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Country Living
When Peri Sanderson achieves her dream of moving from London to a cottage in the English countryside, she expects her domestic bliss will be complete when her wife, Karla, leaves her London job to join her. Peri sees their future together as growing vegetables, tending some chickens, and chatting with the locals by a roaring log fire in a quaint village pub.Sexy urbanite, Karla, has other ideas and they don't include a move to the countryside.Secrets are everywhere. Peri quickly senses something not quite right among her rural neighbours, and Karla is not quite the worldly wise woman-about-town that she thinks she is.Temptation, betrayal and intrigue combine to change the lives of both women beyond anything they could have imagined.
- GenresLesbian
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2020
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Jen Silver
23 books24 followersJen lives near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with her long-term partner whom she married in December 2014. She has always enjoyed reading an eclectic range of genres including sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction and lesbian fiction. As well as reading and writing, other activities include golf, archery, and taking part in archaeological digs. Jen's debut novel, Starting Over, was published by Affinity in October 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 9, 2020
3.5* – At sixty, Peri is finally making a reality of her dream of living in the countryside. Her cottage is lovely, her new neighbours are helpful and welcoming, her wifi is top-notch and allows her to work from home… All that’s missing is her wife by her side, but that’s only a matter of months. Or at least, that’s what Peri thinks, whereas, unbeknownst to her, Karla is having a steamy affair with socialite Syd.
Nothing is what it seems in this book. Plot twists abound, and what looked like a nice little story about moving to the English countryside turns into a mix of scorchingly hot erotica, drug-fueled action, coming of age and coming out and sweet kittens. There are a lot of secondary characters, with just enough substance to them to not feel superficial, and the style is agile and effective.
While there’s a lot to like in this novel, it didn’t touch me as much as I would have liked, and I’ve been struggling about what to write in my review. I don’t have much to say, either bad or good, so I’ll keep it short. I need more feelings and emotions in my reads, I did, however, enjoy reading this. Though it may not be my kind of book, it could very well be yours.
Nothing is what it seems in this book. Plot twists abound, and what looked like a nice little story about moving to the English countryside turns into a mix of scorchingly hot erotica, drug-fueled action, coming of age and coming out and sweet kittens. There are a lot of secondary characters, with just enough substance to them to not feel superficial, and the style is agile and effective.
While there’s a lot to like in this novel, it didn’t touch me as much as I would have liked, and I’ve been struggling about what to write in my review. I don’t have much to say, either bad or good, so I’ll keep it short. I need more feelings and emotions in my reads, I did, however, enjoy reading this. Though it may not be my kind of book, it could very well be yours.
Read
February 2, 2021You know that children’s party game ‘Pass The Parcel’ where the kid holding the wrapped parcel when the music pauses gets to unwrap one layer of the multi-layered wrapping, and there’s a new wrapping underneath as a surprise? That’s what this story is. It’s a wlw pass the parcel. A plot twist turns up when you least expect it. It’s personal drama, couples drama, family drama, village drama.
Jen Silver writes like those people who tell you a story over a cup of tea and start off chronologically but then remember a bit they left out so they pop it in, then keep going, but tell it from someone else’s perspective because that’s how they heard it first, then settle back into the chronology again. It’s endearing.
Country Living is told from multiple perspectives. You get Peri, Karla, Syd (Karla’s rich lover), Dani (Peri’s best friend), Sharon (Dani’s wife), Martin (the neighbour), Hayley (neighbour), Bean (neighbour’s daughter), Rory (neighbour’s son), Raven (Peri’s new love interest) all telling their side of the main stories and letting us see briefly into a new story that’s developing entirely on its own. It could drive some readers a bit bonkers because it’s like peeking in windows but not stopping to get a good look, but I liked it.
We are left in no doubt who the ‘villain’ of the story is. The consequences of her actions hit Karla again and again as her life disintegrates. In fact, as one brick is taken from the foundations holding her life together, another is added to Peri’s, therefore solidifying her life-change decision. There is one point when I drew in a sharp breath because I thought the consequence about to befall Karla was too harsh. She avoids it, which I was glad about, because it would have been all too much; like hitting a nail with an anvil. Dani and Sharon are written in as the counterbalance to Peri and Karla’s exploding-to-pieces marriage. If there’s a weakness here, it’s that we are not given any opportunity to form or bring our own opinion about cheating to this story. Our opinion is already there for us. Luckily, I went in with that viewpoint already.
This is a tiny negative; I really disliked the title. Country Living. There was so much more to this book that those two words, and they don’t do the story justice.
The chemistry between Karla and Syd is loud and incendiary, and the sex scenes feature two women desperate with need. This is the point. Karla is addicted. Addicted to her next conquest, her next sex partner, the next secret she can keep from Peri. Syd is also addicted, except her addiction is to use sex as a tool to manipulate.
Peri and Raven’s chemistry is quiet and gorgeous. I actually wish we’d seen more of their romance.
It is a mesmerising sport to watch the path people travel when they are followed by the consequences of their actions. For Peri, her path is new, even at sixty years of age, but a lifetime of path-making experience trails behind her. I reckon she will be absolutely fine.
Featured Tropes:
Cheating. Drugs. Slow-burn. Older lesbian. Divorce.
Jen Silver writes like those people who tell you a story over a cup of tea and start off chronologically but then remember a bit they left out so they pop it in, then keep going, but tell it from someone else’s perspective because that’s how they heard it first, then settle back into the chronology again. It’s endearing.
Country Living is told from multiple perspectives. You get Peri, Karla, Syd (Karla’s rich lover), Dani (Peri’s best friend), Sharon (Dani’s wife), Martin (the neighbour), Hayley (neighbour), Bean (neighbour’s daughter), Rory (neighbour’s son), Raven (Peri’s new love interest) all telling their side of the main stories and letting us see briefly into a new story that’s developing entirely on its own. It could drive some readers a bit bonkers because it’s like peeking in windows but not stopping to get a good look, but I liked it.
We are left in no doubt who the ‘villain’ of the story is. The consequences of her actions hit Karla again and again as her life disintegrates. In fact, as one brick is taken from the foundations holding her life together, another is added to Peri’s, therefore solidifying her life-change decision. There is one point when I drew in a sharp breath because I thought the consequence about to befall Karla was too harsh. She avoids it, which I was glad about, because it would have been all too much; like hitting a nail with an anvil. Dani and Sharon are written in as the counterbalance to Peri and Karla’s exploding-to-pieces marriage. If there’s a weakness here, it’s that we are not given any opportunity to form or bring our own opinion about cheating to this story. Our opinion is already there for us. Luckily, I went in with that viewpoint already.
This is a tiny negative; I really disliked the title. Country Living. There was so much more to this book that those two words, and they don’t do the story justice.
The chemistry between Karla and Syd is loud and incendiary, and the sex scenes feature two women desperate with need. This is the point. Karla is addicted. Addicted to her next conquest, her next sex partner, the next secret she can keep from Peri. Syd is also addicted, except her addiction is to use sex as a tool to manipulate.
Peri and Raven’s chemistry is quiet and gorgeous. I actually wish we’d seen more of their romance.
It is a mesmerising sport to watch the path people travel when they are followed by the consequences of their actions. For Peri, her path is new, even at sixty years of age, but a lifetime of path-making experience trails behind her. I reckon she will be absolutely fine.
Featured Tropes:
Cheating. Drugs. Slow-burn. Older lesbian. Divorce.
May 27, 2020
A lovely story
Peri has moved into a lovely cottage in countryside, awaiting the arrival of her wife joining her for the next step of their life together in a more relaxed environment than the fast paced city. When Peri’s friend discovers that Peri’s wife appears to have another life Peri was unaware of, Peri takes action. Filing for divorce she is determined to get that perfect country life she has always dreamed off, and hopefully the romance to complete it. With the support of her friends, and the family who live on the neighbouring farm, Peri builds her new life without a single look back at the wife who has destroyed her own chance at happiness.
This was so sweet in terms of Peri building her beautiful life in the country, but of course it wouldn’t be a romance without drama, and Peri’s wife provided this in buckets. I really felt for Peri. To endure such heartache, especially as an older woman, she was a fantastic character to represent that it is never too late to pick up the pieces, move on and rebuild your life. My heart broke for her when she learned of her wife’s infidelities and I admired how calmly and kindly she actual dealt with the indiscretions.
I also loved how she was your typical helpful, cheery, neighbour who is always there when you need them. She very much threw herself right into the community at her new home, and quickly made friends with the neighbours on the farm. I loved the relationship Jen built for Peri with them, and their children and how she was grandmotherly but the cool, hip, older woman next door that they could all confide in one way or another. It really was like a little drama show set in the countryside where one person is definitely part of the heart that makes a community.
Really was a sweet, cute, and slightly dramatic romance with steamy moments, and lots of happiness despite everything that had happened to Peri. I would recommend this great book, as it was just lovely.
Peri has moved into a lovely cottage in countryside, awaiting the arrival of her wife joining her for the next step of their life together in a more relaxed environment than the fast paced city. When Peri’s friend discovers that Peri’s wife appears to have another life Peri was unaware of, Peri takes action. Filing for divorce she is determined to get that perfect country life she has always dreamed off, and hopefully the romance to complete it. With the support of her friends, and the family who live on the neighbouring farm, Peri builds her new life without a single look back at the wife who has destroyed her own chance at happiness.
This was so sweet in terms of Peri building her beautiful life in the country, but of course it wouldn’t be a romance without drama, and Peri’s wife provided this in buckets. I really felt for Peri. To endure such heartache, especially as an older woman, she was a fantastic character to represent that it is never too late to pick up the pieces, move on and rebuild your life. My heart broke for her when she learned of her wife’s infidelities and I admired how calmly and kindly she actual dealt with the indiscretions.
I also loved how she was your typical helpful, cheery, neighbour who is always there when you need them. She very much threw herself right into the community at her new home, and quickly made friends with the neighbours on the farm. I loved the relationship Jen built for Peri with them, and their children and how she was grandmotherly but the cool, hip, older woman next door that they could all confide in one way or another. It really was like a little drama show set in the countryside where one person is definitely part of the heart that makes a community.
Really was a sweet, cute, and slightly dramatic romance with steamy moments, and lots of happiness despite everything that had happened to Peri. I would recommend this great book, as it was just lovely.
March 28, 2020
Sometimes perfection isn't always what it seems. Peri learned that the hard way but..... what goes around, comes around. Luckily for Peri, a dream turns into a new reality. Country Living is a great read about temptation, betrayal, intrigue and a budding relationship. The writing is excellent, it has interesting plot elements and well developed characters. I loved every aspect of this story and highly recommend it.
April 23, 2020
This unique writer's style kept me reading and engaged. The characters were well developed, the scenery was awesome, and the plot unexpected. I would have liked a bit more detail, but overall a great read that I would recommend. Thank you Jen Silver.
April 18, 2021
Wow, a well-written, carefully plotted lesbian romance with memorable characters and an interesting supporting cast. And not only that, but the book focuses on lesbians who are mature women (ages in 50s and 60s). I understand that this is the author's tenth novel. That makes me want to check out the rest of her oeuvre.
December 16, 2024
4.5 stars
3 words: small but mighty
Dont get fooled by the cover/title, this is gonna be a wild ride.
I truly didnt expect this book to have so many subplots. Everything written is either getting into the characters' minds, a new twist or cozy decor. The writing style is truly perfect.
Each twist kept adding to the story, and it made me curious to see what would happen next. Personally, i wish Karla ended up in a worse place (for comedic relief).
I cut one star because i found the ending too abrupt + some details felt too repetitive
3 words: small but mighty
Dont get fooled by the cover/title, this is gonna be a wild ride.
I truly didnt expect this book to have so many subplots. Everything written is either getting into the characters' minds, a new twist or cozy decor. The writing style is truly perfect.
Each twist kept adding to the story, and it made me curious to see what would happen next. Personally, i wish Karla ended up in a worse place (for comedic relief).
I cut one star because i found the ending too abrupt + some details felt too repetitive
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews