I enjoyed the book very much. I could see the main characters go through many of the same things that I have been through. The way they handled things was enlightening. I think this book is as relevant now as it was when it was written. I think anyone can relate and enjoy this book.

I really liked the aspect of this book that dealt with religion and coming out. Well written and introspective.

This is my first Karin Kallmaker book but it certainly won't be the last. Aside from the love story there were many things I loved about this story. The two main characters are each dealing with their own demons but they didn't take away from the sweet chemistry they had. The author really captured both Faith and Sydney as individuals with strong moments of togetherness.

Before I began I didn't realise the role Catholicism would play in the story, usually I avoid books where religion plays a large role. Maybe because I don't fully understand being that devoted to a religion that it would stop you from following your heart. But as someone raised as a Catholic I could sympathise with some of what Faith was dealing with. It was interesting to follow her through her journey of trying to find acceptance within herself and her church.

As a history nerd I absolutely loved hearing about the woman and books which Faith wrote about, who doesn't want to hear about strong female characters from the past. It intrigued me so much I'm off to read more about these women.

This is a definite 5 star for me, if I could give it more I would...

I'm not a fan of picking a rating and then in the comments adding a .5 to it, but it this case I am very torn. So, i bumped it up. The tipping point in my decision was the wonderful bonus detail around powerful women historical figures. The book had good topics - coming out in a strong Catholic family, bigotry, alcoholism - but it seemed slow to develop. I didn't really like the characters much at first, and then it suddenly seemed to get much better. I liked the characters and how the story came together.

I thought this was an exceptional novella. Kallmaker makes incredible characters that are both weighted in seriousness and sweetness. The two mains are complex but compelling characters who have chemistry together. I also love how much detail and research Kallmaker puts into each of her books. I particularly love the plot in this book as well as the major themes that she explores in this book.

I wish I'd read this 22 years ago, when it was published.
Still relevant, I thought it was much more modern and have more respect given the political climate of the time.
Well-brushed peripheral characters

My first ever Kallmaker and I wasn't prepared for it. This is not just a feel-good love story. Much like Faith's fictionalized biographies, this book also tackles the massive stigma of being gay back in the day and the struggles of being a gay Christian. Makes you really appreciate how far the lgbtq community has come and how we, as a society, has progressed. This book is now very important to me because I can totally relate to Faith's character, having been born and raised in a devout Catholic household. I loved Faith's metamorphosis. She might be my own Eleanor, and the Eleanor of the others who are on the same shoes.

If I needed proof not to read sapphic fiction published before ~2014, Wild Things is a good example why. This was published in 1996. And I’m sure had I read it in 90’s I’d be thankful this exists. Reading this nearly 30 years after its publication, though? This was painful. Extremely dated. And the ending was rather ridiculous. Oh, also, I was bored.

3.6 - Considering this was only 170/180 pages and was published in 1996, I'd say t'was *chef's kiss*

I also loved the little history info-dumps sprinkled here and there.

Some things I didn't like however was the cheating trope in this book and the part before the epilogue, they're just proving the u-haul stereotype lmao.

Oh, one more thing, the second half was slightly rushed but in a good way because the writing's so good, she did really well considering she only had 170 pages to work with.

La novela nos narra el caos mental y sufrimiento que se presenta ante la disyuntiva de aceptar o no su orientación sexual, las consecuencias que conlleva tomar esa decisión. Lo estereotipado que se encontraba la homosexualidad, estigmatizando a las personas con orientación sexual diferente.
Una novela rosa de amor lésbico.
En mi opinión es un poco exagerada la postura de la protagonista considerando que era una joven en los años 1990’s en USA, no se si fue un artífice de la autora para remarcar el problema. Religiones castrantes, padres autoritarios y un estereotipo maligno para la homosexualidad.
Una novela fácil de leer, muy entretenida.

I enjoy reading stories written some time ago.
I find the tone and language really interesting and enjoyable.
Sometimes, the ideas and social etiquette of the decade is fascinating.
What is always apparent to me is the strength of the characters in their determination to live with love.
This story had a lovely thread which added a sort of ancient poetry to the love story.
I look forward to reading this again in a few years.

The writer is an excellent storyteller. The approach to tacking a romantic story by enveloping into religion, history, and architecture is refreshing. She took the time to develop the lead character by giving enough context on her Catholic upbringing and conservative parents. It was interesting to see the influence of the church and the history of Elenor on Faith's personal growth. Although the writer addresses Sydney's transformation into a well-intended politician, it sounded a little forced. Too many descriptions of Sidney, her brother, and their family were focused on emphasizing that the family is wealthy. The repetitive information made it borning at times. A quick and easy read if you have an evening to spare.