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Vacationland
Imagine five days in early March vacationing in Maine’s pristine wilderness. Snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, even some ice-fishing, all spent in surprisingly pleasant temperate conditions.
Now re-imagine that scene, but make it a team-building exercise with co-workers you’re not overly fond of. The bloom falls off that chilly rose pretty quickly, at least from Sunny Thompson’s perspective.
But when they meet their guide, the remarkably pretty, stunningly fit Devin Savary, Sunny’s opinion starts to change.
Devin’s fun, playful, and patient, something the little group of Dallas natives desperately needs. Now all they have to do is bond, a silly waste of time in Sunny’s view. You can’t force people to rely on each other by fiat. That only comes from being tested, a situation unlikely to happen when you’re traveling with a woman everyone seems to agree is one of Maine’s best guides. What could possibly go wrong?
Now re-imagine that scene, but make it a team-building exercise with co-workers you’re not overly fond of. The bloom falls off that chilly rose pretty quickly, at least from Sunny Thompson’s perspective.
But when they meet their guide, the remarkably pretty, stunningly fit Devin Savary, Sunny’s opinion starts to change.
Devin’s fun, playful, and patient, something the little group of Dallas natives desperately needs. Now all they have to do is bond, a silly waste of time in Sunny’s view. You can’t force people to rely on each other by fiat. That only comes from being tested, a situation unlikely to happen when you’re traveling with a woman everyone seems to agree is one of Maine’s best guides. What could possibly go wrong?
490 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2017
42 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Susan X. Meagher
59 books370 followersSusan X Meagher was born in southern Illinois and grew up in East St Louis. She attended college in Chicago and started her working career there. She and her partner moved to the Los Angeles area in the late 80's. It was there that she started to write. Her first few books were simply posted on the web and became the I Found My Heart in San Francisco series. In 2002 she moved to New York and divides her time between Manhattan and the Jersey Shore. She has published thirteen books in the series and has gone on to write many individual books as well. She has partnered with other authors on two short story books and has written many stories that have been published in other mainstream anthologies. Susan is active in the lesbian author community and loves to attend Women's week at Provincetown and the GCLS annual conventions. Her stories revolve around the relationships that two women can build when given a chance and how those relationships can strengthen the individual and the partnership. Her genre is lesbian romance/fiction and she believes strongly in the happy ending that we all so deserve. Susan X Meagher was awarded a 2011 Lesbian Fiction Readers’ Choice Award for Favorite Lesbian Fiction Writer. She is the recipient of the 2014 Alice B. Medal for her body of work.
From the author's website: I live in New York with my spouse, Carrie. We've lived in Chicago and Los Angeles for significant periods, but New York fits us very well. I love to discuss my work and fiction in general. My goal in writing is to explore feelings. I want to entertain, but I also want to make people think. I've heard that life is all about finding out who we are. To me, life if about finding out who other people are. I'm interested in the small details of life, that's how a story about two young women in college is slowly becoming a 26 book series. The joke in Seinfield was that it was about nothing. I feel the same about most of my books. They are about the many things that happen when nothing is happening. The small joys and sorrows of everyday life can be fascinating, especially if you care about the people involved. I try to create characters that will make a reader care deeply. I'm always interested in hearing how close I am to that goal. So please drop me a line whenever you have a comment or a question about a story. Writing is a pretty solitary pursuit and it's great to know that I'm not alone.
From the author's website: I live in New York with my spouse, Carrie. We've lived in Chicago and Los Angeles for significant periods, but New York fits us very well. I love to discuss my work and fiction in general. My goal in writing is to explore feelings. I want to entertain, but I also want to make people think. I've heard that life is all about finding out who we are. To me, life if about finding out who other people are. I'm interested in the small details of life, that's how a story about two young women in college is slowly becoming a 26 book series. The joke in Seinfield was that it was about nothing. I feel the same about most of my books. They are about the many things that happen when nothing is happening. The small joys and sorrows of everyday life can be fascinating, especially if you care about the people involved. I try to create characters that will make a reader care deeply. I'm always interested in hearing how close I am to that goal. So please drop me a line whenever you have a comment or a question about a story. Writing is a pretty solitary pursuit and it's great to know that I'm not alone.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 9, 2018
This story is told in third person, past tense, and from both heroine’s points of view, that right there was a win for me! I love getting into both leads heads, and make no mistake, by the end of this full-length novel, these two will be ingrained in your daily life.
If you’re the type of reader who likes to power through a book every few days, you might find yourself frustrated with the languid pace. I must admit, after the first gut-wrenching, harrowing event, I wanted to put a firecracker up someone’s backside and leapfrog the plot, but that was the impatient reader in me bursting forth.
