This book is obviously one of Herring's first. It shows the typical lack of character development and choppiness that occurs with first books. There are a number of holes in the story that should have been filled in. Herring's later books show her growth as an author. Having said that, this is still a good story, though a little stilted. You have to wonder how much Herring really knows about lesbians in France and the wine business. Anyway, the characters are appealing and the romance is very erotic. Well worth the read.

Love's Harvest is written with suspence in more than one occation. Nichole is an hier to the world famous Jeton vinyards in France. Camille is a dedicated journalist in Paris. Both of these women are very engrossed in their work leaving little time for their personal lives. With the help of a friend the two meet and fall in love instantly, but the obstacals that determine their destiny together are many. Will the love they've found in eachother be enough to prevail, with a ghost roaming the halls and rooms of the infamous cha^teau? Once agian Herring displays beautiful and luscious love making between to women. Couldn't put it down. It's a must read.

Love's Harvest, another wonderful novel from this author. The story of how love from a special person can bring happiness to one's life. This story inspires anyone who has not found that special someone, or even those who have. The effect love can have is not only worth waiting for, but worth living for.

Will they, or won't they?

I was pleasantly surprised that Herring managed to keep me going till the end after first contact had been managed and broken off. This one had an interesting--if not a little unsettling--psychological twist about it, and it's been a sweet, neat, and cute story to read.

But, I guess I was hoping for a bit more...antagonism, perhaps? There were certain issues in the book that I find could have easily been extended into more serious problems (and provide a whole lot more fun), and yet Herring chose to gloss over them in pursuit of other seemingly menial issues. The characters were all right for a story as short as this one, but would have lacked in complexity had it been extended.

Still...this book was meant to be a romantic interlude, and it is certainly that. I'd recommend it; just don't expect too much out of it...

This is my first Peggy Herring novel and it delivered some real entertainment. Dorian's story takes completely unexpected turns and it was diverting from beginning to end. Herring is not the most subtle author in the lesbian romance genre, at least of those I've read, but if you like it when two women get right down to business then you're going to like this book as much as I did. Oven mitts mandatory.

This book is my third Herring novel. The writing is good and the characters are well developed, but whoa-just when you think you know what is going to happen next with Dorian-watch out. The novel story goes from funny to being nice and romantic-then hot and steamy-then you don't know what is going to happen next. The main character is someone we can all relate to. She has been hurt and is a bit closed off and cautious about getting involved again. The people she meets are good people, but they have their own baggage, too. The novel was at times painful to read when Dorian faces some really painful pitfalls but as in all rollercoaster rides-the ride eventually stops and we end up smiling. Well done Herring.

I think what this book proves is that lesbian romance fiction can be as smarmy and stupid as any Harlequin romance novel. I found this book insulting and, I will admit, laughable. Any time I read words like hot, throbbing, pulsating, etc. to describe bodies, my hair stands up. What annoys me with this book is the amount of times Ms. Herring uses them. If I were more insecure, I'd think something was definitely wrong with my sex life (and that of all those around me). I mean, you'd think by this book that lesbian sex is ALWAYS this long, drawn-out, erotic-fest, and it happens several times a day, no matter how tired you are.

Let me change veins, however, so that I won't be accused of being merely envious...

I think the book moved too quickly. As a social worker, I think I speak with a fair degree of accuracy that someone as uptight and insecure as Trina would not so easily let someone move into her life, especially one who has just realized she's a lesbian at the age of 27. Rosalie does nothing but cry so that I wanted to reach into the book, slap her and say "get a grip". Ms. Herring should take a course in writing dialogue (even the jokes were lame). And I do not believe, for an instance, the anti-climactic, surprise ending. It made me want to groan louder than any Lifetime movie.

I did give the book two stars, however, because it was an easy read and it was entertaining in its idiocy.

my first peggy j herring book. and after this great read i had to buy her other books also. a refreshingly real look at romance. i have read it atleast 3 times.

This is one of those books that you hate to set it down. I found myself wondering how soon I could back to read some more of it. This author has a unique way of grasping your attention and holding it. You don't even realize she is doing this to you.I have read a lot of books in my 47 years but this author has a talent for turning writing into an "art". There is a difference - lots of people can write, but it takes an author like this one to make you feel as if she has taken you out of your surroundings and placed you in the very place where the book is taking place. You even envision what the people look like. By the time you get done reading the book you feel as if you know the people on a first name basis. This author has a God given talent and has definately changed my books of choice.

This book presents characters that are down-to-earth in realistic situations, demonstrating real-life emotions. I really liked this aspect because romance fiction is often dominated with characters and lifestyles beyond the realm of the average womyn.

This book is about two women in love with each other. Laura the main character is a dedicated hard working woman while her partner Mavis is some what of a player, also job oreinted, but most of all very immature. These women have over an eight years relationship behind them and stand the chance of losing it all including their friendship. This book displays beautiful love making that only the soft touch of two women in love together can share. It also shows the many stages of growing up and finding ones true self.

This is the first book I've read by J. Herring and it was fabulous. I couldn't put the book down. It made me smile, made me laugh, made me sad, and it had a great ending. I only wish these characters were alive in some of her other books. After reading this book I have now ordered several others. Excellent reading.

Peggy J. Herring certainly knows how to make her novels hot and sexy but this one is so unbelievable. THe things that happen and that you find out able Valerie fall into the realm of the 'Twilight Zone' and the happily ever after is just too sugary to be believed. Great love scenes, though, if that's all you're intereted in but too far out even for me.

You'll have to look a long time to find a story that has as many different situations that might be plausible by themselves, but seem to make a story implausible when you put them all together. Granted there are women who have had bad relationships and have difficulty recovering from them. There are gay men who are afraid to come out to their families. There are gay men and lesbian women who maintain sham marriages for appearance sake. And there are older lesbians who find it difficult to accept that a much younger woman would be interested in them. It takes a really good story to put all of this together and make it come out sounding even slightly possible. And the ending will stretch credibility even more. It is a good story though and Herring uses her usual touch to create really romantic, steamy scenes. This story might just be true for someone somewhere. At any rate, it's still a good story.

This is really a hot novel. One of my favorite writers. Peggy Herring really can burn the pages. Sexually charged and yet romantic

Long ago in an Intergalactic Corridor far, far . . . well you get the idea. This futuristic, science fiction story is a different kind of novel for Peggy Herring, typically a romance writer. Comfort of Strangers involves a coalition of cultures, including a few female-only ones, that are struggling against the neighboring "evil empire" of Corlon, under the leadership of a heinous and destructive man named Exidor.

The novel focuses on Lela, a young healer turned scientific researcher and her mother's partner, Kricorian who is a sort of administrative leader for the "K Sector," an agricultural planet that also trains healers. The borders between the coalition and Corlon are decaying. Corlon star fighters are launching raids on these peaceful inhabitants. Their primary defense is provided by the warrior-focused, all female culture of Amtec. Their warrior women have an impressive reputation as skilled and lethal fighters as well as phenomenal lovers.

Members of the coalition have decided to hold a summit to sort out differences and decide what to do about the increasing raids. A delegate to the summit, Lela has the royal attention of the beautiful young Tavia, the Amtec princess. Yet Lela is drawn to the enigmatic commander of the Amtec warriors, Alaric. Tall, blonde and beautiful, Alaric has risen through the military ranks by her impressive intellect, strength and self-discipline. This highly respected leader carefully hides her feelings and seems to be sending mixed messages to Lela. Is she just following orders?

Although Lela is the lead character and the focus of amorous speculation and attention; Lela's other mother, Kricorian is more sympathetically drawn. Widowed for 15 years, Kricorian finds herself drawn to another Amtec warrior, Jaret. Will Kricorian be able to let go of the survivor's guilt and the grief she feels for the death of Lela's mother? Can she risk her heart again? Can she relinquish control?

Herring does not suffer from any restrictions to political correctness. When Lela prepares to open a cylinder that she believes contains a live human being, she gives Kricorian a laser gun and tells her, "if it's ugly, zap it. Don't be afraid to use that thing. It's the capsule I want to study." (p 63) This attitude is a far cry from most scientific investigative standards today, never mind the ethical obligations of a healer! This is not the only example of a poor moral code among individual characters or cultures other than the dreaded Exidor and his star fighters. Tavia's treatment of Alaric is case in point.

At its best, scifi/fantasy not only entertains but provokes the imagination and prompts readers to question current cultural practices and trends in scientific research or other technological developments. Comfort of Strangers did not strike any such cords in this reader. It's a bit like watching an old "B" grade sci fi movie. The plot and characters are thin. The dialog has a campy sort of quality that makes for some amusing reading. However, it doesn't seem certain that was the writer's goal. In conclusion, Comfort of Strangers is not a bad story. However, it does not stand up to many far more interesting, complex, action packed scifi/fantasy stories that have been released in recent years from lesbian writers.

The Comfort of Strangers is a new direction for Peggy Herring. She's taken her style of writing love stories and gone into science fiction. The book centers around Lela, a scientist, who has been raised in a society of lesbians. Her settlement is united with several others in a trade/protective group that includes a settlement of lesbian warriors and the other societies are mixed. Someone is threatening the safety of these societies, but no one is sure who the threat is. The story develops at a quick pace, maybe a little too quick in some places, but it keeps you engaged as women establish relationships and try to save their people from disaster. There's a character named Alaric who turns out to be especially interesting. The book could use a little more development in some areas, but is an enjoyable read. The nice thing about Herring is that, if you read her books in order, you see that her style is constantly improving. She also knows how to write an enticing love scene without going too far over the edge.

This book looks good from the outside. When you read the back it sounds good and then when actually get down to the business of reading disappointment will soon follow. The main characther Elaine has this annoying habit of having her thoughts follow a scene. The story line is very predictable, just your average run of the mill girl meets girl and falls in love, girl cheats on girl, girl ends up falling in love with other girls sister. It is in no way believable. The mother is supposed to be gay and then both her daughters are gay, come on this is not real. The lesbianism is played for all it's worth. In the end this is just another dime store romance. I could have had a V-8.

This story is a fun read and totally unbelieveable. Which is fine. If we didn't want a little escape, we wouldn't read books. Don't expect any big surprises because you won't get any. The characters are sketched out but still fun to read about. The erotic scenes are hot. Still not much to grab onto. Did I mention that it was totally predictable?

When this author titled the book it was as if she was re-writing the meaning of "Good things come to those who wait". I am sure everyone has heard that term but she makes you beleive that you are right there - in the room with the charcters. It was as if they invited you to be there with them to watch and critique the book. This author has a great talent of the art of writing that makes you actually forget where you are and who you are for those moments, and thrusts you wholeheartedly into the scene of the book at that time. It has been a long time since an author has gotten my attention like this one has. I hope she continues to write such breath taking novels. It is truly an artist at work.

This book seemed very choppy to read and the story line a little too trite. I've been an avid read for 30+ years and this book just left me wondering why I kept reading it.

Alice works for her father's company and always feels as though she always has to prove herself both to her dad and her subordinates. The restaurants she is managing are not doing well and she was told a radio spot featuring a jingle might help her lagging business. Which is how she meets Ricky and her band Hot Check. The libidos start going as soon as they meet and it takes a while but not long for them to get together. Alice's workaholic lifestyle becomes a problem, as does her father's habit of moving her around and testing her. Ricky is insecure and everytime Alice has to move, she feels she is just trying to end the relationship. A lot happens, some of it surprising but as with all romance novels, we have a happy ending. One of Peggy Herring's better outings. This one is a little more believable, especially since Alice is in the closet to her family.

This is the first I have read by this author and I found it difficult to put down. She really develops the characters well and gives all of them enough time to be real. My only complaint would be that it was too short. When Alice meets Ricky you felt the chemistry between them. They both seemed to know a good thing when they see it. I loved the tuxedo scene! I hope we see them again!

This book was a waste of time. The synopsis on the back cover has very little to do with the actual plot of the book. I expected to read a story of a lesbian's battle with the armed forces, what I got was a love story. A love story that had nothing to do with the character talked about in the synopsis. It also was too quick and not very substantial.

I read some of the previous reviews and agree with a few criticisms- but I did find the book pretty entertaining. It IS a very quick read, and the story starts with the Colonel retiring- so don't think you're going to get a lesbian military story here. No ma'am. But I liked the dialogue- which is really the only way you get to know the characters. And they come to life in their exchanges. I'd recommend this book as a quick, light read.

The writer had a God given talent for the art of an author. She grabs you up out of the nice comfy chair you are sitting in and she hurls you into her writings. You have no choice but to ignore your surroundings and delve deep into the very souls of the characters.It was as if she knew our very desires and wishes that were deep in our souls where nobody had ever gone before. She dared to tap into that very being and take us to a place of desire and need. And then.... it ended. Making me wish there was an extension of the book. Whomever contracted with this author to write for them - needs many gold stars. She is AWESOME and I will continue to read her writings.