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Golden Years and Silver Linings: A Lesbian Romance
Is it too late in life for a second chance at love?
At age 68, Elizabeth contemplates the coming years with trepidation. She has fallen into a rut, especially in her home life with her husband. So she jumps on the opportunity of a couple of weeks alone in Palm Springs, away from the Seattle rain.
Christina has spent two years grieving the loss of her partner and is now ready to return to their vacation condo in Palm Springs.
Elizabeth’s and Christina’s lives are turned upside down by a chance meeting on a golf course. They instantly recognize each other from their love affair when they were graduate students in Liverpool, England in 1972.
As they revel in the tender reawakening of their love in maturity, can they navigate the complexity of their current lives, integrate their families, and finally be together?
Linda M. Ford is the author of the romance novel, A Foreign Affair.
Patricia Grayhall is the author of the award-winning memoir, Making the Defying Norms in Love and Medicine.
They have been together for over 20 years, their relationship also a second chance romance.
At age 68, Elizabeth contemplates the coming years with trepidation. She has fallen into a rut, especially in her home life with her husband. So she jumps on the opportunity of a couple of weeks alone in Palm Springs, away from the Seattle rain.
Christina has spent two years grieving the loss of her partner and is now ready to return to their vacation condo in Palm Springs.
Elizabeth’s and Christina’s lives are turned upside down by a chance meeting on a golf course. They instantly recognize each other from their love affair when they were graduate students in Liverpool, England in 1972.
As they revel in the tender reawakening of their love in maturity, can they navigate the complexity of their current lives, integrate their families, and finally be together?
Linda M. Ford is the author of the romance novel, A Foreign Affair.
Patricia Grayhall is the author of the award-winning memoir, Making the Defying Norms in Love and Medicine.
They have been together for over 20 years, their relationship also a second chance romance.
- GenresRomance
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
65 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 28, 2023
This book is a breath of fresh air for all of us over sixty. I could not put it down. Having lived through the Women’s Lib of the 60s and Consciousness Raising of the 70s, I was impressed with the realistic portrayal of that era – and chagrined yet again over how long it took for our culture to move from there to inclusiveness and acceptance for the LGBTQ community (a battle we are obviously still fighting).
If I had to identify two main themes that stood out to me, they would be fidelity and authenticity. Now in their late sixties, the two main characters first fell in love with each other in their early twenties, in 1972. By then Christina already identified as lesbian, but Robyn Elizabeth had never considered that there might be any other option than to fall in love with a man. I appreciated the authors’ authentic description of her inner struggle to accept her feelings and finally act on them in that era. In 2023, readers who are younger may write off Robyn Elizabeth as an undeserving wimp when she ultimately turns tail and runs, abandoning Christina. I fully understood her.
The dual timeline novel gives us a window into their 1972 experience, then drops us into a chance meeting 46 years later, in 2018, on a golf course in Palm Springs. As a sidebar, I love Palm Springs and thoroughly enjoyed it vicariously through the characters’ eyes.
Christina’s wife has died of cancer, in 2016, and Robyn Elizabeth is in a stable 40+ year marriage that is relatively comfortable but lacking passion. We are allowed to experience the inner world of both characters as they journey toward what many might think an impossibility – a late-in-life happy ending.
Christina is deeply afraid of being hurt again, as she was by the abrupt break-up in 1972. Robyn Elizabeth must once more examine her feelings and become faithful – not to a marriage that is already broken, but to her authentic self. Even knowing that all romance novels have a happy outcome, I was pulled into their experience and found myself struggling to envision how it all could ever work out. And that is what kept the pages turning.
If I had to identify two main themes that stood out to me, they would be fidelity and authenticity. Now in their late sixties, the two main characters first fell in love with each other in their early twenties, in 1972. By then Christina already identified as lesbian, but Robyn Elizabeth had never considered that there might be any other option than to fall in love with a man. I appreciated the authors’ authentic description of her inner struggle to accept her feelings and finally act on them in that era. In 2023, readers who are younger may write off Robyn Elizabeth as an undeserving wimp when she ultimately turns tail and runs, abandoning Christina. I fully understood her.
