Writer
Anna Furtado does two
reviews this issue, for IGW...Deep Cover by C. Paradee
and
the April 2005 issue of the Harrington Lesbian Fiction Quarterly (soon to be renamed the Harrington Lesbian Quarterly)
Anna Furtado is a book reviewer for Just About Write; Author of The Heart’s Desire – Book One of The Briarcrest Chronicles, a 2005 GCLS “Goldie” Award Finalist. Anna's Web site: http://www.annafurtado.com Contact her at annaf@annafurtado.com.
  Deep Coverby C. Paradee ISBN: 1-932300-23-6 Quest Books, www.regalcrest.biz $17.59, Pages: 258 Genre: Fiction/Mystery/Lesbian When Shelby Carson, a top CIA agent, discovers a pattern of worldwide assassinations in which a CIA operative is involved, she's assigned to the case at headquarters with the recently recalled agent, Kristine Bartley. Kris has a reputation for being both incisive and ruthless, and the young agent isn't happy with being brought back to the U.S. from the Middle East and tied to a desk. Soon after Kris’ arrival and partnering with Shelby, someone makes an attempt on Shelby’s life. When Kris is assigned as Shelby’s bodyguard, neither woman likes the restrictions imposed on them, but neither can deny an attraction to the other. As the aloof Kris struggles against any emotional involvement with Shelby, she says, “Just forget about her. She is no different than any of the others” (p. 28). But is that true? As the women grapple with their new and unexpected feelings for one another, they race against time to find out who the rogue assassin is and who is threatening their own lives. Just when they finally admit that their relationship is worth pursuing, a turn of events points toward them losing any glimmer of hope that they might be able to spend their lives together. The story twists and turns, keeping the captivated reader wondering who is responsible for the threats to the women’s lives and how they'll ever get out of the trouble they're in. Russian spies, CIA double-agents, assassins, not to mention the intricacies of family issues that have the women wondering whether Shelby’s stepfather is responsible for the threats to her life, all make for an intriguing story. I found the writing style, at times, to be a little stilted. Although this lent to the stiff atmosphere surrounding the two women at the beginning of their relationship together, I would like to have seen the tone change as the story progressed and the women began to soften toward one another. However, the strong plot and well-drawn characters are enough to overcome that nuance. Deep Cover's gripping narrative moves well and keeps the reader involved. If you're afraid of the dark, though, read it with the lights on. _____ Reviewed by Anna Furtado
Book Reviewer for Just About Write; Author of The Heart’s Desire – Book One of The Briarcrest Chronicles, a 2005 GCLS “Goldie” Award Finalist. Anna's Web site: http://www.annafurtado.com Contact her at annaf@annafurtado.com. |
 Harrington
Lesbian Fiction Quarterly, April 2005Editor: Judith Stelboum ISBN: 1933110228 Harrington Park Press, Alice Street Editions Price: Individual Subscription, $28 per year Genre: Fiction/Lesbian Volume 6, Number 1 for 2005 of the Harrington Lesbian Fiction Quarterly brings together a fascinating collection of lesbian artists to answer editor Judith Stelboum’s question, “What is the significance of isolating lesbian writing from heterosexual women’s or gay men’s writing?” Beginning with an excerpt of Diana Lee’s “A Taste for Blood” (Alice Street Editions 2003), we are given a sampling of the intriguing story of Ryan, a lesbian vampire, who seems to possess more morals and feelings than one would ever expect of such a creature. The excerpt tantalizes the reader to want more. Elaine Fiedler’s “Mamma’s Picture” is an interesting memoir of an adult woman about the relationship between her African-American mother and the woman artist her mother worked for as a housekeeper for many years. The reminiscences are all brought about by a chance encounter with a painting of her mother done by the blue-eyed artist—as seen through the eyes of the housekeeper’s child. In a diversion from fiction, HLFQ presents Victoria Brownworth's thought-provoking essay, “Something Borrowed, Something Blue: Is Marriage Right for Queers?” Ms. Brownworth cuts to the heart of the matter, prodding us with pointed discussion of this timely topic as she reminds us of the issues related to all aspects of that question. Rounding out the collection are two stories with lessons for us all: Priscilla Rhoades’ “Renee: A Story, Trite and Sentimental” and Lisa Figueroa’s “Lorianna Falls.” The final story in the journal, “Carla” by Tawny Brown, gives us an entertaining tale of young and adventuresome lust. A sprinkling of seven poems by Kathi Wolfe is included in this volume. Most notably poignant is “Sun Dance,” part of a series of three works. Artwork for this issue is done by Audra Williams. Her bold strokes introduce women of size painted with vibrant colors with titles like “Blue with Red Lipstick,” “Green Bed,” “Peach with Red Lipstick,“ and “Yellow Window.” The most stunning of all the works is a close-up of two women caught as a kiss is about to happen—lips, tongues, in that magic moment of anticipation as they come into contact—simply entitled. “The Kiss.” Harrington Lesbian Fiction Quarterly, soon to be entitled Harrington Lesbian Literary Quarterly, does an excellent job of showing us the significance of lesbian fiction and artistry, the more to be appreciated when brought together in a single volume. _____ Reviewed by Anna Furtado |