Although this story starts out on a rather depressing note, thankfully, it’s far from all doom and gloom.
These ladies have the road to love paved with obstacles. What I loved the most about that was it all felt so realistic, not once did this story come across as convoluted, drama for the sake of drama.
More than once, the country girl meets city girl aspect of this story reminded me of the movie Crocodile Dundee. And, that’s a good thing, it was fun!
The story contains a touch of spice but, for the most part, the sex scenes are fade to black. If you love a long, slow burn romance you can’t go wrong by picking up a copy of ‘Vacationland’.
Copy received received via LoveBtyes LGBTQ book reviews.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/02/0...
If you’re the type of reader who likes to power through a book every few days, you might find yourself frustrated with the languid pace. I must admit, after the first gut-wrenching, harrowing event, I wanted to put a firecracker up someone’s backside and leapfrog the plot, but that was the impatient reader in me bursting forth.
Although this story starts out on a rather depressing note, thankfully, it’s far from all doom and gloom.
These ladies have the road to love paved with obstacles. What I loved the most about that was it all felt so realistic, not once did this story come across as convoluted, drama for the sake of drama.
“They didn’t know each other well, but they’d bonded—deeply—over a tragedy that neither of them could have predicted.”I take my hat off to the author for taking the time to fully develop everything about this story. The setting, the characters, the angst, the resolution; even an education on how to poop in the wilderness in sub-zero temperatures.
More than once, the country girl meets city girl aspect of this story reminded me of the movie Crocodile Dundee. And, that’s a good thing, it was fun!
The story contains a touch of spice but, for the most part, the sex scenes are fade to black. If you love a long, slow burn romance you can’t go wrong by picking up a copy of ‘Vacationland’.
Copy received received via LoveBtyes LGBTQ book reviews.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/02/0...
January 13, 2018
Fantastic Novel, one I wasn’t expecting to grip me as much as it did.
Devon is the best vacation guide in Maine and she loves her job, along with the solidarity it brings but when she’s the last minute replacement for another guide, she meets the gorgeous corporate lawyer, Sunny who has came on the trip as a bonding experience with her colleagues. When the unexpected happens, they end up being thrown together physically and emotionally to get through a horrible experience and when they lean on each other for support, they begin to fall for each other. But Maine and Dallas are worlds apart, how can it ever truly work?
Can I marry Devon? Because whoa!!! She’s so sweet and considerate (even when she doesn’t realise it) while being effortlessly strong and sexy. I completely understood how Sunny fell without being able to stop herself. Sunny is also such an amazing woman who genuinely cares for everyone in her world, sometimes to her own depravity of the same things in return. But with Devon, she lets all hurt and heartache she has endured show and the vulnerability between them is so beautifully written it almost broke my heart a few times. It doesn’t happen often where I read two protagonists that I feel aren’t too good to be true and are just right in every aspect for each other, even if it means upending both their lives in the process to be together.
There’s also a scene where Devon is reading a book and I realised the book was not only her favourite novel but my favourite novel, All That Matters. I love these little pieces of information that is written into books, it makes me feel like I’m a part of the story.
The main reason I loved this book and so many others by Susan X Meagher is because I get so immersed in the story that I almost become a part of it. The characters almost become real and in some instances I wonder if they are people from the authors life.
There are so many points I want to delve into with this novel but from fear of spoiling some crucial plot thickeners I won’t but let me say this, Vactionanland is such a beautiful love story that it will pull at your heartstrings while taking you on a little adventure into the lives of two truly wonderful women.
Go buy it… 5 Stars!
Devon is the best vacation guide in Maine and she loves her job, along with the solidarity it brings but when she’s the last minute replacement for another guide, she meets the gorgeous corporate lawyer, Sunny who has came on the trip as a bonding experience with her colleagues. When the unexpected happens, they end up being thrown together physically and emotionally to get through a horrible experience and when they lean on each other for support, they begin to fall for each other. But Maine and Dallas are worlds apart, how can it ever truly work?
Can I marry Devon? Because whoa!!! She’s so sweet and considerate (even when she doesn’t realise it) while being effortlessly strong and sexy. I completely understood how Sunny fell without being able to stop herself. Sunny is also such an amazing woman who genuinely cares for everyone in her world, sometimes to her own depravity of the same things in return. But with Devon, she lets all hurt and heartache she has endured show and the vulnerability between them is so beautifully written it almost broke my heart a few times. It doesn’t happen often where I read two protagonists that I feel aren’t too good to be true and are just right in every aspect for each other, even if it means upending both their lives in the process to be together.
There’s also a scene where Devon is reading a book and I realised the book was not only her favourite novel but my favourite novel, All That Matters. I love these little pieces of information that is written into books, it makes me feel like I’m a part of the story.
The main reason I loved this book and so many others by Susan X Meagher is because I get so immersed in the story that I almost become a part of it. The characters almost become real and in some instances I wonder if they are people from the authors life.
There are so many points I want to delve into with this novel but from fear of spoiling some crucial plot thickeners I won’t but let me say this, Vactionanland is such a beautiful love story that it will pull at your heartstrings while taking you on a little adventure into the lives of two truly wonderful women.
Go buy it… 5 Stars!
May 3, 2018
Great book as usual by Susan X Meagher. This time it goes about the wonders of winter in Maine, being one of the main characters a guide there. She meets a Texan lawyer in one of her outdoor activities tours... and the rest is history. A rather long history.
But rest assured that in my case my next winter vacation will be a Caribbean vacation.
But rest assured that in my case my next winter vacation will be a Caribbean vacation.
April 14, 2018
Susan X Meagher has long been a go-to author for lesbian romance readers who enjoy layered stories with excellent character development, and Vacationland does not disappoint in either of these respects. Yet again she’s given us a deeply emotional story, memorable characters, and a beautiful romance. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story to sink into for a whole weekend, this would be an ideal choice.
full review: https://www.lambdaliterary.org/review...
full review: https://www.lambdaliterary.org/review...
February 1, 2018
4.5 rounded to 5. I love these long books by this author. They’re just so damn good. This pair is a bit improbable but their relationship seems believable and I liked both of the mains. I thought it was a great love story about what we are willing to give up to be with the one we love. Sticky sweet and right up my alley.
January 7, 2018
I really liked this one. I love Maine and have family that live there. I’m not much of a camper. I prefer a cabin and running water, but I still related to the scenery and the adventure. I could smell and picture the tall pines and the freezing cold waters. Swimming in summer is a chilling experience, so I could imagine that!
January 13, 2018
Its was OK. For me, it wasn't one her best, but still okay. I couldn't 'take' to Sunny... And Devin reminded me a lot of Ryan O'Flaherty, from I found my heart in San Francisco series.
January 30, 2019
I think this is my least favorite book Meagher.
After a million pages I still didn’t feel the chemistry between the MCs. Being reminded every 10 pages or so that Maine and Texas are quite different got old really fast.
After a million pages I still didn’t feel the chemistry between the MCs. Being reminded every 10 pages or so that Maine and Texas are quite different got old really fast.
June 24, 2018
Lovely
I have not yet read a book by this author that I haven't loved. She is an exceptional writer that simply draws you into the story and the journey of her characters, all of whom have amazing depth and complexity that they feel utterly real.
This is a story with a shock and deals with the aftermath in a way that you feel it, but without it being too overwhelming.
A lovely story that I can definitely recommend.
I have not yet read a book by this author that I haven't loved. She is an exceptional writer that simply draws you into the story and the journey of her characters, all of whom have amazing depth and complexity that they feel utterly real.
This is a story with a shock and deals with the aftermath in a way that you feel it, but without it being too overwhelming.
A lovely story that I can definitely recommend.
January 9, 2018
I enjoyed the book and the characters meshed well. It was a tad bit yin and yang - hot or cold in Texas or Maine, good family or unsupported. Resolved some of the background personality issues well in the end. FYI - you can't buy liquor and groceries detailed for Sunny's mom in the same store in Plano, TX. I know, I live there. Liquor is only purchased in liquor stores. Wine and beer and Modena balsamic can be purchased in almost any grocery in Plano. Also, DFW is much, much hotter than described.
December 29, 2017
I loved this book.
I loved Vacationland. Wow! Excellent story, great characters. The excitement never stops. From heart hurting lows to head busting highs, your heart will be on a roller coaster.
I loved Vacationland. Wow! Excellent story, great characters. The excitement never stops. From heart hurting lows to head busting highs, your heart will be on a roller coaster.
January 31, 2018
Let me clearly state that I got to the 50% mark and abandoned this story. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I started out enjoying the story, I was engaged and there was an interesting plot point early on. Then things slowed down to a crawl where it felt like absolutely nothing was going on. It probably wasn't as long a period as it felt t me, but it was enough were I lost interest in the characters and the storyline itself. Then when things started to pick back up, I just didn't care.
May 11, 2018
The book started OK, but as soon as Hank appeared I began to have my doubts. Unfortunately it became clear very early on what was going to happen and as the disaster evolved I just hoped there would be a twist that might surprise me. Unfortunately it was all too predictable and I just got bored with the whole story. Perhaps if I kept going it might have improved, but I really didn't care anymore.
May 19, 2019
2.5
I had moments where I regretted buying this book but I stuck with it like a good lil trooper and finished. With the aid of skim reading of course.
I couldn’t, for the life of me, connect with the characters. Like who CHOOSES to live without running water and heating??! Millions if not billions of people live without basic amenities. But they do so because of poverty not CHOICE. I mean whyyyyyyy??!! I get it that now minimalist living is a thing, and I’m all for reducing waste and not be driven by capitalist consumption and greed but running water? Heating? Toilet? People die from lack of these because, aside from the basic problems, it has other complicated dangers. These things should not be in the same category as an Apple product or designer bag. I just don’t get it. And so it wasn’t off to a great start.
On top of that I had to tackle boredom for 24% of the book until the lake incident.
Then after that I took turns being pissed off with one, then the other MC. But I suppose this speaks of Meagher’s talent because I was sucked in in these moments. I wanted to slap Sunny for letting her family treat her like shit and simultaneously punch her mother on the throat and shake Devin for being slow with getting with the program.
There were moments I was confused as to what the hell they were talking about. Like what does, ‘We got after it’ and ‘Don’t give short shift to that’ even MEAN??? Is this new Americanism I need to learn to understand books by American authors now?
So basically, this book invoked a lot of emotions and not all of them great. If one didn’t mind the very, incredibly slow pace in the beginning and the whole let’s live like we’re poverty stricken then I suppose one could enjoy it because Meagher IS a very talented writer and I’ve immensely enjoyed her other books. This was just not for me.
I had moments where I regretted buying this book but I stuck with it like a good lil trooper and finished. With the aid of skim reading of course.
I couldn’t, for the life of me, connect with the characters. Like who CHOOSES to live without running water and heating??! Millions if not billions of people live without basic amenities. But they do so because of poverty not CHOICE. I mean whyyyyyyy??!! I get it that now minimalist living is a thing, and I’m all for reducing waste and not be driven by capitalist consumption and greed but running water? Heating? Toilet? People die from lack of these because, aside from the basic problems, it has other complicated dangers. These things should not be in the same category as an Apple product or designer bag. I just don’t get it. And so it wasn’t off to a great start.
On top of that I had to tackle boredom for 24% of the book until the lake incident.
Then after that I took turns being pissed off with one, then the other MC. But I suppose this speaks of Meagher’s talent because I was sucked in in these moments. I wanted to slap Sunny for letting her family treat her like shit and simultaneously punch her mother on the throat and shake Devin for being slow with getting with the program.
There were moments I was confused as to what the hell they were talking about. Like what does, ‘We got after it’ and ‘Don’t give short shift to that’ even MEAN??? Is this new Americanism I need to learn to understand books by American authors now?
So basically, this book invoked a lot of emotions and not all of them great. If one didn’t mind the very, incredibly slow pace in the beginning and the whole let’s live like we’re poverty stricken then I suppose one could enjoy it because Meagher IS a very talented writer and I’ve immensely enjoyed her other books. This was just not for me.
September 30, 2018
I must say, I've only ever read one book from Susan X. Meagher, "All That Matters," previously. It was exceptionally well-written with one of the most fleshed out character development and stories that I ever read in fiction, in general. It was very compelling and I liked it. *Alas, it was not me cuppa tea because of the intimate M/F scenes (which I didn't know when I picked up the book; had a hard time trying to skip those pages but I did) and I'm generally not a fan of "toaster oven"-type lesfic stories where the straight relationship is featured and takes up a portion of the book.*
Anyway.....that's definitely NOT the case in this book, "Vacationland!" YAY!! Both protagonists, Sunny and Devin, were openly gay from the get-go. So there wasn't any toaster-oven-type kind of situation. Phew! I was decidedly pleased and got into the story right away.
Full commentary here.. In Bugs' Own Words
Anyway.....that's definitely NOT the case in this book, "Vacationland!" YAY!! Both protagonists, Sunny and Devin, were openly gay from the get-go. So there wasn't any toaster-oven-type kind of situation. Phew! I was decidedly pleased and got into the story right away.
Full commentary here.. In Bugs' Own Words
October 13, 2024
Read a lot of Meagher book this one is good, but you have to get to the middle part to really get into the story, dont know if its because of the winter (Im living norther than maine and hate the cold) or the tragedy happening in thr first act that took me out. So still worth a read but maybe buy on sale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2019
Beautiful
I loved it! It was awesome. I loved the character development. The clear passion Devin has for everything she does and Sunny’s own development and growth. I definitely recommend
I loved it! It was awesome. I loved the character development. The clear passion Devin has for everything she does and Sunny’s own development and growth. I definitely recommend
March 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't agonized over a couple in a book as much as I have with them and it was enjoyable the entire time. I'm certainly going to be reading more of Meagher's books.
July 15, 2025
Crying again
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews