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The Commitment
Heir to Victoria’s leading gold rush museum, Jennifer Fraser is healthier than she’s been in years—and she’s ready to settle down. Since losing Tori, only one woman has been able to see through the formidable facade of nineteenth century drag Jen wears at Spring Creek each day. Forget the age gap—when what Jen has with her best friend Lacey is so comfortable, does it really matter that they’ll probably never have that ‘can’t-keep-my-hands-off-of-you’ kind of chemistry?
Since the day Lacey Reed was cinched into her costume stays, working at Spring Creek living museum has made her happier than she ever thought she could be in small-town Beechworth. When Jen proposed the arrangement, it made sense—Jen adored Lacey’s seven-year-old daughter, and the life Jen offered was more than Lacey could ever have dreamed. And then there was that other minor detail: she’s carried a torch for Jen for eight agonising years. Lacey just presumed that, four months into their engagement, Jen wouldn’t be so completely oblivious to the fact that she set Lacey’s heart twitching in her chest each time she so much as stepped into the same room.
Just when it seems as though all the chemistry exercises can’t change the way Jen feels about Lacey, a ghost from the past arrives in Beechworth, and suddenly, what once seemed like a simple arrangement becomes more complicated than they ever imagined.
Genre: Romance
Editor: Cath Walker
Cover Designer: Heather Honeywell
Since the day Lacey Reed was cinched into her costume stays, working at Spring Creek living museum has made her happier than she ever thought she could be in small-town Beechworth. When Jen proposed the arrangement, it made sense—Jen adored Lacey’s seven-year-old daughter, and the life Jen offered was more than Lacey could ever have dreamed. And then there was that other minor detail: she’s carried a torch for Jen for eight agonising years. Lacey just presumed that, four months into their engagement, Jen wouldn’t be so completely oblivious to the fact that she set Lacey’s heart twitching in her chest each time she so much as stepped into the same room.
Just when it seems as though all the chemistry exercises can’t change the way Jen feels about Lacey, a ghost from the past arrives in Beechworth, and suddenly, what once seemed like a simple arrangement becomes more complicated than they ever imagined.
Genre: Romance
Editor: Cath Walker
Cover Designer: Heather Honeywell
242 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2021
About the author
Virginia Hale
4 books44 followersVirginia Hale lives in Sydney, Australia, and is currently working on her master’s degree in Children’s Literature. When she isn’t writing or studying, she is dreaming up trips to New York City and Boston. Her debut novel Echo Point—set in the heartland of the Blue Mountains, Australia—won a Golden Crown Literary Award in 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 10, 2021
4.25 Stars. Holy angst Batman! I’ve been a big fan of Hale ever since her debut Echo Point. I would go as far as to say that she’s made it onto my top 10 current favorite authors list. Her books are always different than the average WLW romance and I love that her stories feel unique with fresh ideas. This book was completely different than any of the romances I’ve been reading lately and I had a lot of fun with it. Angst lovers out there will be happy since this had plenty of that slow burn relationship drama.
While I would call this a best friends to lovers romance, I actually have to put the fauxmance tag on this too. This was a very different take on a fauxmance so it took me a little to even realize it. This is a story about two women, who have been burned by previous relationships, deciding they want to get married to raise a family and live as married… best friends?! No one knows this engaged couple is marrying only as an arraignment, everyone thinks they are actually in love. This is actually half true because one of the women is in love, very much in love, but she knows her fiancée does not feel the same. How about that for a twist on the normal fauxmance?
Throwing in an unrequited love storyline, with a friends to lovers-fauxmance, is definitely a new take for me. You can just imagine the kind of angst that could go along with this type of storyline. To be very clear, if you’re not an angst fan, then this book is probably not for you. However, if you do want a lot of push-pull and angsty relationship moments, I think you will really enjoy this. I’m funny about angst where I like little to almost none, or I want a ton of it, and this fits the latter perfectly for me.
The characters are very interesting. One of the characters is extremely easy to root for, but the other is not. I can see people not liking Jen very much, she really is a work in progress and super stubborn at times. But for me I like a character with flaws. If everyone is always perfect and nice, reading will become boring. Jen’s growth and her overall journey was a main part of this book so I think she’s a character to give an extra chance too.
I always enjoy Hale’s writing and this was no exception. This book grabs you and doesn’t want to let you go. If anything, I wish it would have been longer. I was involved with these characters and I wanted to keep reading their story. Also, the living museum idea was genius. It reminded me of some of the old frontier towns and places like that. We have an old fort not too far away from where I live and we’d go on class trips and everyone would be in costume, shooting rifles and forging horseshoes and things of that nature. That little flash of living history was always fun and for this book to have that kind of setting and jobs for the characters, was just really well done.
In my opinion, Hale is four for four with her books and I think that is really impressive for someone with a newer writing career. I have not been disappointed by one of her books yet and I hope I never well. I love romantic authors that are a little different from the norm and to me that fits Hale perfectly. I love her unique ideas and settings and it always makes me wonder what she could be writing for us next. If you are looking for an angsty slow burn romance, this book is for you.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
While I would call this a best friends to lovers romance, I actually have to put the fauxmance tag on this too. This was a very different take on a fauxmance so it took me a little to even realize it. This is a story about two women, who have been burned by previous relationships, deciding they want to get married to raise a family and live as married… best friends?! No one knows this engaged couple is marrying only as an arraignment, everyone thinks they are actually in love. This is actually half true because one of the women is in love, very much in love, but she knows her fiancée does not feel the same. How about that for a twist on the normal fauxmance?
Throwing in an unrequited love storyline, with a friends to lovers-fauxmance, is definitely a new take for me. You can just imagine the kind of angst that could go along with this type of storyline. To be very clear, if you’re not an angst fan, then this book is probably not for you. However, if you do want a lot of push-pull and angsty relationship moments, I think you will really enjoy this. I’m funny about angst where I like little to almost none, or I want a ton of it, and this fits the latter perfectly for me.
The characters are very interesting. One of the characters is extremely easy to root for, but the other is not. I can see people not liking Jen very much, she really is a work in progress and super stubborn at times. But for me I like a character with flaws. If everyone is always perfect and nice, reading will become boring. Jen’s growth and her overall journey was a main part of this book so I think she’s a character to give an extra chance too.
I always enjoy Hale’s writing and this was no exception. This book grabs you and doesn’t want to let you go. If anything, I wish it would have been longer. I was involved with these characters and I wanted to keep reading their story. Also, the living museum idea was genius. It reminded me of some of the old frontier towns and places like that. We have an old fort not too far away from where I live and we’d go on class trips and everyone would be in costume, shooting rifles and forging horseshoes and things of that nature. That little flash of living history was always fun and for this book to have that kind of setting and jobs for the characters, was just really well done.
In my opinion, Hale is four for four with her books and I think that is really impressive for someone with a newer writing career. I have not been disappointed by one of her books yet and I hope I never well. I love romantic authors that are a little different from the norm and to me that fits Hale perfectly. I love her unique ideas and settings and it always makes me wonder what she could be writing for us next. If you are looking for an angsty slow burn romance, this book is for you.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
August 24, 2021
Working backwards.
This book got me in trouble. I was glued to it trying to figure out what the deal between Lacey and Jen was when my girlfriend called me to bed. Because I was ignoring her, the girlfriend came over, stole a glance at my kindle and caught two words in it. Long story short, "Jen's breast" became a touchy topic for a while.
The Commitment has a moderate angst level and it might become slightly frustrating to read after a while but it is a pretty good read. This is my first book by Hale and I like how it isn't a run-of-the-mill story. The fun part is that the characters work in a living museum featuring a 19th century gold mining town of Beechworth, Australia. The setting is seamlessly worked into the story with the characters in costume half the time.
The more serious part is that we have one character who pines after her dense best friend who is unable to get over a previous failed relationship and this story is about Lacey and Jen attempting a marriage of convenience and working backwards to make it a real marriage. Hale creates three-dimensional and dynamic characters and adds so many layers to the relationship, I don't even know where to begin so I'd just recommend reading it. There are many hard topics in there too like living with illness and they are dealt with pretty well. Hale gave me so many reasons to love Lacey and her daughter, Mac and just as many reasons to be annoyed with at Jen. But the chemistry between them grew on me slowly.
I enjoyed this book for how different it is, even if it can get frustrating at times. I'd say it is a really good story!
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book got me in trouble. I was glued to it trying to figure out what the deal between Lacey and Jen was when my girlfriend called me to bed. Because I was ignoring her, the girlfriend came over, stole a glance at my kindle and caught two words in it. Long story short, "Jen's breast" became a touchy topic for a while.
The Commitment has a moderate angst level and it might become slightly frustrating to read after a while but it is a pretty good read. This is my first book by Hale and I like how it isn't a run-of-the-mill story. The fun part is that the characters work in a living museum featuring a 19th century gold mining town of Beechworth, Australia. The setting is seamlessly worked into the story with the characters in costume half the time.
The more serious part is that we have one character who pines after her dense best friend who is unable to get over a previous failed relationship and this story is about Lacey and Jen attempting a marriage of convenience and working backwards to make it a real marriage. Hale creates three-dimensional and dynamic characters and adds so many layers to the relationship, I don't even know where to begin so I'd just recommend reading it. There are many hard topics in there too like living with illness and they are dealt with pretty well. Hale gave me so many reasons to love Lacey and her daughter, Mac and just as many reasons to be annoyed with at Jen. But the chemistry between them grew on me slowly.
I enjoyed this book for how different it is, even if it can get frustrating at times. I'd say it is a really good story!
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2021
I’m a fan of Hale’s books, so reading this book was a no brainer for me. I like how she can create realistic flawed characters set in a very specific environment and atmosphere that always seems to be a bit different from most wlw books and this book is an excellent example of that.
About that environment and atmosphere, the main characters of this book work in a living history museum, so in large parts of the book they are dressed and acting as in the nineteenth century. I had no idea this would have such an impact on the atmosphere of the book, but it did, you get that historical feel, while at the same time, you’re in the now. I liked it a lot.
The romance in this book could be labelled a friends-to-lovers romance, but it wasn’t until Lex mentioned it in her review that I realized it, it’s actually a fauxmance. Jenn and Lacey have been best friends for eight years and they decide to get married and form a family, even though there are no romantic feelings between them. However, they decide that to the outside world they will sell their commitment as true love. However, what Jenn doesn’t know is that Lacey has been in love with Jenn from the minute they met all those years ago. And ughhh the pining of Lacey for Jenn and Jenn having no romantic feelings for Lacey in return…….it’s so frustrating. Lacey is an incredible lovable character, she’s sweet, understanding and easygoing and will do anything for Jenn and you just can’t understand why Jenn could not have feelings for her. But Jenn is dealing with her own baggage, she’s grieving and hung up on her ex, and she has recent body insecurities, which is something that clashes with her confident personality. She makes plenty of mistakes, and while she is a good friend these issues make her blind to what’s in front of her and they make her selfish on several occasions. And still, as a character she feels real and her mistakes feel real, or perhaps they are not even mistakes as she’s coming to terms with her feelings. So yes, Jenn is not the easiest character to like, but to see her change during the book was very fulfilling. Another thing about realistic characters is Lacey’s daughter, Mac. Kids in wlw romances tend to be super intuitive and acting too old for their age, and I can be annoyed by that, so I was happy to see that this was not the case in this book, Mac is just a happy, slightly oblivious kid.
In short, another excellent addition to Hale’s list of novels, I easily recommend this if you’re looking for a well written angsty romance.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
About that environment and atmosphere, the main characters of this book work in a living history museum, so in large parts of the book they are dressed and acting as in the nineteenth century. I had no idea this would have such an impact on the atmosphere of the book, but it did, you get that historical feel, while at the same time, you’re in the now. I liked it a lot.
The romance in this book could be labelled a friends-to-lovers romance, but it wasn’t until Lex mentioned it in her review that I realized it, it’s actually a fauxmance. Jenn and Lacey have been best friends for eight years and they decide to get married and form a family, even though there are no romantic feelings between them. However, they decide that to the outside world they will sell their commitment as true love. However, what Jenn doesn’t know is that Lacey has been in love with Jenn from the minute they met all those years ago. And ughhh the pining of Lacey for Jenn and Jenn having no romantic feelings for Lacey in return…….it’s so frustrating. Lacey is an incredible lovable character, she’s sweet, understanding and easygoing and will do anything for Jenn and you just can’t understand why Jenn could not have feelings for her. But Jenn is dealing with her own baggage, she’s grieving and hung up on her ex, and she has recent body insecurities, which is something that clashes with her confident personality. She makes plenty of mistakes, and while she is a good friend these issues make her blind to what’s in front of her and they make her selfish on several occasions. And still, as a character she feels real and her mistakes feel real, or perhaps they are not even mistakes as she’s coming to terms with her feelings. So yes, Jenn is not the easiest character to like, but to see her change during the book was very fulfilling. Another thing about realistic characters is Lacey’s daughter, Mac. Kids in wlw romances tend to be super intuitive and acting too old for their age, and I can be annoyed by that, so I was happy to see that this was not the case in this book, Mac is just a happy, slightly oblivious kid.
In short, another excellent addition to Hale’s list of novels, I easily recommend this if you’re looking for a well written angsty romance.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2021
The Commitment is at times a very uncomfortable read, and I mean this in the best possible way.
Lacey fell in love with Jen almost at first sight, when she came to work at Spring Creek living museum. At the time, Jen was as good as married and her partner was pregnant. Eight years later, Jen and Lacey, now the mother of a young girl, are engaged but their relationship is unconventional. They’re best friends, convinced they’re doing what’s best for both of them and Lacey’s child. Can you will yourself to fall in love? Even though to the outside world, they look like the perfect couple, they’ve never had sex and believe the other isn’t attracted enough to them, but that both are willing to try.
One of the things I love about this book is that Hale isn’t afraid to stray from the usual romance path. Her characters are extremely frustrating at times, but for once it’s not because they’re lazily written, quite the opposite. The starting point of their love story is precarious and they struggle to get to a more traditional relationship. Miscommunication comes from respecting the other’s feelings rather than assumptions, except in one instance, which felt a tiny bit contrived.
One of Jen’s hang-ups derives from not loving her own body anymore, after Crohn’s Disease made surgery necessary, and she’s now living with a stoma. I really liked the way Hale writes that part of the story, the insecurities, the trust. Both Jen and Lacey need to find more love for themselves in order to be able to either love or allow themselves to be loved.
The most challenging part of this story is that the characters believe they don’t have chemistry, yet the reader must feel it. The author dealt with it brilliantly. Unbeknownst to the two women, the connection is obvious in every touch, every interaction, and when they finally realise it, it’s well worth the wait.
I also love that Virginia Hale didn’t feel the need to make her writing more neutral, easier on non-Australian readers. The context makes the maybe-unusual words completely understandable. Between the living museum and the writing, the atmosphere is unusual and exciting.
All in all, great writing and a story that will take you in unexpected directions.
ARC provided to Rainbow Literary Society for an honest review.
Lacey fell in love with Jen almost at first sight, when she came to work at Spring Creek living museum. At the time, Jen was as good as married and her partner was pregnant. Eight years later, Jen and Lacey, now the mother of a young girl, are engaged but their relationship is unconventional. They’re best friends, convinced they’re doing what’s best for both of them and Lacey’s child. Can you will yourself to fall in love? Even though to the outside world, they look like the perfect couple, they’ve never had sex and believe the other isn’t attracted enough to them, but that both are willing to try.
One of the things I love about this book is that Hale isn’t afraid to stray from the usual romance path. Her characters are extremely frustrating at times, but for once it’s not because they’re lazily written, quite the opposite. The starting point of their love story is precarious and they struggle to get to a more traditional relationship. Miscommunication comes from respecting the other’s feelings rather than assumptions, except in one instance, which felt a tiny bit contrived.
One of Jen’s hang-ups derives from not loving her own body anymore, after Crohn’s Disease made surgery necessary, and she’s now living with a stoma. I really liked the way Hale writes that part of the story, the insecurities, the trust. Both Jen and Lacey need to find more love for themselves in order to be able to either love or allow themselves to be loved.
The most challenging part of this story is that the characters believe they don’t have chemistry, yet the reader must feel it. The author dealt with it brilliantly. Unbeknownst to the two women, the connection is obvious in every touch, every interaction, and when they finally realise it, it’s well worth the wait.
I also love that Virginia Hale didn’t feel the need to make her writing more neutral, easier on non-Australian readers. The context makes the maybe-unusual words completely understandable. Between the living museum and the writing, the atmosphere is unusual and exciting.
All in all, great writing and a story that will take you in unexpected directions.
ARC provided to Rainbow Literary Society for an honest review.
August 1, 2021
The commitment
4 stars!
I was a big fan of “The Secret Chord” by Virginia Hale so I went into this book with semi-high hopes. I’m saying semi because the plot was a bit iffy to me however I can confidently say I enjoyed this book.
This story follows Jen and Lacey, two friends who’ve found themselves in an arrangement to settle down despite not openly having feelings for each other.
When it came to characters I’m not quite sure how I felt about Jennifer but I’m a sucker for character development. She seemed a bit self centered but that was fixed with the lovely execution of character development given by Miss Hale. However I’d be lying if I said that self centered trait didn’t make it hard for me to root for her. The lack of self awareness she had was also annoying. Some authors when executing these flaws in characters often ruin the character in question however I admire Hale’s composition in the way that she still presented an enthralling story. You’re annoyed at Jen but you can’t help but want that change. The development of her feelings and consideration for Lacey was very interesting and I did actually largely enjoy that aspect of this book.
There’s something so satisfying about the way that she realized she loved Lacey. Lacey herself doubted this and thought that their arrangement was simply a way for Jen to fill her house with the family she never had.
Lacey, on the other hand, is the character I couldn’t help but love and want the best for. Having harbored a hugely unrequited love for Jen for the 8 years they’ve known each other, Lacey does not quite know what to expect from this arrangement. She isn’t flawless though, just like Jen she has her own annoying flaw. She has a knack for making assumptions. I’m saying this because when people read this book I feel like they’re gonna mostly focus on Jen’s lack of self awareness but you know what, Lacey had some of that as well and in the end that promoted a lot of second hand embarrassment.
But these flaws were surprisingly human
Regardless of these flaws Virginia Hale presented realistic and likable characters with amazing character developments!
In terms of plot, when I first read about the arrangement I found myself very unsure for what I was about to read. I feared that the chemistry would’ve been forced or worse yet… one sided. But what a fool I was for expecting that of Virginia Hale. The two definitely had chemistry and though it was one sided for some of the book that was quickly erased with the realization of why that was.
However as much as I enjoyed it, this book was too short. I felt as though there could’ve been more to it. This book feels like a downgrade from The Secret Chord. That book was intense and emotional and while this one does have an emotional line it just isn’t that big.
All in all though, Virginia Hale managed once again to keep me entertained!
Do I recommend this book? Yes. It’s not the best of miss Hale but also not bad! It’s very casual light read, very short as well I finished it in three hours.
Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for the advanced reading copy in exchanged for an honest review!
After thought: I’ve never been to a live museum but this book sparked my interest!
4 stars!
I was a big fan of “The Secret Chord” by Virginia Hale so I went into this book with semi-high hopes. I’m saying semi because the plot was a bit iffy to me however I can confidently say I enjoyed this book.
This story follows Jen and Lacey, two friends who’ve found themselves in an arrangement to settle down despite not openly having feelings for each other.
When it came to characters I’m not quite sure how I felt about Jennifer but I’m a sucker for character development. She seemed a bit self centered but that was fixed with the lovely execution of character development given by Miss Hale. However I’d be lying if I said that self centered trait didn’t make it hard for me to root for her. The lack of self awareness she had was also annoying. Some authors when executing these flaws in characters often ruin the character in question however I admire Hale’s composition in the way that she still presented an enthralling story. You’re annoyed at Jen but you can’t help but want that change. The development of her feelings and consideration for Lacey was very interesting and I did actually largely enjoy that aspect of this book.
There’s something so satisfying about the way that she realized she loved Lacey. Lacey herself doubted this and thought that their arrangement was simply a way for Jen to fill her house with the family she never had.
Lacey, on the other hand, is the character I couldn’t help but love and want the best for. Having harbored a hugely unrequited love for Jen for the 8 years they’ve known each other, Lacey does not quite know what to expect from this arrangement. She isn’t flawless though, just like Jen she has her own annoying flaw. She has a knack for making assumptions. I’m saying this because when people read this book I feel like they’re gonna mostly focus on Jen’s lack of self awareness but you know what, Lacey had some of that as well and in the end that promoted a lot of second hand embarrassment.
But these flaws were surprisingly human
Regardless of these flaws Virginia Hale presented realistic and likable characters with amazing character developments!
In terms of plot, when I first read about the arrangement I found myself very unsure for what I was about to read. I feared that the chemistry would’ve been forced or worse yet… one sided. But what a fool I was for expecting that of Virginia Hale. The two definitely had chemistry and though it was one sided for some of the book that was quickly erased with the realization of why that was.
However as much as I enjoyed it, this book was too short. I felt as though there could’ve been more to it. This book feels like a downgrade from The Secret Chord. That book was intense and emotional and while this one does have an emotional line it just isn’t that big.
All in all though, Virginia Hale managed once again to keep me entertained!
Do I recommend this book? Yes. It’s not the best of miss Hale but also not bad! It’s very casual light read, very short as well I finished it in three hours.
Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for the advanced reading copy in exchanged for an honest review!
After thought: I’ve never been to a live museum but this book sparked my interest!
August 8, 2021
4 Stars...
Really did enjoy 'The commitment' even tho at times I got so frustrated and wanted 'to bang' their heads together to figure it out! Talk about slow burn! They'd made a commitment, and even tho there is chemistry and sexual frustration between the pair, weirdly enough sex becomes more of a problem due to misunderstandings and believing that each other wanted someone or something different. The commitment made the relationship seem more of a 'job' than it did a relationship.
Jennifer Fraser is the heir to Victoria's leading gold rush museum and is ready to move forward with her life after losing Tori. There is only one woman who has been able to see through the formidable facade of the 19th-century drag that Jens wears at Spring Creek each day. What Jen has with her best friend Lacey is so comfortable, does it really matter that they'll probably never have that 'cant' keep my hands off you kind of chemistry.
Since the day Lacey reed was cinched into her costume stays, working at Spring Creek living, the museum has made her happier than she ever thought she could possibly be in a small town in Beechworth. But when Jen proposed the arrangement, it made sense, Jen adored Lacey's daughter, and the kind of life Jen could offer was more than lacey could ever dream of. But here was the other minor detail: she;'s carried a touch for Jen for a long 8 years. Lacey assumed that four months into their engagement, Jen wouldn't be so completely oblivious to the fact that she set Lacey's heart twitching in her chest each time she stepped into a room. But when it seems as though the chemistry exercise cant change the way Jen feels about lacey, a ghost from the past arrives in Beechworth, what once seemed like a simple arrangement becomes a lot more complicated than they seemed.
All in all, this is a real good read, if you enjoy your drama and romance storys, then you'll certainly enjoy The Commitment. I've read a few by Virginia Hale and you should check her other books out.
Really did enjoy 'The commitment' even tho at times I got so frustrated and wanted 'to bang' their heads together to figure it out! Talk about slow burn! They'd made a commitment, and even tho there is chemistry and sexual frustration between the pair, weirdly enough sex becomes more of a problem due to misunderstandings and believing that each other wanted someone or something different. The commitment made the relationship seem more of a 'job' than it did a relationship.
Jennifer Fraser is the heir to Victoria's leading gold rush museum and is ready to move forward with her life after losing Tori. There is only one woman who has been able to see through the formidable facade of the 19th-century drag that Jens wears at Spring Creek each day. What Jen has with her best friend Lacey is so comfortable, does it really matter that they'll probably never have that 'cant' keep my hands off you kind of chemistry.
Since the day Lacey reed was cinched into her costume stays, working at Spring Creek living, the museum has made her happier than she ever thought she could possibly be in a small town in Beechworth. But when Jen proposed the arrangement, it made sense, Jen adored Lacey's daughter, and the kind of life Jen could offer was more than lacey could ever dream of. But here was the other minor detail: she;'s carried a touch for Jen for a long 8 years. Lacey assumed that four months into their engagement, Jen wouldn't be so completely oblivious to the fact that she set Lacey's heart twitching in her chest each time she stepped into a room. But when it seems as though the chemistry exercise cant change the way Jen feels about lacey, a ghost from the past arrives in Beechworth, what once seemed like a simple arrangement becomes a lot more complicated than they seemed.
All in all, this is a real good read, if you enjoy your drama and romance storys, then you'll certainly enjoy The Commitment. I've read a few by Virginia Hale and you should check her other books out.
August 19, 2021
“The Commitment” by Virginia Hale is an angsty, well-written friends-to-lovers fauxmance. And I absolutely loved it!
Jen Fraser is a 43-year-old woman who has just hit menopause and has recently had some medical issues. She’s past ready for a family and asks her best friend, 33(ish)-year-old Lacey Reed, to marry her. Lacey has a 7-year-old daughter and has trouble making ends meet. They decide to commit to one another and form a family. They let friends and family think it’s a love match; but there aren’t romantic feelings between them. Except, Lacey has been in love with Jen since they met and Jen is completely oblivious. Things take a turn when Jen’s ex shows back up and Lacey isn’t convinced she’s completely over her.
This is my second book by Hale and I just love the atmosphere and communities she creates. The setting for this one was fun and something I’ve never read before. Jen and Lacey work in a living historical museum depicting the life of 19th century gold mining town of Beechworth in Australia. A lot of the time Jen and Lacey would be in costume putting on shows for tourists, with Jen being in drag. I thought this was fun and let them interact in different ways, especially when they were trying to have conversations with an audience.
Her main characters don’t live in a bubble and there are several side characters that get a lot of time on page. My favorite this time was Mac, Lacey’s daughter. I’m usually not too crazy about kids in books because they’re rarely realistic but Mac stole every scene she was in. Her love for Jen was so pure and sweet and simple and their relationship helped me see Jen in a better light when she was frustrating me. Jen used to be a happy, confident person but after some personal tragedy and ongoing medical issues, she’s lost a lot of confidence in herself. Because she’s concentrating on those things, it makes her pretty oblivious to Lacey and her feelings. However, I loved how hard she tried to change when it was pointed out how wrong she was. Lacey, on the other hand, is a perfect example of a lovable character. She’s sweet and has the patience of a saint.
They talked and communicated which was refreshing but there were still misunderstandings that caused a lot of angst. Their issues were real and came from insecurities and a lack of confidence. I never felt like Hale was writing the angst and drama for the sake of it, it was natural and realistic. They clearly loved each other and wanted their relationship to work but they had trouble figuring out how to make it work.
I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something different with your romance.
I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jen Fraser is a 43-year-old woman who has just hit menopause and has recently had some medical issues. She’s past ready for a family and asks her best friend, 33(ish)-year-old Lacey Reed, to marry her. Lacey has a 7-year-old daughter and has trouble making ends meet. They decide to commit to one another and form a family. They let friends and family think it’s a love match; but there aren’t romantic feelings between them. Except, Lacey has been in love with Jen since they met and Jen is completely oblivious. Things take a turn when Jen’s ex shows back up and Lacey isn’t convinced she’s completely over her.
This is my second book by Hale and I just love the atmosphere and communities she creates. The setting for this one was fun and something I’ve never read before. Jen and Lacey work in a living historical museum depicting the life of 19th century gold mining town of Beechworth in Australia. A lot of the time Jen and Lacey would be in costume putting on shows for tourists, with Jen being in drag. I thought this was fun and let them interact in different ways, especially when they were trying to have conversations with an audience.
Her main characters don’t live in a bubble and there are several side characters that get a lot of time on page. My favorite this time was Mac, Lacey’s daughter. I’m usually not too crazy about kids in books because they’re rarely realistic but Mac stole every scene she was in. Her love for Jen was so pure and sweet and simple and their relationship helped me see Jen in a better light when she was frustrating me. Jen used to be a happy, confident person but after some personal tragedy and ongoing medical issues, she’s lost a lot of confidence in herself. Because she’s concentrating on those things, it makes her pretty oblivious to Lacey and her feelings. However, I loved how hard she tried to change when it was pointed out how wrong she was. Lacey, on the other hand, is a perfect example of a lovable character. She’s sweet and has the patience of a saint.
They talked and communicated which was refreshing but there were still misunderstandings that caused a lot of angst. Their issues were real and came from insecurities and a lack of confidence. I never felt like Hale was writing the angst and drama for the sake of it, it was natural and realistic. They clearly loved each other and wanted their relationship to work but they had trouble figuring out how to make it work.
I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something different with your romance.
I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2021
Since I’ve read Virginia Hale’s fantastic debut novel Echo Point in 2017, I’ve enjoyed all of her books. I’ve heard that this one was heavy on angst which I’m not a fan but I decided to read it anyway. Despite being an angst fest, I liked it a lot.
Lacey Reed has been in love with her best friend Jennifer Fraser since they met working in an Australian gold rush museum. After a terrible heartbreak and serious health problems, Jen is convinced love isn’t on the cards for her so she proposes to Lacey, and live together as friends. But as someone from the past comes back to town, Jen starts to have feelings she’d never thought she would have again.
The Commitment is an age-gap, friends to lovers, fake romance story with a twist. The characters plan to get married to take care of each other as friends but hiding this fact from everyone else. On paper, the idea sounds like pushing the fake romance trope’s limits but somehow the author makes it work. With some angst for everyone involved. Well… a lot of angst. I’m normally not a fan of angst because it sometimes reaches melodramatic levels, but the conflicts didn’t sound contrived here. The issues felt realistic and the health problems sounded authentic.
This author usually chooses the weirdest settings for her romances but this one beat them all: a gold rush living museum in a small town in Victoria, Australia. Strange enough, Ms. Hale pulls it off, the depictions of the costumes and habits of that era are engaging, interesting, and made for a very peculiar background.
This is a very character-driven book, it explores difficult issues such as bereavement, divorce, body image and unrequited love. The reader suffers along with the leads in their struggle to make sense of it all, in their journey of discovery while facing their own demons. There are multiple facets of all the pain and suffering, weaving complex webs in already complicated relationships. But somehow, beyond all the angst and drama, Ms. Hale manages to leave a message of hope. In case you were wondering, there’s a payoff at the end of the road for the characters. It’s a romance after all. 5 stars.
Lacey Reed has been in love with her best friend Jennifer Fraser since they met working in an Australian gold rush museum. After a terrible heartbreak and serious health problems, Jen is convinced love isn’t on the cards for her so she proposes to Lacey, and live together as friends. But as someone from the past comes back to town, Jen starts to have feelings she’d never thought she would have again.
The Commitment is an age-gap, friends to lovers, fake romance story with a twist. The characters plan to get married to take care of each other as friends but hiding this fact from everyone else. On paper, the idea sounds like pushing the fake romance trope’s limits but somehow the author makes it work. With some angst for everyone involved. Well… a lot of angst. I’m normally not a fan of angst because it sometimes reaches melodramatic levels, but the conflicts didn’t sound contrived here. The issues felt realistic and the health problems sounded authentic.
This author usually chooses the weirdest settings for her romances but this one beat them all: a gold rush living museum in a small town in Victoria, Australia. Strange enough, Ms. Hale pulls it off, the depictions of the costumes and habits of that era are engaging, interesting, and made for a very peculiar background.
This is a very character-driven book, it explores difficult issues such as bereavement, divorce, body image and unrequited love. The reader suffers along with the leads in their struggle to make sense of it all, in their journey of discovery while facing their own demons. There are multiple facets of all the pain and suffering, weaving complex webs in already complicated relationships. But somehow, beyond all the angst and drama, Ms. Hale manages to leave a message of hope. In case you were wondering, there’s a payoff at the end of the road for the characters. It’s a romance after all. 5 stars.
August 13, 2021
I am flummoxed! The Commitment is very different compared to the romance novels that I have been reading of late. I sit here confused if I liked it or not. Normally I know which way I will go before I reach the first quarter of a book, but not here.
The story is about two friends who make an arrangement to marry and take care of each other. Lacey has a seven year old daughter and is struggling to make ends meet while Jen has had some life changing medical issues leaving her with fragile body issues.
The setting of a functioning nineteenth century replica gold mining town is quite unique and interesting. Having the two main characters playing different characters when at work at the gold mining town invokes the feel of a play within a play device and uses it well to carry the tension between them.
The scene stealer in the book is seven year old Mackenzie. She is very well written and is given some of the best lines in the novel. Her love for Jen illustrates how simple love can be and how complicated grownups can make it.
I liked that Jen has medical issues which added to the angst of the story. This felt very real to me and rarely used in this genre without turning the character into a heroine for ‘how well she manages’.
Adding all the parts and pieces together I guess I did like this novel after all. I definitely would recommend The Commitment to romance readers as something not on the regular menu yet as tasty as if it was. I agree with Jen, “That’s the thing about memory, I suppose. It’s always the friendliest editor” .
I was given a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
The story is about two friends who make an arrangement to marry and take care of each other. Lacey has a seven year old daughter and is struggling to make ends meet while Jen has had some life changing medical issues leaving her with fragile body issues.
The setting of a functioning nineteenth century replica gold mining town is quite unique and interesting. Having the two main characters playing different characters when at work at the gold mining town invokes the feel of a play within a play device and uses it well to carry the tension between them.
The scene stealer in the book is seven year old Mackenzie. She is very well written and is given some of the best lines in the novel. Her love for Jen illustrates how simple love can be and how complicated grownups can make it.
I liked that Jen has medical issues which added to the angst of the story. This felt very real to me and rarely used in this genre without turning the character into a heroine for ‘how well she manages’.
Adding all the parts and pieces together I guess I did like this novel after all. I definitely would recommend The Commitment to romance readers as something not on the regular menu yet as tasty as if it was. I agree with Jen, “That’s the thing about memory, I suppose. It’s always the friendliest editor” .
I was given a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
January 24, 2022
Hale's writing always keeps me engaged. It feels deep and meaningful. I have to admit that this book started off a little shaky for me. I didn't understand the setting and what was going on. It took a couple of chapters for me to figured it out and then I was able to settle into it. I'm not sure I ever got behind the reason for the faux relationship. I get everyone is different and people come together for all sorts of reasons, but it felt like I had to suspend belief a little. Having said that, I really liked the book and was invested in the characters and rooting for them to get their happy endings.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2021
It’s been a while since I’ve read a romance with as much angst as The Commitment by Virginia Hale. It’s almost dripping from the pages like tears…and I loved every one of those pages.
This is a novel about two friends slowly falling in love and trying to create a lasting relationship. Lacey Reed and Jen Fraser have known each other as friends for years, but now they want to try and make a life together even though (in Jen’s eyes anyway) they are best friends. What both women slowly come to realize is that it takes a lot more than friendship (or even love) to form a bond that will last. Add in Lacey’s seven year old daughter, and the task becomes even harder.
The characters in this tale are very realistic. In fact this is probably one of the most realistic love stories I’ve read. While both mains are beautiful (especially in each other’s eyes), they have their very human flaws and idiosyncrasies. Jen has chronic medical problems that sometimes affect her sense of self-worth. Both Jen and Lacey have trust issues because of their individual pasts. Add in an age gap and financial disparity, and this potential relationship has some major hurdles to overcome. This novel really is about a couple learning that while love and friendship are very important, they are not enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jen and Lacey’s journey to form a lasting bond. I recommend this novel to all who love angsty love stories.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
This is a novel about two friends slowly falling in love and trying to create a lasting relationship. Lacey Reed and Jen Fraser have known each other as friends for years, but now they want to try and make a life together even though (in Jen’s eyes anyway) they are best friends. What both women slowly come to realize is that it takes a lot more than friendship (or even love) to form a bond that will last. Add in Lacey’s seven year old daughter, and the task becomes even harder.
The characters in this tale are very realistic. In fact this is probably one of the most realistic love stories I’ve read. While both mains are beautiful (especially in each other’s eyes), they have their very human flaws and idiosyncrasies. Jen has chronic medical problems that sometimes affect her sense of self-worth. Both Jen and Lacey have trust issues because of their individual pasts. Add in an age gap and financial disparity, and this potential relationship has some major hurdles to overcome. This novel really is about a couple learning that while love and friendship are very important, they are not enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jen and Lacey’s journey to form a lasting bond. I recommend this novel to all who love angsty love stories.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
September 9, 2021
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is my second read by Hale, and I had the same issue with this that I did with The Secret Chord, in that I just could relate to/didn’t like one of the main characters.
This features Jen and Lacey, who both work at the 19th Century living museum that Jen owns and runs. The two have been friends for about 8 years, during which time both have battled some issues, leaving a lot of baggage (mostly Jen’s). Jen is struggling with health issues, the aftermath of a tragedy and the resulting breakup of her relationship. Lacy has a seven year old daughter (the delightful Mac) and is struggling with having been in love with Jen all this time. I struggled with this too, because I honestly couldn’t fathom why she loved her. Jen was so emotionally-repressed it was frustrating.
So, the two have decided to enter a marriage of convenience since they are BFFs, they both love Mac, each wants more kids and they think they’ll be able to grown to love each other “that way” in time. Yeah, nothing can go wrong with this plan.
They’re already in the relationship when the book starts and even though they actually are attracted to each other and do love each other, they have to use marriage counselling type exercises to be intimate with each other, because instead of actually telling each other the truth about what they need/want (kind of essential in a relationship like the one they’re trying for) they prefer to hide behind half truths and constantly misunderstand each other and the other’s wants/motivations. That wasn’t annoying at all.
Lacey is easy to like, and Mac is adorable. I also loved Lacey’s mother, Jen’s best friend Mare, and Claire, who also worked at the museum. The museum itself was also great and made an interesting backdrop to the story. Jen’s ex shows up as well (because the characters needed more to deal with) and that provided more angst and opportunities for miscommunication.
I should have liked the book more, given that age-gaps, faux-mances and friends to lovers are some of my favourite tropes, but Jen did my head in, I spent most of the book wanting to slap her with it. Hale is a great writer, and I give her extra points for having Jen struggle with a health issue not usually seen in lesfic, but not liking one of the MCs made it hard for me to enjoy this as much as I wanted to. 3 stars.
This is my second read by Hale, and I had the same issue with this that I did with The Secret Chord, in that I just could relate to/didn’t like one of the main characters.
This features Jen and Lacey, who both work at the 19th Century living museum that Jen owns and runs. The two have been friends for about 8 years, during which time both have battled some issues, leaving a lot of baggage (mostly Jen’s). Jen is struggling with health issues, the aftermath of a tragedy and the resulting breakup of her relationship. Lacy has a seven year old daughter (the delightful Mac) and is struggling with having been in love with Jen all this time. I struggled with this too, because I honestly couldn’t fathom why she loved her. Jen was so emotionally-repressed it was frustrating.
So, the two have decided to enter a marriage of convenience since they are BFFs, they both love Mac, each wants more kids and they think they’ll be able to grown to love each other “that way” in time. Yeah, nothing can go wrong with this plan.
They’re already in the relationship when the book starts and even though they actually are attracted to each other and do love each other, they have to use marriage counselling type exercises to be intimate with each other, because instead of actually telling each other the truth about what they need/want (kind of essential in a relationship like the one they’re trying for) they prefer to hide behind half truths and constantly misunderstand each other and the other’s wants/motivations. That wasn’t annoying at all.
Lacey is easy to like, and Mac is adorable. I also loved Lacey’s mother, Jen’s best friend Mare, and Claire, who also worked at the museum. The museum itself was also great and made an interesting backdrop to the story. Jen’s ex shows up as well (because the characters needed more to deal with) and that provided more angst and opportunities for miscommunication.
I should have liked the book more, given that age-gaps, faux-mances and friends to lovers are some of my favourite tropes, but Jen did my head in, I spent most of the book wanting to slap her with it. Hale is a great writer, and I give her extra points for having Jen struggle with a health issue not usually seen in lesfic, but not liking one of the MCs made it hard for me to enjoy this as much as I wanted to. 3 stars.
December 4, 2021
I don't know about this book, even though it's now finished. So much emotional baggage that the story sometimes became lost: I could skip 3 or 4 pages and was in exactly the same place.
August 2, 2021
The Commitment is a serious drama/romance. Lacey Reed and Jen Fraser both work at a living history museum owned and run by Jen's family. It is in the small town of Beechwood and focuses on mining and frontier times in Australia. As the book begins Lacey and Jen are engaged and already living together in an arrangement between friends. Jen wants a family and is happy to include Lacey's 7 year old daughter Mac as part of that. Jen hasn't been in a relationship since her partner left her after having a stillborn child. Jen doesn't know that Lacey has had a crush or been in love with her since they started working together eight years ago.
Usually intimacy is a driving force in an arrangement but here it becomes an obstacle. Lacey doesn't want to go further until Jen has feelings for her. Jen agrees in theory but isn't feeling the spark of attraction. Her need of a family and baby is her driving force and she is okay being faithful friends. Everything is driven to a head when her ex-partner returns to town for family reasons.
The author makes it hard to like Jen but then peels back her lack of self awareness layer by layer. She starts thinking she's alway right and every time she messes up she genuinely tries to adjust her course. Lacey is entirely lovable. You want her to have the partner she deserves. She is endlessly understanding when she sees Jen struggle with body and healthy issues. But she is quick to be insecure especially when it involves Jen's ex.
I love the open, honest communication between the two. From being willing to try partner exercises to discussing their feelings. Even with openness comes misunderstandings that can lead to breaking points. This isn't a happy read but I'm happy to have read it. I care about the two main characters and want the best for them. I like where it ended but would have enjoyed a epilogue to see where there were down the road.
I've not read the author before but will look for other books by her. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Usually intimacy is a driving force in an arrangement but here it becomes an obstacle. Lacey doesn't want to go further until Jen has feelings for her. Jen agrees in theory but isn't feeling the spark of attraction. Her need of a family and baby is her driving force and she is okay being faithful friends. Everything is driven to a head when her ex-partner returns to town for family reasons.
The author makes it hard to like Jen but then peels back her lack of self awareness layer by layer. She starts thinking she's alway right and every time she messes up she genuinely tries to adjust her course. Lacey is entirely lovable. You want her to have the partner she deserves. She is endlessly understanding when she sees Jen struggle with body and healthy issues. But she is quick to be insecure especially when it involves Jen's ex.
I love the open, honest communication between the two. From being willing to try partner exercises to discussing their feelings. Even with openness comes misunderstandings that can lead to breaking points. This isn't a happy read but I'm happy to have read it. I care about the two main characters and want the best for them. I like where it ended but would have enjoyed a epilogue to see where there were down the road.
I've not read the author before but will look for other books by her. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2021
I tried to write the usual review for this book but the storyline is so simple but as I kept reading it became apparent that Ms Hale has put a whole new spend on what, at first glance seems to be a pretty boring read but as you continue reading you will find yourself unable to put the book down.
When Lacey Reed started her job at the gold rush museum she really only had eyes for the owner's daughter, Jennifer Fraser. But Jennifer never noticed the longing everyone else saw in Lacey’s eyes. Jennifer was getting ready for her marriage to her one love Victoria (Tori). Her life was on track but when the unthinkable happens it means the end of Jennifer’s marriage too.
Now Lacey was and still considered Jenn’s best friend even though her feelings ran much deeper than mere friendship. But for Lacey time didn’t stop, she had to make a life seeing as Jenn’s has made a life without her. I don’t know if Lacey even loved the young man but cared enough to go ahead with a relationship but upon hearing he was going to be a father he quickly left for his home in Scotland.
This is the story, will they ever be together the way Lacey hopes. Hard to tell since Jenn is somewhat reluctant to begin a physical relationship with her best friend Lacey. Jenn doesn’t have a clue about how Lacey really feels.
Will they manage to bring this relationship to a happy ending. Well read this to find out. All in all a pretty good read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
When Lacey Reed started her job at the gold rush museum she really only had eyes for the owner's daughter, Jennifer Fraser. But Jennifer never noticed the longing everyone else saw in Lacey’s eyes. Jennifer was getting ready for her marriage to her one love Victoria (Tori). Her life was on track but when the unthinkable happens it means the end of Jennifer’s marriage too.
Now Lacey was and still considered Jenn’s best friend even though her feelings ran much deeper than mere friendship. But for Lacey time didn’t stop, she had to make a life seeing as Jenn’s has made a life without her. I don’t know if Lacey even loved the young man but cared enough to go ahead with a relationship but upon hearing he was going to be a father he quickly left for his home in Scotland.
This is the story, will they ever be together the way Lacey hopes. Hard to tell since Jenn is somewhat reluctant to begin a physical relationship with her best friend Lacey. Jenn doesn’t have a clue about how Lacey really feels.
Will they manage to bring this relationship to a happy ending. Well read this to find out. All in all a pretty good read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
August 16, 2021
Jen and Lacey have been best friends for over 7 years. Lacey has a daughter who was only 3 months old when her mother met Jen and fell in love with her instantly. Jen manages a living museum. She is well-off and missing a family of her own. She gives employment to a single mother, Lacey. Years later, the two women make an arrangement to settle down, get married, have another child and live HEA.
The story seems simple and dull or just too beautiful. It is not either of these. Each of the main characters carries their own story, their insecurities. However, both search for the same thing in life: to be loved and trusted.
I can agree with previous reviews that Lacey buys our affection straight away. With Jen, we needed some more pages to turn to fall for her. I had mixed feelings about the portrayal of Jen with her disease. Usually, we dive into a romance book to meet a prince or princess, our ideal character to adore. Thus, they must have beautiful bodies and never-ending health. Nevertheless, this side of the story is enriching as the disease becomes more and more common nowadays.
Also, the supporting characters seem to be very charismatic. Tori is demonized here a bit, but she is experiencing her own drama. The loss of a child must have been horrendous for her. It would be worth mentioning more about it. Claire, as well, appears to have an impact on the plot and attracts attention. I would like to learn more about her feelings toward Lacey. The most outstanding supporting character is Anna, Lacey’s mother (the most beautiful name BTW). This woman has a power to influence the plot change.
All the female characters in this book are family-oriented. They long to have children so much, not exactly on their own. The means they use to achieve their goal are a bit off for me. It bears the hallmarks of taking advantage of somebody else and I do not like it.
All in all, it is a very good book. The idea of the plot is very original, the characters are attractive, the angst is intriguing and the twists are overwhelming. Also, Australian English is a candy here.
The story seems simple and dull or just too beautiful. It is not either of these. Each of the main characters carries their own story, their insecurities. However, both search for the same thing in life: to be loved and trusted.
I can agree with previous reviews that Lacey buys our affection straight away. With Jen, we needed some more pages to turn to fall for her. I had mixed feelings about the portrayal of Jen with her disease. Usually, we dive into a romance book to meet a prince or princess, our ideal character to adore. Thus, they must have beautiful bodies and never-ending health. Nevertheless, this side of the story is enriching as the disease becomes more and more common nowadays.
Also, the supporting characters seem to be very charismatic. Tori is demonized here a bit, but she is experiencing her own drama. The loss of a child must have been horrendous for her. It would be worth mentioning more about it. Claire, as well, appears to have an impact on the plot and attracts attention. I would like to learn more about her feelings toward Lacey. The most outstanding supporting character is Anna, Lacey’s mother (the most beautiful name BTW). This woman has a power to influence the plot change.
All the female characters in this book are family-oriented. They long to have children so much, not exactly on their own. The means they use to achieve their goal are a bit off for me. It bears the hallmarks of taking advantage of somebody else and I do not like it.
All in all, it is a very good book. The idea of the plot is very original, the characters are attractive, the angst is intriguing and the twists are overwhelming. Also, Australian English is a candy here.
August 2, 2021
I quite liked this book finished it under one day only. I don't think I've ever read anything by Virginia. and it won't be my last. she writes wonderfully. the story itself was confusing to me, there was so many moments where I had to read it multiple times so I understand them and see why they were said. the arrangement was not confusing since I know many tried this in real life, so I related and understood Jen in that, the characters, I loved Lacey but I dont think i fully liked Jen she was so focused on herself and sometimes inconsiderate, again some reasons were understandable but for others, she was simply annoying.
the ending is super sweet. I'm thankful for the author and her team for the free copy
the ending is super sweet. I'm thankful for the author and her team for the free copy
August 7, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Jen and Lacey works at a living historic museum that Jen family owns. They become best friends.
Jen and Lacey are engage which is a mutual agreement, Jen wants a family and Lacey been in love with Jen for years which she doesn’t know Lacey has a daughter Mac if the writer didn’t say her age you’ll think she was older then seven.
Jen and Lacey are trying to move their relationship from friends to more but Lacey wants Jen to be in love with her and Jen doesn’t feel the spark or doesn’t want to because of her ileostomy and she older. While they tries to figure out who they want to be with each other Jen ex partner comes back that she still feels anger toward because she just left after their child was stillborn.
I like Lacey because she knows who she is who she wants. Jen I had take a little time liking her because she was self centered and bit annoying that she doesn’t see how in love Lacey is with her.
Jen and Lacey works at a living historic museum that Jen family owns. They become best friends.
Jen and Lacey are engage which is a mutual agreement, Jen wants a family and Lacey been in love with Jen for years which she doesn’t know Lacey has a daughter Mac if the writer didn’t say her age you’ll think she was older then seven.
Jen and Lacey are trying to move their relationship from friends to more but Lacey wants Jen to be in love with her and Jen doesn’t feel the spark or doesn’t want to because of her ileostomy and she older. While they tries to figure out who they want to be with each other Jen ex partner comes back that she still feels anger toward because she just left after their child was stillborn.
