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Twice In A Lifetime
Once bitten, twice shy?
When her first love walks back into her life, Harriet Locke is thrown - because Sally McCall still looks as gorgeous as ever. The trouble is, Sally doesn’t trust Harriet, and with good reason: she hasn’t forgotten the past.
Sally loved her once, but 17 years later, is that still the case? And if it is, there’s just the small matter of living in different states, as well as convincing Sally she’s worth taking a chance on again.
Will Harriet and Sally be lucky enough to find love twice in a lifetime?
From the best-selling author of London Calling and Nothing To Lose comes a witty & wondrous story of second-chance romance!
When her first love walks back into her life, Harriet Locke is thrown - because Sally McCall still looks as gorgeous as ever. The trouble is, Sally doesn’t trust Harriet, and with good reason: she hasn’t forgotten the past.
Sally loved her once, but 17 years later, is that still the case? And if it is, there’s just the small matter of living in different states, as well as convincing Sally she’s worth taking a chance on again.
Will Harriet and Sally be lucky enough to find love twice in a lifetime?
From the best-selling author of London Calling and Nothing To Lose comes a witty & wondrous story of second-chance romance!
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2017
122 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Clare Lydon
43 books1,580 followersClare Lydon is a London-based writer of contemporary lesbian romance. She's a No.1 best-seller on lesbian fiction charts around the globe with five full-length novels to her name, as well as writing the All I Want series, set to continue throughout 2016. If you love romantic comedies, prepare to fall head over heels in love.
If you like books shot through with witty dialogue, 3D characters and sharp observations of modern lesbian life, why not give Clare's books a try?
More at: www.clarelydon.co.uk
Get a copy of my free Christmas novella 'It Had To Be You' by signing up to my mailing list here:
www.clarelydon.co.uk/it-had-to-be-you
If you like books shot through with witty dialogue, 3D characters and sharp observations of modern lesbian life, why not give Clare's books a try?
More at: www.clarelydon.co.uk
Get a copy of my free Christmas novella 'It Had To Be You' by signing up to my mailing list here:
www.clarelydon.co.uk/it-had-to-be-you
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
January 25, 2018
My, my. I believe this is my first Clare Lydon book. If this is her usual style, I'm on board!
Overall, it's a solid book. The leads, Harriet and Sally--yes, you see the reference there--are fleshed out with their own strengths and insecurities. I really enjoy Lydon's writing style. The pockets of humor and clever wording made me highlight quite a bit. AUNT PAULA (ahem, Paula) was so cool, I wish I had a relative like her.
This story has most of the ingredients for a book I'd love, but one key thing kept this from a 5-star rating: No character crushes. While both the mains clearly read as attractive, I didn't feel that heart-tugging that latches me to the romantic tension (I'm weird, I know). I should've fallen madly in love with Harriet! She sounded like my type.
If you're currently in a happy long distance relationship, this story may annoy you a tad. It's a pretty obvious theme.
However, their chemistry was there. The last sex scene was marvelous, one that made their worth it. Hot, hot.
While this didn't knock me off my feet, I cheered on their relationship and found myself invested in their feelings tug-of-war and indecisivenes. If I may nitpick a dangling plot point, it'd be
This may open me up to a whole new world of stories. Clare Lydon, I'll be creeping. :) Four stars!
Overall, it's a solid book. The leads, Harriet and Sally--yes, you see the reference there--are fleshed out with their own strengths and insecurities. I really enjoy Lydon's writing style. The pockets of humor and clever wording made me highlight quite a bit. AUNT PAULA (ahem, Paula) was so cool, I wish I had a relative like her.
This story has most of the ingredients for a book I'd love, but one key thing kept this from a 5-star rating: No character crushes. While both the mains clearly read as attractive, I didn't feel that heart-tugging that latches me to the romantic tension (I'm weird, I know). I should've fallen madly in love with Harriet! She sounded like my type.
If you're currently in a happy long distance relationship, this story may annoy you a tad. It's a pretty obvious theme.
However, their chemistry was there. The last sex scene was marvelous, one that made their worth it. Hot, hot.
While this didn't knock me off my feet, I cheered on their relationship and found myself invested in their feelings tug-of-war and indecisivenes. If I may nitpick a dangling plot point, it'd be
This may open me up to a whole new world of stories. Clare Lydon, I'll be creeping. :) Four stars!
March 29, 2021
This was, well, it was okay. The biggest problem is that I just didn't buy these protagonists at their stated age. And since they say it over and over again, I had to ramp up the editor in my head to catch and flag those so I could mentally subtract eight years or so for anything at all to work. They're both early-ish in their careers, having taken risks that are just paying off after a couple of years of hard work. They haven't gotten over the breakup when they were young (so they claim, later in the story, that they've always been in love and never were out of it). If you stretch all of that out to mean seventeen years since they broke up and it's just too danged long.
Look, if you haven't moved on, in your heart, after seventeen years apart from someone and literally never seeing or hearing from or about them in all that time, you are damaged goods and an emotionally stunted goblin. Stop trying to sell this as romantic or treating it like it's a thing. Someone that stunted isn't ready for a relationship, however much they think they want one.
So yeah, they're mid to late twenties. At best. Because anything beyond that doesn't work. Everything else slots in very nicely once you make that adjustment to this story, though. That's enough time that someone would know better the mistakes they made "back then" and to have thought through what they'd do better and how they'd make up for it.
Well, okay, it's still a little glossy around the edges. The career thing is a little fuzzy for both of them. Harriet does something businessy for artists. Sally does something artsy for businesses. There's lots of detail, but it didn't feel substantial. And don't get me started on the pastiche that is Aunt Paula. Oh, she's cool and all. Kinda. wonderfully over the top. But I can't help feeling like she's just the McGuffin to catalyze the plot with money like a lesbian godmother come to create artist collectives and low-rent apartments from Whole Foods crates and kombucha rinds (wait, is kombucha a fruit? I have no hipster-cred so it's okay to admit that I have no idea what it is, right?).
Anyway. I liked the story well-enough. The leads were engaging once I got used to mentally adjusting things. And as long as I didn't think about how they were all hormones and chemistry and not actually doing anything to connect in a lasting way or anything. Sigh. Fine. I just want to give it three stars because I don't feel like I wasted my time or money and left it feeling entertained. Even though I can't think of any way to justify that in a review that makes sense. So take that as you will. I liked it. I can't articulate why.
A note about Steamy: There were three explicit sex scenes, I think. Including one in the past. So it's about the middle of my steam tolerance, though the last chronologically was completely gratuitous (and a missed opportunity as it would have been great to see them truly connect on an intimate level and it was just more of the same, really).
Look, if you haven't moved on, in your heart, after seventeen years apart from someone and literally never seeing or hearing from or about them in all that time, you are damaged goods and an emotionally stunted goblin. Stop trying to sell this as romantic or treating it like it's a thing. Someone that stunted isn't ready for a relationship, however much they think they want one.
So yeah, they're mid to late twenties. At best. Because anything beyond that doesn't work. Everything else slots in very nicely once you make that adjustment to this story, though. That's enough time that someone would know better the mistakes they made "back then" and to have thought through what they'd do better and how they'd make up for it.
Well, okay, it's still a little glossy around the edges. The career thing is a little fuzzy for both of them. Harriet does something businessy for artists. Sally does something artsy for businesses. There's lots of detail, but it didn't feel substantial. And don't get me started on the pastiche that is Aunt Paula. Oh, she's cool and all. Kinda. wonderfully over the top. But I can't help feeling like she's just the McGuffin to catalyze the plot with money like a lesbian godmother come to create artist collectives and low-rent apartments from Whole Foods crates and kombucha rinds (wait, is kombucha a fruit? I have no hipster-cred so it's okay to admit that I have no idea what it is, right?).
Anyway. I liked the story well-enough. The leads were engaging once I got used to mentally adjusting things. And as long as I didn't think about how they were all hormones and chemistry and not actually doing anything to connect in a lasting way or anything. Sigh. Fine. I just want to give it three stars because I don't feel like I wasted my time or money and left it feeling entertained. Even though I can't think of any way to justify that in a review that makes sense. So take that as you will. I liked it. I can't articulate why.
A note about Steamy: There were three explicit sex scenes, I think. Including one in the past. So it's about the middle of my steam tolerance, though the last chronologically was completely gratuitous (and a missed opportunity as it would have been great to see them truly connect on an intimate level and it was just more of the same, really).
November 11, 2017
First Lydon book I've read... dont think its going to be my last. This book made me smile, loved Aunt Paula... (psst... needs to be a Paula and Taylor sequel!) Sally comes off as a bit up tight to start with but as the story progressed the character relaxed more... Harriet's character was a bit more harder to understand for me, seemed to lack emotions, maybe it was supposed to be wrote this way.. so to me, the story felt one sided and seemed to be all about Sally....
There's flash backs (rolls my eyes back way into my head) ... I don't particularly like flash backs, okay I effing hate flash backs... but this was done in the correct way so didn't bother me all to much.
All in all, the story is great, starts off with a lost suitcase at the airport, and Lydon grabbed me enough to continue with the story.
There's flash backs (rolls my eyes back way into my head) ... I don't particularly like flash backs, okay I effing hate flash backs... but this was done in the correct way so didn't bother me all to much.
All in all, the story is great, starts off with a lost suitcase at the airport, and Lydon grabbed me enough to continue with the story.
October 31, 2017
Twice in a Lifetime by Clare Lydon takes us on a journey of meeting up with the one that got away. Not just the one either, the first one. That sweet first love that was perfect in every way except for being too early and life came crashing in.
Sally McCall is returning to Chicago to visit her zany, eccentric aunt. Her aunt has a business proposal for her, and Sally being a starving artist cannot refuse anyone's help even if that is exactly what she wants to do. At the airport baggage claim, something crazy happened, her bag disappears. Apparently, someone had the exact same bags as her, even down to the orange ribbon she had ties on the handle.
Harriet Locke's life is her work. Her job, introducing artists to retailers has its benefits for sure but that is all her life is. Meetings, emails, and more meetings. After a long flight, deliriously tired Harriet grabs the wrong case. Unbeknownst to her, the case belongs to her first love, Sally. The girl she broke up with when the pressure of college became too much. The girl she regretted letting go for seventeen years.
The book has a mix of backstory and present day. Not too much flashback, though. The chemistry between the Harriet and Sally is fantastic, their dialogue and thoughts are fun and witty. Aunt Paula is a riot, as are all the supporting characters that are nicely incorporated into the story.
The quality of the book is high and I found the likeability of both main characters to be the overall appeal of the story. When I finished the book my thoughts were how adorable was that. Cute, fun, a light read when you just want to zone out and enjoy yourself. There is depth mixed with this happy ever after, don't you worry. As always Clare Lydon gives you a solid read and leaves you with a smile on your face. I adore her writing!
Sally McCall is returning to Chicago to visit her zany, eccentric aunt. Her aunt has a business proposal for her, and Sally being a starving artist cannot refuse anyone's help even if that is exactly what she wants to do. At the airport baggage claim, something crazy happened, her bag disappears. Apparently, someone had the exact same bags as her, even down to the orange ribbon she had ties on the handle.
Harriet Locke's life is her work. Her job, introducing artists to retailers has its benefits for sure but that is all her life is. Meetings, emails, and more meetings. After a long flight, deliriously tired Harriet grabs the wrong case. Unbeknownst to her, the case belongs to her first love, Sally. The girl she broke up with when the pressure of college became too much. The girl she regretted letting go for seventeen years.
The book has a mix of backstory and present day. Not too much flashback, though. The chemistry between the Harriet and Sally is fantastic, their dialogue and thoughts are fun and witty. Aunt Paula is a riot, as are all the supporting characters that are nicely incorporated into the story.
The quality of the book is high and I found the likeability of both main characters to be the overall appeal of the story. When I finished the book my thoughts were how adorable was that. Cute, fun, a light read when you just want to zone out and enjoy yourself. There is depth mixed with this happy ever after, don't you worry. As always Clare Lydon gives you a solid read and leaves you with a smile on your face. I adore her writing!
November 3, 2017
Great story about long lost love.
I'm surprised by how much I ended up liking this book. The reason i'm saying this is because I've started two other books by this author and am yet to finish either of them. They just couldn't seem to hold my attention. This book however turned out to be quite the page turner.
The main reason for this being the great dialogues between not just the main characters but the secondary characters as well. The author has done a good job with the pacing of the story including the flashbacks. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the little dose of humor created by the antics of Sally's eccentric aunt Paula who really kept the story from dragging in certain parts.
Overall this is a sweet story with, for me, just the right amount of angst. This ends with a 3,75* rating.
I'm surprised by how much I ended up liking this book. The reason i'm saying this is because I've started two other books by this author and am yet to finish either of them. They just couldn't seem to hold my attention. This book however turned out to be quite the page turner.
The main reason for this being the great dialogues between not just the main characters but the secondary characters as well. The author has done a good job with the pacing of the story including the flashbacks. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the little dose of humor created by the antics of Sally's eccentric aunt Paula who really kept the story from dragging in certain parts.
Overall this is a sweet story with, for me, just the right amount of angst. This ends with a 3,75* rating.
October 31, 2017
I absolutely adored this book from start to finish.
Clare Lydon writes some of the funniest characters in the book world but I think Aunt Paula from this book has topped the billing. Even though she is a secondary character, her personality holds her in centre stage. Every moment she graced the page I was holding back laughter and sometimes not successfully.
Read full review at:
lesreveur.com/2017/10/31/twice-in-a-l...
Clare Lydon writes some of the funniest characters in the book world but I think Aunt Paula from this book has topped the billing. Even though she is a secondary character, her personality holds her in centre stage. Every moment she graced the page I was holding back laughter and sometimes not successfully.
Read full review at:
lesreveur.com/2017/10/31/twice-in-a-l...
November 12, 2017
A solid 4*
I have read a few Clare Lydon books and I enjoy her writing style and stories she tells. This one is no different. A relatively angst and drama free book, this one is about finding your first love 17 years later and trying to make it work this time around. Its free on kindle kindleUnlimited and worth a read.
I have read a few Clare Lydon books and I enjoy her writing style and stories she tells. This one is no different. A relatively angst and drama free book, this one is about finding your first love 17 years later and trying to make it work this time around. Its free on kindle kindleUnlimited and worth a read.
July 15, 2018
Enjoyed this book, though not as much as some of Lydon’s other books that had a little bit more sparkle. Still a nice read for a lazy day. Recommend.
December 9, 2019
This book is in my recommended books of the month
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommende...
Set in Chicago and New York, this is the story of former high school sweethearts Harriet and Sally who accidentally meet again seventeen years later. The plot describes their trials and tribulations at second chances and long distance relationships. Ms. Lydon puts into the mix an eccentric lesbian aunt, a tight group of friends, witty dialogues and an equal parts sexy and hilarious elevator ‘ride’ for an entertaining and satisfying read. 5 stars.
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommende...
Set in Chicago and New York, this is the story of former high school sweethearts Harriet and Sally who accidentally meet again seventeen years later. The plot describes their trials and tribulations at second chances and long distance relationships. Ms. Lydon puts into the mix an eccentric lesbian aunt, a tight group of friends, witty dialogues and an equal parts sexy and hilarious elevator ‘ride’ for an entertaining and satisfying read. 5 stars.
September 23, 2018
Harriet and Sally are both very easy to like and connect with. I loved how the sparks started almost right away when they reunite and I was totally on Harriet’s side, encouraging Sally to take a chance. They both have some growing and changing to do, which includes interrogating their priorities, and Lydon did a great job with their arcs.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/twic...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/twic...
December 30, 2021
Very sweet second chance romance.
We all know I don’t care much for flashbacks, in this book we get some flashback chapters, and I don’t mind them. They almost feel like a book within the book. They tell the story of your love between our main characters Sally and Harriet. For me it was rather strange to read this book since I know both a Dally and Harriet, neither are gay and don’t seem anything like our two mains. It played some tricks on my mind.
Anyway, the story isn’t as light as I was expecting. Rekindling the first love 17 years on started by a chance suitcase “theft”. It has much more depth than I first would have guessed and it’s all the better for it.
I like all the characters but the scene stealer for me is aunt Paula. A firecracker of a character and I wouldn’t have minded if we saw a bit more of her.
As far as second chance romances go, this one is well executed, well-written, slightly angsty and enjoyable.
We all know I don’t care much for flashbacks, in this book we get some flashback chapters, and I don’t mind them. They almost feel like a book within the book. They tell the story of your love between our main characters Sally and Harriet. For me it was rather strange to read this book since I know both a Dally and Harriet, neither are gay and don’t seem anything like our two mains. It played some tricks on my mind.
Anyway, the story isn’t as light as I was expecting. Rekindling the first love 17 years on started by a chance suitcase “theft”. It has much more depth than I first would have guessed and it’s all the better for it.
I like all the characters but the scene stealer for me is aunt Paula. A firecracker of a character and I wouldn’t have minded if we saw a bit more of her.
As far as second chance romances go, this one is well executed, well-written, slightly angsty and enjoyable.
November 19, 2017
This is a feel good romance. Not much angst, not many questions, fateful encounter, second chance at love, flashbacks, a really quirky aunt, two likeable families, two very loveable MCs.
Solid, escapist, weekend pleasure for yours truly.
Solid, escapist, weekend pleasure for yours truly.
December 28, 2017
I couldn’t put this book down, it was so addictive! I am not a fan of flashbacks but in the story they work very well because the author uses them to make the story and the characters more understandable. The story is about two people who were always meant to be, who meet when they are 17, fall in love and break up. When they meet again, they realize that they never stopped loving each other. Nice love story!
January 26, 2019
Very very sweet but not as light as I thought it would be, which is actually a good thing. And I loved Aunt Paula. I liked all the characters, but she’s the best :)
April 27, 2018
Wonderful narration by TJ Richards, this is the first time I have listened to an audiobook that was narrated by Richards and I have to say she did a remarkable job. This is also my first book by Clare Lydon and I am looking forward to reading/listening to more by her. “Twice in a Lifetime” takes us on a journey with Sally and Harriet and the rekindling of the love that was lost, not just love but their first love 17 years ago. There are a few flashbacks to help show the relationship of the two MCs when they were teenagers but the flashbacks were not numerous and helped to show the young relationship as it began and subsequently ended. The chemistry between the MC’s is fantastic, their dialogue and thoughts are enjoyable and witty. Aunt Paula is a fun, entertaining and a hilarious supporting character, all the other supporting characters are pleasantly incorporated into the story. The excellence of the writing, the wonderful narration and the likeability of both main characters makes this a solid 5 star audiobook.
November 16, 2017
3.25 ish. It was ok. The first half was excellent. The twin timelines arc worked really well. Then around the half way mark things didn't just down shift, it kinda came to a halt. Then it was just a grind from there. That's ok though, it's not bad.
November 9, 2017
The first half of this was so good. I'm pretty sure my face looked like that heart eyes emoji the whole time I was reading. The flashbacks were well done and got me invested in the characters. The tension and uncertainty between Harriet and Sally as they met again was delicious.
Unfortunately the second half doesn't live up to the first. It languishes in a bit of a limbo, and the plot doesn't lean into conflict quite enough to make up for the lack of relationship progression. Overall good read though, would definitely recommend to anyone who likes a sweet romance.
Unfortunately the second half doesn't live up to the first. It languishes in a bit of a limbo, and the plot doesn't lean into conflict quite enough to make up for the lack of relationship progression. Overall good read though, would definitely recommend to anyone who likes a sweet romance.
August 17, 2020
4.5 Stars for Twice In A Lifetime (audiobook) by Clare Lydon read by T.J. Richards. This was a wonderful love story. I really liked the characters. The narration was great too.
November 26, 2017
Excellent!
An old friend shows up unexpectedly and in a way that makes you smile. It's so crazy and at the same time stunning. Things are tense between them because they have some history that needs to be cleared up. Harriet made a mistake that has sent their lives on different paths and miles away from each other. Can she ever make up for her biggest mistake in her life? I loved the characters. They were amazing, strong and very lovable. Paula was the one who made me laugh the most. She was so straightforward and has no shame whatsoever. Brilliantly written romance and it will suck you in. Honestly, you can't go wrong reading a book from Clare Lydon.
An old friend shows up unexpectedly and in a way that makes you smile. It's so crazy and at the same time stunning. Things are tense between them because they have some history that needs to be cleared up. Harriet made a mistake that has sent their lives on different paths and miles away from each other. Can she ever make up for her biggest mistake in her life? I loved the characters. They were amazing, strong and very lovable. Paula was the one who made me laugh the most. She was so straightforward and has no shame whatsoever. Brilliantly written romance and it will suck you in. Honestly, you can't go wrong reading a book from Clare Lydon.
July 24, 2018
i wasn't really paying attention to this for most of the book because i listened to it on audiobook but from what i actually listened to, it has a cute, fluffy relationship with some good angst. i probably would've given it 4 stars if i read it instead of listening to it.
January 13, 2019
In Twice In A Lifetime Clare Lydon leads us away from her familiar London, where I have spent most of, if not all, of my time in her other books, which I very much enjoyed. In this book we split our visits between Chicago and New York with Sally and Harriet, two once-a-long-time-ago friends and lovers. When Harriet picks up the wrong luggage at the airport she accidentally enters Sally’s life for a second time and when they meet up to hand over the suitcase they realise they should have never left each others’ lives.
The rest of the book revolves around whether they should embark a long distance relationship.
A mark of a good book is whether you miss the characters while you are driving to work and whether you rush home and pull the duvet around you to find out if they missed you as much as you missed them. And so it was with Sally and Harriet.
The other characters were also well written and I wouldn’t be surprised if I found two of them have their own story also published. I loved all the parents and family as secondary characters, they could have been painted as monsters but they turned out to be sympathetic in the end.
Another mark of a good book, for me, is to arrive at the sex scenes without having skipped any pages along the way to get there more quickly. I’m happy to report I read every word of this book, and that when a particular scene arrived three certain words did me for.
Clare’s newest London book is next on my to read list. I’m confident it won't disappoint either.
Now, don't forget to remind yourself to place a note on top of your packing with your contact details so no one has to go through your journal to find out who you are if you lose your luggage!
The rest of the book revolves around whether they should embark a long distance relationship.
A mark of a good book is whether you miss the characters while you are driving to work and whether you rush home and pull the duvet around you to find out if they missed you as much as you missed them. And so it was with Sally and Harriet.
The other characters were also well written and I wouldn’t be surprised if I found two of them have their own story also published. I loved all the parents and family as secondary characters, they could have been painted as monsters but they turned out to be sympathetic in the end.
Another mark of a good book, for me, is to arrive at the sex scenes without having skipped any pages along the way to get there more quickly. I’m happy to report I read every word of this book, and that when a particular scene arrived three certain words did me for.
Clare’s newest London book is next on my to read list. I’m confident it won't disappoint either.
Now, don't forget to remind yourself to place a note on top of your packing with your contact details so no one has to go through your journal to find out who you are if you lose your luggage!
November 29, 2017
Taking another stab at the second chance romance.
The coincidentally named Harriet Locke and Sally McCall (don't think Billy Crystal or Meg Ryan) were teenaged lovers. In lesfic, this is the kiss of death to relationships. Fast forward half a lifetime, the women met again in their mid-thirties. Sally's a New York artist and small business owner. Harriet stayed in their hometown of Chicago. Her business distributes products created by specialty designers to the retail market. Even though the passage of time has changed them, Sally realizes that they still fit together as "Harriet the Locke and Sally the key."
Sally, by all rights, should hold a grudge, because Harriet broke up with her when she left for Harvard. The space shaped like Harriet never left her heart. Harriet wishes her younger self understood what she's always known. Sally's her one and only. As adults, long distance not youth, curses rekindling a relationship. A kiss that they share, while reunited in Chicago, holds every bit of the old magic that they felt as teenagers. Nevertheless, Sally and Harriet are looking down the barrel of heartbreak for a second time.
Lydon admits that "When Harriet Met Sally" was considered for the book's title. Twice In a Lifetime flirts with too much wink, wink, nudge, nudge humour. Toss in characters named Sally, Ben and Taylor (like James Taylor's two kids), the story gets a little silly. Sally's Aunt Paula and Harriet's mother come off as over the top in starkly different ways. These few miscues don't really matter all that much. This heartwarming lesbian romance is well written with both strong characters and an entertaining plot. Two very brave women take a second chance with a first love.
The coincidentally named Harriet Locke and Sally McCall (don't think Billy Crystal or Meg Ryan) were teenaged lovers. In lesfic, this is the kiss of death to relationships. Fast forward half a lifetime, the women met again in their mid-thirties. Sally's a New York artist and small business owner. Harriet stayed in their hometown of Chicago. Her business distributes products created by specialty designers to the retail market. Even though the passage of time has changed them, Sally realizes that they still fit together as "Harriet the Locke and Sally the key."
Sally, by all rights, should hold a grudge, because Harriet broke up with her when she left for Harvard. The space shaped like Harriet never left her heart. Harriet wishes her younger self understood what she's always known. Sally's her one and only. As adults, long distance not youth, curses rekindling a relationship. A kiss that they share, while reunited in Chicago, holds every bit of the old magic that they felt as teenagers. Nevertheless, Sally and Harriet are looking down the barrel of heartbreak for a second time.
Lydon admits that "When Harriet Met Sally" was considered for the book's title. Twice In a Lifetime flirts with too much wink, wink, nudge, nudge humour. Toss in characters named Sally, Ben and Taylor (like James Taylor's two kids), the story gets a little silly. Sally's Aunt Paula and Harriet's mother come off as over the top in starkly different ways. These few miscues don't really matter all that much. This heartwarming lesbian romance is well written with both strong characters and an entertaining plot. Two very brave women take a second chance with a first love.
June 8, 2023
Harriet and Sally were bestfriends and lovers the summer before Harriet left for Harvard. Three months later Harriet breaks up with Sally sighting the distance problem. Seventeen years later, Harriet lives in Chicago and Sally lives in NYC. They didnt realize they were on the same flight from NY (Harriet was there for business) and Sally was coming home to talk business with her Aunt Paula. Their luggage got mixed up and they meet again. The sparks fly, but though Harriet wants to try the long distance again, Sally is hesitant. Hot sex, and a very good second chance story! 5 stars!!
April 26, 2018
This book is well-written and funny at times but it's also too boring and predictable for my taste. I really enjoyed the final sex scene, though :)
December 25, 2023
I so wanted to like this but I was bored for almost the whole book and couldn't connect with either of the main characters or their relationship
March 15, 2021
This was my first book by Clare and I wasn't disappointed. This was easy to fall into, great writing, and two heroines to cheer for. You could feel their chemistry as well and the emotions littered throughout this story. Heartwarming, funny, sweet, hot, and a book I highly recommend!
January 22, 2019
This was another solid book from Clare Lydon.
January 15, 2020
An enjoyable romance comedy. A story about first love that got away, which has a second chance after 17 years later. As the story progresses and we get to know Sally and Harriet, the question comes to mind is, will they or won’t they rekindle their romance?
September 11, 2019
Twice in a Lifetime by Clare Lydon--I'd never read a book by Clare before and I wanted to give it away. I wasn't sure what to expect some some of her books are billed as romantic comedies and I'm not a fan of those. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy romance and I like comedy, but those normally fall flat for me because there isn't much conflict going on.
In this book there was a mild conflict stemming from Sally and Harriet's past relationship as teens and their break-up. I couldn't get as into this I had hoped. The conflict wasn't as strong as I'd have liked, but I thought it was kind of sweet how Clare brought the characters back together for their first meeting after years apart.
I enjoyed the second half of the book most because things seemed to settle into a nice groove, hence the 4 stars. I liked the interaction between Sally and Harriet and the hesitation to just jump right back in was natural and believable on Sally's part. She was a character I could relate too.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys second chance romances.
In this book there was a mild conflict stemming from Sally and Harriet's past relationship as teens and their break-up. I couldn't get as into this I had hoped. The conflict wasn't as strong as I'd have liked, but I thought it was kind of sweet how Clare brought the characters back together for their first meeting after years apart.
I enjoyed the second half of the book most because things seemed to settle into a nice groove, hence the 4 stars. I liked the interaction between Sally and Harriet and the hesitation to just jump right back in was natural and believable on Sally's part. She was a character I could relate too.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys second chance romances.
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