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To Love Free
World-renowned artist Madison Lorraine leads a quiet life in Islamorada, Florida, with her nine-year-old daughter, Mo. Madison hasn't painted in over three years since her wife and muse, Callie, lost her battle with cancer.
Supermodel Gabrielle Valenci's arrival at her family home in Islamorada unsettles Madison's comfortable routine. Gabrielle has left a floundering relationship behind in New York and travels to Florida to undergo the last of her chemotherapy. Her prognosis is excellent, but her journey since the initial cancer diagnosis has been rocky.
The appearance of a dolphin in their cove coincides with Gabrielle's arrival next door. With each unannounced visit, he inspires Gabrielle and Madison as he gently nudges them together. Soon, Madison is accompanying Gabrielle to her treatments. Although the bond between them strengthens and their mutual attraction grows, both are hesitant to take the next step. Can they learn To Love Free again?
Sometimes, the fragile human heart is reluctant to heal. But Madison and Gabrielle never counted on the persistence of one determined, magical dolphin they call "Free."
Supermodel Gabrielle Valenci's arrival at her family home in Islamorada unsettles Madison's comfortable routine. Gabrielle has left a floundering relationship behind in New York and travels to Florida to undergo the last of her chemotherapy. Her prognosis is excellent, but her journey since the initial cancer diagnosis has been rocky.
The appearance of a dolphin in their cove coincides with Gabrielle's arrival next door. With each unannounced visit, he inspires Gabrielle and Madison as he gently nudges them together. Soon, Madison is accompanying Gabrielle to her treatments. Although the bond between them strengthens and their mutual attraction grows, both are hesitant to take the next step. Can they learn To Love Free again?
Sometimes, the fragile human heart is reluctant to heal. But Madison and Gabrielle never counted on the persistence of one determined, magical dolphin they call "Free."
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2014
6 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Chris Paynter
10 books79 followersChris Paynter is the author of nine novels, including "Survived by Her Longtime Companion," the winner of the 2013 Golden Crown Literary Society Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award and Finalist for the 2013 Lambda Literary Award in Lesbian Romance. Her latest release is "Just a Touch Away," a romance set in Indiana about a grieving children’s book author and the illustrator who captures her heart. She has been a three-time GCLS Finalist for the Ann Bannon Award, and her novels have won five Rainbow Awards Honorable Mentions. She was also a GCLS Finalist in Traditional Lesbian Romance for "Come Back to Me."
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 12, 2014
5 stars
Chris Paynter has written a romance novel that is a cut above the rest with To Love Free.
The plot is relatively straight forward.
It's been three years since artist Madison lost her beloved wife Callie to cancer. She is struggling to move on with her life. Every time she looks at her daughter Montana she is reminded of all she has lost. Her career as an artist has ground to a halt and she is supporting her small family by teaching art classes to adults.
Gabrielle, a world class model decides to move south to her family cottage in Florida while she finishes the last of her chemo treatments. Her relationship with Eva, her girlfriend and fellow model has been rocky since Gabrielle's cancer diagnosis.
Add in a delightful dolphin who swims into the bay both women share and dances, cajoles and taunts the women like some intrepid matchmaker.
Seems simple enough.
What sets this romance above the pack is the depth of characters portrayed in the novel. Paynter breathes life into both Madison and Gabrielle. They may have fantasy careers, but they have very real, very human emotions we all can relate to like first date jitters and unwarranted fears. The secondary characters in the novel have almost as much depth. The reader is drawn into all of their lives. It's the little things that make the difference. It might seem trivial but watching an overprotective mother scolding her daughter for getting up late for school or wanting to leap into the water with the first dolphin who swims into their cove makes the characters come to life. I actually liked the nine year old in To Love Free. Mo has many scenes which advance the plot and add to the story. She is not just ballast but a valuable cast member.
These lighthearted moments are balanced with just the right amount of angst and tension. It is clear that this is a very personal story for the author. She writes with first hand knowledge of the stress and fatigue associated with chemo treatments. Paynter also shows the impact a cancer diagnosis and treatment program has on family members and the loved ones of cancer patients.
