Stevie‘s review of A Chapter on Love by Laney Webber
Contemporary Lesbian Romance published by Bold Strokes Books 12 Feb 19
While I’m a fan of romances with at least one older protagonist, I’m always a little wary of those in which the feelings, if not the relationship, started when the younger protagonist was both a young adult and in a subordinate position to the older one. On the other hand, I love bookstore romances and so was prepared to conquer my worries over the origins of our heroines’ involvement in order to read about their own love of books and the physical places where books are sold.
Eighteen years ago, seventeen-year-old Jannika Peterson was in training to be a camp counsellor for the Girl Scouts of America when she met experienced counsellor Lee Thompson and developed a massive crush on the older (though not that long out of higher education) woman. Although Lee was aware of Jannika’s feelings, and liked the young woman a lot, she never gave any sign that she reciprocated them. At the end of the summer, the pair went their separate ways – after Jannika had sent an embarrassing love letter – and their paths never crossed again. Now Jannika is managing a bookstore in the small town where her aunt lives, and Lee is about to start a new job as a manager at the local State Park.
The two women have had their fair share of heartbreak over the years: Jannika’s last long-term relationship ended when she caught her girlfriend cheating on her, and Lee’s wife died in a car accident under circumstances Lee believes to be her fault. When their paths cross, the two are nonetheless keen to renew their friendship, and both discover the attraction that was there all those years earlier has matured into something that could go a lot deeper. Of course there are obstacles in the way: Jannika worries the bookstore might get sold from under her, and also feels as if she needs to get closure from her ex before she can try trusting Lee, while Lee worries that Jannika’s impulsive tendencies might lead to her running risks and breaking Lee’s heart all over again.
At times I got a little frustrated with all the wariness going on, possibly compounded by the contrasting secondary romance in which Jannika’s closeted best friend is finally trying to be more open about herself to her parents and neighbours. The background characters were mostly delightful – I particularly loved the book group organisers and the various customers Jannika manages to match up with their perfect next book – while Jannika’s ex was believably unlikeable. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for the author’s next book.
Grade: B
Summary:
Jannika Peterson arrived in Grangeton, New Hampshire, with a broken heart and a new job managing the local bookstore. She has a gift for pairing readers with the perfect books, but her matchmaking skills don’t extend to her love life. Love doesn’t stand a chance against her well-protected heart.
Eighteen years ago, Lee Thompson was Jannika’s summer camp counselor, and Lee has never forgotten the beautiful girl with the unusual name. Still healing from her wife’s sudden death, Lee hopes her new job in a new town will help her to begin a new chapter.
When Jannika and Lee reunite, their instant connection feels like a gift, but neither is ready for a second chance at love. Unable to deny their attraction, will they finally get on the same page when it comes to love?
Read an excerpt.
