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Where Love Leads
Sarah O’Shaughnessy, a high school counselor, is very good at taking care of others. What she hasn’t mastered is how to take better care of herself. Four years after the death of her wife, Sarah’s life has settled into a safe, solitary rut. That is, until the arrival of a new student and her mom.
Lauren Emerson and her teen daughter, Kat, move back to Lauren’s hometown in Central New York, fleeing her unsupportive husband and Kat’s traumatic bullying experience. Lauren is determined to create a better life for them both. She soon discovers that the compassionate Ms. O’Shaughnessy is someone in whom she can confide.
The newly forged friendship between Sarah and Lauren provides support and encouragement, yet neither is prepared for the undeniable attraction that ignites between them. When the future looks like nothing they had planned, will they find the courage to go where love leads?
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Lauren Emerson and her teen daughter, Kat, move back to Lauren’s hometown in Central New York, fleeing her unsupportive husband and Kat’s traumatic bullying experience. Lauren is determined to create a better life for them both. She soon discovers that the compassionate Ms. O’Shaughnessy is someone in whom she can confide.
The newly forged friendship between Sarah and Lauren provides support and encouragement, yet neither is prepared for the undeniable attraction that ignites between them. When the future looks like nothing they had planned, will they find the courage to go where love leads?
Genre: Contemporary Romance
266 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2017
9 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Erin McKenzie
3 books17 followersErin McKenzie has been a lover of words since she first learned her ABCs, sparking a lifelong passion for reading, writing, and of course, word games! She is a professional school counselor, mom to her three young children, partner to her wife of fifteen years, chief dishwasher and laundry folder, soccer mom and homework checker. She and her family live in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and share their home with several furry friends.
Where Love Leads, Erin’s debut novel, has been a long-time labor of love. She hopes you enjoy the story!
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 2 spaces.
Where Love Leads, Erin’s debut novel, has been a long-time labor of love. She hopes you enjoy the story!
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 2 spaces.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 5, 2017
This was an okay romance, by new author McKenzie. I thought the writing was pretty well done for a debut author, but I think next time McKenzie sholud work on getting the reader to feel for the characters a bit more. As other reviewers have noted, McKenzie tried to hit on a lot of different themes, with this book. I think she would have been better off just focusing on one or two, and doing them really well.
The story is about a mother Lauren, and her daughter Kat, who move to New York State to escape an emotional abusive husband, and bullies from Kat's school. Kat, has had a hard time dealing with her sexuality, and Lauren just wants her to be safe. At the new school, they meet Kat's counselor Sarah. Sarah can tell Kat has been through a lot, she wants to help Kat, find a place in the school. As Sarah tries to help Kat, she grows closer to Lauren. Can a real relationship work for them, or a they destined to be nothing more than friends?
Instead of just having Lauren and Sarah as mains, this book also is about Kat and Bridget. I would say about 1/3 is YA and 2/3 is an adult romance. That was one of my issues with the book. While Kat was going through a lot, I don't think her POV was needed. I didn't really get the "feels" from her story-line, that you do in most YA's. I think McKenzie would have been better off having the whole book through Lauren and Sarah's POV, or make the whole book YA.
As I mentioned before, Kat's character was dealing with being bullied. I want to be careful what I mention so it does not spoil anything, but another huge issue arises for Kat. This ended up being another problem for me. McKenzie, decided to tackle another huge, tough topic, and it just did not work. I didn't see why it was needed, almost purely to throw more drama in. Then almost nothing came of it, and it was almost just swept under the rug. Not the way to handle such a tough subject, it just should have been taken out of the story-line.
This is a very slow romance. I like books that are not insta-love, so I was happy about that. My problem was it was so slow, that it lost some of the chemistry. Lauren and Sarah, came across more as best friends than lovers, for me.
While I obviously had some issues with this book, overall I think the story flowed well, and was written well. I just think McKenzie tried to tackle too many things at once. If she can narrow her ideas down, I might just enjoy her next book. I will absolutely give her another chance.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
The story is about a mother Lauren, and her daughter Kat, who move to New York State to escape an emotional abusive husband, and bullies from Kat's school. Kat, has had a hard time dealing with her sexuality, and Lauren just wants her to be safe. At the new school, they meet Kat's counselor Sarah. Sarah can tell Kat has been through a lot, she wants to help Kat, find a place in the school. As Sarah tries to help Kat, she grows closer to Lauren. Can a real relationship work for them, or a they destined to be nothing more than friends?
Instead of just having Lauren and Sarah as mains, this book also is about Kat and Bridget. I would say about 1/3 is YA and 2/3 is an adult romance. That was one of my issues with the book. While Kat was going through a lot, I don't think her POV was needed. I didn't really get the "feels" from her story-line, that you do in most YA's. I think McKenzie would have been better off having the whole book through Lauren and Sarah's POV, or make the whole book YA.
As I mentioned before, Kat's character was dealing with being bullied. I want to be careful what I mention so it does not spoil anything, but another huge issue arises for Kat. This ended up being another problem for me. McKenzie, decided to tackle another huge, tough topic, and it just did not work. I didn't see why it was needed, almost purely to throw more drama in. Then almost nothing came of it, and it was almost just swept under the rug. Not the way to handle such a tough subject, it just should have been taken out of the story-line.
This is a very slow romance. I like books that are not insta-love, so I was happy about that. My problem was it was so slow, that it lost some of the chemistry. Lauren and Sarah, came across more as best friends than lovers, for me.
While I obviously had some issues with this book, overall I think the story flowed well, and was written well. I just think McKenzie tried to tackle too many things at once. If she can narrow her ideas down, I might just enjoy her next book. I will absolutely give her another chance.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
May 15, 2017
Hm... this debut novel tried to be several things -- contemporary romance, young adult novel, family drama, social drama, hate crime awareness drama... The author wanted to put too much in just one story, and that is why it is lacking real depth in each area of interest. Everything is touched upon, but not enough to pull off at least one really strong plot point. It is a pity, because the author obviously has some good ideas or even experiences in each department.
Despite all said, this is not a bad first novel, I liked all four main characters and the setting, and will read the next book by this author. I have a feeling that she has potential to do better.
3 stars
May 15, 2017
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Despite all said, this is not a bad first novel, I liked all four main characters and the setting, and will read the next book by this author. I have a feeling that she has potential to do better.
3 stars
May 15, 2017
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
August 29, 2017
An ok debut
As many reviews have stated McKenzie tried to do too much and as a result accomplished too little. Now don't get me wrong...for a debut novel it wasn't bad. The writing flowed well and the characters were developed enough but it was their stories and obstacles that felt glossed over. I'm okay with there being two romances but the interesting one was really Kat's as she did endure the most and her issues seemed to just be solved or touched on. Lauren's romance was slow burn and I love slow burn romances but found myself a bit over it at the end because honestly all they had to overcome was time. Also, and this may sound weird, but the characters seemed to talk alike...I don't know how to fully explain ot but their "voices" didn't help distiguish who was actually speaking.
Will I read another by McKenzie...I like to say I will. She has room to grow as an author and for a debut it wasn't bad...it just wasn't fully explored. Give it a read if you've got some spare change around or borrow a friend's.
As many reviews have stated McKenzie tried to do too much and as a result accomplished too little. Now don't get me wrong...for a debut novel it wasn't bad. The writing flowed well and the characters were developed enough but it was their stories and obstacles that felt glossed over. I'm okay with there being two romances but the interesting one was really Kat's as she did endure the most and her issues seemed to just be solved or touched on. Lauren's romance was slow burn and I love slow burn romances but found myself a bit over it at the end because honestly all they had to overcome was time. Also, and this may sound weird, but the characters seemed to talk alike...I don't know how to fully explain ot but their "voices" didn't help distiguish who was actually speaking.
Will I read another by McKenzie...I like to say I will. She has room to grow as an author and for a debut it wasn't bad...it just wasn't fully explored. Give it a read if you've got some spare change around or borrow a friend's.
June 13, 2017
3.5 stars
Sarah O’Shaughnessy is a counselor at the local high school. Dedicated to her job of supporting students during their difficult adolescence, Sarah is still grieving the loss of her wife and keeps to herself outside school hours.
A new student arrives at the start of semester, anxious and traumatised from a bad bullying experience at her previous school. Kat is accompanied by her mum Lauren, both of whom have escaped the increasing aggression of Kat’s dad.
It isn’t long before Lauren and Sarah realize they graduated in the same year at the school, and their friendship develops. When their attraction surfaces, Lauren’s marriage, Sarah’s grief, and Kat’s trauma make it all impossible.
Sarah, Lauren and Kat are all good characters. It was lovely to see a well-written part for a 17 year old, as well as the more adult romance and emotions of her mother and Sarah. McKenzie clearly has experience with teenagers, and with counseling. Her bio suggests she has experience as a school counselor, and I have to say, it shows.
However, there were a few places, particularly early on in the book, in which the dialogue from Sarah becomes a little preachy. Fortunately it didn’t last long, and the character grew out of that to become a more interesting character.
There weren’t many flaws in the two main characters, and they seemed a little perfect. They were very likable though, and it was very easy to spend a couple of hours with them in their world.
McKenzie did a good job of setting the scene, and the plot was realistic, and believable. Where Love Leads is her debut novel, and I can see a bright future for her within the lesbian romance genre. This is a good start, and I’m looking forward to reading her next book.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Sarah O’Shaughnessy is a counselor at the local high school. Dedicated to her job of supporting students during their difficult adolescence, Sarah is still grieving the loss of her wife and keeps to herself outside school hours.
A new student arrives at the start of semester, anxious and traumatised from a bad bullying experience at her previous school. Kat is accompanied by her mum Lauren, both of whom have escaped the increasing aggression of Kat’s dad.
It isn’t long before Lauren and Sarah realize they graduated in the same year at the school, and their friendship develops. When their attraction surfaces, Lauren’s marriage, Sarah’s grief, and Kat’s trauma make it all impossible.
Sarah, Lauren and Kat are all good characters. It was lovely to see a well-written part for a 17 year old, as well as the more adult romance and emotions of her mother and Sarah. McKenzie clearly has experience with teenagers, and with counseling. Her bio suggests she has experience as a school counselor, and I have to say, it shows.
However, there were a few places, particularly early on in the book, in which the dialogue from Sarah becomes a little preachy. Fortunately it didn’t last long, and the character grew out of that to become a more interesting character.
There weren’t many flaws in the two main characters, and they seemed a little perfect. They were very likable though, and it was very easy to spend a couple of hours with them in their world.
McKenzie did a good job of setting the scene, and the plot was realistic, and believable. Where Love Leads is her debut novel, and I can see a bright future for her within the lesbian romance genre. This is a good start, and I’m looking forward to reading her next book.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
June 23, 2017
Very good book!
I loved this book and the important message about bullying and teen suicide. It was a very sweet love story and a story about friendship turned love. It was a story about personal growth for both Kay and her mother Lauren. It was a story of allowing yourself to love again for Sarah and it was a story about falling in love for Bridget.
This was a story about growth and development, and love. The characters were very well developed and the storyline was spot on.
This is the author's debut novel and I think she hit it out of the park. I look forward to more of her book in the future.
I loved this book and the important message about bullying and teen suicide. It was a very sweet love story and a story about friendship turned love. It was a story about personal growth for both Kay and her mother Lauren. It was a story of allowing yourself to love again for Sarah and it was a story about falling in love for Bridget.
This was a story about growth and development, and love. The characters were very well developed and the storyline was spot on.
This is the author's debut novel and I think she hit it out of the park. I look forward to more of her book in the future.
May 19, 2017
I think another reviewer hit it on the head...there is too much here for any depth to occur. She succeeds to a certain point...but it could have been so much more! The 2 pairs of main characters are well developed. The attempt at the simultaneous story line was nice, but missed the mark a little in my opinion. It's a decent read that could have been a great read!
The writing is decent and I look forward to future works by the author.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The writing is decent and I look forward to future works by the author.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2017
A pretty decent novel with a very good start and a not-so-good ending. In fact I found the second part of the book rather boring.
March 14, 2018
A very good debut novel. A bit messy where we find many themes-coming out, youth, family ...- very pleasant to read with very nice characters, to read and author to follow because there is potential ....
May 28, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley in return for a fair review.
This is a solid debut novel, but falls short by trying to do too much. There are two couples, and the story also deals with 2 x first time coming out, social anxiety, grief, hate crimes and other issues I won't mention so as to avoid spoilers.
I liked all four main characters and found them interesting individually and collectively. Lauren and Sarah are the main couple and their relationship is the very definition of a slow burn romance (if you're a reader who doesn't like waiting til the end for the couple to have sex, then maybe skip this one). I liked that they stuck to the whole 'we shouldn't get involved until it's appropriate' thing. Most books involving a 'forbidden' component have the characters give in to temptation. These two don't, even in situations where I was sure a trope was about to appear. This also allowed for them to spend ample time getting to know each other and build a believable relationship.
I didn't really need the Kat and Bridget story (nor am I a fan of multiple family members coming out in one book), but their storyline was still interesting enough.
The major flaw is that there are too many issues crammed in and this means some of them (including a rather major issue) get short shrift. This was particularly annoying given the nature of this major issue (or what I considered to be the major issue, YMMV), as I didn't feel it was given enough attention considering the gravity of the situation, and there was no real resolution to be had there.
Still, it's a solid debut, with good characterisation, and an enjoyable enough read. I give it 3.5 stars but I've rounded down, because I just can't give it four.
This is a solid debut novel, but falls short by trying to do too much. There are two couples, and the story also deals with 2 x first time coming out, social anxiety, grief, hate crimes and other issues I won't mention so as to avoid spoilers.
I liked all four main characters and found them interesting individually and collectively. Lauren and Sarah are the main couple and their relationship is the very definition of a slow burn romance (if you're a reader who doesn't like waiting til the end for the couple to have sex, then maybe skip this one). I liked that they stuck to the whole 'we shouldn't get involved until it's appropriate' thing. Most books involving a 'forbidden' component have the characters give in to temptation. These two don't, even in situations where I was sure a trope was about to appear. This also allowed for them to spend ample time getting to know each other and build a believable relationship.
I didn't really need the Kat and Bridget story (nor am I a fan of multiple family members coming out in one book), but their storyline was still interesting enough.
The major flaw is that there are too many issues crammed in and this means some of them (including a rather major issue) get short shrift. This was particularly annoying given the nature of this major issue (or what I considered to be the major issue, YMMV), as I didn't feel it was given enough attention considering the gravity of the situation, and there was no real resolution to be had there.
Still, it's a solid debut, with good characterisation, and an enjoyable enough read. I give it 3.5 stars but I've rounded down, because I just can't give it four.
September 19, 2017
I didn't feel this one, mainly because in the beginning it read more like a pamphlet than a novel. It felt like the issues handled in this book are dear to the author's heart (and why wouldn't they be) and she had a list of what she wanted to include and constructed the story around it. It got a bit better as the novel progressed.
Another issue I had were the overly dramatic or very inner-monologuey last sentences of each and every chapter. Annoyed me greatly.
I wanted to like this but it just wasn't for me.
Another issue I had were the overly dramatic or very inner-monologuey last sentences of each and every chapter. Annoyed me greatly.
I wanted to like this but it just wasn't for me.
August 9, 2017
Although some didn't love this book I thought it was quite good. It's a sweet romance but there's a lot going on here. I thought it kind of odd that both mother and daughter were struggling with their sexuality but I'm sure strange things have happened. All in all it was an enjoyable read.
August 14, 2017
For a debut novel I think this one is really good. I enjoyed the characters, and I love books with Moms. I enjoy reading about characters that are not 25 and super hot, and have zero baggage other than relationship issues. This book covers all of the good points for me. My biggest issue with the book isn’t original. It appears everyone picked up on it pretty quickly. There is a LOT going on in this book. I commend McKenzie for hitting on several issues, but for a reader it is a bit much. Still a solid first novel, and an author I will hopefully be reading again in the future.
May 19, 2017
My, my, my what a slow burn for the four leading ladies, especially Sarah and Lauren. It was interesting and a bit different to have two budding romances occurring simultaneously with one older Sarah and Lauren and one younger Bridgett and Kat. There was so much going on with the couples that depth of story seemed to be lacking. I felt like I was missing out on parts of the story because so much was touched upon but lacked detail.
Read provided by Bold Strokes via NetGalley.
Read provided by Bold Strokes via NetGalley.
September 19, 2017
This debut novel by Ms. McKenzie is a very sweet romance. From the very first chapter, I was hooked on this book. Although the plot was predictable, I enjoyed reading something with a “happily ever after” story.
There are four main characters in this book. Sarah O’Shaughnessy, Lauren Emerson and her teen daughter, Kat, and Bridget. Lauren and Kat leave Alabama and settle in upstate New York where Lauren grew up. They first meet Sarah when Kat is starting her first day of school. Sarah is a counselor at the school and arranges for Kat to be escorted around school by Bridget. Lauren has left her abusive husband. Sarah’s wife died several years ago and Sarah has found it difficult to move on with her life.
Lauren is drawn to Sarah and uncovers latent feelings towards women. Over the school year, Lauren and Sarah work on their relationship. Kat has experienced a great deal of bullying and abuse from students from her old school. Bridget helps Kat to work through trust concerns and young love blossoms.
There are many issues addressed in this book and they are handled quite delicately. Most readers have experienced at least one of the situations addressed in this book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a romance with a happy ending. I rate this book 4-1/2 stars out of 5.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
There are four main characters in this book. Sarah O’Shaughnessy, Lauren Emerson and her teen daughter, Kat, and Bridget. Lauren and Kat leave Alabama and settle in upstate New York where Lauren grew up. They first meet Sarah when Kat is starting her first day of school. Sarah is a counselor at the school and arranges for Kat to be escorted around school by Bridget. Lauren has left her abusive husband. Sarah’s wife died several years ago and Sarah has found it difficult to move on with her life.
Lauren is drawn to Sarah and uncovers latent feelings towards women. Over the school year, Lauren and Sarah work on their relationship. Kat has experienced a great deal of bullying and abuse from students from her old school. Bridget helps Kat to work through trust concerns and young love blossoms.
There are many issues addressed in this book and they are handled quite delicately. Most readers have experienced at least one of the situations addressed in this book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a romance with a happy ending. I rate this book 4-1/2 stars out of 5.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
July 16, 2017
Apparently this is a debut novel for McKenzie. For a first it is pretty well done. I gave it 3.5 stars. The story is really good and well told but my concern was that there was very little in depth, more that she covered issues are just touched upon. She could have made three or four books out of the one story. Would have been an excellent series.
There are four main characters in the book. You have Sarah a high school councilor, Lauren who is the parent of the third character Kat who was bullied at her previous school and Bridget the out going new friend and partner of Kat.
Now McKenzie dealt with several issues. You have Sarah's recent loss of her wife. Lauren leaving her abusive husband and filing for divorce. Moving to a new area to start again. Kat being bullied. I won't go into too much detail here but it should be an essential element of the book but it was just touched upon. I did really like Bridget she is feisty.
Overall I really enjoyed the book and Yes I would happily recommend it. But saying that someone should tell the author to ease back a bit. As I said at the beginning of the book she could have gone more in depth into the topics and created a series. Instead it felt a bit like a melting pot. All in and stir once and bake. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
There are four main characters in the book. You have Sarah a high school councilor, Lauren who is the parent of the third character Kat who was bullied at her previous school and Bridget the out going new friend and partner of Kat.
Now McKenzie dealt with several issues. You have Sarah's recent loss of her wife. Lauren leaving her abusive husband and filing for divorce. Moving to a new area to start again. Kat being bullied. I won't go into too much detail here but it should be an essential element of the book but it was just touched upon. I did really like Bridget she is feisty.
Overall I really enjoyed the book and Yes I would happily recommend it. But saying that someone should tell the author to ease back a bit. As I said at the beginning of the book she could have gone more in depth into the topics and created a series. Instead it felt a bit like a melting pot. All in and stir once and bake. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
May 29, 2017
*ARC provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review*
First of all I have to say that I am quite impressed with fluidity of this authors writing, especially since this is her first book.
I really enjoyed this story and found that the chemistry in both relationships, Sarah/Lauren and Bridget/Kat, was very believable and I enjoyed reading about them.
Unfortunately I did have one big problem; which was that there is a very big issue that is comes up in the story but I feel like it was skimmed over and not given the level of attention it requires, it was almost like the author was trying to use it just to give the story some edge.
Finally I have to say that I was a bit thrown off by the rather abrupt ending but other than these two things I think I would probably read more of this authors work if she were to publish anything else.
*3.3 stars
First of all I have to say that I am quite impressed with fluidity of this authors writing, especially since this is her first book.
I really enjoyed this story and found that the chemistry in both relationships, Sarah/Lauren and Bridget/Kat, was very believable and I enjoyed reading about them.
Unfortunately I did have one big problem; which was that there is a very big issue that is comes up in the story but I feel like it was skimmed over and not given the level of attention it requires, it was almost like the author was trying to use it just to give the story some edge.
Finally I have to say that I was a bit thrown off by the rather abrupt ending but other than these two things I think I would probably read more of this authors work if she were to publish anything else.
*3.3 stars
July 19, 2018
I liked it. Some reviews thought this new writer took on too many topics, but it all worked. I found the book to be engaging and well written. I had an audio book so a lot of how well a book is judged depends on the narrator. It was great.
June 10, 2017
I wish I could give half stars because this book is 3 ½ - it was hard to rate. The books scratches a lot of different topics like bullying, death, scattered family life, romance and YA novel elements. It touches all of those points but doesn't go deeper with any of them. It also has two romance stories in it, which is nice but I felt like they both were lacking at some point.
I think the characters could have been developed a bit more - I could feel the chemistry between Sarah and Laura but not really between Kat and Bridget. I kind of had trouble with the Bridget character - she seemed to change a lot for me and not being constant - but that could have been just me and my feeling.
All in all I would recommend this book - it was a nice read and I enjoyed it.
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review*
andreazupanc.wordpress.com
I think the characters could have been developed a bit more - I could feel the chemistry between Sarah and Laura but not really between Kat and Bridget. I kind of had trouble with the Bridget character - she seemed to change a lot for me and not being constant - but that could have been just me and my feeling.
All in all I would recommend this book - it was a nice read and I enjoyed it.
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review*
andreazupanc.wordpress.com
July 3, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This story of the romance between Sarah, a high school counsellor and Lauren, a new parent, is sweet and slow. Lauren and her daughter Kat move to New York after Kat has some awful experiences in her former school. And as Sarah helps to settle Kat into her new school, she finds herself attracted to Lauren.
I’ve never before read a book which follows the romantic relationships of both a parent and her child. This story mainly focuses on the adult relationship between Sarah and Lauren but a third of the story follows Lauren’s daughter Kat’s first lesbian relationship. At times the result is sweet but at other times there is a little bit of an ‘ick’ factor as it becomes difficult to separate Lauren and Kat from their roles as mother or daughter.
I feel like Kat gets lost at times. When the story starts, she has had some horrific experiences but there really isn’t enough focus on her to fully explore her feelings and reactions. Lauren’s reactions to Kat’s experiences are explored in more detail and actually feel genuine. I think the story may have worked better if the focus had remained on Lauren and Sarah with Kat’s experience only explored through the adult characters’ perspectives.
It was Sarah’s character that caught my imagination in this story. She is a complex character and when we meet her, the popular school counsellor is isolated and lonely even as she spends her time caring for her students. I loved the details about her work and I really enjoyed her students. Her secrets are revealed slowly and I enjoyed the growth we see in her during the novel.
Lauren is mostly viewed through Sarah’s perspective. I was intrigued by her but slightly skeptical of the gay-for-you storyline. I loved the companionship and tentative friendship that builds between Sarah and Lauren but I struggled to believe there was any real passion between them. The coldly reasoned timeline for their relationship certainly didn’t add any intensity to this pairing. Lauren is interesting and warm and I easily understood Sarah’s instant attraction.
This story tackles many important issues but there were times that this felt like a Stonewall infomercial or an After School Special film. There are possibly too many issues introduced into a single novel and at times, the characters feel like vehicles for concepts.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and I’m looking forward to watching this author develop as a writer.
This story of the romance between Sarah, a high school counsellor and Lauren, a new parent, is sweet and slow. Lauren and her daughter Kat move to New York after Kat has some awful experiences in her former school. And as Sarah helps to settle Kat into her new school, she finds herself attracted to Lauren.
I’ve never before read a book which follows the romantic relationships of both a parent and her child. This story mainly focuses on the adult relationship between Sarah and Lauren but a third of the story follows Lauren’s daughter Kat’s first lesbian relationship. At times the result is sweet but at other times there is a little bit of an ‘ick’ factor as it becomes difficult to separate Lauren and Kat from their roles as mother or daughter.
I feel like Kat gets lost at times. When the story starts, she has had some horrific experiences but there really isn’t enough focus on her to fully explore her feelings and reactions. Lauren’s reactions to Kat’s experiences are explored in more detail and actually feel genuine. I think the story may have worked better if the focus had remained on Lauren and Sarah with Kat’s experience only explored through the adult characters’ perspectives.
It was Sarah’s character that caught my imagination in this story. She is a complex character and when we meet her, the popular school counsellor is isolated and lonely even as she spends her time caring for her students. I loved the details about her work and I really enjoyed her students. Her secrets are revealed slowly and I enjoyed the growth we see in her during the novel.
Lauren is mostly viewed through Sarah’s perspective. I was intrigued by her but slightly skeptical of the gay-for-you storyline. I loved the companionship and tentative friendship that builds between Sarah and Lauren but I struggled to believe there was any real passion between them. The coldly reasoned timeline for their relationship certainly didn’t add any intensity to this pairing. Lauren is interesting and warm and I easily understood Sarah’s instant attraction.
This story tackles many important issues but there were times that this felt like a Stonewall infomercial or an After School Special film. There are possibly too many issues introduced into a single novel and at times, the characters feel like vehicles for concepts.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and I’m looking forward to watching this author develop as a writer.
September 13, 2017
You know what, this book wasn't half bad! It doesn't necessarily tread any new ground in the world of lesbian romance plots, but the one it primarily does cover (the "straight" best friend) is a classic. The book covers a range of heavy topics between bullying, sexual abuse, coming of age, homophobia, alcohol abuse but it also just touches the surface of some of these topics before moving on to the next. It almost felt like the author was given a checklist of hot button issues and she felt the need to insert all of them. The result is that none of these very weighty topics feel properly dealt with. The romance aspect is given the same "as much as you could cram in!" treatment following the budding romances between two adults as well as two teenagers. The adult characters really held and carried the book, whereas the teenagers felt bland and under-developed. Thankfully, the teenage perspectives in the book are very short comparatively since they don't tend to move the story forward. That complaint aside, I thought the chemistry between Sarah and Lauren (the adults) was definitely there and believable--a huge credit to this new author. Though what I did find a bit strange was the body-shaming Sarah put herself through. I may have been able to ignore it if it was just one throwaway line, but there are at least three distinct times in this book where Sarah internally beats herself up about her weight/body. With all of the other intense topics, this is never covered verbally or between the characters, but is instead just a very strange character trait with no payoff.
With these well-worn plot types, it's hard to put a fresh spin on them, and while this author doesn't exactly do anything new or different, she at least populated her world with a couple of characters who truly seem to like each other. Hopefully in future books, there will be a heavier-handed editor to tighten up loose and unnecessary plot threads. However, not a bad debut offering.
ARC provided by NetGalley
With these well-worn plot types, it's hard to put a fresh spin on them, and while this author doesn't exactly do anything new or different, she at least populated her world with a couple of characters who truly seem to like each other. Hopefully in future books, there will be a heavier-handed editor to tighten up loose and unnecessary plot threads. However, not a bad debut offering.
ARC provided by NetGalley
June 25, 2017
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Our main characters are Sarah, a high school counsellor who lost her wife 4 year ago and Lauren, who has moved to New York with her teenage daughter, leaving her husband behind in Alabama. Sarah and Lauren become friends their move to romantic partners is a lovely slow burn. Sometimes a little too slow for me but there are other threads in the story that kept me reading.
The romance between Lauren's daughter Kat and fellow student Bridget is really sweet. Kat's struggle with panic attacks, Lauren coming to terms with the end of her marriage and realising she likes Sarah as more than a friend and her issues with her husband are some of things that kept me turning the page. But for me the highlight of the book is a fantastic scene at a pflag meeting that left me in tears.
Where Love Leads is a lovely story but Sometimes I found there was too much tell and not enough show and as a result I didn't connect with Sarah and Lauren as strongly as I would have liked. But all in all I enjoyed Where Love Leads. Given it is a romance that is heavy on the story and light on the steamy scenes I think it would make a good first f/f romance for anyone wanting to try the genre.
Our main characters are Sarah, a high school counsellor who lost her wife 4 year ago and Lauren, who has moved to New York with her teenage daughter, leaving her husband behind in Alabama. Sarah and Lauren become friends their move to romantic partners is a lovely slow burn. Sometimes a little too slow for me but there are other threads in the story that kept me reading.
The romance between Lauren's daughter Kat and fellow student Bridget is really sweet. Kat's struggle with panic attacks, Lauren coming to terms with the end of her marriage and realising she likes Sarah as more than a friend and her issues with her husband are some of things that kept me turning the page. But for me the highlight of the book is a fantastic scene at a pflag meeting that left me in tears.
Where Love Leads is a lovely story but Sometimes I found there was too much tell and not enough show and as a result I didn't connect with Sarah and Lauren as strongly as I would have liked. But all in all I enjoyed Where Love Leads. Given it is a romance that is heavy on the story and light on the steamy scenes I think it would make a good first f/f romance for anyone wanting to try the genre.
February 25, 2018
A great first book from a new author. I really enjoy the relationships in this book and have to admit, I like the way things turned. McKenzie has an optimistic viewpoint I really like. When you think of worst of someone sometimes the best happens and surprises you. I look forward to reading more from her.
February 20, 2018
What a lovely story
This is my first book of Erin McKenzie and definitely is not going to be the last. The characters are well described, the reader can feel all their emotions and challenges. Plus definitely there is not any mix up between the young and the more mature love...it is very clear when the story is about the mother and when about the daughter. Absolutely loved it.
This is my first book of Erin McKenzie and definitely is not going to be the last. The characters are well described, the reader can feel all their emotions and challenges. Plus definitely there is not any mix up between the young and the more mature love...it is very clear when the story is about the mother and when about the daughter. Absolutely loved it.
May 13, 2017
I am rating this book 3.5 stars but thought I would round up for a debut author.
I enjoyed the characters in this book, the story line and the issues that were covered. I liked that we had a number of POV in Lauren and Sarah and with the teenagers Kat and Bridget.
There were a few areas where it just didn't quiet hit the mark for me. The first thing (without giving much away) there was a horrible issue that Kat had to deal with about half way through the book. I felt that the issue was moved past too quickly for me which made it feel not very realistic. I think you should be careful to use something like that just to add drama instead of actually properly dealing with an issue like that. The other was Lauren and Sarah's relationship I felt the pace just didn't work for me in that it was extremely slow and then in the last chapter everything kind of happened. I would have loved to have had more with them discovering their relationship in the book. I think I also would have liked an epilogue in this book to round everything up.
As a whole I enjoyed the book and felt that it was a good debut book for Erin McKenzie. I will keep any eye out for her future work for sure.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
I enjoyed the characters in this book, the story line and the issues that were covered. I liked that we had a number of POV in Lauren and Sarah and with the teenagers Kat and Bridget.
There were a few areas where it just didn't quiet hit the mark for me. The first thing (without giving much away) there was a horrible issue that Kat had to deal with about half way through the book. I felt that the issue was moved past too quickly for me which made it feel not very realistic. I think you should be careful to use something like that just to add drama instead of actually properly dealing with an issue like that. The other was Lauren and Sarah's relationship I felt the pace just didn't work for me in that it was extremely slow and then in the last chapter everything kind of happened. I would have loved to have had more with them discovering their relationship in the book. I think I also would have liked an epilogue in this book to round everything up.
As a whole I enjoyed the book and felt that it was a good debut book for Erin McKenzie. I will keep any eye out for her future work for sure.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
May 27, 2017
Erin McKenzie's debut novel, Where Love Leads, focuses on high school guidance counselor Sarah O'Shaughnessy and newly separated mom Lauren Emerson. Lauren, along with her teenage daughter Kat, have fled their home in Alabama after Kat deals with some bullying and trauma at her old high school. When Kat enrolls in Lauren's alma mater, Sarah and Lauren quickly become friends, while Kat begins to heal and bond with Bridget, the president of the Gay-Straight Alliance at the school. This book's dual romance is unusual and interesting. It was nice to see the teen's romance unfold alongside the adult's. The author does try to include a lot of things in this book: romance, discovering one's sexuality, alcoholism, bullying, abuse, coming of age, teen suicide, grief, etc. I think that it would have been a deeper book if she had narrowed the focus a bit. Still, an enjoyable debut. I look forward to reading Erin McKenzie's future works.
June 16, 2019
A good debut novel. McKenzie writes well but the book may have worked better if the focus wasn't split between so many topics. It was primarily a romance between Lauren, a single mother trying to start a new life for her and her daughter, and Sarah, the school counselor who befriends them. At times, the romance was sidelined as McKenzie introduces a number of subplots around Lauren's separation YA romance, bullying, abuse, etc. On their own, any of those subplots could have stood on their own, but threading them all into this one novel didn't give them the time to explore or the level of depth that they deserved. I'll be on the watch for McKenzie's next book as I did like this one.
May 15, 2017
Sarah and Lauren are a great match. This book does a slow burn romantically, but it's beautifully written about the second half of a lot of adults lives. It's about finding love again, or for the first time in the second half of life. This first time author crafts a beautiful story and gives insight into the personal lives of the characters and how these starts a bond between Sarah and Lauren. It's a well written book and I highly recommend it.
ARC provided by publisher for an honest review.
ARC provided by publisher for an honest review.
July 11, 2017
Great debut
I really enjoyed this story. The characters felt real and I enjoyed seeing both relationships develop and grow. I stayed up way too late reading this because I couldn't put it down. Side note, I live in CNY and enjoyed the references to locations in the area. I would gladly check out anything else this author releases.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters felt real and I enjoyed seeing both relationships develop and grow. I stayed up way too late reading this because I couldn't put it down. Side note, I live in CNY and enjoyed the references to locations in the area. I would gladly check out anything else this author releases.
July 15, 2017
Excellent story
Brilliant first book! I was amazed that this was her book. Erin really knows how to draw someone into the characters. One was able to see what it was like through a trend eyes as well as an adult. I was left wanting more. I hope to see more of her works. Thank you Erin for a great book
Brilliant first book! I was amazed that this was her book. Erin really knows how to draw someone into the characters. One was able to see what it was like through a trend eyes as well as an adult. I was left wanting more. I hope to see more of her works. Thank you Erin for a great book
May 14, 2017
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
The storyline between Sarah and Lauren moved slowly with some bumps and a rushed ending. While I feel the book could've benefited from being more fleshed out, it is still a pleasant debut from Ms. McKenzie.
The storyline between Sarah and Lauren moved slowly with some bumps and a rushed ending. While I feel the book could've benefited from being more fleshed out, it is still a pleasant debut from Ms. McKenzie.
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