Customer Reviews

Safe Harbor

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Safe Harbor by Radclyffe is one of my favorite books. I say that with confidence, because I have read it three times, once in electronic format and twice more since I received my print copy a few weeks ago.

I do not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance. It is better than most romances because it not only satisfies the heart, it satisfies the head as well. The strong and effective characters are the reason why. Both the primary and supporting characters work.

Deputy Sheriff Reese Conlon and Dr. Victoria King are the two women who meet in Provincetown and fall in love. They are a very engaging pair, each a woman of strength and integrity, with a passion for their jobs and for each other that makes the heart soar to read about it. Teenager Brianna Parker and her lover Caroline are secondary only in that their love is not the focus of the book. The characters of Kate, Reese's mother, Catherine, Tory's sister, and Sheriff Parker, Brianna's dad round out the roster. While they are all minor characters, they ring true too. They help make the book the success it is.

One quality that you find in good fiction is that it picks you up and deposits you in another world. When I read Safe Harbor I am always very reluctant to leave that world.

When an author takes a nom de plume to honor that pioneer of lesbian fiction Radclyffe Hall, it should come as no surprise to learn that she writes stories about women who love women. When Radclyffe Hall's classic work The Well of Loneliness hit the literary scene, there was nothing like it around. And as recently as thirty years ago, lesbian popular fiction was comparatively rare. Now, not only is lesbian literary fiction not uncommon, but lesbian pulp romances are everywhere to be found, with several presses both in the US and in the UK dedicated solely to its production.

Radclyffe's first published contribution to the genre is, however, a breed apart. Set in Provincetown, SAFE HARBOR is the story of two strong women -- one the town doctor, one the new deputy sheriff -- whose growing mutual attraction wars with layers of pain and past betrayal that each wears like a suit of armor. Tory and Reese must learn to trust, must open themselves to possible pain, so that their love has a chance to flourish. And while Tory and Reese are sorting their own lives out, two younger women are coping with the dangers inherent in being out and in highschool.

What sets Radclyffe's story apart from much of the lesbian pulp out there is that, in addition to the first-rate story, fascinating characters, and romance, Radclyffe writes beautifully. And her love scenes will singe your eyebrows and fry your circuits.

We anxiously anticipate her future publications. Meanwhile, we read and reread and reread SAFE HARBOR.

Safe Harbor is one of the best lesbian fiction novels that I have read in a long time. Anyone who has ever visited or lived in Provincetown will appreciate the authenticity of the setting.
The author did a great job of crafting the personalities of both the gay and straight characters in this story. The two main characters, Tory and Reese, are strong and competent women in their fields but we are also shown their insecurities and human frailties. The chemistry between the women heightens as the story progresses which makes the romance more believable. She also does an excellent job interpreting the struggles of gay youth in today's society. I found her portrayal of Caroline and Brianna,two teenagers discovering love and the heartaches that go with it, both heartfelt and realistic.
Radclyffe is a master storyteller. Her works are always intelligent and beautifully written. If you are looking for romance, no other writer even comes close to her style in writing a love scene.
I would not hesitate to recommend Safe Harbor or any other books that she has written.

Award-winning writer Radclyffe lists among her bestselling novels "Safe Harbor," in which Reese Conlon leaves a military career to become Provincetown's new Deputy Sheriff. Once there, she finds herself fighting homophobia, which is directed at P-Town's local youth. While upholding the law, Reese also discovers truths about herself when she meets and falls in love with Dr. Victoria (Tory) King.

"Safe Harbor" has a character driven plot and presents a diverse well-defined supporting cast with each having an integral contribution to the story. The main character, Reese, is easy to fall in love with. An extremely private person, she has everyone curious to know more about her. "She's handsome, strong, sensitive, tender, and deeply passionate. And devoted-can't beat that," according to her creator Radclyffe; Reese turns more than a few heads. Comparable to a knight in shining armor, she is hard-working, decent, and honest. Reese upholds the law and takes her oath `to serve and protect' very seriously. Her boss, Sheriff Nelson Parker, and other locals are in awe of this admirable woman.

Sheriff Parker has a lot more than crime to deal with when he learns his daughter Brianna is gay. Radclyffe does a commendable job of describing the anguish he feels as he works his way, hopefully, toward acceptance.

Reese meets Dr. King while out on patrol to check on a break in at the East End Health Clinic. Tory has an "unanticipated visceral reaction" (p. 21) to the precise, professional, and truly stunning sheriff. Having endured a bad breakup and an accident that dashed her Olympic hopes to bits, Tory is leery of a gorgeous, self-assured woman, and she's unnerved that she's so taken with Reese. Trying not to fall for Reese's charm is a daunting task-especially when Reese says things like, "I saw you this morning-kayaking out on the bay. You were so much a part of the sea that you didn't even disturb the rhythm of the waves" (p. 31). Tory endears the reader with her professional manner while adeptly healing the sick in her care. Dr. King is a respected physician who puts other's needs before her own. In hopes of avoiding further heartache, she adamantly tries to deny love. Can she learn to trust Reese and more importantly, can she trust her own feelings?

Brianna (Bri) Parker, the sheriff's gay daughter, is a tough, troubled, and frightened youth who becomes the target of gay bashing. Although strong, Bri is no match for her attacker. Reese helps Brianna overcome obstacles that she and other gay teens face. Surprisingly, even the "gay Mecca" of P-town has its share of hatred. Reese helps not only Bri, but all the other gay kids in her jurisdiction to fight against homophobia.

Tory's sister, Cath, acts as Tory's conscience, playing devil's advocate as she wrestles with her heart and mind. When Tory thinks, "[Reese] has no idea what she's doing-she hasn't a clue to the effect she has on any lesbian with a heartbeat" (p. 111), in fact, Reese has no idea what she does to straight women and men either. Cath may be a straight, married, mother of two, but she empathizes with her sister and can fully appreciate how Tory feels about Reese.

"Safe Harbor" is a love story, a coming out story, and crime drama all rolled into one. When Reese was young, her mother Kate left home to be with her lover, Jean. She reconnects with her mother not knowing what to expect. She also must deal with her father's reaction to the news that she's gay.

Caring deeply about an author's characters, yearning to find out what happens next, feeling like you're a part of the action, and hating for it to end, is what great novels are all about. "Safe Harbor" by Radclyffe is such a novel. From the beginning, Radclyffe uses mystery and foreshadowing to keep the reader interested, and there is never a dull moment. The fabulous setting is the perfect backdrop and makes the reader long for a trip to Provincetown, with its "Mardi Gras energy" (p. 90).

A great story, memorable characters, fresh dialogue, important issues, scenic descriptions, an engaging plot and meticulous editing makes "Safe Harbor" a five star novel that can be enjoyed by both a gay and straight audience. I highly recommend "Safe Harbor" and anything penned by award winning novelist Radclyffe, whose recent accolades include two 2005 Golden Crown Literary Awards for "Fated Love" and "Justice in the Shadows."

Some readers seem to be confused about what it is that they are buying. This book is unapologetically a lesbian romance -- modeled after the pulp romances of the 50s and 60s (except in this one, the girl gets the girl!). It is fantasy -- not real life. Radclyffe has spun an achingly beautiful tale of two women, each heroic, each wounded, who find the true love they never knew they were looking for. The characters are wonderfully complex, the dialogue is crisp, and the sex is... um, inspiring! I highly recommend this book for the true romantics in the world. Those who want gritty realism should look elsewhere.

Radclyffe's first book introduces us to Reese Conlon - the newly hired deputy sheriff; Tory King - the town's only doctor; and, of course, Provincetown - the legendary gay mecca. Tory and Reese have a lot in common - both are insulated from others, both are workaholics, both are dedicated to their professions. But they are quite different from one another as well - Tory knows why she's insulated herself whereas Reese has never learned to be with others.

Radclyffe is a fresh voice in the lesbian fiction genre. She writes about strong women overcoming seeming insurmountable difference to be with one another, she writes about trust and she writes about love. Her love scenes are graphic but gentle and sweet and sh never loses sight of the intensity of new love nor of her story.

Beware though. If you start reading Radclyffe, you will find yourself ordering everything the woman has written. Be prepared to stay up long after you should have turned the light off just to finish one more chapter. It is best to read the series books - the Honor series, the Justice series and the Provincetown books - in order so you understand where the characters started and why they do what they do.

SAFE HARBOR is a remarkable journey and affirmation that the bond between the right two women can be tested, stretched to seemingly irretrievable lengths, and hold.
Radclyffe has displayed a talent for creating well-crafted, multi-faceted characters.That gift continues with Safe Harbor.
With Tory and Reese she has created two of today's most interesting heroines. Reese, Provincetown's new Deputy Sheriff
and Tory, the town Doctor, have various weaknesses but many off-setting strengths which will save their lives as well as the lives of others around them.
I found this book to be both lyrical and gut-wrenching. But also
highly erotic.
Tory and Reese reach up from the page to draw you into their lives, struggles, and triumphs.
I finished it in one day. I could not put it down.

My favourite of Radclyffe's lesbian romances. The characters are well developed, realistic, and moreover people I'd like to know if they existed in the universe outside the covers of this book.

Considering how often the world shows us betrayal and dishonour, it is wonderful to be able to dive into a Safe Harbor where characters learn to trust and love each other. This book is both a tribute to the traditional romance plot pacing in which it takes time to build relationships and a more modern novel where lovers can be equals in strength and passion.

Safe Harbor is a book I have read and re-read and look forward to keeping on my shelves for cold rainy days when summer and true love seem sadly far away.

My favorite books aren't necessarily perfect books, but they're books that stick with me over the years, that I read repeatedly, and that touch me in some additional way. I can't deny having spent time with this book over the years, since I discovered it online, and more recently upon reading the published version. I actually understand the weaknesses pointed out by the lower-star reviews given to this book, but I can't agree about the impact of these weaknesses. Part of it is nostalgia, but mostly it's the strength of the characterizations and how they spoke to me.

I thought it was interesting to read a book about a fairly well-adjusted adult who hadn't "come out" to herself. It was very believable to me that someone who lived and breathed duty in the military would just wall themselves off, particularly when raised by a father she loved and wanted to make proud. When that ceased to be the case, she left that life. A very pragmatic decision and in line with her characterization. Some people are very good at compartmentalizing, and while that may not be the average person, the character of Reese as created wasn't average herself. Perhaps too idealized? I don't think so. She definitely had her flaws, but they just weren't the blind spots that everyone would have, necessarily. She certainly had no illusions about herself, it was more that she was allowing herself to explore a different aspect of her life because it was time.

I enjoy reading books about people who try to deny their attraction for whatever reason. I enjoy characters who have a past that is explored, because that really fleshes out the characters and gives them and their motivations dimension. I enjoy the vivid setting that the author sets for this book, and indeed this series set in Provincetown. I enjoy the depiction of family, and the emotional issues surrounding those relationships. A lesbian can't have a lebian mother? Seems close-minded.

The wounded strength of the main characters, who are the center of the book, and eventually have to get over their hesitations and give in to their attraction is graceful, and fun to read about as Radclyffe has formulated them. An excellent foundation for this series. Perhaps not for everyone, but the characters are original, and celebrated for their strengths and humanity. Therefore, this book gets my highest recommendation.

I own and have read everything Radclyffe has published. I love her stuff and anxiously await each new release.

'Safe Harbor' is her most erotic, heart-wrenching story yet. The reader can't help but fall in love with Reese and Tori, and to subsequently await their coming together.

Reese, raised by her Marine father in a very regimented household and kept away from her lesbian mother as a teen, leaves active duty to become a deputy sheriff in Provincetown, MA. Because of the town's large gay population and her androgynous looks (like a cross between a young Gregory Peck and k.d. lang), everyone assumes Reese is a lesbian. However, in her early thirties, Reese has never had a relationship of any sort and isn't sure herself.

Tori, a gifted physician and former Olympic contender, is the town doctor. She injured her leg just before the Olympics and ruined her chances of competing. Her former lover, a woman Tori planned to spend a lifetime with, cheated on Tori and left her heartbroken three years prior to Reese's appearance.

Radclyffe skillfully takes these two women - one emotionally immature, and one emotionally barren - and creates a painfully erotic and emotional tale. Evidenced by the two sequels that have already been written, she leaves the story open for a proliferation of story lines.

Your personal collection will not be complete without this book and its sequels.