Behind the Pine Curtain

By: Gerri Hill

Narrated by: Abby Craden

Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

Jacqueline Keys was ostracized from her small hometown of Pine Springs, Texas, when she was 17, sent away because she was gay. Her family was the largest employer in the county, owning Pine Springs Lumber, and her father was mayor of this small town. Her mother could not accept the fact that her only child was gay, could not tolerate the gossip about her family. So, with a hundred dollars in her pocket and a one-way bus ticket out of town, Jacqueline was told not to come back until she had come to her senses. And that included being prepared to marry the son of a business associate of the family.

Fifteen years later - long after she'd hitch-hiked to Los Angeles, long after she'd worked nights to put herself through college, and long after she'd written her first best seller, No Place for Family - Jacqueline is persuaded to go back to the tiny town of Pine Springs after her father's death.

The quick trip she'd envisioned for the funeral turns into weeks as she learns her father's business is suddenly hers to manage. And she is also again face-to-face with the woman who, as a teen, had been Jackie's first crush. She and Kay had been inseparable as kids and later as teens. They find themselves falling back into their old habits, and Jackie is soon fighting the same feelings she'd had when she was 17.

©2006 Gerri Hill (P)2021 Tantor

One of my favorites by Hill

I just absolutely love this book! When I saw it was coming out in audio and Abby Craden was narrating, I had no hesitation in purchasing as soon as it came out. I finished it in one day. Craden just brought the characters to life. All the moments I held my breath when reading it myself were just amplified having it narrated. I still wish it was a bit longer, and had more to the ending... an epilogue. I just didn't want it to end. I would read a sequel to this in a heartbeat. I just loved Jackie and Kay. I might just have to re-listen right now. I'm just not ready for the story to end. Seriously win win with Gerri Hill and Abby Craden.

Another fantastic story

Abby and Gerri do it again!! I love the love story that unfolded. My only wish is that there would have been an epilogue of more of their future story, or another chapter. Sometimes, family will surprise you and be more accepting than you think.

OMG

How can you not love a book by Gerri Hill narrated by Abby Craden? Gerri Hill wrote an amazing book about love between best friends from childhood and Abby Craden brought it to life. Loved it!!!

excellent story and performance

Even as someone who has spent years studiously avoiding and poo-pooing romance novels, I really enjoy Gerri Hill's books. As an east Texas native, they have a familiarity that I find surprisingly comforting. Seeing queer characters moving through the places I grew up in refreshes the setting that I often find off-putting. It is lovely to read these stories and see the possibilities for queer folks that I never experienced in my time "behind the pine curtain." I feel like Hill is writing the stories I could have lived, and in some ways the story I am living. Yes, they pretty much follow the genre norms and so are a little predictable, but they are a much-needed addition to the genre. They are intensely relatable, not only for someone who has shared the experiences of the characters, but just on a human level. The characters seem like real people, and the pleasure of reaching the conclusion of the romance plot is not merely prurient, its empathetic celebration of the characters' sense of fulfillment.

Dear Abby

You did an amazingly great job on another feel good story. You and Gerri Hill make a good team.

Good book.

Spoilers.

I thoroughly enjoyed this boom until about 2/3 through, it was entertaining but then something switched. The excruciatingly slow burn romance part started to drag on and on. I enjoy a slow burn but this one was a bit dragged out. The protagonists lady has this sister who became ridiculously annoying and tried to force a man upon her. It was like 30 minutes Gerri could have cut out or spared for the INSANELY RUSHED ENDING. I got whiplash, at one moment I’m inwardly groaning that the two women were still dancing around the issue having kids interrupting their first kiss and the next thing I realize the book is had 15 minutes left. The amount of time dedicated to the crucial plot points were so rushed and the flashbacks and work stuff (that part was actually interesting) were the bulk of the book. This is my first Gerri Hill book in a hot minute and I honestly enjoyed it more than most of that isnt obvious but I guess I wanted more dedicated to Kaye. She really wasn’t a big part of the book. Her coming out was the denouement the story yet it took 5 minutes of audio at the end. Grrrrr.

Abby craden was great as per usss

A must listen

I love the story. It was interesting exciting. And the characters are so likeable that I can't help but root for them. The chemistry is sizzling. Definitely a great story. The Narrator, Abby Craden, one of my all time favorite narrator, is brilliant in this. Love listening to her narrations and the voices she used to present the characters. She even added the accent. Definitely a must listen.

SO WORTH IT!!!

Although some have hoped for a different ending, please know this one indicated being well on the path to deep fulfillment and happiness while leaving a realistic space for the fact that many details would certainly have to be worked out. What is assured is that the true devotion and commitment required are fully in place. Don’t miss this one!!

great story

need book 2 or more! great characters and storyline. love Ms Hill and as always Abby Craden brought the book to life.

Thanks

Loved the book and as always Abbie had me following every word
while living the story.

very good

As to be expected another good story by Gerri Hill and brought to life by Abby Craden.

A very compelling story good characters and some strong scenes. Author and performer make for an easy pick.

I need a Sequel!

I read this book some time ago and loved it, Abby Craden’ interpretation of Gerri Hill’s works is brilliant!

Loved it !

So sweet as a story and easy to listen to.
One of my favourites and ive now worked my way through a good percentage of the Geri Hill collection.
This is "Classic Geri Hill" if you like what you usually get with a Geri Hill love story you'll like this book.

feel good story

nice easy listening story with a feel good ending. a couple of loose ends but didn't detract.

superb

Finally I've been waiting for this book to arrive on audio for longer than I can remember and it was well worth the wait. This book and Hunters Way are my favourite ,waiting for the Cottage now.