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True North: a novel
Ella Kerr , a master pianist and gifted composer in her thirties has a renowned and enviable career but her personal life is at a standstill. Two years after the passing of her husband, she is lost, still trying to pick up the pieces of her life. That’s until one day she meets Katherine Wilde at a bar in San Francisco, a chance encounter that will change both their lives.
A successful designer and business owner, Katherine exudes confidence and charm. Ella finds herself impossibly drawn to this powerful personality.
Having always considered herself straight, Ella is confused by the romantic feelings she develops for Katherine. Katherine, a self-professed card carrying lesbian and impossible heartbreaker, finally has the tables turned on her when she quickly falls hopelessly in love with Ella .
But a fateful evening disrupts the course of their relationship, bringing them under one roof and putting Ella’s career in jeopardy. Follow the emotional journey of self-discovery, the power of friendship, love and the unexpected twists and turns of fate that life throws our way when we least expect it. Will Ella ultimately find her true north?
A successful designer and business owner, Katherine exudes confidence and charm. Ella finds herself impossibly drawn to this powerful personality.
Having always considered herself straight, Ella is confused by the romantic feelings she develops for Katherine. Katherine, a self-professed card carrying lesbian and impossible heartbreaker, finally has the tables turned on her when she quickly falls hopelessly in love with Ella .
But a fateful evening disrupts the course of their relationship, bringing them under one roof and putting Ella’s career in jeopardy. Follow the emotional journey of self-discovery, the power of friendship, love and the unexpected twists and turns of fate that life throws our way when we least expect it. Will Ella ultimately find her true north?
Paperback
Published December 17, 2022
111 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Carina Lupo
1 book22 followersCarina Lupo can usually be found listening to a vast array of eclectic music. She is the author of the novel "True North". She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her wife and enjoys going on walks with her dog, Bowie (as in David).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 22, 2023
3.8 I enjoyed the book. Buttttt Ella was the absolute worst, I couldn’t stand her.
January 23, 2023
Ella, straight and lost her husband two years ago(and still hasn’t over him from the beginning of the book). She has instant affection feeling for Katherine after seeing her at the bar. And while Ella is still confused about her feeling, she suddenly becomes Katherine’s girlfriend. And at about 30%ish of the book, Ella declares her love for Katherine.
I’m having trouble feeling the chemistry between Ella and Katherine. Everything is happening too fast. The love confession from Katherine and Ella seems out of nowhere.
I’d said this book was not for me
I’m having trouble feeling the chemistry between Ella and Katherine. Everything is happening too fast. The love confession from Katherine and Ella seems out of nowhere.
I’d said this book was not for me
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January 26, 2023DNF
It saddens me to say that this will be the first book of 2023 I couldn't finish. I ended up scrolling here and there after 20%.
Maybe the story was not for me.
I couldn't move past the way how fast everything was moving, without a substantial explanation and reflection of the characters' psychology. The actions and reactions of both Ella and Katherine just weirded me out, and I couldn't get attached to any of them.
Now I'm sad.
It saddens me to say that this will be the first book of 2023 I couldn't finish. I ended up scrolling here and there after 20%.
Maybe the story was not for me.
I couldn't move past the way how fast everything was moving, without a substantial explanation and reflection of the characters' psychology. The actions and reactions of both Ella and Katherine just weirded me out, and I couldn't get attached to any of them.
Now I'm sad.
February 27, 2023
Toaster-oven books have like the most unfavourable angst. Like nay.
September 22, 2025
A chance meeting in a bar. The chemistry between Ella and Katherine leaves 'straight' Ella bit confused. The story unfolds at quite a natural pace. Then a tragic accident throws them even closer together.Family and friend's views about their relationship and an Ex add to the drama. Sad this is only book by this author I can see as really well written. Overall really enjoyed it.
February 22, 2023
True North
Carina Lupe told a beautiful story. Full of love and chemistry. It was a wonderful book, I truly enjoyed it. I look forward to more books.
Carina Lupe told a beautiful story. Full of love and chemistry. It was a wonderful book, I truly enjoyed it. I look forward to more books.
January 15, 2023
This book is a hidden gem 💎!!!!
*******************************************
True North
Carina Lupo
The chemistry between the main characters flow really easy. They just click from the first time they meet. Both woman were in their head, nervous to say how they were feeling for each other. I did not like how Ella let the words of her parents and Debra change her feelings for Katherine. She want out with her ex boyfriend and it made me feel so sad for Katherine. She gave up everything to take care of Ella in her one of the darkest times of her life.
This was a very good story, The author did an amazing job and she basically grabbed me from the opening chapter.
