Painted Moon

by Karin Kallmaker

Meet Jackie Frakes, a talented architectural intern. Her life has fallen into unsatisfying patterns, both personally and professionally. Renowned artist Leah Beck is exhibited in galleries nationwide. But her life has darkened with the death of her lover, Sharla. Trapped by a mountain snowstorm over Thanksgiving weekend, Jackie is rescued by Leah. The snowbound weekend in Leah's cabin shakes the very foundations of Jackie's life. As for Leah, Jackie provides renewal and inspiration for her work. But ... exhibition of Painted Moon, her new series, will reveal Leah as never before, as a lesbian artist. Their relationship increasingly torn by conflict and misunderstanding, the winter weekend together will surely be their last. Then intervention comes ... from a most unlikely source.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Audiobook, Fiction, Queer, Lesbian Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Karin Kallmaker has been exclusively devoted to lesbian fiction since the publication of her first novel in 1989. As an author published by the storied Naiad Press, she worked with Barbara Grier and Donna McBride, and has been fortunate to be mentored by a number of editors, including Katherine V. Forrest.

In addition to multiple Lambda Literary Awards, she has been featured as a Stonewall Library and Archives Distinguished Author. Other accolades include the Ann Bannon Popular Choice and other awards for her writing, as well as the selection as a Trailblazer by the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is best known for novels such as Painted Moon, Simply the Best, Touchwood, The Kiss that Counted and Captain of Industry.

The California native is the mother of two and lives with her wife in the Bay Area. You can catch her blogs at Romance and Chocolate: https://kallmaker.com/blog/. Find her on social media by searching for "Kallmaker" - there's only one.

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars. This is a review for the 25th anniversary edition of Painted Moon. I had actually assumed I read this book about a decade ago but didn’t feel like I remembered enough to fairly rate/review it when I came onto Goodreads. It’s a good thing I didn’t because I must have had this confused with another Kallmaker book. On the good side this ended up being completely new to me instead of the refresher I was expecting. On the bad side I can’t comment on if there were any little changes that this updated version went though.

What I can speak to is that this book still takes place in the 90’s. Kallmaker did not modernize this story. Kallmaker mentions how it was an unusual time to be queer. There was more focus on rights and visibility for the LGBTQ community, but there was no marriage and the rights to protect us were only just being discussed, not in actual place yet. This is one of those classic lesfic books from the 90’s and I’m glad it stayed that way. So for me this didn’t feel dated, it just felt like I read a book that took place in the 90’s.

I do want to mention there are two bonus short stories added to the end of the book. One short was originally from an anthology named Frosting on the Cake. The other short, which was the longer of the two, is all new which Kallmaker wrote just for this 25th edition. The short took place in current times and it was nice to see what has happened to the characters. I thought both shorts were about average but not quite as good as the main story. However, I can’t really compare two shorts to a full length book so it was nice bonus and I have no complaints.

If you are like me and missed this classic, I believe it is worth the read. One, it is good to read some of the books that were the stepping stones to how wonderful lesfic is now and two, it’s a good story. I do know that Kallmaker has really grown as an author in the 25 years since this book was written, but it hold ups. The feelings between the characters might be a little accelerated and the angst is mostly due to no-communication (which I normally hate) but the chemistry and intimate scenes were everything I was hoping for. I can’t even imagine how I would have felt reading this book 25 or even 20 years ago. It would have wrecked me in the best way possible.

If you are interesting in reading some of the classic books written by the women that helped shape lesfic to what it is today, don’t hesitate to grab this. I’m really glad I read this and I enjoyed it more than I expected. I wish I had extra time so I could really dig more into Kallmaker’s back library. I know I’m missing out on some good ones.

An ARC was given to me for a honest review.

[JulesGP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painted Moon is a classic and is mentioned by many readers as being their favorite Kallmaker book. I myself had the ebook still in my tbr but when I learned the 25th Anniversary edition was being narrated by Abby Craden, I jumped high before I was even asked.

Leah Beck is still struggling to keep her emotional head above water after the death of her partner. She’s living a secluded life in a cabin when a half-frozen stranger stumbles her way into Leah’s life and changes everything. Jackie Frakes is drifting, unsatisfied in her career and in her relationship, unsure how to even make a move. But when she briefly meets Leah, the explosive circumstances whet her appetite for a more fervent life.

It’s every bit as good as they say, well written, sharply done characters, and some good heat too. Abby Craden’s fine narration brings it all together. The extra two short stories in this anniversary edition tie a lovely bow on the ending. The book is set in the 90’s but it doesn’t encumber the story in any way, just feels like the 90’s. Mandatory Lesfic reading but well worth your time.

[Pin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book is a good book, no matter when it was written. And after twenty-five years Painted Moon is still a good book. I have read it last quite a few years ago and was curious if I would like it again. And yes, the story is still interesting, the conflict convincing, the characters well-defined and likable... Karin Kallmaker has a more mature style of writing now (a good example is My Lady Lipstick), but this is still a fine and very readable romance, and along with Wild Things, my favorite of her early works. Recommended.

4 stars
October 8, 2019
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher

[Guerunche · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book doesn't really hold up well 25 years later. It's not just the technology aspect - that can be overlooked. It's the character of artist Leah that made me squirm a bit. She is alone, grieving, in a remote cabin for years after losing the love of her life. She is bitter and determined to isolate herself. Jackie Frakes - who has a long-term boyfriend when the story begins - drives out to the remote area to spend Thanksgiving with family in a vehicle not suitable for driving in snow and gets stuck. She is rescued by Leah and has to spend days with her before her family members can clear the roads and dig her car out. All of this is great - no problem. It's how Leah treats her that is disturbing. At first she is cold and distant, but then starts to develop an attraction to Jackie and vice versa. As Leah begins to thaw, they have an encounter that made me think, "Now why the hell would Jackie think this is something she wants?? Why would this appeal to her in any way?" And then later, Leah makes another questionable choice that further takes away from her appeal. So why did I give it 4 stars? For these reasons: 1 - Abby Craden narrates and she's always terrific; 2- There is a short story following the end of the book that is absolutely beautiful and shows how much Kallmaker has grown as a writer two-and-a-half decades later. It's just fantastic. 3 - That is followed by a second short story that shows where the couple is in their lives 25 years later. Also really good - and something many of us would love to have with some of our favorite characters from older books. Those two short stories at the end - along with Craden's narration - made it worth the listen for me. Beyond that, I could have lived without it.

[Agirlcandream · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to read this early days, second chance/toaster oven treat. Even nicer to listen to this Anniversary edition with added short stories epilogues read by Abby Craden. Just a big painted moon hug of a book.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book years ago before I was on Goodreads and I remembered just the outline of the story. I liked it then and now I listened to the audiobook of the 25th-anniversary edition narrated by Abby Craden. And it was worth to hear the story again.

When Leah Beck rescued a stranger from a snowstorm on her way back home to her secluded cabin, she never thought that her life will be turned upside down due to this woman. Jacky Frakes is unsure about her love life and her job situation when she's rescued by the artist Leah. And when she leaves the cabin and Leah after a few days she knows she has to change some things in her life.

I very much liked the characters and their journey to happiness. There are a lot of feelings involved like Leah's grief about the loss of her wife, the guilty when she develops feelings for Jacky, the happiness about the ability to love again or the vulnerability and insecurities of Jacky about the first time have feelings for a woman. Is it just curiosity or is it the real thing?

Abby Craden as the narrator gives the story a new sensual layer with her ability to give the persons and their feelings an adequate voice.

There are two short stories at the end which shows how the couple is doing today and it's a nice addition.

My rating 4.5 stars
Scribd audiobook, length 6 hours 20 minutes

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never read the original (this book is almost as old as I am), but I would recommend the 25th anniversary edition because the short stories at the end were probably some of my favourite parts!
This was a 2.75 rounded-up for me. It wasn't bad - a solid story and I liked that it was from the 90s and revolved around the struggles of the LGBT community in those days - but I just didn't feel the connection between the two MCs so that made it all very "meh" to me. This was one of those stories with super hot chemistry and some decent spicy scenes, but the chemistry felt surface-deep.

Still an okay listen with Abby Craden narrating, but not one I'll revisit.

[lauraღ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colors this time. 
The blue and silver of Jackie saying yes.

4.5 stars. It's so interesting that out of all the Kallmaker books I've read so far, my favourites have been her way earlier works. Like, written 20+ years ago. This wasn't as much of a win as Touchwood, and I wish it had been longer and had a stronger conflict, but gosh, this author writes lesbian desire and yearning and realisation so well. I could literally feel myself being swept away by their attraction and eventual love. 

Leah is a grieving artist, living in a secluded cabin. Jackie is an overworked architect in an unfulfilling relationship. A snowstorm leaves Jackie stranded at Leah's cabin during Thanksgiving, and during the few days that she spends there, they form an undeniable connection, and Jackie comes to some earth shattering realisations. There are a couple things I would change about this book, and the first is that I wish that they had spent more time snowed in together. I really loved their early moments, and how they slowly got friendly, but I would have liked it if it had taken Leah an even longer time to thaw, and open up to Jackie. It still managed to be believable, because this author writes romantic connections so well. But I still would have loved it if we'd gotten to take our time with that. Also, I just really like forced proximity in a survival context, and it would have been fun if they'd had to survive on their own for a while. But again, I still really liked it as is. Those moments when Jackie realises that what she's feeling is attraction, and she's filled with both terror and excitement... ugh, it was so good. I also liked that they spent some time apart both to deal with their own issues. I liked how the book treated with grief, and Sharla's memory in Leah's life. The moment at the grave was wonderful. And their eventual reunion... gosh, I was SWOONING. The tension and yearning were palpable. Their love felt obsessive, but in a good way.

Strength from loving a woman. She smiled into Leah’s soft shoulder. Was it the love or the woman, she wondered. Or both?

The last third or so of the book was a bit weaker. Their miscommunication wasn't annoying, because I could definitely see why they each felt they couldn't talk about certain things. But it still felt really artificially dragged out. There were certain conversations that they needed to have, in order to come to a good place in their relationship, but the road we took to getting to those conversations... IDK if I loved it. The stuff with the exhibition was a bit dramatic. There were some good moments leading up to the end (I especially loved Jackie's relationship with her mother) but in general, it kinda dragged. The epilogues were extremely cute, but almost a bit too sappy for me. The first 2/3 of the book were just much stronger, imo.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Abby Craden, and I adored it, because of course I did. I usually do some kind of activity or busywork while listening to my audiobook, but this was the kind of book where I was content to sit and stare into space and be transported. Really excellent. I can't wait to read more Kallmaker. The writing sometimes does feel a little bit dated, but most of it holds up so well.

Content warnings: grief, past death by drowning

“Can I fit in somewhere?”
“Everywhere.” Leah smiled softly. “She left a lot of empty places. I made some more. And you fill them all up.”

[hubsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

FANNY PACKS MAKE TWO SOLID APPEARANCES, people! And not in a taunting way, but as real, practical carrying vessels. Worth it! :)

[Alealea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm binge-reading Karin Kallmaker's books this month.

The writer tropes seems to be
> awful birth families
> bereavement
> light miscommunication
> lava-hot sex scene

This one is good.
Nice romance though with not many surprises and HEA, some hot scenes and overall good writing and tempo. some miscommunication tropes, but not too much.

I liked most the feeling of the 90's. It's a good thing when a book doesn't feel old and displaced.

[Gaby LezReviewBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackie Frakes is an architectural intern whose life revolves around her boyfriend and her unsatisfying job. When she gets trapped in a mountain storm on her way to visit relatives during Thanksgiving, Jackie is rescued by reclusive artist Leah Beck. As they are forced to share a weekend together in an isolated cabin in the woods, both women will see their lives changed forever…

‘Painted Moon’ is a lesbian classic book first published in 1994 now being re-released in a 25th-anniversary edition which adds two short stories catching up with the characters at present time. I remember reading this book a few years ago and I wasn’t too fussed about it. However, I decided to give it another go as it is now available in audiobook for free with a Scribd subscription and read by Abby Carden, one of my favourite narrators. At 6 hours length, it’s worth a try.

I have to admit that I might have been too harsh in my criticism when I read it before and I think this book has to be judged in the context of the 1990s when it was first published. From my own experience, those were harder times to come out as a lesbian and this book describes that social environment perfectly. Being gay wasn’t easy then, so expect a good deal of drama from this book. Drama isn’t normally my cup of tea but I think that it’s justified in the story and, being a romance, it would have given a hopeful ending for readers in the 1990s.

Abby Craden’s narration is spot-on as ever, though I have to admit that I wasn’t thrilled by Leah’s voice. As usual, the narration pace and her performance of feelings and emotions do justice to this novel. This lesbian classic audiobook is a good way to immerse yourself in the past and be happy for what we’ve got now.

Overall, 4 stars for the book, 4.5 stars for the audiobook. Average 4.5 stars.

See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ This was an old classic. Almost historical fiction!

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! My first Abby Craden audio book experience made me all giddy. This woman has a voice like liquid sex. I never read Karen Kallmaker’s Painted Moon since its publication in 1994 (and that’s a small wonder as I’ve read 26 of her books so far), but listening to the 25th Anniversary version read by Abby was such a wonderful experience that I’m glad I waited for this version to be out.

The book didn’t feel dated, it was only in a few parts the 90s (tech, politics and gay rights) came shining through, but the bulk of the story is the relationship between Leah and Jackie and that is of all times. Karen Kallmaker has always been a fine writer and has only gotten better over the years. I love the addition of two short stories (one from an anthology and one specially written for this anniversary edition). If you have Scribd I recommend you check out this audio version. 6 wonderful, captivating hours will follow.

f/f

Themes: Artist, Architect, San Francisco in the 90s, the death of her first love, isolation, an unexpected guest for Thanksgiving, can you love again.

4.4 Stars

[Heinerway · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? It's a Classic... duh! With the bonus of two short stories added at the end of the book.

[Basmaish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got a second-hand old copy of this book and there were lots of typos but considering this was written in 1994, I think it still holds up.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Karin Kallmaker novel. The whole experience was okay. This is an older novel in comparison to most of the stuff I read (it was published in 1994) and it definitely feels its age. For example, at the start of the novel, Jackie identifies as straight, but after her encounter with Leah, she begins to question that until she comes to the conclusion that she's a lesbian. And, yes, this is absolutely a thing that happens, but there's never a moment where she may consider that she's bisexual, given the fact that she's exclusively dated men up to this point. I find with a lot of older novels I read, there's this binary: gay or straight. And I'm not trying to imply that bisexuality is holding place for lesbianism, but it's odd to me that it wasn't considered here. When I came out, I had to grapple with that. Was a bi? I'd certainly had crushes on guys. Was I a lesbian? While I eventually landed on lesbian, I wasn't sure initially. So I always find it a little odd that it doesn't even seem to be an option in older novels.

It also felt its age in that, in the absence of any real market (i.e. competition) for sapphic romance, it feels very shallow (e.g. instant love despite the fact that Leah's mostly a jerk to Jackie). I'm sure had I read this in 1994, it would have blown my mind to read about two women falling in love, but 30 years later this just doesn't hold up to the standard I'm expecting (and that bar isn't even high, if I'm honest). So I'm curious how I'd react to a more recent Kallmaker novel.

Overall, the romance is sweet in its way. I wish I could rate this higher because this is a forerunning book. 2.5 stars, which I will round up because it's not really fair to judge this entirely with 2024 eyes.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story felt very outdated and I didn‘t really warm up to the characters. I felt they didn‘t really communicate with each other, it was more lust than love.
If not for the as always outstanding narration of Abby Craden...

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Truly awful. Kallmaker is not a talented writer. She tells more and shows less than anyone I've ever read. This story is obviously intended to be rife with sexual tension and desire, but Kallmaker fails to achieve this by not developing her characters enough. This is one painful read. I know it's a romance novel, but even the love scenes weren't interesting, just overwrought.

[M.E. Tudor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was okay. It wasn't the best Karin Kallmaker book I've read, but I still liked it. It was an older/younger woman romance.

[Jo reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has aged very well. It has probably been more than 20-years since I read Painted Moon shortly after it was originally published, so I didn't remember much of the plot. (Although, I did remember the setting of the cabin.) Abby Crayden's narration was very good. The story is heartwarming. I'm grateful to Bella Books, Kallmaker, and Crayden for bringing to life a wonderful story.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when it was published 26 years ago. And a few times after, but never in recent times. At this moment in time, it's difficult for me to argue that it stands the test of time as well as other earlier works by this author. I think it's the themes that are a bit outdated today. Like the selfish and self centered boyfriend, or the fact that the young MC would take a "road trip" under perfectly disastrous conditions just to meet "expectations". That would just not fly today. Similar to the recluse, older MC who seems to want to flagellate herself without apparent possibility of redemption for something that's entirely not her fault - that wouldn't fly today either.

BUT, all things considered, it's a tale of self discovery, and a tale of recovery, which can still apply today. Also, today in this day and age, self centered male presence in women's life is still very real. And, we don't all live in the same open society, for some folks it's still hard to come out, and the journey of self discovery isn't easy.

I liked to revisit this book. It's maybe not my favorite of Kallmaker's earlier works, but it sure made a HUGE splash back in the day - for some reasons that I somewhat compared to the test of time above. Today it may not apply, but back in its publication date, it was very meaningful for many women. RESPECT!

Update after listening to Audio: Craden does a very good job, and the audio version has two extra short stories, one of which was new to me, and I appreciated that.

[Teresa Newsome · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first lesbian romance novel that I ever read. I love it because it introduced me to the genre, and I remember being so filled with happiness to learn that lesbian love and romance stories existed. The story is not as involved as some (it reads more like a short story of 4 scenes, as my memory recalls it.) Still, Karin is one of the pioneering greats and this book is a classic, so you can't really go wrong.

[Lady Olenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe I haven’t read this book before. This story is so beautiful. It touches on grief, love, finding yourself and art. Oh the art. Kallmaker made out the art in this story as something so tangible it left me wanting to google if it’s actually a real painting. To add to my mind-blown state, this book is almost 30 years old and is one of Kallmaker’s classics.

Stories that have art and romance like These Thin Lines by Milena McKay usually highlights the artist and their processes of creating beauty. “If an artist falls in love with you, you will love forever.” This quote is on the money with this book.

Painted Moon is quality romance novel. The author also added some short stories at the end. Such a delightful bonus!

[Iris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh, so close to being good...

I really liked the concept of a chance meeting that revitalizes your life, but this didn't lean into it enough. We get our 2 POV MCs, and both are in ruts. Happenstance happens and the two connect and are inspired to start anew. The first half of the book is stable and entertaining, but it's the second half where it trips up. The two MCs have successfully re-entered the world afresh and meet again. They are able and willing this time to embark on a romance! So...what's the hold up?

The story becomes too focused on petty, unchangeable factors that pose as roadblocks to their relationship, and neither have the balls to start an honest conversation with the other. This is a little more excused than it would be in a more modern novel, as 90s lesbianism was still largely taboo, but with at least one of the characters living out and proud, with a long term same-sex relationship under her belt, you would assume that they were more comfortable with delving into the details. Similarly you would think they would know better than to 'out' someone but I digress...

If the second half had more polish to it, and tackled the world around them more than both of their fictionalized insecurities/rationale as to why they couldn't be a couple, this book could've been a real delight. It's a piece of history, for sure, but it's not a classic.

2/5

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good audiobook. Read by Abby Craden.

Straight woman is rescued from a snowstorm by a reclusive lesbian who is overcoming the tragic death of her long-time partner. What could possibly happen?!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story. Kept me coming back as quickly as possible when life took me away. Lots of feels delving into grief, self awareness, communication. The art was like a living character in itself, so beautifully crafted that colors and textures leapt from the pages.

[Evren (Nonbinary Knight Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book on an absolute whim when I found it at a thrift store. I recognized the author, remembered enjoying some of her work previously, and decided to give it a chance.

Leah Beck is an artist who has taken to living in a cabin on the mountains after the death of her lover. She’s not been able to create any art, or move past her loss, for the past couple of years. Jackie Frakes is an architectural intern who is finding her repetitive life boring. She tries to go to her aunt’s house for Thanksgiving partly to get away from the repetition of work and visiting her boyfriend. She gets stuck in a snowstorm and Leah rescues her and reluctantly allows her to stay until someone can pick her up.

I really enjoyed the part of this book that took place on the mountain. It was nice and allowed the two to bond while not feeling drawn out or forced. The two had nice chemistry with each other and it was genuinely nice. There were some awkward moments with Leah dealing with finally having inspiration after her lover died and Jackie trying to figure out her new feelings.

I really loved the characters in this book. Leah was sometimes hard to understand but I was able to put aside some of my issues by remembering that she never actually dealt with the death of her lover and the ensuing drama that occurred. Leah’s artistic mind seems amazing, and I really wish there were illustrations of the art that she created. Jackie was really sweet, and it was nice to watch her explore her sexuality and recognize some of the things that had occurred previously. I do wish they had brought back her roommate from before she moved because I feel like that could have added an interesting plotline. The two were interesting characters who felt realistic and well-suited for each other.

I honestly think this book could have been a five-star review for me if it weren’t for a couple of things. The first thing being that this book just wasn’t quite long enough. There just felt like more bonding and discussions that needed to take place. On a similar note, the drama at the end of the book was solved way too easily. After what Leah did, while not heinous it was invasive, it should have taken more than a painting and a five-minute discussion for the two to have gotten over the problems. It felt like the drama either should have been explore more (or even time between the drama and the ending where they heal from the issue) or it shouldn’t have existed in the first place.

I enjoyed this book more than I had expected to. It was a sweet, short read (just barely over 200 pages) and I really wanted the characters to get together. If you want a nice, cozy winter read and you’re not too concerned about easily solved drama, I’d definitely recommend it.


~ Check out my other reviews on my Blog, Instagram, or Twitter. ~

[Ty · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is overwritten. It drowns in its own overwrought drama. The conflict feels contrived. The prose tries desperately to be poetry, but fails because the emotions haven't been earned. This book does not wear its age well, unfortunately. I'm still interested in reading more from this author, but I hope her stories have progressed as our community has progressed.

[Dide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not one of the top books by this author having read a number of better ones by her. it however satisfies the erotic interests but pretty shallow on the character formation. Regardless though Karin Kallmaker still holds an undaunted top best author position in my book