To Love Free is hard to put down. The author makes us care deeply for her characters while we enjoy the beautiful Florida beaches and sunshine.
I picked this novel thinking it would be a nice light romance. Escapist fare. What I got instead was a heartfelt story I won't soon forget. Excellent read.
Chris Paynter has written a romance novel that is a cut above the rest with To Love Free.
The plot is relatively straight forward.
It's been three years since artist Madison lost her beloved wife Callie to cancer. She is struggling to move on with her life. Every time she looks at her daughter Montana she is reminded of all she has lost. Her career as an artist has ground to a halt and she is supporting her small family by teaching art classes to adults.
Gabrielle, a world class model decides to move south to her family cottage in Florida while she finishes the last of her chemo treatments. Her relationship with Eva, her girlfriend and fellow model has been rocky since Gabrielle's cancer diagnosis.
Add in a delightful dolphin who swims into the bay both women share and dances, cajoles and taunts the women like some intrepid matchmaker.
Seems simple enough.
What sets this romance above the pack is the depth of characters portrayed in the novel. Paynter breathes life into both Madison and Gabrielle. They may have fantasy careers, but they have very real, very human emotions we all can relate to like first date jitters and unwarranted fears. The secondary characters in the novel have almost as much depth. The reader is drawn into all of their lives. It's the little things that make the difference. It might seem trivial but watching an overprotective mother scolding her daughter for getting up late for school or wanting to leap into the water with the first dolphin who swims into their cove makes the characters come to life. I actually liked the nine year old in To Love Free. Mo has many scenes which advance the plot and add to the story. She is not just ballast but a valuable cast member.
These lighthearted moments are balanced with just the right amount of angst and tension. It is clear that this is a very personal story for the author. She writes with first hand knowledge of the stress and fatigue associated with chemo treatments. Paynter also shows the impact a cancer diagnosis and treatment program has on family members and the loved ones of cancer patients.
To Love Free is hard to put down. The author makes us care deeply for her characters while we enjoy the beautiful Florida beaches and sunshine.
I picked this novel thinking it would be a nice light romance. Escapist fare. What I got instead was a heartfelt story I won't soon forget. Excellent read.
October 5, 2020
The sixth book I've read by this author, and one of the few paperback books I've read in that format in (not counting cartoon collections, this would be the second paperback I've read this year).
The book has three point of views, though one of them is only seen in the short prologue starring a dolphin. And yes, it's the dolphin who is the third point of view. The two main point of views are: "World-renowned artist Madison Lorraine", and mother of Mo; and "Supermodel Gabrielle Valenci".
Madison has recovered enough from her wife's death to be able to care for her daughter, but not enough to return to her career as a painter or to be in a serious relationship (though, it would be revealed, she had at least tried at least once (and I think only once) to date after her wife's death).
Gabrielle is a supermodel who has cancer. The same type of cancer that Madison's wife had, though Gabrielle's version was caught earlier than Callie's (the wife's name). Gabrielle has arrived to rest, and continue her last treatments, hopefully, in the house next door to Madison's.
Though I've noted that the dolphin, named Free by the other characters in the book, only has a POV in the prologue, he does appear a lot in the book and plays a strong role. Mostly to nod his head, stare directly at the women, and generally nudge them along in their budding friendship-that-becomes a relationship.
I rather liked the characters in this book, the main and the side characters were good as well, which would include Madison's sister, and mother-in-law, and Mo the daughter.
Strong characters, strong plot, good story. Good use of a non-human character.
Rating: 5
October 5 2020
The book has three point of views, though one of them is only seen in the short prologue starring a dolphin. And yes, it's the dolphin who is the third point of view. The two main point of views are: "World-renowned artist Madison Lorraine", and mother of Mo; and "Supermodel Gabrielle Valenci".
Madison has recovered enough from her wife's death to be able to care for her daughter, but not enough to return to her career as a painter or to be in a serious relationship (though, it would be revealed, she had at least tried at least once (and I think only once) to date after her wife's death).
Gabrielle is a supermodel who has cancer. The same type of cancer that Madison's wife had, though Gabrielle's version was caught earlier than Callie's (the wife's name). Gabrielle has arrived to rest, and continue her last treatments, hopefully, in the house next door to Madison's.
Though I've noted that the dolphin, named Free by the other characters in the book, only has a POV in the prologue, he does appear a lot in the book and plays a strong role. Mostly to nod his head, stare directly at the women, and generally nudge them along in their budding friendship-that-becomes a relationship.
I rather liked the characters in this book, the main and the side characters were good as well, which would include Madison's sister, and mother-in-law, and Mo the daughter.
Strong characters, strong plot, good story. Good use of a non-human character.
Rating: 5
October 5 2020
July 17, 2016
A touching story of loss, grief and fear, but more importantly of love, hope and survival – with a nice touch of magic. I liked it a lot. BTW, I enjoyed a brief reunion with Angie and Meryl – main characters from Come Back to Me.
October 12, 2014
Chris Paynter writes exceptionally good books and ‘To Love Free’ is another fine example.
It’s a heart-rending and heart-warming tale of how cancer can affect our lives. A sweet and endearing tale of heart ache, loss and recovery. One woman loses her battle and leaves her wife bereft, her family in taters. Another is fighting with everything she has – a fight that has put the shallowness of her relationship into the spotlight. When the widow and the fighter meet the attraction is strong - but can the widow face her fears of another loss.
The cast is a group of powerful women, strong, sustaining family and friends. Well drawn, deep and real – women we would all like to have in our corner. They support the struggling widow and foster the burgeoning relationship with wisdom and kindness. While there are obviously main characters the cast is so solid they all leave an impression.
The struggles the primary characters are going through, one with loss – of her wife and her art, the other with cancer (in the obvious sense) but also with her own identity as a model, are powerful and moving. Both need to come to terms with the affect of cancer in their lives. Both need to live life now, to the full, not wallow in the past or fear for the future.
Into all of this emotion comes Free, a dolphin with a mission. A ‘free’ spirit who symbolizes and galvanizes the women’s need to heal and move beyond their fears. A symbol of joy, hope and a force of nature, Free brings lightness to the story simply by being.
This is a warm and tender love story wrapped around the painful reality of cancer. Written from the heart and personal experience it is moving and uplifting. Classic Traditional Lesfic Romance extremely well done.
It’s a heart-rending and heart-warming tale of how cancer can affect our lives. A sweet and endearing tale of heart ache, loss and recovery. One woman loses her battle and leaves her wife bereft, her family in taters. Another is fighting with everything she has – a fight that has put the shallowness of her relationship into the spotlight. When the widow and the fighter meet the attraction is strong - but can the widow face her fears of another loss.
The cast is a group of powerful women, strong, sustaining family and friends. Well drawn, deep and real – women we would all like to have in our corner. They support the struggling widow and foster the burgeoning relationship with wisdom and kindness. While there are obviously main characters the cast is so solid they all leave an impression.
The struggles the primary characters are going through, one with loss – of her wife and her art, the other with cancer (in the obvious sense) but also with her own identity as a model, are powerful and moving. Both need to come to terms with the affect of cancer in their lives. Both need to live life now, to the full, not wallow in the past or fear for the future.
Into all of this emotion comes Free, a dolphin with a mission. A ‘free’ spirit who symbolizes and galvanizes the women’s need to heal and move beyond their fears. A symbol of joy, hope and a force of nature, Free brings lightness to the story simply by being.
This is a warm and tender love story wrapped around the painful reality of cancer. Written from the heart and personal experience it is moving and uplifting. Classic Traditional Lesfic Romance extremely well done.
December 15, 2014
I held off reading this one, I was concerned the topic (cancer) would be heavy and hard to get through. I shouldn't have waited, this is a great book of love and survival. Yes there are struggles, yes there is sadness, but Chris Paynter is a terrific story teller. I have enjoyed all of her books and this one is a winner!!
December 24, 2020
Really good book - I'm not an animal person but totally brought into the story about the Dolphin, 'Free.' Highlighted the guilt, the fear and the isolation of the one left behind and what they need to do to cope. An excellent story teller.
February 1, 2017
3 1/2 stars
I liked the story very much, but not as much the dolphin part of it.
It was a little too unbelievable for me. I guess I like my fiction somewhat believable.
I liked the story very much, but not as much the dolphin part of it.
It was a little too unbelievable for me. I guess I like my fiction somewhat believable.
November 2, 2014
Famous artist, Madison Lorraine hasn’t picked up a paint brush in over three years. Not since she lost her wife and muse Callie to an aggressive form of uterine cancer. Madison and their nine year old daughter Mo are still living in their house in Islamorada, Florida, trying to come to terms with their tragic loss.
Top notch model, Gabrielle Valenci, has left New York and a dying relationship with her girlfriend Eva, to stay in her home in Islamorada to finish the last of her chemotherapy treatment. Her uterine cancer was caught early, her outlook is positive. The treatments however are debilitating. Her arrival has an unsettling effect on Madison, bringing back memories of Callie’s unsuccessful battle with cancer.
When a playful dolphin puts in appearance in their cove, little did Madison or Gabrielle know what a profound affect he was going to have on their lives. Each time the dolphin, (Mo named him Free) shows up he pushes them closer together.
When Madison starts taking Gabrielle to her treatments, their affection for each other grows as does their attraction. Both women, for different reasons, are wary of becoming involved with each other.
Will Madison be able to put aside her fears and learn to trust in the power of love again? Will Gabrielle trust that her cancer will not be a factor in who she loves and who loves her?
One beautiful, worldly wise dolphin named Free will be showing them the path and the light.
This book is extremely well written. Almost poetic. It’s heart aching and heart breaking, but has a wonderful uplifting spiritual aura and love entwined throughout. Although cancer is central to the story, it’s a beautifully, sympathetically written testament to anyone who has had any dealings with this dreadful disease. The message here is that cancer need not be a killer. The earlier this disease is caught, the better the chances of survival.
Two very different women, Madison and Gabrielle, have to come to terms with surviving not only the cancer, but the aftermath of it’s destruction. Madison who lost her beloved wife to cancer has to battle her own demons from her grief and loss. Gabrielle who is just finishing up her final chemotherapy treatments with her ravaged body, who doesn’t see herself as being attractive to anyone, must take a second look at herself.
Both Madison and Gabrielle are attracted to each other. But, Madison feels like she’s betraying Callie and Gabrielle has to look beyond her scars, weight loss and hair loss. It’s their journey here that we read about.
This isn’t a story to take lightly, but it’s not all doom and gloom either. It’s a story about survival, second chances, love and hope too. Hope for a future after cancer. A story of how cancer has affected a family and how they struggle out of the mire with the support of family and friends. A story of getting one’s life back, beating cancer and kicking it out.
I know Chris Paynter has first hand knowledge of this awful disease, a disease that has no respect for age or gender. I admire her for being able to write this book. Chris is a superb writer and master storyteller. Her books are a delight to read.
I will read this book again, it’s characters are too loveable not to meet again. Especially Mo and Free.
Top notch model, Gabrielle Valenci, has left New York and a dying relationship with her girlfriend Eva, to stay in her home in Islamorada to finish the last of her chemotherapy treatment. Her uterine cancer was caught early, her outlook is positive. The treatments however are debilitating. Her arrival has an unsettling effect on Madison, bringing back memories of Callie’s unsuccessful battle with cancer.
When a playful dolphin puts in appearance in their cove, little did Madison or Gabrielle know what a profound affect he was going to have on their lives. Each time the dolphin, (Mo named him Free) shows up he pushes them closer together.
When Madison starts taking Gabrielle to her treatments, their affection for each other grows as does their attraction. Both women, for different reasons, are wary of becoming involved with each other.
Will Madison be able to put aside her fears and learn to trust in the power of love again? Will Gabrielle trust that her cancer will not be a factor in who she loves and who loves her?
One beautiful, worldly wise dolphin named Free will be showing them the path and the light.
This book is extremely well written. Almost poetic. It’s heart aching and heart breaking, but has a wonderful uplifting spiritual aura and love entwined throughout. Although cancer is central to the story, it’s a beautifully, sympathetically written testament to anyone who has had any dealings with this dreadful disease. The message here is that cancer need not be a killer. The earlier this disease is caught, the better the chances of survival.
Two very different women, Madison and Gabrielle, have to come to terms with surviving not only the cancer, but the aftermath of it’s destruction. Madison who lost her beloved wife to cancer has to battle her own demons from her grief and loss. Gabrielle who is just finishing up her final chemotherapy treatments with her ravaged body, who doesn’t see herself as being attractive to anyone, must take a second look at herself.
Both Madison and Gabrielle are attracted to each other. But, Madison feels like she’s betraying Callie and Gabrielle has to look beyond her scars, weight loss and hair loss. It’s their journey here that we read about.
This isn’t a story to take lightly, but it’s not all doom and gloom either. It’s a story about survival, second chances, love and hope too. Hope for a future after cancer. A story of how cancer has affected a family and how they struggle out of the mire with the support of family and friends. A story of getting one’s life back, beating cancer and kicking it out.
I know Chris Paynter has first hand knowledge of this awful disease, a disease that has no respect for age or gender. I admire her for being able to write this book. Chris is a superb writer and master storyteller. Her books are a delight to read.
I will read this book again, it’s characters are too loveable not to meet again. Especially Mo and Free.
May 21, 2016
I really enjoyed this book as it was different from a lot of other books in this genre because religion and a higher belief surrounds the characters and the story. Madison is a single mom who lost her wife to fight with cancer. It has been three years and she still finds it difficult to move on with her life despite the encouragement from her mother-in-law (Beverly), her sister (Cyndra), and her daughter (Mo). Gabrielle is a super model who is undergoing precautionary cancer treatment after having been early diagnosed with a Stage IA Cancer. Mix in an usually friendly, unusually intelligent, and insightful dolphin named Free, and you have an interesting story about love, survival, and overcoming obstacles that the heart puts up for protection.
This is a very uplifting and happy story that I do recommend; however, it does have a religious undertone so if that's not your cup of tea you may want to skip it. Me, I have no beef with it and was really glad that I read it.
This is a very uplifting and happy story that I do recommend; however, it does have a religious undertone so if that's not your cup of tea you may want to skip it. Me, I have no beef with it and was really glad that I read it.
November 3, 2019
AMAZING!
Artist Madison lost her wife to uterine cancer and has been unable to paint ever since. Raising their daughter on a private cove in Islamorada, Florida, she struggles with her pain. Supermodel Gabrielle has been diagnosed with uterine cancer and decides to finish her treatments in her father’s home, the house right next to her favourite artist, Madison…. Mo, Madison’s daughter meets Gabrielle and before long the lives of these people are intertwined and Madison finds herself needing to be there for the model in spite of the pain of losing her wife to the same disease. A dolphin arrives at the same time as Gabrielle, giving them all even more reason to bond…
This book was amazing! I LOVED every bit of it!! It was engaging, entertaining, fascinating and so very beautiful! The details are fantastic and really draw you into the tale. The story moved me and I fell in love with these incredible women. They have so much strength and are so brave… They have so much courage and as hard and scary as it is, they move past the pain and fear to explore their attraction. Its not all sunshine and roses, there is a lot for them to go through but it feels so realistic and I really loved that. The dolphin, named Free by Mo, is a delight as well. The magical creature makes the story. He binds them together and adds so much to the drama. I cannot tell you how much I adored this story, it is in my Favourite pile and I know I will be reading it again soon!
Artist Madison lost her wife to uterine cancer and has been unable to paint ever since. Raising their daughter on a private cove in Islamorada, Florida, she struggles with her pain. Supermodel Gabrielle has been diagnosed with uterine cancer and decides to finish her treatments in her father’s home, the house right next to her favourite artist, Madison…. Mo, Madison’s daughter meets Gabrielle and before long the lives of these people are intertwined and Madison finds herself needing to be there for the model in spite of the pain of losing her wife to the same disease. A dolphin arrives at the same time as Gabrielle, giving them all even more reason to bond…
This book was amazing! I LOVED every bit of it!! It was engaging, entertaining, fascinating and so very beautiful! The details are fantastic and really draw you into the tale. The story moved me and I fell in love with these incredible women. They have so much strength and are so brave… They have so much courage and as hard and scary as it is, they move past the pain and fear to explore their attraction. Its not all sunshine and roses, there is a lot for them to go through but it feels so realistic and I really loved that. The dolphin, named Free by Mo, is a delight as well. The magical creature makes the story. He binds them together and adds so much to the drama. I cannot tell you how much I adored this story, it is in my Favourite pile and I know I will be reading it again soon!
March 22, 2015
I always love books that comes with a positive note, and this book is about survival, recovery, finding hope, moving on and living life to the fullest. I have a feeling as well that this story probably comes from a very personal place from the author.
Madison is grieving over the lost of Callie for years while Gabrielle is taking a break from her career to heal herself from the same cancer that took Callie away, adding into the equation is a cute kid who is mature at her age and the dolphin Free!!
Though this book touches on a heavy subject, it leaves you with a very warm after taste reading it. I think I'll be putting this book on my re-read list as well.
Madison is grieving over the lost of Callie for years while Gabrielle is taking a break from her career to heal herself from the same cancer that took Callie away, adding into the equation is a cute kid who is mature at her age and the dolphin Free!!
Though this book touches on a heavy subject, it leaves you with a very warm after taste reading it. I think I'll be putting this book on my re-read list as well.
December 27, 2014
Awesome book. Very moving story and you sure as hell have to have bunch of Kleenex next to you!
August 31, 2016
As close as this book touched home to the author, I just have to be honest about my reaction to this book. First and foremost, the writing, editing, and image building was excellent. I enjoyed all of the characters minus our protagonist, Madison. While I enjoyed Madison's motherly side and her relationship to her kiddo, she was full of contradictions and self-importance, often times over that of those who truly should have come first.
Herein lies my main issue. For 70% of the book, Madison dedicated herself to supporting Gabrielle through her chemo. Her reasoning was that she felt the best way to support her partner was to act as a steadfast beacon of support, never wavering. Her words proved to be just that, only words.
For example:
I just can't believe how selfish and irresponsible it was of Madison to forcibly get involved in the chemo process, to slowly gain Gabrielle's trust through the process, only to abandon her when things got dicey...I pretty much hate Madison.
Overall, the usual "forced breakup" was exactly that and only served as a contradiction to what Madison had acted on and preached about through the majority of the book.
Herein lies my main issue. For 70% of the book, Madison dedicated herself to supporting Gabrielle through her chemo. Her reasoning was that she felt the best way to support her partner was to act as a steadfast beacon of support, never wavering. Her words proved to be just that, only words.
For example:
I just can't believe how selfish and irresponsible it was of Madison to forcibly get involved in the chemo process, to slowly gain Gabrielle's trust through the process, only to abandon her when things got dicey...I pretty much hate Madison.
Overall, the usual "forced breakup" was exactly that and only served as a contradiction to what Madison had acted on and preached about through the majority of the book.
September 25, 2015
This turned out better than I thought it would, thought it does get sappy in some places. A model who needs to get away, and a woman who has a child and who lost her partner to cancer meet up in Florida and begin a friendship that becomes something more.The story did run on a little bit longer than I felt it needed to be (could have been tightened up here and there, and about 30 pages could have been chopped,) but the story holds up well, and who can resist a little paranormal with that dolphin. I can't.
Three stars.
Three stars.
January 1, 2016
Such a wonderful book, haven't read one for awhile which i didn't skip ahead and read what happen after...and this one i actually wanted to read it slowly to savour the enjoyment. Love all the characters.
December 31, 2014
This is a wonderful romance. A must read. I'm so glad to have stumbled upon this author.
December 16, 2015
To Love Free by Chris Paynter: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
January 21, 2016
Yet another well written book by Chris Paynter. A touching story with interesting plot. I loved the dolphin as a guide to getting back to life.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews