February Kisses

A Year in Paradise, Book 2

By: Hildred Billings

Narrated by: Kay Mack

Welcome to Paradise Valley, where the locals thrive on the rural landscape, the quirky Oregonian living, and the history of the lesbian commune that founded it.

Mixing small town attitudes with lesbian dating? Sounds like another day in Paradise.

Heaven’s Cafe is the social epicenter of Paradise Valley, but Heaven Mossberg doesn’t have much of a social life to show for it. Between the demanding small business life and dealing with her ex-husband’s pleas to get back together, there isn’t a lot of time for one 30-year-old to kick back and chill.

Enter Salama Amari, one of the more recent newcomers to Paradise Valley. Author, blogger, and online columnist Salama spends her days typing away in Heaven’s Cafe, partly because it’s the only place to get a decent cup of decaf...and because she can’t stop staring at the woman who seems to have her whole life figured out.

Salama wants to be more like the loud and confident Heaven. Heaven wants someone who will bring her back down to earth.

When are they finally going to lock eyes from across the cafe?

©2019 Barachou Press (P)2019 Barachou Press

Toaster Oven and Exceptance

A town of acceptance.

Heaven runs the cafe and is known as the straight girl in town. Many of the lesbians in town have had a crush on her, but Heaven doesn't give them the time of day. Heaven has grown up with most of the women in town.

Salama is new to town wears a Hajib and crushes on Heaven. Salama was raised Muslim, is a lesbian and trying to find her own path. In some ways we can call her a recovering Muslim.

Heaven has always thought of herself as straight, until Salama. After Salama gives her a rose on Valentine's Day, she's ready to turn her down, but can't quite seem to do it when she sees Salama again.

It is a short story so don't expect a lot of backstory and character building.

Narration is good and the story itself is PG-13.

Discover Small Town Life

Samara moved from Portland to Paradise to discover a new life where she wasn’t judged for being lesbian. Now if she could connect with the owner of the cafe. I liked learning about a woman whose lifestyle clashed with her culture, relatives and faith. Recommend. Fun romance and performance.

Abrupt Ending

After all the tension and turns in January Embers. This was kind of a let down at the end. The story itself was very interesting, bringing up thought provoking topics. There was definitely potential for a dramatic turn but it kinda just ended on the high end of the climax without resolving Heavens internal dilemma or dealing with her ex and without anymore input about the other ones family. It honestly felt like there should have been half again more story.

Being brave to be yourself

These women took a chance on being true to themselves and each other. I love that the town is make up of so many diverse characters. All you need to do is reach out and get to know someone and it can change your life.