As Far as Far Enough

Full disclosure: The author of this book and I struck up a friendly acquaintance during a writers retreat. As Far As Far Enough is a sweet romance with a wrapped-up-tight happy ending, but it's no cotton candy (thin, fluffy, saccharine). It's a French confection, intricately made. The plotting is much better than in most lesbian romances, especially first novels--there are frequent twists that kept me turning the pages steadily. First I thought, "OK, this is going to be a 'road' novel," but the main character's cross-country journey is covered in a few sentences. Then I thought, "OK, this will be the story of how the two women get together," but that's settled by page 42. Rooney does romance well, but she has more than that up her sleeve. The main character, Collier, embroils herself and others in a scary jam that this reader, at least, could see no way out of. The story is mainly about how Collier and her new friends resolve the problem in a believable, thoroughly satisfying way--a nice change from lesbian romances that never get beyond the woman-to-woman relationship. This book is not formulaic lesbian fiction, yet never fear, the sex scenes come early and often. It was interesting to meet an heiress who's genuinely burdened by her connection to big money. I do think the book breaks down too neatly along the lines of wealthy-people-inept, farmers-kind-and-competent (although Collier is handy with motorcycle repair). I hope Rooney will explore mixed-class relationships in more depth in her future work, because they obviously spark her imagination. There are many fun and tender moments in this book, such as with Sargeant the horse, who drives the action (in a horse-like way) at crucial times. It's easy to see why Bella Books writes that it is "proud to introduce the talent and unique voice of Claire Rooney." I happen to know that Rooney has already written 2 other novels, and I await them eagerly.

This is a wonderfully written story going far and beyond my expectations of a first novel. The author takes you on a journey with her characters while delicately blending in many issues, trials and triumphs. She masterfully weaves many elements of life, choices, love and a harsh upbringing in to a well detailed story. The story is emotionally satisfying and the characters are well developed while we watch them grow as women and partners.