New Life

by Jan Gayle

Trigena Gilmore is about to become a mother, but she never wanted children. Her wife, Dr. Karrie Gilmore, PhD, is pregnant. Karrie’s been dreaming about being a mom for as long as she can remember. Trigena is so in love with her wife, she agreed to the insemination to make Karrie happy. Trig thought she had plenty of time to get used to the idea of being a parent, but Karrie got pregnant on the first attempt. The baby is only a few months away, and Trigena’s fears run deep. The stress has made everything more difficult, and Trigena must keep it all inside. She can escape it all, but the loss might be too much.

Genres: Romance

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2017

About the author

Jan Gayle was raised in a small farming community in central Illinois. Upon graduating from college with a B.S. in social studies education, Jan joined the U.S. Air Force. She later accepted a commission and served for twenty years as an Air Force officer. As a new lieutenant, she deployed to Desert Storm. She returned to the Middle East for another deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom fourteen years later. While on active duty, Jan visited over forty countries and was assigned to locations all over the United States. She continues to work for the Air Force as a civil servant, but her true passion is her small woodworking business where she builds custom wood furniture. Jan lives with her wife Jules and their two boys. She started writing on a dare and was immediately hooked. Live and Love Again is Jan’s debut novel.

Reviews

[Pin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third book by Jan Gayle, and her growth as an author and storyteller is unmistakable. New Life is a very solid, mature novel that deals with some important things in family life.
Trigena (36) and Karrie (33) Gilmore have been together for twelve years. Their marriage is strong, the love between them unquestionable. Karrie is pregnant and delighted with the fact that she will become a mother, while Trigena is completely freaked out by the very thought. Is their marriage at risk? In order to find that out, you need to read this fresh and interesting story, with two likable main characters who we get to know really well due to switching point of view. New Life is written in first person, but from the POV of both protagonists, which switches from one narrator to another for each chapter. This is done very nicely, allowing us to get to know both Trigena and Karrie's reflections and attitudes to the same extent. With regard to the main theme and the narrative in general, I consider this an excellent choice.
On top of that, the writing is good with all elements done properly. Towards the end, there is some well-done action and excitement, and a short but sweet epilogue which conveniently closes the story.
I recommend this book, and am looking forward to the next book by Jan Gayle.

4.5 stars, rounded up
Apr 9, 2017
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Gayle, so I honestly had no idea what to expect. I'm happy to say I really liked this story. I sat down to only read a few chapters, but I became so hooked in the story, before I knew it it was over. This is a well written, good read, and I think others will enjoy this.

What happens when you are happily married to the love of your life, but you have a secret she does not know? You never wanted kids, and hope your wife will forget that she does. When the day comes that your wife turns to you and says she wants to start a family, what will you do? Trigena does nothing, hoping her wife won't get pregnant right away. Very soon Karrie is sporting a pregnancy bump, and Trig still has not said her fears. Can a baby bring these too closer, or will it tear two soul mates apart?

This book is in first person, but it switched the POV of both Trig and Karrie. It worked well in this story. You really got to understand how both characters where feeling, and Gayle handled the transitions well. While a lot of this book was about being pregnant, work, dealing with a sperm donor, and Trig's fear, it was a nice change from the normal lesfic book. So many times we read about a new couple falling in love. I absolutely enjoy those books, but it was nice to know what happens after the characters get together. What I really enjoyed about this book was about the last 1/4. I did not see that coming, talk about some excitement thrown into the book. While I liked the whole book, the excitement towards the end, just made it even better. My only real complaint, I would have this book to be even longer. I was enjoying myself, and then the book was over, I wanted more.

I am pleasantly surprised how much I liked this book. This is an easy book to recommend to romance fans that want to know what happens after a couple gets together. I would not hesitate to read more by Gayle in the future.

An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.

[Agirlcandream · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigena and Karrie are going to have a baby. K has always wanted to be a mom. Trig has never been interested in parenting but she loves her wife and agrees to the insemination. This is a simple story of an every day family dealing with the impending birth of their first child. It's representative of a lot of couples facing a major shakeup/addition to their family. There are financial concerns, job related issues and the age old question of "will I be a good mom?" Add in a whole lot of pregnancy hormones and their accompanying tears and fears and you have Karrie and Trig facing an uncertain future.

There are plenty of sexy times to keep romance lovers interested and I did enjoy the action scenes near the end which were well done but my overall impression of the novel was of an average read. This couple spends a lot of time doing every day chores, changing into comfy tee shirts and shorts after a hard days work (too many times) and leading average lives. The story is told in first person from each woman's perspective and the viewpoint swings back and forth within chapters. It is meant to help the reader understand what K and Trig are going through but I found it distracting as it took a couple of sentences for me to figure out who was relating their thoughts from one scene to the next. When geography separates our two mains this technique works better but it kept me off balance for the majority of the book.

I also thought opportunities to deepen the novel were missed when issues surrounding the pregnancy were touched on but not pursued. Karrie's potential loss of tenure thanks to the attitude of an old school Dean, a discussion with her father regarding the skin colour of the donor and her own biracial status, and the question of the donor's right to access of an unborn child. Each issue was touched on but did not have the impact it might have if given time to develop.

A pleasant story with potential.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a traditionalist story about two women who have to deal with their own fears, confused feelings and about their own relationship when they decide to start a family. At times I couldn't stand one of the characters, Trig, because she was too controlling. However, the book was a nice read!

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review*

I usually hate this saying but, Trigena and Karrie are "couple goals"!

This book is brilliant and yet there is nothing extraordinary about it, in fact it is the most domestic and simple story but it is so real. "Trig" and "K" fight about the normal everyday things and get in each others way but at the end of the day they each know where home is. I absolutely loved reading this book, the author created characters that were so relatable and who i would want to be friends with because they just grow on you.

The book is written from both main characters perspective so you get to experience both of their emotions about the baby which really help the reader create a relationship with the characters. Trig was my favourite character in this story especially because of her rather unexpected reaction to her wife being pregnant, instead of distancing herself from the baby she becomes a bit of a mama bear protecting her cubs and tends to get on Karries nerves quite regularly.

There is a little action at the end but this story is complete even without it and I can definitely see myself reading more of this authors work if her future works are of the same caliber.

*4.5 stars

[Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The appeal for me was a couple living their day-to-day life. Trigena Gilmore, madly in love living the dream of not only falling in love but being in love. Perfect, nothing else needed or wanted, period. Dr. Karrie Gilmore, madly in love living the dream of not only falling in love but being in love. Perfect, except, she wants children. This is where the story unfolds as we hear the thoughts and feelings from the main characters. There are a few bumps and challenges along the way and a moment of realization and appreciation for what you have and how much love is possible when you care. I liked the supportive friends and the calming personality of the midwife, Jules. Enjoyable and entertaining.

Received with thanks from publishers via NetGalley

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a real gem. It is incredibly rare to encounter a book where the MC's are already coupled up (not counting series where that's bound to happen). This was the second book so far that I've read from her, looks like only one more to go. Absolutely loved this.

[Alealea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't connect with the story.

Two married woman, one want a child, the other doesn't.
The first one REALLY wants children, a lot, lot, lot.
Her wife doesn't AT ALL, never wanted them EVER.

We follow them during the pregnancy and they keep getting angry at each other.
The pregnant one is angry at her wife for not wanting children even though she's trying for god sake !

I also become allergic to the "babe" pet-name that kept poping, before and after fight sessions, like punctuation of each conversation.

[Bib · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book seeing the many good reviews it received from fellow readers. I wasn't disappointed, enjoyable and satisfying read! I finished it in one sitting.

[Ameliah Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precious
This is one of the sweetest and most tender books I have ever read. It grabbed my attention from the start. Books with pregnancy in them are not common and I just love them. Trig loves Karri so much she would do anything for her, even things she never though she would do. It is so well written that I could practically feel the love between these two women. They both faced a lot on their journey to becoming parents and while they had their struggles, they never gave up on each other… all things that make my heart feel full and mushy. I love how Ms Gayle tells a story, they are so descriptive and beautiful. She kept me wrapped up in this story and even when I had to put it down, it was never far from my thoughts. Ms Gayle never fails to disappoint and I am sure you will agree with me!

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review. No synopsis necessary. This is an angst filled romance about married couple Trigena (who never wanted children) and Karrie (who becomes pregnant). The age-old aspects covered the gamut from finances to whether Trigena will be a good parent and all the hormonal ups and downs in between flowed well. I was pleasantly surprised at the deftness with which the author handled the storyline. Good job Ms. Gayle. 4 stars.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by Gayle. I enjoyed both, but New Life was my favorite of the two. I enjoyed reading a different style of romance book. This book follows the daily life of an established couple, Trigena and Karrie. It shows the love/struggles/hardships and experiences between two individuals starting a new adventure in their life. Books that show the daily routines of a couple already established can be very hit or miss with me. For me, this book was a hit. It was funny, and heartbreaking, full of emotions and left me wanting to continue reading about the characters. I really didn't want this book to end. Trig and Karrie have this awesome relationship, and bringing a kid into the mix creates a new strain for the couple. I enjoy books where the main characters feel real. Their arguments, small obstacles feel real. Gayle created two very well developed characters, and as a reader I really connected. The book has good supporting characters, and is well written. This is a book I will be reading again in the future.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm rating this book 3.5 stars.

I wasn't sure of this book when I read the blurb, I was interested but still not confident it would be for me. However I have been wanting to read more books with the characters in the midst of the relationship instead of the start. I found it did work for me and that I did enjoy it. I liked that the characters had a bit to work through as a couple however it didn't lead to the relationship going in complete turmoil.

I found myself a little bored through the middle which I had to push through. The end picked up and got my attention. I also did find that I would have liked more gradual self discovery for Trig as she works through her fears and what she wants.

As a whole I enjoyed the book but found certain aspects not quite hitting the mark.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Loek Krancher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story!

Trig runs her own business as a contractor and Karrie is a professor at an university and an artist. They have a good life together but Karrie wants more. She wants a family. Becoming a parent is scary and a whole new ball game for Trig. Having kids is the last thing she wants. When trig's secret comes out, they have serious problems. Good intentions and love are not enough. The emotions run high and not only due to pregnancy hormones. A call to participate in a rescue action has deteriorated their situation dramatically. This is a beautiful, warm and sexy story with relatable and interesting characters. They are vulnerable, have their flaws and are very likeable.
Well done!

[Stevie Carroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and The Unread:

Lots of romance novels use the birth, or imminent birth, of a new baby as shorthand for a couple living happily ever after, although cynical me has always wondered whether that’s truly the case for all our protagonists, and if indeed some of them would be happier to grow together a little more before adding an extra human to the mix. The trope always assumes that the new or expectant parents are as happy as each other about the baby’s arrival too, so it was quite a refreshing change to read a blurb in which a planned pregnancy isn’t filling both halves of a couple with equal joy.

Trig and Karrie are happily married with a supportive group of friends and co-workers and seem to have everything settled in their lives, until Karrie announces that she wants to start a family: something Trig has never planned on. Although Karrie talked about having children when they first met, Trig always assumed that this difference in attitudes would fade away if they never discussed it. Now she’s faced with the possibility of either keeping her feelings quiet or squashing her wife’s dreams. Believing that it will take several rounds of inseminations for Karrie to get pregnant, allowing time for her to come to terms with the situation, Trig is taken aback when Karrie gets pregnant first time round. Furthermore, she has to contend with a slowdown in her work, some issues at Karrie’s work, and resistance to the idea of Karrie’s pregnancy from her semi-estranged father.

This story isn’t all doom and gloom, though. Karrie and Trig’s relationship is strained at times, but that never stops them from enjoying each other’s company or from going out on date nights and visits to friends. I also enjoyed the sections dealing with Trig’s volunteer work on a search and rescue team, although that ultimately led to a slightly contrived deus ex machina moment that helped Trig resolve her feelings over the imminent birth.

All in all, a pleasant enough read, though possibly a little too angsty for me at times. I never quite felt fully engaged with the main characters, but it’s always nice to see a trope turned inside out and thoroughly dissected.

[Jane Shambler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first by this author and definitely won't be my last. It is really well written and the characters are realistic and likable. The book is mainly about self doubt. I started it late one night with the intent of reading a few chapters before sleep. Well lets say I got no sleep. I couldn't put it down.


The Books two main characters Trigena and Karrie have been together forever. They are now having a baby and Trigina is having doubts. She never wanted children but because she loved Karrie she agreed. Now only months away her self doubts take flight. (What a great name Trigena)


The author uses both main characters to tell the story and she switches between the two with ease and it works really well. Plus you get each of their feelings and there is no guess work. Trigina is having doubts whereas Karrie is loving her hormone built journey to motherhood. The journey isn't smooth running as Karrie has to deal with her maternity leave as well as the sperm donor wanting to be more active in the child's life. Trigina tends to react with anger whereas Karrie dissolves into tears.


The end made the book a little exciting. Trigina is a Search and rescue volunteer. A child lost in the mountains sent her away two weeks before the birth of their child. It took Trigina to be involved in an accident and rescuing the young child to realise her doubts was just that, doubts.


I would definitely recommend this book. It is a great romance but one from a different way. We are normally reading about people getting together this book takes us to the next step of actually being together. Enjoy!


*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Jan Gayle's books. In this one Trigena and Karrie are going to have a baby.

This is the story of two women who love each other, but each has a different desire in terms of what 'family' means. Karrie wants a child. Trigena doesn't.

This book is about the reality of relationships. These two women deeply love each other. And they have proven that they are committed to each other. But as all couples go through there are desires each person has as an individual.

In a lot of ways the story is very simple. There is daily living and different points of views about each interaction. I prefer not to revisit a scene over again, but the author wants to have both perspectives with equal voice since this is ultimately about a hard decision. To have a child or not. To be a single parent or do this as a couple.

As a couple Trigena and Karrie have been together a long time. So I was a little surprised that Trigena didn't realize Karrie was serious about a child. That was almost a little hard for me to believe as a reader. But then as the author so elegantly shares, Trigena probably was hoping that Karrie (as the years went passed) had lost interest in the desire for a family.

This book touches on what a lot of couples go through who love each other and have to navigate different life goals. Where to live, career goals and the idea of family.

This is a story about real life. And it's well written.

ARC provided by Netgallery for an honest review.

[Glyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The events in this book felt a bit contrived, in that it was just one issue after another. The confrontations between the one woman and her dad was clunkily handled, and the deus ex machina child thing was total bullshit. Still, I appreciate that this book exists, since there aren't enough books out there about women who are married to each other.

[Margaret L. Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I loved New Life. What a great book. I love books set ‘out west’. This is a great love story with a mix of the angst that first time parents go thru.

[Lynda N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books with already established couples. This books is about knowing what your partner needs and growing together.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to keep this review as short as possible because I personally have trouble reading first person POV books. This one was a struggle to get through, so it's not really a fair assessment of the book to say the least. The constant "I did this...I did that..." was too repetitive for my taste. I also found that the voices of the two main characters sounded far more juvenile than their indicated age.

I did find the switching POV of both characters to be really helpful because I really like to know what both parties are thinking. Although, sometimes it was also confusing as to which person's head we were in.

Gosh, this book was definitely not lacking the sweeping romantic gestures and the sexy times in the bedroom. Total swoon worthy story! Also Trig with her woodworking and her muscles is one sexy character. Damn! If you like first person POV stories and you like romance with a healthy dose of emotional turmoil this is an excellent book for you.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was a little bit too shallow for me - there were a few problematic topics like K's career, her relationship with her father and the racial problem, the donor issue and so on that was just scratched at the top but not further dealt with and went back to simple topics and interchanges. I though K was a very likable character but I could not stand Trig. She was too controlling for my taste and everything had to be her way.
It was a rather short book and a quick read.