Maybe it’s the fact that I grew up in a small town that makes reading about small towns feel like home. This is an incredibly well developed novel. Spanning over 21 hours (I opted for the audiobook), McMan gives herself plenty of room to allow her characters to breathe and develop.
Here’s the premise-
After walking out on her cheating husband, Syd Murphy finds herself as a temporary librarian in the small town of Jericho, a position that will last 18 months. Syd quickly meets Maddie Stevenson, the community doctor, who just moved back to Jericho two years prior after the death of her father to continue his practice. The two women form a quick friendship as they are both witty, brilliant , and battling their own respected feelings of loneliness. I adored the relationship that was able to grow between Syd and Maddie. It’s obvious that the attraction that develops between the women is mutual but nothing is rushed. Syd takes her time wrapping her head around these new found Sapphic feelings and Maddie patiently tortures herself with what she believes is unrequited love, though she handles it all stoically and without any angst. When the two finally take a chance the end result is multiple chapters of fireworks.
The plot mainly involves around Syd and Maddie’s relationship development but there are plenty of amusing side characters who round the story out and bring the town alive. Maddie’s childhood friend, David is charming and equally witty as he tries to steer the two women closer together. His respected partner, Michael, is warm, kind, and the perfect ear for a confused girl to spill her guts to. There are many other town characters who all serve different roles and interact with the two main women. I liked how accepting everyone was of their relationship in that no one made a big deal about it. The community accepted it without having a dramatic reaction. I think this was a silent testament to how strong the bonds are between everyone.
I listened to parts of this audiobook at my work desk and had to hold in laughter on multiple accounts. This novel has some of the funniest dialogue in lesbian fiction. I loved the cultural references and all the wit. How does McMan come up with this stuff? Genius.
Everything did fall into place a little too perfectly at the end. I know this is expected in romance novels; I only really had an issue with the introduction of Henry. The two discuss children and then BOOM here’s a kid in need of a home who practically falls into their lap. I thought there should have been some conflict here as I believe Maddie stated earlier in the book that she didn’t want children. We saw how maternal she was naturally and how she quickly fell for Henry, but the transition was too smooth for me. However, this isn’t the kind of story that depends on intense character struggle, but rather falls back on the warm atmosphere built throughout.
If you’re looking for a beautiful friendship between two smart women then this book is for you. The slow climb from friends to lovers is heartwarming and lovely. I highly recommend for the impending colder nights.
Follow Ann McMan on Twitter: @AnnMcMan