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The Photograph
Everybody's worried about Becky. As part of the Marsten building dynasty, she's a well established member of the wealthy elite in Broadgate, the small North Yorkshire market town where her family have lived for generations. At twenty eight, with her own house and a successful business, everybody thinks that it's high time she was settling down. But she's too rich too young, and much too cute for her own good. And ever since the sudden death of her father, she's been driving her friends and family to distraction, bunking off work, and playing fast and loose with the bored housewives she meets through 'Girl Power', the off-shoot of Marsten Builders she co-runs with her best friend Frankie.
When she hears Niamh busking in the centre of Broadgate, Becky is stunned by the intensity of her attraction to the itinerant young musician. Apart from a brief attempt at a live-in relationship in her early twenties, she has always been much too scared of commitment to want to really care for anyone. But Niamh instantly breaks through her defences and sends Becky freefalling into something that even the cynical young builder has to admit, feels shockingly like love.
The feeling is mutual. For Niamh, estranged from her own family and drifting wherever work or impulse take her, Becky has a familiar feel that reminds her of the home she has lost, and she quickly finds herself looking for ways to meet this intriguing young woman again.
Both women are deeply wary of any kind of new relationship. Their early experiences have left them wounded and vulnerable. But for some reason they can't help but trust each other.
Even as the star-crossed pair are taking their first shaky steps towards learning to love again, they begin to realise that their apparently chance meeting is already part of a much bigger drama unfolding in their lives. The past is beginning to catch up with them. It will re-open old wounds, bring terrible secrets into the open and test each of them to their limit. And as events gain momentum, Becky and Niamh are faced with challenges and decisions that threaten to have catastrophic consequences for themselves and for many of the people closest to them.
When she hears Niamh busking in the centre of Broadgate, Becky is stunned by the intensity of her attraction to the itinerant young musician. Apart from a brief attempt at a live-in relationship in her early twenties, she has always been much too scared of commitment to want to really care for anyone. But Niamh instantly breaks through her defences and sends Becky freefalling into something that even the cynical young builder has to admit, feels shockingly like love.
The feeling is mutual. For Niamh, estranged from her own family and drifting wherever work or impulse take her, Becky has a familiar feel that reminds her of the home she has lost, and she quickly finds herself looking for ways to meet this intriguing young woman again.
Both women are deeply wary of any kind of new relationship. Their early experiences have left them wounded and vulnerable. But for some reason they can't help but trust each other.
Even as the star-crossed pair are taking their first shaky steps towards learning to love again, they begin to realise that their apparently chance meeting is already part of a much bigger drama unfolding in their lives. The past is beginning to catch up with them. It will re-open old wounds, bring terrible secrets into the open and test each of them to their limit. And as events gain momentum, Becky and Niamh are faced with challenges and decisions that threaten to have catastrophic consequences for themselves and for many of the people closest to them.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2013
4 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Jane Retzig
11 books37 followersHi, my name is Jane Retzig and I really hope you enjoy my books.
I've been a huge fan of lesbian fiction ever since I discovered that I loved women, and in the 1980's and 90's I could regularly be found in 'Silver Moon' and 'Gay's the Word' Bookshops in London, happily working my way through the shelves of lesbian writing there.
My first novel 'Boundaries' was published in paperback in 1994 by 'The Dimsdale Press', a tiny and slightly quirky Lesbian Small Press who also published novels by popular lesbian fiction authors Jane Fletcher and Christina Smythe. Everything at 'Dimsdale' was done on a shoe-string. My launch party consisted of a cup of cappuccino at Bar Italia in Soho, and I frequently ended up carrying huge box-loads of books around London on public transport to cut down on distribution costs.
It was good fun. And over that first year, I was delighted to see 'Boundaries' reach the 'Lesbian Fiction Bestsellers' lists in independent bookstores across the UK. My second book, 'The Legacy', a novella, was published in 1995 and also sold well.
Sadly, changes in the economy and book market in the UK meant that many of our much-loved independent bookstores closed in the late 90's, so 'Dimsdale' lost most of their major outlets and reluctantly ceased trading, leaving me without a publisher.
Life intervened for me at that point too and I took a fairly prolonged break from writing. Then the e-book revolution tempted me out of retirement. I re-issued 'Boundaries' in April 2013. 'The Photograph' (October 2013) was my first new book to be published this century... which makes me sound really ancient!!!
Since then, I've issued a further eight novels. 'The Full Legacy' was a full length re-write of 'The Legacy', which I always thought was too short to do full justice to the characters.
'The Wrong Woman Quartet' was initially inspired by bullying experienced by myself and a group of my close friends, but became a four book series following the lives and loves of the central characters.
'The Retreat', was a novel about two best friends who fall in love with the same woman.
'A Tale of Two Sisters' was set in the two heatwave summers of 1976 and 2018.
And 'Alstrom', my final novel is a second chance at love/homecoming story about a reclusive rock singer.
All my books are available in kindle, paperback and audio. And the music of Alstrom is also available via all major streaming services.
I think that's just about all. Except to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who's taken the time to write to me or post reviews. It's always great to hear from you. I really do value your comments and feedback.
Thank you
And Happy Reading!
Jane (janeretzig@gmail.com)
I've been a huge fan of lesbian fiction ever since I discovered that I loved women, and in the 1980's and 90's I could regularly be found in 'Silver Moon' and 'Gay's the Word' Bookshops in London, happily working my way through the shelves of lesbian writing there.
My first novel 'Boundaries' was published in paperback in 1994 by 'The Dimsdale Press', a tiny and slightly quirky Lesbian Small Press who also published novels by popular lesbian fiction authors Jane Fletcher and Christina Smythe. Everything at 'Dimsdale' was done on a shoe-string. My launch party consisted of a cup of cappuccino at Bar Italia in Soho, and I frequently ended up carrying huge box-loads of books around London on public transport to cut down on distribution costs.
It was good fun. And over that first year, I was delighted to see 'Boundaries' reach the 'Lesbian Fiction Bestsellers' lists in independent bookstores across the UK. My second book, 'The Legacy', a novella, was published in 1995 and also sold well.
Sadly, changes in the economy and book market in the UK meant that many of our much-loved independent bookstores closed in the late 90's, so 'Dimsdale' lost most of their major outlets and reluctantly ceased trading, leaving me without a publisher.
Life intervened for me at that point too and I took a fairly prolonged break from writing. Then the e-book revolution tempted me out of retirement. I re-issued 'Boundaries' in April 2013. 'The Photograph' (October 2013) was my first new book to be published this century... which makes me sound really ancient!!!
Since then, I've issued a further eight novels. 'The Full Legacy' was a full length re-write of 'The Legacy', which I always thought was too short to do full justice to the characters.
'The Wrong Woman Quartet' was initially inspired by bullying experienced by myself and a group of my close friends, but became a four book series following the lives and loves of the central characters.
'The Retreat', was a novel about two best friends who fall in love with the same woman.
'A Tale of Two Sisters' was set in the two heatwave summers of 1976 and 2018.
And 'Alstrom', my final novel is a second chance at love/homecoming story about a reclusive rock singer.
All my books are available in kindle, paperback and audio. And the music of Alstrom is also available via all major streaming services.
I think that's just about all. Except to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who's taken the time to write to me or post reviews. It's always great to hear from you. I really do value your comments and feedback.
Thank you
And Happy Reading!
Jane (janeretzig@gmail.com)
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 25, 2017
Let me just say: I love this book!!! It is my favourite by the author. Maybe that is why I have so much difficulty writing this review.
Why do I love this story? The reasons are manifold. One is that it has the classical drama of Romeo and Juliet. Two starcrossed lovers, the universe against them, overpowering love ... tragedy. One of the other reasons is, that the characters of the story really come alive for the reader - the author reveals a deep understanding of the human psyche and motivations. But it is not only the realistic characters she draws, there are also some very beautiful pictures she creates. I think I will never look at a street-musician the same way or at a sand-castle for that matter.
It's the small things that make this book truly remarkable - so if you love a tear-jerker I must advise you to read this book.
And here is an illustration inspired by this book, just to show that it really was on my mind for a while.
Why do I love this story? The reasons are manifold. One is that it has the classical drama of Romeo and Juliet. Two starcrossed lovers, the universe against them, overpowering love ... tragedy. One of the other reasons is, that the characters of the story really come alive for the reader - the author reveals a deep understanding of the human psyche and motivations. But it is not only the realistic characters she draws, there are also some very beautiful pictures she creates. I think I will never look at a street-musician the same way or at a sand-castle for that matter.
It's the small things that make this book truly remarkable - so if you love a tear-jerker I must advise you to read this book.
And here is an illustration inspired by this book, just to show that it really was on my mind for a while.
January 9, 2017
i love this author's writing and thought provoking stories. Even though this one had just too much sadness in it for me, it's still well written, memorable, and has a great narrator.
February 2, 2020
This maybe isn’t really a review, but this is the information I gave my sibling when I wanted to share the book with them while giving away as little as possible:
『This book bills itself as “a lesbian mystery romance”
The audiobook is pretty good, and I like the format of the story.
There was a point where I was like, “Wait, what?” because there is a point when the story I thought I was listening to turned out to be another story altogether. Looking back, I kind of see a lot of places where the author sets the story up as if it’s going to go one way, but, no, it’s a red herring.』
『This book bills itself as “a lesbian mystery romance”
The audiobook is pretty good, and I like the format of the story.
There was a point where I was like, “Wait, what?” because there is a point when the story I thought I was listening to turned out to be another story altogether. Looking back, I kind of see a lot of places where the author sets the story up as if it’s going to go one way, but, no, it’s a red herring.』
November 2, 2015
Excellent read - have your tissues handy! I was drawn in by the protagonist Becks slowly but surely as she revealed more of herself. Her very forgivable foibles are easy to relate to and understand. And I liked the other protagonist just as much but for different reasons. As always with this writer, the past is closely related to the present and adds a level of psychological tension. The writing style is excellent and I especially enjoyed the settings and the jargon of the local area. I was quickly involved in the story and I found myself being so scared at one point that I had to put it down and pick it up during daylight hours instead of reading at night as I usually do. I don't want to create a spoiler but there is a level of sadness in this book that I wasn't expecting, but it made sense and was a good fit. Highly recommended.
October 22, 2018
I am really annoyed with myself over this book. It has been sat in my kindle for a couple of years waiting to be read and I never quite got around to reading it. Then on a whim last week I opened it up and realised what I was missing out on. Wow what a story! It didn't follow the usual route as other books in this genre, I found myself having a couple of late nights wondering what was going to happen next. The characters were multi-dimensional and I found myself really routing for them. A brilliant read, I would highly recommend!
February 3, 2021
Ok, that's totally impossible for me to write a review without spoiling it. So, read at your own risk. Lots of spoilers here.
I didn't like this book, so why three stars? Because I was enjoying the middle part if only it didn't go there...
I hate soooo much lesbian drama. The kind: "you're lesbian, you're finally happy so someone has got to be killed. Like Tara in "Buffy the vampire slayer"
i know this isn't the intended message in that case, the messagi is more in the vein of "I was a suffering bitch before meeting you and now I'm a broken but better person"
Just, suffering never made me and the people I know better than before. Usually, in my experience, suffering makes you hard and resented. And one day of love is not enough..
Maybe that's just my opinion, but I hate that kind of book and never would have read it if I had the foggiest idea...
Sorry, I loved so many other books from Jane Retzig...
I didn't like this book, so why three stars? Because I was enjoying the middle part if only it didn't go there...
I hate soooo much lesbian drama. The kind: "you're lesbian, you're finally happy so someone has got to be killed. Like Tara in "Buffy the vampire slayer"
i know this isn't the intended message in that case, the messagi is more in the vein of "I was a suffering bitch before meeting you and now I'm a broken but better person"
Just, suffering never made me and the people I know better than before. Usually, in my experience, suffering makes you hard and resented. And one day of love is not enough..
Maybe that's just my opinion, but I hate that kind of book and never would have read it if I had the foggiest idea...
Sorry, I loved so many other books from Jane Retzig...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2022
Out of all the authors books I chose this one and was not disappointed. Great writing and narration from a new to me author. I was drawn in by the two MCs and their different lives. It took me a few days to digest this book before going onto another, it is sad in places. That said I would highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews