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The Secret of St. Claire
Idyllic, quaint, and straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting is St. Claire Louisiana at least on the outside. Behind the veneer it’s anything but, that’s the secret of St. Claire. Born and raised in St. Claire, Lindsay Juneau’s life was seemingly full raising a six-year-old daughter, and caring for her widowed mother. Of course, things aren’t always what they seem, and the newest resident of St. Claire isn’t buying the ruse. Veterinarian, Nicole Allen is looking for something different she finds it in St. Claire with its hypochondriac rabbits, shotgun toting shut-ins, and eclectic mix of people. The most alluring though, is a woman that’s also looking for something different.
188 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
19 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Robin Alexander
51 books814 followersBorn in 1965, Robin Alexander grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she still resides. An avid reader of Lesbian fiction, Robin decided to take the leap and try her hand at writing. It didn't take long for her favorite hobby to become a full-time author.
Since her heritage is Scottish and Irish and she’s allergic to seafood, she’s considered an honorary Cajun. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring her state with the top off her Jeep in search of the small towns on the water that inspire her.
Robin is awkward, sometimes shy, loaded with anxieties, accident prone, dangerous with power tools, and has been known to make idiotic decisions. She has been fortunate enough to turn her shortcomings into the hilarious characters you’ll find in her novels and short stories. Her passion is writing funny tales about falling in love, being imperfect and reveling in friendship.
Robin is convinced she has the best job in the world, and she’s extremely grateful for her fans who support her and enable her to do what she loves.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Since her heritage is Scottish and Irish and she’s allergic to seafood, she’s considered an honorary Cajun. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring her state with the top off her Jeep in search of the small towns on the water that inspire her.
Robin is awkward, sometimes shy, loaded with anxieties, accident prone, dangerous with power tools, and has been known to make idiotic decisions. She has been fortunate enough to turn her shortcomings into the hilarious characters you’ll find in her novels and short stories. Her passion is writing funny tales about falling in love, being imperfect and reveling in friendship.
Robin is convinced she has the best job in the world, and she’s extremely grateful for her fans who support her and enable her to do what she loves.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 27, 2023
Happy International Women's Day! Was anybody else able to take the workday off? I did and I started it off reading lesbian fiction after a quick donation to Planned Parenthood. ;)
I'd taken a break from Robin Alexander because she's candy and I shouldn't overdo it. And I'm glad I did. I recall downloading this book a long time ago, kind of confused about the bunny cover. Then, after I accepted 'Just Jorie' as my lord and savior, I realized my grave mistake of letting 'The Secret of St. Claire' sit on my kindle carousel, collecting dust.
I LOOOOOOOVE THIS SO MUCH. On a rare occasion, I actually had a fictional character crush on both our main heroines. I found both so relatable and though Alexander doesn't dwell on their good looks (showing more than telling!), I pictured them as really, reallyyyy hot ladies. Lindsay didn't annoy me at all in her self-discovery and her troubles with coming out made a ton of sense. Nicole's cute squishiness for Lindsay melted my heart; she confronted her feelings with a deep vulnerability, which was refreshing. Both of them were clever, down-to-earth characters.
Call me boring, but when I sense a book being mostly romance, I dive in QUICKLY. From the moment they had time alone, hopping into the truck to visit Ruby, I was invested. I needed them to fall in love and make their own family with Alexis (cutie!) and Rose, Lindsay's mother. Speaking of Rose, it was a pleasant surprise for this grandma to subtly push them toward each other and act less...crazy? than previously read Robin Alexander parents.
Lindsay and Nicole's chemistry deserve all the thumbs up! And their sex...when Lindsay finally got to let herself go to town with Nicole. That was BLAZINGGGG HOT. Her eagerness and "finally" desire glowed from my screen. Thank you, Robin Alexander, for their sex talk. Dear god.
This is a low-conflict book, for those of you wishing to kick back and immerse yourself in women falling in love. What conflict there is stems from outside factors who are promptly taken down several notches.
5 stars!
I'd taken a break from Robin Alexander because she's candy and I shouldn't overdo it. And I'm glad I did. I recall downloading this book a long time ago, kind of confused about the bunny cover. Then, after I accepted 'Just Jorie' as my lord and savior, I realized my grave mistake of letting 'The Secret of St. Claire' sit on my kindle carousel, collecting dust.
I LOOOOOOOVE THIS SO MUCH. On a rare occasion, I actually had a fictional character crush on both our main heroines. I found both so relatable and though Alexander doesn't dwell on their good looks (showing more than telling!), I pictured them as really, reallyyyy hot ladies. Lindsay didn't annoy me at all in her self-discovery and her troubles with coming out made a ton of sense. Nicole's cute squishiness for Lindsay melted my heart; she confronted her feelings with a deep vulnerability, which was refreshing. Both of them were clever, down-to-earth characters.
Call me boring, but when I sense a book being mostly romance, I dive in QUICKLY. From the moment they had time alone, hopping into the truck to visit Ruby, I was invested. I needed them to fall in love and make their own family with Alexis (cutie!) and Rose, Lindsay's mother. Speaking of Rose, it was a pleasant surprise for this grandma to subtly push them toward each other and act less...crazy? than previously read Robin Alexander parents.
Lindsay and Nicole's chemistry deserve all the thumbs up! And their sex...when Lindsay finally got to let herself go to town with Nicole. That was BLAZINGGGG HOT. Her eagerness and "finally" desire glowed from my screen. Thank you, Robin Alexander, for their sex talk. Dear god.
This is a low-conflict book, for those of you wishing to kick back and immerse yourself in women falling in love. What conflict there is stems from outside factors who are promptly taken down several notches.
5 stars!
April 17, 2018
You can't really go wrong with a Robin Alexander book!
July 16, 2018
This is absolutely 5 stars for me!!
Robin Alexander really do change me, you know.. the type of book I usually dont want to read (one of the mc has a kid). I have read 3 of Robin's books that one of mc has a kid and i love them all.
I really love this book, such a heartwarming family and loves. Alexis is cute, smart and adorable and love how the way she want to protect her family and her friend. I love Rose and Ruby as well. I love Rose how to try to pair the mc up, love the way she think and support her daughter.
I also like how Nicole care and protective for Alexis and help to get rid off the bullies and deal with them that they did to Alexis. I know it's not good to be violent, but sometimes when words dont reach them, you need to do it with different approach. And of course Ruby painball.. hahahaha
This is such a dorable, heartwarming, heart touching and funny humorous book. At the start it's not much of the laughing but when i keep reading I start to smile, giggle and laughing and of course tearing as well.
I love Ruby's speech to the people at the Christmas Festival about Nicole and Lindsay. I dont know about other, but that speech is so touching to me and it did moved me to tear.
As always thank you for the wonderful book <3
Robin Alexander really do change me, you know.. the type of book I usually dont want to read (one of the mc has a kid). I have read 3 of Robin's books that one of mc has a kid and i love them all.
I really love this book, such a heartwarming family and loves. Alexis is cute, smart and adorable and love how the way she want to protect her family and her friend. I love Rose and Ruby as well. I love Rose how to try to pair the mc up, love the way she think and support her daughter.
I also like how Nicole care and protective for Alexis and help to get rid off the bullies and deal with them that they did to Alexis. I know it's not good to be violent, but sometimes when words dont reach them, you need to do it with different approach. And of course Ruby painball.. hahahaha
This is such a dorable, heartwarming, heart touching and funny humorous book. At the start it's not much of the laughing but when i keep reading I start to smile, giggle and laughing and of course tearing as well.
I love Ruby's speech to the people at the Christmas Festival about Nicole and Lindsay. I dont know about other, but that speech is so touching to me and it did moved me to tear.
As always thank you for the wonderful book <3
August 21, 2016
This is such a nice story - warm and funny with engaging cast of characters of people and animals.
July 18, 2012
While Pitifully Ugly by this same author made me laugh the whole way through, this book had me smiling the entire time. It is not like so may other formulaic romance novels where girl meets girl, spends most of the book fighting their feelings, get together, have a falling out, and then work it out. Instead, when the two acknowledge their feelings, you get to spend the rest of the book envious of their love and passion. They do face obstacles, but thankfully it's not from a horrible lack of communication and self doubt.
You might think that the lack of angst will make it boring, not so. You will get to know and love the characters in the book, the families, the kids and pets and old women with guns. The character development and skill with which the author tells a story is top-notch and refreshing. And there is no lack of passion, even here in the podunk sheltered small town. so you wont be left wanting in that area.
And who doesn't love when the seemingly backwards woman that always does what's right takes control when you least expect it?
I am now a huge fan of this author's style of telling stories and will be moving on to read everything else she has written.
You might think that the lack of angst will make it boring, not so. You will get to know and love the characters in the book, the families, the kids and pets and old women with guns. The character development and skill with which the author tells a story is top-notch and refreshing. And there is no lack of passion, even here in the podunk sheltered small town. so you wont be left wanting in that area.
And who doesn't love when the seemingly backwards woman that always does what's right takes control when you least expect it?
I am now a huge fan of this author's style of telling stories and will be moving on to read everything else she has written.
April 24, 2021
A really sweet romance that put a smile on my face with all the sweetness, lovely characters (out-Nicole, not-so-straight Lindsay, Alexis, Rose and even Ruby) and the witty dialogues! Expect zero angst 🙂
December 10, 2025
One of my favorite reading experiences is picking up a book, knowing nothing in advance, and then having a wonderful time with it. The Secret of St. Claire was on a list of Sapphic Christmas books so I just dove in and I’m so glad I did.
Dr Nicole Allen is the new veterinarian in St Claire, Louisiana having just moved from Montana. She has a blast dealing with the colorful characters and the pets in the small town and feels a sense of home very quickly. Early on, she meets Lindsey Juneau and her daughter, Lexi. Together, they all bond as a family and give a cozy feel even when Lindsey and Nicole are strictly friends. The story starts out on Halloween and ends on Christmas. As usual for a Robin Alexander book, well written and well paced. Lori Prince does an excellent narration that had me looking forward to any few minutes I could listen. If you’re searching for a very funny, steamy, and genuinely warm-hearted holiday book, this one is it.
Dr Nicole Allen is the new veterinarian in St Claire, Louisiana having just moved from Montana. She has a blast dealing with the colorful characters and the pets in the small town and feels a sense of home very quickly. Early on, she meets Lindsey Juneau and her daughter, Lexi. Together, they all bond as a family and give a cozy feel even when Lindsey and Nicole are strictly friends. The story starts out on Halloween and ends on Christmas. As usual for a Robin Alexander book, well written and well paced. Lori Prince does an excellent narration that had me looking forward to any few minutes I could listen. If you’re searching for a very funny, steamy, and genuinely warm-hearted holiday book, this one is it.
October 12, 2016
I do not know what it is about Alexander books. I always seem to have a certain amount of reluctance to start, I stumble a little in the beginning, but - most of the time (with a few exceptions), I end up giggling happily as I inhale the book. Also I like how Alexander seems to like people roughly around 37 years of age.
St. Claire Louisiana is, as the book description notes - 'straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting'. It's a lovely little town, off the beaten path, miles from hotels and highways, a more or less peaceful, calm, lovely . . . I'm repeating myself. Just a few things mar the perfection - there's one particular family that has some rather absurdly abusive and mean little shits . . um . . little boys who harass and terrorize the people around them. Plus the second imperfection - to live there one must be straight (or so thinks one Lindsay Juneau - owner and operator of the hardware store in town, mother of a small girl, and, secretly, a lesbian).
Into this 'perfect' setting comes one Nicole Allen, veterinarian and lesbian. Allen's there to take over the local veterinarian office.
Nicole and Lindsay meet almost immediately when Lindsay brings in her cat, Mr. Peepers, who had been terrorized by that earlier mentioned family of little shits. Caged in an abandoned house, and pelted with balloons filled with paint.
Their 'relationship' advances more through the pushing of Rose, Lindsay's mother, though both were quite happy to become friends.
The family dynamics, small town dynamics, cats and kittens, and budding friendships and relationships fill the book; as well as numerous moments of laughter. That and some neat holiday moments - Halloween and Christmas.
(Of note, as an aside, I need to stop listening to books while writing reviews, like I did with this one and the previous review. Listening to 'A Date with Angel' makes review writing hard).
October 12 2016
St. Claire Louisiana is, as the book description notes - 'straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting'. It's a lovely little town, off the beaten path, miles from hotels and highways, a more or less peaceful, calm, lovely . . . I'm repeating myself. Just a few things mar the perfection - there's one particular family that has some rather absurdly abusive and mean little shits . . um . . little boys who harass and terrorize the people around them. Plus the second imperfection - to live there one must be straight (or so thinks one Lindsay Juneau - owner and operator of the hardware store in town, mother of a small girl, and, secretly, a lesbian).
Into this 'perfect' setting comes one Nicole Allen, veterinarian and lesbian. Allen's there to take over the local veterinarian office.
Nicole and Lindsay meet almost immediately when Lindsay brings in her cat, Mr. Peepers, who had been terrorized by that earlier mentioned family of little shits. Caged in an abandoned house, and pelted with balloons filled with paint.
Their 'relationship' advances more through the pushing of Rose, Lindsay's mother, though both were quite happy to become friends.
The family dynamics, small town dynamics, cats and kittens, and budding friendships and relationships fill the book; as well as numerous moments of laughter. That and some neat holiday moments - Halloween and Christmas.
(Of note, as an aside, I need to stop listening to books while writing reviews, like I did with this one and the previous review. Listening to 'A Date with Angel' makes review writing hard).
October 12 2016
November 13, 2013
I loved this book. What a delightful, gentle love story with lots of humor sprinkled throughout. Clever dialogue that keeps the characters real, believable and easy to identify with. I especially appreciate the story flow as there is no time wasted with the angst of fighting an attraction found in so many romance stories. This story draws the reader in and doesn't disappoint. The lovemaking is pretty hot, too!
August 5, 2024
I don't really know how I ended up reading another Robin Alexander novel after I swore her books off, but I needed an audiobook to listen to during a bout of insomnia and it was available. And, actually, this was one of my better Robin Alexander experiences. But the trajectory of this love story was outrageous; I was rolling my eyes. So this we good for a Robin Alexander novel, but when compared to other stories, it's still pretty mid.
February 27, 2017
This was a wonderful book until they got together, and it was okay in the very beginning of the relationship, but then... basically everything happened too fast. And I mean fast. As in, literally within less than two months of knowing each other. I was in shock.
The main redeeming factors for me were the cute mutual pining in the first half of the book, Alexis being adorable with Lindsay and Nicole, and those last scenes at the Christmas party. The actual relationship development, though, was just way too fast for me to handle. I love some good domestic fluff, and they were super cute, but I'm definitely more of a slow burn kind of girl.
The main redeeming factors for me were the cute mutual pining in the first half of the book, Alexis being adorable with Lindsay and Nicole, and those last scenes at the Christmas party. The actual relationship development, though, was just way too fast for me to handle. I love some good domestic fluff, and they were super cute, but I'm definitely more of a slow burn kind of girl.
November 12, 2017
Soul healing fluff.
December 6, 2016
This is my first read of this author's work and I enjoyed it greatly. It's a sweet story and I found myself really rooting for the main characters to be happy. I also appreciated how the author ended the book. Issues resolved and a snapshot of the future. Can't wait to read more from this author.
May 14, 2024
I always like Robin Alexander's books, her sense of humor and her endearing characters are unforgettable. This one is as good as I expected. Living in a sleepy little town has its own disadvantages, you have to be very brave to come out of the closet and deal with the narrow minded, ultra conservative people. I understand Linsey's hesitation about hiding her relationship with a woman, as a single mother, she is devoted to her little daughter and wants the very best for her kid. I also really like Dr. Nicole, as a newcomer, she is not afraid of pursuing her heart's desire, she is patient and friendly, her love of Linsey and her little girl moved me deeply. It is a sweet romance that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
May 7, 2018
This is a reread for me, several years after my initial read. I gave it 5 stars years ago, and I love rereading books. I am going to add this one to my favorites list after its second read. I really like Robin Alexander’s books. Her characters are always well written and realistic. Her dialogue is always good and the story just sits well with me. She does both main and secondary characters really well. The rating on this one remains the same. It actually made me want to reread more of her books. You get a little bit of everything with her books so I see no reason you can go wrong by picking one up. Start with this one you will not be disappointed.