The dual timeline novel gives us a window into their 1972 experience, then drops us into a chance meeting 46 years later, in 2018, on a golf course in Palm Springs. As a sidebar, I love Palm Springs and thoroughly enjoyed it vicariously through the characters’ eyes.
Christina’s wife has died of cancer, in 2016, and Robyn Elizabeth is in a stable 40+ year marriage that is relatively comfortable but lacking passion. We are allowed to experience the inner world of both characters as they journey toward what many might think an impossibility – a late-in-life happy ending.
Christina is deeply afraid of being hurt again, as she was by the abrupt break-up in 1972. Robyn Elizabeth must once more examine her feelings and become faithful – not to a marriage that is already broken, but to her authentic self. Even knowing that all romance novels have a happy outcome, I was pulled into their experience and found myself struggling to envision how it all could ever work out. And that is what kept the pages turning.
September 5, 2023
Your Never Too Old To Want A Second Chance!
I will be 64 in a few months and appreciated the ages of the two protagonists of this nook. Robyn 67 and Christina 68. Robyn heads to Liverpool, England to join two other flat mates to study at The University Of Liverpool. When Robyn meets Christina they hit it off right away adding in Nigel and the threesome knew they were going to enjoy themselves. But Robyn and Christina soon pass friendship and feelings that Robyn did not know she had for her started to surface. Christina was always flirting but it was when Nigel outed himself and Christina that things started to change. Once Robyn and Christina’s romance started, they started to make plans. But just when things were going as planned, Robyn comes across absolute hate towards the lesbian club that her and Christina frequented. This scares her so much that she does an about face and meets a British chap who she winds up marrying. As for Christina she sends her a note saying she can’t do this and that was it. It broke Christina’s heart. 46 years later, then run into each other. The story goes back in time for each women. The writing and the deep feelings this story invoked was a welcome yet scary concept for all our mortality. These writers combined their talents to tell a semi autobiographical story that capture out hearts. A book recommended for all ages.
I will be 64 in a few months and appreciated the ages of the two protagonists of this nook. Robyn 67 and Christina 68. Robyn heads to Liverpool, England to join two other flat mates to study at The University Of Liverpool. When Robyn meets Christina they hit it off right away adding in Nigel and the threesome knew they were going to enjoy themselves. But Robyn and Christina soon pass friendship and feelings that Robyn did not know she had for her started to surface. Christina was always flirting but it was when Nigel outed himself and Christina that things started to change. Once Robyn and Christina’s romance started, they started to make plans. But just when things were going as planned, Robyn comes across absolute hate towards the lesbian club that her and Christina frequented. This scares her so much that she does an about face and meets a British chap who she winds up marrying. As for Christina she sends her a note saying she can’t do this and that was it. It broke Christina’s heart. 46 years later, then run into each other. The story goes back in time for each women. The writing and the deep feelings this story invoked was a welcome yet scary concept for all our mortality. These writers combined their talents to tell a semi autobiographical story that capture out hearts. A book recommended for all ages.
May 14, 2025
This is a great contemporary romance.... about time
“It is just so sad when a person can’t lead an authentic life,” Christina said, meeting Robyn’s eyes. “Yes,” said Robyn, “but it’s never too late to start.”
Having met while Robyn was in England in the 70s for her grad school work, she and Christina fell hard for each other. Now, both back in the States and retired, they literally almost emrun into each other at a golf course.
And the spark is still there despite their lives diverging into careers, marriage and children....
What drew me to this book was it was about lesbians of a certain age shall we say. In the midst of a divorce from my side of 25 years I needed a boost, and Robyn and Christina were the perfect thing. It was stupendous to find lesbians of my age in such a contemporary situation and how Robyn let her heart overcome her head. Highly Recommended 5/5
“It is just so sad when a person can’t lead an authentic life,” Christina said, meeting Robyn’s eyes. “Yes,” said Robyn, “but it’s never too late to start.”
Having met while Robyn was in England in the 70s for her grad school work, she and Christina fell hard for each other. Now, both back in the States and retired, they literally almost emrun into each other at a golf course.
And the spark is still there despite their lives diverging into careers, marriage and children....
