What does home mean? Alexander explores all possibilities
that can mean home writing within the framework of this lovely romance.
Rowan Barnes is a chef. She loves cooking and spends all her
time learning the skill. Born and brought up in Portland, Rowen's dream job
materialises in Fort Worth, Texas. While she's not crazy about Texas and the
stereotypical image of Texans she has, she finds the opportunity too good to
pass and despite her trepidation, makes the leap and moves to from familiarity
and comfort to the unknown. Kate Landreth is a true blue Texan rancher.
Except that she is also a lesbian. Rowen is assigned to get supplies from the
Landerth ranch and finds more than just the supplies. She finds someone who
could make her rethink Texas.
So, the question 'what is home?' is explored in a variety of
ways via Rowen. The books, photographs, things? The city you've known? Your
friends? Family? Routines (weekends at bars / trying out new foods)? The
comfortable conversations? A person? Love?
Both the ladies are quite lovely with Rowen scoring more
points for adorability. It did feel that a disproportionate amount of the
emotional work of the burgeoning relationship was laid on Rowen but both the
MCs are unusually aware and self-aware and have an enviable understanding of
the other. So Rowen realises the unfairness but is able to see where Kate is
coming from and her unaddressed issues with her mom. Kate appreciates Rowen's
difficulties with being alone in a new place, with having left everything and
everyone she loves behind. Kate also has a revelation about her own unfairness
in asking much more from Rowen than she (Kate) is offering.
The difference between Rowen and Kate is that Rowen walks
the talk, thought and emotion (she makes many leaps to make the
relationship work) while for Kate it remains intellectual awareness which
doesn't entirely translate to emotional or behavioural change. And this,
amongst other adorable behaviours, makes Rowen special. To the credit of the
author, Kate remains likeable, but rather everyday and ordinary in comparison.
The progress of the relationship between Rowen and Kate is
beautifully etched. The chemistry between them is excellent.
Probably unintentionally the book also kind of showcases
Texas in many ways, but that is quite welcome for armchair travellers like
us.
We thoroughly enjoyed reading this one, especially getting
to really, really know the ladies as fully developed and realised characters.
This is a lovely read.
⭐⭐⭐☆★
