cover image Seneca Falls

Seneca Falls

Jesse J. Thoma. Bold Strokes (Ingram, dist.), $16.95 trade paper (240p) ISBN 978-1-62639-052-2

Loneliness and survival are the two themes dominating Seneca King’s life in Thoma’s emotionally raw contemporary lesbian romance. Left to the mercy of foster homes and the streets as a child, a tragic incident and a benefactor’s kindness lead her to a new beginning at the all-female Sophia College. At first she’s just going through the motions, with her past strongly coloring her interactions with others, but she yearns for a way to escape her reputation as a mysterious loner and learn to fully live. Kate Smith, an athletic trainer, and Kate’s wife, Lisa, mentor Seneca and give her a model for healthy relationships. And as Seneca slowly opens up to Dylan, a graduating senior, she finds strength within herself and discovers what love truly means. Thoma (The Chase) bluntly and uncompromisingly portrays Seneca’s struggles with chronic pain, emotional trauma, and uncertainty; readers who find that part of the story rough going will appreciate the sweet and gentle counterpoint of her romance with Dylan. (Apr.)