One Woman’s Treasure by Jean Copeland
- Publisher: Bold Strokes Books, 2020
- Genre: Romance, LGBTQ+
- Format: Paperback (eARC)
- Page Count: 266 pages
- My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Daphne Carsen is not fully over her ex-wife when she tries to crash her wedding. Then she accidentally steals an antique lamp from Nina Colombo’s driveway. Nina, single, divorced, and newly out after her sexual epiphany with Lacey, is just settling down with her son when she finds her lamp missing. Luckily, Daphne quickly returns it to Nina, and the pair bonds over their love of antiques and need of new friends. Soon, their friendship shifts into something more. But Nina gets back with Lacey, and neither Nina nor Daphne wants to risk their friendship for romance. Or should they?
One Woman’s Treasure is not a fluffy romance. Tension rumbles throughout the story but it ends with a sappy note that is almost perfect. Though a first-time reader of Copeland’s works, I am sure I would enjoy her other books as well.
While there were minor hiccups such as random facts showing up, I liked how nothing big was too contrived. Even though the characters are not perfectly mature women around forty years old, their occasional capriciousness actually makes them more relatable and real. Sure, they say spiteful things every now and then that are irking but directly reflect their understandable jealousy and anger. As we embark on Daphne’s and Nina’s journeys of finding themselves and one another, we soon see that they truly lift each other up and become better people as the story progresses. Though uncomfortable to watch them struggle to get together, they are honestly a good fit with shared values and mutual respect. Although there were infidelities involved, I did not think they were inappropriate plot devices but rather unavoidable unfortunates due to circumstances.
Another thing I like about the story is that every scene is kind of awkward but never overly so. The angst is a low hum throughout the book and never one that builds up to a heart attack. I guess that is one of the reasons I enjoyed it because I did not experience any panic throughout the read. This is highly unusual for a not-so-sweet yet intriguing romance.
There are also wonderful secondary characters of wide age range. Sophie, Daphne’s eighty-two-year-old neighbor, is Daphne’s support system and a fun, naughty old lady. And Nina’s son Noah, whom I find more grownup than his ten years of age, is lovely and very understanding. I also appreciate that though the two main characters are around their forties, they each have only one prior relationship with women. Because they are not very experienced, I bet many readers will rejoice at finally seeing themselves reflected.
One Woman’s Treasure is a very aptly named book and not a light reading. It is about pursuing what you love in life, and I highly recommend this romance. [9 Jun 2020]
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
