Fractures and Hinges

by Edith Zeitlberger

It is the year 1903 and Eleanor, the Duchess of Darnsworth, is the envy of many - a beautiful and sophisticated woman, happily married mother of three, well-respected lady of society and an accomplished horse-breeder. But beneath the perfect surface lurks the memory of a tragic loss that haunts Eleanor's every waking moment. On a visit to Vienna, she encounters the independent-minded and strong-willed Countess Sophie von Hagendorf, who, with her academic pursuits and unconventional lifestyle, has chosen to break through the rigid confines society has set out for her. She, too, has had to create a façade towards the world as loss and a fateful accident have left their scars. Sophie's brusque manners both exasperate and intrigue the Duchess, but with closer acquaintance, the two women discover a sympathy beyond anything expected and the prospect of a love that could redeem them both . . . but can they forge a relationship in European society?

Genres: Historical, Lesbian

246 pages, Paperback

First published August 9, 2012

Reviews

[Jennabeebs79]

Fractures and Hinges is a beautifully woven tale of love, resilience, and connection set against the stunning backdrop of early 20th-century Austria. The story follows Eleanor, the Duchess of Darnsworth, and Countess Sophie von Hagendorf, two women from high society, both grappling with personal loss and societal expectations. Their contentious beginnings give way to a profound bond, first rooted in shared passions for art, history, and horses, and eventually blossoming into a love that challenges the norms of their time.

The story touches on themes like the importance of communication, accepting one another, and finding the courage to take new paths despite the challenges. Fractures and Hinges is a touching celebration of love and the inner strength that helps us keep going, leaving readers with a deep appreciation for the relationships that shape and support us. I highly recommend giving this one a whirl!

[Ryan]

Fantastic historical love story

It is wonderful to see such a touching love story of strong women (and supporting men) set in this period peice.... loved it

[Shaunette]

....

At first, I quite enjoyed this book and the family dynamic being portrayed. I feel like its something I've rarely encountered: having a martial arrangement someone so you can be free to love whom you please. It was what drew me to this read.
But after initial introductions I found the book to be almost dull.
Despite that, its always interesting to read about characters in historical settings defying the status quo.

[Robert Craven]

A very well written book that captures the early Edwardian Era between London and Vienna. It's a romance, but from the POV of two society women one, English, one Austrian who fall in love and do their best to face into an era of inflexible moral codes and challenge it.

described as a cozy lesbian read, its more than that, Zeitberger's knowledge of horses and history shines and captures Vienna at that time and she cleverly sidesteps cliche to deliver a great read.

I thoroughly enjoyed it on a flight to Malta. And, like all good reads, you have to turn each page to find out how this slow burner ends.

[Gayla]

Wistful and wanting

A Harlequinn Romance of the Lesbian kind but oh so much more interesting and a much better plot line. I did not want this story to stop.

[Brithna]

Based off of DWP - incredible 'Mirandy' fanfiction.

[Silke Bergner]

Liked the two main characters very much. Loved the Story, especially the part, where the two women met for the first time.

[Jane Hinton]

I’d call this old fashioned if it wasn’t Queer historical romance