I like Lacey because she knows who she is who she wants. Jen I had take a little time liking her because she was self centered and bit annoying that she doesn’t see how in love Lacey is with her.
September 25, 2021
3.75 Stars. I will say upfront that this was not a fun read. It was compelling and frustrating, but not always a fun read. The story starts out as a kind of fake romance or a platonic one where an older woman with a massive amount of emotional baggage and a younger woman who's in love with her commit to living together so the younger woman's daughter can grow up with two parents. It is a lot to absorb, and as the relationship evolves it becomes more and more painful.
Now, I am not a big fan of these angst fests in general, but my sister has Crohn's disease and she is terrified of having to have the surgery that the older woman, Jen Fraser, had to get. This surgery is required when the intestines start to die, or in Jen's case, they ruptured because they swelled. Afterwards, people are required to use a colonoscopy bag. Jen's lived fears, and loss of confidence in her body and worth are what my sister is so worried about. Added to that, Jen desperately wants children, especially after she and her ex-partner lost a child so young. This clashes a little with her new platonic partner, Lacey. Problem is, Lacey is desperately in love with Jen, and has been since they met eight years before the events of the story. Lacey doesn't want to have kids with Jen, especially since she doesn't believe Jen is committed to her and actually loves her in a romantic sense.
Multiple reviewers have said that this is a relationship that kind of starts backwards. Jen and Lacey are dear friends who are living together and Jen even proposed to Lacey. But the conflict arises when Lacey wants more, well, commitment from Jen and Jen doesn't understand her. Lacey, understandably, doesn't want to be placed on an emotional rollercoaster because she, or anyone, would want to be in a relationship that they don't know how that person feels.
I'd say this is a complicated mess, with people unintentionally hurting each other but it does feel one sided. Which is where that frustration comes in. I think Lacey stays too long with Jen and tries to help her, but gets hurt over and over again. And Jen - she's not a bad person, she is just so very messy to the point where she can't understand herself. It was tough to read in the middle because of all the poor communication and assumptions, mostly from Jen. But whether or not the journey through this messy relationship was worth it in the end will probably be left up to the reader. I was mostly just relieved when it looks like Jen saw the light as it were. Whether or not they can be in a healthy relationship after the end of the books looks promising, but I don't know with these two.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Now, I am not a big fan of these angst fests in general, but my sister has Crohn's disease and she is terrified of having to have the surgery that the older woman, Jen Fraser, had to get. This surgery is required when the intestines start to die, or in Jen's case, they ruptured because they swelled. Afterwards, people are required to use a colonoscopy bag. Jen's lived fears, and loss of confidence in her body and worth are what my sister is so worried about. Added to that, Jen desperately wants children, especially after she and her ex-partner lost a child so young. This clashes a little with her new platonic partner, Lacey. Problem is, Lacey is desperately in love with Jen, and has been since they met eight years before the events of the story. Lacey doesn't want to have kids with Jen, especially since she doesn't believe Jen is committed to her and actually loves her in a romantic sense.
Multiple reviewers have said that this is a relationship that kind of starts backwards. Jen and Lacey are dear friends who are living together and Jen even proposed to Lacey. But the conflict arises when Lacey wants more, well, commitment from Jen and Jen doesn't understand her. Lacey, understandably, doesn't want to be placed on an emotional rollercoaster because she, or anyone, would want to be in a relationship that they don't know how that person feels.
I'd say this is a complicated mess, with people unintentionally hurting each other but it does feel one sided. Which is where that frustration comes in. I think Lacey stays too long with Jen and tries to help her, but gets hurt over and over again. And Jen - she's not a bad person, she is just so very messy to the point where she can't understand herself. It was tough to read in the middle because of all the poor communication and assumptions, mostly from Jen. But whether or not the journey through this messy relationship was worth it in the end will probably be left up to the reader. I was mostly just relieved when it looks like Jen saw the light as it were. Whether or not they can be in a healthy relationship after the end of the books looks promising, but I don't know with these two.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 7, 2022
A romance that took very little from the classic romance formula.
The hook for me to pick up the book was that it was a friends to lovers where the friends are already in a committed partnership and I kept reading because of the chronic illness and neurodiverse representation. I appreciated how certain trope-y plot points were not handled in the typical fashion. There was a lot of angst, but also a lot of communication. I felt like as you progressed you were peeling back these layers of angst as they were resolved with discussions between the main characters.
While I believe the concepts and ideas for the novel were really strong I did have a hard time figuring out what was going on at points. Sometimes an item or person was centric to an interaction but they would not be described until 2 or 3 paragraphs later. The one instance I remember vividly was when Lacey was gifted a gold watch. There was only a description of a gold band when she opened up the jewelry case. While the angst was interesting, some of it seemed to come out of nowhere. Overall I felt like I could not keep up with some of the things happening in the book because I was not able to fill in some of the gaps as seemlessly as other readers.
I would say this book would be great for a lesfic reader looking for a way to have the tropes changed up. I feel like a reader who likes clear descriptions of scenes may struggle to connect, but I highly recommend giving it a try regardless, because the concepts and some of the areas of angst were very refreshing to see.
The hook for me to pick up the book was that it was a friends to lovers where the friends are already in a committed partnership and I kept reading because of the chronic illness and neurodiverse representation. I appreciated how certain trope-y plot points were not handled in the typical fashion. There was a lot of angst, but also a lot of communication. I felt like as you progressed you were peeling back these layers of angst as they were resolved with discussions between the main characters.
While I believe the concepts and ideas for the novel were really strong I did have a hard time figuring out what was going on at points. Sometimes an item or person was centric to an interaction but they would not be described until 2 or 3 paragraphs later. The one instance I remember vividly was when Lacey was gifted a gold watch. There was only a description of a gold band when she opened up the jewelry case. While the angst was interesting, some of it seemed to come out of nowhere. Overall I felt like I could not keep up with some of the things happening in the book because I was not able to fill in some of the gaps as seemlessly as other readers.
I would say this book would be great for a lesfic reader looking for a way to have the tropes changed up. I feel like a reader who likes clear descriptions of scenes may struggle to connect, but I highly recommend giving it a try regardless, because the concepts and some of the areas of angst were very refreshing to see.
August 8, 2021
8 years ago, Jen Fraser, the Executive Director of the living museum Spring Creek, was charismatic, self assured, beautiful and captured the heart of a fresh in town young showgirl, Lacey. The former had everything going for her, calling the shots for her family owned museum, expecting a baby with the love of her life and totally out of Lacey’s league.
8 years later, the pair decided on a commitment, to share their lives together as a married couple; even if they were only best friends.
Present day Lacey Reed is a desirable, stronger and improved version of herself. Mother to her only child, Mackenzie, she has established herself in the town but though popular, she still pins for Jen. The longing for Jen over the years never came to fruition for Lacey; even if it was a subdued and wounded version of Jen. The pair lives together with Mackenzie, putting on a show for the town, where Jen is the only one on the act.
This is an intense and arresting book on grief, loss, shame and love. The Jen now is broken, wrecked by grief, loss and illnesses. In all her inability to love Lacey, she might be deemed unworthy of Lacey but her lingering feelings for what she lost actually exemplified her commitment to relationship. She has lost a lot, especially herself in life and with close proximity, has to finally decide if she can take a chance in life and have the courage to build a family again. There were many times in the book I worried that the pair would never build on what they had as their commitment was vulnerable. With every intervention, rejection and memory of the past, their marriage seemed to be doomed. The author did a fantastic job with Jen’s shame that made Lacey’s selflessness shine through. The read was painful at times as there was so much potential of a great life together but that all actually made the triumph sweeter in the end.
I just reviewed The Commitment by Virginia Hale. Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for the ARC.
8 years later, the pair decided on a commitment, to share their lives together as a married couple; even if they were only best friends.
Present day Lacey Reed is a desirable, stronger and improved version of herself. Mother to her only child, Mackenzie, she has established herself in the town but though popular, she still pins for Jen. The longing for Jen over the years never came to fruition for Lacey; even if it was a subdued and wounded version of Jen. The pair lives together with Mackenzie, putting on a show for the town, where Jen is the only one on the act.
This is an intense and arresting book on grief, loss, shame and love. The Jen now is broken, wrecked by grief, loss and illnesses. In all her inability to love Lacey, she might be deemed unworthy of Lacey but her lingering feelings for what she lost actually exemplified her commitment to relationship. She has lost a lot, especially herself in life and with close proximity, has to finally decide if she can take a chance in life and have the courage to build a family again. There were many times in the book I worried that the pair would never build on what they had as their commitment was vulnerable. With every intervention, rejection and memory of the past, their marriage seemed to be doomed. The author did a fantastic job with Jen’s shame that made Lacey’s selflessness shine through. The read was painful at times as there was so much potential of a great life together but that all actually made the triumph sweeter in the end.
I just reviewed The Commitment by Virginia Hale. Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for the ARC.
August 15, 2021
So here I thought I was going to find the typical couple that starts with a contract and end up madly in love. What a mistake! The characters have such depth it’s impossible not to feel immersed and it’s a little bit draining too -in the best way- because you feel EVERYTHING. So, no easy story here but a crazy roller coaster full of ups and downs, of feelings, emotions and breaking moments when you want to yell to these silly women but then you understand them so perfectly because life is a bi** sometimes.
My first from the author, now I know when I grab a book from Virginia Hale I have to be ready for a lot of things, for a lot of moments and scenes where I just wanted to hug Jen and tell her to be honest or ask Lacey to stop doubting everything Jen does.
A beautiful book, beautiful characters and some dialogues that made me open my eyes like saucers and re-read the whole moment.
My first but not my last for sure!
My first from the author, now I know when I grab a book from Virginia Hale I have to be ready for a lot of things, for a lot of moments and scenes where I just wanted to hug Jen and tell her to be honest or ask Lacey to stop doubting everything Jen does.
A beautiful book, beautiful characters and some dialogues that made me open my eyes like saucers and re-read the whole moment.
My first but not my last for sure!
August 14, 2021
Disclosure: I have read Virginia's previous books and really love them.
Echo Point is a particular favourite.
I enjoyed this story. It was clear from the blurb that this was going to be loaded with angst.
It definitely was.
Lacey is lovely and her daughter is a cutie. I don't really feel like I actually know Jen.
She's smart enough to hold on to Lacey and Mac. And she's had some sadness in her life. Some disappointments, however her character and personality remain a bit of a mystery to me.
Sweet Lacey is a woman in love who's got to be just the most patient and kind woman.
At least Jen is aware of her goodness.
I liked the presence of two woman in each of their lives and the potential they have to blow the whole right up.
I found a couple of moments where each woman spoke to herself and for herself to be just..well.. quite beautiful.
Echo Point is a particular favourite.
I enjoyed this story. It was clear from the blurb that this was going to be loaded with angst.
It definitely was.
Lacey is lovely and her daughter is a cutie. I don't really feel like I actually know Jen.
She's smart enough to hold on to Lacey and Mac. And she's had some sadness in her life. Some disappointments, however her character and personality remain a bit of a mystery to me.
Sweet Lacey is a woman in love who's got to be just the most patient and kind woman.
At least Jen is aware of her goodness.
I liked the presence of two woman in each of their lives and the potential they have to blow the whole right up.
I found a couple of moments where each woman spoke to herself and for herself to be just..well.. quite beautiful.
August 8, 2021
his is an interesting book - very different from typical lesfic, and certainly well written and enjoyable. The ghosts of the past perspective is not usually my 'thing' as a reader, but I liked the way it connected with the contemporary view of their relationship of convenience. The story was beautifully portrayed and I'm keen to check out other books by the author. Overall I recommend.
Thanks, to Bella Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks, to Bella Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2021
First, thanks to Bella Books for giving me the chance to read The Commitment. It's highly unlikely I would have picked up the book if it hadn't been for that. I've struggled with trying new (to me) authors of romances for the past several years. I have a few favorite authors that I tend to stick with and only branch out after glowing recommendations from trusted friends.
I spent the past many days cleaning up my Kindle and decided to pick a review book to start while half watching an NFL game last night. It took about 60 pages of books in before I decided to crack open this one. And I was almost instantly engaged which was a great surprise! I honestly thought I would read a few paragraphs, maybe a page or two, get bored and move on. I had already done that more than a handful of times on my search. But that didn't happen. Instead, I fell a little in love with Jen and Lacey. Mostly Jen. There's something about that emotionally wounded yet strong woman that gets me right in the feels.
Lacey and Jen had chemistry for days and I rooted for their little family to get their shit together so they could really enjoy all those sparks. But there was soooo much shit to get through that I began getting frustrated. Granted, it took longer than it normally would have for me to feel that level of aggravation because I liked the characters so much. But still, The Commitment tested my "dammit just talk honestly to each other and get over yourselves!" limits.
All that being said, I'll happily pick up another book by Virginia Hale. I'm going to miss Jen and Lacey and their little slice of old-timey heaven where they work.
I spent the past many days cleaning up my Kindle and decided to pick a review book to start while half watching an NFL game last night. It took about 60 pages of books in before I decided to crack open this one. And I was almost instantly engaged which was a great surprise! I honestly thought I would read a few paragraphs, maybe a page or two, get bored and move on. I had already done that more than a handful of times on my search. But that didn't happen. Instead, I fell a little in love with Jen and Lacey. Mostly Jen. There's something about that emotionally wounded yet strong woman that gets me right in the feels.
Lacey and Jen had chemistry for days and I rooted for their little family to get their shit together so they could really enjoy all those sparks. But there was soooo much shit to get through that I began getting frustrated. Granted, it took longer than it normally would have for me to feel that level of aggravation because I liked the characters so much. But still, The Commitment tested my "dammit just talk honestly to each other and get over yourselves!" limits.
All that being said, I'll happily pick up another book by Virginia Hale. I'm going to miss Jen and Lacey and their little slice of old-timey heaven where they work.
June 23, 2022
4.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
God, this book! Make sure you're loaded with enough patience and understanding when you read this angst-laden book!!! Devoured it in almost one sitting. I wish there was an epilogue though...
God, this book! Make sure you're loaded with enough patience and understanding when you read this angst-laden book!!! Devoured it in almost one sitting. I wish there was an epilogue though...
September 4, 2021
It would be easy to pigeon hole this novel as a slow burn romance or a friends to lovers romance or a faux romance novel. It is basically any of those . It sets itself apart though by not fitting neatly into any of those categories.
Exploring themes of what makes a family and relationship work, what is the difference between loving and being in love. Where does your own personal needs fit in a committed relationship. Where does trust fit in the pyramid of relationship needs. How can we trust our partners when our own sense of self can be so impacted by physical changes over the years? Virginia Hale serves up a novel that explores all of those issues and kept me turning the page to see what would happen next.
If you are looking for a novel where aging and chronic illness is discussed and its impacts on women and their relationships this book will definitely appeal. This author does a great job of exploring both of those issues.
The character of Mac is a definite delight as was getting to know the fictional world of old worldy Beechworth.
Exploring themes of what makes a family and relationship work, what is the difference between loving and being in love. Where does your own personal needs fit in a committed relationship. Where does trust fit in the pyramid of relationship needs. How can we trust our partners when our own sense of self can be so impacted by physical changes over the years? Virginia Hale serves up a novel that explores all of those issues and kept me turning the page to see what would happen next.
If you are looking for a novel where aging and chronic illness is discussed and its impacts on women and their relationships this book will definitely appeal. This author does a great job of exploring both of those issues.
The character of Mac is a definite delight as was getting to know the fictional world of old worldy Beechworth.
September 3, 2021
I really enjoyed the secret chord by this author so I looked forward to this book. Unfortunately, these two books could not be further apart. I honestly just didn’t buy what this book was selling. I found the love story unbelievable. Jen had a lot of emotional issues preventing her from moving forward with a new relationship. I feel the author just waved a magic wand to resolve those issues without any real work on the character’s behalf. I refuse to believe that love and attraction can be so conditional, and flipped on with a switch due to the selfless nature of another character. Lacey deserved more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2022
Delightful.
I spent a good part of this book trying to look for cracks in the pavement. Was it really as good as I was feeling, or at some point was the mojo going to run out and shove me into a land of bland?
I'm very happy to say there was no crack and there was no bland. This was perfectly balanced, weighted with vivid reality and challenges. I loved it.
ARC received for an honest review.
I spent a good part of this book trying to look for cracks in the pavement. Was it really as good as I was feeling, or at some point was the mojo going to run out and shove me into a land of bland?
I'm very happy to say there was no crack and there was no bland. This was perfectly balanced, weighted with vivid reality and challenges. I loved it.
ARC received for an honest review.
September 14, 2021
3.5, I rounded up. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't my favorite of this author's.
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