Clara's Story by Doreen Perrine

Claire has a great love for art. She works at a New York art gallery. When she meets Italian artist, Isabelle, she feels an immediate attraction. Claire has been fighting her feelings for women for years and has even acted upon them in the past. Will Claire give in to her desires for Isabelle though?

Young artist, Isabelle, is in New York for a showing of her paintings. When she meets Claire, she can’t help herself and flirts outrageously with her. But as much as she flirts, Claire resists. Will Isabelle break through Claire’s shell?

Isabelle returns to Italy. Life continues on for Claire. But Claire has changed. She’s now dating Liz. But they don’t seem to have much in common. Claire still has deep feelings for Isabelle.

When a turn of events leaves Claire jobless, she decides it’s time to venture forth and see the world. She needs a break away from her rich and vicious mother and the rest of her dysfunctional family. Claire travels to England, France and Italy, where she meets up with Isabelle again.

Will Claire find the love she’s been looking for or has Isabelle moved on?

This is a nicely written first book in a series. There is a lot packed in to this average length book.

Claire’s life within her family has been horrendous. Her mother and father split up when she was young. Her mother saw to it, that Claire and her siblings were estranged from their gay father. Claire fights her own feelings until she can come to terms with her sexual orientation. It’s no wonder Claire is dysfunctional also.

All the characters are easy to get to know, some are not easy to like though. I could feel my blood pressure rising rapidly as I read of the nasty, spiteful things Claire’s mother did and said. Her sister isn’t much better either. It’s hard to believe that such people exist, but they definitely do.

The book has a good humor throughout, which lightens what could have been a dark read.

I loved the scenic descriptions. It was very easy for me to immerse myself in the hustle and bustle of the European countries Claire visited.

I’m looking forward to reading the second book in this series. I only hope Claire finds a happy ever after because if one character deserves it, she does.

Just an after thought, if you are wondering why Clara’s Story, Clara is Isabelle’s pet name for Claire.