Staying the Distance: A Novel [Paperback]

Franci McMahon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This first novel is a thoroughly escapist adventure and romance on horseback. Sort of a twist on Thelma and Louise set in the high prairies of Montana, it is a guiltless, pleasurable, albeit incredible story about one renegade, Rachel, who all too suddenly trusts another one, a veterinarian from "out east" named Margaret. Abandoning years and years of denial, Rachel becomes intimately involved with Margaret. Though her transformation comes about too quickly, it doesn't get in the way of the book's spirit and adventure. There is lots of drama as Rachel tests her mettle in the long-distance Tevis Cup race. McMahon writes the love scenes convincingly and sensitively, and she beautifully describes the Montana landscape. Despite her tendency to write overly long, awkward sentences, the author has lots of talent. An enjoyable book, particularly for horse enthusiasts, that belongs in public libraries.
Lisa Nussbaum, Euclid P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Firebrand Books (March 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156341046X
• ISBN-13: 978-1563410468
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,738,966 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Gay & Lesbian > Literature & Fiction > Fiction > Lesbian

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strong characters and exciting story, November 23, 2005

By 

E. B. MULLIGAN "Bronwyn" (Tampa, Florida) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Staying the Distance: A Novel (Paperback)

Strong characters and exciting story

The writing was excellent. It seemed so low key and natural and yet full of emotion. The characters were so strong and utterly endearing. It's not your typical romance and is quite heart dramatic.

The world of horse racing and the American West are not your typical story settings which made this an even more delightful story.

The writing was so excellent I found the author's other book and wish she would publish more.

from the publisher's web site - Grown-up lesbians have a novel about girls and horses they can call their own in this literate, ovable western set in the bis sky, "no whiners" country of Montana. Rander Racel Duncan and the new vet from back East, Dr. Margaret Carson, are as tough as the horses they ride.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars McMahon is the man!, December 23, 1999

By 

Mandy Reigle - See all my reviews

This review is from: Staying the Distance: A Novel (Paperback)

Franci McMahon does a great job of connecting the world of distance riding with the world of lesbians. And she does it in a way that a reader of any age and background could relate to one of the characters. The book is exciting and moving which makes the reading effortless. I love Franci McMahon.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gals and Their Horses... What a Combo..., May 2, 2006

By 

K. Johnson (Twin Cities, MN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Staying the Distance: A Novel (Hardcover)

This book has a little bit of everything -- young gals and middle-aged women; bi-racial couples; straights and lesbians. It is a well-written story about women in horse country. It centers around Rachel Duncan, a straight woman rancher who has her sights set on winning a grueling horse race with her mare, Kestrel. Rachel has never know romance, but keeps her life busy and fulfilling with her horses.

In walks the town's new vetrinarian, a beautiful lesbian who isn't looking for love. In fact, she moved to the remote area to ensure she wouldn't run into "ms. right." A skeptical Rachel soon begins to trust this woman. That trust quickly turns into love.

Helping the story along is Rachel's young hired hand, Kate, who accidentally exposes her own lesbian relationship to her employer.

This book is well written, but I didn't find myself anxious to read the next page. I merely enjoyed the journey with the author and her characters. I recommend you read it then pass it along to friends to enjoy. It won't be a permanent addition to my personal collection.