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Candid About Space
In an epic road trip to remember, Tera and her girlfriend, while giving their relationship one more try, are toting their moms to the New York Finger Lakes for a pleasant wine and cheese weekend. Just two moms and two daughters bonding as much as they can before Tera, approaching her mid-twenties, drifts apart into independence. Only, Tera doesn’t know the half of it. Her mom, Pauline, a well-off divorcee, has some plans of her own after the weekend ends. Those plans are realized sooner than expected when Tera bears her angst full force and creates family discord in front of their gracious traveling partners. Pauline will regret her decisions as a parent to the very end, but it won’t stop the tumultuous unravelling on the trip.
Mother and daughter trips, each one of many, is about getting along and working things out for a day or two, a week, and in life. It’s the beginning of a new start for Tera and Pauline both. Keeping the memories happy and harmonious isn’t an ultimatum, but Pauline and Tera, both, will always want to look back. When words are all too candid, it takes some space to regroup and formulate the things you always meant to say.
Mother and daughter trips, each one of many, is about getting along and working things out for a day or two, a week, and in life. It’s the beginning of a new start for Tera and Pauline both. Keeping the memories happy and harmonious isn’t an ultimatum, but Pauline and Tera, both, will always want to look back. When words are all too candid, it takes some space to regroup and formulate the things you always meant to say.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2025
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Smyth
7 books16 followersS.E. Smyth is a multi-genre author writing multi-faceted sapphic characters, often with mental health issues, however they fit into a plot. By exploring the intersections of identity, she finds imaginable goodness in the questionably bad.
While known for her masterful cat belly rubs, she can also often be seen taking brisk walks. She travels when the air is right looking for antique stores, records, bike trails, and the perfect beach. S.E. rises unnecessarily early and usually falls asleep by 9 p.m.
You can find her on most social media sites as @se_smyth and also at https://sesmythauthor.com
While known for her masterful cat belly rubs, she can also often be seen taking brisk walks. She travels when the air is right looking for antique stores, records, bike trails, and the perfect beach. S.E. rises unnecessarily early and usually falls asleep by 9 p.m.
You can find her on most social media sites as @se_smyth and also at https://sesmythauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 17, 2025
A unique adventure
In a bid to save their relationship, Tera and her girlfriend, Casey take an epic road trip with their moms. Things don’t really go to plan, and when Tera’s mom, Pauline, goes off with Casey’s mom on a trip of their own things really get dramatic!
A story packed with drama and the complex relationships of a mother and daughter. What started as a trip to try and save their own relationship quickly morphed into airing resentments, revisiting the past, and learning that one trip might not be the answer to all their issues. There were a lot of moments shared between Casey and Tera, and then each of them with their moms that had them all learning more about each other than I think any of them had bargained for. Some of them were surprises and quite life changing revelations that resulted in a rollercoaster of emotional events.
The story really picked up and got exciting when the moms started being mischievous. There was so much more to them both than their daughter’s thought, and when Pauline revealed she had a mission of her own and why, I got a surprise and twists and turns in the story I really hadn’t been expecting. It lead to moments of friendships being formed, relationships changing, and lots of understanding between Pauline and her daughter. Deep conversations filled with meaning and dramatic events meant there really was never a dull moment the entire trip, and event after they all got home.
A really exciting and fun read with a complete uniqueness like nothing else I have read before.
In a bid to save their relationship, Tera and her girlfriend, Casey take an epic road trip with their moms. Things don’t really go to plan, and when Tera’s mom, Pauline, goes off with Casey’s mom on a trip of their own things really get dramatic!
A story packed with drama and the complex relationships of a mother and daughter. What started as a trip to try and save their own relationship quickly morphed into airing resentments, revisiting the past, and learning that one trip might not be the answer to all their issues. There were a lot of moments shared between Casey and Tera, and then each of them with their moms that had them all learning more about each other than I think any of them had bargained for. Some of them were surprises and quite life changing revelations that resulted in a rollercoaster of emotional events.
The story really picked up and got exciting when the moms started being mischievous. There was so much more to them both than their daughter’s thought, and when Pauline revealed she had a mission of her own and why, I got a surprise and twists and turns in the story I really hadn’t been expecting. It lead to moments of friendships being formed, relationships changing, and lots of understanding between Pauline and her daughter. Deep conversations filled with meaning and dramatic events meant there really was never a dull moment the entire trip, and event after they all got home.
A really exciting and fun read with a complete uniqueness like nothing else I have read before.
November 23, 2025
Candid About Space,’ by S.E. Smyth.
‘Completely captivated by Candid About Space.’
I immediately became engrossed in the story from the very first page. Tera and Casey, along with their mothers, embark on a cross-country road trip, hoping it will help to save their strained relationship. As they navigate the roads, they encounter unexpected challenges and moments of profound understanding, all testing the limits of their patience and the strength of their love.
This road trip is full of surprises, and you’ll be constantly guessing what’s next. Forget predictable rest stops; the spontaneous, the curious, and those who thrive on the unexpected fuel their adventure. The only certainty? You’ll never see it coming.
The plot is a masterclass in narrative structure, with twists and turns of breathtaking unpredictability. Each shift entices an insatiable intrigue to know more. The backdrop of a seemingly innocuous road trip amplifies this captivating element as it swiftly transforms into a vessel carrying the weight of the past, the intensity of the present, and the implications for the future.
The story is a joy to read. The narrative unfolds with a delicate artistry, a clever composition that kept me completely engaged. With each chapter, the author’s skill engrossed me in this outstanding novel. The true beauty lies in the meticulous unveiling of each character’s secrets. The author slowly reveals their motivations, pasts, and connections. This gradual exposure allows for a profound understanding of the characters and their roles in the overarching plot, making the experience all the more rewarding. The writing itself is a marvel, using subtle cues and foreshadowing to build suspense and anticipation. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the story never feels rushed or stagnant.
S.E. Smyth has crafted a world and a cast of characters that have lingered in my thoughts long after I’ve finished this amazing novel. It’s an easy five-star review from me and definitely a must-read.
‘Completely captivated by Candid About Space.’
I immediately became engrossed in the story from the very first page. Tera and Casey, along with their mothers, embark on a cross-country road trip, hoping it will help to save their strained relationship. As they navigate the roads, they encounter unexpected challenges and moments of profound understanding, all testing the limits of their patience and the strength of their love.
This road trip is full of surprises, and you’ll be constantly guessing what’s next. Forget predictable rest stops; the spontaneous, the curious, and those who thrive on the unexpected fuel their adventure. The only certainty? You’ll never see it coming.
The plot is a masterclass in narrative structure, with twists and turns of breathtaking unpredictability. Each shift entices an insatiable intrigue to know more. The backdrop of a seemingly innocuous road trip amplifies this captivating element as it swiftly transforms into a vessel carrying the weight of the past, the intensity of the present, and the implications for the future.
The story is a joy to read. The narrative unfolds with a delicate artistry, a clever composition that kept me completely engaged. With each chapter, the author’s skill engrossed me in this outstanding novel. The true beauty lies in the meticulous unveiling of each character’s secrets. The author slowly reveals their motivations, pasts, and connections. This gradual exposure allows for a profound understanding of the characters and their roles in the overarching plot, making the experience all the more rewarding. The writing itself is a marvel, using subtle cues and foreshadowing to build suspense and anticipation. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the story never feels rushed or stagnant.
S.E. Smyth has crafted a world and a cast of characters that have lingered in my thoughts long after I’ve finished this amazing novel. It’s an easy five-star review from me and definitely a must-read.
August 15, 2025
Candid About Space follows two divorced mothers, their lesbian daughters, and one glorious out-of-town trip to New York’s wine country. What could go wrong? Or, right?
In an effort to salvage their relationship, two young lesbians embark on a trip with their respective mothers. If they can survive this trip together, then they will know their relationship is destined to last forever. But, if not ... The challenges and revelations that all four characters undergo will take you on a delightful journey with many unexpected twists and turns.
Be patient. For the first half of the novel, the plot inches along. But about 2/3 of the way through, the pace will dramatically increase, and your persistence will be rewarded. The pieces will come together. The “what happens next” moments will appear.
My biggest challenge with the story was the improbable or inconsistent aspects of the storyline. For example, two of the women take three days to drive from the Finger Lakes region of New York to Portland, Maine. Yet, it’s only a 6 1/2 to 7-hour drive. While in the Finger Lakes, the plan is to visit 14 wineries in one day. Even in Napa, CA, where wineries are right next to each other, 14 is simply improbable. Monica is given Robert’s car when he arrives to help her out, but the car sort of vanishes, and Monica goes home in her daughter’s car. Did she just abandon Robert’s car?
But if you can suspend the “reality” stuff and immerse yourself in the story, you will be taken on a ride filled with relatable emotional highs and lows. A journey about finding family and finding oneself—about coming to terms with one’s past and moving forward. Candid About Space is a novel filled with compelling characters and an interesting, rollercoaster-like storyline.
In an effort to salvage their relationship, two young lesbians embark on a trip with their respective mothers. If they can survive this trip together, then they will know their relationship is destined to last forever. But, if not ... The challenges and revelations that all four characters undergo will take you on a delightful journey with many unexpected twists and turns.
Be patient. For the first half of the novel, the plot inches along. But about 2/3 of the way through, the pace will dramatically increase, and your persistence will be rewarded. The pieces will come together. The “what happens next” moments will appear.
My biggest challenge with the story was the improbable or inconsistent aspects of the storyline. For example, two of the women take three days to drive from the Finger Lakes region of New York to Portland, Maine. Yet, it’s only a 6 1/2 to 7-hour drive. While in the Finger Lakes, the plan is to visit 14 wineries in one day. Even in Napa, CA, where wineries are right next to each other, 14 is simply improbable. Monica is given Robert’s car when he arrives to help her out, but the car sort of vanishes, and Monica goes home in her daughter’s car. Did she just abandon Robert’s car?
But if you can suspend the “reality” stuff and immerse yourself in the story, you will be taken on a ride filled with relatable emotional highs and lows. A journey about finding family and finding oneself—about coming to terms with one’s past and moving forward. Candid About Space is a novel filled with compelling characters and an interesting, rollercoaster-like storyline.
December 31, 2025
This is a very, very strange book, and I'm a little curious as to why the other reviewers don't point that out. The dialogue is extremely unnatural, the plot bounces around near non-sensically, and there are large inconsistencies in both action and character throughout. These are all hallmarks of an AI-written book, and I am near certain that this is one.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews