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To Die For
Eleanor Simpson has lived a relatively charmed life. Despite her mother’s tragic early death, Eleanor’s doting and wealthy father ensured she never wanted for a thing. Maiah Reyes, on the other hand, suffered through years of her own father’s physical and emotional abuse. When Maiah couldn’t take any more, she made a life altering decision that would eventually lead to the two women finding one another under the strangest of circumstances.
Eleanor’s dying father sends her on an unexpected trip into Yosemite National Park in the hope she’ll find peace and self-understanding. Instead, she catches a glimpse of a beautiful woman who seems to blend in with the forest around her. Eleanor is haunted by the woman’s face, and sets out to discover her identity. Research leads her to the unsolved disappearance of Maiah Reyes, a child prodigy who went missing on a camping trip twenty years ago.
Eleanor wonders if the woman in the woods could be the long lost Maiah. She sets out to make contact, and their fledgling friendship becomes a budding romance. Their love has the potential to teach both women lessons about trust and faith, and help each one find her true self.
Eleanor’s dying father sends her on an unexpected trip into Yosemite National Park in the hope she’ll find peace and self-understanding. Instead, she catches a glimpse of a beautiful woman who seems to blend in with the forest around her. Eleanor is haunted by the woman’s face, and sets out to discover her identity. Research leads her to the unsolved disappearance of Maiah Reyes, a child prodigy who went missing on a camping trip twenty years ago.
Eleanor wonders if the woman in the woods could be the long lost Maiah. She sets out to make contact, and their fledgling friendship becomes a budding romance. Their love has the potential to teach both women lessons about trust and faith, and help each one find her true self.
- GenresLesbian RomanceLesbian
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2014
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Arthur
1 book4 followersLibrarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Wendy Arthur is the author of a popular online lesbian fiction series. Derived from a single fan-fiction story, it evolved into a successful series with readers all over the globe eagerly awaiting each new episode.
She thoroughly enjoys writing fiction due to the freedom of expression and the endless possibilities it affords. She feels very much like an infant in the world of writing — and publishing in particular — and her debut novel, To Die For, was a labor of love.
Wendy currently lives in Scotland, and studies self-awareness with a school in California. She has retired from the police force after she was injured in the line of duty, bringing an end to the career she loved. Writing has filled the void, and Wendy intends to keep creating new fictional adventures for as long as she can.
Wendy Arthur is the author of a popular online lesbian fiction series. Derived from a single fan-fiction story, it evolved into a successful series with readers all over the globe eagerly awaiting each new episode.
She thoroughly enjoys writing fiction due to the freedom of expression and the endless possibilities it affords. She feels very much like an infant in the world of writing — and publishing in particular — and her debut novel, To Die For, was a labor of love.
Wendy currently lives in Scotland, and studies self-awareness with a school in California. She has retired from the police force after she was injured in the line of duty, bringing an end to the career she loved. Writing has filled the void, and Wendy intends to keep creating new fictional adventures for as long as she can.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 22, 2016
This is one of those soul mate books where everything happens a little too easily, a little too perfectly; which happens to be exactly what I was in the mood for. It doesn't do anything fancy but is relaxing, enjoyable and very sweet with a fitting ending.
March 24, 2017
2.75 stars. I didn't finish this book after I'd read about 2/3 the way through due to my loss of interest. If I finished, I'd probably bump this up to a 3.
I thought the story started out promising. Eleanor is an interesting character consumed with work. After the death of her father, she retreats to Yellowstone with a friend for some soul-searching, to find herself drawn to an allusive figure she sees there. She's so intrigued she returns to Yellowstone, tracks the mysterious person down, and takes her home.
Like when we first met Eleanor, I found Maiah interesting and was curious about them throughout the whole wilderness section of the book. The author chose to make Maiah less affected by her isolation than we'd presume which could go either way...an interesting twist or completely unrealistic. I followed along on the interesting twist angle for awhile but the whole story quickly careened into unrealistic when they returned to San Francisco. Maiah is kind of like this quintessential pure soul despite any experiences she's had. As the story went along it became so unreal it bordered on fairy-tale. If the story was more a fantasy, then I could ride with that, but it's not meant to be so I was getting pulled out of the story.
Eleanor's harder, more interesting edge gets lost quickly after meeting Maiah, too. So, what I thought was interesting initially with the story was no longer present.
I think this is an okay book for the right reader. Do not expect realism and instead an ultra fairy tale like story and you'll probably enjoy.
I thought the story started out promising. Eleanor is an interesting character consumed with work. After the death of her father, she retreats to Yellowstone with a friend for some soul-searching, to find herself drawn to an allusive figure she sees there. She's so intrigued she returns to Yellowstone, tracks the mysterious person down, and takes her home.
Like when we first met Eleanor, I found Maiah interesting and was curious about them throughout the whole wilderness section of the book. The author chose to make Maiah less affected by her isolation than we'd presume which could go either way...an interesting twist or completely unrealistic. I followed along on the interesting twist angle for awhile but the whole story quickly careened into unrealistic when they returned to San Francisco. Maiah is kind of like this quintessential pure soul despite any experiences she's had. As the story went along it became so unreal it bordered on fairy-tale. If the story was more a fantasy, then I could ride with that, but it's not meant to be so I was getting pulled out of the story.
Eleanor's harder, more interesting edge gets lost quickly after meeting Maiah, too. So, what I thought was interesting initially with the story was no longer present.
I think this is an okay book for the right reader. Do not expect realism and instead an ultra fairy tale like story and you'll probably enjoy.
August 29, 2017
Very up lifting.
This book is a very strong book. I loved the storyline of the characters transformation. I loved watching each character come I to their own. You laugh, cry and get angry through this book. But you come to an inspiring ending. I definitely recommend this book.
This book is a very strong book. I loved the storyline of the characters transformation. I loved watching each character come I to their own. You laugh, cry and get angry through this book. But you come to an inspiring ending. I definitely recommend this book.
February 5, 2015
Beautiful
This was a very good story with a beautiful ending. I will definitely look for other works by this Author.
This was a very good story with a beautiful ending. I will definitely look for other works by this Author.
July 31, 2015
This felt like mediocre Xena uber-fiction. There's a 5'5 blonde, a 6' brunette with piercing blue eyes, and a magical and timeless bonding of souls more powerful than any obstacle. There's also quite a bit of head-hopping, the characters are frequently referred to by their jobs (even in love scenes) and lots of telling rather than showing, which felt almost patronizing at times.
Most damning of all, though, was the treatment of social isolation and child abuse. It didn't feel like any research was done on these subjects at all. I don't mind reading about said subjects in fiction, but I feel like the author has a responsibility to handle such difficult subjects, specifically child abuse, domestic abuse and sexual abuse, as sensitively and authentically as possible. Here, it felt like it was only added for an extra kick of angst, a plot point to shock the reader. That felt more disturbing to me than the actual words on the page.
For those looking for a Xena uber-fiction alternative, try Susanne M. Beck's Ice & Angel trilogy. It's dark, but much less emotionally manipulative. It's available in multiple formats, including free. (Redemption, Retribution, and Restitution).
Most damning of all, though, was the treatment of social isolation and child abuse. It didn't feel like any research was done on these subjects at all. I don't mind reading about said subjects in fiction, but I feel like the author has a responsibility to handle such difficult subjects, specifically child abuse, domestic abuse and sexual abuse, as sensitively and authentically as possible. Here, it felt like it was only added for an extra kick of angst, a plot point to shock the reader. That felt more disturbing to me than the actual words on the page.
For those looking for a Xena uber-fiction alternative, try Susanne M. Beck's Ice & Angel trilogy. It's dark, but much less emotionally manipulative. It's available in multiple formats, including free. (Redemption, Retribution, and Restitution).
October 19, 2014
It's a very well thought out plot, and if not for the superb intelligence that Maiah has, the story wouldn't turn out to be as believable. Some part of the book doesn't work too well for me though, and in general I'm just a little bit lukewarm with the love at first sight plot. I do like rest of the book, especially when seeing Maiah progresses, getting hold of her life, staying strong and overcoming her past.
August 10, 2017
Amazing
This was a really incredible story about survival and abuse and a very nice romance so rolled into one. I was impressed with the depth of characters and how the story flowed together.
This was a really incredible story about survival and abuse and a very nice romance so rolled into one. I was impressed with the depth of characters and how the story flowed together.
August 13, 2017
Great book.
I loved To Die For. A very impressive book. The beginning is very tough, but it turns into a great ending. Very well written. Great characters.
I loved To Die For. A very impressive book. The beginning is very tough, but it turns into a great ending. Very well written. Great characters.
July 15, 2024
Deals with some heavy stuff, but the relationship between the leads is pretty sweet. Not all that realistic though.
April 25, 2015
When I heard Wendy Arthur was going to publish her first book I was thrilled. Having followed her online series, After Montana, I knew I would be buying whatever she put to print. I was not disappointed!
I fell in love with Maiah, perhaps because I found her experiences easy to relate to. And who wouldn’t want a partner like Eleanor…accepting, understanding, willing to do whatever you need. I laughed at the dry humor, I cried at some moments that hit very close to home, I cheered Maiah’s courage, I cried with Eleanor at her loss, and I thoroughly enjoyed their “first time”. Poignant does not even begin to describe the emotions I felt reading Maiah’s recollection of childhood. I would love to see a sequel that includes Maiah’s mom and sister and the after effects of the rebuilding of their lives. No pressure, LOL.
I recommend this book, along with the author’s online series to anyone. The only warnings I would add…for this book, there may be triggers for anyone who grew up in an abusive home. For the online series, the same warning applies in a couple areas and be prepared for great storylines with plenty of “intimacy”.
Thank you to the author for sharing this labor of love with us. I look forward to what she does next.
I fell in love with Maiah, perhaps because I found her experiences easy to relate to. And who wouldn’t want a partner like Eleanor…accepting, understanding, willing to do whatever you need. I laughed at the dry humor, I cried at some moments that hit very close to home, I cheered Maiah’s courage, I cried with Eleanor at her loss, and I thoroughly enjoyed their “first time”. Poignant does not even begin to describe the emotions I felt reading Maiah’s recollection of childhood. I would love to see a sequel that includes Maiah’s mom and sister and the after effects of the rebuilding of their lives. No pressure, LOL.
I recommend this book, along with the author’s online series to anyone. The only warnings I would add…for this book, there may be triggers for anyone who grew up in an abusive home. For the online series, the same warning applies in a couple areas and be prepared for great storylines with plenty of “intimacy”.
Thank you to the author for sharing this labor of love with us. I look forward to what she does next.
December 2, 2014
I had to stop, this book if written as a farytale is too childish for my taste. I like sapy romance do not get me wrong, and being in love can make one acts like a teenager... but the dialogue, the actions, what the writter told instead of showing was too much, so I had to jump ship although it is one of my principles to never abandon a story.
November 25, 2014
Excellent
This book was very well written. I loved the in depth look at both of the characters. It seemed that the author thought of every angle that their relationship entailed. I was able to relate to them. It was exciting and a page Turner read.
This book was very well written. I loved the in depth look at both of the characters. It seemed that the author thought of every angle that their relationship entailed. I was able to relate to them. It was exciting and a page Turner read.
December 26, 2014
Hard to put down
If this the first book, I look forward to future releases. I read the book in one sitting. The combination of fear, joy, and final acceptance we keep you glued from first page to last.
If this the first book, I look forward to future releases. I read the book in one sitting. The combination of fear, joy, and final acceptance we keep you glued from first page to last.
March 14, 2015
I like the plot and the characters are developed but the reality is...this girl who lives in the woods is well educated somehow and I just don't see it? Although, the author does elaborate on this a bit, with her characters genius. It's quite and idea and it was a good read.
November 1, 2019
WOW
Absolutely stunning love story it held my attention from beginning to the end. The to mc's are so in love and the backstory is great too,there's a great supporting cast as well.Loved it !!!!!!
Absolutely stunning love story it held my attention from beginning to the end. The to mc's are so in love and the backstory is great too,there's a great supporting cast as well.Loved it !!!!!!
October 16, 2014
A maze ing!
I could read this over and over again and again! Just fell in love with the characters and could feel the emotion pouring off the pages.
I could read this over and over again and again! Just fell in love with the characters and could feel the emotion pouring off the pages.
January 12, 2015
Wendy's development of the characters kept me interested in this story till the last page was turned. Already looking forward to her next book.
December 11, 2015
Good read
Enjoyed the book, but kinda hard to believe how life became so perfect so fast for the both of them.
Enjoyed the book, but kinda hard to believe how life became so perfect so fast for the both of them.
May 24, 2023
I read this book a years back and I’m trying find it again do anyone know where I can get this book it’s not on Amazon anymore
Hello asking again do anyone know where I can find this book
Hello asking again do anyone know where I can find this book
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews