Once More with Feeling

by Peggy J. Herring

Entertaining... utterly engaging... and real. An everyday lesbian world so credible you'll think you're eavesdropping. Where you will find the challenges as well as the joys of love and friendship. Where you will find yourself, and the women you know.

After eight years, Laura's relationship with Mavis has collapsed, as much from its decreasing weight and passion as from Mavis's casual infidelity. Taking temporary refuge with close friends Jolly and Wanda, Laura begins to put herself back together, her first step a brief but erotic interlude in Hawaii.

But the most healing person she knows seems to be her own solitary self, and the most healing place, her own house. In the meantime, ex-partner Mavis is busy charming other women. But still she is a an intrusion in Laura's life, bringing over her newest partners, prevailing upon Laura to widen her horizons, to continue their love as loyal friendship.

Then Laura meets appealing, enigmatic Robin... and suddenly finds the possibility of a new relationship. A possibility that intrigues Laura. And completely flabbergasts Mavis...

Genres: Lesbian, Fiction, Lesbian Fiction, Romance, Lesbian Romance, Queer

184 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Peggy J. Herring lives on seven acres in south Texas with her cockatiel, hermit crabs, two wooden cats and several chickens. When she isn't writing Peggy enjoys traveling. She is the recipient of an Alice B. Medal and author of over a dozen romantic novels.

Reviews

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic book, first released in 1995, so it’s a fair age, and there are a few elements which reinforce this age. However, they are unimportant elements as the story is good in its own right. For me, this is a re-read. Although it has been some years since I read it last, I still think it is a great story.
There are some themes that make me angry or cringe, such as over-drinking and drinking and driving. But people did that, they still do. Doesn’t make it right, it is just what people do or have done. I love the characters, even when they act like assholes. The story shows the evolution of a love story, all flaws and joys included.
For me, the book reminds me how easy it is for two people to grow apart, no matter how much you love someone, growing distant is a thing, and it can happen. Sometimes we think that the other thing of the other side of the fence is greener. It isn’t, and so sleeping around, and cheating is never a good thing.
But then we grow up, realise what’s important and things can turn out for the better. And in this story, the main characters do grow, they stop acting like a limp dishcloth (Laura) and a cheating asshole (Mavis), and they are better for it.
Enjoyed this the first time, and even more the second time.

[Lyla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a... Complicated feeling to this book. On one hand it did start to get better in the later half of the book when I adjusted to the writing style. The issues is that statement I just said, and more. For one I just think the writing isn't... great. Some of the descriptions of things come off as more forced "describe a scene using all five senses" rather than actually describing the scene in a way that feels natural to include what something smelled like or felt like etc. The writing just feels awkward and noticeable in places before you start to adjust to it. The other part is once again we have a book that has a rotating cast of characters that I will forget or get mixed up because none are developed enough for me to care about. Who's dating who? What? Who is that again..? What do you mean this wasn't the main group of friends I thought it was I completely forgot about these two. Continue til the end of the book. It did start picking up and I think the two main characters starting to work out their problems did work.. Also another win for characters going to therapy! That was great to see! However all the characters still feel just too close to being that, characters, to make this messy "real life" style of book work? I would be ok with that if the book was more fun or the writing didn't grate on me every few paragraphs with another out there word or phrase that completely pulled me out of it. Overall, the book was like, fine. Maybe I'm being overly harsh with it seeing as I did finish it, but it wasn't enjoyable so I feel like 2 stars is more accurate than the 3 stars I might give otherwise.

[Lady Avalon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Dide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing! It isn't often you find books on rekindling love with an ex. This was done without the plot being obvious till the later part of the book and pretty well done.

[Jay Odon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever been in a relationship that you thought was going fine until your partner decides they are done with you, actually had already moved on, and after years of being together you are just dumped by the side of the road like your time didn't even matter... and then after a while you realize that that person is still in love with you and will do anything to get you back but you just cannot open your arms to someone who hurt you so deeply... yeah me neither! This book is a roller coaster of feelings. You feel sorry for the main character, then happy, angry, sad... you don't know who to believe and who to trust. Someone that seems like they can finally get your life back on the happy track only to be run over by lies... you feel lost in your own body and don't know where to go...

Laura and Mavis have been together for 8 years when Mavis announces that she is seeing someone else and is moving out and moving on... As Laura tries to explain to their mutual friends she realizes that she isn't that sad about it and looking back the last few years they were more roommates than partners. As Mavis moves on with her new girl, Laura befriends both of them and actually helps their relationship... Fast forward 2 years and Mavis is with someone else, and they all have formed a group of friends but Laura is still on the sidelines. That is until she meets Robin... Robin whose green eyes just mesmerize and just being around her makes you think of wonderful things. As Laura and Robin get closer and finally fall into each others arms, Mavis is on the sidelines wary of Robin's intentions. As we find out Robin isn't as perfect as she seems and Laura realizes that she wants more than an affair but Robin will be leaving soon and her feelings are out of control. As the story unfolds we learn more secrets not just about Robin but also Mavis.

True love is hard to find and even though you think you might need to move on, that love never really goes away. It is always there in the way you act around them, how you feel about seeing them with others, and it makes you think about why you just tossed it to the curb. When you get a second chance at it you would do anything to get it back but sometimes the only thing you can do is prove to them, every day, that you have changed and would do anything to keep them in your life...