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House of Cards
The reason may be cards, but the game is really gossip.
Kaylen Strauder is more or less content with her status as a widow. She’s had decades to watch the gossip games in the Freshwater Magnolia Club—and she wants none of it to be about her.
Coping with domineering men all her life, she didn’t count on Eda Byrne. She didn’t plan for love, let alone passion, and with another woman. She never believed in irresistible attraction, until now.
Past the time of life when she ever thought she’d have to make such choices, Kaylen must decide which she needs her community or love.
Nat Burns peels away the civilized veneer of a small North Carolina town in this passionate story of a mature woman discovering the price and value of love for the first time.
Kaylen Strauder is more or less content with her status as a widow. She’s had decades to watch the gossip games in the Freshwater Magnolia Club—and she wants none of it to be about her.
Coping with domineering men all her life, she didn’t count on Eda Byrne. She didn’t plan for love, let alone passion, and with another woman. She never believed in irresistible attraction, until now.
Past the time of life when she ever thought she’d have to make such choices, Kaylen must decide which she needs her community or love.
Nat Burns peels away the civilized veneer of a small North Carolina town in this passionate story of a mature woman discovering the price and value of love for the first time.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2010
About the author
Nat Burns
31 books19 followersNat Burns is a professional writer and editor who retired from a publishing career in Virginia and relocated to the enchanted mountains of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a novelist with Bella Books and her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies. In addition, Nat is the music editor for Lesbian News Magazine and has a monthly column called 'Notes from Nat'. Complete information and samples of her work can be found at www.natburns.com.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 15, 2026
Just 2.5 stars. I was intrigued by the later in life awakening of the main character, but the story was not strong enough to carry the revelations. It took a while to make sense of the story and then get into it. Small southern Town with very small minds, history of child abuse, and bad parenting stories make the book a downer rather than a celebration of love. I finished it but could have put it down anytime.
June 24, 2013
A little disappointed with this having already read Identity. It seemed old fashioned and I found calling the lady you fancy an elf a little disturbing. I couldn't get into this book and that doesn't happen to me very often.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews