Everything Turning: A Sapphic Romance Novella

by Gillian Gilmore

At fifty years old, Cathleen is on her first solo holiday. Newly untethered from a life that stopped fitting, she’s left her small Irish island for a quiet break in Tenerife: time to think, to read, and to spend an evening stargazing on Mount Teide.

Romance was not on the itinerary.

But when Emma, a warm and disarmingly perceptive stranger, sits down opposite her at dinner, Cathleen’s carefully structured evening turns into something she never expected.

Everything Turning is a debut novella about one night, a sky full of stars, and the part of herself Cathleen has been on the edge of understanding for years.

For readers who like their sapphic romance low-angst, spicy, and their endings hopeful.

Genres: Lesbian

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2026

About the author

Gillian Gilmore (she/her) is a sapphic author from Ireland with a passion for queer storytelling. She is often found reading and reviewing the work of other writers, and after studying English Literature at university, spent the past decade working as a teacher while writing fiction and poetry. Her work has been published in various literary journals.

'Everything Turning' is her debut novella and first self-published book.

For updates, follow @gilliangilmorewrites.

Reviews

[Calyn Hitchcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to the author for providing an advanced copy of this fantastic book in exchange for an honest review!

Though it’s a quick read (I finished it in a couple hours because I literally couldn’t put it down), the story was perfectly paced and there was enough time to get to know the characters in a way that made them and their connection feel real, which is not always the case with novellas.

The frankly grating comments from the other stargazers had me feeling irritated right along with Cathleen because it felt like they were invading her peaceful should-have-been quiet evening.

Cathleen is a wonderfully prickly character who took a bit to warm up, though once she did, she was remarkably honest and hilarious. I did not see it coming!

Emma is just outgoing enough to pull Cathleen out of her shell while clearly trying not to intrude on her solo trip. It felt like she really respected Cathleen’s boundaries and let her run the show and take things at her own pace #hot

I loved reading an older woman so decisively taking control of her own pleasure and desire even when she was uncomfortable (but excited) about doing so. Her awkward nerves were written perfectly in a way I’ve never seen before and were so relatable. She gets extra points for being a sapphic reader and this book gets extra points for not making the age gap a major plot point. LOVED THIS.

[Montes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this novella. For the amount of pages, I didn’t expect it to be as profound and thought provoking as it was.

I related to Cathleen deeply. You can tell that she felt alone when there were so many people around her. Some of the things Emma said felt like punches to the gut, in a way that makes you realize something about yourself, like when she described Mercury, having no atmosphere or weather, receiving everything that hits it and leaving a permanent mark.

One of my favorite quotes from the book was: “I look back at the star. Burning away up there, unaware of what it is slowly becoming.” It really makes you think how much of our lives is spent on routine and being inert until we simply cease to exist.

I can’t wait until she publishes her novel, but judging by this book, it’ll be well worth the wait.

Thank you to Gillian Gilmore for providing me with an eARC.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture it.
You’re sitting on your couch, bored and scrolling through your kindle for your next light read.
“Oh let me just read this quick little novella” you think. Suddenly you’re crushing on 50-something women and googling exactly just how long IS a flight to Tenerife? (sexy stranger not included).
The writing is spectacular.
The setting is gorgeous.
The humor is whip smart and the spice is spicy, but beautiful.
How the author manages to capture this much tenderness in 84 pages is beyond me - and as a debut - hello?!
Everything Turning is a beautiful read, start to finish, and you’ll be wishing for more from these 2 before you even finish.

[Lautrioshka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read an early version of Everything’s Turning, and this was SO my kind of story. The vibe, the characters, the romance, the humor, the stars… it had pretty much everything I tend to look for when I pick up a book. I started reading and couldn’t put it down until I finished it at 4 a.m. 😂

Emma and Cathleen are complete opposites, which is probably why I loved them together so much. Emma is open, direct, uncomplicated, and impossible not to like, while Cathleen is much more guarded, complex, and harder to read. Watching them slowly figure each other out was honestly one of my favorite parts. And I really loved that, even beyond the romance, they both felt like actual people. Their awkward moments, their insecurities, the way they see the world… all of it made them so easy to connect with.

Gillian’s writing is incredibly visual. I loved how she used the night sky and the stars throughout the novella; it gave the story such a special atmosphere that made the big moments feel huge and the quiet ones intimate and real. Plus, her dry humor was such a treat. She’s naturally hilarious!

It made me laugh, it made me feel things, it made me stare at the ceiling fan for a minute 😉, and it left me wanting more in the absolute best way possible.

And finally, thank you, Gillian, for giving me the chance to read this early. It really meant a lot to me.

✨✨✨💫

[Samantha Jo Anderton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful look into self discovery at a later time of life. Cathleen is our more mature fmc that is learning to accept her sexuality may not be what she always believed it was. She talks about her feelings of women throughout her life and recognizes that the thought never occurred to her to examine those more closely. Emma is the perfect counterpart for her in this stage of her journey, someone who knows who she is and is comfortable in what she has to offer. I enjoyed the tenderness and the openness that is displayed between them. A great debut for Gillian Gilmore!

[Leonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (4.5 stars)

Already before starting this review, I really wanna recommend reading this novella because WOW!! I am in love with it!
But let’s start with some more in-depth notes (hehe); in fewer than ninety pages, Gillian Gillmore created a novella where reading it felt like the emotions of the characters were literally transferred directly into oneself (yes, I am THAT in love with the writing). The writing is simply beautiful! Every sentence feels placed with care, and it generally just keeps one wanting and longing to be able to stay just a little longer with the characters and enjoy the moment. The stargazing scenes, for example, are SOO well written when one looks at the atmosphere that was created. I esepcially liked the way the charged space between Emma and Cathleen slowly leaning toward each other was described (gosh, even thinking about it makes me wanna re-read it just because I loved it so so much). Generally though, reading this felt really intimate and utterly immersive. And that’s, in my humble opinion, the magic of this novella. Specifically because it hooks you so very completely with its beautiful writing and wondeful and intimate story.
Moreover, since the story itself is so short, I was honestly astonished by how invested I became. Like when I reached the end, my first thought was that it couldn't possibly be over (and you have three guesses who immediately wanted to start reading it again). Honestly, I could probably write a whole essay about this beautiful novella and how I adored the story and how I kind of fell in love with Emma and Cathleen! Cathleen and Emma deserve more nights not gonna lie (hihi) and so do we wanting to read it all!!

Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest and voluntarily given review ♡

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an extraordinary story. Eighty-four pages of words painting a picture of two women finding each other through a single night of stargazing and lust. Like brushstrokes across a blank canvas. Gillmore uses imagery to place you at the very center of Cathleen and Emma’s experience. Each stroke, each word, feels intentional. Exquisite. Your emotions deepen alongside the colors of the palette, until the canvas can no longer contain what you feel. The words linger like art with no boundaries.

“Sitting low on the horizon with the sovereign confidence that comes from doing this every single day, the sun is descending. Slowly. Orange deepening to a red, bleeding out along the edges into a colour closer to violet.”

Every moment these two women spend together feels precious. Something beautiful is unfolding. The tenderness of Emma as Cathleen discovers what this means, what it awakens, and what, if anything, it asks. Each word feels deliberate as if Gillmore agonized over its placement. Relish in each thought shared by Cathleen. Every pause. Every desire.

Emma looks at me. Just looks-the way she has looked at things all eveining, with the full attention of someone who has decided that whatever is in front of her is worth it. It is one of her more devastating qualities."

Words are not simply arranged; they are placed brilliantly. You become lost in it. It is not complex. It doesn’t need to be. There is simply enough to emotionally connect. To pull you in closer. To feel. To ache with them both. In one single night, one encounter. I dare you not to fall in love. Please. Gillmore, don’t end their story.

Review of advanced copy received from the Author

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a debut novella, and I was floored by the author’s prose. It’s just beautiful, makes you read the book in one sitting so invested in the story and unavoidable not to smile constantly while reading. I am easily first in line to read anything else this new author will publish since this reading promises that more wonderful stories will be given to us.

It was wonderful to read about 50-year-old newly divorced Cathleen on vacation on Tenerife. She finally is free and able to pursue a different kind of life than being Daniel’s wife. She needs space, rest and great sapphic novels for a possibility to release so much sexual frustration.

After a few days Cathleen is ready to leave her room for a stargazing excursion, there she meets another lone traveller, the younger Emma and the chemistry is there from the get-go. Emma that is so perfect for Cathleen in this new phase of her life, she validates her and gives her exactly what she craves, and I love every minute of them together, it’s just feeling right.

I am normally not a big fan of novellas unless more of a bonus chapter with characters I already know well. This novella the exception, it was just amazing to read as it was even if I would love to read so much more about Cathleen and Emma, above all I need this to not just be a vacation fling, that they meet again in the future and this can evolve to something more.

I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.

[LFP Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very nice novella! The writing is absolutely great, and it was even more impressing because this is a very short book (less than 100 pages).

The narrator is a woman ~50yo, which is something we don't see that often. And instead of focusing too much on the actions, the author gives us much more about the MC's thoughts and feelings -- about herself, her life, her identity, her fears. This doesn't mean there's no action -- there is, and it is pretty great, BTW. It's just not the _only_ focus of the book.

I don't know much about stars and galaxies, but the description of the stargazing where Cathleen and Emma meet is superb. I could _feel_ Cathleen's impressions and emotions while reading it.

I would definitely recommend this novella if you want a low-angst story with a very cute couple, especially if you like to read more about the character's feelings and thoughts. And I'm looking forward to the next book of the author. If this was what she delivered on her debut novel, I cannot imagine the quality of what comes next.

[En · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything Turning is a fairly short read, but the care and craft that went into these few pages were impossible to miss.

The writing was enjoyable, and made better with descriptors that made the scenes feel immersive. At times, it felt like I was watching a movie in my head. I love it when authors do this and look forward to future works by Gilmore.

At 50, Cathleen is on her first solo trip, which also serves as a journey of self-discovery. We join Cathleen at a stage where most of her regrets and doubts were settled, and meeting Emma feels rather serendipitous.

I haven’t had good experiences with first person POVs because they tend to sound too self-absorbed. But Cathleen’s character was well developed, and her internal dialogue fits her profile too.

I enjoyed how we were pulled into Cathleen’s short adventure to see the stars, and how she ended up catching one herself.

If you’re looking for a short, heartwarming story set under the beautiful sky of stars on Mount Teida, pick up a copy of Everything Turning.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️
I really loved this debut novella. I can't wait to see the next installment. This is a cute little premise about 2 people on holiday (vacation).

Cathleen is recently divorced 50 year woman on holiday in Spain. She meets a younger traveler Emma on the guided tour. They strike up a conversation over dinner. This sparks a connection with these two single women. I love that they connected over a book. As a book nerd myself, I would totally appreciate this move. This short and sweet exploration between these fmcs is super cute but does have spice. I did love Emma being patient and talking Cathleen through it. This will give you all the feels and honestly, sometimes that's all a girl wants. I will be adding this author to the list.

Tropes and triggers: age gap, close, proximity, holiday, strangers, toaster oven (first time)

I received an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author.

This was such a sweet, lovely debut. At under 100 pages, it made for an easy read but still felt complete.

Cathleen and Emma were easily lovable characters. The story was cute, fun, and real. It truly had me craving my own night under the stars, where everything just seems to be put back into perspective.

Cathleen’s little journey to self-discovery was so nice to read. As a family law paralegal myself, all you ever want for your clients is them to find happiness and peace with themselves after such a change.

If this is a debut from Gillian, I can’t wait to read what else she has in store for us. Her storytelling is so captivating and vivid!

[emily.reads.sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you to Gillian Gilmore for the ARC!

Some of my favorite things:
👀 Reading Sapphic books...alone with adult toy
⭐️ Stargazing
🫠 Sharing astronomy facts
🥹 First time with a woman
🥵 Chemistry that is off the charts
🌶 The spice SPICED
✨️ Short read, great plot, beautiful characters

Alrighty y’alls, you NEED to go read this one! Everything Turning is Gilmore’s debut novella, and it is incredible! It already makes me excited to see what else she has in store for us.

I absolutely LOVED Cathleen and Emma’s story!

Cathleen is on this trip to a remote area with the goal of relaxing and resting, away from the chaos of daily life. She has recently gotten into Sapphic books, the spicy sort, after divorcing her husband and realizing she was into women. What she didn’t realize is just how many people she would have to interact with…

And then a younger, beautiful woman walks in and stuns Cathleen. Emma and her charismatic self join the group of travelers, making herself known to Cathleen. Emma is clearly intrigued by the older, quiet woman, which may or may not send Cathleen into a gay panic of sorts (same Cathleen, same lol).

The group travels to a mountain with a flat area set up to stargaze, the moon and stars the only thing lighting the space. The guides quietly set up telescopes directed toward specific planets and stars. Cathleen is awestruck by it, and even more so once Emma starts sharing astronomy facts with her (sharing knowledge like this is sexy and no one can convince me or Cathleen otherwise).

As the night continues, so does the conversation and chemistry between these two. All I will say about what happens next is that it is h.o.t. yet sweet and tender and beautiful all at once.

Sometimes short stories feel like the end abruptly, but this one was not that. Would I love to see more of Cathleen and Emma? Ummm yes, duh, but what we got is just right. I highly recommend going and checking this one out when it releases on September 1st!

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a debut novella and just WOW! This novella is beautifully written, and for it to be under 100 pages, the characters carry so much depth. The spice was phenomenal. I adored the stargazing moments because the descriptions of what the character was feeling and seeing are written seamlessly. It was a quick read, but it did not feel rushed and was perfectly paced. I love how Emma did not try to rush Catherine but let her figure out what she wanted at her own pace. Thank you to the author for letting me ARC read this, as I cannot wait for more!

[tinkingaboutbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Turning is a light-hearted sapphic novella featuring an age-gap trope and the right amount of spice.

The story follows Cathleen, a 50 year old Irish woman, who takes a solo holiday to Tenerife and meets Emma, 16 years her junior.

The scene where Cathleen and Emma bond over sapphic novels brought back memories of a trip from last year, where I too, connected with another guest over sapphic book recommendations!

This was such a lovely debut, and I'm so grateful to have received an ARC. I can't wait to see what Gillian Gilmore writes next.

[JAYNE (sapphic_story_seekers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything Turning is a fun, light-hearted sapphic contemporary romance novella with an age-gap dynamic and a splash of spice. When Cathleen, a 50-year-old from a small Irish village, takes a solo holiday to Tenerife, one captured moment on a coach trip turns into something more when she meets Emma.
This was such a lovely debut: warm, easy to read, and perfect if you enjoy short sapphic romances with holiday vibes. I can’t wait to read more of this author’s work.

[Casey Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this. It was both too short and just long enough, I was left wanting to hear more about the protagonists, but I suspect this was completely on purpose and masterfully done. I adored the older woman, late coming out representation and the soft, beautiful love story. Can't wait to read what the author writes next.

[Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet first person novella about an age gap sapphic awakening while on vacation. I liked how Gillian Gilmore situated sapphic romance novels in the story. Sometimes it feels too put on, but in this sense it was sweet. Would like to see more from Gilmore in the future.

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sweet, Steamy Novella That Leaves You Wanting More

What a cute debut novella Gillian has brought us! Everything Turning is a sweet, engaging, and beautifully crafted story that had me hooked from the beginning. The storyline is easy to follow, entertaining throughout, and you can tell a lot of thought and effort went into creating this little gem.

The story follows fifty-year-old Cathleen while she’s on a stargazing tour in Tenerife, where she meets thirty-four-year-old Emma. Their interactions are adorable, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop throughout the novella. They share some genuinely funny moments, plenty of chemistry, and just enough steam to keep things interesting. The ending certainly leaves you wanting more, and I would happily read more of their story!

Thank you, Gillian, for this fantastic read and for the opportunity to review your book. For a debut novella, this is a wonderful start, and if this is anything to go by, I think we’re in for a real treat with whatever you have coming next. You can definitely see the effort you’ve put into this story, and it really shows.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Michela Santoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

iconicometer: 💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼.5
spiceometer: 🥵🥵🥵


✨ the universal experience of replaying moments in which you thought you were just a "girl's girl" and then realizing that you're actually a girl's girl ✂️

✨ liking cats better than humans? RELATABLE (also gay as fuck)

✨ giving her sapphic book recs is the new flirting

✨ their first (unofficial) date being gazing at the universe and talking about space is peak lesbian behavior

✨ nonsexual foreplay and tension so hot she almost c*ms all pressed up against the wall and still wearing clothes

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous sapphic romance! I love the setting - the star gazing trip is perfect for this story. Solo trips, late bloomer, bi representation, just enough spice - loved it all and highly recommend.