What drew me to this book was it was about lesbians of a certain age shall we say. In the midst of a divorce from my side of 25 years I needed a boost, and Robyn and Christina were the perfect thing. It was stupendous to find lesbians of my age in such a contemporary situation and how Robyn let her heart overcome her head. Highly Recommended 5/5
December 31, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and didn't want it to end. As a Sapphic woman in the age bracket of the lead characters albeit not as highly educated as Robyn and Christina, I found it refreshing and totally relatable. It’s difficult to find novels with characters in their "golden" years. We're still out there and have the same desires and sense of humor that we did 50 years ago. I found the characters and places fully developed making this novel a joy to read. My partner of 23 years passed away a few years ago so it’s easy for me to live vicariously through reading. I'm also going to buy "A Foreign Affair" and "Making the Rounds, etc." by these authors and look forward to happily losing myself in the pages.
September 14, 2023
Gotta love second chances
While the writing in this book seems to be a bit undercooked, meaning simplistic, I’m always open to a good second-chance story.
I especially appreciated that the two main characters — Robyn and Christina — are women nearing their seventies who are still open to overwhelming romantic love and marathon love-making sessions.
The authors have offered relatively quick and comfortable solutions to what can be a tumultuous task — that of coming out to family.
Still, the hurried wrap-up at the story’s end doesn’t undermine significantly the HEA these good women deserve.
While the writing in this book seems to be a bit undercooked, meaning simplistic, I’m always open to a good second-chance story.
I especially appreciated that the two main characters — Robyn and Christina — are women nearing their seventies who are still open to overwhelming romantic love and marathon love-making sessions.
The authors have offered relatively quick and comfortable solutions to what can be a tumultuous task — that of coming out to family.
Still, the hurried wrap-up at the story’s end doesn’t undermine significantly the HEA these good women deserve.
February 20, 2024
Having lived through this time frame, it was wonderful to read a book that offers hope to all who had to choose between the love of their life and being accepted into a world that shunned their true selves. I got lucky. I met the love of my life and, through obstenence, ignorance or just plain orneriness, made it through. Did it cost me the love of my family, thank God, no. Did it cost me in my public life? If so, I ignored it. We made it through. We've been together for 47 years. Thank you for reminding the world how far we've come.
December 6, 2024
Worth the read
Who said that romantic love is only for the young?
I’m in the same age group as the main characters in this book, I think it is wonderful that they found each other after all this time time apart. Linda and Patricia have told a beautiful story about two university student falling in love. Then separated, found each other when retired. They enlisted that they still had feelings for each other.
I can not recommend this book enough.
You will love it.
Who said that romantic love is only for the young?
I’m in the same age group as the main characters in this book, I think it is wonderful that they found each other after all this time time apart. Linda and Patricia have told a beautiful story about two university student falling in love. Then separated, found each other when retired. They enlisted that they still had feelings for each other.
I can not recommend this book enough.
You will love it.
September 28, 2025
to quote Etta James, "At last"!
A story with mature women, working through all the familial and personal complications of a later age relationship. I am prejudiced, having found the love of my life when I was 40 and she 48, but our love was strong enough to weather every storm and squall that befell us. We had 37 crazy, wonderful years together. She's gone, but we will reunite and meet each other much younger, the next time. This story aligns with my hope.
A story with mature women, working through all the familial and personal complications of a later age relationship. I am prejudiced, having found the love of my life when I was 40 and she 48, but our love was strong enough to weather every storm and squall that befell us. We had 37 crazy, wonderful years together. She's gone, but we will reunite and meet each other much younger, the next time. This story aligns with my hope.
September 17, 2023
Interesting!
Really appreciated the loving relationship between the two main characters. Mature ladies who still enjoy all aspects of a relationship. They work out their future with little angst. Nice to see women our age in our books.
Very easy but satisfying read. I definitely recommend this book!
Really appreciated the loving relationship between the two main characters. Mature ladies who still enjoy all aspects of a relationship. They work out their future with little angst. Nice to see women our age in our books.
Very easy but satisfying read. I definitely recommend this book!
September 15, 2025
Older Age Relationships
As a gay woman over 60, I absolutely loved this book! Finally, a novel for my age group. And it was so endearing and wonderful how it reached back in a time when being gay was difficult. I’m so glad I purchased this. One of my favorite and I read a book every two days.
As a gay woman over 60, I absolutely loved this book! Finally, a novel for my age group. And it was so endearing and wonderful how it reached back in a time when being gay was difficult. I’m so glad I purchased this. One of my favorite and I read a book every two days.
October 24, 2025
Second chances, the love of your life, a life put on hold to have the life that in the end fulfills your heart. This was an amazing book and not sure why it’s not discussed more in bookish spaces. Like the authors, I too chose to raise a family and now contemplating the next chapters. Lovely book.
December 15, 2025
At last!
It was so refreshing to read a romance about mature women that showcase that intimacy, desire and love doesn't have to end because we age. Robyn and Christina get a second chance at love after two meet years later during a golfing vacation. This was such a well written story that was engaging and really normalized the point that it's never too late for love.
It was so refreshing to read a romance about mature women that showcase that intimacy, desire and love doesn't have to end because we age. Robyn and Christina get a second chance at love after two meet years later during a golfing vacation. This was such a well written story that was engaging and really normalized the point that it's never too late for love.
July 28, 2024
You know how important the first page of a book is. Ford and Grayhall gad me giggling out loud. This second chance of College roommates takes place on a golf course 50 years later. Such a great plot and ronance Thankyou
September 16, 2024
Wonderful Story
Rediscovering a true love after a lifetime is thrilling, but pursuing that love takes courage. This book gives all the love, honesty, and forgiveness necessary to really live again. I can’t wait to read it again and again.
Rediscovering a true love after a lifetime is thrilling, but pursuing that love takes courage. This book gives all the love, honesty, and forgiveness necessary to really live again. I can’t wait to read it again and again.
November 26, 2025
It's Never Too Late
I love that this novel spoke to an older population, an unusual focus for the typical lesbianism romance novel. A page turner that heated the reader as well as the main characters!
I love that this novel spoke to an older population, an unusual focus for the typical lesbianism romance novel. A page turner that heated the reader as well as the main characters!
August 19, 2023
A must for this of use a little older
A refreshing change to read about to more mature characters finding love a so fearful well written story that co firms you are never to old
A refreshing change to read about to more mature characters finding love a so fearful well written story that co firms you are never to old
September 4, 2023
Past and present-2 women over 65, Hot and sexy, a chance to rekindle a great love. Intelligent writing
October 5, 2023
Beautiful book. Being an older lesbian it is good to read about the second chance to fall in love
Currently reading
October 17, 2023Sweet and romantic
I could easily relate to the characters, especially Robyn's fear back in the 70s. A nice love story with a happy ending.
I could easily relate to the characters, especially Robyn's fear back in the 70s. A nice love story with a happy ending.
November 1, 2023
Loved this story so much!!
December 31, 2023
4.5⭐️
A fun second chance romance starring older women. You're never too old to be who you were meant to be!
A fun second chance romance starring older women. You're never too old to be who you were meant to be!
January 2, 2024
Good to have a story involving older characters. I like to believe that it could be me some day! Excellent story with believable protagonists. I loved it!
August 24, 2024
Characters over the age of 50
I love stories about older ladies. It lets the world know we can love even in our senior years. A great second chance story.
I love stories about older ladies. It lets the world know we can love even in our senior years. A great second chance story.
March 20, 2025
Wonderful read. Comforting to see there’s hope for love found or re-discovered after being thought lost in our past.
Love really is Love.
Love really is Love.
October 1, 2025
Gotta love a good mature lesbian story! Being one myself, it's a pleasure to live with women who share my passion and history.
August 31, 2023
Later in Life, Ressurected Love
This is an awesome story! I love the "present" part of it where a great deal of the story is, and I appreciate the "past" retelling so we know how the characters arrived in their present lives. It's great to be immersed in the lives of two women over 60 who are given lives still alive with feelings and deep emotions. Two women willing to "choose again" differently. Simply loved it. Very well written.
This is an awesome story! I love the "present" part of it where a great deal of the story is, and I appreciate the "past" retelling so we know how the characters arrived in their present lives. It's great to be immersed in the lives of two women over 60 who are given lives still alive with feelings and deep emotions. Two women willing to "choose again" differently. Simply loved it. Very well written.
August 28, 2023
This book is an easy, fun book that will validate the reader's belief in love and life. A good read for both gay and straight; an especially good read for the older generations who want remember what life was, and what it can be again.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews