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Waiting for You
Have you ever met someone and felt like you’ve known them in a thousand different lifetimes?
Lindsay Hall was a high school senior when she and her friend Patty discovered peach schnapps, listened to a past-life hypnosis CD, and got an up-close look at who she once was. And who she used to love. The knowledge of her past life has always haunted Lindsay. As her ex is happy to point out, it’s gotten in the way of her relationships too. Even her teenage daughter has politely suggested that she “get the eff over it.” Except she didn’t say eff.
Ren Christopher just wants a quick break before she starts a new job in Paris. She’s just extracted herself from a not-brief-enough, drama-filled relationship. A few weeks relaxing and hanging with her old college friend Deb is just what the doctor ordered. No pressure, no expectations, and absolutely no drama.
Everything is perfect until Lindsay faints at the sight of Ren.
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Second Chance at Love, Big City, Bisexual, Reunion Romance
Words: 72,000
Lindsay Hall was a high school senior when she and her friend Patty discovered peach schnapps, listened to a past-life hypnosis CD, and got an up-close look at who she once was. And who she used to love. The knowledge of her past life has always haunted Lindsay. As her ex is happy to point out, it’s gotten in the way of her relationships too. Even her teenage daughter has politely suggested that she “get the eff over it.” Except she didn’t say eff.
Ren Christopher just wants a quick break before she starts a new job in Paris. She’s just extracted herself from a not-brief-enough, drama-filled relationship. A few weeks relaxing and hanging with her old college friend Deb is just what the doctor ordered. No pressure, no expectations, and absolutely no drama.
Everything is perfect until Lindsay faints at the sight of Ren.
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Second Chance at Love, Big City, Bisexual, Reunion Romance
Words: 72,000
242 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2020
30 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Elle Spencer
11 books512 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
May 11, 2020
3.75 Stars. This was better than I expected. I have been off to a slow start with Spencer (shocking I know). I thought The Road to Madison was a mess and I’m listening to Casting Lacey right now and I’m still undecided. So I went into this book cautiously to say the least, but I’m happy to admit that this was an enjoyable read.
My first thought about this book was that I was pretty shocked how low angst this was for Spencer. I actually got this book because I have been in the mood for angst and I know Spencer can sometimes go overboard with it. That was not the case here. There is some yes, but comparing it to Spencer’s other books this has like half the angst she normally puts in.
Besides being a sweet mid to low angst romance, this also had some comedy. I have mixed feelings on that. Some lines were really funny and clever, which put a smile on my face, others not so much. There were a few times that the characters were laughing at their own jokes which set my eyes rolling so hard I was afraid they’d pop out of my head. And sometimes the jokes were so darn corny. No offence to Spencer but sometimes reading her characters reminds me of 12 year old boys. But to balance that out there were a few actual laugh out loud moments I enjoyed.
While this story is really about insta attraction and connection, I was happy with how good the chemistry was. The characters were both likeable so it helped. That was a big plus about this book, the whole cast of characters was well done. There was an old retired teacher that was a hoot, some teenage characters that were well done, and best friend characters that had their own personality and depth even if one was slightly annoying.
I think my biggest issue ended up being the length. This book really could have used another chapter or two. There just was not much time for the ending. I hate rushed endings and this felt too rushed. I don’t mind that it was more HFN than HEA. I don’t need everything tied up in a bow, I just wanted more so I could really believe in the ending.
Out of the 2 and a half finished Spencer books, this is the best I have read by so far. There are a few things about her style I still don’t really click with, but I was happy with this read. It was a feel good romance that mostly put a smile on my face. I was hoping for a little more angst, but I do like that Spencer mixed it up so I can’t really complain. I suspect most Spencer and rom-com fans will enjoy this too.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
My first thought about this book was that I was pretty shocked how low angst this was for Spencer. I actually got this book because I have been in the mood for angst and I know Spencer can sometimes go overboard with it. That was not the case here. There is some yes, but comparing it to Spencer’s other books this has like half the angst she normally puts in.
Besides being a sweet mid to low angst romance, this also had some comedy. I have mixed feelings on that. Some lines were really funny and clever, which put a smile on my face, others not so much. There were a few times that the characters were laughing at their own jokes which set my eyes rolling so hard I was afraid they’d pop out of my head. And sometimes the jokes were so darn corny. No offence to Spencer but sometimes reading her characters reminds me of 12 year old boys. But to balance that out there were a few actual laugh out loud moments I enjoyed.
While this story is really about insta attraction and connection, I was happy with how good the chemistry was. The characters were both likeable so it helped. That was a big plus about this book, the whole cast of characters was well done. There was an old retired teacher that was a hoot, some teenage characters that were well done, and best friend characters that had their own personality and depth even if one was slightly annoying.
I think my biggest issue ended up being the length. This book really could have used another chapter or two. There just was not much time for the ending. I hate rushed endings and this felt too rushed. I don’t mind that it was more HFN than HEA. I don’t need everything tied up in a bow, I just wanted more so I could really believe in the ending.
Out of the 2 and a half finished Spencer books, this is the best I have read by so far. There are a few things about her style I still don’t really click with, but I was happy with this read. It was a feel good romance that mostly put a smile on my face. I was hoping for a little more angst, but I do like that Spencer mixed it up so I can’t really complain. I suspect most Spencer and rom-com fans will enjoy this too.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
May 24, 2020
I’m not a fan of romance stories based on people who had met in previous lives. I don’t know why but it’s a trope that makes me cringe. However, Elle Spencer is among my favourite lesfic authors so I decided to give it a go. I’m happy that I did because I really enjoyed ‘Waiting for You’.
All her adult life artist Lindsay Hall has been obsessed with a woman of her past life. Recently divorced from her husband and with a teenage daughter, the mysterious woman is in her dreams and her paintings. But when Ren Christopher appears in her small town on a short vacation before moving to Paris, Lindsay realises that the woman of her dreams might be very real…
I thought that I had a grasp on Elle Spencer’s writing style: she can produce great rom-coms such in ‘30 Dates in 30 Days‘, good dramas like in ‘The Road to Madison‘ or a mix of both like in her debut ‘Casting Lacey‘. But ‘Waiting for You’ doesn’t fit into those types of stories. In certain moments I thought I was reading a book by Ann Mac Man because of the witty, nerdy, intelligent humour and clever dialogues. Some other times, it sounded like the ridiculous situations out of Robin Alexander’s stories. A very interesting combination.
From my point of view, the problem with the reincarnation romance trope is that it’s got the potential to quickly become a melodrama and I’m not a fan. Ms. Spencer avoids this by not taking anything too seriously and with a heavy dose of humour. The flashbacks to the past are a great excuse to explore life as a lesbian decades ago when homophobia was more commonplace than nowadays. Some of those flashbacks were heartbreaking.
The main characters have amazing chemistry which Ms. Spencer exploits in and out of the bedroom. Every single character was written with such knowledge of the writing craft that they all seem to come alive out of the page. They are complex and endearing, very easy to relate to. My favourite was Mrs. Stokely, who is a colleague of Lindsay’s, an old lady with a beautiful story to tell.
Overall, a very good reincarnation romance book, another enjoyable story by Elle Spencer. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
All her adult life artist Lindsay Hall has been obsessed with a woman of her past life. Recently divorced from her husband and with a teenage daughter, the mysterious woman is in her dreams and her paintings. But when Ren Christopher appears in her small town on a short vacation before moving to Paris, Lindsay realises that the woman of her dreams might be very real…
I thought that I had a grasp on Elle Spencer’s writing style: she can produce great rom-coms such in ‘30 Dates in 30 Days‘, good dramas like in ‘The Road to Madison‘ or a mix of both like in her debut ‘Casting Lacey‘. But ‘Waiting for You’ doesn’t fit into those types of stories. In certain moments I thought I was reading a book by Ann Mac Man because of the witty, nerdy, intelligent humour and clever dialogues. Some other times, it sounded like the ridiculous situations out of Robin Alexander’s stories. A very interesting combination.
From my point of view, the problem with the reincarnation romance trope is that it’s got the potential to quickly become a melodrama and I’m not a fan. Ms. Spencer avoids this by not taking anything too seriously and with a heavy dose of humour. The flashbacks to the past are a great excuse to explore life as a lesbian decades ago when homophobia was more commonplace than nowadays. Some of those flashbacks were heartbreaking.
The main characters have amazing chemistry which Ms. Spencer exploits in and out of the bedroom. Every single character was written with such knowledge of the writing craft that they all seem to come alive out of the page. They are complex and endearing, very easy to relate to. My favourite was Mrs. Stokely, who is a colleague of Lindsay’s, an old lady with a beautiful story to tell.
Overall, a very good reincarnation romance book, another enjoyable story by Elle Spencer. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2020
I love stories of attraction so strong it rips everything in its wake.
A teenage experiment completely turned Lindsay’s life upside down: she re-lived a past life moment, in which she was desperately in love with another girl, Roo, an experience that left her unsettled enough that that same day, she went all the way with her boyfriend for the first time and got pregnant. Years later, she’s the recently divorced mother of a seventeen-year-old daughter and a respected portrait painter. In between paying clients, she keeps painting the same boy no one knows but with whom she feels a powerful connection. Then, suddenly, one night she paints the woman who hasn’t left her thoughts for so many years. The next day, Ren arrives in town for a two-week visit with her best friend Deb before moving to Paris for her new job. When her eyes fall on her, Lindsay knows Ren is a new incarnation of Roo.
Past lives and reincarnation are not really my thing, and I don’t think I’ve read many lesfic stories on this theme. I really liked that, to those who don’t know about that part of her life, Lindsay mostly appears as a kind and interesting person, a woman who overcame the difficulties of a teenage pregnancy to become a cool and supportive mom, a talented artist without a hint of arrogance. There’s a lot more going on inside her than meets the eye and Ren would probably have fallen for her even without fate playing tricks.
While I loved each and every character (except Lindsay’s ex-husband, Ben, whose name is creepily close to Ren’s, is that fate also?), the MCs and everyone around them, I never completely felt pulled all in. For some reason, I stayed on the surface. I very much Elle Spencer’s writing, however, she’s great with dialogues and banter, which is up there with Melissa Brayden's, and she writes an excellent sex scene. All in all, I had a really good time reading and recommend this novel without hesitation to anyone who wants a smart and very sexy read.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A teenage experiment completely turned Lindsay’s life upside down: she re-lived a past life moment, in which she was desperately in love with another girl, Roo, an experience that left her unsettled enough that that same day, she went all the way with her boyfriend for the first time and got pregnant. Years later, she’s the recently divorced mother of a seventeen-year-old daughter and a respected portrait painter. In between paying clients, she keeps painting the same boy no one knows but with whom she feels a powerful connection. Then, suddenly, one night she paints the woman who hasn’t left her thoughts for so many years. The next day, Ren arrives in town for a two-week visit with her best friend Deb before moving to Paris for her new job. When her eyes fall on her, Lindsay knows Ren is a new incarnation of Roo.
Past lives and reincarnation are not really my thing, and I don’t think I’ve read many lesfic stories on this theme. I really liked that, to those who don’t know about that part of her life, Lindsay mostly appears as a kind and interesting person, a woman who overcame the difficulties of a teenage pregnancy to become a cool and supportive mom, a talented artist without a hint of arrogance. There’s a lot more going on inside her than meets the eye and Ren would probably have fallen for her even without fate playing tricks.
While I loved each and every character (except Lindsay’s ex-husband, Ben, whose name is creepily close to Ren’s, is that fate also?), the MCs and everyone around them, I never completely felt pulled all in. For some reason, I stayed on the surface. I very much Elle Spencer’s writing, however, she’s great with dialogues and banter, which is up there with Melissa Brayden's, and she writes an excellent sex scene. All in all, I had a really good time reading and recommend this novel without hesitation to anyone who wants a smart and very sexy read.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2020
Living in the past.
Lindsay is a recently divorced artist and mother. She sells her work through a gallery her best friend, Patty, owns and operates in town. They have lived in their small town their whole lives. And that whole time, Lindsay has been thinking of a woman she knows she was in love with before her time as well as repeatedly panting the same small boy.
Ren rolls into town to stay with a long-time friend before heading overseas for a new job. She is drawn to a painting in a local art gallery. Later, she is drawn to the artist. Then, Lindsay draws Ren.
This was an ambitious story to tell. A woman who believes she was in love with a woman in a previous life only to be confronted with someone who she just feels and knows is that love of her (past)life. It was really interesting experiencing everything unfold. From the two meeting, Lindsay's reaction, and gently navigating an acquaintance without seeming like a complete crazy-person.
I love Spencer's books. They are all written so well, with great dialogue, and a good amount of drama to give me throat lumps and blurry eyes. While I really liked this one, it didn't feel like books that she has written in the past. Given the story line, I figured it would be rampant with angst. It was there, don't get me wrong. It just wasn't the telenovela level I've grown to enjoy. This seemed more calculated, mature, and tame.
I liked the relationships she had with her best friend and her daughter. The friend that Ren comes to see felt a little bit made-up for plot purposes and I was a bit bored whenever there were scenes with her. And her character didn't come through for me very well. My imagination kept switching from same-age friend of Ren to older aged friend of Ren.
Overall I did enjoy this story for the unique concept in a sea of pure romance lesbian books.
I recommend to those who like to read about romance, re-incarnation, family drama, art, ridiculous stakeouts, and safe kitchen islands.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Lindsay is a recently divorced artist and mother. She sells her work through a gallery her best friend, Patty, owns and operates in town. They have lived in their small town their whole lives. And that whole time, Lindsay has been thinking of a woman she knows she was in love with before her time as well as repeatedly panting the same small boy.
Ren rolls into town to stay with a long-time friend before heading overseas for a new job. She is drawn to a painting in a local art gallery. Later, she is drawn to the artist. Then, Lindsay draws Ren.
This was an ambitious story to tell. A woman who believes she was in love with a woman in a previous life only to be confronted with someone who she just feels and knows is that love of her (past)life. It was really interesting experiencing everything unfold. From the two meeting, Lindsay's reaction, and gently navigating an acquaintance without seeming like a complete crazy-person.
I love Spencer's books. They are all written so well, with great dialogue, and a good amount of drama to give me throat lumps and blurry eyes. While I really liked this one, it didn't feel like books that she has written in the past. Given the story line, I figured it would be rampant with angst. It was there, don't get me wrong. It just wasn't the telenovela level I've grown to enjoy. This seemed more calculated, mature, and tame.
I liked the relationships she had with her best friend and her daughter. The friend that Ren comes to see felt a little bit made-up for plot purposes and I was a bit bored whenever there were scenes with her. And her character didn't come through for me very well. My imagination kept switching from same-age friend of Ren to older aged friend of Ren.
Overall I did enjoy this story for the unique concept in a sea of pure romance lesbian books.
I recommend to those who like to read about romance, re-incarnation, family drama, art, ridiculous stakeouts, and safe kitchen islands.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
May 9, 2020
I had mixed feelings about this book.
Waiting for you features Lindsay, a portrait artist, once teenaged mother of a now teenaged daughter and a woman who believes she has had a past life and love with a woman named Roo.
Ren is a lawyer visiting her best friend Deb for a couple of weeks before she takes a job in Paris. Both women are single, beautiful and attracted to each other even though Lindsay faints at the sight of Ren.
I read a short story by Spencer in the Hot Ice anthology and really enjoyed it. Loved the witty banter which reminded me of a Brayden read. Waiting for you is filled to the brim with witty banter. I was beginning to think the old curmudgeon in me couldn’t deal with all the cutesy conversations and nicknames until Lindsay and Ren shared some hot scenes together and I had hopes for a terrific romance with a sweet secondary storyline.
I wasn’t crazy about the way the two mains handled the inevitable conflict. Say one thing, doing the opposite didn’t help. The two seemed oceans apart. The rushed ending was unfortunate.
3.5 Stars
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Waiting for you features Lindsay, a portrait artist, once teenaged mother of a now teenaged daughter and a woman who believes she has had a past life and love with a woman named Roo.
Ren is a lawyer visiting her best friend Deb for a couple of weeks before she takes a job in Paris. Both women are single, beautiful and attracted to each other even though Lindsay faints at the sight of Ren.
I read a short story by Spencer in the Hot Ice anthology and really enjoyed it. Loved the witty banter which reminded me of a Brayden read. Waiting for you is filled to the brim with witty banter. I was beginning to think the old curmudgeon in me couldn’t deal with all the cutesy conversations and nicknames until Lindsay and Ren shared some hot scenes together and I had hopes for a terrific romance with a sweet secondary storyline.
I wasn’t crazy about the way the two mains handled the inevitable conflict. Say one thing, doing the opposite didn’t help. The two seemed oceans apart. The rushed ending was unfortunate.
3.5 Stars
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
May 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The banter was very funny and the conversations and interactions between all the characters seemed genuine and real. It was really fun reading about this small town. The two main characters, Lindsay and Ren, were really great. The chemistry between the two was easy to feel. And the love they felt for their best friends was there two. Speaking of best friends, I think they are the ones that might have made this story really great, particularly Patty (which I secretly hope gets her own book). This is a fast burn with a good amount of drama. I really wish there was more about Ben Hall cause what he did was shady and I really wanted something to happen there. Anyway, this is a good read. Fans of Spencer will like it and I think those who have not read her work, or even liked her previous works, should give this one a try. It is worth the read.
December 15, 2021
Past lives.
I really love the reincarnation storyline. The thought of it is intriguing and I love that the relationship is partly built on the intense feelings that Lindsay has for Ren. Lindsay has had fragmented memories of her past life since her teenage years and she remembers being in love with a woman called Roo. These memories of Roo have haunted her for years, disabling her ability to love anyone else and eventually costing her her marriage. But when she finally crosses path with Ren who visits her town, Lindsay immediately recognises Ren as Roo and faints. Ren is also drawn to Lindsay, though this has nothing to do with past lives as Ren has no memories of them. Their romance is incredibly sweet but it's always marred by the fact that it would be temporary. Ren would relocate to Paris soon and Lindsay never manages to summon the courage to share the truth with Ren behind their special connection.
This story is focused on this current life but we see small snippets of their previous lives, which were riddled in obstacles and angst. I think it would have been nicer if we could know more about their past lives too rather than just snippets of it.
Many of the side characters are lovely. I particularly adore Lindsay's teenage daughter, Brooke and Lindsay's best friend, Patty who are hilarious. And Lori Prince delivered this story wonderfully.
I really love the reincarnation storyline. The thought of it is intriguing and I love that the relationship is partly built on the intense feelings that Lindsay has for Ren. Lindsay has had fragmented memories of her past life since her teenage years and she remembers being in love with a woman called Roo. These memories of Roo have haunted her for years, disabling her ability to love anyone else and eventually costing her her marriage. But when she finally crosses path with Ren who visits her town, Lindsay immediately recognises Ren as Roo and faints. Ren is also drawn to Lindsay, though this has nothing to do with past lives as Ren has no memories of them. Their romance is incredibly sweet but it's always marred by the fact that it would be temporary. Ren would relocate to Paris soon and Lindsay never manages to summon the courage to share the truth with Ren behind their special connection.
This story is focused on this current life but we see small snippets of their previous lives, which were riddled in obstacles and angst. I think it would have been nicer if we could know more about their past lives too rather than just snippets of it.
Many of the side characters are lovely. I particularly adore Lindsay's teenage daughter, Brooke and Lindsay's best friend, Patty who are hilarious. And Lori Prince delivered this story wonderfully.
October 25, 2020
Not sure why I didn’t read this one before. Oh yes, the pandemic. Well, it was good.
The dialog is witty with charismatic characters and whimsical events sprinkled on some more significant, just plain powerful ones. Somehow, the author took the story of a secondary character that was unpleasant at best, and turned it into such a touching, heartwarming tale that melted my heart. A story that to this day, so many people have seen and cheered for on our battle for equal rights.
I actually didn’t know how the whole woman from the other past life conflict was going to be wrapped up, but Spencer pulled that one off successfully as well. 4.5 stars
The dialog is witty with charismatic characters and whimsical events sprinkled on some more significant, just plain powerful ones. Somehow, the author took the story of a secondary character that was unpleasant at best, and turned it into such a touching, heartwarming tale that melted my heart. A story that to this day, so many people have seen and cheered for on our battle for equal rights.
I actually didn’t know how the whole woman from the other past life conflict was going to be wrapped up, but Spencer pulled that one off successfully as well. 4.5 stars
May 13, 2020
I’ve been a fan of Elle Spencer for a while now, her last two books especially are permanently located in my favorite-book list. I’m happy to tell you that her current novel, ‘Waiting for You’ is now also added to that favorites list.
This story has all of the wonderful traits that I’ve come to expect from Ms. Spencer’s novels. It is interesting, different, and believable even with the idea of characters from past lives meeting again. The characters themselves become real to the reader. I’m sure I could go to Salt Creek and meet Ren, Lindsey, Patty, Deb, and even Mrs. Stokely at Deb’s coffee shop, “You Mocha Me Crazy”. The striking humor that I expect to see in Ms. Spencer’s books is front and center in this story as well, along with the angst that she uses to break your heart as you read. Don’t worry, she does a good job of mending those broken hearts as well.
‘Waiting for You’ is a fitting addition to Ms. Spencer’s catalogue. I’m happy to be able to recommend it to all who love a book that is full of laughter, tears, and a great deal of love.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
This story has all of the wonderful traits that I’ve come to expect from Ms. Spencer’s novels. It is interesting, different, and believable even with the idea of characters from past lives meeting again. The characters themselves become real to the reader. I’m sure I could go to Salt Creek and meet Ren, Lindsey, Patty, Deb, and even Mrs. Stokely at Deb’s coffee shop, “You Mocha Me Crazy”. The striking humor that I expect to see in Ms. Spencer’s books is front and center in this story as well, along with the angst that she uses to break your heart as you read. Don’t worry, she does a good job of mending those broken hearts as well.
‘Waiting for You’ is a fitting addition to Ms. Spencer’s catalogue. I’m happy to be able to recommend it to all who love a book that is full of laughter, tears, and a great deal of love.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
December 8, 2021
Overall I enjoyed a solid bit of this book. I think this is closer to a 3.75 for me, but I rounded up to a 4 because I enjoyed a lot more than I disliked.
I loved the characters. Lindsay and Ren were both really fleshed out, interesting, and their dynamic made you (or me, at least) want to root for them. I adored both voices that narrator Lori Prince used for each of them, and that only further added to my liking them as characters. The teenagers, Brooke and Corey were well rounded and realistic and while there was a lot to like in theory about both MC’s best friends Patty and Deb, respectably, those two fell a little short, for me personally. I found both of their “antics” and quirks a little irritating after a while. Both of the constant nicknames, and jokes and bits that went on just a little too long, and were often a little too much “I am being a quirky and lovable character right now, see!?” And it became a little grating. But that’s a ymmv humor is subjective type of thing. I did absolutely love the character of Mrs Stokely, and I loved all of the scenes of the women hanging out and interacting as a group.
While overall I really enjoyed this, and I found the past life stuff to be really fun and a trope I enjoy, the ending felt a bit too rushed. I really wish it had been given at the very least one more chapter, but I think it might have benefited from even two or three more. The epilogue just tried a bit to hard to cram in a HFN (which is fine!) but it absolutely had a feeling of rushing to the end.
I’ve enjoyed the other book by Elle Spencer that I’ve read (well, listened actually) 30 Dates in 30 Days, and I absolutely adore the way Lori Prince brought both of them to life. I’ll def check out others by this author in the future.
I loved the characters. Lindsay and Ren were both really fleshed out, interesting, and their dynamic made you (or me, at least) want to root for them. I adored both voices that narrator Lori Prince used for each of them, and that only further added to my liking them as characters. The teenagers, Brooke and Corey were well rounded and realistic and while there was a lot to like in theory about both MC’s best friends Patty and Deb, respectably, those two fell a little short, for me personally. I found both of their “antics” and quirks a little irritating after a while. Both of the constant nicknames, and jokes and bits that went on just a little too long, and were often a little too much “I am being a quirky and lovable character right now, see!?” And it became a little grating. But that’s a ymmv humor is subjective type of thing. I did absolutely love the character of Mrs Stokely, and I loved all of the scenes of the women hanging out and interacting as a group.
While overall I really enjoyed this, and I found the past life stuff to be really fun and a trope I enjoy, the ending felt a bit too rushed. I really wish it had been given at the very least one more chapter, but I think it might have benefited from even two or three more. The epilogue just tried a bit to hard to cram in a HFN (which is fine!) but it absolutely had a feeling of rushing to the end.
I’ve enjoyed the other book by Elle Spencer that I’ve read (well, listened actually) 30 Dates in 30 Days, and I absolutely adore the way Lori Prince brought both of them to life. I’ll def check out others by this author in the future.
June 21, 2020
I’ve loved all of Elle Spencer’s book and was looking forward to Waiting for You. But for whatever reason, I just can’t get my head (and heart) into WFY. It’s definitely different from her other books. Maybe there’s just to much humour in it? I loved banters and the likes but too much of it in a romance just put me off a little. We all knew why Lindsay is so into Ren. But nothing much written why Ren felt so strongly for Lindsay other than the strong connection and what the heck happened to Ren inside the dressing room? And the ending? That was just too rushed. Why the sudden 180? Could probably do with a chapter or two or three to fill the gap for the quick turnaround and then some. Still a fan though after reading this and I’ll wait patiently for the next book.
April 28, 2024
4.5 Stars
WOW. I am floored by all the feels I have bouncing around my heart after reading Waiting For You. There’s so much to celebrate in this book! The friendships, the funny banter, Mrs Stokley!, the woo-woo part that I totally believe in by the way. I’ve laughed and cried reading this book. Elle Spencer has done it again.
WOW. I am floored by all the feels I have bouncing around my heart after reading Waiting For You. There’s so much to celebrate in this book! The friendships, the funny banter, Mrs Stokley!, the woo-woo part that I totally believe in by the way. I’ve laughed and cried reading this book. Elle Spencer has done it again.
June 25, 2020
As usual with an Elle Spencer novel, it has very likable characters, and such great banter between them that you actually want to be there!
Although I was a bit worried about the past-life aspect of the story, I think it was a nice romance.
Although I was a bit worried about the past-life aspect of the story, I think it was a nice romance.
October 30, 2020
4.25 stars. This was soooo lovely! Sapphics + past lives + painting = my dream. When I initially read the blurb for this book, I didn’t realize it was about past lives. But wow, I loved the past lives plot in this book. That aching longing, that sense of something missing that you can’t quite grasp, so that the only thing you can do is paint who’s haunting you...LOVE IT! Also, I need to get better at art ASAP so I can paint portraits of all these characters.
Lindsay is a soft, lovable character. She’s the human equivalent of a cup of hot chocolate. I want her to give me painting lessons for hours in that cozy studio of hers. I also love that she’s positively represented as a woman who became a mother at a young age.
Then there’s Ren Christopher (Elle Spencer’s characters have great names, hot damn!). Witty, irreverent Ren, with a larger-than-life heart and the same dark brown eyes as Lindsay’s mysterious past lover. I’m always a sucker for a brown-eyed power femme *swoons.* Ren leaps off the page from the moment she‘s introduced, and I couldn’t get enough of her!
The side characters are all lovely as well. I have a special place in my heart for Mrs. Stokely, the crotchety octogenarian with a past that no one expected. And of course, I loved the characters in the snippets of Lindsay’s past life. They beg for attention, even though we only get glimpses of them.
I really wanted to give this five stars, because the concept and characters deserve it. However, it didn’t make the cut because I thought the book was way too short! It’s only 221 pages, and good portion of those pages are dedicated to interactions between the mains and their best friends. I loved both Patty and Deb, don’t get me wrong, but I needed more Lindsay and Ren. The meet-cute (can it be called that?) also doesn’t happen until 1/4 of the way in, and while the scene was explosive, I felt like the buildup was too long. :/ So yeah, I felt like there was soooo much potential for more in-depth discussions and more sensual Lindsay/Ren scenes. Elle Spencer, can we have a sequel??
Overall, I loved the concept and characters of this book, and I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. (Also, shoutout to Hsinju for writing the review that made me pick this up!)
Lindsay is a soft, lovable character. She’s the human equivalent of a cup of hot chocolate. I want her to give me painting lessons for hours in that cozy studio of hers. I also love that she’s positively represented as a woman who became a mother at a young age.
Then there’s Ren Christopher (Elle Spencer’s characters have great names, hot damn!). Witty, irreverent Ren, with a larger-than-life heart and the same dark brown eyes as Lindsay’s mysterious past lover. I’m always a sucker for a brown-eyed power femme *swoons.* Ren leaps off the page from the moment she‘s introduced, and I couldn’t get enough of her!
The side characters are all lovely as well. I have a special place in my heart for Mrs. Stokely, the crotchety octogenarian with a past that no one expected. And of course, I loved the characters in the snippets of Lindsay’s past life. They beg for attention, even though we only get glimpses of them.
I really wanted to give this five stars, because the concept and characters deserve it. However, it didn’t make the cut because I thought the book was way too short! It’s only 221 pages, and good portion of those pages are dedicated to interactions between the mains and their best friends. I loved both Patty and Deb, don’t get me wrong, but I needed more Lindsay and Ren. The meet-cute (can it be called that?) also doesn’t happen until 1/4 of the way in, and while the scene was explosive, I felt like the buildup was too long. :/ So yeah, I felt like there was soooo much potential for more in-depth discussions and more sensual Lindsay/Ren scenes. Elle Spencer, can we have a sequel??
Overall, I loved the concept and characters of this book, and I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. (Also, shoutout to Hsinju for writing the review that made me pick this up!)
May 21, 2020
I nearly didn't request this book because it looked like so many others, but on another reviewer's urging to give this author a try - I took a chance.
Am I ever glad I did! This story was funny, it was heart-breaking, it was brave, it was so much more than what I expected.
All of the characters are individuals in their own right, with their own voices and views. Even the smallest of them.
This is not a book to read in bed beside your partner who is sleeping. Because I'll tell you right now, you're going to wake them up. I mean, check this passage out, an adult doing their impression of a two-year-old talking to Alexa (the A.I)
"Awexka, I need five hundred and two bananas, and a million fwoot snacks. And no socks, I don't like socks."
How do you not dissolve into fits of laughter at that? And that wasn't the only hilarious passage, but I won't ruin it for you.
The cover did not win me over, but the author sure did. Any author that can write so well that I have an asthma attack from laughing is tops in my book. So to speak.
Get this book, but don't read it at night while people are trying to sleep. They'll be grumbling at you the next day.
Am I ever glad I did! This story was funny, it was heart-breaking, it was brave, it was so much more than what I expected.
All of the characters are individuals in their own right, with their own voices and views. Even the smallest of them.
This is not a book to read in bed beside your partner who is sleeping. Because I'll tell you right now, you're going to wake them up. I mean, check this passage out, an adult doing their impression of a two-year-old talking to Alexa (the A.I)
"Awexka, I need five hundred and two bananas, and a million fwoot snacks. And no socks, I don't like socks."
How do you not dissolve into fits of laughter at that? And that wasn't the only hilarious passage, but I won't ruin it for you.
The cover did not win me over, but the author sure did. Any author that can write so well that I have an asthma attack from laughing is tops in my book. So to speak.
Get this book, but don't read it at night while people are trying to sleep. They'll be grumbling at you the next day.
April 13, 2020
Elle Spencer, once again, has created an original plot with relatable, well rounded characters. Lyndsay’s moment in time where she saw her past, effected her future so greatly that she spent her life fixated on Roo. When she saw Ren at You Moca Me Crazy and passed out, nothing for either of them would ever be the same. The dialogue between the characters was witty and I found the supporting characters added just as much, if not more to the story than our mains. Elle Spencer has written another amazing read. I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2020
Overall it was a nice story, with really cute characters, funny moments and a bit of mystery. But deep down, I know I will have forgotten about it soon. The strange, rushed ending didn't help, either.
I know it's weird, but the character I liked the most was Mrs. Stokely!
I know it's weird, but the character I liked the most was Mrs. Stokely!
November 8, 2021
You can always count on Elle Spencer's books to be good.
May 3, 2020
Okay, so Elle Spencer looked at the idea of past lives and past life regression and said, "Hey, lets make this into a rom-com!" and that's how we got Waiting for You. You have Lindsay Hall, a newly single mother who had been dreaming of her past life and love with a young woman whose name was Roo. Lindsay is a portrait artist who only works on people who she can see - except two: a young boy named Timmy, and Lindsay's past life lover, Roo. Meanwhile, Ren Christopher, an art historian, rolls into town after a while away. She's hot, sophisticated, and is a dead ringer for Lindsay's Roo. Ren and Lindsay have an instant connection despite Lindsay fainting at the sight of Ren.
I do have to give it to Spencer: she is really, really good at writing chemistry between romantic leads. Ren and Lindsay's romance is hot and heavy almost from the start, and their scenes are filled with some excellent flirty dialog. Spencer has a gift for dialog, and while it is a strength, I do get slightly frustrated with the constant quipping that's a big part of her comedy. This is a complaint I had with Casting Lacey, another book that is packed full of emotions that's broken up with bouts of comedic dialog. It works in some parts, but in others it feels like whiplash. However, she has a lovely subplot that ties into Lindsay's experiences with the past lives which is handled with a lowkey sweetness that is a balm for all the chaotic feelings in the rest of the book.
This is a book that has just about everything, comedy, feelings, sexy scenes, a great supporting cast and past lives. Fans of rom coms or dramadies will love this. You'll probably fall in love with the quirky residents of the small town of Salt Creek, MA. Also, fear not, the past lives, while important for the book and Lindsay, don't get their flashback episodes. It's a nice refreshing take on the trope. Despite some complains about the balance of the comedy, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I read it in one sitting, and I think many may do the same.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
I do have to give it to Spencer: she is really, really good at writing chemistry between romantic leads. Ren and Lindsay's romance is hot and heavy almost from the start, and their scenes are filled with some excellent flirty dialog. Spencer has a gift for dialog, and while it is a strength, I do get slightly frustrated with the constant quipping that's a big part of her comedy. This is a complaint I had with Casting Lacey, another book that is packed full of emotions that's broken up with bouts of comedic dialog. It works in some parts, but in others it feels like whiplash. However, she has a lovely subplot that ties into Lindsay's experiences with the past lives which is handled with a lowkey sweetness that is a balm for all the chaotic feelings in the rest of the book.
This is a book that has just about everything, comedy, feelings, sexy scenes, a great supporting cast and past lives. Fans of rom coms or dramadies will love this. You'll probably fall in love with the quirky residents of the small town of Salt Creek, MA. Also, fear not, the past lives, while important for the book and Lindsay, don't get their flashback episodes. It's a nice refreshing take on the trope. Despite some complains about the balance of the comedy, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I read it in one sitting, and I think many may do the same.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 3, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. The premise of the story is interesting and engaging enough. I really liked all the characters in the story except maybe for Lindsay's ex-husband Ben. I loved the easy and funny banter between all the characters and even the serious conversations.
There were 3 romances in the story; one with the main MCs and two subplots.The two side romances felt a lot more real and heartfelt, but the one between the MCs felt more like lust than love, because they felt like that was all it would ever be. The ending felt rushed and unresolved. It didn't pull at any heartstrings. I was happy for them coming together but it just felt empty.
Overall it was entertaining enough for me to keep reading the book right up to the end so 4 🌟 for that but the ending felt meh.
There were 3 romances in the story; one with the main MCs and two subplots.The two side romances felt a lot more real and heartfelt, but the one between the MCs felt more like lust than love, because they felt like that was all it would ever be. The ending felt rushed and unresolved. It didn't pull at any heartstrings. I was happy for them coming together but it just felt empty.
Overall it was entertaining enough for me to keep reading the book right up to the end so 4 🌟 for that but the ending felt meh.
September 25, 2020
Enjoyed this book - really loved the characters, the best friends and all the supporting cast (Go! Mrs Stokely) I really invested in it a but found the brick wall ending painful and shameful. It was as if the author reached a certain point, thought "I'm bored now," threw together 3 sentences and that was it.
May 15, 2020
4.5* loved it!
May 3, 2020
Detailed score: 3.25
Firstly kudos to the author for trying something different - and for managing using use a past life trope without using flashbacks.
Unfortunately this didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I felt like I knew more about every other character in the book except our leads. I knew more about the two BFFs and their relationship with the leads than I felt I did about the leads themselves and the relationship between them.
There are lots of pwoar scenes but to the detriment of the romance / chemistry.
I also felt the pacing was a bit off. Even with the epilogue it ended abruptly.
I will note that I have a bit of a bias against books set in small towns. I just don’t find them interesting... that might have also played a factor here. Readers who enjoy the small town vibe may feel this a little more.
Overall: I applaud the effort to try something different but unfortunately I really didn’t feel this one. Will be interested to see if others feel differently.
Firstly kudos to the author for trying something different - and for managing using use a past life trope without using flashbacks.
Unfortunately this didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I felt like I knew more about every other character in the book except our leads. I knew more about the two BFFs and their relationship with the leads than I felt I did about the leads themselves and the relationship between them.
There are lots of pwoar scenes but to the detriment of the romance / chemistry.
I also felt the pacing was a bit off. Even with the epilogue it ended abruptly.
I will note that I have a bit of a bias against books set in small towns. I just don’t find them interesting... that might have also played a factor here. Readers who enjoy the small town vibe may feel this a little more.
Overall: I applaud the effort to try something different but unfortunately I really didn’t feel this one. Will be interested to see if others feel differently.
May 19, 2020
The synopsis says Ren visits her college roommate Patty, and when I was reading the book I asked out loud, "who the hell is Deb?" Anyhow... it's easy to overlook that little error because I freaking loved this story. Most especially the story within the story of Roo and Katie.
I really loved the witty and playful banter between the characters. They're a funny bunch. I also thought Ben was just a waste of space, useless manchild who can't let go and allow his ex to be happy.
T'was an awesome story to get lost in.
I really loved the witty and playful banter between the characters. They're a funny bunch. I also thought Ben was just a waste of space, useless manchild who can't let go and allow his ex to be happy.
T'was an awesome story to get lost in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2020
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I go back and forth on Spencer books, I enjoyed her short story set and 30 Dates in 30 Days but wasn’t impressed by The Road to Madison. This was sort of between both, I was intrigued by the past life premise, but the execution fell flat.
This features Lindsay, a recently divorced artist who believes she had a past life with a woman named Roo and lives in a small town with her daughter, her BFF from way back also features. The other MC is Ren, who is visiting said small town to see her BFF before taking a job in Paris. The first time Lindsay sees Ren she faints, because she thinks Ren is Roo. This could have set up an interesting book about past life connections, but it never quite gets there.
Instead it’s kind of Robin Alexander meets Melissa Brayden with hijinks and zany characters of an Alexander book and Braydenesque banter. The nicknames for the BFFs and the over the top situations were too cutesy for me.
In all honesty I’d have preferred more relationship building between the leads and less of the zaniness. The whole relationship felt underdone and the reveal came too late. The ending was very rushed (actually takes place in the epilogue) so the pacing felt off.
Others have enjoyed this more than I did and if you’re a Spencer fan I’m sure you’d enjoy it. It’s an ok read, I was just hoping for something a bit deeper. This is mostly fluff. 3 stars.
I go back and forth on Spencer books, I enjoyed her short story set and 30 Dates in 30 Days but wasn’t impressed by The Road to Madison. This was sort of between both, I was intrigued by the past life premise, but the execution fell flat.
This features Lindsay, a recently divorced artist who believes she had a past life with a woman named Roo and lives in a small town with her daughter, her BFF from way back also features. The other MC is Ren, who is visiting said small town to see her BFF before taking a job in Paris. The first time Lindsay sees Ren she faints, because she thinks Ren is Roo. This could have set up an interesting book about past life connections, but it never quite gets there.
Instead it’s kind of Robin Alexander meets Melissa Brayden with hijinks and zany characters of an Alexander book and Braydenesque banter. The nicknames for the BFFs and the over the top situations were too cutesy for me.
In all honesty I’d have preferred more relationship building between the leads and less of the zaniness. The whole relationship felt underdone and the reveal came too late. The ending was very rushed (actually takes place in the epilogue) so the pacing felt off.
Others have enjoyed this more than I did and if you’re a Spencer fan I’m sure you’d enjoy it. It’s an ok read, I was just hoping for something a bit deeper. This is mostly fluff. 3 stars.
September 6, 2020
OMG, this book was so good! I can't believe there's less than 300 ratings as of today. Right here is a F/F gem you all need to check out. Only if reincarnated soulmates with great chemistry sounds good to you, of course.
Waiting for you is about Lindsay and Ren. One is visiting her friend before going to Paris for her work. One is a local artist who for some reason, gets those vivid dreams about a woman but also a boy and she knows in her heart that she lived a past life with them. So when she meets her lost soul-mate in the present time, she faints at the sight of her. Obviously, she doesn't want to scare Ren and appear like a strange crazy woman so she doesn't tell her right away and prefers to get to know her before doing or saying anything. Right from the start, the chemistry and tension was there and I was all for it. I also loved the side characters even though Patty (Lindsay's best friend) was a bit too possessive at times.
Also, I know I had the e-book version but I was so behind on my arcs I bought the audiobooks of some of them to get through them easily. If you have the chance, pick the audio because the narrator did a great job and I'll probably listen to more f/f romances narrated by her in the future <3
(Thank you for letting me read and review an arc via Netgalley)
Waiting for you is about Lindsay and Ren. One is visiting her friend before going to Paris for her work. One is a local artist who for some reason, gets those vivid dreams about a woman but also a boy and she knows in her heart that she lived a past life with them. So when she meets her lost soul-mate in the present time, she faints at the sight of her. Obviously, she doesn't want to scare Ren and appear like a strange crazy woman so she doesn't tell her right away and prefers to get to know her before doing or saying anything. Right from the start, the chemistry and tension was there and I was all for it. I also loved the side characters even though Patty (Lindsay's best friend) was a bit too possessive at times.
Also, I know I had the e-book version but I was so behind on my arcs I bought the audiobooks of some of them to get through them easily. If you have the chance, pick the audio because the narrator did a great job and I'll probably listen to more f/f romances narrated by her in the future <3
(Thank you for letting me read and review an arc via Netgalley)
May 19, 2020
I've been wanting to try an Elle Spencer book for a while so as soon as I saw this one up for request on Netgalley I knew I had to read it, and whilst i'm glad I did i'll admit that this wasn't quite the book for me.
I really enjoyed the writing style here and how well developed the characters were. There's actually a decent sized cast of characters here but all of them felt well-developed and explored.
The relationship was cute, although definitely a little insta-love. However, this book focuses heavily on the idea of past lives and I just could not get into that aspect which just ruined my enjoyment of the entire book.
A good book, just not for me but i'm still hoping to try more from this author in the future.
ARC copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the writing style here and how well developed the characters were. There's actually a decent sized cast of characters here but all of them felt well-developed and explored.
The relationship was cute, although definitely a little insta-love. However, this book focuses heavily on the idea of past lives and I just could not get into that aspect which just ruined my enjoyment of the entire book.
A good book, just not for me but i'm still hoping to try more from this author in the future.
ARC copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2020
I have read most of Elle Spencer's romances and I think this is by far her best. Lindsay Hall has felt since High School like she lived a past live where she was in love with Roo (a woman)..17 years later she is newly divorced with a Daughter who is 17,. She has become a successful portrait painter and still longs for Roo and an unknown boy of around 10 to 12 years old. Ren Christopher is in town for two weeks to visit her best friend from college before going off to Paris for a new job. When Lindsay comes across Ren she takes one look at her and faints. She knows that Ren is Roo.
I was really impressed with the main and supporting characters. I love a book that has enough dialogue to keep me from getting bored and Waiting for you has plenty. The chemistry between Lindsay and Ren is incredible. You just knew they would fall for each other. When they finally fall into bed, it is unexpected and oh so delicious. I am just SMH at how good this was. I never felt that this romance was superficial even though Lindsay was caught up in the idea of Roo. Everything was just natural.
This is for some one of the best books I have read this year and I can't help but give it 5 stars.
This arc was provide by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
I was really impressed with the main and supporting characters. I love a book that has enough dialogue to keep me from getting bored and Waiting for you has plenty. The chemistry between Lindsay and Ren is incredible. You just knew they would fall for each other. When they finally fall into bed, it is unexpected and oh so delicious. I am just SMH at how good this was. I never felt that this romance was superficial even though Lindsay was caught up in the idea of Roo. Everything was just natural.
This is for some one of the best books I have read this year and I can't help but give it 5 stars.
This arc was provide by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
May 23, 2020
This was a great book. I like Elle's writing and her angst filled books. I was really looking forward to that when I picked up this book, but this is different from her usual books. The book was okay, I guess but I am more of an angst filled books fan. I get really happy when I see an author deviates from the norm.
3 stars
3 stars
June 26, 2020
4 stars | Elle Spencer’s books keep getting better and better. While I found Casting Lacey to be just okay, I enjoyed Spencer’s rom-com 30 Dates in 30 Days a lot. There was none of that ~cheap angst I hate in her two latest releases, and I enjoyed Waiting For You even more.
I’m not too sure how to categorize this novel. Is it a paranormal romance? Magical realism? Anyway, when I first read the synopsis, I was a little hesitant, but the cover is gorgeous and it convinced me to give it a shot. Waiting For You has a little bit of everything: humour, drama, a good romance and a bunch of strong women.
The characters in this one are fantastic. The MCs have this intense chemistry between them. The supporting cast is the best I’ve read about in a long while. Most side characters are well-fleshed out, and I loved Mrs. Stockely’s backstory and her forbidden love. It had me teared up quite a few times, especially on Millie’s birthday.
My only real complaint is that I found the end to be a little rushed. Everything was wrapped up quickly, and I didn’t find the ending quite satisfying.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
I’m not too sure how to categorize this novel. Is it a paranormal romance? Magical realism? Anyway, when I first read the synopsis, I was a little hesitant, but the cover is gorgeous and it convinced me to give it a shot. Waiting For You has a little bit of everything: humour, drama, a good romance and a bunch of strong women.
The characters in this one are fantastic. The MCs have this intense chemistry between them. The supporting cast is the best I’ve read about in a long while. Most side characters are well-fleshed out, and I loved Mrs. Stockely’s backstory and her forbidden love. It had me teared up quite a few times, especially on Millie’s birthday.
My only real complaint is that I found the end to be a little rushed. Everything was wrapped up quickly, and I didn’t find the ending quite satisfying.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
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