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Homecoming
They say there’s no going back, but Jill Henry gives it a try when she’s invited to a once close friend’s birthday party.The Davises were her family of choice, helping her flourish despite her emotionally arid home. They’re ready, willing and able to welcome her back. But Jill doubts that welcome will remain warm if she acts on her urges to pursue a member of the clan.Jill has created a very good life for herself, one that’s almost perfect. But when you finally meet the right woman you might just have to jump—no matter the consequences.It’s tough to mend a frayed emotional tie, and even tougher to trust it to endure. Is creating a family, whether new or renewed, a reward worth any risk?
431 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2015
15 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Susan X. Meagher
59 books372 followersSusan X Meagher was born in southern Illinois and grew up in East St Louis. She attended college in Chicago and started her working career there. She and her partner moved to the Los Angeles area in the late 80's. It was there that she started to write. Her first few books were simply posted on the web and became the I Found My Heart in San Francisco series. In 2002 she moved to New York and divides her time between Manhattan and the Jersey Shore. She has published thirteen books in the series and has gone on to write many individual books as well. She has partnered with other authors on two short story books and has written many stories that have been published in other mainstream anthologies. Susan is active in the lesbian author community and loves to attend Women's week at Provincetown and the GCLS annual conventions. Her stories revolve around the relationships that two women can build when given a chance and how those relationships can strengthen the individual and the partnership. Her genre is lesbian romance/fiction and she believes strongly in the happy ending that we all so deserve. Susan X Meagher was awarded a 2011 Lesbian Fiction Readers’ Choice Award for Favorite Lesbian Fiction Writer. She is the recipient of the 2014 Alice B. Medal for her body of work.
From the author's website: I live in New York with my spouse, Carrie. We've lived in Chicago and Los Angeles for significant periods, but New York fits us very well. I love to discuss my work and fiction in general. My goal in writing is to explore feelings. I want to entertain, but I also want to make people think. I've heard that life is all about finding out who we are. To me, life if about finding out who other people are. I'm interested in the small details of life, that's how a story about two young women in college is slowly becoming a 26 book series. The joke in Seinfield was that it was about nothing. I feel the same about most of my books. They are about the many things that happen when nothing is happening. The small joys and sorrows of everyday life can be fascinating, especially if you care about the people involved. I try to create characters that will make a reader care deeply. I'm always interested in hearing how close I am to that goal. So please drop me a line whenever you have a comment or a question about a story. Writing is a pretty solitary pursuit and it's great to know that I'm not alone.
From the author's website: I live in New York with my spouse, Carrie. We've lived in Chicago and Los Angeles for significant periods, but New York fits us very well. I love to discuss my work and fiction in general. My goal in writing is to explore feelings. I want to entertain, but I also want to make people think. I've heard that life is all about finding out who we are. To me, life if about finding out who other people are. I'm interested in the small details of life, that's how a story about two young women in college is slowly becoming a 26 book series. The joke in Seinfield was that it was about nothing. I feel the same about most of my books. They are about the many things that happen when nothing is happening. The small joys and sorrows of everyday life can be fascinating, especially if you care about the people involved. I try to create characters that will make a reader care deeply. I'm always interested in hearing how close I am to that goal. So please drop me a line whenever you have a comment or a question about a story. Writing is a pretty solitary pursuit and it's great to know that I'm not alone.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 8, 2020
Jill's own family was negligent towards her, so growing up, she was much more attached to her BFF Mark's family. Her relationship with the Davis parents was really pleasing to read. Especially when they found out about Lizzie and her.
Lizzie was the real star of the book. Her personality was so refreshing. One second she is playful and funny and the next sophisticated and mature. This book had the cutest confession scene. Clueless Jill kept setting Lizzie up with guys till finally Lizzie went off and told Jill that she likes her. Jill and Lizzie were so pure, always complimenting and trusting each other. They had such a healthy relationship without being boring.
I was really afraid to read this because my last Susan X. Meagher read, All 'That Matters' was a angstfest. This thankfully was nothing like that. It was a touching read about family and romance. TBH there wasn't a lot of family stuff either. It was at least 300 pages of Jill and Lizzie being adorable and I loved it.
Lizzie was the real star of the book. Her personality was so refreshing. One second she is playful and funny and the next sophisticated and mature. This book had the cutest confession scene. Clueless Jill kept setting Lizzie up with guys till finally Lizzie went off and told Jill that she likes her. Jill and Lizzie were so pure, always complimenting and trusting each other. They had such a healthy relationship without being boring.
I was really afraid to read this because my last Susan X. Meagher read, All 'That Matters' was a angstfest. This thankfully was nothing like that. It was a touching read about family and romance. TBH there wasn't a lot of family stuff either. It was at least 300 pages of Jill and Lizzie being adorable and I loved it.
June 23, 2016
I couldn't finish it, I made it through 45%.
It was soooooo boring. So boring. And there was absolutely no chemistry between the couple.
When Lizzie proclaimed her 'love' to Jill, I was like 'what'? Where did that come from? She didn't show any interest in her before that and she definitely wasn't flirting with her.
I liked the bisexuality thing and how Lizzie embraced it even though everyone gave her hell and no one understood her or her sexuality. There aren't many FF books where a character is proudly bi. I liked that.
That's all I liked though.
It was soooooo boring. So boring. And there was absolutely no chemistry between the couple.
When Lizzie proclaimed her 'love' to Jill, I was like 'what'? Where did that come from? She didn't show any interest in her before that and she definitely wasn't flirting with her.
I liked the bisexuality thing and how Lizzie embraced it even though everyone gave her hell and no one understood her or her sexuality. There aren't many FF books where a character is proudly bi. I liked that.
That's all I liked though.
July 11, 2015
Susan once again delivers a complete novel with fully fleshed out characters that don't feel like carbon copies of characters she has used before. Sure they might all have similar values, but each does feel unique.
This novel is told from the point of view of Jill, but the true star is Lizzie who pretty much outshines every other character in the book. I think she is supposed to. Lizzie is just that ray of sunshine that every dimly lit room needs.
Early on Jill is attending the birthday party of a childhood best friend. While at the party she meets a really attractive woman she doesn't recognize. This turns out to be Lizzie who is the younger sister of that childhood best friend. Lizzie and Jill eventually start hanging out as friends. Its not long before Lizzie drops the bombshell that she is bisexual to Jill. And not long after that she expresses her interest in dating Jill. Despite the ten years that separate them Jill eventually comes around...because Lizzie is omfg hot and has a great personality. And is very flexible. And a dancer. Need I go on?
Thus the crux of the novel. Bisexuality. I think its difficult for both gay and straight people to work out in their heads. I really have to applaud Susan for tackling the topic so very well and even giving me some new things to think about.
Family dynamics played a rather important role here as well. This is usually a pretty big area of contention for me. I've read an entire novel where two women fall in love and then plan to get married without ever meeting or even mentioning each other's family. Susan never seems to cut those kind of corners and as a reader I really appreciate it. Every added detail makes a character a little more three dimensional.
My points of contention are so small that I've been wavering back and forth on 4 or 5 stars.
Jill isn't nearly as interesting as Lizzie. She has a good job and a nice house with two cute cats. She has friends she plays cards with regularly. Huh...crap is Jill based on me? Okay never mind moving on...
There is an epilogue for the novel that you have to go online to read. Seriously? Its a minor complaint but why? At the end of the ebook that is where I was directed to go. SO WHY NOT JUST ADD IT TO THE EBOOK?
Minor spoiler --->
This novel is told from the point of view of Jill, but the true star is Lizzie who pretty much outshines every other character in the book. I think she is supposed to. Lizzie is just that ray of sunshine that every dimly lit room needs.
Early on Jill is attending the birthday party of a childhood best friend. While at the party she meets a really attractive woman she doesn't recognize. This turns out to be Lizzie who is the younger sister of that childhood best friend. Lizzie and Jill eventually start hanging out as friends. Its not long before Lizzie drops the bombshell that she is bisexual to Jill. And not long after that she expresses her interest in dating Jill. Despite the ten years that separate them Jill eventually comes around...because Lizzie is omfg hot and has a great personality. And is very flexible. And a dancer. Need I go on?
Thus the crux of the novel. Bisexuality. I think its difficult for both gay and straight people to work out in their heads. I really have to applaud Susan for tackling the topic so very well and even giving me some new things to think about.
Family dynamics played a rather important role here as well. This is usually a pretty big area of contention for me. I've read an entire novel where two women fall in love and then plan to get married without ever meeting or even mentioning each other's family. Susan never seems to cut those kind of corners and as a reader I really appreciate it. Every added detail makes a character a little more three dimensional.
My points of contention are so small that I've been wavering back and forth on 4 or 5 stars.
Jill isn't nearly as interesting as Lizzie. She has a good job and a nice house with two cute cats. She has friends she plays cards with regularly. Huh...crap is Jill based on me? Okay never mind moving on...
There is an epilogue for the novel that you have to go online to read. Seriously? Its a minor complaint but why? At the end of the ebook that is where I was directed to go. SO WHY NOT JUST ADD IT TO THE EBOOK?
Minor spoiler --->
February 10, 2016
I like long books and I liked this one, in general. I mean, at some point it got too sugary - and I'm the kind of person who likes sugary romances - but I felt like if there was a little bit more of angst before the love declarations it would've been a much better book. There's a whole family drama here, but the romance, once it started, developed pretty quickly.
The two main characters have known each other for years, but there was an age difference and they were never close or friends or anything like that. Jill, who is the protagonist, was actually best friends with Lizzie's brother, Mark. They spent something like twenty years without seeing each other, because Mark cut ties with Jill when they were in their twenties.
Jill and Lizzie become friends and remain that way for a good part of the book. The story is told from Jill's POV so we don't know about Lizzie's feelings, but, despite finding her attractive, Jill only sees Lizzie as her ex best friend's little sister and even sets her up with guys. That goes on
After they become a couple, the central point of the story becomes the family issue, 'cause no one in Lizzie's family knows she also has a thing for girls, given she only had serious relationships with guys. Lizzie is an active bisexual, like she says herself, but no one in her family has a clue about that.
Thing is, what Lizzie's family reaction might be when they find out is a big concern for Jill, because she likes them as if they were her own family. She fears they won't approve of the fact that she is 10 years older than Lizzie, plus, she is a woman.
Other than that, there isn't much angst between the couple, which, at least in my opinion, was a low point and it's what made me not give the book one more star. I even thought about giving it 3 stars, but it is a well written book and that is always appreciated. All in all, I do recommend it.
The two main characters have known each other for years, but there was an age difference and they were never close or friends or anything like that. Jill, who is the protagonist, was actually best friends with Lizzie's brother, Mark. They spent something like twenty years without seeing each other, because Mark cut ties with Jill when they were in their twenties.
Jill and Lizzie become friends and remain that way for a good part of the book. The story is told from Jill's POV so we don't know about Lizzie's feelings, but, despite finding her attractive, Jill only sees Lizzie as her ex best friend's little sister and even sets her up with guys. That goes on
After they become a couple, the central point of the story becomes the family issue, 'cause no one in Lizzie's family knows she also has a thing for girls, given she only had serious relationships with guys. Lizzie is an active bisexual, like she says herself, but no one in her family has a clue about that.
Thing is, what Lizzie's family reaction might be when they find out is a big concern for Jill, because she likes them as if they were her own family. She fears they won't approve of the fact that she is 10 years older than Lizzie, plus, she is a woman.
Other than that, there isn't much angst between the couple, which, at least in my opinion, was a low point and it's what made me not give the book one more star. I even thought about giving it 3 stars, but it is a well written book and that is always appreciated. All in all, I do recommend it.
April 25, 2020
Adorable age-gap angst-free romance with family and acceptance of one’s sexuality on the forefront. Jill who came from a small dysfunctional family and Lizzie with her close-knitted big family - two family who are as opposite as you can get. Bisexuality was a focal point with Homecoming.
June 28, 2015
This is a decent enough read, and a fairly solid romance, taking all the right steps to the happy ending. But this book didn't quite grip me as much as other's by this author. I never felt quite connected to the characters, though they weren't bad, just a bit hard to grasp. There seemed to be a general lack of emotion coming through for me overall. A coolness or detachment.
If I'm being honest I'd have to say this sat more in the realm of 3.5 stars for me, but I'm much more inclined to round that up rather than down given the fact Meagher at least takes her time with a romance. Her books are always nice and long, and she manages to keep me reading even if I'm not as into the story or the characters as I could be.
If I'm being honest I'd have to say this sat more in the realm of 3.5 stars for me, but I'm much more inclined to round that up rather than down given the fact Meagher at least takes her time with a romance. Her books are always nice and long, and she manages to keep me reading even if I'm not as into the story or the characters as I could be.
July 21, 2015
There were definitely moments I loved in the book. Not my favorite SXM book, but I enjoyed the characters. Their interactions with each other and their family dynamics. Can't put my finger on exactly what was missing, but feel that there is usually something more. The epilogue was great, glad that I could go to brisk press and read more.
June 5, 2015
Meet wonderful Jill and adorable Lizzie in this long and detailed story. It's worth every minute of the read. Oh and don't forget to read the epilogue at Brisk Press.
September 6, 2015
A weak 4* IMO. Not my favorite one by far, there were sections that sucked me in and characters that grabbed hold.
Then there were the others... so tempted to flip blindly passed almost entire chapters that not only didn't seem to flow, but bored me to tears.
Then there were the others... so tempted to flip blindly passed almost entire chapters that not only didn't seem to flow, but bored me to tears.
July 8, 2015
I really liked this book, and I would love to see a sequel even though SXM isn't much known for sequels.
September 18, 2018
This book was great, I was completely invested in these characters and cried a lot!
My 2nd purchase from this author, I'm gonna need a second job to afford my book habit! 😜😂😂
The 2nd thing I check before purchasing a book is # of pages, the 1st being author. I definitely have my favorites, and Susan is moving fast up that list. I try not to let negative reviews influence my choices too often because I have often disagreed with them after having gone ahead and read the book.
Susan has a knack for character development, I can so easily picture these people in my mind. Of course, there's often 1 character that I'd like to knock the sh%t out of, but that holds true in real life too, unfortunately. 😂😂😂😂
Lizzie's parents, Janet & Mike, are so awesome with their acceptance of Jill, having "adopted" her into their family when she was a kid and best friends with their son Mark.
I love longer books, I wish they were all at least 350 pages! 😂😂 But I'm probably in the minority with that longing, it seems many people are happy with the average 250. 😕😔
To me it seems that you often get to really know the secondary characters in longer books. They don't remain just a shell, and it doesn't feel like their development is taking away from the main characters' time.
As for this book, I AM little annoyed that the epilogue is apparently ONLY available through the Briskpress website and NOT as a download. 😣☹😔
But that's really my only complaint 😉
My 2nd purchase from this author, I'm gonna need a second job to afford my book habit! 😜😂😂
The 2nd thing I check before purchasing a book is # of pages, the 1st being author. I definitely have my favorites, and Susan is moving fast up that list. I try not to let negative reviews influence my choices too often because I have often disagreed with them after having gone ahead and read the book.
Susan has a knack for character development, I can so easily picture these people in my mind. Of course, there's often 1 character that I'd like to knock the sh%t out of, but that holds true in real life too, unfortunately. 😂😂😂😂
Lizzie's parents, Janet & Mike, are so awesome with their acceptance of Jill, having "adopted" her into their family when she was a kid and best friends with their son Mark.
I love longer books, I wish they were all at least 350 pages! 😂😂 But I'm probably in the minority with that longing, it seems many people are happy with the average 250. 😕😔
To me it seems that you often get to really know the secondary characters in longer books. They don't remain just a shell, and it doesn't feel like their development is taking away from the main characters' time.
As for this book, I AM little annoyed that the epilogue is apparently ONLY available through the Briskpress website and NOT as a download. 😣☹😔
But that's really my only complaint 😉
June 23, 2022
Susan X Meagher is a skilled lesbian novelist with enough confidence to self-publish her books so she can do them as she wants--longish, detailed, with complex character studies, humorous, intriguing storylines, and colorful, unique settings. HOMECOMING focuses on Jill Henry, now of Burlington, VT, who drives to Sugar Hill for a birthday party. Jill's family was practically emotionless, and while growing up, she was drawn to the kids in the Davis family, where there was love and affection. Now a successful college administrator, Jill has not matured when it comes to finding what she wants in her own love life. Back in her hometown, she reconnects with Lizzie Davis, whom she remembers as a very young child but who is all grown up and filled with sparkle. At her birthday party, Lizzie has just seen what she wants in life--Jill. This story is beautifully presented while filled with twists and turns as Jill and Lizzie sort out themselves, their age gap, and their sexual identities.
August 17, 2021
4.5
addresses stigma around bisexuality and age
very nice! mark is a bottom
addresses stigma around bisexuality and age
very nice! mark is a bottom
July 21, 2025
Always, great writing, warm story, but, I didn't feel that much chemistry
October 23, 2016
One of the rather few books that addresses the social acceptance problems of bisexual people.
But I think it's nothing new for the author because she has the bisexual character Mia in her San Francisco series.
The story takes its time to develop the relationship, which is getting lengthy sometimes, because there are no major roadblocks, just some cracks in the asphalt.
What I don't understand is that you have to read the epilogue on the website.
But I think it's nothing new for the author because she has the bisexual character Mia in her San Francisco series.
The story takes its time to develop the relationship, which is getting lengthy sometimes, because there are no major roadblocks, just some cracks in the asphalt.
What I don't understand is that you have to read the epilogue on the website.
July 23, 2015
Annoyed
Good book in itself started a little slow would recommend it only if it had the epilogue I am definitely not pleased that the epilogue wasn't included and the link @the end of the book did not properly work. Kinda feels like a waste
Good book in itself started a little slow would recommend it only if it had the epilogue I am definitely not pleased that the epilogue wasn't included and the link @the end of the book did not properly work. Kinda feels like a waste
July 2, 2016
My exact rating would be 3.5 stars.
The book is a typical from this author. First become friends, then lovers. The book, as always by this author, is really well written. But i think the final was a little bit slow. It's not the best one i have read of Susan X. Meagher. But is a good read.
The book is a typical from this author. First become friends, then lovers. The book, as always by this author, is really well written. But i think the final was a little bit slow. It's not the best one i have read of Susan X. Meagher. But is a good read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews