Stevie‘s review of Set the Stage by Karis Walsh
Contemporary Lesbian Romance published by Bold Strokes Books 14 Nov 17
I’m a sucker for anything to do with Shakespeare, in print as well as on stage and screen, and that extends to stories set around Shakespearian performers and performances, as in this story. However, it’s only now as I’m writing this review that I discover that the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a real thing, and one that I blatantly need to go to (once you guys over there find yourselves a better President anyway). Not knowing anything about Ashland or the Festival, I can’t vouch for how much of this story stays true to the real place and event, but it certainly made me want to find out more. Onto the story itself…
Emilie Danvers quits her temporary job in a fast food joint in order to join this year’s company putting on the Festival. Although she had acting successes in the past, she dropped out of her career while touring Europe with her more ambitious actor ex, whose acting jobs dictated where the pair lived at any given time, to the detriment of Emilie’s attempts to audition for her own parts. Now she’s got a second chance, Emilie is determined to take whatever roles are offered to her during the Festival and then move on to whatever comes her way afterwards, no matter where those next roles might take her.
As well as multiple theatres, the Ashland of this story also features Lithia Park (another real-life landmark, I find), and this is where we meet the other heroine of our story, Arden Philips. Raised by her grandfather after her parents left her to continue their lives as touring actors, Arden has followed the old man into a career in park maintenance. Although her grandfather created a number of gardens within the park, Arden has so far limited herself to tending the plants that are already in place, adding new ones only as areas or beds become depleted. Arden has an interest in the Festival and the actors who come to Ashland each spring, but has no intention of ever letting one break her heart, much less take her away from the town she loves.
When Emilie arrives in town, she and Arden quickly strike up a friendship that blossoms into romance. They support and encourage each other to take risks and overcome their career-related fears; however, neither is willing to commit to anything longer term than the length of the Festival, since both are unprepared to compromise their career or lifestyle for the other.
While I loved all the descriptions of the plays, the gardens and the other aspects of Ashland, I found the two heroines a little tedious in their respective commitment phobias. I also felt that Arden’s friends were deeply annoying with their various in-jokes and teasing of Emilie over conversations she had no knowledge of. All in all, not the author’s best work, but I do at least have a future holiday destination to ponder.
Grade: C
Summary:
Emilie Danvers wins a place in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s company and gets a second chance to launch her acting career. She’s vowed never to repeat the mistakes she made the first time: no following her heart, no putting herself second to someone else, no relationship drama. She won’t let any woman keep her from reconnecting with her dreams.
Arden Philips has stood on the outskirts of the festival for years, tending the gardens of nearby Lithia Park. She’s seen actresses come and go and only allows herself the occasional dalliance. But when she comes across Emilie rehearsing on a mossy riverbank, Arden realizes her heart might not listen to her head.
The stage is set, the house lights dimmed. Is true love merely make-believe or can these two women write it into the script of their lives?
Read an excerpt.
