The Beginning of Everything: A Historical Lesbian Romance Novel

Betty has denied for so long who she was and what she felt. Joan is ever patient for her one true love to admit to herself what she really wants. Their story is so perfect and so endearing that I really felt part of their lives. The book is long and takes place over a more than fifty year period so I got to spend a lot of time with these ladies. When a love story is told in such a way that the reader is deeply emotionally affected---well---just say I loved being a party to this one. Each character is so wonderfully described that I felt I knew them personally. This is a beautifully told story that I literally couldn't put down and then when it was finished----I cried!!!! Please read this one because it is a treasure that will long be remembered. Thank you so much, Cara, for sharing your words. I have loved all of your books but truly believe this one is the best yet!!!!

I’ve been looking forward to reading this book since the introduction of Betty in Mouth to Mouth. I adored this book. Of course I loved the characters. But the journey these ladies took through our history, all the changes and struggles for LGBTQ people, their growth, it IS everything. I felt everything right along with them. This is an absolute must read for lesfic, wlw, and lovers of historical fiction.

I did enjoy this story. I am impressed with the research done to keep this on the up and up. I loved the chemistry between Joanie and Betty. Their first meeting was the all in fall in love at first sight thing that stands through time. This was written well. I found it to be a bit long on a few points but overall well done. I am a fan of Cara Malone......

I love how it got me into half the book before I realized this was the origin story for Betty and Joan. Betty is a character that pops up in Malone's last novel of the Lakeview Hospital series Mouth to Mouth (Great book and series, too!) This story however so so much more dramatic and rich than the series! I loved learning about Betty's journey and a take on lesbian women learning to navigate the world thru it's acceptance of lgbt people.Has to be my favorite Malone book to date!

This is a beautiful story of two women who met in 1963, in a time when homosexuality was much less accepted and often dangerous. This book follows them from the time they meet (around age 20) into their 70s, documenting the historical changes in homosexual rights and social acceptance over the years, all the while spinning their wonderful love story. It's one of those great books where you're just enjoying the story and the characters and don't necessarily realize you're learning something along the way.

Historically accurate historical fiction is always a treat. This was such a bonus to have two women meet and have quite an interesting life together. I loved the historical references; it this midwesterner back my coming out in San Diego in the late 1980s. Special side trip in DC was very reminiscent for me.

this is one of the best lesfic books that I have read. Truly a masterpiece. The theme of taking the story from the 1960's to the 2000's to tell the story of the difficulties of lesbian relationships and being out was amazing. Totally loved the characters and their relationship. This book was heart-wrenching for me (an older lesbian) and very engaging. Cara - you have outdone yourself with this one. Look forward to many more of your stories. If I could rate this higher (like 10 !), I certainly would. Everyone (old and young lesbians) should read this work.

An enduring romance unfolding during the civil rights movement. This is a touching love story through and through and a compelling pleasure to read.

What a beautiful story about an enduring love through difficult years that in 2020 are hard to imagine. It became even more enjoyable when I realised the connect to ‘Mouth to Mouth’ which I have previously read. Didn’t want it to end! Love Cara Malone’s easy to read style.

Fabulous book. Little bit of a social history text book, a lot of romance, angst, sexy novel. It gripped me from the start, kept me interested, & ultimately proved the words of my title to be 100% true

This book made me want to know everythingl about the LGBTQ+ community. From the beginning. History was not my favorite subject in class, but this one might just be the beginning of my history nerdiness!

I really loved this story. It was a love story and a history story without ever being pedantic. It is important to remember those that came before and to celebrate their stories.

This is a beautifully written story and is an accurate look into the history of the Gay Rights Movement interwoven into a love story. I loved the characters, who are well written and have real emotions. A truly beautiful story that makes you realise how far we have come and how much more there is left to do.