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Heart of Glass
Clara Duncan is adrift. She's always been a loner, so she never suspected that her breakup with her first love would leave her this hopeless. Clara abandons her old life and moves to a quiet, coastal New England town, where she looks forward to days of aimless wandering, like a seagull on the wind. She's convinced herself that this is good enough, until she finds an antique porcelain urn washed up on the beach--a discovery that leads her to a beautiful historian who literally falls into her lap. The warm and enthusiastic Ginny is everything Clara could hope for, but their budding relationship is fraught with doubts. Clara is afraid of repeating the mistakes that led to her last breakup, afraid of losing herself in passion. And as if things weren't complicated enough, the mysterious, charismatic Autumn has her eye on Clara—and some disturbing words of warning where Ginny is concerned. Can Clara and Ginny be together while still staying true to themselves? And why does Clara feel that unraveling the mystery behind the urn will answer the questions her own heart is asking?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
54 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Marian Snowe
24 books111 followersMarian Snowe is an author of lesbian romantic fiction. She can often be found talking to trees, examining flower petals with a magnifying glass, or venturing with small steps into the frigid New England ocean. She lives with her vivacious, adventure-loving wife, Ruby Grandin, and two cats. She loves to settle down in a meadow or at her desk by a window (with a good view of the birdfeeder!) to write stories about ladies in love.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 20, 2015
This was a pleasant surprise on Kindle Unlimited! Every time I think I'm gonna cancel cause the books they offer suck, I find a nice little gem like this one! It was a very pleasant story and a sweet romance. There's a little angst and some history thrown in. The author developed the characters nicely and I enjoyed her descriptive, but not TOO descriptive style. I could picture the characters and scenes easily.
Definitely worth the read!
Definitely worth the read!
April 14, 2017
I almost tossed this book into the dnf pile. The first hour or so was so boring! The narrator sounded monotone and bored, and i couldn't get myself to care what she was saying. But for some reason, once the third chic entered the scene (omg i just listened to 8 hours if this book straight and can't remember their names, not a good sign...) ... anyhow once it got going, i was very interested in the mystery of the stupid urn and what whatshername was up to. By the end, i actually found the plot captivating. I can care less about hunting for sea detritus, but it's really not a bad book if you can make it through the boring introduction .
March 4, 2017
Zzzzzzz I should have listened to the mediocre ratings, sigh. I was hoping for a sweet oceanside romance, but this book is really light on romance, has almost zero sex, and offers a mystery that is so obvious it's almost painful listening to it unfold.
The main character, Clara, is cartoonish in her insecurities and anxieties. Ginny, her love interest, is written so poorly we never really know her. Autumn had potential but fizzled.
Oh, speaking of listening...the narrator must've been as bored with the book as was I. She certainly contributing to the low rating. 2.5 stars rounded down to 2. Someday I should start returning the bad books to Audible instead of paying $10 when they annoy me.
The main character, Clara, is cartoonish in her insecurities and anxieties. Ginny, her love interest, is written so poorly we never really know her. Autumn had potential but fizzled.
Oh, speaking of listening...the narrator must've been as bored with the book as was I. She certainly contributing to the low rating. 2.5 stars rounded down to 2. Someday I should start returning the bad books to Audible instead of paying $10 when they annoy me.
April 10, 2021
I got this for free for signing up to the authors newsletter - It's also available on Kindle Unlimited.
This is very much a drama driven story, with a slight mystery element woven in with a historical artifact found, and it's origins being researched. But for me the main issue is there's a third party villain manipulating other characters. So you have to ask yourself whether you find that stuff entertaining, for me it isn't - and I didn't feel it was particularly well compose, either. It was obvious and hamfisted, and I ultimately hated the MC for falling for something so trite. It ended up just saying a lot about that character, not the villain, funnily enough.
Which is where my biggest problem is overall... Our MC Clara is just not likable. She's a loner and quite paranoid and possessive. She says she is happy with how she is - but she clearly is not a happy person and her life has become terribly aimless. (She has no job, barely any hobbies, NO friends.) She is constantly going over a previous breakup where she stopped trying in the relationship, and wouldn't do anything outside her comfort zone for her more social girlfriend - and ended up alienating herself at work, too. But never seems to own any of that, playing blame-games.
But it seems she is making the same mistakes again where after meeting the Historical Society's new director, falls for her immediately. Clara seems to think Ginny, the director, immediately owes her her time! Getting upset and hurt over a cancelled beachcombing date where she had work to attend to. The possessive streak really was something else, and honestly flew major red flags for me.
The fact she would try to guilt-trip Ginny, and listen to the 'villain' causing her more paranoia and doubt, showed she was not a good person, let alone someone we would want to see our bright bubbly Ginny end up with. She even takes Ginny's perfectly acceptable advice that she needs more friends and hobbies, as a personal rejection and cannot handle it and spirals into grief and frustration... It's disturbing actually how this behaviour is presented, like Clara actually has a point? What!?.
Ginny is treated as a workaholic, but she's incredibly passionate and educated about what she does, and I felt she shouldn't have to apologies for that - the fact that she actually does second-guess herself and starts side-lining her work for the possessive Clara made me so uncomfortable.
She's ultimately sacrificing herself for a possessive loner who would keep her from her passions and not allow her to have a life outside of her... Just what was the author trying to do here? I don't know. But it's disturbing and not healthy, so I can't support it.
This is very much a drama driven story, with a slight mystery element woven in with a historical artifact found, and it's origins being researched. But for me the main issue is there's a third party villain manipulating other characters. So you have to ask yourself whether you find that stuff entertaining, for me it isn't - and I didn't feel it was particularly well compose, either. It was obvious and hamfisted, and I ultimately hated the MC for falling for something so trite. It ended up just saying a lot about that character, not the villain, funnily enough.
Which is where my biggest problem is overall... Our MC Clara is just not likable. She's a loner and quite paranoid and possessive. She says she is happy with how she is - but she clearly is not a happy person and her life has become terribly aimless. (She has no job, barely any hobbies, NO friends.) She is constantly going over a previous breakup where she stopped trying in the relationship, and wouldn't do anything outside her comfort zone for her more social girlfriend - and ended up alienating herself at work, too. But never seems to own any of that, playing blame-games.
But it seems she is making the same mistakes again where after meeting the Historical Society's new director, falls for her immediately. Clara seems to think Ginny, the director, immediately owes her her time! Getting upset and hurt over a cancelled beachcombing date where she had work to attend to. The possessive streak really was something else, and honestly flew major red flags for me.
The fact she would try to guilt-trip Ginny, and listen to the 'villain' causing her more paranoia and doubt, showed she was not a good person, let alone someone we would want to see our bright bubbly Ginny end up with. She even takes Ginny's perfectly acceptable advice that she needs more friends and hobbies, as a personal rejection and cannot handle it and spirals into grief and frustration... It's disturbing actually how this behaviour is presented, like Clara actually has a point? What!?.
Ginny is treated as a workaholic, but she's incredibly passionate and educated about what she does, and I felt she shouldn't have to apologies for that - the fact that she actually does second-guess herself and starts side-lining her work for the possessive Clara made me so uncomfortable.
She's ultimately sacrificing herself for a possessive loner who would keep her from her passions and not allow her to have a life outside of her... Just what was the author trying to do here? I don't know. But it's disturbing and not healthy, so I can't support it.
August 30, 2016
When I read the Synopsis for this book I thought it had all the making of another great Lesbian Romance. But I was frustrated all through it, I couldn't understand their love and it lacked detail of the characters.
I'm sure it would be something other would like but I'm normally keen for more love lust and a genuine connection.
I'm sure it would be something other would like but I'm normally keen for more love lust and a genuine connection.
April 10, 2016
This was a wonderful love story. Clara seems to be a bit broken after her relationship with her last girlfriend imploded. It's interesting how well Snowe describes Clara's introverted nature and showed how the differences in their natures not only led to their breakup, but also to Clara's isolation at work. Clara's solitary nature and the way large groups of people tend to drain her is something not well understood by those who are so extroverted and energetic in their social interactions. It's amazing how drawn people are to their opposites, and in this case, the fact that neither communicated well with the other led to misunderstandings and disagreements. Clara has gone to the childhood summer house her parents still own to recover and rebuild herself. Her early morning walks on the beach lead her to a new hobby; collecting sea glass. While searching, she finds a surprisingly intact piece of pottery and decides to find out its history. This leads her to Ginny, the local curator of the town's museum of history. Ginny is warm and vivacious, and is immediately drawn into Clara's search. The two get closer as they get to know each other. But Clara still has a problem talking about how she feels, and it drives Ginny away a bit. Throw in Ginny's ex-girlfriend and things take a turn for the worse. Will the story behind the urn be enough to bring these two women together?
Two things I love about this book. First, you can feel the love of the ocean permeating the book. Through Clara's perceptions we can see the power of the ocean to wash us clean, to allow us to start again, to scour us and change us. Almost every word is an ode of love to the nature of this immense body of water. Second, you can almost feel the slow pace of the book echoing the timeless, inexorable wash of waves on shore. This allows Clara time to resolve her residual feelings about her other relationship, and it allows time for Ginny and Clara to get to know each other, to come to care about each other. Nothing feels rushed; it all happens in its own time. A very well-written book.
Two things I love about this book. First, you can feel the love of the ocean permeating the book. Through Clara's perceptions we can see the power of the ocean to wash us clean, to allow us to start again, to scour us and change us. Almost every word is an ode of love to the nature of this immense body of water. Second, you can almost feel the slow pace of the book echoing the timeless, inexorable wash of waves on shore. This allows Clara time to resolve her residual feelings about her other relationship, and it allows time for Ginny and Clara to get to know each other, to come to care about each other. Nothing feels rushed; it all happens in its own time. A very well-written book.
March 16, 2017
If I had been reading a physical book rather than a copy on my Kindle, I would have thrown it across the room.
The book feels repetitive of itself; mention something, mention it again a few paragraphs or pages later. Wouldn't want the reader to forget!
Lead character has some serious anxiety issues, and I get that. I have anxiety issues too, although thankfully not as severe. The inability of the lead to move the story forward because of these issues gets very old. It may be realistic, but it is not sympathetic or particularly motivating. It's just frustrating in context.
I still don't understand how/why lead ended up with who they did. Major, valid issues existed, then magically seem to be forgotten. I couldn't even read the steamy section at the end I was too upset at that point.
A supporting character is essentially reduced to a plot point, and ultimately lacks all redeeming qualities (and the ability to be rational), which I don't think the character deserved. I can dislike a character that is 3D and had flaws, not necessary to force me into that by making them a shell and a mockery of a character.
And omg the ending.
The cat was cute.
The book feels repetitive of itself; mention something, mention it again a few paragraphs or pages later. Wouldn't want the reader to forget!
Lead character has some serious anxiety issues, and I get that. I have anxiety issues too, although thankfully not as severe. The inability of the lead to move the story forward because of these issues gets very old. It may be realistic, but it is not sympathetic or particularly motivating. It's just frustrating in context.
I still don't understand how/why lead ended up with who they did. Major, valid issues existed, then magically seem to be forgotten. I couldn't even read the steamy section at the end I was too upset at that point.
A supporting character is essentially reduced to a plot point, and ultimately lacks all redeeming qualities (and the ability to be rational), which I don't think the character deserved. I can dislike a character that is 3D and had flaws, not necessary to force me into that by making them a shell and a mockery of a character.
And omg the ending.
The cat was cute.
November 19, 2015
After a bad break up Clara goes to stay at her parents summer home by the sea in CT. While there she finds an old urn washed up on the beach. The search for information about the urn takes her to the local historical society. There she meets a beautiful woman, Ginny. The mystery behind the truth of the urn is much more interesting than the blossoming love story. I would have liked more detail and twists regarding that and leave the love story out of it. The two woman could have stayed friends and I wouldn't have liked the story any less.
November 5, 2015
A delightful romantic story with an exciting mystery.
This was a real good book to escape reality and visit a small seaside town. It felt like I was walking on the beach myself, feeling the wind through my hair. The scenery was so nicely described, it felt very real. I could easily picture the location. The main character needs an escape after a broken heart and the loss of her job. Her parents summerhouse was the ideal place to leave everything behind. Her days filled with walking on the beach looking for sea glass. She found not only glass but also a part of an urn that put her entire life upside down. A discovery that turns into a great mystery to be solved and a beginning of a mutual attraction with a beautiful woman. The beginning of a difficult uncertain relationship but also the encounter with a unscrupulous gorgeous society columnist. I loved the way the story developed and slowly unraveled the mystery. I have enjoyed it a lot and I can highly recommend it to anyone.
This was a real good book to escape reality and visit a small seaside town. It felt like I was walking on the beach myself, feeling the wind through my hair. The scenery was so nicely described, it felt very real. I could easily picture the location. The main character needs an escape after a broken heart and the loss of her job. Her parents summerhouse was the ideal place to leave everything behind. Her days filled with walking on the beach looking for sea glass. She found not only glass but also a part of an urn that put her entire life upside down. A discovery that turns into a great mystery to be solved and a beginning of a mutual attraction with a beautiful woman. The beginning of a difficult uncertain relationship but also the encounter with a unscrupulous gorgeous society columnist. I loved the way the story developed and slowly unraveled the mystery. I have enjoyed it a lot and I can highly recommend it to anyone.
November 12, 2015
This book was a pleasure to read. The author told a multilayered and interwoven story. There was a love lost that rose from the ocean's depths. Then, a new love comes to life in the shadow of past relationships that were not meant to be. "Heart of Glass" feels like a painting in words. It creates a lovely and beautiful picture of lesbians falling in love. The pace is perfect. These women slowly come to trust each other with what matters most about themselves. Even If their past failed relationships hold them back from their new love, Ginny and Clara are mature enough to learn from those mistakes.
I really enjoyed every aspect of this wonderful novel. I hope that it finds a large audience because it deserves one. I look forward to reading more stories by the very talented Marian Snowe.
I really enjoyed every aspect of this wonderful novel. I hope that it finds a large audience because it deserves one. I look forward to reading more stories by the very talented Marian Snowe.
August 12, 2019
This was one of the most frustrating books I ever read. The only redeeming part of this book was the mystery and story behind the urn, which was interesting and heart warming. But the main character, Clara, was manipulative, selfish and immature. I couldn't stand her. A grown woman, no matter how sensitive she is, should understand that there is more to life than love, and that careers should always come #1, particularly if your career is your passion. A deadline is a deadline and Clara was not understanding of that at all. Especially since they had only been dating a short while. 0/10 do not recommend. This author has some fabulous books, but this just wasn't one of them.
May 17, 2017
It had potential. But the characters are underdeveloped, the story fell flat, and narrator gave a valiant effort. Not much else I can say about this book.
December 25, 2018
A slow beginning that almost lost me. I enjoy reading books that bring me in quickly. Clara's listlessness and aimlessness were overly described in the beginning of the story. I believe the story would have been better served with a more direct less wordy lead up to the beach walking and finding the broken urn. Amanda was going to be a thorn in Ginny's side and that story line should have been completed. The historical piece was interesting because it was a peek into local town historical museums reclaiming their pasts.
July 7, 2018
Wow.
This is the second book I have read of your in one weekend. Irresistible being the first . This was a wonderful book. The joining of the past to teach us to be bold in this day and age was when we can choose our own path was both very sad and very uplifting. Great story great twists characters you really got to like and feel happy about. I am sure there is a follow up there I hope so.Highly recommend this book .
This is the second book I have read of your in one weekend. Irresistible being the first . This was a wonderful book. The joining of the past to teach us to be bold in this day and age was when we can choose our own path was both very sad and very uplifting. Great story great twists characters you really got to like and feel happy about. I am sure there is a follow up there I hope so.Highly recommend this book .
March 21, 2019
Two women who have been injured by the same person join forces.
The author has created a believable story with three people, two of them knew the third. Each left with baggage given to them from the third. It is the finding of a broken urn from beach combing that two of them solve the mystery of the owner and bring joy to the original owner. In the process they discover each other. Enjoy!
The author has created a believable story with three people, two of them knew the third. Each left with baggage given to them from the third. It is the finding of a broken urn from beach combing that two of them solve the mystery of the owner and bring joy to the original owner. In the process they discover each other. Enjoy!
March 6, 2018
Sweet and satisfying
This story is not only a very sweet love story about two women who both have loved and lost in the past, but also contains a satisfying little historical mystery with it's own love story. The characters are well developed and the plot well written. Highly recommended.
This story is not only a very sweet love story about two women who both have loved and lost in the past, but also contains a satisfying little historical mystery with it's own love story. The characters are well developed and the plot well written. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2017
A sweet, gentle romance. It was nice to have a heroine who was an introverted butch instead of the usual "brash" firefighter/race car driver/lady killer stereotypes you find in lesbian romance. Also a sensitive portrait of social anxiety.
December 23, 2016
Disclaimer - I'm adding just about every book I read in 2016 to Goodreads in December. I probably read this in... October.
I read a ton of lesbian romance novels on Kindle Unlimited this year. I have no idea why. Probably because they were free. All of them were of decidedly average quality, and most of them mesh together in my memory. I had to re-read the summary description of the plot to remember which one this is. Which in this case is a little sad because it's one of the few that has a cover image and a title with obvious significance to the plot.
First of all, NO ONE could find sea glass that interesting. It is NOT THAT INTERESTING.
OK. Moving on... eh. This was OK, but just a touch contrived. But not in a sort of guilty-pleasure trope way. I don't know if I should give kudos for a fairly original get-together setup when it's kinda boring. Realistic though - couples do fight about time spent together, and no one likes feeling either not worth committing to or not worth someone's attention. The protagonists' conflicts were real enough. The unwanted triangle wedge character was a bit much, but whatever, she was a catalyst.
The part of this book I liked the least was that the main character was kind of an insecure, can't speak up for herself (or articulate any feelings for herself), doormat. That was annoying to read, and I'm not sure it really changed. I kinda think the girl she ended up with deserved better (as unlikely as she is to ever find it in this random town).
The cold-case romance that was uncovered by the story with the sea glass was sad, but a nice touch. Loved it.
Book was overall OK, if a bit less-than-memorable.
I read a ton of lesbian romance novels on Kindle Unlimited this year. I have no idea why. Probably because they were free. All of them were of decidedly average quality, and most of them mesh together in my memory. I had to re-read the summary description of the plot to remember which one this is. Which in this case is a little sad because it's one of the few that has a cover image and a title with obvious significance to the plot.
First of all, NO ONE could find sea glass that interesting. It is NOT THAT INTERESTING.
OK. Moving on... eh. This was OK, but just a touch contrived. But not in a sort of guilty-pleasure trope way. I don't know if I should give kudos for a fairly original get-together setup when it's kinda boring. Realistic though - couples do fight about time spent together, and no one likes feeling either not worth committing to or not worth someone's attention. The protagonists' conflicts were real enough. The unwanted triangle wedge character was a bit much, but whatever, she was a catalyst.
The part of this book I liked the least was that the main character was kind of an insecure, can't speak up for herself (or articulate any feelings for herself), doormat. That was annoying to read, and I'm not sure it really changed. I kinda think the girl she ended up with deserved better (as unlikely as she is to ever find it in this random town).
The cold-case romance that was uncovered by the story with the sea glass was sad, but a nice touch. Loved it.
Book was overall OK, if a bit less-than-memorable.
January 18, 2016
Beautifully written story about women falling in love! I especially liked all the historical references and information I feel like I learned. I believe my wife and I are going to start collecting sea glass! Great read for sure!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews