The details…
- Title: A Life Worth Living
- Author: Monica McCallan
- Independently written & published by Monica McCallan
- Publication date: February 7, 2023
- Available formats: ebook, paperback
- Digital file size: 693 KB
- Print length: 347 pages
- Genre: romance
- Themes: learning to trust, opening the heart to love, women loving women relationships
- Tropes: enemies to friends to lovers, workplace romance, ice queen
The blurb from the publisher…
Nora Gallagher can begrudgingly admit that she and Gray Ferris are both stellar Philadelphia real estate agents, but that’s the beginning and the end of the similarities between them.
Nora’s life has been in a self-imposed holding pattern for half a decade. Depending on people in her personal life only leads to disappointment, and she has no plans of making that mistake again.
Gray Ferris is extroversion personified. Bubbly. Conversational. Vibrant. She’s trying to make the best of life, even if it hasn’t always gone her way.
When the two women begin to learn that maybe they’re not as different as they think, they may finally figure out the most important thing they have in common when it comes to finding a life worth living.
My thoughts…
I am always a little melancholy when I finish a Monica McCallan book. Though I know at some point the story must end, I’m sad just the same. It seems these characters–ones that I’ve become more than a little smitten with–were romancing me as much as they were romancing each other, and I’m not ready for any of it to end. The parting seems a little like a break up—amicable yes—but I resist it just the same.
A Life Worth Living marks the 14th sapphic romance for McCallan, and it more than proves she’s gotten this writing thing down. Her storytelling is fresh and immersive with full-bodied, relatable characters. Readers seem to see bits of themselves in these stories, and that’s key. McCallan understands that stories need to communicate truths about life and the human experience, and that’s why fans never hesitate to push purchase.
In A Life Worth Living, McCallan takes Gray and Nora, two very different characters, and throws them in a situation that neither would willingly choose. When the two are forced to share space and time together because of a work related event, they slowly begin to open up to one another. What follows is a surprising friendship between the two, one that encourages a journey of personal growth and acceptance. Ultimately, their budding friendship sparks a chemistry between them, one that can no longer be walked around or denied. However, desire and fear war against each other as each woman tries to pack up the emotional baggage of their pasts. Their vulnerabilities and insecurities tug at readers’ hearts; scars of hurt and betrayal must be pushed aside for a chance at true love.
This story had me at the get-go. Nora appears frosty and closed off, but readers are given glimpses of a softness that’s captivating and hard to resist. To be sure, she’s a bit flawed and damaged, but once she begins to make some positive changes in her life, readers are all in and invested. They understand her and want what’s best for her, and that’s a life with Gray.
Gray, it turns out, is a horse of a different color. It’s not that she isn’t charming and adorable because she absolutely is. Readers bond with her immediately. However, what they don’t first realize about Gray is that she’s got a heap-load of baggage behind that smile. Gray’s pleasant, easy-going personality hides her deep-seated vulnerabilities. Readers think they are getting handed an uncomplicated heroine and that’s simply not the case. Her heart has been battered and bruised too. Furthermore, she, just like Nora, has carefully constructed walls to protect it. McCallan scripts several scenes during the last phase of her journey that are simply beautiful. Her metamorphosis is emotional, impactive and masterfully done. For me, Gray’s struggles make this story more and I simply can’t stop thinking about her.
Final remarks…
Nora and Gray’s journey to a life worth living will linger long after the last line is read. There is a truth and honesty there that just resonates. McCallan has not only created something worth reading, but worth rereading. This is a gorgeous story and I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
- Alluring and irresistible characters
- Gorgeous story
- Moving and well-told
- Lingers well after finishing it
This book is available from…
A bit about the author…
Monica McCallan was an enthusiastic fan of romance novels before she began writing them. She has thirteen published novels, all of which are available on Amazon as e-books. When she’s not writing, you can find her binging almost all lesbian media.
She currently lives in Philadelphia, shares way too much about her life on Twitter, and is obsessed with her dogs. Wish to connect with Monica McCallan?
Comments
Post a Comment