Customer Reviews

Sugar

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"She'd read a romantic book and thought maybe someday life would be like that, but it never seemed like women in books had jobs and families and worries -- things that made it hard to look around for somebody who might be fun, might want to see if where they were headed in life was the same destination." (p79)

This passage defines a theme in Karin Kallmaker's newest romance, Sugar. Kallmaker, arguably the bestselling writer of lesbian romances, contrasts images of a "traditional romance" (if such a thing can be said to be portrayed in lesbian writing) with the realities of love as it exists in everyday life. The lead character, Sugar Sorenson, is a talented, intelligent woman in her thirties struggling to establish her own specialty bakery business in Seattle's post-DotCom-boom. The action opens when Sugar's home is destroyed by fire and her plans for competing in a city-wide "Cook Off" contest, with its related monetary prize and boost in notoriety, are seriously threatened.

After months of no social life, Sugar suddenly finds herself under the romantic notice of not one, but three attractive, dynamic women. There is a gentle but strong social worker named "Tree," a tall, dark and handsome firefighter named "Charlie" Bronson, and the elegant and vivacious television producer named Emily. Their combined energy is almost more than Sugar can juggle after her long, self-imposed solitude, not to mention the stress of the fire. For a time, Sugar is confused because her apartment is not the only fire she is feeling. The sexual tension is palpable and Kallmaker serves readers a few deliciously hot scenes. Sugar tries to decide which woman really attracts her - and, more importantly she realizes -- which woman's life is headed in the same direction as Sugar's.

With nowhere to go Sugar finds herself returning to her maternal grandmother's house and braces for the onslaught of judging, preaching and meddling that characterized her grandmother while she was growing up. But something has changed dramatically and Sugar discovers that she perhaps didn't know her grandmother as well as she thought. There are assorted complications and miscommunications to occur in the weeks following the fire and Sugar's life does not turn out as she'd expected.

Food and baking flow through the novel in many ways. Descriptions of complex baking projects occur through much of Sugar's day as well as the steady, comfort baking of Sugar's grandmother. Further, Sugar's world view is often cooking related with Emily's eyes being "the blue of four drops of food coloring into a quarter-cup of sugar" (p7) and a woman is "hotter than Tabasco." (p132)

Sugar is a kind of "every lesbian" and the issues she and her friends deal with are those that most of us face in our day-to-day lives. Kallmaker's Sugar does not follow the "story book romance" formula; however, she plays with its themes. Even the cover art, which is reminiscent of a 1950s "happy home maker" image, tweaks at this "ideal."

Kallmaker's writing is charming entertainment. Her wry wit and gentle humor prompt smiles and quiet chuckles, as when Sugar dresses for her first date in months to discover "Good God in heaven, how long had that enormous black hair been growing out of her chin?" (p63) Or when Sugar mentions that she'd heard Charlie and Tree had dated for a time, and is told "We did not. We met at agreed upon places and argued." (p182)

In many ways, Sugar is a return to some of Kallmaker's earlier romances, like Painted Moon or Making up for Lost Time. However, if it is a return, it is not without the maturity that her writing continues to develop. Peopled with real women who are grounded in the realities of life and willing to accept the risk of love, Kallmaker's "romance" provides readers with simple, touching moments. As Sugar reflects, "The world seemed peacefully asleep. It was just her and the moon and the scent of Emily on her fingertips." (p111) Sugar is a lovely dessert of a book made with real eggs, butter, and no doubt, chocolate. Light and fun it is, yet it's not an artificial confection. Readers of the lesbian romance genre will want to lick the spoon.

Like jam on toast done golden and crisp, this latest romantic tale from Karin Kallmaker was just right for me. I'd recommend it to any fan and certainly to anyone (if there *is* anyone who hasn't yet experienced her light, pleasing romantic touch) who likes a good read.

Like all of her novels, she avoids the formula even though in the purest dilution of the plot it reads like a classic formula. The reason it's not is that lesbian romances (unlike het ones) most often open with the presentation of two characters we know will get together before the last page. The pleasure is in reading how. Kallmaker )like Radclyffe, another favorite of mine) can take that simple outline and do wonderfully different things with it. In Substitute for Love, for example, Holly and Reyna don't actually meet until at least 3/4s of the way into the book, yet their collision course is clear from page 1. In Embrace in Motion, Sarah chooses Ms. Wrong for the first part of the book, then comes to realize Ms. Right has been under her nose all along.

In "Sugar," Kallmaker twists the usual lesbian romance beginning of two primary characters by giving us Sugar and three potential suitors for her affections. All three are charming, sexy, persuasive and very interested in Sugar. But only one will earn her love. Along the way Sugar -- like you and me and all the women we know -- has crud to cope with, a business to run, life to handle.

I loved the journey with Sugar, all the way. I loved her confusion when she felt real lust for a woman she wasn't yet sure she could like as a friend. The puzzlement of feeling affinity with someone but the lack of that spark that would create that first kiss. And finding herself feeling lust *and* affinity and then being completely tongue-tied and scared to make the first move -- and so is the woman who is trying awfully hard to say I love you but doesn't quite know how. These are women still forming, strong in their own sense of self but not yet deft at dealing with their own emotions. It made me full of wonder that at any point any of us ever figure out how love works. The romantic sentiments in this book are charming, all the way through.

If that story weren't enough, the plotline with Sugar and her grandmother is vintage Kallmmker and yet brand new. She set up Sugar's dread of living with the raving bible-thumping homophobe so I was dreading it just as much and then pulled the carpet out from under my expectations and own presumptions as she so often does. I scraped my jaw up off the floor at about the same time Sugar did. Sugar's three older (and bossy) sisters are delightfully drawn, as is her fascinating ex and still friend, Noor. I'd love to see a short story about Noor and her gf in a "Frosting on the Cake 2."

Which is the whole reason I'm writing this review -- how about it, Miz K? Can we have some more Frosting? I really want to know so many things! Did Shea and Anthea have their baby? Is Sydney President yet? And c'mon, Holly and Reyna need more story! More Frosting? Please???

I'll quit begging and end by saying that while Sugar herself is indecisive and founders a bit in trying to decide what love is and isn't, when it comes to what's right for her family, doing the right thing, she doesn't hesitate. She's a complicated young woman, getting by the best she knows how and I would be *proud* to be her big sister.

Thank you once again, Miz K, for a great read, worth every penny and every minute. Like all the others, I know I'll read it more than once.

I am not a romance fan and most of my lesbian focused reading has been erotica anthologies. Recently I ran across a hot hot hot story by this author in one. I had presumed she was basically vanilla and had never read any of her books. But the story was great and so I ordered a couple of her novels.

I didn't realize that she writes two styles and that I was ordering a "traditional" romance (if you can call a lesbian romance that). My mistake, but I thought I'd read this one anyway. (The other was All the Wrong Places, a romantic/erotic novel that I was so pleased with I still can't get my head around how to review it.)

I truly enjoyed this story, though romances aren't my cup of tea. It was funny, to start with, and touching at times. Other reviewers have pointed out that the main character could be your next door neighbor and it felt that way to me too. I liked it, to my surprise. Not the love story - though it was convincing and sweet - but the sense that this ordinary story of two women falling in love was NORMAL...what we all should have in our lives without denigration from Jesusland types.

I felt good when I finished and might even read another again sometime, and if you knew me, then you'd know that's a major compliment. The sex is indeed vanilla in this tale (not so in All the Wrong Places!) but still explicit enough to be steamy. I am giving it 5 stars because it is exactly what it's supposed to be, and well-written.

First, the disclaimers. I am not a professional book reviewer, nor do I play one on TV. Secondly, I am hopelessly prejudiced toward Karin Kallmaker as she has displaced all previous authors in my long, long, (sometimes I think way too long), almost 40 years of reading, to reign as "my number one." And yet, I am a reluctant reviewer of her latest offering, "Sugar." My reluctance is due to the fact that as an avid hetero fan, I can't help but feel embarrassingly out of place and intrusive reviewing literary works not aimed at me. And I cannot escape the sense that those readers to whom it is aimed, would say, "who cares what he thinks anyway." However, as an unabashed admirer of all her works, in my mind that this alone is more than sufficient to persuade me to overcome my reluctance in singing her praises.

I hate labels. And yet its is just the sort of shorthand we humans seem to require in order to make sense of the chaos that is our reality. So I suppose labels are a necessary evil. I say this because I've never agreed with the idea that her works are strictly "romance" novels. Her authorial abilities and insight are so far and away from such limited pigeonholing, that only those who have read and appreciated the quality of her works, could possibly understand what I mean. While romance is clearly one of the central aspect of her works, it is by no means limited to that. I prefer to see it as human interaction from the lesbian POV. She writes of love that's sometimes lust, and lust that sometimes transforms into love. Sexy lips and curvy hips, sometimes pleasingly plump, sometimes with morning mouth, hate your boss, love your neighbor. Those with envy and spite, life with the dull and bright. All with equally generous portions of despair, humor, wit and introspection. All this and more can be found in her works. Heterosexual writers should be so gifted.

Her fantasy writings, as Laura Adams are imbued with a quality that allows one to envision olden times in what I can only describe as a truly magical reality. You know it can't be true. Can it? Yet you fall into those fantasy worlds she creates without hesitation, nor looking back. Not a bad feat. And I have coined my own phrases to describe her abilities, by referring to them as "KK's." Particularly whenever I read some of her prose that I feel is actually closer to poetry. An example of this from Sugar: "The kisses seemed endless but always new," is only one of so many that constantly causes me to hesitate to catch my breath, to muse, or to laugh uproariously, or simply think and sometimes wonder in awe at the beauty of her words. Now that's poetry. Her writings reflect a uniqueness, a earthiness and honesty rarely found among most of the publisher's offerings today. There is nothing trite, banal or pedestrian in her writing, and yet her characters are talking about and living in the same workaday reality as all of us. Life as "we" know it. She's simply better at describing that world, and the characters she's created who live in it.

"Sugar" is a case in point. Sugar Sorenson is most definitely a "Kallmaker" character. Funny, believable, self-effacing, filled with personal anomie, and yet lusty, sexually intriguing, honest and original. How she is able to time and time again create such characters is worthy of its own analysis. "Sugar" is both a comical and insightful story that illustrates the life of an almost middle-aged lesbian filled with the uncertainties and fears of having to start life over after a fire devastates her attempts to make her own way in the world. As a result of this calamity, she then suddenly finds herself surrounded by people so supportive and interested in her, that she can't seem to make the leap of faith to believe in its truth. Let alone their raving assessments of her beauty and other attributes. In this case, there are three particular admirers, Charlie, Tree and Emily, that come to her rescue after the fire and one immediately finds oneself weighing their various qualities to "help" pick the right one for Sugar. It took all my will power not to turn to the last pages to see in advance who it was she finally chose. (I picked the wrong one. But then I always root for the underdog).

If there were ever to be an examination required in order to become an official lesbian, there is no doubt in my mind that Karin Kallmaker would be required reading prior to testing. As it is, I think it should be included among the subjects that any serious university English Department would include on it's fiction book lists. Much of literature written today is forgettable in my opinion. With Kallmaker, you find yourself reading, re-reading and re-reading them again, both for the simple pleasure of it, and as a way to see you through until the next one is published.

I have little doubt that when I am pushing up the proverbial daisies, Kallmaker's works will still be available through reprints. And although in a perfect world I would love to see her writings spread far and wide to be enjoyed by others of my ilk (I found her by accident), there is also a part of me that wants to keep her secret with "just us." So where can I apply for my honorary lesbian membership card? Kallmaker has totally won me over. Once you read her, she'll get you too. Because this "Sugar" is just too sweet.

I tend to finish a book of this length in about two days. This one took longer than usual because I just couldn't get into it at first. In fact, I finished Madam President and First Lady while I was trying to read Sugar. I have a tendency to read more than one book at a time, especially when one doesn't really keep my interest... That said... by the time I was finished with Sugar, I decided I really liked the book. I'm sure when I read it again in a few years I'll appreciate it more.

Sugar's illegal apartment burns down and she suddenly finds herself surrounded by eligible, attractive women. There is Tree, the social worker from whom Sugar receives comfort. There is also the TV producer Emily, a woman about whom Sugar feels undeniable lust. Finally, there is the firefighter Charlie, a woman for whom Sugar gets both types of feelings... but appears to be already in a relationship. Add this to Sugar's less than stellar relationship history, and you've got this little gem from Kallmaker.

When I got to the end, I had a better understanding of the author's intent, but had a tough time following the main character's confusion. I'm not sure I understand why she's suddenly so attractive to so many women. Has she really led a sheltered life? Or, did she just happen to run across three potential lovers at one time? Even though they are secondary characters, her sisters seem rather underdeveloped... maybe she should have had only two? And she finally chooses Charlie, but Charlie's character seems underdeveloped too. I might say the same about Tree. Emily was better done. Maybe if the book had been longer and the three love interests had interacted, I'd have liked it more in the beginning?

Give this one a chance... When Kallmaker closes the loop on her story, you'll find it's been worth the wait.

There was a time when I wouldn't touch a "romance" because the writing was torrid and cliched, the plots absolutely unbelievable and contrived and the characters made of sickly sweet cardboard. Then, because I was blown away from Karin Kallmaker's alter-ego Laura Adams, a friend insisted that I read my first romance. I've been eating crow ever since.

Sugar is a sweet story. Those who found the despair and trauma of Bree in Maybe Next Time heavy going are going to be pleased with this one. It's light, funny and absolutely *real.* Sugar's story could be that of any friend of mine. Frankly, I wish it were mine!

Imagine, disaster strikes and you find yourself the object of fervent attention from not one, not two but THREE bona fide wanna get down to business lesbians. Each woman is real, has an absorbing career and personality to spare. It's a dream come true.

Except, if you're Sugar Sorenson, you're just muddling through life the best you can and can't really fathom what these great women see in you. But over time you begin to realize you have far more to be proud of and celebrate in your life than you thought. Maybe, just maybe, you *are* lovable and sexy. I know you can't grow your own self-confidence based on the opinions of others, but it surely helps! I want to meet Sugar at the laundromat and gab over burgers. She's the epitome of the lesbian-next-door.

One of the ways, I think, that Kallmaker makes her romance stories so real is that they are liberally sprinkled with background characters that are well-crafted and do more than arrive to announce some plot point or allow our heroine to discuss what's on her mind for our benefit. She also wonderfully sprinkles her books with elements of multi-culturism that are never contrived. Her books look like the America I live in, at least in a state struggling hard to stay blue. I really *wish* some of my unneighborly neighbors could see Jesus the way Sugar's Grandmother did!

The courting dance is one of the delights of this book, and Kallmaker's humor is, as always, part and parcel of her gift for prose. Sometimes it's a belly laugh, but more often than not I smile over a delightful turn of phrase or image. When Sugar passes out after the opening page fire, she thinks of her three rescuers, "Angels of cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla... If she'd known they were coming she'd have baked a cake." Minutes later, when her landlord tries to blame Sugar for the fire: "Her lesbian trinity closed ranks." What a wonderful, empowering image! The scene and the following fun with cell phones had me grinning ear-to-ear.

Sugar's not a perfect being. She can be childish but brave, sensitive but scared, funny or scathing as the situation calls for. But she's always kind, tries to do the right thing by her family and herself and all in all, I think another reviewer said it best: I'd be proud to be her big sister. Or best friend. Actually, I'd kind of like to get to know her, but I'm thinking her girlfriend (and I won't spoil the surprise!) wouldn't like my motives.

Another delightful read from Miz K's pen. And because the friend who first urged me to read her romances never forgets my ignorant opinion of them, another serving of crow for me.

Sugar is sweet. Except when it's on fire. Sugar Sorenson, sole proprietor of Cake Dreams by Sugar learns that fact - the hard way. Three women arrive on the scene of the fire. Charlie Bronson, firefighter - Gantry "Tree" Racine, Victim's Services and Emily Dorsett, producer of the TV show interested in doing a story on Sugar and an upcoming cookoff. One Sugar was working hard to be able to enter.

Able to salvage some of her things from the fire, Sugar slowly begins the process of recovery. Charlie, Tree and Emily are all interested in helping. Though Sugar suddenly feels like SHE is the prize in a lesbian bake-off, she has to admit to a bit of attraction for each of the women. Whom will she choose? Does she even have to? While each woman would like to be the one chosen, Charlie hopes with all her being that she is the one Sugar wants to be with. Will she be? Or will she find herself losing Sugar to the enigmatic TV producer or the ever friendly Tree?

Karin Kallmaker has long been an established talent. Sugar is a book that shows that while sweet, sugar can also be a bit sticky as the author throws in a mix of romance with drama.

I'm a huge Karin Kallmaker fan and find all of her novels entertaining, illuminating, thought-provoking and -- importantly in today's world -- fun. Some can be completely emotionally draining. Others fast-paced and full of wit. Some, like this one, are sweet, simple and thoroughly satisfying.

I couldn't figure out why such a simple story stayed on my mind. Sugar isn't the same emotionally-wrenching story that Maybe Next Time or Substitute for Love is. It's not the immersion into a woman's inner life that Unforgettable or Wild Things is. And yet it stayed in my mind. I found myself thinking of little moments from the story and once even thinking "Sugar would think that was funny" -- like I knew her!

I think that is the magic of this deceptively simple tale. Sugar could be an old friend you haven't seen her for a while and you're sitting down over cups of coffee as she updates you on her life. It's not a rollercoaster, but it's interesting. It's nothing that would make you say "you're kidding!" Everything that happens feels like a slice of a Real Lesbian Life.

Sugar is like the cure for the L Word, where no one on the show looks or acts like any lesbian I've ever met.

If you're expecting another masterpiece of craft like Maybe Next Time, you might disappointed. But there can only be so many lesbian violinists out there in the world, rare beings that I relate to on a human level but might not show me much about being a lesbian.

If anything, Sugar is the flip side to Maybe Next Time. There are Sugars in all of our lives, some of us *are* Sugar, and this story picks up this ordinary life and shows its humor, drama, conflicts and tough choices. Maybe Next Time was like a Nora Roberts emotional pot-boiler. I would have to say that Sugar is like a gentle, insightful Anne Tyler story.

Sugar has been nominated for a new award called a "Golden Crown" which focuses exclusively on lesbian literature. The reason that excites me is that it's about time that these great writers in our community got some recognition for how much they've done to elevate the stories of lesbian lives into stories that anyone could read and relate to.

Karin Kallmaker is my favorite lesbian writer (though I have developed an extreme liking for Radclyffe) and the easy simplicity of Sugar to me proves her lasting talent at telling relevant, meaningful *fun* stories of lesbians lives that reflect back all the things in my life and make them seem special. If Sugar can have such a charming book written about her, then all of us are just as special. That feeling of validation is an incredible payoff for the price.

Yumm!! toasted banana bread !!!

This is a terrific novel. The dialogue is probably the best I have read by this author and she excels at snappy dialogue. My favorite character is Sugar, I loved how she related with Emily, Gantry, Charlie - anyone of these women had potential to be an ideal partner for her. Sugar's grandmother is a hoot! The humor sparkled throughout the novel.

I couldn't be happier that I chose this book to read while bringing in the new year.

What can I say that hasn't been said all ready. It's a classic Kallmaker story with all the goodies that come from her: steamy, realistic and trustworthy characters.