Katherine was an amazing human with a soft heart who went into the relationship knowing Ella was unsure about her feelings for her.
My favorite part in the story was seeing the couple come back together and work through all their issues. They both realize that they found a love that they could’ve never dreamed of together.
*******************************************
True North
Carina Lupo
The chemistry between the main characters flow really easy. They just click from the first time they meet. Both woman were in their head, nervous to say how they were feeling for each other. I did not like how Ella let the words of her parents and Debra change her feelings for Katherine. She want out with her ex boyfriend and it made me feel so sad for Katherine. She gave up everything to take care of Ella in her one of the darkest times of her life.
This was a very good story, The author did an amazing job and she basically grabbed me from the opening chapter.
Katherine was an amazing human with a soft heart who went into the relationship knowing Ella was unsure about her feelings for her.
My favorite part in the story was seeing the couple come back together and work through all their issues. They both realize that they found a love that they could’ve never dreamed of together.
January 17, 2023
I'm a sucker for a good celebrity romance. I loved this story. Whenever I pick up a book from someone I haven't heard of, I get ready to read a book that isn't quite right. Well, Carina Lupo made me a liar. She did some really special things here. I can't say I have ever seen many authors put in a much dialogue between the characters. I am used to some, but most put in that inner monologue that we are so used to seeing characters go through. After a while, I become bored with it and start skimming. This made the story more interesting, and you felt like the characters where really getting to know one another. Now there were a few grammar errors I found, but that did not take away from this romance. This book was so close to a 5 star for me that I just gave it 5 stars.
January 19, 2023
A great read!
I literally could not stop reading. All the feels with this one! A damn good book to me me cry with frustration and then with joy!
I literally could not stop reading. All the feels with this one! A damn good book to me me cry with frustration and then with joy!
February 5, 2023
My first 5⭐of the year ! Great writing, great mc, great story.
May 25, 2023
This book destroyed me. The way Carina Lupo manages to turn losing one's husband, going through a terrible accident, rehabilitation that made hell seem pleasant, exploring one's sexuality and facing the not great realities said decision into a positive, heartwarming book is truly masterful. I dont think I've ever cried this much. I'm broken, but this was amazing to read. I cant wait untill next time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
Beautiful
Inspiring and beautifully written. Truly an amazing story. Filled with human emotion. Life is measure not by material or financial gain but how we love and continue to be grateful at being able to.
Inspiring and beautifully written. Truly an amazing story. Filled with human emotion. Life is measure not by material or financial gain but how we love and continue to be grateful at being able to.
April 13, 2024
This was a solid 4.5 until around the 70% mark where Ella couldn't stop fucking up, that was painful to read lol. the music stuff was great, the author built the tension so well in some scenes. I love reading about that but man was the MC confused as hell. I get where she's coming from but I wish she wasn't that clueless at times man. 3.5 stars from me because of the stress I got from the last quarter of the book😭
January 14, 2023
Unexpected
This is a heartwarming love story with plenty of twist and turns to keep you turning the page. A chance meeting leads to an unexpected love for Kat and Ella. However, they both bring doubts and insecurities into the relationship which make it difficult for them to trust what they have. The two must work past the fear and hurt to get their happy ending.
This is a heartwarming love story with plenty of twist and turns to keep you turning the page. A chance meeting leads to an unexpected love for Kat and Ella. However, they both bring doubts and insecurities into the relationship which make it difficult for them to trust what they have. The two must work past the fear and hurt to get their happy ending.
January 13, 2023
perfection!!
I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved these characters!! All of the hurt and pain and love and spice!!! The only thing I would love is more!!!
I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved these characters!! All of the hurt and pain and love and spice!!! The only thing I would love is more!!!
February 4, 2023
Sometimes when we find an incredible book, we hope the author has other books. This seems to be a debut novel and what a story it is. From the first few pages, I knew this book would get to me. This story is about two incredible women and their chance meeting one night. Katherine is a card carrying lesbian, a player and a heartbreaker. She meets Ella, a straight woman, a widow, still grieving for her husband. Katherine, against every rule ever of not falling for the straight girl, she falls hopelessly in love with Ella. When Ella suffers a terrible accident, Katherine offers to take care of her, spending weeks together in Lola’s home. But a set of events, interrupts their growing feelings for each other and Katherine is devastated. You feel her anguish, her torment, her doubts, her pain at having her worst suspicions come true. Ella has her own journey to travel, she disappoints her parents when confessing her relationship with a woman, some of her friends reject her and the seeds of doubt blossom. When you’re told over and over that what you’re doing or feeling is wrong, only the strongest of us don’t fall for it. This is a beautifully written story of forgiveness and love. Have any of us had a true north? That is a good question. I highly recommend this book and hope the author continues writing beautiful stories.
June 18, 2023
Kat and Ella
First off this post may contain spoilers!
Off the bat I loved this book, it's my first by the author and I plan to check out her other works too. The initial meet felt a little too much and too quick for me but hey sometimes you really just know and Kat did just know 🥹. I felt the drama at the end wasn't extremely necessary but maybe the Author needed Ella to get there maybe I expected it a little differently based on the understanding Kat seemed to have of Ella; it's only natural she would have doubts and falter she was new to all of this confusion was mandatory which means a few mistakes here and there would happened I fully expected they'd communicate maybe give each other some space and move on but 🤷🏻♀️.
Melanie! I honestly can't stand her, I felt she was the cause of all the doubts that Kat initially feared and yes I understand protecting your friend but right off the bat she just gave Ella an unnecessarily hard time it's not her fault she didn't know she liked women or could like A woman. She just irritated me too much - though she redeemed herself I had already written her off lol.
Now the book spent so much on the development, doubts and poor Ella's pain we didn't get much of them together so dear Carina is it possible for a sequel nothing too long just showing us them together? I'd love to see what happened after that kiss... What became of Ella's career after coming out did she go on to making more breathtaking scores and making stellar music in the symphony? How did Kat adjust to the fame of her career and how her life changed after dating Ella? Just little bits of their lives merging together.
First off this post may contain spoilers!
Off the bat I loved this book, it's my first by the author and I plan to check out her other works too. The initial meet felt a little too much and too quick for me but hey sometimes you really just know and Kat did just know 🥹. I felt the drama at the end wasn't extremely necessary but maybe the Author needed Ella to get there maybe I expected it a little differently based on the understanding Kat seemed to have of Ella; it's only natural she would have doubts and falter she was new to all of this confusion was mandatory which means a few mistakes here and there would happened I fully expected they'd communicate maybe give each other some space and move on but 🤷🏻♀️.
Melanie! I honestly can't stand her, I felt she was the cause of all the doubts that Kat initially feared and yes I understand protecting your friend but right off the bat she just gave Ella an unnecessarily hard time it's not her fault she didn't know she liked women or could like A woman. She just irritated me too much - though she redeemed herself I had already written her off lol.
Now the book spent so much on the development, doubts and poor Ella's pain we didn't get much of them together so dear Carina is it possible for a sequel nothing too long just showing us them together? I'd love to see what happened after that kiss... What became of Ella's career after coming out did she go on to making more breathtaking scores and making stellar music in the symphony? How did Kat adjust to the fame of her career and how her life changed after dating Ella? Just little bits of their lives merging together.
February 18, 2023
What An Outstanding Story!
I am wondering about this writer and if this is a debut book. If it is, this is something powerful. You have two strong yet vulnerable characters. Your supporting cast are a mix of family,friends, co-workers and agents who are in support or against this coupling. Ella, lost her husband to a fast illness two years ago after only being married for a short time. After spending a day with her mother-In-law visiting the cemetery, she decides it might be time to make changes to move on. Not wanting to go home, she pops into a local bar looking for a drink to help with the memories. Not long after, a beautiful women sits next to her and begins to chat her up. Explaining that she thinks the girl giving her eyes across the bar would be a better choice than her, Katherine introduces herself. Quite taken with her boldness and confidence, Ella responds. What happens is the sweet spot of watching a straight women and a fully fledged lesbian realize they have a connection. After a kiss is had both find themselves invested and intrigued. This was such a well written love story between two very vulnerable women, one still going through grief. But when a situation turns really bad, they find themselves needing to address the feelings issue. I loved it. I also loved the epilogue. I think it was important to how the story comes full circle. I hope this writer is working on more.
I am wondering about this writer and if this is a debut book. If it is, this is something powerful. You have two strong yet vulnerable characters. Your supporting cast are a mix of family,friends, co-workers and agents who are in support or against this coupling. Ella, lost her husband to a fast illness two years ago after only being married for a short time. After spending a day with her mother-In-law visiting the cemetery, she decides it might be time to make changes to move on. Not wanting to go home, she pops into a local bar looking for a drink to help with the memories. Not long after, a beautiful women sits next to her and begins to chat her up. Explaining that she thinks the girl giving her eyes across the bar would be a better choice than her, Katherine introduces herself. Quite taken with her boldness and confidence, Ella responds. What happens is the sweet spot of watching a straight women and a fully fledged lesbian realize they have a connection. After a kiss is had both find themselves invested and intrigued. This was such a well written love story between two very vulnerable women, one still going through grief. But when a situation turns really bad, they find themselves needing to address the feelings issue. I loved it. I also loved the epilogue. I think it was important to how the story comes full circle. I hope this writer is working on more.
March 4, 2023
Needed editing, but LOVED the story!
Ella, concert pianist and composer, and Katherine, digital media designer and business owner, meet in a gay bar in San Francisco two years after the death of Ella's husband. They're immediately drawn to one another, but how will they navigate this new relationship? Katherine is confident and secure in her sexuality, but Ella is very confused about her romantic feelings. Will Ella let people's judgment and doubt get into her head or will she overcome her fear?
This is truly a heartwarming, beautiful and very emotional journey of self-discovery. It's filled with love, spice, hurt and pain - all very deep and powerful human emotions and set within the wonderful world of music creations.
I would have given this book five stars because I really love the story, but there were so many typos, misspellings and missing words that I can't. It needed another round of proofreading! However, the plot flowed beautifully and the twist in the epilogue is spectacular! It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. Brava, Carina, I eagerly await your next book!
Ella, concert pianist and composer, and Katherine, digital media designer and business owner, meet in a gay bar in San Francisco two years after the death of Ella's husband. They're immediately drawn to one another, but how will they navigate this new relationship? Katherine is confident and secure in her sexuality, but Ella is very confused about her romantic feelings. Will Ella let people's judgment and doubt get into her head or will she overcome her fear?
This is truly a heartwarming, beautiful and very emotional journey of self-discovery. It's filled with love, spice, hurt and pain - all very deep and powerful human emotions and set within the wonderful world of music creations.
I would have given this book five stars because I really love the story, but there were so many typos, misspellings and missing words that I can't. It needed another round of proofreading! However, the plot flowed beautifully and the twist in the epilogue is spectacular! It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. Brava, Carina, I eagerly await your next book!
September 1, 2023
This book started out good, it started out okay and I liked that, but as time went on the story started to feel rushed, it started to feel fast. Few pages into the book and they were already dating and I was like when did you guys get here. At that point, I was thinking of just dropping the book but I decided to read on. It eventually dropped into a much better pace but there were still a few things wrong. For starters, I disliked the best friend from the beginning who started to feel like the uninvited third wheel in the relationship because she kept butting into shit and even when shit hit the fan, Ella kept trying to use jokes to cover up the fact that she messed up. It wasn’t a bad book, I actually liked it from the start but the author seemed to lose footing and only gained it a bit towards the middle and end of the book.
January 18, 2023
Unique story line…
I loved the unique musical backdrop for this story and the author’s knowledge of the recording industry. I enjoyed the slow burn and the final conflict resolution. The underlying themes of sexual identity, coming out, rejection and acceptance were beautifully developed.
The only drawback, for me, was that I struggled to connect with Kat during the first few chapters — I couldn’t quite figure out her maturity level. She was introduced as strong and self-assured, but then seemed immature when star struck with Ella. The immaturity felt more adolescent than adult. However, as the story developed, Kat’s character became clear. That is the reason I gave only 4 stars (it would be 4.5 if that were a category).
Overall, I do recommend this book and will gladly read more from Ms. Lupo.
I loved the unique musical backdrop for this story and the author’s knowledge of the recording industry. I enjoyed the slow burn and the final conflict resolution. The underlying themes of sexual identity, coming out, rejection and acceptance were beautifully developed.
The only drawback, for me, was that I struggled to connect with Kat during the first few chapters — I couldn’t quite figure out her maturity level. She was introduced as strong and self-assured, but then seemed immature when star struck with Ella. The immaturity felt more adolescent than adult. However, as the story developed, Kat’s character became clear. That is the reason I gave only 4 stars (it would be 4.5 if that were a category).
Overall, I do recommend this book and will gladly read more from Ms. Lupo.
March 1, 2023
A story with a perfect compass.
Reading this story was a beautiful experience.
So many different obstacles to confront. So many emotions to deal with.
What I loved most was the maturity of both main characters and the REAL problems that arose throughout this story of coming to grips with one’s sexuality.
There are so many diverse members in the cast here.
Many are so lovingly supportive while others are selfishly narrow minded and hurtful.
Of course one realizes at the start that this is a romance and we are rewarded for supporting these lovers by standing by them through all the twists and turns, tears and joys, revelation and disappointments are our way toward the reward of an HEA.
Thank you Ms. Lipoma for allowing us to travel with your very special lovers.
Reading this story was a beautiful experience.
So many different obstacles to confront. So many emotions to deal with.
What I loved most was the maturity of both main characters and the REAL problems that arose throughout this story of coming to grips with one’s sexuality.
There are so many diverse members in the cast here.
Many are so lovingly supportive while others are selfishly narrow minded and hurtful.
Of course one realizes at the start that this is a romance and we are rewarded for supporting these lovers by standing by them through all the twists and turns, tears and joys, revelation and disappointments are our way toward the reward of an HEA.
Thank you Ms. Lipoma for allowing us to travel with your very special lovers.
January 21, 2023
Good book
For being her first book this was a wonderful story to read. The characters are are very well written, they draw you in. Ella having felt with the loss of her husband after two years is drawn to Katherine after just one kiss. Ella is struggling with herself about coming out. Then question herself if she is really in love with Kat. Katherine is having her own fears that Ella is going to leave her. A beautiful story of true love.
For being her first book this was a wonderful story to read. The characters are are very well written, they draw you in. Ella having felt with the loss of her husband after two years is drawn to Katherine after just one kiss. Ella is struggling with herself about coming out. Then question herself if she is really in love with Kat. Katherine is having her own fears that Ella is going to leave her. A beautiful story of true love.
April 13, 2023
We all need our true north
This was a page-turner…and a plot line that could no doubt be taken from a lot of lives, because some parts of life don’t always run smoothly. (Apart from the fact that we aren’t all famous musicians even if we carry the music in our hearts 😀.) I really loved this story and any story with a character who will patiently stay with that love, well, that’s what it’s all about.
This was a page-turner…and a plot line that could no doubt be taken from a lot of lives, because some parts of life don’t always run smoothly. (Apart from the fact that we aren’t all famous musicians even if we carry the music in our hearts 😀.) I really loved this story and any story with a character who will patiently stay with that love, well, that’s what it’s all about.
February 12, 2023
Fascinating
First of all, you had me at Häagen-Dazs chocolate, chocolate chip, ice cream. My absolute favorite.
I thought the story was excellently written, and flowed, very seamlessly, even through the difficult part. That is something very difficult to accomplish. I look forward to reading more from this author.
First of all, you had me at Häagen-Dazs chocolate, chocolate chip, ice cream. My absolute favorite.
I thought the story was excellently written, and flowed, very seamlessly, even through the difficult part. That is something very difficult to accomplish. I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 18, 2023
Just Wow
It’s not often I can literally place myself in someone’s shoes in a book. But this story spoke to me and a history of my past. I was Katherine. I have never had a book so clearly explain and embody the feelings I’ve had. Just absolutely amazed. It takes an amazing author to do such a thing. I hope to read more by Carina.
It’s not often I can literally place myself in someone’s shoes in a book. But this story spoke to me and a history of my past. I was Katherine. I have never had a book so clearly explain and embody the feelings I’ve had. Just absolutely amazed. It takes an amazing author to do such a thing. I hope to read more by Carina.
April 13, 2023
Outstanding
Well my heart is still racing from this rollercoaster of a story.Simply wonderful writing that you were really not sure how it was going to turn out.I am not a writer so I will simply say you will really miss out if you do not read this book.There is not an emotion that was missed.I highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed.🌻
Well my heart is still racing from this rollercoaster of a story.Simply wonderful writing that you were really not sure how it was going to turn out.I am not a writer so I will simply say you will really miss out if you do not read this book.There is not an emotion that was missed.I highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed.🌻
September 20, 2024
Katherine said the L word way too fast. Ella was a complicated hot mess. Ella goes from straight to “I’m so in love with you”. The feelings felt too rushed. Ella annoyed me most of the time. Katherine’s best friend was just plain mean. I understand wanting to be overprotective but she was overtop and rude. I am not sure how I feel about the epilogue. The story was just okay for me.
January 21, 2023
excellent just excellent
Loved the characters and the simple plot and little bit of twist
Even though it’s not unsurprising twist and turns with knowing outcomes you love the characters so much you just hope you guessed correctly!!
Loved the characters and the simple plot and little bit of twist
Even though it’s not unsurprising twist and turns with knowing outcomes you love the characters so much you just hope you guessed correctly!!
January 28, 2023
Pure Gold…Amazing book
What an amazing book, the story, the characters. This is a wonderful book with so many emotions, agony, feelings, love, glamour and fame. I couldn’t stop reading and towards the end I had tears in my eyes and then I was crying reading the last chapter on a plane. Just Wow.
What an amazing book, the story, the characters. This is a wonderful book with so many emotions, agony, feelings, love, glamour and fame. I couldn’t stop reading and towards the end I had tears in my eyes and then I was crying reading the last chapter on a plane. Just Wow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews