One Fine Day

by Erica Abbott

Before fame and fortune, they loved each other...
Celebrated operatic soprano Caroline Prince has returned to Denver to assume the position of artistic director of the regional opera company. When her path crosses that of Jill Allen, the passion they’d shared before Caroline’s career had skyrocketed still seems to burn hot for both of them.
But Jill remembers all too well being a distant second in Caroline’s list of passions. How can she trust that Caroline will be content in her new life and they can build something that will last?Romance sizzles in this sumptuous story of music and a secret that can tear two women apart.

Genre:Romance
Editor: Katherine V. Forrest
Cover Designer: Kiaro Creative

Genres: Lesbian, Celebrity, Romance, Music, LGBT, Contemporary Romance, Lesbian Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2013

About the author

Erica Abbott had been an attorney for nearly thirty years, many spent working with law enforcement and local government as a prosecutor. She had also taught legal courses, studied bridge and golf—mastering neither—and had appeared as a performer and singer in numerous local community theater productions in her beloved Denver, Colorado.

Erica Abbott's debut novel, Fragmentary Blue, was awarded an Alice B. Lavender Certificate for 2013.

GCLS Goldie Awards:
Taken In, Finalist, Mystery/Thriller
Desert Places, Finalist, Romantic Suspense/Intrigue/Adventure
One Fine Day, Finalist in Lesbian Contemporary Romance
Fragmentary Blue, Finalist in Lesbian Debut Author
Certain Dark Things, Finalist in Lesbian Mystery/Thriller.

Erica Abbott passed away on the 4th of July, 2020—just a few weeks before her last book [Un]Common Ground was released.

Reviews

[Pin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice romance with two well-defined and likable main characters, solid storyline and lots of interesting facts about music, especially opera music. I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone wanting a sweet, romantic story with a classical music touch. Another good book from Ms. Abbott. Brava!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written and entertaining read without really hitting all the high notes.

Characters are well written and likeable, the plot is slightly obvious but this is hardly a crime with this type of book (jeez, I wonder if there is a happy end?).

I now know slight more about opera and contract law than I did when I started reading this book and it's not often you can say that after reading a romance novel.

[Luce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book. I'm an unapologetic chick flick/chick book lover. And this is right in my wheelhouse. Well written and the two leads are very likable. Didn't like the best friend, but she served her purpose of getting them together and later again after the inevitable conflict and split. Yeah, yeah, had the usual Romance mis-communication - breakup(s). But I was willing not to let it bother me other than an eye roll. My only problem is when ever they mentioned "One Fine Day" I heard Carole King's version not the Madam Butterfly aria. But it fits too!

One fine day, you'll look at me
And you will know our love was, meant to be
One fine day, you're gonna want me for your girl

One fine day, we'll meet once more
And then you'll want the love you threw away before
One fine day, you're gonna want me for your girl

Now must find & listen to the Opera version from Madam Butterfly.

[Agirlcandream · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice. Lovers reconnecting (or trying to) after twenty years apart makes for a bittersweet read.

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first non-mystery by Abbott, though the fourth book I've read by her. And I carefully avoided saying something like "first romance". Because the mysteries are advertised as "Romantic Intrigues."

To start off with: this might actually be a book closer to a rating of 3.5, but I'll keep it at 4 for now, even though I normally mark it 3, then put the book on a 3 1/2 rating shelf.

It's not the fault of the book or the author, but I read this way too fast, so any ideas, thoughts, or other impressions I gathered from the book were probably too superficial to be used by others considering the book. I realize I have two days listed as start/stop dates, but that's because I started the book at something like 10:30 p.m. then finished it around 2:30 a.m. With a break of an hour or so. Now that normally would result in a comment like "so good I couldn't put it down." But I had actually intended this to be my morning commute book.

Right, so, the book. Jill Allen is a high powered lawyer, a partner in her firm. A somewhat junior partner, but still, a partner. She has focused her whole life on advancing herself intellectually and legally.

Caroline Prince is a huge opera singer star. So well known that, at one point, one of the characters says something to her like "I don't follow opera (or was it "I don't like opera?), but even I know who you are". She is also someone who focused everything on getting ahead in her chosen field.

Eighteen years after leaving Colorado, Caroline is back. To take the role of music director at the Rocky Mountain ... um . . something something. Rocky Mountain Opera Company? Something like that. RMOC?

Terry is someone attempting to advance herself in the media business. And, oddly, is a newspaper reporter. Really? In 2013 someone is attempting to get ahead in the news business by joining a newspaper? Heh, sorry. Anyway, she learns of the new music director, and how she's given only one interview, to, if I remember correctly, public radio. So, she figures it'd be a big break for her if she could land Caroline. So she does. And, while there, knowing how much Jill loves listening to Caroline's music recordings, Terry gets Caroline to agree to pop over as a surprise for Jill's birthday. Well, actually, Terry attempted to get an autograph, and Caroline offered herself up as a guest, instead. Terry leapt at the opportunity.

So. Dinner. With the woman who never socializes and is almost never away from working. The character built up for Jill makes me question how she even ended up with Terry to be her ex-girlfriend. Especially as they seemed to have had a longish relationship. But, I'll gloss over that and move on.

So, where was I? Oh, right. Dinner. Jill and Terry eat food. And stuff. Terry tries to delay things a little because Caroline isn't there yet. And then finally she walks in. And Jill almost immediately bolts. Looking upset and horrified.

One of my biggest issues with romances, specifically lesbian romances, tends to be the overuse of miscommunication as a plot device to create conflict. Well, here, Abbott injected a bit of miscommunication to separate two people for 18 years. Since Jill and Caroline were actually a couple way back when. 18 years ago.

Two issues I had with the book. (I didn't use that phrase before in this review did I? mmphs). The first is the injection of Terry. She's a side character, but the book opens from her point of view. She's kind of necessary, but I'm glad her part was as small as it was as I didn't particularly like her. The second issue was the flashbacks. It was vaguely interesting, at first, to see how Jill and Caroline meet, and come together, and develop a relationship but . . . somewhere along the line I stopped reading those sections (well, I did skim, didn't want to miss anything important). Because I wanted to be in the present. Not in the past.

Oh, a third issue. I hate the dress the woman is wearing on the cover of the book. Looks like something you would cover a sofa with. Or hang up as curtains. Not something to be worn on stage while singing opera. Or worn at all. It's hideous.

[Diana P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll try to point out what I consider could describe in a general way this book:

- Enjoyable and sweet storyline
- Nice chemistry between the main characters.
- Lovable and interesting characters
- The love and passion between them is palpable even after the years
- Nice use of dialogues
- A good dose of angst complemented with interesting moments that give a fair balance to the story

In conclusion, I think this is very nice story that deserves to be read.

[Ayse · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read, though very frustrating as the things keeping them apart were silly. Also, the obstacles weren't really ever a hindrance. The only serious impediment to them getting together happened so close to the end, that there was no suspense at all. I know that timelines are sped up in romances generally, but given that they had history, the speed at which the whole thing moved was ridiculous. I did read it all in one sitting though, so I liked the writing, even though the plot was a little weak. The best parts were the flashbacks, where they were feeling their way through everything. It reminded me of my first crush in the best possible way.

[Darlene Vendegna · Rating 4 out of 5]

One if the better lesbian romances I've read. I was grabbed by her writing style and by the personality of the characters immediately. A well constructed story with a believable romance. I look forward to reading any and all books by this author.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another day, another Bella Books novel. I bought this last year because of the promise of an opera star, and I’m always a sucker for books about music, but there wasn’t much singing involved. There was, however, a great portrayal of career women.

Caroline Prince has been working towards her goal of being a world-renowned singer since she was young. From winning competitions to starring roles, to traveling the world, she had everything she ever dreamed of. But in the midst of chasing her dream, she left behind the most important person to her. Now she’s back in Denver as artistic director of the Rocky Mountain Opera, her singing career behind her.

Jill Allen has always felt pressure from her parents to succeed, and when she couldn’t ace medical school, she turned to law school. Now a partner at her firm, Jill is living a comfortable life while carefully convincing herself to forget about the past. At least until Caroline walks back into her life as her new client.

Throughout the book, both women are focused on their careers. Hard working, dedicated, both women deal with their everyday problems with level heads. Jill efficiently maneuvers and handles uncomfortable situations, and her assistant’s laziness, while keeping clients happy. Caroline uses her superstar smile to fit in with her coworkers and attempt to produce a promising show. And when the ownership of the opera house is challenged, Jill and Caroline have to set the past aside and work together to fight for Caroline’s show.

But Jill can’t stop thinking about Caroline’s betrayal, and Caroline can’t stop thinking about how Jill fits perfectly in her life.

The story is told in short chapters that feel like a comfortable bubble in the middle of Denver. There are very few supporting characters, little detail of the surroundings, but the conversations are natural and the inner workings of a law firm or an opera house are outstanding. Through flashbacks and witty, playful banter, we explore the relationship and the small details that lovers can’t ever seem to forget.

Jill and Caroline repair their relationship naturally–there’s no deus ex machina that forces them into bed or makes them forget the past. They become friends again. But Jill doesn’t trust easily and takes the friendship with a grain of salt; she believes there’s an ulterior motive for Caroline’s reappearance. And Caroline hasn’t fully explained what happened in the past.

One Fine Day is a comfy read full of real characters, and more importantly, mature characters. The characters were refreshing for a change–they knew what they wanted, they knew what they were talking about, they stuck to their morals. I never wanted to roll my eyes at an uncharacteristic burst of teenage angst. Every interaction was natural and mature, and it made the book that much more enjoyable. My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed and unfinished, maybe even just tacked on. But if you want a feel good, fluffy book with believable characters, One Fine Day should be your next read.

[Alealea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read it some months ago, I completely forgot to rate it.

While I love other books written by Erica Abbott, the last of her series made me mad as hell, and this one suffers from the same awfulness. Chronical Stupidity ? Not from the writer but from her characters.

The all plot is based on it. And because it well written, you get into the story, and because the plot is so unbelievable (I mean who destroys a seven-years relationship just by not talking ? And spend the next decade in misery... when they should be TALKING)

ok, months later, it still makes me mad, so I guess it's a good book, I just don't agree with the writer choices.

[Mayra Luria · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely wonderful

A beautiful and gentle love story with fantastic characters, great humor, deep emotions and much food for thought. Erica Abbott weaves an engaging story that is very difficult to put down even knowing that the morning brings a full day of work requiring the brain cells to be awake.

[Margaret L. Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

One Fine Day is an excellent book. One of Erica Abbott's early works. Musically themed love story. A great read.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great easy read. Loved it!

[lezzread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the first half, the other half was just ok. It felt a bit rushed for me at some point.

[Amy Timmins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be made into a drama series. Romantic. Real. You get totally sucked into the characters. Wlw. Spicy 🌶️ . Building. Inevitable.

[Bea Elwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish people wrote better books set in Denver. Your typical will they or won't they (get back together) but there were so many red flags by the end I didn't really want they to be together.

[Lissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caroline Prince, a world-famous soprano, and Jill Allen, a lawyer, have known each other since they were young adults. While in college and grad school, they had been lovers and lived together for seven years. But then Caroline left to pursue her career, while Jill had stayed behind to pursue hers. Caroline is back in Denver as the new director of the Rocky Mountain Opera, however, and she's determined to try again with Jill.

This book was just okay, in my opinion. The writing was technically pretty good, but the author relied too heavily on romance novel cliches. For example, one of the characters came back to surprise the other, but the other character wasn't at her apartment, so the first character leaped to the conclusion that the other character had someone new and had gotten over her already, so she just left in a huff without a word. Meanwhile, that other character was really sleeping off a bender at a friend's apartment. I mean, seriously? I hope that real people don't act this way. There were also some rushed things and poorly developed plot pieces (I can't say too much or I'll give things away, but just think of the last two chapters or so once you've read the book; you'll see what I mean).

[MT Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solidly written but a little bland.

It is recommendable, I would not put it on top of the list, though.