A closeted secretary in 1960s Chicago. A fearless activist in San Francisco. A love so powerful it can change the world.
Betty wants what everyone wants – happiness, security, and a quiet, good life. She’s determined to make that happen on her own, despite her mother’s fears that she’ll turn into a spinster if she doesn’t settle down and find a husband soon.
Joan wants an important life – one … important life – one where she gets to love who she wants to love, do what she enjoys, and will leave the world a better place when she’s gone. But what she is – a lesbian in San Francisco at the beginning of the LGBT+ civil rights movement – is criminal.
When Betty comes to California for vacation, it’s love at first sight across a crowded bar in the Tenderloin district. She’s mesmerized by Joan and drawn to the homophile movement, but does she have the courage to come out for love and join the fight for equality?
What began as a glance across a room turns into a hopeful, playful and heartwarming courtship across three time zones and four decades in The Beginning of Everything, a standalone historical romance by Cara Malone.
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This is nice read but be ready for a slow, slow burn; we’re talking years. Like a decade. The story is set mainly in the 60’s when being gay was considered deviant and illegal. Betty, the closeted secretary from Chicago, meets Joan, the out (relatively speaking) lesbian from San Francisco. Sparks fly, but then we must go through years of snail mail letters and one clumsy meeting before Betty decides it’s time to break free from her straight life. You have to be willing to suspend disbelief that neither woman – especially Joan who is part of the lesbian scene in SF – go years without sexual partners to speak of… or that it’s the Stonewall riots that spur Betty (who doesn’t even go to gay bars in Chicago) to come out. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the creativity of setting this story in an incredibly different era for gay people, and Cara Malone’s writing is very nice. I definitely recommend this book.
A classic for all ages. Historical and romantic. Highly recommend
The title is perfect; it is indeed the beginning of everything.
Joan is a determined activist in San Francisco who wants to do what is right for people, she fights for the right to love without fear, for equality, to let love win. Betty is a quiet woman who lives deep in the closet, instead of fighting for being who she is. She tries to pretend to be what people expect from a woman her age in the early ’60s in Chicago. When Betty takes a vacation that leads her to San Francisco and by force of destiny, she meets Joan at a gay club. The chemistry is undeniable and just a moment is enough to leave a print in their hearts. What happens when their worlds collide in the best of ways? Will Betty be bold enough to fight beside Joan or the fear will win over?
I won’t say much to avoid spoilers, but this is a very exciting read, we get to know two very different but both very fascinating women. One is bold and fierce, the other fearful and willing to pretend to be what people want her to be. I enjoyed so much reading what’s the history for the fight of gay rights (and the rights of the LGBTQA+ community in general). It is a delight to witness through their eyes all the movements and changes that happened in the course of the decades, starting in the early ’60s and until the legalisation of gay marriage in 2015 in the US.
I liked immensely both main characters, Joan and Betty are very special and it’s wonderful to see their growth and evolution across the years. Their chemistry is palpable from the beginning, their relationship is undoubtedly kismet. We got a glimpse of Betty in Mouth to Mouth (Lakeside hospital series book 5) and was wonderful to know her and Joan’s story. There are also fascinating and very lovable secondary characters that are important for the development of the story.
This is a wonderful, engaging and very charming story. Cara Malone has great books, but I can say this is her best to date. I would like to highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the author and voluntarily leaving my review.
A stunning and heart warming tale of love spread over more than 50 years. This book is flawless. From start to finish I was completely captivated. Malone seamlessly transitions between decades and emotions as these two women find love.
I was introduced to Betty’s character in Mouth to Mouth (Lakeside hospital series book 5) and I was equal parts nervous and excited to see her story since she was such a sweet and quirky character and she gave a brief picture of her story. I can safely say that The Beginning of Everything exceeded my every expectation. Perfectly paced across Betty and Joan’s lives, a masterful balance emotional turmoil, and a perfect love story. I fell head over heels for Joan and Betty.
Joan and Betty have amazing chemistry from their very first chance meeting. They are both smitten from the start and it is so adorable watching their friendship grow as the get to know each other. They connected with that once in a lifetime spark. Their relationship is equal parts sweet and sexy. I could not get enough of their tender and moving love story.
I don’t want to give anything away because this story is so fantastically written and beautiful, which makes it impossible to truly capture just how unbelievable this book is. Malone will put you through the emotional ringer with this one.
The characters all have a genuine feel and were incredibly varied and made the story really shine. Betty’s struggle with her sexuality was heartbreaking and felt like something anyone who struggled with coming out could relate to regardless of generation. Joan is such a strong and passionate woman and her decisiveness really drove the story.
The epilogue was perfect. I cried so much (happy tears) and I get choked up every time I think about it. It was beautiful, hopeful, and brought the whole story full circle. I have never felt so fulfilled and inspired. I cannot properly articulate exactly of moving the whole story was, but especially the end.
This story is sweet, chalk full of humor, incredibly sexy at times, and overflowing with love. I am a big Cara Malone fan and this is my new favorite of her stories. I can’t recommend this book enough.