August 4, 2019
Bastante bien.
No es la típica historia de cercas blancas en un pueblito (hola, Gerri), por lo menos eso. Es la típica historia de Robin y a ella le gusta crear personajes divertidos, poco comunes y un tanto histriónicos. Eso es lo mejor que tiene porque no es pretenciosa.
El final es un poco abrupto como para tener más estrellas, puede que le haya regalado un poco la nota pero en realidad me entretuve. Lo leí de un tirón, sí le falta pulirlo un poco, aunque como para una lectura del tipo de matar el tiempo viene bien.
Al menos sus personajes no son ultra millonarias, supremas, encantadoras, divinas, perfectas diosas en la tierra, son gente normal con vidas corrientes.
No es la típica historia de cercas blancas en un pueblito (hola, Gerri), por lo menos eso. Es la típica historia de Robin y a ella le gusta crear personajes divertidos, poco comunes y un tanto histriónicos. Eso es lo mejor que tiene porque no es pretenciosa.
El final es un poco abrupto como para tener más estrellas, puede que le haya regalado un poco la nota pero en realidad me entretuve. Lo leí de un tirón, sí le falta pulirlo un poco, aunque como para una lectura del tipo de matar el tiempo viene bien.
Al menos sus personajes no son ultra millonarias, supremas, encantadoras, divinas, perfectas diosas en la tierra, son gente normal con vidas corrientes.
May 4, 2012
Romantic, heartwarming and entertaining. Definitely worth my time.
July 16, 2014
Im hooked! can't get enough of Robin's books, she one very talented writer. Really enjoy everything about them. fantastic story lines and very very funny. I'm on a Robin Alexander marathon.
September 12, 2018
This is a mature story and deeply enjoyed. It acquainted one to the characters gradually and that shaped out the romance.
July 19, 2025
Another wonderful book by Robin Alexander! She has a knack of getting small southern towns just right. This is no exception. You see the good and wholesomeness. And you see the homophopbic underbelly which is the secret of St Clair. But it is mixed with love and humor and a crazy old lady that helps bullies see the better way to behave. There's a terrific kiddo and a just right love story.
July 30, 2019
Anda rondando las 4 estrellas, Robin es una autora que me gusta, lo que he leído de ella me ha dejado siempre un sabor dulce. Sin querer aparentar más de lo que es logra historias que atrapan desde su sencillez.
December 20, 2013
Total fantasy -- everyone is so supportive, the mom is a matchmaker, the romance is super fast yet deep and meaningful with red hot sex from the first moment, the kid is perfect, everyone's parents are totally on board. Everything that happens is more than unbelievable, there is no fallout of anything, there are no obstacles and the only character who is even remotely negative is painted as villainous so early on that there is no emotional response to her bigotry. The speed of the romance is especially ridiculous -- lindsey was 20+ years knowingly in the closet but spends almost no time before committing 100%, nicole instantly bonding with the kid and creating a family unit: preposterous. I did like the matchmaking mother though -- it was so obvious what she was doing from the first instance, it was a nice resolution when that paid off. Such a shame, as I liked the writing but the plot was unsatisfying.
December 21, 2025
Such wit. Delightful, funny, smart, endearing. Will read again.
March 27, 2025
5 - This is by far the cutest Robin Alexander story I've read so far. Lori Prince narration is gold.
October 11, 2023
I'm always get a laugh with Robins books.
December 15, 2018
I'm disappointed. I liked the first 8 chapters of this book and thought I'd keep on liking it, given the general atmosphere of the story. Not to mention that little Alexis is adorable.
But then, there's backstory about a false accusation of statutory rape, which is mentioned for .2 second as justification for the character to move across the country, and could have been literally anything else without perpetuating the myth of the false accusation.
So I could have mostly disregarded it for its brevity. Especially since I thought the question of having to come out seemed well handled. The reasons for the character to not come out felt realistic, and she was never pressured by her love interest to do so. (I did dislike the choice of having the character being surprised that her mother knew and didn't react really badly, because I feel that's often something one can gauge about the people close to them pretty well. But I could also disregard that easily.)
But then there's a big scene about the closeted mother being outed in front of the whole town, everyone having copped onto it (after barely 2 months), and most people supporting her. I dislike that kind of scenes in general, and specifically here because, to me, it implies a sort of "get over it, most people are open-minded about it now" mentality that dismisses real concerns and real experiences of queer people even today, and even coming from "open-minded" straight people (whether consciously or not). As well as a sort of obligation to put out there for everyone to publicly see it, something that is inherently very private and doesn't (shouldn't) need a public declaration.
The final straw was the proposal, not necessarily because it happens so fast (1.5 months after they tentatively start dating), but because they didn't talk about it at all beforehand. Additionally, the mother is giddy about taking her fiancée's last name, when she specifically expressed not getting back to her maiden name after her divorce so that she'd keep the same last name as her child. And since the father is still in the picture, I don't see the fiancée adopting the kid and her name changing. (I did like the father and his acceptance and kindness and would have liked to see more of it, a good relation/friendship between divorced parents that is healthy for the child.)
But then, there's backstory about a false accusation of statutory rape, which is mentioned for .2 second as justification for the character to move across the country, and could have been literally anything else without perpetuating the myth of the false accusation.
So I could have mostly disregarded it for its brevity. Especially since I thought the question of having to come out seemed well handled. The reasons for the character to not come out felt realistic, and she was never pressured by her love interest to do so. (I did dislike the choice of having the character being surprised that her mother knew and didn't react really badly, because I feel that's often something one can gauge about the people close to them pretty well. But I could also disregard that easily.)
But then there's a big scene about the closeted mother being outed in front of the whole town, everyone having copped onto it (after barely 2 months), and most people supporting her. I dislike that kind of scenes in general, and specifically here because, to me, it implies a sort of "get over it, most people are open-minded about it now" mentality that dismisses real concerns and real experiences of queer people even today, and even coming from "open-minded" straight people (whether consciously or not). As well as a sort of obligation to put out there for everyone to publicly see it, something that is inherently very private and doesn't (shouldn't) need a public declaration.
The final straw was the proposal, not necessarily because it happens so fast (1.5 months after they tentatively start dating), but because they didn't talk about it at all beforehand. Additionally, the mother is giddy about taking her fiancée's last name, when she specifically expressed not getting back to her maiden name after her divorce so that she'd keep the same last name as her child. And since the father is still in the picture, I don't see the fiancée adopting the kid and her name changing. (I did like the father and his acceptance and kindness and would have liked to see more of it, a good relation/friendship between divorced parents that is healthy for the child.)
May 19, 2025
If the quirky charm of "The Trip" or "The Lure of White Oak" is a bit too much for you, dear reader/listener, "The Secret of St. Claire" might be more your cup of tea. The story is not brimming with humor that will have you doubled over. Still, it does feature the endearing six-year-old Alexis, who steals the show with her lispy adorableness.
Set in an idyllic town in Louisiana, St. Claire is a beautiful small town with some very interesting people. People are there for each other, but certain lifestyles are frowned upon.
Nicole Allen is a newcomer to the town, taking over the local veterinary practice. Nicole is fleeing her hometown to strike out on her own rather than work with her own family of veterinarians.
Lindsey is a native of St. Clair. She lives with her mother, Rose, and her darling daughter, Alexis. Lindsey‘s life was easy and fit the mold of the town until Nicole arrived. Lindsey had married a local boyfriend and gave birth to Alexis in an attempt to disregard and move past her sapphic desires. Nicole‘s presence gave new birth to old feelings. Lindsey had stuffed away feelings that she did not believe she would be able to experience or live out (at least in St. Claire).
Rose keeps pushing her daughter and Nicole to spend more time together, seemingly just wanting Lindsey to gain a new friend. Rose's ulterior motives and desires for her daughter eventually unfold as the story progresses.
The story is full of interesting characters and backstories. We have infidelity, small-town judgment, old hens spreading gossip, and a loving mother who only wants her daughter and granddaughter to be happy.
If scrappy, feisty elementary school-aged kids are your flavor, Alexis does not disappoint. She is not afraid to confront injustice when she sees it, even if she does it with a lisp.
This is one of those beautiful single-mother stories in which the love interest and the single mom's child become fast friends before the sparks start flying.
Just like summers in Louisiana are not complete without sweet tea, an audiobook from Robin Alexander is not complete without Lori Prince. Lori had her work cut out for her on this one with a lispy child and many old women to voice. Like all of her narrations (and most especially Alexander's), she kicked this one over the fence. No matter how many times I listen to it, I will always have misty eyes. That is the magic of Robin Alexander and Lori Prince.
Set in an idyllic town in Louisiana, St. Claire is a beautiful small town with some very interesting people. People are there for each other, but certain lifestyles are frowned upon.
Nicole Allen is a newcomer to the town, taking over the local veterinary practice. Nicole is fleeing her hometown to strike out on her own rather than work with her own family of veterinarians.
Lindsey is a native of St. Clair. She lives with her mother, Rose, and her darling daughter, Alexis. Lindsey‘s life was easy and fit the mold of the town until Nicole arrived. Lindsey had married a local boyfriend and gave birth to Alexis in an attempt to disregard and move past her sapphic desires. Nicole‘s presence gave new birth to old feelings. Lindsey had stuffed away feelings that she did not believe she would be able to experience or live out (at least in St. Claire).
Rose keeps pushing her daughter and Nicole to spend more time together, seemingly just wanting Lindsey to gain a new friend. Rose's ulterior motives and desires for her daughter eventually unfold as the story progresses.
The story is full of interesting characters and backstories. We have infidelity, small-town judgment, old hens spreading gossip, and a loving mother who only wants her daughter and granddaughter to be happy.
If scrappy, feisty elementary school-aged kids are your flavor, Alexis does not disappoint. She is not afraid to confront injustice when she sees it, even if she does it with a lisp.
This is one of those beautiful single-mother stories in which the love interest and the single mom's child become fast friends before the sparks start flying.
Just like summers in Louisiana are not complete without sweet tea, an audiobook from Robin Alexander is not complete without Lori Prince. Lori had her work cut out for her on this one with a lispy child and many old women to voice. Like all of her narrations (and most especially Alexander's), she kicked this one over the fence. No matter how many times I listen to it, I will always have misty eyes. That is the magic of Robin Alexander and Lori Prince.
May 21, 2024
Lindsay and Nicole are great - a very sweet, adorable, sexy couple! In a small town, it wasn't hard for them to meet, get along, and fall for each other - a romantic comedy that Robin Alexander is so good in creating. What's even better are the supporting characters that add so much fun and excitement to the story. There's Lindsay's daughter Alexis (super cute) and mother, Rose. Ruby, town shut-in and crazy old lady that nobody wants to mess with... but she's awesome! And the ones you love to hate, the McCreadys and Mary Berthalot (sp?) who love to make everyone miserable. It has it all! Good read
January 1, 2025
Not bad, I guess? It reminded me a lot of Ann McMan's Jericho series, just with a vet instead of a doctor. I really liked Lindsay, Nicole, Alexis and all the supporting characters.
As with many books, my issue with this one is the pacing. The last third of the book is loaded with too many events and realisations that none of them are addressed properly. The same thing happens to the conflict implied with Mary Beth, which would have provided a great opportunity to show Lindsay, Nicole, and Alexis' resilience. Unfortunately, it's over in a paragraph or two, and the book ends shortly thereafter.
As with many books, my issue with this one is the pacing. The last third of the book is loaded with too many events and realisations that none of them are addressed properly. The same thing happens to the conflict implied with Mary Beth, which would have provided a great opportunity to show Lindsay, Nicole, and Alexis' resilience. Unfortunately, it's over in a paragraph or two, and the book ends shortly thereafter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews