What do you think?
Rate this book
A Woman Lost #4
A Conflicted Woman
Just when she least expects it, Lizzie's harmonious life starts to unravel.
With the twins turning one and the start of a new semester, Lizzie should be in the mood to celebrate, but the last person she wants to see makes a sudden reappearance in her life.
To complicate matters more, Lizzie's wife, who is usually the rock in the Petrie household, is navigating her own crisis.
While Lizzie wants to stay strong and provide the support her wife needs, there's a reason everyone calls her clueless.
Is Lizzie strong enough to survive her own issues while also being there for her wife, or will this be Lizzie's breaking point?
A Conflicted Woman is the smart and funny fourth installment of A Woman Lost, a series of contemporary lesbian romances. If you like fully-formed characters, complicated family dynamics, and well-crafted prose, then you'll love T.B. Markinson's heartwarming series.
Buy A Conflicted Woman to read Lizzie's hilarious and touching tale!
With the twins turning one and the start of a new semester, Lizzie should be in the mood to celebrate, but the last person she wants to see makes a sudden reappearance in her life.
To complicate matters more, Lizzie's wife, who is usually the rock in the Petrie household, is navigating her own crisis.
While Lizzie wants to stay strong and provide the support her wife needs, there's a reason everyone calls her clueless.
Is Lizzie strong enough to survive her own issues while also being there for her wife, or will this be Lizzie's breaking point?
A Conflicted Woman is the smart and funny fourth installment of A Woman Lost, a series of contemporary lesbian romances. If you like fully-formed characters, complicated family dynamics, and well-crafted prose, then you'll love T.B. Markinson's heartwarming series.
Buy A Conflicted Woman to read Lizzie's hilarious and touching tale!
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2018
121 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Markinson
72 books1,167 followersT. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 31, 2023
**'Telling stories should not lean towards being opinionated or misguiding -- just telling truthful realities helps readers understand the story better..'
Nice read!
An enjoyable book #4 in 'A Woman Lost' ongoing series. Also a highly recommended book and series!
Nice read!
An enjoyable book #4 in 'A Woman Lost' ongoing series. Also a highly recommended book and series!
March 24, 2023
Loved this one too. Great reading.
December 28, 2019
I have always been a fan of this authors books because she has a way of creating characters that are awkward yet endearing but that are also not unbelievable.
I feel like I have grown with Lizzie, and the first person narrative of this series really helps the reader get in tune with the protagonists feelings. There is a big shift in this book which shows Lizzie's growth as a person and I think it was a great call on the authors part.
The reason I am giving this book 5 stars is because of a pivotal moment in the book where Lizzie stops being everyone's punching bag (including Sarah's) and actually stands up for herself, that actually made me year up with anger for her so I had to go all in for the rating.
You definitely have to read the prequel before you read this book if you want to understand the main storyline.
I feel like I have grown with Lizzie, and the first person narrative of this series really helps the reader get in tune with the protagonists feelings. There is a big shift in this book which shows Lizzie's growth as a person and I think it was a great call on the authors part.
The reason I am giving this book 5 stars is because of a pivotal moment in the book where Lizzie stops being everyone's punching bag (including Sarah's) and actually stands up for herself, that actually made me year up with anger for her so I had to go all in for the rating.
You definitely have to read the prequel before you read this book if you want to understand the main storyline.
January 13, 2021
Oh Lizzie, what will we do with you!
Lizzie is facing new challenges, supporting Sarah, and with now being a family woman, career woman, life is more complicated than ever. When a few past demons crop up to add difficulty to her already complex existence, Lizzie is pushed to the point she might not cope if it doesn’t all get sorted, and as usual, life isn’t going to make things easy for her. Not that Lizzie is all that good at helping herself, but she is trying!
I love these Woman Lost books so much, and with each new installment in the series I just love it even more. Lizzie is one of those characters to just get under your skin and once she is there, you can’t help but find yourself completely invested in going through these awkward and humorous circumstances and situations with her. I mean, Lizzie has to be the most human character I have ever read, she is just so real you can imagine all these things happening to her, even the more far-fetched ideas.
As usual, T.B. Markinson brings comedy and humour into the story. It is something I have come to associate with Lizzie and would miss if it ever changed. I honestly think these would be the perfect rom-com series for films. I can just visualise it all in great detail. What I liked about this story though was how things have changed for Lizzie. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, you could enjoy this one standalone, but if you read the previous books, you can appreciate just how much Lizzie has been through to get to this point, and then why she is finding the challenges she faces now hard. However, I can see the changes in her (as subtle as they are) and she is only growing as a character, whilst keeping all those typical Lizzie qualities I love!
I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Lizzie and her family. It’s so exciting seeing her having all these new, wonderful experiences with her family that when I first met her in A Woman Lost, I wondered if she’d ever have. What is lovely about this series though is character development. If you really want to read a story about personal growth and change, Lizzie’s is the story for you.
If you haven’t read the Woman Lost series I highly recommend it, and this addition to the series has definitely been a turning point for Lizzie, which only means one thing, her future is going to be exciting!
Lizzie is facing new challenges, supporting Sarah, and with now being a family woman, career woman, life is more complicated than ever. When a few past demons crop up to add difficulty to her already complex existence, Lizzie is pushed to the point she might not cope if it doesn’t all get sorted, and as usual, life isn’t going to make things easy for her. Not that Lizzie is all that good at helping herself, but she is trying!
I love these Woman Lost books so much, and with each new installment in the series I just love it even more. Lizzie is one of those characters to just get under your skin and once she is there, you can’t help but find yourself completely invested in going through these awkward and humorous circumstances and situations with her. I mean, Lizzie has to be the most human character I have ever read, she is just so real you can imagine all these things happening to her, even the more far-fetched ideas.
As usual, T.B. Markinson brings comedy and humour into the story. It is something I have come to associate with Lizzie and would miss if it ever changed. I honestly think these would be the perfect rom-com series for films. I can just visualise it all in great detail. What I liked about this story though was how things have changed for Lizzie. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, you could enjoy this one standalone, but if you read the previous books, you can appreciate just how much Lizzie has been through to get to this point, and then why she is finding the challenges she faces now hard. However, I can see the changes in her (as subtle as they are) and she is only growing as a character, whilst keeping all those typical Lizzie qualities I love!
I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Lizzie and her family. It’s so exciting seeing her having all these new, wonderful experiences with her family that when I first met her in A Woman Lost, I wondered if she’d ever have. What is lovely about this series though is character development. If you really want to read a story about personal growth and change, Lizzie’s is the story for you.
If you haven’t read the Woman Lost series I highly recommend it, and this addition to the series has definitely been a turning point for Lizzie, which only means one thing, her future is going to be exciting!
September 24, 2020
The shoe's on the other foot with Sarah having very Lizzie moments and Lizzie having to step up and be the reasonable one for Sarah. It was great to see Lizzie's growth in that regard... to know she can be the rock Sarah and the twins need her to be.
July 13, 2019
What makes this series different is Lizzie, her struggle to understand people and relationships is what ‘hooked’ me onto the series. This book is slightly different because it is Sarah who is confounded, we still get Lizzie’s internal debates and sarcastic comments, but I felt something was missing. To be honest, apart from a few minor incidents, not a great deal happened.
Rather than an interesting domestic drama, this was more a meaningless soap opera. Overall it was a decent read, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the previous two books. I also could have done without the Fifty Shades of Grey references.
Rather than an interesting domestic drama, this was more a meaningless soap opera. Overall it was a decent read, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the previous two books. I also could have done without the Fifty Shades of Grey references.
August 22, 2022
I jumped right into this story after finishing the previous book and felt a little lost. Lizzie and Sarah are happily settled in with their twins. But conflict enters their home and extended family because of Meg, who is Lizzie’s ex. I realized late that part of my problem is that I missed the fact there is a prequel that gives the back story for Meg. So I was confused as to why Lizzie struggles to set boundaries for Meg personally and professionally. And Sarah who usually is great at helping Lizzie with her cluelessness in dealing with others doesn’t help and shows her insecurities. Still a good book but my missing the backstory lessoned my enjoyment.
(3.5 stars)
(3.5 stars)
May 28, 2019
I love this series of books, and this was no exception. I was really happy to be back in the Petrie household. I do, however, strongly recommend that you read the other books in the series first. I hadn’t read them for a while and was struggling in places, so if you’ve not read them at all you will be lost.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2020
Overall, this story was a decent, soap opera-ish read. Lizzie hasn't changed much from A Family Woman. She still faces a totem pole of family complications while dodging a quicksand of ugly truths. It is obvious, however, that she genuinely loves her wife and their twinkies. She also looks up to Helen, who has been, in my opinion, Lizzie's only non-judgemental beacon of support. The one character that is beginning to irk me is Sarah. Compared to the previous books in this series, Sarah’s actions and reactions towards Lizzie in this story were not as supportive and...I don't know, can’t quite explain it. Childish, controlling, and shallow are the only words that spring to mind. On a different note, some of Lizzie’s conversations with and about her brother leave me to believe that there's trouble a-brewin' in the Peter-Tie household. We shall see!
November 2, 2018
I received an ARC copy of the book by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is one of my favourite series from this author. A Woman Lost was my first book I ever read by her and ever since I have been hooked on everything Ms Markinson has written.
This is book four of the series. Lizzie is back. The story is well paced and the story line continues to flow well. There is some funny dialogue and at times it can also be emotional and the series in general is very true to life. I have always loved Lizzie (she reminds me a little of myself) and another favourite character of mine is Maddie (secondary character). I would strongly recommend reading the previous 3 books to get the background of all the characters. Fantastic read and I hope there is more to this series.
This is one of my favourite series from this author. A Woman Lost was my first book I ever read by her and ever since I have been hooked on everything Ms Markinson has written.
This is book four of the series. Lizzie is back. The story is well paced and the story line continues to flow well. There is some funny dialogue and at times it can also be emotional and the series in general is very true to life. I have always loved Lizzie (she reminds me a little of myself) and another favourite character of mine is Maddie (secondary character). I would strongly recommend reading the previous 3 books to get the background of all the characters. Fantastic read and I hope there is more to this series.
July 1, 2020
I have listened to all of the books in this series thus far and they are incredible. Lizzie is as endearing as she is lost. Sarah spins a new direction in this book and the adventure continues. The most wonderful thing about this series is that it is so realistic and engaging. I would really like to have friends like Lizzie and Sarah and all of their friends too. They are a mismatched set of super believable characters with quirks and outstanding positive qualities. T.B. Markinson created a world where things go right and side ways and right again...at least hopefully. As per her usual Stephanie Murphy does a stupendous job of bringing all of the story to life through amazing narration. My only recommendation aside from reading this books is that if you haven't read the prior ones in the series you might want to go back and read them first. Otherwise you may miss a large piece of the humor and the story line in general.
June 2, 2023
Oh, Lizzie! You have really maturated in all these years. This book shows us a change in dynamics that was due to happen sooner than later. Sarah is having some problems with her mother's relationship and she's not dealing too well with being home-bound. For once, she's the one needing support and patience.
But, if that wasn't enough, Meg is back and she's... Meg. Manipulative, interfering Meg, ready to cause headaches.
Yes, there is a lot of conflict in this story but there is also the humour that I come to expect from this series, so you are never too wound up to keep enjoying this tale of marriage, babies, family and all the catastrophes that come with them :P
I just leave you with a quote that, to me at least, portrays Lizzie perfectly
Just go, and read the whole series! You won't regret it!
But, if that wasn't enough, Meg is back and she's... Meg. Manipulative, interfering Meg, ready to cause headaches.
Yes, there is a lot of conflict in this story but there is also the humour that I come to expect from this series, so you are never too wound up to keep enjoying this tale of marriage, babies, family and all the catastrophes that come with them :P
I just leave you with a quote that, to me at least, portrays Lizzie perfectly
It was hard for me to keep up with my ever-expanding family and social connections. Recently, I’d started a family tree and spreadsheet.*dies laughing*
Just go, and read the whole series! You won't regret it!
November 11, 2018
I’ve enjoyed very much this series, this is the fourth one and isn’t the exception, was simply perfect. Markinson has done an amazing job with the story.
In this one we have Lizzie back, the twins are turning one and Sarah (Lizzie’s wife) is having a crisis. And if that wasn’t enough, to make things more interesting someone from Lizzie’s past is back to complicate more her life. We’ll get to see if Lizzie has what is needed to be there for her wife and navigate successfully through the other issues.
I've loved Lizzie since book one and I'm so proud of her. I'm always happy to read more about her story, adventures and misadventures, along with all the others… her unusual family. Love Lizzie's inner monologues every time she spaces out, I can relate to that. The truth is when I read about her thoughts and quirks remind me of myself most of times. It's great to see Lizzie and Sarah more in tune than ever. Also is marvellous to witness the evolution of the Petrie family.
I loved the book and I'm already asking for another one in the series. It has love, humour, sexy times, family times, fascinating characters, a very different and interesting family dynamics and it’s well written, not to mention heart-warming and of course the romance.
I highly recommend it, but I also suggest everyone to read the other books of the series first for a better understanding.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
In this one we have Lizzie back, the twins are turning one and Sarah (Lizzie’s wife) is having a crisis. And if that wasn’t enough, to make things more interesting someone from Lizzie’s past is back to complicate more her life. We’ll get to see if Lizzie has what is needed to be there for her wife and navigate successfully through the other issues.
I've loved Lizzie since book one and I'm so proud of her. I'm always happy to read more about her story, adventures and misadventures, along with all the others… her unusual family. Love Lizzie's inner monologues every time she spaces out, I can relate to that. The truth is when I read about her thoughts and quirks remind me of myself most of times. It's great to see Lizzie and Sarah more in tune than ever. Also is marvellous to witness the evolution of the Petrie family.
I loved the book and I'm already asking for another one in the series. It has love, humour, sexy times, family times, fascinating characters, a very different and interesting family dynamics and it’s well written, not to mention heart-warming and of course the romance.
I highly recommend it, but I also suggest everyone to read the other books of the series first for a better understanding.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2018
This is the 4th book in the series of A Woman Lost with Lizzie and Sarah getting ready to celebrate their twins first birthday. Markinson navigates the lives of Lizzie and Sarah with complications arising from each woman’s’ past threatening their peaceful existence. Markinson has developed characters with flaws that you love to hate, and those you hate to love and those somewhere in the middle. The family dynamics will sometimes frustrate you, often make you laugh and perhaps even bring tears to your eyes. If you haven’t read the first three in the series, I highly recommend you do so first. I’m waiting for Book 5.
November 11, 2018
Another good one
I love this Lost Woman series and this newest addition does not disappoint. The gang has grown as Lizzie’s extended family comes into her life. Sarah is a stay at home mom and the twins are a year old. Maddie and Gabe are still together, Lizzie’s brother has a child of his own. Only one thing could threaten Lizzie’s happiness, guess what it is!
Start the series from the beginning, get to know everyone, and enjoy the ride.
I love this Lost Woman series and this newest addition does not disappoint. The gang has grown as Lizzie’s extended family comes into her life. Sarah is a stay at home mom and the twins are a year old. Maddie and Gabe are still together, Lizzie’s brother has a child of his own. Only one thing could threaten Lizzie’s happiness, guess what it is!
Start the series from the beginning, get to know everyone, and enjoy the ride.
October 31, 2019
Wonderful!
Every book I read in this series entrenches these characters deeper in my heart. I love watching the metamorphosis of Lizzie and Sarah as individuals, but what's really interesting is their character changes as a couple and as new parents. I can't wait to see what's in store for Lizzie, Sarah, and the rest of the dysfunctional cast of characters in this heartwarming series. Check it out for yourself!
Every book I read in this series entrenches these characters deeper in my heart. I love watching the metamorphosis of Lizzie and Sarah as individuals, but what's really interesting is their character changes as a couple and as new parents. I can't wait to see what's in store for Lizzie, Sarah, and the rest of the dysfunctional cast of characters in this heartwarming series. Check it out for yourself!
November 6, 2018
Yet another excellent piece of writing and a thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series. The characters are well developed and believable. There’s great banter between them and the storyline is authentic. The author deals with the reality of family life in a credible and humorous way. Bring on the next book in the series.
November 8, 2018
A great addition to a great series
This fourth volume (fifth including the prequel) in the "A Woman Lost" series continues the fantastic character development and complex relationship drama of the previous books, with a significant amount of character growth occurring for Lizzie. Highly recommended.
This fourth volume (fifth including the prequel) in the "A Woman Lost" series continues the fantastic character development and complex relationship drama of the previous books, with a significant amount of character growth occurring for Lizzie. Highly recommended.
November 11, 2018
A Real Gem!
It's so nice to read about families and relationships that seem and feel so familiar. The way we get to peer into Lizzie's head is truly captivating. Her honesty and vulnerability make her such a great relationship hero. The dynamics of complicated families are steered in a loving and believable manner. Thanks TB for sharing more of this wonderful series.
It's so nice to read about families and relationships that seem and feel so familiar. The way we get to peer into Lizzie's head is truly captivating. Her honesty and vulnerability make her such a great relationship hero. The dynamics of complicated families are steered in a loving and believable manner. Thanks TB for sharing more of this wonderful series.
January 6, 2019
Frustrated
I was frustrated with Lizzy, a nearly 40 yr old college professor, who seemed unable to speak the words that were in her mind and represented her true feelings. While that's the negative on this story I need to say that true to all the previous TB Markinson books I've read this one had me laughing repeatedly. The Petries are a hoot.
I was frustrated with Lizzy, a nearly 40 yr old college professor, who seemed unable to speak the words that were in her mind and represented her true feelings. While that's the negative on this story I need to say that true to all the previous TB Markinson books I've read this one had me laughing repeatedly. The Petries are a hoot.
November 16, 2019
Very good book
The main characters were so very real and interesting. Involving twins and a whole slew of supporting characters was brilliant. The whole crew made this book anything but boring. There was humor, drama and a whole bunch of loving in this story. Really is made for rereading time and again.
The main characters were so very real and interesting. Involving twins and a whole slew of supporting characters was brilliant. The whole crew made this book anything but boring. There was humor, drama and a whole bunch of loving in this story. Really is made for rereading time and again.
March 9, 2020
Depth
Even after five novels with Lizzie, Sarah, and the unique mixture of family members and friends, I am not in the least bit tired of their stories. T.B. manages to keep me enraptured and wanting more. Are there really only three novels left, one of which is yet to be published? Regardless, for me, these characters have become unforgettable and beloved.
Even after five novels with Lizzie, Sarah, and the unique mixture of family members and friends, I am not in the least bit tired of their stories. T.B. manages to keep me enraptured and wanting more. Are there really only three novels left, one of which is yet to be published? Regardless, for me, these characters have become unforgettable and beloved.
January 29, 2021
We've all had a toxic 'ex'!
The book kept me engaged with each character. The discomfort of Meg's injection into the lives of the main characters is what makes for a good read.. the ever despised antagonist and how is this going to play out?.. get resolved? And along the way, all the characters are slowly evolving still.. Looking fwd to the next.
The book kept me engaged with each character. The discomfort of Meg's injection into the lives of the main characters is what makes for a good read.. the ever despised antagonist and how is this going to play out?.. get resolved? And along the way, all the characters are slowly evolving still.. Looking fwd to the next.
February 26, 2021
Life with Sarah and Lizzie continue
Sarah and Lizzie have been together for years. They continue to strengthen their relationship as well as with family and friends. Trouble is always just under the surface with everyone around them. I love this series T.B. Markinson has put together and enjoy it as it continues as life goes on for the Petrie and Cavanaugh clan.
Sarah and Lizzie have been together for years. They continue to strengthen their relationship as well as with family and friends. Trouble is always just under the surface with everyone around them. I love this series T.B. Markinson has put together and enjoy it as it continues as life goes on for the Petrie and Cavanaugh clan.
May 29, 2024
Lizzie is married to Saah, and together they have twin babies, Fred and Olivia. Lizzie's ex, Meg, returns to town, stirring up trouble for Lizzie. Meanwhile, Sarah is angry with her mother, Rose, for dating Troy, pulling Lizzie into their dispute. I found the book humorous with all the challenges Lizzie faces. I recommend this book to all readers.
November 11, 2018
This is a great story in the lives of Lizzie and Sarah. Their twins are 1 yr old now. There are some bumps in the road but they always get it together. I hope this sequel continues. There are so many characters to continue. Story is well written with a very nice ending.
November 23, 2018
Enjoyable.
I really enjoyed A conflicted Woman. I love Lizzie, Sarah and their children. There is a huge cast of characters in the book, sometimes it’s hard to keep up with who’s who.
I really enjoyed A conflicted Woman. I love Lizzie, Sarah and their children. There is a huge cast of characters in the book, sometimes it’s hard to keep up with who’s who.
November 24, 2018
Love the series
I enjoyed this one so much i didn't notice until the final pages i had finished reading the book. I was so disappointed. Can't wait for the next boom. As a parent let me say, "You hit the nail on the head about what it's like being a parent."
I enjoyed this one so much i didn't notice until the final pages i had finished reading the book. I was so disappointed. Can't wait for the next boom. As a parent let me say, "You hit the nail on the head about what it's like being a parent."
December 3, 2018
I've enjoyed this series from the first book. So great to see the characters develop further. I went back and reread the preceding novels before reading this. Definitely worthwhile. Can't wait for future instalments.
February 22, 2019
Annoying but good!
Frustrated with Lizzie’s reaction or lack of with the reemergence of Meg. The love of her wife and her family helped her through this but is this the last of Meg???? The coupling of Lizzie & Sarah is still a good and wonderful story.
Frustrated with Lizzie’s reaction or lack of with the reemergence of Meg. The love of her wife and her family helped her through this but is this the last of Meg???? The coupling of Lizzie & Sarah is still a good and wonderful story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews