Broken Faith

The Calgary Chronicles #2

by Lois Cloarec Hart

Emotional wounds aren't always apparent, and those that haunt Marika and Rhiannon are deep and lasting. On the surface, Marika appears to be a wealthy, successful lawyer, while Rhiannon is a reclusive, maladjusted loner; but Marika, in her own way, is as damaged as the younger Rhiannon. When circumstances throw them together one summer, they begin to reach out, each finding unexpected strengths in the other. However, even as inner demons are gradually vanquished and old hurts begin to heal, evil in human form reappears. The cruelly enigmatic Cass has used and controlled Marika in the past, and aims to do so again. Can Marika find it within herself to break free? Can she save her young friend from Cass' malevolent web? With the support of remarkable friends, the pair fights to break free-of their crippling pasts and the woman who will own them, or kill them.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Lesbian, Thriller, Lesbian Romance, Crime, LGBT

1 pages, Audio CD

First published June 1, 2002

About the author

From the publisher's website: Born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, Lois Cloarec Hart grew up as an avid reader but didn’t begin writing until much later in life. Several years after joining the Canadian Armed Forces, she received a degree in Honours History from Royal Military College and on graduation switched occupations from air traffic control to military intelligence. Having married a CAF fighter pilot while in college, Lois went on to spend another five years as an Intelligence Officer before leaving the military to care for her husband, who was ill with chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis and passed away in 2001. She began writing while caring for her husband in his final years and had her first book, Coming Home, published in 2001. It was through that initial publishing process that Lois met the woman she would marry in April 2007. She now commutes annually between her northern home in Calgary and her wife’s southern home in Atlanta.

Lois is the author of four novels, Coming Home, Broken Faith, Kicker’s Journey, Walking the Labyrinth, and a collection of short stories, Assorted Flavours. Her novel Kicker’s Journey won the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Award bronze medal, 2010 Golden Crown Literary Awards, 2010 Rainbow Romance Writer’s Award for Excellence, and 2009 Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Award for historical fiction. Broken Faith (revised second edition) will be published in print and e-formats in winter 2013 and Coming Home (revised third edition) in spring 2014.

Reviews

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to, and enjoyed Anastasia Watley’s wonderful narration of Broken Faith by Lois Cloarec Hart. I indulge in this lesfic romance author’s work even though her writing borders on being too saccharine for my tastes. Watley just adds that special awesome sauce that I will never say no to.

So yeah, the slow burn romance will test your patience and the bad bitch Cass is the biggest psycho north of the 49th parallel and relentless as hell to boot. Fun times!

Broken Faith is available as audio book on Scribd, together with the first one in this series. True Romance fans will swoon for days. 15 hours of Watley’s voice will do that to you.

Now I really need to dive into something more bleak to bring my blood sugar down to normal levels.

f/f

4.2 Stars

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received through Goodreads Firstreads, signed and with extras. Thank you!

Broken Faith was really, really, really good. This is the first book in a long time that I've put down several times within the last few chapters in an attempt to have it last just that little bit longer. a failed attempt, but an attempt nonetheless.
I absolutely inhaled it, breaking only to do little more than sleep and eat. As soon as I shut the pages my mind was overrun with thoughts of Marika and Rhiannon, Marika and Lee, Lee and Rhiannon, Lee and Dana, Marika and Cass, Rhiannon and David, and all the rest. I adored each and every one of the characters, even those like Hettie and the King brothers and Cass, though in their case it was that I loved the way that they were written. They were unkind and overall, they were just horrible, but written in a way that you can read on and are not at all detered from continuing the story in order to avoid them, as, unfortunately, is sometimes the case.

I was happy that I wasn't given a story like so many others, where the protagonsit and love interest seem to fall into bed the moment they meet, with little or no prelude. In Broken Faith we find Marika and Rhiannon, each with their own tumulous history, trust issues and, well, broken faith. We follow them as they get to know each other and their own seperate worlds begin to meld until they are finally ready to take that next step forward in their lives and with each other with the support of (most of) those around them, including one most unexpected.

For me, David portrayed the true identity of religion and belief. Where more often than not those with religious inclinations find every excuse to fight sexual choice, David was there in a way as to accept whatever developments became between Rhiannon and Marika without shunning or being unkind in any way, simply accepting that what is, is, and continuing to embrace Rhiannon in his life in a friendly and almost daughterly way.

Here we followed (for the most part) two women that stood up against those blocking them from being true to themselves, and who broke through those restraints to find a whole new world before them, waiting with open arms. They found each other and they found a true family.

I would have liked to read a bit more about Marika and Cass, though what was shared was certainly enough to paint a clear picture of the abuses, physical, emotional, ect., that were found there.

Broken Faith was absolutely beautiful and I had to fight the urge to pick it back up and start it all over again as soon as I finished it. I did have enough restraint to put it down for long enough to read two more novels, but I am now back to it - four days after finishing it the first time around. I will definitely be picking up more of Hart's novels in the future.

First read: 06.03.14 - 09.03.14
Second read: 13.03.14 - 18.03.14
Third read: 19.07.14 - 31.07.14

[T.J. Dallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable and action filled romance. (Plus bonus points for Rhiannon's name, I've never seen that in a book before!)

It takes a while for Marika and Rhiannon to get to know each other outside of work, but their love blossoms in the most genuine and realistic way, with help from their friends, David, Lee, and Dana. I really loved Lee's character (she was my favourite), and I would love to read more about her.

Marika has been psychologically abused by an ex-lover, Cass, and Rhiannon has been forced to live with her horrible aunt Hettie. When things heat up, and a surprise encounter reveals a double-life, Marika and Rhiannon have to fight against the odds to survive!

Not your normal contemporary romance, and I enjoyed the thrill and action involved. Well-written with numerous lovely and well-rounded characters. First book I've read by the author and would happily read another. (I'm also taking this as my first of 'Jae's Reading Challenge 2021' under 'longer book' (more than 120k words, lol!) Thanks!

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, living with the characters in a thriller come Lesbian Romance. Really good back story - highly recommended.

[Bib · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not too bad, but I enjoyed Kicker's Journey and Coming Home more.

[Lady Olenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Broken Faith is a contemporary, slow burn romance with a dash of suspense written by Lois Cloarec Hart

The first 2/3 of the book was very much naturalistic fiction. And I love it. The author focused on the characters’ lives mundanity and established their backstories. It felt very natural, simple and I enjoyed every chapter of it. It was easy to follow.

The remaining part of the book where the thrill and action starts, at first I was very much captivated by the chase. However, as the attempts on their lives grew closer and the risk higher, it started to feel like a cop show. It’s not bad or anything, it’s just different from the pace and vibe earlier in the story.

The main characters were written very well. The slow burn’s pace was so perfectly timed, I was eating off the palm of the author’s hand.

Broken Faith by Lois Cloarec Hart was a great read. I enjoyed a lot of the parts of the story.

[Tory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize that this book was part of a series and this was book 2. I didn’t read book 1 but think I will go back anyway and read it.
I like a good suspense book and this was definitely that! It kept me guessing and racing to see how it ends. It’s a slow burn type of romance along with the suspense, which I also enjoy. I’ve read a book by this author (Kicker’s Journey) that was nothing like this one. I loved Kicker’s Journey and I think this book is just as good.
I recommend this book. Enjoy!

[bookster · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a while since this book was written, but for this story it doesn’t matter much.

When Rhiannon gets assigned to Marika, Marika isn’t too thrilled with the silent almost ice queen behaviour of her new assistant. When her friend Lee shows up at her office and with her interaction with Rhiannon shows a different side of the young woman Marika is at a loss. Both Marika and Rhiannon have demons to battle, some from the past and some from the present. They deal with their demons with the help from their friends. Which for Rhiannon is an altogether new concept, she’s never had any friends. When Marika’s last bed partner turns out to be more evil than even security expert Lee thought the two women have to get out of town. When they are in a secluded cabin at the lake their relationship comes to full fruition.

The book had a revision in the time of smartphones and what not, but I like that the author didn’t change those things in the story. It adds some sort of nostalgia. And honestly what does all the current tech actually add to a story, not much. The muster part is rather good, I also like how this mousy silent woman (Rhiannon) turns out to be unbelievably strong and fiercely loyal. Marika is a bit of hit and miss for me, but she’s alright. The slow burn is really nice and slow and interwoven with the mystery it makes for a nice story to read.

[Dee]

This isn't a bad book, it just isn't for me. It's the second one I've tried to read by this author, and both books had copious amounts of inner musings. Reading pages half full of italics (with inner thoughts when we are in that characters head anyway), is hugely distracting for me, so much so, I literally lost the plot.

DNF at 35% = no rating.

[Chand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Broken Faith is a slow-burning romance. It does a good job of allowing the relationship between the two main characters, Marika and Rhiannon, to develop gradually. The characters are so well sketched that one understands very soon in the book how Broken Faith is an apt name for it. The thing that separates Hart from other writers in the genre is that she doesn’t like to rush things, instead she takes her time to develop all her characters, even if it means that the focus sometimes moves away from the protagonists. While this can seem frustrating at times and make some readers feel that the novel is longer than it needs to be, another set of readers will want the experience to go on a little while longer so they can continue to enjoy the author’s fine prose.

I received a review copy from Ylva Publishing.

[Elia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was an absolute masterpiece. I don't even remember exactly how I stumbled upon this author other than scrolling Libby, but I am so glad I did. This story was captivating, deep, and well-thought out. The plot was intricate and had perspectives from many different characters, while focusing on a choice few. It was easy to follow and the character building was phenomenal. I feel like the first few chapters I was walking through life with the main couple as individuals and I loved it! I wasn't quite expecting when and how the suspense came in but it was methodical and well-worked. The full circle of not only the romance, but the characters as individuals, and the dangerous conflict was amazing. I am very happy to end my reading year with such a book! <3

[Cece S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Seriously one of the best books I’ve ever read. I can’t stop thinking about this book. I’ll probably reread very soon.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Ylva in exchange for an honest review.

I read all three books of the Calgary series and this one is by far my favorite. I enjopyed to read about both Marika and Rhi and was sad when the book was over. I liked that they didn’t have an imidiate chemistry and actually didn’t really care for each other at first other than working together, which made the building of their relationship even more interesting. The only thing I did not particularly like was the crime plot in the book and how easily Marika and Rhi dealt with it. They were almost killed twice and it didn’t seem to shake them up at all. I also still wonder why Gio just rolled over and gave up on killing them, which was his only goal, after he learned that they are a couple. I didn’t really understand that plot line. Other than that I really enjoyed this book and I hoped that the third one was about them too but it wasn’t.

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an entertaining and enjoyable read that connected nicely with the first book in the series. Rhiannon, legal assistant lives with her not so nice "Christian" Aunt Hettie. Rhiannon is saving money so she can get from under the pressure of this woman. Marika, successful attorney dealing with emotional issues that impact her personal life. Shy Rhiannon and damaged Marika carry baggage from family and relationship trauma. It is difficult for both women to trust. When the two meet it is a bumpy start but with intervention from Lee and support from Dana, the women come together in friendship and maybe more. The complex and compelling character of Cass is really well written and she is easy to dislike. On the other hand, Lee, her partner Dana along with David, Jan and Terry are strong supporters of the main characters. I enjoyed this read and it made me think about family, religion and friendship.

[Sebi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved how the author manages to stay in third person but dipped in and out of the perspectives of different characters without it being confusing or jarring.
But the plot and pacing, although good, was not great… aspects of the plot were just unrealistic, and tbh the way the romance was written was disappointing. I was invested in the characters but their romantic relationship wasn’t overly believable. Probably cos the author made so many key moments of Marika & Rhiannon’s relationship happen behind the scenes. So we as readers didn’t get to see things as they happened, we instead were told afterwards. I like slow burn romances but once this finally started to turn romantic, it suddenly became very rushed. They went from declaring their feelings for each other (which was cute) to suddenly saying “I love you” one DAY later. Before they’d even had sex. A bit too rushed.

[Alicia Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Faith
(The Calgary Chronicles #2)
by Lois Cloarec Hart


Review

I listened to Anastasia Watley narration of Broken Faith on Audible. The narration was amazing, which is normal for Anastasia, she is one of my favorites.

I enjoyed this drama, crime, romance story. The relationship between Marika and Rhiannon, is slow moving, and they both are lost and in horrible situations. But once they get going they are very sweet together.

Lee and Dana were wonderful friends and family to both main characters. There’s a lot going on in the story, but it keeps you on the edge of your sit.

Cass is a horrible person. She’s a chameleon. Her husband had no idea who he was married to a monster.

It’s a slow burn. I highly recommend this audio book Anastasia Watley did a superb job!! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tempe Luvs Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Anastasia Watley. I loved this book, #2 in The Calgary Chronicles series. I wish I had read it in sequence as I would have been more familiar with some of the characters. However, it didn’t diminish my love for the story.
This author is so naturally skilled at creating beautiful characters and drawing the reader into the story.
I’ve now read all three in the series and this one had some added crime and suspense which became a bit intense at times. It allowed Lee to showcase her private investigator skills.
The main romance in this story was between Marika, Lee’s best friend, and Rhiannon, Marika’s new assistant.

[wren4777 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a good read! I really enjoy romances where both leads have trauma they need to work through, and this book was no exception. The way they both help heal each other was so sweet and cathartic, especially Rhi's transformation from incredibly closed-off to kind and friendly.

This novel also surprised me by making me, someone who isn't a fan of religion, appreciate and care about Father David's character - and the temptation to spoil Rhi's nickname for him here is way too tempting.

I also liked that the mystery element concluded with Cass just being a psychopathic criminal rather than a convoluted government coverup or the like. It kept things grounded and believable for me.

[Rocío · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't just stop reading chapter after chapter. And you won't want to do it. You'll want to know everything about every character, very well developed.
It's hard to know about Rhia's life but, at the same time, it's endearing how different people are willong to help her come out of her shell. You can see what true friendship looks like.
You don't want to miss it.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel by Lois Cloarec Hart in the audiobook format. The narrator, Anastasia Watley, did a really good job of reading in such a way that it was clear when it was internal dialog she was delivering versus external. That is not something all narrators do well, I find.

I like that community and friendship are as big a part of this story as the romance and the mystery.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great read.
This book started a little slow and left me wondering how everything was related. However, it soon became apparent as the writer skillfully wove all the seemingly loose ends and character interactions into a comprehensive and coherent plot that had me addicted.
Highly recommended

[Juliet · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

Got to chapter 18 (about half way through) and couldn’t read anymore, so boring unfortunately:(

There is no chemistry between them, and their personalities are on par with a wet cloth. Rhiannon is so young for her age, she’s more like a child, this reads like a romance between an adult and a child even though it’s not. Weird

[Frances Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Again before I stars because I couldn't put it down and then I was thinking about it doing My day A great story line with a little mystery my kind of reading I recommend this book

[L E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all of it, the amazing friends and if I ever found a priest like that, I would consider going back to church. this was the right amount of history, drama, action, romance, friendships and most importantly LOVE!

[Donna Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lois Cloarec Hart can bring damaged opposite characters together. Mixing with the crime world and investigators this tale entwined a boss and her employee in a forever way. Anastasia Watley does a great narration

[Elizabeth Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic character development. Slow burn, mystery, and romance. Great storyline. Page turner.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn, very suspenseful romance.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This was a great book. It kept me guessing and I loved how it all came together. The main characters helped heal one another and find love.

[Jen Keyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the first one but still boring. Sex scenes are dry. Characters are more thought out but I wanted to stop 1/2 way through.