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Love's Encore #1
A Road Through Mountains
ASIN B01DRHUBOW moved to the most recent edition
When star-crossed lovers reunite, the road to happiness is anything but straight.
When Cecily Parker volunteers backstage at the Oakwood Theater, the only thing she wants is a few hours of relief from the doldrums of her upper class suburban existence. The last thing she expects is to be reunited with the only person she ever truly loved, a woman she left behind almost twenty years ago.
Rorie Mulloy has built a career as an award winning production designer in Hollywood, but her personal life is anything but a success. When she agrees to design the sets for a community theater production of A Streetcar Named Desire in Connecticut, she has no idea that the woman who broke her heart and ruined her for love will be assigned to her crew.
As the sparks are rekindled between them, these star-crossed lovers just might have a second chance at a life together. But only if they can overcome the ghosts of their past, and survive the evil suburban soccer moms and reality television divas determined to keep them from their happily ever after.
This book is a full-length, stand alone novel. It is the first book of a three-part series, but if this is the only one you choose to read, the story comes to a satisfying conclusion in this book. No cliffhangers, I promise!
When star-crossed lovers reunite, the road to happiness is anything but straight.
When Cecily Parker volunteers backstage at the Oakwood Theater, the only thing she wants is a few hours of relief from the doldrums of her upper class suburban existence. The last thing she expects is to be reunited with the only person she ever truly loved, a woman she left behind almost twenty years ago.
Rorie Mulloy has built a career as an award winning production designer in Hollywood, but her personal life is anything but a success. When she agrees to design the sets for a community theater production of A Streetcar Named Desire in Connecticut, she has no idea that the woman who broke her heart and ruined her for love will be assigned to her crew.
As the sparks are rekindled between them, these star-crossed lovers just might have a second chance at a life together. But only if they can overcome the ghosts of their past, and survive the evil suburban soccer moms and reality television divas determined to keep them from their happily ever after.
This book is a full-length, stand alone novel. It is the first book of a three-part series, but if this is the only one you choose to read, the story comes to a satisfying conclusion in this book. No cliffhangers, I promise!
284 pages, ebook
First published April 2, 2016
119 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Miranda MacLeod
43 books466 followersOriginally from southern California, Miranda now lives in New England and writes heartfelt romances and romantic comedies featuring witty and charmingly flawed women that you'll want to marry. Or just grab a coffee with, if that's more your thing. Before becoming a writer, she spent way too many years in graduate school, worked in professional theater and film, and held temp jobs in just about every office building in downtown Boston. To find out about her upcoming releases, be sure to sign up for her mailing list or follow her on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 17, 2018
This was an okay book and one I wasn't very motivated to finish reading. I really just wanted to get it over with.
At its core, this is a second chances romance with a Hollywood flavor. Rorie and Cecily met and fell for each other in college but, under outside pressures, Cecily followed her family's plan for her to get married and settle into her upscale Connecticut life. Rorie, heartbroken, at least went on to pursue and achieve her Hollywood dreams but her love life has suffered since. Now, eighteen years later, Rorie and Cecily are thrown together in a local theatre production. Can they make things work this time?
The book has angst galore in the form of "I'm something she'll never want" and "She deserves better" and "I screwed up and can't come back from this". The truth is, the same circumstances that kept the two apart in college still exist so there isn't an easy way for them to move forward which leaves a lot of back and forth hemming and hawing. And there was so much of this angst, THAT'S what made me less motivated to read.
Technically, the book is well written: dialogue flows, descriptions are good, it's well-balanced, etc. It even did flashbacks well, which is something I normally hate.
The story does have humor and the leads definitely do have a deep love and good chemistry. And, towards the end, we do get some satisfying payoffs. It's certainly not a bad read and you're enjoyment depends on how much angst and negative self-talk you like or tolerate in your leads.
For diversity and unusual protagonist attributes, I interpreted Rorie to be mixed race being part black, part white (Irish) and I liked that Cecily was a mother with a little extra weight on her.
I'll continue the series because I *think* the angst will be out of the way which should make for a more pleasurable read. I also enjoy reading about couples *after* they get together instead of just the build up to their initial union.
3.5 stars
At its core, this is a second chances romance with a Hollywood flavor. Rorie and Cecily met and fell for each other in college but, under outside pressures, Cecily followed her family's plan for her to get married and settle into her upscale Connecticut life. Rorie, heartbroken, at least went on to pursue and achieve her Hollywood dreams but her love life has suffered since. Now, eighteen years later, Rorie and Cecily are thrown together in a local theatre production. Can they make things work this time?
The book has angst galore in the form of "I'm something she'll never want" and "She deserves better" and "I screwed up and can't come back from this". The truth is, the same circumstances that kept the two apart in college still exist so there isn't an easy way for them to move forward which leaves a lot of back and forth hemming and hawing. And there was so much of this angst, THAT'S what made me less motivated to read.
Technically, the book is well written: dialogue flows, descriptions are good, it's well-balanced, etc. It even did flashbacks well, which is something I normally hate.
The story does have humor and the leads definitely do have a deep love and good chemistry. And, towards the end, we do get some satisfying payoffs. It's certainly not a bad read and you're enjoyment depends on how much angst and negative self-talk you like or tolerate in your leads.
For diversity and unusual protagonist attributes, I interpreted Rorie to be mixed race being part black, part white (Irish) and I liked that Cecily was a mother with a little extra weight on her.
I'll continue the series because I *think* the angst will be out of the way which should make for a more pleasurable read. I also enjoy reading about couples *after* they get together instead of just the build up to their initial union.
3.5 stars
October 6, 2021
Second chance romance… close to twenty years in the making. Cecily, who is in a loveless marriage and Rorie, who can’t stay in a relationship cos of love lost some 20 years ago.
High 3+
High 3+
May 20, 2016
In William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, Jacques monologue that begins, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” is perfect in describing the succession of stages in Cecily’s perfectly planned life. She’s the lead actress who’s expected to play her role and move seamlessly from scene to scene: growing up, attending university, joining a sorority, marrying a rich husband, a house with a white picket fence, two children and a dog, etc. When Cecily meets Rorie, Cecily loses all her lines. The irony is that Rorie assumes that Cecily was only pretending with her, when the truth is really the exact opposite. Cecily has only been most authentically herself with Rorie. It’s only when Cecily goes back to her scripted life without Rorie that she’s mindlessly going through the motions again.
Fortunately, fate brings Rorie and Cecily back together again after nearly two decades apart. What happens following that… Readers, you’ll just have to pick up this book and see for yourself! This is another fantastic novel by Miranda Macleod that you won’t wanna miss!
Full review with soundtrack and drink recommendation:
https://lesreadoutloud.com/2016/05/20...
Fortunately, fate brings Rorie and Cecily back together again after nearly two decades apart. What happens following that… Readers, you’ll just have to pick up this book and see for yourself! This is another fantastic novel by Miranda Macleod that you won’t wanna miss!
Full review with soundtrack and drink recommendation:
https://lesreadoutloud.com/2016/05/20...
August 21, 2017
The witty dialog is what made this book likeable. Based on the reviews of later books in the series, I am going to hang in there for the payoff in book #3.
June 23, 2020
4.5 Stars - really well written second chances romance
There are a lot of good books on Kindle Unlimited these days (thank goodness for my bank account). Every once in awhile I read one and think... I would totally pay for this book and this is one of them.
The writing is exceptional. I love the premise, college sweethearts, meet up again by chance and we get their back story while we watch to see what will happen now. Just really well done. I gobbled it up and unlike some series I have read lately, I want to dive into the next book immediately.
This book has one of the best coming out scenes that had me laughing and cringing and I must have gasped loud enough for my wife, from the other room, to ask me if everything was alright. Ooops! lol
The book does not end on a cliffhanger but it does end in such a way as for me to want to pick up the next one to see what happens next. Which I am going to do. Right now. :)
There are a lot of good books on Kindle Unlimited these days (thank goodness for my bank account). Every once in awhile I read one and think... I would totally pay for this book and this is one of them.
The writing is exceptional. I love the premise, college sweethearts, meet up again by chance and we get their back story while we watch to see what will happen now. Just really well done. I gobbled it up and unlike some series I have read lately, I want to dive into the next book immediately.
This book has one of the best coming out scenes that had me laughing and cringing and I must have gasped loud enough for my wife, from the other room, to ask me if everything was alright. Ooops! lol
The book does not end on a cliffhanger but it does end in such a way as for me to want to pick up the next one to see what happens next. Which I am going to do. Right now. :)
October 9, 2022
I usually get on well with MM, but not this one. Started about a month ago, couldn’t get into it, even though ticked all the right boxes, so put it aside &, in the spirit of the title, tried again. Still no. Sorry, my bad.
May 15, 2024
Second-chance with irritating MC
July 16, 2017
Nice writing
Very easy flow with this story. There are some twist and turns that throws Roadie and Cecily's worlds upside down. It's a story of how one needs to be ready for love.
Very easy flow with this story. There are some twist and turns that throws Roadie and Cecily's worlds upside down. It's a story of how one needs to be ready for love.
March 14, 2017
3.5 stars. Cute and sweet. Well written. It relies a touch too much on characters not effectively communicating for my tastes, but it doesn't take it so far it's frustrating. I'm curious what the sequel will be about since this one wrapped up pretty well.
January 5, 2017
A moving story about how true love never dies and when given a second chance, it's best to grab on and not let go. No matter the obstacles.
June 3, 2018
Cecily and Rorie meet again, two decades after a brief relationship while in college. The book is about their old liaison and the possible start of a new one.
I don’t like stories that are told with constant flashbacks. I’m fine with their occasional use to fill in the back-story, but when the author is trying to tell two stories at the same time I find it destroys the flow for both stories.
Cecily is lacking in self-confidence, dominated by her family and husband and deeply unhappy, the only good thing in her life is her son Tyler and he is getting to an age where he will soon be leaving home. Her life consists of giving in to pressure or running away.
Cecily was just so pathetic, I assumed there would a point at which she turned and would get a grip on her life and start fighting back. By the time she actually made a stand I had almost stopped caring.
If possible I would have given this 2.5 stars.
I don’t like stories that are told with constant flashbacks. I’m fine with their occasional use to fill in the back-story, but when the author is trying to tell two stories at the same time I find it destroys the flow for both stories.
Cecily is lacking in self-confidence, dominated by her family and husband and deeply unhappy, the only good thing in her life is her son Tyler and he is getting to an age where he will soon be leaving home. Her life consists of giving in to pressure or running away.
Cecily was just so pathetic, I assumed there would a point at which she turned and would get a grip on her life and start fighting back. By the time she actually made a stand I had almost stopped caring.
If possible I would have given this 2.5 stars.
August 29, 2021
Sweet and short
I am pleased with this story. It was written well and I liked the memory flashbacks that set up the upcoming chapter. It was nice to "see" into the characters mind and then follow them through the plot development. I'm curious enough to get book 2...let's see what happens next.
I am pleased with this story. It was written well and I liked the memory flashbacks that set up the upcoming chapter. It was nice to "see" into the characters mind and then follow them through the plot development. I'm curious enough to get book 2...let's see what happens next.
May 7, 2023
This is book 1 of Love's Encore. This tells the beginning of Cecily and Rori's relationship interspersed with what's happening now. Such great chemistry between the two of them. (I've already read Your Name In Lights - book 2) it's worth reading the series! 5 stars!
April 2, 2024
"A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh no, it's curved like a road through mountains."
- A Streetcar Named Desire
- A Streetcar Named Desire
April 21, 2016
3.5 stars
I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
I have to admit, I had a hard time reading this book. I didn't like Cecily and had a very difficult time connecting to her. I liked Rorie, but I couldn't figure out the draw to Cecily. In college, Cecily was timid and paranoid about anyone figuring out their relationship, which would have had uncomfortable consequences for her if her parents, mostly her mother, found out about it. Rorie was out and comfortable with herself, and didn't like the restrictions Cecily put on their being together. The problem is, they meet up eighteen years later and Cecily still can't stand up for herself. She's in a loveless marriage, with a man who doesn't want her, and a life filled with nothing but her son, who is in his last year of high school and about to go off to college the next year. She doesn't like the women who are her peers; she can't even say they're her friends. She doesn't like the things that most women in her position usually do to fill up their time. It seems like she's a total milquetoast, and she's spent most of her life suppressing anything she wants or desires in order to conform, but I'm not even sure who she's conforming for. So I kind of agree with Cecily when she wonders why Rorie would even want her. I wonder that too. It's only at the end, when Rorie has gone back to LA and Cecily thinks everything is over that she finally, finally stands up for herself and what she wants. But even here, the thing that makes her do it is that Chet, her husband, has finally been dumped by the woman who spent 18 years as his mistress. Wow. So yeah, not really a fan of Cecily in this book. Perhaps with the decisions she's made at the end of the story, she'd be someone I'd like in the next book. Not sure I'd pick it up though, especially if we have to read more about the decisions she makes because she's scared to live her life. She was bold at the end, grabbing on to life with both hands, even if she never thought she'd get what she truly wanted. If that Cecily shows up in book two, sign me up.
I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
I have to admit, I had a hard time reading this book. I didn't like Cecily and had a very difficult time connecting to her. I liked Rorie, but I couldn't figure out the draw to Cecily. In college, Cecily was timid and paranoid about anyone figuring out their relationship, which would have had uncomfortable consequences for her if her parents, mostly her mother, found out about it. Rorie was out and comfortable with herself, and didn't like the restrictions Cecily put on their being together. The problem is, they meet up eighteen years later and Cecily still can't stand up for herself. She's in a loveless marriage, with a man who doesn't want her, and a life filled with nothing but her son, who is in his last year of high school and about to go off to college the next year. She doesn't like the women who are her peers; she can't even say they're her friends. She doesn't like the things that most women in her position usually do to fill up their time. It seems like she's a total milquetoast, and she's spent most of her life suppressing anything she wants or desires in order to conform, but I'm not even sure who she's conforming for. So I kind of agree with Cecily when she wonders why Rorie would even want her. I wonder that too. It's only at the end, when Rorie has gone back to LA and Cecily thinks everything is over that she finally, finally stands up for herself and what she wants. But even here, the thing that makes her do it is that Chet, her husband, has finally been dumped by the woman who spent 18 years as his mistress. Wow. So yeah, not really a fan of Cecily in this book. Perhaps with the decisions she's made at the end of the story, she'd be someone I'd like in the next book. Not sure I'd pick it up though, especially if we have to read more about the decisions she makes because she's scared to live her life. She was bold at the end, grabbing on to life with both hands, even if she never thought she'd get what she truly wanted. If that Cecily shows up in book two, sign me up.
December 9, 2024
Good story of a second chance romance.
Good to know second chances are for any of us if we choose to believe. I see a running theme here,but must the lesbians be portrayed as bungling tools when they are attracted to other women??
Good to know second chances are for any of us if we choose to believe. I see a running theme here,but must the lesbians be portrayed as bungling tools when they are attracted to other women??
September 8, 2019
It's sad to see that once again the femme in this story is the empty-headed woman in need of being taken care of. The butch is the successful, sought after and together one rushing in to fix femmes falling apart life.
June 21, 2025
The book description was promising, but A Road Through Mountains left me a bit unsatisfied.
Cecily and Rorie haven’t seen each other for more than one decade. Cecily has left her dreams and aspirations in the past in favor of a boring and monotonous housewife life.
I don’t really know what to think of her. She is your typical daughter of a conservative politician who has her whole life written down. She is sometimes a little bit gauche and prone to having an emotional breakdown, but she is also kind and remorseful. It was great to see her come alive.
Rorie is her opposite. She doesn’t have a privileged background, she was an outcast, and she achieved her dreams even if a part was missing. She is fair and not overly mean toward Cecily despite their past.
I enjoyed the dual timeline as we got an explanation of what exactly went down between them. The best part of the book was witnessing Cecily getting over her fears and making the right decisions for her happiness.
A Road Through Mountains was a nice read even if a bit underwhelming.
Cecily and Rorie haven’t seen each other for more than one decade. Cecily has left her dreams and aspirations in the past in favor of a boring and monotonous housewife life.
I don’t really know what to think of her. She is your typical daughter of a conservative politician who has her whole life written down. She is sometimes a little bit gauche and prone to having an emotional breakdown, but she is also kind and remorseful. It was great to see her come alive.
Rorie is her opposite. She doesn’t have a privileged background, she was an outcast, and she achieved her dreams even if a part was missing. She is fair and not overly mean toward Cecily despite their past.
I enjoyed the dual timeline as we got an explanation of what exactly went down between them. The best part of the book was witnessing Cecily getting over her fears and making the right decisions for her happiness.
A Road Through Mountains was a nice read even if a bit underwhelming.
September 4, 2017
This is a pretty entertaining read. It's exactly what I needed to read at the moment. It's angsty, it has some light-hearted moments.
I was surprised when I saw that there were going to be flashbacks because they tend to bore me a lot in books that are centered in romance, but I feel like it was done well here. It was spaced out and it was told at the right pace in order to not make it too much for the reader.
This is a narrative that is pretty common, so it has a lot of tropes. The main character has been in the closet her whole life and she has only been in love with the same girl over the years even though they haven't been in touch in all that time. She ended up marrying the man her family wanted her to marry even though they don't love each other. It's a story that has been told before but I found to be interesting here.
I was surprised when I saw that there were going to be flashbacks because they tend to bore me a lot in books that are centered in romance, but I feel like it was done well here. It was spaced out and it was told at the right pace in order to not make it too much for the reader.
This is a narrative that is pretty common, so it has a lot of tropes. The main character has been in the closet her whole life and she has only been in love with the same girl over the years even though they haven't been in touch in all that time. She ended up marrying the man her family wanted her to marry even though they don't love each other. It's a story that has been told before but I found to be interesting here.
May 12, 2022
When I opened this on my kindle the sync note said I last read this 5 years ago! I restarted it! I don't know what distracted me before (I hadn't got far into it!) but I got right into it this time. I don't know if it's just because many of the romances these days are similar tropes but this feels fresh. A wee bit "olden days" as many books these days are either all accepting or heavily sapphic represented, but certainly of a different time. It doesn't feel dated but I certainly get the difference and it is well written. I am only 30% in but it will be interesting to see how all the barriers are resolved. I think pacing fell away, around the middle mark. There was a lot of step forward, two back that became irritating and the barriers which must be moved for a happy ever after don’t seem to be going anywhere.
The barriers resolved and all well.
The barriers resolved and all well.
November 1, 2017
Finally, a part of a series book that actually makes me want to read the next one; and it was a good story on it's own with an actual, proper, real ending. Not an 'I'll not finish off any of the plot so that you'll buy my next book' book.
I'm not that fond of the theater, but I liked that setting in the book - it was a nice backdrop that was refreshing compared to other books in the genre. I didn't connect with Cecily or her background particularly so it was hard to feel the decisions she'd made, but Rorie was lovely, different and a little bit mysterious, but very grounded at the same time. Alternating the point of view always scores extra points with me too.
I'm not that fond of the theater, but I liked that setting in the book - it was a nice backdrop that was refreshing compared to other books in the genre. I didn't connect with Cecily or her background particularly so it was hard to feel the decisions she'd made, but Rorie was lovely, different and a little bit mysterious, but very grounded at the same time. Alternating the point of view always scores extra points with me too.
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May 16, 2022Enjoyable, fast-paced read
I liked this book. Cici's conservative family interests and expectations made it difficult for her to follow her heart. Jorie's pride and determination to be successful at her craft as an out lesbian was a step too far for the young, pregnant Cici to take. So their lives grew in separate directions for 18 years until they meet again through shared theatrical interests.
The back and forth between past and present helped flesh out the characters and supplied understandable reasons for the decisions they make, both as young women then as mature adults.
I liked this book. Cici's conservative family interests and expectations made it difficult for her to follow her heart. Jorie's pride and determination to be successful at her craft as an out lesbian was a step too far for the young, pregnant Cici to take. So their lives grew in separate directions for 18 years until they meet again through shared theatrical interests.
The back and forth between past and present helped flesh out the characters and supplied understandable reasons for the decisions they make, both as young women then as mature adults.
February 14, 2020
A well written second chance romance. I read these types of books to get lost in a place that's not real; it's a book. Ceci and Rorie are last semester college loves and Ceci bails. Rorie has commitment issues. But it's more than that, really. These two women are still ghost orbiting each others lives and it's painful to read at times. Miss MacLeod scripts the most endearing dialogue that holds pain and joy and hope and loss all at the same time. It's a series to finish for sure. I did a "Oh no she didn't!" when I read about the middle-aged mean girls.
May 14, 2024
Second Chance Sapphic Romance
Cici is the wife of a successful lawyer and prospective politician. Her family and his are all involved in politics. Totally unhappy in her marriage she volunteered to work at the theatre in town. When she finds her college girlfriend is the Academy Award winner manager for the production it all comes back. Can Cici and Rorie find their way back to each other? Love Miranda Macleod’s work.
Cici is the wife of a successful lawyer and prospective politician. Her family and his are all involved in politics. Totally unhappy in her marriage she volunteered to work at the theatre in town. When she finds her college girlfriend is the Academy Award winner manager for the production it all comes back. Can Cici and Rorie find their way back to each other? Love Miranda Macleod’s work.
July 7, 2018
A Road Through Mountains is an excellent start to this series. Rorie and Cecily are believable and relatable characters, and their circumstances are heartbreaking. What I really appreciate about Miranda MacLeod's writing here is that, while there is sex, it's not graphic, and not the main source of intimacy between the characters.
November 30, 2020
Great start to a beautiful trilogy
This is a great start to a beautifully written trilogy. This book does not have a cliffhanger, but it is going to make you want to read the other two.
This is a great start to a beautifully written trilogy. This book does not have a cliffhanger, but it is going to make you want to read the other two.
April 9, 2021
Good but not great
I read this trilogy ages ago and am coming back for a reread. I love the characters, with their flaws and all. Definitely not anything jaw dropping but worth a read nonetheless.
I read this trilogy ages ago and am coming back for a reread. I love the characters, with their flaws and all. Definitely not anything jaw dropping but worth a read nonetheless.
March 7, 2022
Enjoyable
I have to say, I really, really enjoyed this story. I find it very hard to believe that technically this is the authors first book. It's well written, the dialogue flows easily and the author makes you really care about her characters. Very well done!
I have to say, I really, really enjoyed this story. I find it very hard to believe that technically this is the authors first book. It's well written, the dialogue flows easily and the author makes you really care about her characters. Very well done!
May 17, 2022
Good book
It started out a little boring but I kept going and couldn't put it down. I already have the other two in my library I knew you'd come through. Keep up the great wtiting.😊
It started out a little boring but I kept going and couldn't put it down. I already have the other two in my library I knew you'd come through. Keep up the great wtiting.😊
February 4, 2024
Back in theatre and finding someone she hadn’t seen since college was quite the surprise for Cici. Yet it starts out a fantastic story. I just have to say I’m very happy I don’t have to wait for the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews