Thursday, December 17, 2009

Finding My Way by Mavis Applewater

You are probably familiar with Ms. Applewater’s online work already, as she has penned quite a number of stories; a lot of these tends to be rather steamy (PWP), but Ms. Applewater is also able to put together a romantic storyline.

In this story, you are treated to a romance between two professional women - Allison Kendal and Stephanie Grant - both working in the history department at a small New England University. Stephanie is on a “life plan” that should lead her towards her goal of landing a job at a prestigious university, and she is keeping her best friend and conveniently flexible boyfriend, Peter, at hand as a future husband. Allison, on the other hand, has made a choice that has steered her away from her original path in life – leaving a job as hotshot lawyer in New York to follow her heart, studying and teaching American history.

For a story of the alternative nature, there is definitely one too many in the cast of people mentioned above. It might help to ease your worries if I let you know that Allison is a rather out kind of lady who shows her pride by way of her 'Pretty, Witty & Gay' t-shirt, and Stephanie … well she thinks that it was just drunken mistakes when she made out with those girls back in college, but we know better, don’t we?

The scene is set for a romance between the ladies but, although the attraction between Stephanie and Allison is soon confirmed, the road to love is a rather long one. Stephanie has to come to terms with her attraction to women and decide how to act upon this discovery, while Allison has to decide if she is willing to risk her heart - again.

Going back over the stories by Ms. Applewater that I’ve read online, I think this is easily my favorite, as it has the most solid and naturally developing storyline, and a nice supporting cast. I must admit that it is a tad irritating reading a story with this number of mistakes in the wording but, then again, I’ve seen worse.

Further more, I should warn you that Stephanie has a way of putting off the things that will move the romance along, like telling her boyfriend that their relationship is over, or taking Allison’s hints that she is ready for dating. But if you are looking for a classic romance, I think that you will find yourself well entertained by Allison and Stephanie while they look to find their common path in life – I just did while re-reading the story.

3 comments:

  1. Thanks, this too is one of my favourite stories from Mavis Applewater
    I am surprised though that Isobel Rowan's work isn't highlighted anywhere on your blog...
    "Sonnets in My Gym Bag" by Isobel Rowan is a gem, and my favourite tracher/teacher romance. In addition, the relationship between the main character and her mother is priceless.
    Check it out, I've read all in your personal favourites list, and this one will definitely make your list

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    Replies
    1. I'm not familiar with "Sonnets in My Gym Bag" or Isobel Rowan but I found the story on Fictionpress.com - I'll put it on my reading list - Thanks.

      When I first started out in the world of on line F/F Fanfiction I found the xena-relatede sites to be the best hounting grounds. I never really ventured out to the later all round fic sites as AO og Fictionpress.

      You are welcome to mention your all time favourites here for your fellow fanfiction readers ;-)

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    2. Great! That's where I read it as well. There are some notable reads at fictionpress, but this is the only story I've read more than once.

      Honourable mentions:
      - One Girl's Strength » by CelticX
      - Curiosity Killed The Angel » by Life Sucks.Be Happy
      - Sophie, Sherlock, and Me » by three pipes
      - Atrophy » by chie2x

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