually really like this book a lot. I really like Glory and her sense of humor? I cant found the right word.. hmm something about her personality. She’s such a funny person. Well, I also like Lena. They both suit each other well. Tried to figure each other out and such. I can’t believe i ignored this book, you know ignored it! I cant be bother to mark it as to-read either. I didnt know why. Probably something from the reviews. I should stop myself from reading them and just go for it. But i came it to read again because of the reviews as well haha one of another reasons because i just finished re-read some of the books of Lynn Galli. I didnt realised I read quite a few of this author’s books now. Am i become a fan now? Idk haha i think i’m going to read another two from this series as well.
I didnt even really make a review about this book, did i? Well, i really like Glory. She’s funny and i like her lots. At the start, when she visit her new neighbor, she made quite a few stop to rest. And it took her like 10mins to get to the front door. Idk but it seem funny and cute to me. I saw someone mention that in the review, thats what catch my attention, to be honest. Well because she had heart defect thats why. I’m glad i read it.
I didnt even really make a review about this book, did i? Well, i really like Glory. She’s funny and i like her lots. At the start, when she visit her new neighbor, she made quite a few stop to rest. And it took her like 10mins to get to the front door. Idk but it seem funny and cute to me. I saw someone mention that in the review, thats what catch my attention, to be honest. Well because she had heart defect thats why. I’m glad i read it.
July 18, 2012
i was happy to see this author tackle yet another down to earth book. i loved all the other books, but, this one along with Blessed Twice, were much easier to relate to and connect with. The characters were more real, human, flawed. And her writing was still the superb combination of witty, intelligent, quotable... etc. She is truly one of my favorite writers. character development and dialog did not disappoint.
I have to admit, i missed the usual epilogue her other books have. it seemed sadly too short with too abrupt an ending to make it among her best, but I've read it several times and still enjoy it.
I have to admit, i missed the usual epilogue her other books have. it seemed sadly too short with too abrupt an ending to make it among her best, but I've read it several times and still enjoy it.
November 10, 2018
3.5 stars
Entertaining story with a medical twist. I found Lena's persona and journal persona quite different, that often caused some confusion despite the humor reading her journal.
I liked the ending, really promising.
Entertaining story with a medical twist. I found Lena's persona and journal persona quite different, that often caused some confusion despite the humor reading her journal.
I liked the ending, really promising.
September 7, 2012
So far, this is by far my favorite Galli book. I don't know if at this point I was done with the Virginia friends from the other books, or if these characters were particularly lovable.
Glory suffers from an extremely serious congenital heart defect that requires some heavy duty maintenance. Her new neighbor Lena becomes friends with her while trading some impressive sarcastic interactions that I really enjoyed. I think the sarcasm is what I enjoyed most about this book, as I love messing with my friends (and wife) quite a bit. There is nothing better than seeing that kind of wit reflected back at me in literary form.
The book does end a bit abruptly, as there were some issues that came up resulting from their relationship. You could see how their future could be a bit problematic their small town, and I'm wondering if that will be more fleshed out in her newest book.
Glory suffers from an extremely serious congenital heart defect that requires some heavy duty maintenance. Her new neighbor Lena becomes friends with her while trading some impressive sarcastic interactions that I really enjoyed. I think the sarcasm is what I enjoyed most about this book, as I love messing with my friends (and wife) quite a bit. There is nothing better than seeing that kind of wit reflected back at me in literary form.
The book does end a bit abruptly, as there were some issues that came up resulting from their relationship. You could see how their future could be a bit problematic their small town, and I'm wondering if that will be more fleshed out in her newest book.
August 6, 2018
I will not say this enough…I loved this story. Is there romance, sure…but it is so much more. Glory has to physically live with a defective heart, but also with the emotional baggage that comes from personal rejection in her past relationships.
It can often be the emotional defects that give us difficulty in our lives, as we keep our hearts at a distance from those who could help us to heal. Our minds are our greatest barrier to mending our hearts, but we need to be open to it when it presents itself.
So, I loved Mending Defects. Galli created marvelous characters in Glory and Lena, Mei, Spencer and Adam—each personality was complete, including their own defects. Give it a read to find out how the healing takes place. It is a difficult book to put down, a truly wonderful story.
It can often be the emotional defects that give us difficulty in our lives, as we keep our hearts at a distance from those who could help us to heal. Our minds are our greatest barrier to mending our hearts, but we need to be open to it when it presents itself.
So, I loved Mending Defects. Galli created marvelous characters in Glory and Lena, Mei, Spencer and Adam—each personality was complete, including their own defects. Give it a read to find out how the healing takes place. It is a difficult book to put down, a truly wonderful story.
November 23, 2021
mending a broken heart
Lena and Glory’s journey was rife with challenges. Lena arrived in a small town as principal of the high school. Glory has had heart issues since birth and through the miracle of science and an attentive and skilled doctor, she thrives … slowly, but she thrives. Fear, bigotry, trust, and the need to accept another person in their space tells a beautifully written story. The secondary characters were strong and also relatable. A very good read. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this and any other works by this author. I anxious to begin Aspen Friends Book 2. Thank you Peace
Lena and Glory’s journey was rife with challenges. Lena arrived in a small town as principal of the high school. Glory has had heart issues since birth and through the miracle of science and an attentive and skilled doctor, she thrives … slowly, but she thrives. Fear, bigotry, trust, and the need to accept another person in their space tells a beautifully written story. The secondary characters were strong and also relatable. A very good read. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this and any other works by this author. I anxious to begin Aspen Friends Book 2. Thank you Peace
May 16, 2013
I'm going to start this review with a caveat. I'm a big fan of Lynn Galli's work. I thoroughly enjoyed ( to the point of multiple re-reads ) her "Virginia Friends Series". I liked "Full Court Pressure", and "Finally" was just fantastic. What I'm trying to say is that she's an author I look forward to reading ... and "Mending Defects" is a perfect example of why.
Plainly, "Mending Defects" is a great read. It's engaging and funny, an honest-to-goodness excellent story. It has a feeling of real life that a lot of lesbian themed fiction doesn't capture. In the most basic sense, it's a love story, but it's also a lot more than that. Most importantly, perhaps, is that the characters are simply wonderful and feel "real". Creating believable characters, with separate and defined voices, is a brilliant attribute of any Lynn Galli book and here she does not disappoint.
I won't repeat a description of the storyline, but suffice to say that the characters and plot are realistic and credible. The story takes it's time and captures the reader to draw them into the narrative. I came away with a real sense of wanting to count these women as personal friends; wishing I could sit on the back porch and share a cup of coffee, a beer or some lemonade with them for a few minutes. What more could you ask of a book?
Highly recommended reading.
I'm already looking forward to her next title.
Plainly, "Mending Defects" is a great read. It's engaging and funny, an honest-to-goodness excellent story. It has a feeling of real life that a lot of lesbian themed fiction doesn't capture. In the most basic sense, it's a love story, but it's also a lot more than that. Most importantly, perhaps, is that the characters are simply wonderful and feel "real". Creating believable characters, with separate and defined voices, is a brilliant attribute of any Lynn Galli book and here she does not disappoint.
I won't repeat a description of the storyline, but suffice to say that the characters and plot are realistic and credible. The story takes it's time and captures the reader to draw them into the narrative. I came away with a real sense of wanting to count these women as personal friends; wishing I could sit on the back porch and share a cup of coffee, a beer or some lemonade with them for a few minutes. What more could you ask of a book?
Highly recommended reading.
I'm already looking forward to her next title.
February 15, 2021
Shocked at all the four star ratings the book was good. May not be that firey hot passionate love story but cute and warm. So I guess don’t let the reviews stop you from reading this book as my assumption is they went in with hopes too high.
August 18, 2017
this the second book Lynn galli i have... i have say it i like uncommon emotion... but this one is okay... one thing i like is humour of glory...
July 26, 2019
It's an easy feel-good read though not one I'd likely go back to again if I'm craving a good romance novel. It too often felt like the romance in this story was a sub-plot or an afterthought. The major reason for this is because the author tells us what happens instead of showing us what happens.
So let's dig into some of the meat of the book. The story is told in 1st person with 3rd person journal entries at the end of some chapters. As such the story does a wonderful job of giving us Glory's - the POV character - feelings, emotions and life. In comparison it does a poorer job of giving full bodied life to her romantic interest - Lena. Too often I felt this was Glory's story rather than their story.
Generally in a romance novel we see lots of interactions between the two love interests as they flirt, date and fall in love. There is very little of that here. Don't misunderstand me, Glory and Lena certainly interact, but it's the building of a friendship and lustful thoughts that we mostly see on the page. The love and romance building apparently is there for characters, if not the reader, and I believe that's in large part a direct result of my next issue -
In conclusion, the book isn't bad, but it won't set the world on fire either. Glory is a fun POV character which makes this a decent Sunday read.
So let's dig into some of the meat of the book. The story is told in 1st person with 3rd person journal entries at the end of some chapters. As such the story does a wonderful job of giving us Glory's - the POV character - feelings, emotions and life. In comparison it does a poorer job of giving full bodied life to her romantic interest - Lena. Too often I felt this was Glory's story rather than their story.
Generally in a romance novel we see lots of interactions between the two love interests as they flirt, date and fall in love. There is very little of that here. Don't misunderstand me, Glory and Lena certainly interact, but it's the building of a friendship and lustful thoughts that we mostly see on the page. The love and romance building apparently is there for characters, if not the reader, and I believe that's in large part a direct result of my next issue -
In conclusion, the book isn't bad, but it won't set the world on fire either. Glory is a fun POV character which makes this a decent Sunday read.
November 22, 2022
It has been many a moon since my first read through of "Mending Defects" by author Lynn Galli; it was in fact one of the first LesFic novels I mooned over when coming to terms with my sexuality...and I found myself reaching for it once more with the release of the 4th book in the Aspen Friends series "All it Takes". I found myself enthralled by it once more AND could hardly put it down once reacquainting myself with the story and characters/protagonists Glory Eiben and Lena Coleridge...This book is laugh-out-loud funny, quirky and cute, fiery and sexy and heart wrenchingly beautiful. I do wish it didn't conclude quite so abruptly.
August 16, 2018
The romance makes no sense, the reader never gets a feel for why/how they fall in love, apart from instantaneous physical attraction. Not to mention the manipulation and pressure the LI exerts on the MC about her refusal to show her her scars, as if it means the MC doesn't care enough about her to let her in or something. That made me really angry; there's a not-small difference between not coddling someone with a heart condition in a way of respecting them, and forcing them to tell you all about it and showing you their scars or you won't be in their life in the way you both want anyway.
August 14, 2018
I like Lynn Galli but this was not one of my favorite books. I found it weak, lacking storyline other than Glory's heart condition and her stubbornness. I really didn't like her. There are too many other side characters, which to me, don't add anything to the story. I think the author just wanted to fill pages. I will not continue the series.
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May 21, 2022Great Story
This is a really good book. Flows from page one and introduced the main characters so smoothly. Great flow in the story line as you get to know everyone I am looking forward to reading the next two books. Highly recommend.
This is a really good book. Flows from page one and introduced the main characters so smoothly. Great flow in the story line as you get to know everyone I am looking forward to reading the next two books. Highly recommend.
May 29, 2021
One of my go to, feel good books!
June 10, 2016
Unfortunately this was my least favorite Galli book. I just didn't seem to be as 'in' it as some of the others. Though still a 4 star work. Heh, in a way that says something, that I feel let down. And it's a 4 star work. I'd been giving out 5 stars to Galli's work for last few. So it is a let down to fall all the way to 4. heh.
This is another one where reading another book with vaguely similar premise, only vaguely mind, can have an impact on the book read later. I recently read a book set at a ski mountain where two women hook up. Well, Mending Defects is set at a ski mountain where two women hook up. And, well, that's basically the entirety of the similarity. Trails Merge was about a family owned and run ski resort outside Chicago that seemed to mostly consist of family and a few strays. Mending Defects involves a town in Colorado near Denver, which happens to have a ski trails set up nearby, but the book is mostly about Aspen, the town, and not Aspen, the ski resort.
So. Character 1: Glory Eiben is an accountant and on the counsel (I forget if it was the "town" counsel or the "school" counsel, though everything seemed tied to school stuff). She is also one of those people who wouldn't have made it to age two if she had been born one year earlier. Then she wouldn't have made it much past age 17. But she's still alive and slowly moving around at the ripe old age of 30. The advances of medical science keeping her alive with her genetic heart defect. Her outward personality is one of a calm laid back person, which mostly matches her inner person. Though she can be stubborn, and is really intent on trying to deflect, as much as possible, the fact that has has this medical issue. So much so that she can stubbornly put herself into health risks simply because she finds herself near someone who does not yet know she has this medical problem. Though they kind of notice when Glory's fingers and lips turn blue.
Character 2: Beatrice L. Coleridge, better known as Lena, was a school principal back in Baltimore. Now she's the school principal at the high school in Aspen. She's roughly 40. I think she might be exactly 40, but not certain. Her last long term girlfriend was about 5 years her junior. And acted mature all the way up to seconds after commitment ceremony was over. At which point she reverted to her true nature of being a spoiled brat. Naturally this causes Lena to be leery of anyone younger than her, at least in terms of potential romantic entanglements.
So. Book opens with Glory noticing that there's a woman standing around over at the house next door. And finally realizes that all those moving vans were not in fact related to the old owners of the place. At least the woman standing there doesn't look like a member of the old owners family. So Glory does the neighborly thing - grab a bunch of food she herself made, tossed it into a picnic basket (or whatever she tossed it into), filled a thermos with coffee, and slowly walked over to her new neighbors house. With one or more pauses on the way. To rest. Lena's kinda standoffish but eventually allows Glory to give her the stuff.
This is a slow burn kind of romance. Small town. Neither immediately admits 1) lesbian; 2) any romantic interest in the other. Though they eventually do so. But even when that occurs, things still move like molasses.
Some of Lena's thoughts are relayed through a journal she is keeping, so the book is a hybrid. Mostly a one person point of view book, from the point of view of Glory, but not completely. Since events would unfold, seen from Glory's POV, then, occasionally, some of Lena's thoughts are revealed through a journal.
This is another one where reading another book with vaguely similar premise, only vaguely mind, can have an impact on the book read later. I recently read a book set at a ski mountain where two women hook up. Well, Mending Defects is set at a ski mountain where two women hook up. And, well, that's basically the entirety of the similarity. Trails Merge was about a family owned and run ski resort outside Chicago that seemed to mostly consist of family and a few strays. Mending Defects involves a town in Colorado near Denver, which happens to have a ski trails set up nearby, but the book is mostly about Aspen, the town, and not Aspen, the ski resort.
So. Character 1: Glory Eiben is an accountant and on the counsel (I forget if it was the "town" counsel or the "school" counsel, though everything seemed tied to school stuff). She is also one of those people who wouldn't have made it to age two if she had been born one year earlier. Then she wouldn't have made it much past age 17. But she's still alive and slowly moving around at the ripe old age of 30. The advances of medical science keeping her alive with her genetic heart defect. Her outward personality is one of a calm laid back person, which mostly matches her inner person. Though she can be stubborn, and is really intent on trying to deflect, as much as possible, the fact that has has this medical issue. So much so that she can stubbornly put herself into health risks simply because she finds herself near someone who does not yet know she has this medical problem. Though they kind of notice when Glory's fingers and lips turn blue.
Character 2: Beatrice L. Coleridge, better known as Lena, was a school principal back in Baltimore. Now she's the school principal at the high school in Aspen. She's roughly 40. I think she might be exactly 40, but not certain. Her last long term girlfriend was about 5 years her junior. And acted mature all the way up to seconds after commitment ceremony was over. At which point she reverted to her true nature of being a spoiled brat. Naturally this causes Lena to be leery of anyone younger than her, at least in terms of potential romantic entanglements.
So. Book opens with Glory noticing that there's a woman standing around over at the house next door. And finally realizes that all those moving vans were not in fact related to the old owners of the place. At least the woman standing there doesn't look like a member of the old owners family. So Glory does the neighborly thing - grab a bunch of food she herself made, tossed it into a picnic basket (or whatever she tossed it into), filled a thermos with coffee, and slowly walked over to her new neighbors house. With one or more pauses on the way. To rest. Lena's kinda standoffish but eventually allows Glory to give her the stuff.
This is a slow burn kind of romance. Small town. Neither immediately admits 1) lesbian; 2) any romantic interest in the other. Though they eventually do so. But even when that occurs, things still move like molasses.
Some of Lena's thoughts are relayed through a journal she is keeping, so the book is a hybrid. Mostly a one person point of view book, from the point of view of Glory, but not completely. Since events would unfold, seen from Glory's POV, then, occasionally, some of Lena's thoughts are revealed through a journal.
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