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Flowing like Water
Chocolate shop owner Laura is 57 years old and has been married to the same man for decades. She never would have expected to end up falling in love with another woman. But when she meets 53-year-old single mother Carina, her whole world is turned upside down …
A sapphic late bloomer romance novel about attraction, desire and the miracles (and difficulties) of a new love.
A sapphic late bloomer romance novel about attraction, desire and the miracles (and difficulties) of a new love.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2023
10 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Jutta Swietlinski
14 books48 followersThe author’s heart beats for unusual, character-driven stories with subtle nuances and that certain something that go beyond the limits of conventional genres to explore the inner world of their characters.
Deep sapphic stories with a twist are her specialty.
Deep sapphic stories with a twist are her specialty.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 20, 2023
They’re pretty late, but oh, how they bloom!
When Carina and Laura meet for the first time, they’re both in their fifties and both of them lead a settled life with a teenage daughter and a long-time husband respectively. They like each other immediately, and when coincidence brings them together time and again, they soon start to realize that they’re not only on the same wavelength, but they also feel attracted to each other. And fate takes its course …
This sapphic romance tells the love story between two women in the second half of their lives, who would never have expected to fall in love again, and in particular, not with a woman.
It’s fascinating to watch them struggling with all their new feelings, slowly accepting their realizations and overcoming their doubts, uncertainties and the problems involved. There is a very authentic touch to the situations which are described here, so that I was easily able to relate to the protagonists (interestingly, we have two first-person narrators here who take turns telling the story).
There are some funny scenes in the novel, a lot of touching ones – and then there are the REALLY hot’n’ spicy scenes – or rather, chapters … You have to wait a while to get there, but it’s definitely worth the wait!
The story is romantic and intense in several ways, but also surprisingly refreshing because it breaks new ground by re-thinking the concept of love and relationship.
An unusual, extraordinary book and anything but the same old story for the umpteenth time. The perfect read for people who are interested in a slightly different kind of lesbian romance novel, with older main characters for a change.
Five stars!!!
When Carina and Laura meet for the first time, they’re both in their fifties and both of them lead a settled life with a teenage daughter and a long-time husband respectively. They like each other immediately, and when coincidence brings them together time and again, they soon start to realize that they’re not only on the same wavelength, but they also feel attracted to each other. And fate takes its course …
This sapphic romance tells the love story between two women in the second half of their lives, who would never have expected to fall in love again, and in particular, not with a woman.
It’s fascinating to watch them struggling with all their new feelings, slowly accepting their realizations and overcoming their doubts, uncertainties and the problems involved. There is a very authentic touch to the situations which are described here, so that I was easily able to relate to the protagonists (interestingly, we have two first-person narrators here who take turns telling the story).
There are some funny scenes in the novel, a lot of touching ones – and then there are the REALLY hot’n’ spicy scenes – or rather, chapters … You have to wait a while to get there, but it’s definitely worth the wait!
The story is romantic and intense in several ways, but also surprisingly refreshing because it breaks new ground by re-thinking the concept of love and relationship.
An unusual, extraordinary book and anything but the same old story for the umpteenth time. The perfect read for people who are interested in a slightly different kind of lesbian romance novel, with older main characters for a change.
Five stars!!!
June 27, 2024
Delicious slow burn with some real substance.
I love a good dual POV… when it’s used well. Which is the case here, I'm happy to say. Jutta Swietlinski effectively alternates between the perspectives of Carina and Laura, providing insight into their individual experiences and emotions as they navigate hitherto uncharted territory. Yes there are some nice comedic moments for good reading “texture,” but Flowing Like Water is full of poignant moments as it delves into passionate and sensual scenes that add super depth to the characters' relationship.
Facing obstacles and societal norms, can Carina and Laura's love for each other ultimately prevail? Ms. Swietlinski challenges readers to reconsider conventional notions of love and partnership.
This is unique take on lesbian romance, with real-feeling, well-rounded, and enggaing characters, coombined with a thought-provoking exploration of love and desire. A compelling and well-written narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned. Lovely cover too! :)
I love a good dual POV… when it’s used well. Which is the case here, I'm happy to say. Jutta Swietlinski effectively alternates between the perspectives of Carina and Laura, providing insight into their individual experiences and emotions as they navigate hitherto uncharted territory. Yes there are some nice comedic moments for good reading “texture,” but Flowing Like Water is full of poignant moments as it delves into passionate and sensual scenes that add super depth to the characters' relationship.
Facing obstacles and societal norms, can Carina and Laura's love for each other ultimately prevail? Ms. Swietlinski challenges readers to reconsider conventional notions of love and partnership.
This is unique take on lesbian romance, with real-feeling, well-rounded, and enggaing characters, coombined with a thought-provoking exploration of love and desire. A compelling and well-written narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned. Lovely cover too! :)
December 4, 2023
Man, I really wanted to see the dynamic of the relationship after the book ended!
February 26, 2024
Great read!
You know those stories, where they meet, fall for each other and life does its best to keep them apart, but in the end, love conquers all and they embark on a life together? Well, this isn’t one of those romances. Flowing like water is a well-written story with likeable older characters but it took me a little while to really get into the story but after that I couldn't stop reading. It was an interesting read with a very surprising outcome and I can definitely recommend it.
You know those stories, where they meet, fall for each other and life does its best to keep them apart, but in the end, love conquers all and they embark on a life together? Well, this isn’t one of those romances. Flowing like water is a well-written story with likeable older characters but it took me a little while to really get into the story but after that I couldn't stop reading. It was an interesting read with a very surprising outcome and I can definitely recommend it.
September 12, 2022
"Fließen" ist ein lesbischer Liebesroman, in dem (Überraschung! ;-)) sich zwei Frauen ineinander verlieben. Das klingt erst mal unspektakulär und es ist auch tatsächlich so, dass der Roman nicht unbedingt viel Action zu bieten hat. Wer aber lesen möchte, wie Laura und Katharina, beide über fünfzig, beide mit einem heterosexuellen Hintergrund, ganz allmählich überrascht feststellen, dass sich in ihrem Leben alles plötzlich in eine völlig unerwartete Richtung entwickelt, ist hier goldrichtig.
Es gelingt der Autorin mit ihrem immer sensiblen, "fließenden" Sprachstil und viel Gefühl exzellent, sich in beide Icherzählerinnen (aus deren Sicht die Geschichte abwechselnd erzählt wird) hineinzuversetzen, was die beiden Protagonistinnen überaus sympathisch macht und der Story einen sehr authentischen Touch verleiht. Auf manchmal nachdenkliche, oft witzige, manchmal auch tragische oder dramatische Weise schildert sie, was passiert, wenn zwei nicht mehr ganz junge Frauen aus heiterem Himmel Amors Pfeil trifft und nicht nur sie, sondern auch ihr Umfeld. v. a. ihre Familien, mit den Konsequenzen leben müssen.
Das ist nicht immer einfach, aber unterhaltsam und sehr romantisch - und definitiv äußerst lesenswert!
Es gelingt der Autorin mit ihrem immer sensiblen, "fließenden" Sprachstil und viel Gefühl exzellent, sich in beide Icherzählerinnen (aus deren Sicht die Geschichte abwechselnd erzählt wird) hineinzuversetzen, was die beiden Protagonistinnen überaus sympathisch macht und der Story einen sehr authentischen Touch verleiht. Auf manchmal nachdenkliche, oft witzige, manchmal auch tragische oder dramatische Weise schildert sie, was passiert, wenn zwei nicht mehr ganz junge Frauen aus heiterem Himmel Amors Pfeil trifft und nicht nur sie, sondern auch ihr Umfeld. v. a. ihre Familien, mit den Konsequenzen leben müssen.
Das ist nicht immer einfach, aber unterhaltsam und sehr romantisch - und definitiv äußerst lesenswert!
November 7, 2025
Essentially its a really tender and innocent love story between Carina and Laura, who find each other later in life. They are the main focus of the story, tho the husband, daughter and best friend feature later on.
It begins with many serendipitious meetings and then quickly grows into unstoppable attraction and desire.
I liked the writing style, with dual point of view narrative it helped the dialogue 'flow'. Personally I found the italics a bit distracting.
I appreciated the use of 'mature' women as the MCs as so seldom represented in literature.
Their life experience, perspective brought the depth and strength needed to the storyline. I think what surprised me most was my expectation of conflict.
Overall It was really well written and I enjoyed it very much.
It begins with many serendipitious meetings and then quickly grows into unstoppable attraction and desire.
I liked the writing style, with dual point of view narrative it helped the dialogue 'flow'. Personally I found the italics a bit distracting.
I appreciated the use of 'mature' women as the MCs as so seldom represented in literature.
Their life experience, perspective brought the depth and strength needed to the storyline. I think what surprised me most was my expectation of conflict.
Overall It was really well written and I enjoyed it very much.
August 26, 2025
Flowing Like Water Hits A Few Ripples!
This is the third book from this writer that I have read and it had very different undertones. Her concepts and characters still flowed. The instant chemistry between Laura & Carina reminded me of younger days when the passion you felt left little concern for what was going on in view of everyone else. Then you have Laura’s husband, Leo. An open relationship between the two brings a worry of dealing with the unknown of a new love for Laura. Carina, who is so in love with Laura, must come out to her daughter not realizing her best friend, Felicia is holding a secret that can affect both of their lives. The story up to the entanglement was full of passion and love and excitement. Not sure about the tangled web that was happening.
This is the third book from this writer that I have read and it had very different undertones. Her concepts and characters still flowed. The instant chemistry between Laura & Carina reminded me of younger days when the passion you felt left little concern for what was going on in view of everyone else. Then you have Laura’s husband, Leo. An open relationship between the two brings a worry of dealing with the unknown of a new love for Laura. Carina, who is so in love with Laura, must come out to her daughter not realizing her best friend, Felicia is holding a secret that can affect both of their lives. The story up to the entanglement was full of passion and love and excitement. Not sure about the tangled web that was happening.
July 31, 2024
Just didn’t get it - tried for 10% and lost the will to continue. Not helped by italics and normal text stopping and starting illogically. Sorry!
February 28, 2024
Different, in an unusual way.
I liked the concept of this novel, and I really enjoyed the main characters. I did want to slap Laura at times for coming across as pretty self-centred but I liked her nonetheless. It’s a very different kind of read and I’m still trying to decide an overall opinion of it. Some books are meant to leave you scratching your head a bit. Maybe this is one of them.
I liked the concept of this novel, and I really enjoyed the main characters. I did want to slap Laura at times for coming across as pretty self-centred but I liked her nonetheless. It’s a very different kind of read and I’m still trying to decide an overall opinion of it. Some books are meant to leave you scratching your head a bit. Maybe this is one of them.
July 30, 2025
This was my third book by Jutta, I believe all of her books translated to English from her native German, and once again a gem. Here we have two women who meet at a swimming pool in their 50s and fall for each other. Carina works with her best friend running a small publishing firm and has a 14 year old daughter, while Laura runs a chocolate shop with her long time husband. Neither had previously considered being in a same sex relationship, while Carina did have something of a fling back in University.
I love how Jutta always seems to get to the heart of human emotion, and here is no exception. Lots for both of them to deal with in their surprising and newfound relationship. A bit of a curve ball at the very end that put a bit of a spanner in the story for me, but well worth the read. 4 stars.
I love how Jutta always seems to get to the heart of human emotion, and here is no exception. Lots for both of them to deal with in their surprising and newfound relationship. A bit of a curve ball at the very end that put a bit of a spanner in the story for me, but well worth the read. 4 stars.
January 26, 2025
Unusual love story
This book is an unlikely and unusual love story. The ending is both what I expected and is unexpected. It’s a beautiful story and I love that the the women are in their 50s. It was a little difficult for me to get into but I’m glad I kept reading. It’s worthy of the time and emotion. Much to think about.
This book is an unlikely and unusual love story. The ending is both what I expected and is unexpected. It’s a beautiful story and I love that the the women are in their 50s. It was a little difficult for me to get into but I’m glad I kept reading. It’s worthy of the time and emotion. Much to think about.
January 7, 2022
Fließen ist eine wunderbare Liebesgeschichte zweier Frauen in ihren Fünfzigern.
Die eine der beiden Frauen ist seit vielen Jahren glücklich mit einem Mann verheiratet, die andere geschieden und alleinerziehende Mutter einer Teenagertochter. Trotz ihrer unterschiedlichen Lebensentwürfe verlieben sich die Frauen ineinander und müssen entscheiden, wie es mit ihrer Liebe und ihrem Leben weitergehen soll.
Die Autorin erzählt in Ich-Form aus der Perspektive der beiden Hauptfiguren, so dass die Gefühle, Überlegungen, Zweifel, aber auch die Freude über die aufregende neue Liebe beim Lesen tief berühren.
Dabei vermeidet die Autorin meisterlich altbekannte Klischees und stellt Fragen, auf die es nicht immer bequeme Antworten gibt. Darf man/frau nur einen Menschen lieben? Ist Monogamie der einzig glücklich machende Weg? Was ist Liebe? Und kann man/frau jenseits von Eifersucht und Besitzansprüchen neue Wege finden?
Authentisch und nachvollziehbar erzählt die Autorin eine starke, mutige und unkonventionelle Liebesgeschichte, die sich aus dem manchmal allzu seichtem Genre der Liebesromane (egal ob lesbisch oder hetero) wohltuend hervortut.
Unbedingt lesen! Es lohnt sich, versprochen!
Die eine der beiden Frauen ist seit vielen Jahren glücklich mit einem Mann verheiratet, die andere geschieden und alleinerziehende Mutter einer Teenagertochter. Trotz ihrer unterschiedlichen Lebensentwürfe verlieben sich die Frauen ineinander und müssen entscheiden, wie es mit ihrer Liebe und ihrem Leben weitergehen soll.
Die Autorin erzählt in Ich-Form aus der Perspektive der beiden Hauptfiguren, so dass die Gefühle, Überlegungen, Zweifel, aber auch die Freude über die aufregende neue Liebe beim Lesen tief berühren.
Dabei vermeidet die Autorin meisterlich altbekannte Klischees und stellt Fragen, auf die es nicht immer bequeme Antworten gibt. Darf man/frau nur einen Menschen lieben? Ist Monogamie der einzig glücklich machende Weg? Was ist Liebe? Und kann man/frau jenseits von Eifersucht und Besitzansprüchen neue Wege finden?
Authentisch und nachvollziehbar erzählt die Autorin eine starke, mutige und unkonventionelle Liebesgeschichte, die sich aus dem manchmal allzu seichtem Genre der Liebesromane (egal ob lesbisch oder hetero) wohltuend hervortut.
Unbedingt lesen! Es lohnt sich, versprochen!
July 2, 2024
3.5 Stars
June 13, 2024
Liked the writing style, the characters, did not like the ending.
December 8, 2023
What happens when a previously heterosexual woman over fifty, who has found true love in her husband, unexpectedly falls in love with another woman and these feelings are reciprocated?
Jutta Swietlinski explores this question intensively, emotionally and very truthfully in her book. The author makes us experience the emotional journey of the two protagonists by showing us the rush of their new feelings, their insecurities, jealousy and tormenting longing and, above all, the magic of their new, exciting and extraordinary love.
It is impressive how the author manages to break old patterns and ask important questions that encourage readers to think about their own relationship and consider “what would I do if I were in their position?” She gives you completely new insights and a new perspective on love.
Jutta Swietlinski's novel is extremely interesting, all of her characters are portrayed very authentically and the subjects of the book are portrayed in a sensitive, exciting and sensual way.
An extremely well-written, entertaining, thought-provoking novel that continues to have an effect after reading.
Jutta Swietlinski explores this question intensively, emotionally and very truthfully in her book. The author makes us experience the emotional journey of the two protagonists by showing us the rush of their new feelings, their insecurities, jealousy and tormenting longing and, above all, the magic of their new, exciting and extraordinary love.
It is impressive how the author manages to break old patterns and ask important questions that encourage readers to think about their own relationship and consider “what would I do if I were in their position?” She gives you completely new insights and a new perspective on love.
Jutta Swietlinski's novel is extremely interesting, all of her characters are portrayed very authentically and the subjects of the book are portrayed in a sensitive, exciting and sensual way.
An extremely well-written, entertaining, thought-provoking novel that continues to have an effect after reading.
December 12, 2023
The novel describes an unusual love story that stands out from many other lesbian romance novels. A lot of important topics are told in a very authentic, honest way. I don't want to go into detail. Just this, I found particularly beautiful how the magic of a new, unexpected love is told in a very sensitive, sensual and exciting way. I would like to give this wonderful novel more than just five stars. For me a highlight of lesbian romance.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews