Reviews

Autumn Spring by Shelley Thrasher

jackiehorne's review

Really wanted to like this lesbian romance with older female characters (60's). But I found neither of the protagonists interesting enough to read more than 1/3 in. Bree, in fact, the woman who escaped Texas for a job in Chicago, is outright unpleasant—rude, condescending, self-absorbed, not that caring toward her mother—and without any backstory difficulties or redeeming personal qualities to make me feel sympathy for her. Linda, the one who stayed in Texas and lived a hetero life until finally coming out after the grandkids were born, is more sympathetically, but ultimately rather blandly, portrayed. And we also have a gold-digger former love whose portrayal is decidedly sexist. Hard to believe this is shortlisted for the Lambda award in lesbian romance...

elizatanner's review

4.0

Good book. Didn't know what to expect, and was pleased. The ending seemed qick. Enjoyed learning about the characters.

elvang's review

3.0

A gentle read suitable for women of a certain age. The author paints a picture of how busy or settled life can be for those approaching their sixties and seventies. Issues like deciding when to retire, helping with carpool duties for the grandkids, coping with aging parents and finding social groups and activities to enjoy are all touched on in Autumn Spring.

The romance that develops between Bree and Linda happens at a very slow and measured pace. Linda spends a good part of the book educating Bree on the joys of small town life and how even in conservative Bible belts regions there are like minded folks who can enrich your life.

While I am approaching these golden years I found the book too gentle and too nice. The slow pace and minimal conflict reminded me of a Debbie Macomber novel with lesbians exploring Wicca instead of knitting. If you like your romance novels with little intimacy and a lot of deep thoughts and social gatherings you might enjoy Autumn Spring.

ARC received via NetGalley from publisher for review.