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Neither Present Time
Can a house save the lives of the people who live in it? Can an inscription written in a book over sixty years ago change the fates of people not even born when it was written? Beryl Gray is solid and dependable – her partner, Claire, thinks so, her family thinks so, her colleagues think so. She has a long-term relationship and a job she likes as a university librarian. Her life seems settled, content – except nothing is as it seems. Aggie Bishop's last girlfriend left her three years ago and she hasn't had a date since. Her life now revolves around work and taking care of her great-aunt Cory who doesn't want to be taken care of. Aunt Cory still lives in the run-down mansion that the rest of the family wants to sell if they can only get the old lady into a nursing home. Aggie is all that stands between them and her great-aunt. When Beryl finds a book with a romantic inscription dated 1945, the events that follow will change the lives of all three women forever. Spanning decades, this enchanting tale reminds us that some loves never fade and that sometimes, home truly is where the heart lies. (approx. 81,000 words)
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2013
78 people are currently reading
933 people want to read
About the author
Caren J. Werlinger
22 books296 followersFrom the author's website: Bestselling author Caren Werlinger published her first award-winning novel, Looking Through Windows, in 2008. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels, winning several more awards. Influenced by a diverse array of authors, including Rumer Godden, J.R.R. Tolkein, Ursula LeGuin, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Willa Cather and the Brontë sisters, Caren writes literary fiction that features the struggles and joys of characters readers can identify with. Her stories cover a wide range of genres: historical fiction, contemporary drama, and fantasy, including the award-winning Dragonmage Saga, a fantasy trilogy set in ancient Ireland. Most recently, she created the magical setting of Little Sister Island (a place she and her readers wish were real) in When the Stars Sang and Face the Wind.
She lives in Virginia with her wife and their canine fur-children.
She lives in Virginia with her wife and their canine fur-children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
April 15, 2021
Although I have yet to read all of Caren Werlinger's works, I predict that 50 or 100 years from now when great lesbian literature is discussed, they'll be talking about her books. And how lucky we were to live in a time when she was actively writing. I absolutely loved this story. While the narrator was fair, the story itself was terrific. The best way I can describe it is, it's like one of the great classic novels, but with lesbians as the protagonists. With Neither Present Time we actually get TWO love stories - one that begins in the 1940s, and another set decades later.
There is so much in this beautiful book. Romance, family obligations and sacrifice, deteriorating relationships and new beginnings, the effects of war and the toll they take on the men and women who served, and friendships that change the course of lives. At the heart is the swoon-worthy love story of Corinne and Helen, two women who met at the beginning of WWII who endured so much to be together, and the home which held much of the history of the family and their secrets.
The love scenes fade to black and while I'm usually a fan of having more than that, they fit perfectly here. This is something of an old fashioned book, with that being meant in the best way possible. Perhaps it should just be called an instant classic instead. Highly recommend!
There is so much in this beautiful book. Romance, family obligations and sacrifice, deteriorating relationships and new beginnings, the effects of war and the toll they take on the men and women who served, and friendships that change the course of lives. At the heart is the swoon-worthy love story of Corinne and Helen, two women who met at the beginning of WWII who endured so much to be together, and the home which held much of the history of the family and their secrets.
The love scenes fade to black and while I'm usually a fan of having more than that, they fit perfectly here. This is something of an old fashioned book, with that being meant in the best way possible. Perhaps it should just be called an instant classic instead. Highly recommend!
October 6, 2013
University librarian, Beryl Gray, is in a job in which she is seriously over qualified for, but enjoys doing. She also has a very low opinion of herself, thanks to outside interference. She’s the person everyone relies on. Work colleagues, friends, family and her partner Claire. Claire is a control freak. Unfortunately, others see this, but Beryl doesn’t. She thinks she’s happy in their eight year relationship. Until one day, Beryl finds out the truth about Claire.
Aggie Bishop hasn’t been dating since her girlfriend left her three years previously. In fact, her life is one round of her work as a teacher and watching over her feisty, independent, great aunt Cory, who is active and in her nineties.
Cory lived alone in the run down family mansion until Aggie moved in to be with her. The rest of the family want Cory put into a care facility and the mansion sold. Neither Cory or Aggie are about to let that happen.
When Beryl comes across a book with an inscription in it from back in 1945, she is curious to find out who the two women were. Little does Beryl know that the acquisition of this book will change her life, and the as yet unmet, Cory’s and Aggie’s lives forever.
It appears that not only a book, but a moldering mansion, and a love spanning decades and to eternity and beyond will have a huge impact in the lives of Cory, Beryl and Aggie.
This book is an absolute page turner from start to finish. In my honest opinion, it is a blockbuster. The well written story seamlessly traverses the decades of time, going back and forth from past to present to give the reader all the relevant background on the characters and their stories.
Central to the story is the Bishop mansion, a character in itself. I could feel the atmospheric warmth interspersed with cold radiating from the pages.
The one thing that shone through in this story throughout the entire book, is that love is an all time consuming passion that will withstand almost anything, even death if your partner is your soul mate.
Caren Werlinger is a terrific writer and a wonderful master storyteller. This book is full of love, happiness, sadness, even anger at times. To be able to feel the emotions of the characters when reading about them, means the author has got the dialogue just right.
Aunt Cory, Beryl, Aggie, Ridley and all the secondary characters are multidimensional and so easy to get to know and love. I love the humor throughout too. It gives the story a light hearted touch just where it’s needed.
There are two love stories entwined together in this book. One past and one present. It’s the effect that the past has on the present, that for me, was a joy to behold.
This story will join the rest of Caren’s books in my re-read folder. I’m now looking forward to her next book eagerly.
Aggie Bishop hasn’t been dating since her girlfriend left her three years previously. In fact, her life is one round of her work as a teacher and watching over her feisty, independent, great aunt Cory, who is active and in her nineties.
Cory lived alone in the run down family mansion until Aggie moved in to be with her. The rest of the family want Cory put into a care facility and the mansion sold. Neither Cory or Aggie are about to let that happen.
When Beryl comes across a book with an inscription in it from back in 1945, she is curious to find out who the two women were. Little does Beryl know that the acquisition of this book will change her life, and the as yet unmet, Cory’s and Aggie’s lives forever.
It appears that not only a book, but a moldering mansion, and a love spanning decades and to eternity and beyond will have a huge impact in the lives of Cory, Beryl and Aggie.
This book is an absolute page turner from start to finish. In my honest opinion, it is a blockbuster. The well written story seamlessly traverses the decades of time, going back and forth from past to present to give the reader all the relevant background on the characters and their stories.
Central to the story is the Bishop mansion, a character in itself. I could feel the atmospheric warmth interspersed with cold radiating from the pages.
The one thing that shone through in this story throughout the entire book, is that love is an all time consuming passion that will withstand almost anything, even death if your partner is your soul mate.
Caren Werlinger is a terrific writer and a wonderful master storyteller. This book is full of love, happiness, sadness, even anger at times. To be able to feel the emotions of the characters when reading about them, means the author has got the dialogue just right.
Aunt Cory, Beryl, Aggie, Ridley and all the secondary characters are multidimensional and so easy to get to know and love. I love the humor throughout too. It gives the story a light hearted touch just where it’s needed.
There are two love stories entwined together in this book. One past and one present. It’s the effect that the past has on the present, that for me, was a joy to behold.
This story will join the rest of Caren’s books in my re-read folder. I’m now looking forward to her next book eagerly.
June 12, 2022
Tears flowing down my face. An unstoppable river. They are not made of sorrow. They are so full of dreams come true, of wishes spent admiring the stars at night. They are tears of hope that a love can live forever, that memories cannot be washed away like a pebble on a shore, that each and single powerful wave that life throws at you, won’t bring your love down into a never-ending whirlpool of nothingness. When you experience such a love, you will be willing to wait an eternity to be reunited. Your memories will live and live again, in words, in the hearts you’ve touched, in those who crossed your path for even a fraction of a second.
Our paths are destined to cross each other. One day, you will meet me. One day, you’ll see me, and I’ll see you. One day will turn into forever. Even if we will never be together in this life, you’ll be with me. Our memories will lead me back to you.
Neither Present Time by Caren J. Werlinger is one of those novels that you won’t forget easily. It screams “remember us” from each and every single one of its pages. It’s a beautifully story-in-a-story novel, a historical one, set before and after the Second World War, and a contemporary one. The way the plots intertwine reflects the way memories are passed from one generation to the other, and thus reinforcing the concept that true love never dies, and all of this, thanks to the power of words, of a book.
Beryl Gray, a librarian at the Lauinger in Washington D.C., is living a life she’s happy with. A job she cares about and a partner, Claire, who she is willing to spend the rest of her life with. Years and years of putting her needs aside, in favor of caring for the others, have made Beryl a shadow of herself. The moment this truth hits her, like finally looking into a mirror, all her certainties crumble and she will have to find her own way back in life. It all starts with Beryl opening a book sold during an auction, and for which she is asked to do an evaluation. The book contains a dedication. A what it seems to be a love dedication from Helen to Corinne. A love that seemed to be destined to endure forever. Beryl wants to find out if such a love truly exists. In her search for it, she will rediscover herself and meet wonderful people that will become dear to her heart, and a house that will wait for her with open doors, ready to embrace her as her own.
A house full of memories. A house that means so much more than few walls trying to support each other. A house that hides secrets and a lot of heartaches. A house that saw love grow so strong and fade away only with death.
So many emotions. I felt so much reading Neither Present Time. I should have known by now that every single book written by Caren J. Werlinger has the power to touch something in me. Those meticulous chosen words are pure poetry to my ears. It’s like being engulfed by words of times gone by, like meeting again a dear friend. Her stories do good to your heart. Sometimes good can come by shedding a tear. The power to evoke emotions, of letting someone else feel those emotions is the most dangerous weapon an author has at their disposal, and yet, their most amazing one.
I felt everything, on my skin, in my heart, in my breath, in my salty tears.
I fell in love with the love Helen and Corinne had for each other. With the love of herself Beryl finally found. With Ridley’s kindness in supporting Beryl. With Aggie’s patience and respect of Beryl’s needs.
The characters are so well depicted. All of them.
It’s a truly inspirational novel. I could talk forever about it.
Obligations versus the right to pursue your own happiness. Time is never clement.
And my thoughts go to my mother and to what she always says “I will never leave this house. We worked so hard to build it. If you ever sell it, I will know”. The house that she trapped herself in to take care of a family, of a partner, of her children. The house that for years has been her lonely prison, never willing to get out, only with my father at her side. The house where her inner voices started keeping her company. The house where I would see her every summer, where her shadow would look from the window and stare and me and my wife going out in the outside world.
I never wanted to be like my mother. Erasing yourself for love, thinking you could do it all alone. Oblige and serve. Never ask. Until you can’t take it anymore. Just like Beryl.
And yet, I almost made the same mistake. Almost forgetting who I was, because I didn’t ask for help, because I didn’t voice my needs, because every day started being gray, until it became a never-ending night. Until love, my love, brought me back to the light, so that I could feel the sun again on my face.
The sun… the sun that in Neither Present Time is the Italian sun, the one that you can smell, Helen used to say to Corinne. Never an analogy has been to more perfect than this.
Thank you for your books, Caren J. Werlinger. You are a poet and a novelist all in one.
Our paths are destined to cross each other. One day, you will meet me. One day, you’ll see me, and I’ll see you. One day will turn into forever. Even if we will never be together in this life, you’ll be with me. Our memories will lead me back to you.
Neither Present Time by Caren J. Werlinger is one of those novels that you won’t forget easily. It screams “remember us” from each and every single one of its pages. It’s a beautifully story-in-a-story novel, a historical one, set before and after the Second World War, and a contemporary one. The way the plots intertwine reflects the way memories are passed from one generation to the other, and thus reinforcing the concept that true love never dies, and all of this, thanks to the power of words, of a book.
Beryl Gray, a librarian at the Lauinger in Washington D.C., is living a life she’s happy with. A job she cares about and a partner, Claire, who she is willing to spend the rest of her life with. Years and years of putting her needs aside, in favor of caring for the others, have made Beryl a shadow of herself. The moment this truth hits her, like finally looking into a mirror, all her certainties crumble and she will have to find her own way back in life. It all starts with Beryl opening a book sold during an auction, and for which she is asked to do an evaluation. The book contains a dedication. A what it seems to be a love dedication from Helen to Corinne. A love that seemed to be destined to endure forever. Beryl wants to find out if such a love truly exists. In her search for it, she will rediscover herself and meet wonderful people that will become dear to her heart, and a house that will wait for her with open doors, ready to embrace her as her own.
A house full of memories. A house that means so much more than few walls trying to support each other. A house that hides secrets and a lot of heartaches. A house that saw love grow so strong and fade away only with death.
So many emotions. I felt so much reading Neither Present Time. I should have known by now that every single book written by Caren J. Werlinger has the power to touch something in me. Those meticulous chosen words are pure poetry to my ears. It’s like being engulfed by words of times gone by, like meeting again a dear friend. Her stories do good to your heart. Sometimes good can come by shedding a tear. The power to evoke emotions, of letting someone else feel those emotions is the most dangerous weapon an author has at their disposal, and yet, their most amazing one.
I felt everything, on my skin, in my heart, in my breath, in my salty tears.
I fell in love with the love Helen and Corinne had for each other. With the love of herself Beryl finally found. With Ridley’s kindness in supporting Beryl. With Aggie’s patience and respect of Beryl’s needs.
The characters are so well depicted. All of them.
It’s a truly inspirational novel. I could talk forever about it.
Obligations versus the right to pursue your own happiness. Time is never clement.
And my thoughts go to my mother and to what she always says “I will never leave this house. We worked so hard to build it. If you ever sell it, I will know”. The house that she trapped herself in to take care of a family, of a partner, of her children. The house that for years has been her lonely prison, never willing to get out, only with my father at her side. The house where her inner voices started keeping her company. The house where I would see her every summer, where her shadow would look from the window and stare and me and my wife going out in the outside world.
I never wanted to be like my mother. Erasing yourself for love, thinking you could do it all alone. Oblige and serve. Never ask. Until you can’t take it anymore. Just like Beryl.
And yet, I almost made the same mistake. Almost forgetting who I was, because I didn’t ask for help, because I didn’t voice my needs, because every day started being gray, until it became a never-ending night. Until love, my love, brought me back to the light, so that I could feel the sun again on my face.
The sun… the sun that in Neither Present Time is the Italian sun, the one that you can smell, Helen used to say to Corinne. Never an analogy has been to more perfect than this.
Thank you for your books, Caren J. Werlinger. You are a poet and a novelist all in one.
August 21, 2014
Such a beautiful, tender book.
Beryl has always been there for her family, for her controlling girlfriend Claire, for her job. She forms one thread of the narrative. The other is the passionate love shared by Corinne Bishop and her lover Helen. They are brought together by the serendipitous discovery of an old book, but they are truly united by themes of obligation and responsibility. At its heart the book asks the reader - at what point is it enough, and for these duties to end? What does it mean to share love?
A bald description cannot do this book justice. From a simple concept, Werlinger creates a world which is powerful and evocative, and filled with a cast of rich characters. It is almost not a love story; while the romance is sweet, Beryl's true journey is towards herself. Corinne and Helen's story is almost not a love story either, except that it profoundly is. It is not a story of falling in love, but of two people in their determination to stay there. The push and pull of a relationship made difficult by everything standing in its way. Not a romance, but a love that is renewed by the will and effort of its actors.
I cannot recommend this book enough; it is a shame there is no blurb for this book on Goodreads, because it very much is worth the time to read.
Beryl has always been there for her family, for her controlling girlfriend Claire, for her job. She forms one thread of the narrative. The other is the passionate love shared by Corinne Bishop and her lover Helen. They are brought together by the serendipitous discovery of an old book, but they are truly united by themes of obligation and responsibility. At its heart the book asks the reader - at what point is it enough, and for these duties to end? What does it mean to share love?
A bald description cannot do this book justice. From a simple concept, Werlinger creates a world which is powerful and evocative, and filled with a cast of rich characters. It is almost not a love story; while the romance is sweet, Beryl's true journey is towards herself. Corinne and Helen's story is almost not a love story either, except that it profoundly is. It is not a story of falling in love, but of two people in their determination to stay there. The push and pull of a relationship made difficult by everything standing in its way. Not a romance, but a love that is renewed by the will and effort of its actors.
I cannot recommend this book enough; it is a shame there is no blurb for this book on Goodreads, because it very much is worth the time to read.
July 22, 2019
Trust Caren J. Werlinger to write wonderful, engaging stories.
September 15, 2018
The author is great at depicting trapped characters; Margaret Braithwaite in She Sings of Old, Unhappy, Far-off Things, Leisa Yeats in Year of the Monsoon and Beryl Gray of Neither Present Time. They are so realistically portrayed that I get pulled in every time. After reading Werlinger's books, I always feel wistful that the stories have ended. Looking forward to the next great read by the author. Thumbs up!
July 20, 2016
Aggie has a 93 yr old aunt that everyone else in the family wants to have her sent to a home so they can sell the family estate. As it is the aunt has had to sell most of her belongings to cover the taxes. Unknown to Corinne, some of her books have been auctioned off as well as a book that meant the world to her. Aggie moves in with Corinne to help with expenses and to look after her. Beryl lives in DC. She helps a book store owner catalogue and research the old books he has. One day she finds a book with a letter inside. It speaks to love eternal and while reading she begins to feel as if she knows the mysterious Corinne. Beryl has just broken things off with her girlfriend after finding out she was cheating. Beryl is so moved by the love Corinne and Helen have, wanting to know if a love like that could ever exist now. She decides she has to give the book back to Corinne and meet this sensitive lady. What she doesn't expect to find is the answer to her question.
I can not say enough good things about this book! It is gentle, serene, simple... I had a peaceful calm come over me as I read. Neither Present Time is just good honest writing by a brilliant wordsmith. With lovable, characters that are easy to relate to and an interesting story line it is easy to lose yourself in this story. I devoured it page by page, word by word until I was told in no uncertain terms to come to bed, of course this was at 1:30 in the morning..... pouting the whole way I did as I was bid but I was back to it as soon as I could the next morning.
The novel is defiantly a heart warmer with lots of contented sighs. It is beautiful and emotional, with aww moments and angry moments, sorrow and joy. The many interpersonal relationships between the four women in their separate lives and again when they are together are wonderful, realistic and relevant. The secondary characters were also perfectly portrayed and gave such insight on how and why these women are who they are. This drama just really touched me and words to do justice to it escape me.
There has never been a more perfect ending to any book I've ever read. It literally made me cry, mostly from happiness but also because there were so many feelings in the book that there was nothing left in me to give than my tears. I love the book all the more because it made me feel this way.
I can not say enough good things about this book! It is gentle, serene, simple... I had a peaceful calm come over me as I read. Neither Present Time is just good honest writing by a brilliant wordsmith. With lovable, characters that are easy to relate to and an interesting story line it is easy to lose yourself in this story. I devoured it page by page, word by word until I was told in no uncertain terms to come to bed, of course this was at 1:30 in the morning..... pouting the whole way I did as I was bid but I was back to it as soon as I could the next morning.
The novel is defiantly a heart warmer with lots of contented sighs. It is beautiful and emotional, with aww moments and angry moments, sorrow and joy. The many interpersonal relationships between the four women in their separate lives and again when they are together are wonderful, realistic and relevant. The secondary characters were also perfectly portrayed and gave such insight on how and why these women are who they are. This drama just really touched me and words to do justice to it escape me.
There has never been a more perfect ending to any book I've ever read. It literally made me cry, mostly from happiness but also because there were so many feelings in the book that there was nothing left in me to give than my tears. I love the book all the more because it made me feel this way.
January 27, 2017
Phenomenal
I think this is a really incredible story. It spans generations and wars and really brings together issues from many different places for consideration. This is an emotional read but it is very well written.
I think this is a really incredible story. It spans generations and wars and really brings together issues from many different places for consideration. This is an emotional read but it is very well written.
September 12, 2021
Eternal love.
This story really did a good job supplying a life history of events to support that. Got close to teary eyed on some occasions and loved the way the story ends.
This story really did a good job supplying a life history of events to support that. Got close to teary eyed on some occasions and loved the way the story ends.
September 18, 2018
What a beautiful story. Well written, great characters. Well worth reading.
July 18, 2023
She writes so well! The back page was not promising, but I trust in CJW and that trust was repaid wonderfully. Really the story of 3 couples, one a generation apart. Beautiful. Highly recommended.
June 24, 2018
I think I read the first 3 chapters on 22nd, then continue and finish the read in one sitting on 23rd night till 24th early morning. The book has me HOOK. I tried to put it down to go to sleep multiple times, but after a minute or so, I picked it up again and basically gave up the sleep to finish it. This has rarely happened to me before.
The book contains domestic abuse and PTSD, which I was a bit worried about how they would be handled them i.e. I was worried it would be one of those stories where all those problems are solved by love or by a single person, which is BS. But no, it was handled very well. In fact, the novel made sure that all those bad experiences wont simply go away in one night nor it will ever go away. Sometimes I caught myself thinking out loud "oh no" when they were in a "situation" and breath a sign of relieve when they were safe. These issues are part of the characters development, and don't worry, there are more to the story than this, there are romances, there are "mysteries", that left you wonder "what happened next???" (that was how I got myself skipped my sleep to finish it)
All the characters are developed very well. It makes me feel a lot, e.g. I can't help but feel painful when they were in a bad situations, feel intrigued to know what happened between Corinne and Helen, feel amazed at hearing their love story, and feel grateful to get to know them, as if I was there with Beryl in the story. It makes me feel like I am on the same adventure as her.
Overall, this book can be painful at a time, but it is very soft and tender. Please give this book a chance. You won't be disappointed.
The book contains domestic abuse and PTSD, which I was a bit worried about how they would be handled them i.e. I was worried it would be one of those stories where all those problems are solved by love or by a single person, which is BS. But no, it was handled very well. In fact, the novel made sure that all those bad experiences wont simply go away in one night nor it will ever go away. Sometimes I caught myself thinking out loud "oh no" when they were in a "situation" and breath a sign of relieve when they were safe. These issues are part of the characters development, and don't worry, there are more to the story than this, there are romances, there are "mysteries", that left you wonder "what happened next???" (that was how I got myself skipped my sleep to finish it)
All the characters are developed very well. It makes me feel a lot, e.g. I can't help but feel painful when they were in a bad situations, feel intrigued to know what happened between Corinne and Helen, feel amazed at hearing their love story, and feel grateful to get to know them, as if I was there with Beryl in the story. It makes me feel like I am on the same adventure as her.
Overall, this book can be painful at a time, but it is very soft and tender. Please give this book a chance. You won't be disappointed.
November 23, 2017
For me, this is a page-turner novel with a complex storyline, like real life, and characters with baggage, like real people. It is a love story, not just a roll in the hay. Spanning three generations, the tale focuses on an elderly aunt with a past--a lesbian relationship during World War II--and a grand, old house in Ohio that contains her history. Aunt Cory, 93, wants to live in that house, filled with memories of that love, while some family members want it sold. Aggie, a professor and Cory's niece, moves in to help Cory hang onto the house and gradually learns her aunt's secrets. Beryl, a Ph.D., and an expert in rare books, lives in Washington, D.C., where she comes across a love letter involving two women and decides to track down the owner and return the letter. This quest brings her into contact with Aggie. Both are lesbians, both have had failed relationships and disappointments. Both are caring women, who deserve better from life. Werlinger's novel is a delight, as we meet all these people and their friends and family, and travel with them via a story that has past, present, and projected future. If you life REAL stories, you won't want to put this one down.
July 6, 2016
This is the kind of book I would normally adore. The main love story is a true love kind of story. You know which ones I'm talking about, those never ending love stories that last for a lifetime.
Furthermore, in this book you get 2 love stories for the price of one and, on top of that, you also get an interesting set in time (WW2).
There are also some interesting primary and secondary characters, however, there are some crucial characters in this story that you never get to know in depth (Mainly Helen but, at some extent, the same could be said for Bel, Corinne or Aggie) and what is worst in my book, the "falling in love" process is so immediate and so poorly described that fails to engage the reader.
Finally, it also lacked a bit of passion and, I'm not talking only about sex. I'm mainly talking about desire or heartache.
My final veredict is that although this could have easily been a 4 stars book, I could not give it more than 3-3,5 stars.
Furthermore, in this book you get 2 love stories for the price of one and, on top of that, you also get an interesting set in time (WW2).
There are also some interesting primary and secondary characters, however, there are some crucial characters in this story that you never get to know in depth (Mainly Helen but, at some extent, the same could be said for Bel, Corinne or Aggie) and what is worst in my book, the "falling in love" process is so immediate and so poorly described that fails to engage the reader.
Finally, it also lacked a bit of passion and, I'm not talking only about sex. I'm mainly talking about desire or heartache.
My final veredict is that although this could have easily been a 4 stars book, I could not give it more than 3-3,5 stars.
May 13, 2020
Well, it seems I will be unable to ever escape a Caren Werlinger book unscathed - and I mean that in the best possible way. I was reading the last 1/5 or so of the book on my couch and had to surreptitiously remove myself to my bedroom to finish it before my roommate saw me lose the absolute run of myself and completely break down.
Throughout the book, I kept thinking of Penny's review, where she describes herself tripping in tenderness throughout each and every page - tripping in that capacity of every human being to touch and be touched. I honestly cannot think of a better way to describe what it feels like to read Neither Present Time. Each passage is a dedication to human connection, and the book as a whole is a devotion to our inexorable and unflinching need to see and be seen, in so many different ways, no matter how unending the obstacles may seem or how deeply we've buried that need.
I'm sure I will find myself rereading it many times over many years, but the highest praise I can say for this book is that it will be the one that I gift to the people in my life I hold most dearly.
Throughout the book, I kept thinking of Penny's review, where she describes herself tripping in tenderness throughout each and every page - tripping in that capacity of every human being to touch and be touched. I honestly cannot think of a better way to describe what it feels like to read Neither Present Time. Each passage is a dedication to human connection, and the book as a whole is a devotion to our inexorable and unflinching need to see and be seen, in so many different ways, no matter how unending the obstacles may seem or how deeply we've buried that need.
I'm sure I will find myself rereading it many times over many years, but the highest praise I can say for this book is that it will be the one that I gift to the people in my life I hold most dearly.
July 25, 2020
"Live your life, Agatha. Life your life; every second of it. You can't live without regrets, but don't let the regrets be from not living."
This was an extremely touching novel that dealt with love across time, recovering from abuse, recovering from trauma, finding yourself, and finding new love. I didn't expect to be so deeply affected by it, but sometimes I really was. The three main characters, Beryl, Aggie, and Cory, have such an amazing little story, and I really enjoy the way in which it was told. I especially liked the first half of the book, precisely because of how slowly it moved, how the book took its time setting up Cory's past with Helen, Beryl's toxic relationship with Claire, her blossoming friendship with Ridley, Aggie's family life and relationship with Cory. You can tell where things are going, but it comes together in an extremely satisfying and slow way. My favourite part of the book was Beryl's arc in dealing with Claire, and her friendship with Ridley. It was so touching! Such good mlm/wlw solidarity!
The book kiiiiiinda lost me in the latter half.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Eliza Foss, who has a voice I can only describe as 'old-fashioned'? It 100% worked for the story. I enjoyed it a lot.
Despite a few flaws, this was a really lovely f/f romance, with some great stuff about family, friendships, life, death, and love. 3.5 stars.
This was an extremely touching novel that dealt with love across time, recovering from abuse, recovering from trauma, finding yourself, and finding new love. I didn't expect to be so deeply affected by it, but sometimes I really was. The three main characters, Beryl, Aggie, and Cory, have such an amazing little story, and I really enjoy the way in which it was told. I especially liked the first half of the book, precisely because of how slowly it moved, how the book took its time setting up Cory's past with Helen, Beryl's toxic relationship with Claire, her blossoming friendship with Ridley, Aggie's family life and relationship with Cory. You can tell where things are going, but it comes together in an extremely satisfying and slow way. My favourite part of the book was Beryl's arc in dealing with Claire, and her friendship with Ridley. It was so touching! Such good mlm/wlw solidarity!
The book kiiiiiinda lost me in the latter half.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Eliza Foss, who has a voice I can only describe as 'old-fashioned'? It 100% worked for the story. I enjoyed it a lot.
Despite a few flaws, this was a really lovely f/f romance, with some great stuff about family, friendships, life, death, and love. 3.5 stars.
March 27, 2021
The heart is filled with love that spans decades of love.
I can't begin to express the enjoyment in Caren Werlingers story. She is able to do present and past within a breathtaking life span of experiences. Corinne and Helen begin a magical love story pre WWll and it is weaved throughout the present day. Beryl and Aggie are the present day story brought together by an old book Helen gave Corinne.
This is the base that starts what I found myself drawn to how their lives would unfold and cross. To say more would give away the beauty of this magnificently told gift. The characters were all experiencing a life full of struggles and the way they live it fills your heart. Strong women then and now give a vision that spans decades of love. Ridley is the best surprise not because he has the answers but for how everyone's life changes as the touch each other's heart. I really enjoy these historically time and space books that the authors does so very well.
I can't begin to express the enjoyment in Caren Werlingers story. She is able to do present and past within a breathtaking life span of experiences. Corinne and Helen begin a magical love story pre WWll and it is weaved throughout the present day. Beryl and Aggie are the present day story brought together by an old book Helen gave Corinne.
This is the base that starts what I found myself drawn to how their lives would unfold and cross. To say more would give away the beauty of this magnificently told gift. The characters were all experiencing a life full of struggles and the way they live it fills your heart. Strong women then and now give a vision that spans decades of love. Ridley is the best surprise not because he has the answers but for how everyone's life changes as the touch each other's heart. I really enjoy these historically time and space books that the authors does so very well.
October 6, 2024
I listened to the audiobook and didn’t want it to end. I actually rationed my listening time because of that! The only thing was in the beginning I had to stop and restart because the story would suddenly change to the 1940’s and then suddenly back to modern time, all without any alert to let the listeners know. Once I finally learned the characters it was no issue.
The most important character was Corinne (1940’s) who went by her nickname of Cory in the modern times. Her beautiful love interest was Helen. In the modern times, Cory’s grand niece, Aggie lived with her in the huge, magnificent house with her partner, Beryl.
Other reviewers have discussed the storyline, as there was a lot of drama with all the families. I just want to say how well written and wonderful the story was. I’m definitely going to re-listen to this and can’t wait listen to another audiobook by Caren Werlinger. Bravo to her!!
The most important character was Corinne (1940’s) who went by her nickname of Cory in the modern times. Her beautiful love interest was Helen. In the modern times, Cory’s grand niece, Aggie lived with her in the huge, magnificent house with her partner, Beryl.
Other reviewers have discussed the storyline, as there was a lot of drama with all the families. I just want to say how well written and wonderful the story was. I’m definitely going to re-listen to this and can’t wait listen to another audiobook by Caren Werlinger. Bravo to her!!
October 21, 2015
The moment I started reading this book, I couldn't stop. The love, especially between Corinne and Helen is so realistically mesmerizing. There are no big dating scenes or extravagant romances; it's just two people who fell in love and try to stay in love despite all the sour things that life has thrown them both into. It's sweet and filled with so much affection that it leaves you running with bittersweet emotions from the beginning until the end. This book left me crying in the middle of night, from the pain of separation and the touch of true love that can be profoundly felt between Corinne and Helen. This book is definitely one of my favourites, and definitely in my re-read list.
July 9, 2016
I like the story of finding an old book and trying to find its original owner. The story of Corrine and Helen was beautiful and heart breaking at the same time.
April 16, 2021
'Neither Present Time' is yet another stunning book from the pen of CJW!
Such an utterly enthralling plot! And the author has once again left me basking in the afterglow of her superb writing! 🥺💕
Such an utterly enthralling plot! And the author has once again left me basking in the afterglow of her superb writing! 🥺💕
June 11, 2018
Oh the tears this book pulled from me! I knew what must happen by the end, but no amount of preparation or reminding myself that this is lesfic, is romance, in any way limited the feels as I read the final pages. The romance is truly sweet, but is also by far the least important story in this tapestry of characters’ and relationships’ development.
I just finished it, and I need - truly need - some lighthearted Robin Alexander or something to cleanse my palate before I sleep, or I really fear what dreams may come...
READ THIS BOOK, but come prepared to FEEL THINGS.
I just finished it, and I need - truly need - some lighthearted Robin Alexander or something to cleanse my palate before I sleep, or I really fear what dreams may come...
READ THIS BOOK, but come prepared to FEEL THINGS.
February 18, 2020
This is for the audible edition of this book. I loved this. I am, however, a sucker for these type of books. It's really two stories in one. There is a story in the present time. Then a second story weaved throughout the first but set in the past. The narration is excellent.
December 24, 2024
I really liked Corrie and how much of the story revolved around her. I found the story of her life, both past and present, quite interesting. The quality of Caren J. Werlinger's writing is excellent, but unfortunately, the structure of this book-with its nonlinear story telling-did not work for me and kept me from getting as invested in the character's lives as I could have been. It seemed a bit of a rollercoaster; with something interesting building up by the end of a chapter only to have the story dive back into the past or back to the present at the start of the next chapter, interrupting the narrative flow and taking me out of the story. I still enjoyed the book and am glad I read it, it's just not something I see myself coming back to in the future. I'll definitely be reading more of Werlinger's work, though.
May 7, 2019
This book just kind of grabbed me and didn’t let go. It took me a bit to figure out who was telling what part of the story, but this did not detract from it at all.
It’s about more than one love story and it’s about a love that transcends time, unto death. It’s about a love of rare books, mysteries, sacrifice, and obligations. And about friendship. All parts are woven together wonderfully.
It’s about more than one love story and it’s about a love that transcends time, unto death. It’s about a love of rare books, mysteries, sacrifice, and obligations. And about friendship. All parts are woven together wonderfully.
January 31, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Beryl is a sweet, intelligent woman who has self-esteem issues. She allows her girlfriend and family to run her life and they constantly belittle her. She has a romantic streak though, and when she finds a book with an inscription that piques her curiosity and that romantic streak, she decides to find out if the two women are still alive. Beryl grows so much as a person with help from a few friends and believing in the possibility of a life-long love. Corrine's story is what really got me though. She is so strong and so dedicated to her family and to the love of her life. She's simply wonderful. I cried like a baby at the end of this story, but in a good way. This is one I know I'll read again. That's my standard for a five star review. Neither Present Time passed with flying colors. Thank you, Caren.
April 24, 2022
What a roller coaster if emotions! I almost didn’t make beyond the first couple of chapters because I hated the people in Beryl’s life so much, but I’m very glad I stuck with as Beryl has be fist pumping (literally) for her. Then once Beryl finds Ridley and Corey and Aggie it’s just so loving and even funny at time. But that ending! So good but be warned, you might want to read it at home with a box of tissues near by.
April 2, 2018
I can give this 20 starts honestly and even that wont be enough for me, I dont know how the author did it, if reading was hard specially around the end then writing this must've been so harder. I cant imagine. Around the end, I discovered that I dont wish to experience a love like this. this book is so wonderfully painful. I shouted many times, admittedly it's embarrassing yet I didnt care I was so attached to cory at that point. Highly recommend but be ready to cry and feel like you lost someone for real.
So glad I've discovered this book
So glad I've discovered this book
January 11, 2022
This book will stay with you, in the best of ways!
This journey combines multiple love stories and quite a span of time and history. The tale pulls you in and flies by far too fast!epic, heartwarming, exciting, witty, and most of all brave! You cheer for, cry for, and love these characters. So well and lovingly written. I can't recommend this book enough. Now I need to go re read it!
This journey combines multiple love stories and quite a span of time and history. The tale pulls you in and flies by far too fast!epic, heartwarming, exciting, witty, and most of all brave! You cheer for, cry for, and love these characters. So well and lovingly written. I can't recommend this book enough. Now I need to go re read it!
December 29, 2017
Aggie, Corinne, Helen and Beryl, I enjoyed each of them and their friends. What a wonderful story (past and present) about books, love, houses, and friendship. I have enjoyed each of Werlinger's books. They appear so real and reach into the depths of the reader's soul and make a connection. How each character is described has the reader engrossed in their lives cheering and/or booing loudly.
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