Neither Present Time

By: Caren J. Werlinger

Narrated by: Eliza Foss

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Can a house save the lives of the people who live in it? Can an inscription written in a book over 60 years ago change the fates of people not even born when it was written? 

Beryl Gray is solid and dependable - her partner, Claire, thinks so, her family thinks so, her colleagues think so. She has a long-term relationship and a job she likes as a university librarian. Her life seems settled, content - except nothing is as it seems. 

Aggie Bishop's last girlfriend left her three years ago and she hasn't had a date since. Her life now revolves around work and taking care of her great-aunt Cory who doesn't want to be taken care of. Aunt Cory still lives in the run-down mansion that the rest of the family wants to sell if they can only get the old lady into a nursing home. Aggie is all that stands between them and her great-aunt. 

When Beryl finds a book with a romantic inscription dated 1945, the events that follow will change the lives of all three women forever. 

Spanning decades, this enchanting tale reminds us that some loves never fade and that sometimes, home truly is where the heart lies.

©2012, 2013 Caren J. Werlinger (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

A beautiful instant classic!

Although I have yet to read all of Caren Werlinger's works, I predict that 50 or 100 years from now when great lesbian literature is discussed, they'll be talking about her books. And how lucky we were to live in a time when she was actively writing. I absolutely loved this story. While the narrator was fairly good, the story itself was terrific. The best way I can describe it is, it's like one of the great classic novels, but with lesbians as the protagonists. With Neither Present Time we actually get TWO love stories - one that begins in the 1940s, and another set decades later.
There is so much in this beautiful book. Romance, family obligations and sacrifice, deteriorating relationships and new beginnings, the effects of war and the toll they take on the men and women who served, and friendships that change the course of lives. At the heart is the swoon-worthy love story of Corinne and Helen, two women who met at the beginning of WWII who endured so much to be together, and the home which held much of the history of the family and their secrets.
The love scenes fade to black and while I'm usually a fan of having more than that, they fit perfectly here. This is something of an old fashioned book, with that being meant in the best way possible. Perhaps it should just be called an instant classic instead. Highly recommend!

Warning

Don't plan to finish this moving story at bedtime.
Caren Werlinger's many awards are so well-deserved! Another beautiful story told by a top notch narrator. Enjoy.

Wonderful story full of love

This story of two major characters Cory and Helen was written from the heart and intermingled with a love story of Aggie and Burke, which enriched the storyline twofold. All of the characters played a part in enriching this wonderful love story even though it was not without its drama or it’s heartbreaks. Every aspect of this story was handled with care and carefully executed beautifully. The author has treated each individual story with such loving care while writing this book that it fully captivated this reader and made this reader feel each and every emotion written into the story and displayed by the characters. The ending was flawless. Not one to cry about but one to rejoice about. Love can last an eternity and beyond. Thank you for that message.

Who’s that Lady?

Loved the way the characters were intertwined and blended together. I had to use a tissue a few times, so much emotion, Thanks. Off to my next adventure.

caught my heart

completely pulled into the story

felt the characters were my friends

recommend to all who desire true love

beautiful

I cannot recommend this book enough. it was a complete journey of smiles, tragedy, hurt & love. I cried so many times and when a book has that affect on me I know it is incredible. I cant say enough about Eliza foss. she has now become one of my favorite narrators. both of you are incredible! don't let this book pass you by.

Amazing

Just wow! Worth every minute! I am so glad to have stumbled on this gem!

MUST LISTEN!

This is a great book with wonderful narration! The blending of time and the display of a gentle, yet very human soul in Coren would not allow me to stop listening. You'll wish she was your own great aunt. Love this book. I want to buy the print version for my collection. Thank you Ms. Werlinger for writing it and sharing it with us!

Loved this book

SO sensitive, well written, well developed characters. Narrated very well.
I am looking forward to mor books by Caren J Werlinger.

A different kind of romance

Love this!. Beryl allowed her girlfriend and family run her life continuously belittling her. She finds a book that intrigued her enough to search for the people in the book is still around. She grow with help from close friends and the idea of a life-long true love. A wonderful thoroughly written story.

DON'T SELL THE HOUSE!

It’s a beautifully written soulful, epic narrative, telling a story of past and present lives and loves. I fear my words will not do it justice however but here they are anyway. There’s a whole time span thing going on (reminiscent of Fried Green Tomatoes or Forrest Gump or some such) and simultaneous wars and traumas and mean-spirited relatives. But it is also filled to the brim with the kindnesses of sweet, humorous, damaged, loving people. I appreciated the coming together of their ‘chosen’ family and the representation of disability and grief. I saw the whole novel as a movie in my head with a gorgeous sweeping score. This fictitious theme tune still plays as I now go about my business as does the story. And I really want to visit the bookshop in Washington.
AND FOR GOD’S SAKE DON’T SELL THE HOUSE!!!
You have pulled every one of my heart strings Caren Werlinger. Every. One.
…I now need a moment.
Anyway, it’s actually wonderful. And the narration is absolute perfection. I loved it. Thank you.