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Jericho #1
Jericho
Librarian Syd Murphy flees the carnage of a failed marriage by accepting an eighteen-month position in Jericho–a small town in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Her plans to hide out and heal her wounds fall by the wayside as she gets drawn into the daily lives of the quirky locals. She becomes fast friends with Maddie Stevenson, the enigmatic physician who has returned to the backcountry community to take over her late father’s medical practice. Together they learn that life and love can have as many twists and turns as a country road.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
125 people are currently reading
5,786 people want to read
About the author
Ann McMan
32books555followersCollege at an indifferent liberal arts institution taught Ann McMan that understanding subject/verb agreement was not enough to secure her fame and fortune. After graduation, she got a job driving a young adult bookmobile—and spent her days piloting the great rig across the dusty back roads of rural North Carolina. Her duties included making certain that the mobile library always contained at least six copies of "Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret", visiting the county detention unit (it was a great way to catch up with her brothers), and showing public service films about safe sex to pre-teens at 4-H Clubs all across her part of “The New South.�
Soon, the allure of higher education coaxed Ann back to school. For the past three decades, Ann has worked at a succession of premier institutions, designing marketing and advancement materials that promote, promulgate, and extol the benefits of indifferent liberal arts education.
Somebody has to do it.
All this time, she continued to write. And when, at the ripe old age of thirty, she realized that she was not like other girls, the great world of lesbian literature opened its arms, and provided her with a safe haven in which to grow and learn about her new identity. She will forever be indebted to those literary pioneers who had the courage, the talent, and the temerity to gift us all with an art form of our own. Ann’s first and subsequent attempts at writing lesbian fiction have been heartfelt attempts to pay that great gift forward.
Ann McMan is the author of three novels, JERICHO, DUST, and AFTERMATH–and the story collection SIDECAR.
In 2011, Ann, along with her novels JERICHO and DUST and her short story “I Saw Xena Kissing Senticles� were elected to The Royal Academy of Bards Hall of Fame. In 2012, she was awarded the Alice B. Lavender Certificate.
BACKCAST, further adventures of the CLIT-Con 13 (that zany cast of authors from SIDECAR’s “Bottle Rocket�) will be released in 2013.
Soon, the allure of higher education coaxed Ann back to school. For the past three decades, Ann has worked at a succession of premier institutions, designing marketing and advancement materials that promote, promulgate, and extol the benefits of indifferent liberal arts education.
Somebody has to do it.
All this time, she continued to write. And when, at the ripe old age of thirty, she realized that she was not like other girls, the great world of lesbian literature opened its arms, and provided her with a safe haven in which to grow and learn about her new identity. She will forever be indebted to those literary pioneers who had the courage, the talent, and the temerity to gift us all with an art form of our own. Ann’s first and subsequent attempts at writing lesbian fiction have been heartfelt attempts to pay that great gift forward.
Ann McMan is the author of three novels, JERICHO, DUST, and AFTERMATH–and the story collection SIDECAR.
In 2011, Ann, along with her novels JERICHO and DUST and her short story “I Saw Xena Kissing Senticles� were elected to The Royal Academy of Bards Hall of Fame. In 2012, she was awarded the Alice B. Lavender Certificate.
BACKCAST, further adventures of the CLIT-Con 13 (that zany cast of authors from SIDECAR’s “Bottle Rocket�) will be released in 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
July 18, 2012
This is a very long book that earns it's worth. Be sure to pace yourself, if you are one of those readers like me that keeps reading through the night to get to the good stuff. Fortunately, the entire book was engaging as the relationships between the characters builds up. Spending time in the lives of Syd and Maddie as fate goes above and beyond to throw them together, is a fun journey. I've since gone back and read it again, from the beginning and no parts of it were worth skipping over. The writing style and character interaction was that good.
Another positive aspect of this book, is that the author takes time to let us see the romance after it bursts into flames. it's not just a last page hookup and 'the end'. but you will have to wait until the last third of the book.
I definitely recommend this book. It is a top pick and well worth the money. I wish there were more from this author.
Another positive aspect of this book, is that the author takes time to let us see the romance after it bursts into flames. it's not just a last page hookup and 'the end'. but you will have to wait until the last third of the book.
I definitely recommend this book. It is a top pick and well worth the money. I wish there were more from this author.
April 24, 2018
Everyone's read this, whether as published by Bedazzled or in fanfic form, but I finally caught up and I loved it. It's not the author's best, but the funny thing is that its main problem--that it sprawls because the writing isn't particularly tight--is actually something I love about it. It may not stand up to the author's other books, but it's a book you can sink into and while away a big chunk of time.
It actually reminds me a little bit of All That Matters by Susan X Meagher, because both are friends to lovers romances where we see the friendship develop from the very beginning. I highly recommend listening to the audio book because the reader is fabulous.
Full review here:
It actually reminds me a little bit of All That Matters by Susan X Meagher, because both are friends to lovers romances where we see the friendship develop from the very beginning. I highly recommend listening to the audio book because the reader is fabulous.
Full review here:
July 16, 2017
Nice to revisit the slow burn romance between Syd and Maddie, not to mention all the colourful locals inhabiting the little town of Jericho.
While we sit back and enjoy this budding romance, the author slides in some food for thought such as the opportunities we have in life to make choices. We get to choose when to mend fences or close doors on events in our past. Finding the right person to share your life with, someone who will stand with you as you make those choices is a special and beautiful thing.
I had forgotten how long this read/listen was and how much witty dialogue happens between the mains, almost bordering on corny. Clever quips aside, it was nice to spend time with this memorable collection of friends and gossips.
Toaster oven delivered, plugged in and running smoothly.
On to Aftermath
While we sit back and enjoy this budding romance, the author slides in some food for thought such as the opportunities we have in life to make choices. We get to choose when to mend fences or close doors on events in our past. Finding the right person to share your life with, someone who will stand with you as you make those choices is a special and beautiful thing.
I had forgotten how long this read/listen was and how much witty dialogue happens between the mains, almost bordering on corny. Clever quips aside, it was nice to spend time with this memorable collection of friends and gossips.
Toaster oven delivered, plugged in and running smoothly.
On to Aftermath
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 20, 2019This book is one of my most favorite when I read it last year. When I finished it, I hang on tight to it for weeks, just like a lil girl when she gets a new doll.
The doll turned into Annabelle/Chucky this time around and I couldn't even wait for Ed and Lorraine to come over and perform exorcism before dnfing it.
Maddy and Syd are still one of the best lesfic couples out there, they are made for each other and I love every scene they are together but the;
1. Wines / Beers - naming the brand / type.
"Let's wow everyone and get this wine. It was mentioned in the novel, Jericho. Everyone will say, - Look, that's the wine Maddie and Syd drank" - Really???
2. The nicknames
Maddie, her name is Maddie. I cringed every single time David addressed Maddie. I don't think he called her by her name once and he was an active secondary character so F you, David!
3. The kid
When you date someone and the relationship is still new, you tend to overlook their flaws. The Malays have this saying - Kentut pun bau wangi - Even the farts smell great. That really describes my relationship with Jericho, I overlooked the kid factor in the first round but thinking about it now, how could you Ms.McMan.
Again, love Maddie and Syd - the build-up to their couplehood was beautifully written, two leads who always give without asking for anything in return and beautiful from the inside out. A doctor and a librarian started as friends first then so much more and they deserve a better ending than the one given by the author especially when there are two other books in the series.
Available on Escape, money saved there but I bought this ridiculously expensive earbuds to listen to it. My ears and the buds got good cleaning after dnfing this.. Thank you, no thank you, David.
The doll turned into Annabelle/Chucky this time around and I couldn't even wait for Ed and Lorraine to come over and perform exorcism before dnfing it.
Maddy and Syd are still one of the best lesfic couples out there, they are made for each other and I love every scene they are together but the;
1. Wines / Beers - naming the brand / type.
"Let's wow everyone and get this wine. It was mentioned in the novel, Jericho. Everyone will say, - Look, that's the wine Maddie and Syd drank" - Really???
2. The nicknames
Maddie, her name is Maddie. I cringed every single time David addressed Maddie. I don't think he called her by her name once and he was an active secondary character so F you, David!
3. The kid
When you date someone and the relationship is still new, you tend to overlook their flaws. The Malays have this saying - Kentut pun bau wangi - Even the farts smell great. That really describes my relationship with Jericho, I overlooked the kid factor in the first round but thinking about it now, how could you Ms.McMan.
Again, love Maddie and Syd - the build-up to their couplehood was beautifully written, two leads who always give without asking for anything in return and beautiful from the inside out. A doctor and a librarian started as friends first then so much more and they deserve a better ending than the one given by the author especially when there are two other books in the series.
Available on Escape, money saved there but I bought this ridiculously expensive earbuds to listen to it. My ears and the buds got good cleaning after dnfing this.. Thank you, no thank you, David.
March 30, 2022
OK - Own up?? Where have you been keeping this superb book? Just loved it - and really shows how plundering other "ŷ" friends book lists you find some real hum dingers. Thank you.
April 16, 2020
I had an absolute blast reading Jericho by Ann McMan. I love this book!
This is the story of Syd and Maddie. Syd is moving to Jericho, a small town near the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, to set up a new county library. When she has a flat tire on a remote part of the road into town, she is helped by Maddie, the gorgeous family doctor who practices in Jericho. Enough sparks fly when the two meet to rival a Fourth of July night sky and the chemistry only increases as the two get to know each other over time.
The story told in this novel is totally engaging. The characters, both main and secondary, are quirky and loveable, except for the few bad guys who are obviously kind of creepy. The setting is perfect for the story. The best part of this book, though, is the dialogue, especially between Maddie and Syd. Ms. McMan did a brilliant job of creating intelligent, witty, and quite often funny characters who can verbally spar with just about anyone and come out the winner.
This is a longer novel than many of this genre, but I can tell you that I never had a moment of boredom as I read this book. In fact, I was a bit disappointed when I finally got to the end, because I didn’t want to leave these characters or this town. Thankfully, there are two other novels in this series that tell more about my new favorite characters. I’ve already started reading Aftermath, the second book in the series, and it is looking to be just as good as Jericho.
I would give this novel ten stars if I could. It has my highest recommendation.
Thanks to Bywater Books for allowing me to read this novel and this is my honest review.
This is the story of Syd and Maddie. Syd is moving to Jericho, a small town near the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, to set up a new county library. When she has a flat tire on a remote part of the road into town, she is helped by Maddie, the gorgeous family doctor who practices in Jericho. Enough sparks fly when the two meet to rival a Fourth of July night sky and the chemistry only increases as the two get to know each other over time.
The story told in this novel is totally engaging. The characters, both main and secondary, are quirky and loveable, except for the few bad guys who are obviously kind of creepy. The setting is perfect for the story. The best part of this book, though, is the dialogue, especially between Maddie and Syd. Ms. McMan did a brilliant job of creating intelligent, witty, and quite often funny characters who can verbally spar with just about anyone and come out the winner.
This is a longer novel than many of this genre, but I can tell you that I never had a moment of boredom as I read this book. In fact, I was a bit disappointed when I finally got to the end, because I didn’t want to leave these characters or this town. Thankfully, there are two other novels in this series that tell more about my new favorite characters. I’ve already started reading Aftermath, the second book in the series, and it is looking to be just as good as Jericho.
I would give this novel ten stars if I could. It has my highest recommendation.
Thanks to Bywater Books for allowing me to read this novel and this is my honest review.
March 11, 2016
I think a good way to describe this book is comparing it to Ravel's Bolero.
There's a single main theme playing, repeated in many different variations and with different intensity.
The main theme here is the gradual unfolding and revelation of Maddie's and Syd's love.
And then we can see every chapter as a musical phrase, with its beginning and its ending.
It's quite a characteristic choice, no chapter is left hanging or finish with a discordant note, each one tells its story and closes in a positive way, another variation accomplished on the main theme.
A chapter can be the acknowledgment to be attracted, another the acknowledgment to be in love. In a chapter we see this love under the stress of a crisis, in another we see it broading towards a family.
Also, the rythm is slow, repeated, sound. This is not a book with plot twists.
I read in the reviews that many say it's all predictable. It certainly is. But I think it is a deliberate choice. No happening here has a meaning in itself; on the contrary it is just a context to see how love reacts to it, how everything changes in its light.
As not everybody can appreciate the Bolero, so I'm sure not all will like Jericho.
But I was enthralled, captivated by the romance and the good feelings permeating this tale and passing through me.
I've come to really enjoy it.
There's a single main theme playing, repeated in many different variations and with different intensity.
The main theme here is the gradual unfolding and revelation of Maddie's and Syd's love.
And then we can see every chapter as a musical phrase, with its beginning and its ending.
It's quite a characteristic choice, no chapter is left hanging or finish with a discordant note, each one tells its story and closes in a positive way, another variation accomplished on the main theme.
A chapter can be the acknowledgment to be attracted, another the acknowledgment to be in love. In a chapter we see this love under the stress of a crisis, in another we see it broading towards a family.
Also, the rythm is slow, repeated, sound. This is not a book with plot twists.
I read in the reviews that many say it's all predictable. It certainly is. But I think it is a deliberate choice. No happening here has a meaning in itself; on the contrary it is just a context to see how love reacts to it, how everything changes in its light.
As not everybody can appreciate the Bolero, so I'm sure not all will like Jericho.
But I was enthralled, captivated by the romance and the good feelings permeating this tale and passing through me.
I've come to really enjoy it.
August 30, 2017
Loved it!!!
Loved the build up, Loved the chemistry, loved the story and loved the 'banter' between Maddie and Syd.
Loved the build up, Loved the chemistry, loved the story and loved the 'banter' between Maddie and Syd.
April 9, 2018
This is beautifully written, set in charming town, with wonderful characters. I loved it.
April 3, 2017
3.85 stars
I finally got around to reading this book. After hearing a lot of praise for this author I was expecting something deep and also laugh out loud funny. I didn't really get either. There is introspection and the book is plenty amusing when it comes to the dialogue but, on the whole, the pulse of the book is somewhat of a flatline the entire storyline. This is also an uber-Xena story born from fan fiction which I don't count as a bad thing but it always throws me. I don't WANT to see the characters as straight out of the show so I have to keep twisting the knob on the picture every time the author mentions physical traits.
Despite the allusion and sometimes blatant jokes made in the text that are references to the show, however, McMan came up with personalities and a storyline that are completely original.
The author takes us on a journey with Syd, a soon to be divorced woman starting over in the super small town of Jericho, meeting and falling for the gorgeous, exceptionally talented doctor, Maddie. All of their interactions are witty and amusing and each of their characters are without fault. And they're not the only ones. Everyone takes the high road in this story...
Nothing is too dramatic, too crazy, too hot, too intense, too anything...except perhaps too long. There are sooo many story details and it unravels so slowly that it felt like I was reading about the relationship and events in real time.
Because of that, I had mixed reactions to this story. So many lesfic plots have the leads fall in love in a day, it was nice to see a long slow burn of the women developing a strong friendship first. A lot of plots have the straight woman agonize about her sexuality. This one didn't. The dialogue? Always amusing and never boring but EVERY character is smart and witty. A plot that jumps or has holes? Nope, won't find that here but we get the opposite where, as readers, we get everything and the kitchen sink...
And, man, can these ladies drink. They never get drunk but I've never read so many detailed mentions to wine consumption in a story before. They drink every meal...and every evening...and afternoon...and on the airplane...and at the hotels...and even spike the hot chocolate. Seriously, these women don't drink any other liquid the entire story.
As a credit to the author, though, Jericho is perhaps the most entertaining, easy reading...yeah, okay, I'll keep going despite the predictability or lack of intensity...book I've read in the lesfic genre.
Overall, this is a syrupy sweet, feel good, everything falls into place perfectly book. The romance is fulfilling and a fantasy come true. Sometimes we need that so if that's what you're looking for, definitely read this. It's extremely well done for what it is.
I finally got around to reading this book. After hearing a lot of praise for this author I was expecting something deep and also laugh out loud funny. I didn't really get either. There is introspection and the book is plenty amusing when it comes to the dialogue but, on the whole, the pulse of the book is somewhat of a flatline the entire storyline. This is also an uber-Xena story born from fan fiction which I don't count as a bad thing but it always throws me. I don't WANT to see the characters as straight out of the show so I have to keep twisting the knob on the picture every time the author mentions physical traits.
Despite the allusion and sometimes blatant jokes made in the text that are references to the show, however, McMan came up with personalities and a storyline that are completely original.
The author takes us on a journey with Syd, a soon to be divorced woman starting over in the super small town of Jericho, meeting and falling for the gorgeous, exceptionally talented doctor, Maddie. All of their interactions are witty and amusing and each of their characters are without fault. And they're not the only ones. Everyone takes the high road in this story...
Nothing is too dramatic, too crazy, too hot, too intense, too anything...except perhaps too long. There are sooo many story details and it unravels so slowly that it felt like I was reading about the relationship and events in real time.
Because of that, I had mixed reactions to this story. So many lesfic plots have the leads fall in love in a day, it was nice to see a long slow burn of the women developing a strong friendship first. A lot of plots have the straight woman agonize about her sexuality. This one didn't. The dialogue? Always amusing and never boring but EVERY character is smart and witty. A plot that jumps or has holes? Nope, won't find that here but we get the opposite where, as readers, we get everything and the kitchen sink...
And, man, can these ladies drink. They never get drunk but I've never read so many detailed mentions to wine consumption in a story before. They drink every meal...and every evening...and afternoon...and on the airplane...and at the hotels...and even spike the hot chocolate. Seriously, these women don't drink any other liquid the entire story.
As a credit to the author, though, Jericho is perhaps the most entertaining, easy reading...yeah, okay, I'll keep going despite the predictability or lack of intensity...book I've read in the lesfic genre.
Overall, this is a syrupy sweet, feel good, everything falls into place perfectly book. The romance is fulfilling and a fantasy come true. Sometimes we need that so if that's what you're looking for, definitely read this. It's extremely well done for what it is.
August 26, 2021
I had this book on my kindle for a long time and actually don’t even know anyone why I haven’t read it. Fortunately a good friend was raving about it and told me that I need to read it. Because I trust in her book taste I knew I couldn’t go wrong. And of course it’s not a surprise that I fell in love with this story and all the characters.
The MC‘s Maddie and Syd are both looking for their place in their life and don‘t know where they stand. Both believe they are not made for a relationship or love. While Syd flees to this little town far away from home after a failed marriage with a man, for Maddie it was a coming home after her fathers death two years ago.
Even if Maddie is back for some time she still has not fully arrived. For example the place where she lives (her dads house) still doesn’t contain much from herself. Working too many hours just seems to be easier than dealing with her own feelings.
When they meet they are comfortable around each other right away which leads them to form a friendship neither of them ever had in their life. While Maddie knows what her growing feelings for Syd mean, Syd has no idea for quite some time that what she feels is attraction towards Maddie. Even if the whole town around her seems to have a crush on Maddie and demonstrates to her that it’s not unusual to have such feelings.
Together with the help of Maddie‘s friends David and Michael they slowly steer towards each other. Both characters I loved and that made me laugh out loud very often. Especially David. It was like he was on a mission to bring them together.
I don’t wanna say too much anymore about the storyline because this is something everyone has to discover for themselves. Besides a beautiful love story it’s also a story about discovering yourself. It’s about forgiving and learning to trust. And what for me is important as well to mention is what a beautiful book this is. The story and the characters have so much depth and layers. It was fantastic to discover more and more page by page. And all of it in a language that is utterly beautiful. Being a sucker for a thoughtful and beautiful phrasing I was in heaven. I definitely can’t recommend this book enough. Especially to all the lovers of a slow-burn romance. You will be in heaven as well. Personally I needed some patience at some point because I wanted to push them together and just go for it. ☺️
And after finishing I’m so very happy that this was only the first book in a series and I have 3 others to read.
The MC‘s Maddie and Syd are both looking for their place in their life and don‘t know where they stand. Both believe they are not made for a relationship or love. While Syd flees to this little town far away from home after a failed marriage with a man, for Maddie it was a coming home after her fathers death two years ago.
Even if Maddie is back for some time she still has not fully arrived. For example the place where she lives (her dads house) still doesn’t contain much from herself. Working too many hours just seems to be easier than dealing with her own feelings.
When they meet they are comfortable around each other right away which leads them to form a friendship neither of them ever had in their life. While Maddie knows what her growing feelings for Syd mean, Syd has no idea for quite some time that what she feels is attraction towards Maddie. Even if the whole town around her seems to have a crush on Maddie and demonstrates to her that it’s not unusual to have such feelings.
Together with the help of Maddie‘s friends David and Michael they slowly steer towards each other. Both characters I loved and that made me laugh out loud very often. Especially David. It was like he was on a mission to bring them together.
I don’t wanna say too much anymore about the storyline because this is something everyone has to discover for themselves. Besides a beautiful love story it’s also a story about discovering yourself. It’s about forgiving and learning to trust. And what for me is important as well to mention is what a beautiful book this is. The story and the characters have so much depth and layers. It was fantastic to discover more and more page by page. And all of it in a language that is utterly beautiful. Being a sucker for a thoughtful and beautiful phrasing I was in heaven. I definitely can’t recommend this book enough. Especially to all the lovers of a slow-burn romance. You will be in heaven as well. Personally I needed some patience at some point because I wanted to push them together and just go for it. ☺️
And after finishing I’m so very happy that this was only the first book in a series and I have 3 others to read.
July 2, 2013
I admit that I was reluctant when I started reading this book because it's yet another uber Xena fanfic that's making up of what feels to be 95% of the lesbian romance books. Sadly enough, this is also exactly what I got: glorified fanfiction and not the engaging kind either.
This book suffers from excess. The story would have been better if it'd stopped 100 pages sooner. There are one time point of views in the book that have very little point. Cut those out and I would have felt more engaged, but instead, the book drags at points, and especially in the last part.
And then there's the author's tendency for name dropping. No, I'm not just talking people, but the need to mention brands drove me to distraction. It's borderline snobbish, really. Every meal (and there are a lot of them) needs to be accompanied by a particular brand of wine. It gets ridiculous after a while. The same thing happened with some of the descriptions, especially those of (all very fancy) homes of people. Rather than describe the house, you get names of particular brands of furniture, classy pianos, art works etc etc. It's like everyone in the book is supposed to be the height of good taste (in the author's opinion) and the reader just has to know it. As someone not from the USA, this can be downright annoying as not all references make sense. The first time, I shrug my shoulders. The second time, I roll my eyes. The third time, I'm sick of it. It's consistent and present in the author's writing throughout the book and it comes across as snobbish.
It's not that the writing is terrible. It's fine most of the time and the characters are actually likeable, but there's really not much to the book. Cut out all that excess and the eyerolling ending and this book could have been so much better. Instead, it was a struggle to finish. No more uber Xena for me, no matter how bad my lesbian romance novel craving. I should have known better.
This book suffers from excess. The story would have been better if it'd stopped 100 pages sooner. There are one time point of views in the book that have very little point. Cut those out and I would have felt more engaged, but instead, the book drags at points, and especially in the last part.
And then there's the author's tendency for name dropping. No, I'm not just talking people, but the need to mention brands drove me to distraction. It's borderline snobbish, really. Every meal (and there are a lot of them) needs to be accompanied by a particular brand of wine. It gets ridiculous after a while. The same thing happened with some of the descriptions, especially those of (all very fancy) homes of people. Rather than describe the house, you get names of particular brands of furniture, classy pianos, art works etc etc. It's like everyone in the book is supposed to be the height of good taste (in the author's opinion) and the reader just has to know it. As someone not from the USA, this can be downright annoying as not all references make sense. The first time, I shrug my shoulders. The second time, I roll my eyes. The third time, I'm sick of it. It's consistent and present in the author's writing throughout the book and it comes across as snobbish.
It's not that the writing is terrible. It's fine most of the time and the characters are actually likeable, but there's really not much to the book. Cut out all that excess and the eyerolling ending and this book could have been so much better. Instead, it was a struggle to finish. No more uber Xena for me, no matter how bad my lesbian romance novel craving. I should have known better.
June 24, 2017
Back in 2011 a new author appeared on the scene with a novel called “Jericho�. It tells the tale of a straight woman, Syd, running away from her failed marriage to lick her wounds in the small town of Jericho. On her way into town she gets a flat and is saved by the town Doctor, Maddie, a single out lesbian � but our unsuspecting straight girl doesn’t realise that.. in fact doesn’t find out for quite a long time.
While setting up a new library and living in the flat above, Syd begins to form a strong friendship with Maddie, gets involved with the quirky local families and inadvertently begins to put down roots in the community. As their friendship develops Maddie is faced with the perennial question of how and when to tell her new friend, while Syd casually flirts and innocently captures Maddie’s heart. But Maddie has commitment issues of her own, and we all know what they say about falling for straight girls�
“Jericho� was and is an admirable first novel. It’s not perfect, although it’s main characters sometimes appear so. But it is full of superb observation of human character and behaviour. It is infused with love and humour, drawing out and catching the idiosyncrasies of a wide cast of locals that we can all recognise and largely empathise with.
The writing style is excellent, clearly showing the author’s literary potential, the wit is a precursor of even more humorous offerings such as the Diz and Clarissa stories. The slow burn is a wonderful alternative to so many flash in the pan romances where we get fed love at first sight and the angst of working out how. Here we essentially spend most of the well filled 416 pages, from the first meeting to the eventual resolution, watching not only Syd and Maddie come together, but a family develop and a community grow.
I loved this on first, second and third reading, as the series has progressed it has grown more and more dear. With a new offering on the table I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning of the Jericho story.
While setting up a new library and living in the flat above, Syd begins to form a strong friendship with Maddie, gets involved with the quirky local families and inadvertently begins to put down roots in the community. As their friendship develops Maddie is faced with the perennial question of how and when to tell her new friend, while Syd casually flirts and innocently captures Maddie’s heart. But Maddie has commitment issues of her own, and we all know what they say about falling for straight girls�
“Jericho� was and is an admirable first novel. It’s not perfect, although it’s main characters sometimes appear so. But it is full of superb observation of human character and behaviour. It is infused with love and humour, drawing out and catching the idiosyncrasies of a wide cast of locals that we can all recognise and largely empathise with.
The writing style is excellent, clearly showing the author’s literary potential, the wit is a precursor of even more humorous offerings such as the Diz and Clarissa stories. The slow burn is a wonderful alternative to so many flash in the pan romances where we get fed love at first sight and the angst of working out how. Here we essentially spend most of the well filled 416 pages, from the first meeting to the eventual resolution, watching not only Syd and Maddie come together, but a family develop and a community grow.
I loved this on first, second and third reading, as the series has progressed it has grown more and more dear. With a new offering on the table I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning of the Jericho story.
February 9, 2017
5+ STARS!
This review is for the Audio book.
I've read it numerous times as it is one of my all time favorite books. I needed a comfort read and an audio book, so this fit the bill.
At first I didn't care for the narrator, Christine Williams. I always imagined many of the interactions between Maddie and Syd to be rapid fire - ratta tat tat - back and forth. Williams didn't do this. She also took the description of Maddie's voice as "deep and sexy" to heart. Sometimes too much so, that at times her deep voice for Maddie was almost comical. However, for everything else she is an excellent narrator. From the southern accents and the numerous characters of all ages. I eventually got used to her Maddie voice and thank goodness she didn't do the Maddie bass voice all the time. So it didn't bother me as much as I was in the beginning.
This is a 21 hr audio book! It did take a while to finish, but I only listen at work and I took a 2 week Christmas vacation. It did help that I know the story so well, that it was easy to read it off and on without forgetting what was happening. Great book either to read or to listen. (Yes, it's not a perfect book, but I don't care, I love it flaws and all)
This review is for the Audio book.
I've read it numerous times as it is one of my all time favorite books. I needed a comfort read and an audio book, so this fit the bill.
At first I didn't care for the narrator, Christine Williams. I always imagined many of the interactions between Maddie and Syd to be rapid fire - ratta tat tat - back and forth. Williams didn't do this. She also took the description of Maddie's voice as "deep and sexy" to heart. Sometimes too much so, that at times her deep voice for Maddie was almost comical. However, for everything else she is an excellent narrator. From the southern accents and the numerous characters of all ages. I eventually got used to her Maddie voice and thank goodness she didn't do the Maddie bass voice all the time. So it didn't bother me as much as I was in the beginning.
This is a 21 hr audio book! It did take a while to finish, but I only listen at work and I took a 2 week Christmas vacation. It did help that I know the story so well, that it was easy to read it off and on without forgetting what was happening. Great book either to read or to listen. (Yes, it's not a perfect book, but I don't care, I love it flaws and all)
October 4, 2018
New town librarian, Syd, becomes good friends with the colorful locals, especially becoming close to the MD, Maddie. Syd is healing from a broken engagement and the warm reception she gets from everyone is exactly what she needs. But there’s more to the story as Syd and Maddie’s relationship deepens into a romance which is a scary notion for straight Syd.
The book is really well written, the banter is smart and sharp, and there’s definitely nice chemistry between the two mains. All this has been said before by many other reviewers.
I am going to comment instead on what caught my attention in a good way. Being of Mexican descent, I always cringe when authors bring up the subject of undocumented workers, especially those of Latino origin. Mostly because the subject is either given a “poor them� handling or a mean spirited overview, all of which are cringeworthy treatments. The author of Jericho worked in the subject seamlessly, with no baggage, both mc’s spoke Spanish like champs, not like they were doing anybody a favor. I actually fell in love with both Syd and Maddie for sincerely wanting to help where they could with both dignity and respect. So on top of being a wonderfully funny and romantic story, there was a beautiful under layer that was much appreciated.
The book is really well written, the banter is smart and sharp, and there’s definitely nice chemistry between the two mains. All this has been said before by many other reviewers.
I am going to comment instead on what caught my attention in a good way. Being of Mexican descent, I always cringe when authors bring up the subject of undocumented workers, especially those of Latino origin. Mostly because the subject is either given a “poor them� handling or a mean spirited overview, all of which are cringeworthy treatments. The author of Jericho worked in the subject seamlessly, with no baggage, both mc’s spoke Spanish like champs, not like they were doing anybody a favor. I actually fell in love with both Syd and Maddie for sincerely wanting to help where they could with both dignity and respect. So on top of being a wonderfully funny and romantic story, there was a beautiful under layer that was much appreciated.
February 9, 2017
I've read this numerous times - either the online version or the published ebook. Obviously, I love it - it is a comfort read for me. Love the fast and quick banter between the characters, especially between the 2 mains, Maddie & Syd and the friendship that slowly develops into a romance. There are a number of side characters, all well developed. It is long, but I don't mind spending time with Maddie & Syd.
December 20, 2019
It's a novel back from the good old days of online lesbian fanfic. A veeery long (and veeery sweet) friends-to-lovers novel. I just loved it!
August 31, 2017
*First of all, english is not my native language.
While I feel confident reading, I believe my writing is not so good.
So, forgive any mistake or confusion.*
I think lately I haven't given a good stars for the readings I've been doing ... Sometimes I think I'm being very strict in my comments but at the same time I think I have to be true with what I think ...
Anyway ...
I'm qualifying this reading as a 3.5
The book was well written, one can see the talent of the writer in each line.
I loved the fluid form of the narrative and the banter moments between the characters.
One of the biggest attractions for me was that the character is a librarian, I love it (not because it's my profession, but ... well ... who am I kidding?).
Now ... One of the weaknesses of the book, for me, was the edition of the paperback. The letters are insanely tiny, the separation between one scene and another is not very apparent, so if you stop a reading it is possible to get lost easily until you can find where you left off again or until the reader picks up the pace of the book.
Another point of disappointment was ... This is extremely tropish ... Like ... Very tropish!
I like trope ... I love trope from time to time ... But the way the writer created all the trope ... Yeah ... It was not even interesting, because I could see this coming miles away .
See ... I have no problem (sometimes) in deciphering some scenes from the books ... The problem is when you decipher the whole book and probably next in the collection ...
I know that this book is not a suspense but ... It is one of the elements of a good book to make the reader want to know what is going to happen ... It did not happen here ... Any moment
Another thing that struck me a lot was that despite being a slow burn ... The author kind of knocked out the slow brun sense from the moment that made the character say "I love you" and give meaningful gifts with little time in which they became together.
I understand that they were friends for a while (although in a few weeks one of the characters already invites the other to spend the night in their house, platonically, ...), but go from a slow burn to deep declarations of love , Dreaming of marriage and children ... Yeah ... This is not slow burn for me
I always say that fanfics ruined my life because after reading a fanfic slow burn I can not believe a plot that has all the above points cited and falling into that the category.
Finally ... Despite the points I've cited, I believe that if a reader likes cute romances, with enough banter and tropes ... Then this story will be a full plate for them. It just was not for me.
However, because I have adored the author's writing style, I must try another book of her again.
While I feel confident reading, I believe my writing is not so good.
So, forgive any mistake or confusion.*
I think lately I haven't given a good stars for the readings I've been doing ... Sometimes I think I'm being very strict in my comments but at the same time I think I have to be true with what I think ...
Anyway ...
I'm qualifying this reading as a 3.5
The book was well written, one can see the talent of the writer in each line.
I loved the fluid form of the narrative and the banter moments between the characters.
One of the biggest attractions for me was that the character is a librarian, I love it (not because it's my profession, but ... well ... who am I kidding?).
Now ... One of the weaknesses of the book, for me, was the edition of the paperback. The letters are insanely tiny, the separation between one scene and another is not very apparent, so if you stop a reading it is possible to get lost easily until you can find where you left off again or until the reader picks up the pace of the book.
Another point of disappointment was ... This is extremely tropish ... Like ... Very tropish!
I like trope ... I love trope from time to time ... But the way the writer created all the trope ... Yeah ... It was not even interesting, because I could see this coming miles away .
See ... I have no problem (sometimes) in deciphering some scenes from the books ... The problem is when you decipher the whole book and probably next in the collection ...
I know that this book is not a suspense but ... It is one of the elements of a good book to make the reader want to know what is going to happen ... It did not happen here ... Any moment
Another thing that struck me a lot was that despite being a slow burn ... The author kind of knocked out the slow brun sense from the moment that made the character say "I love you" and give meaningful gifts with little time in which they became together.
I understand that they were friends for a while (although in a few weeks one of the characters already invites the other to spend the night in their house, platonically, ...), but go from a slow burn to deep declarations of love , Dreaming of marriage and children ... Yeah ... This is not slow burn for me
I always say that fanfics ruined my life because after reading a fanfic slow burn I can not believe a plot that has all the above points cited and falling into that the category.
Finally ... Despite the points I've cited, I believe that if a reader likes cute romances, with enough banter and tropes ... Then this story will be a full plate for them. It just was not for me.
However, because I have adored the author's writing style, I must try another book of her again.
December 8, 2015
I was so obsessed with this book for awhile, that an old friend used to joke that it was my new girlfriend, Jeri Cho. I do admit that I spent an enormous amount of time with her. But what did she give me in the end? She gave me a broken heart. We had a booty call a few months later (Ann McMan wrote a collection of short stories Sidecar, one of them featuring Maddie and Syd). Then, we got back together shortly after that (Ann McMan wrote a sequel, Aftermath) but it just wasn’t the same. I read somewhere that the author was planning on continuing the series with another book in 2015. It hasn’t happened yet, but I’m really hoping it will sometime in the near future. I need closure, Ann McMan!
This book earned a lot of awards and recognition, and for damn good reason. It’s one helluva novel. Not only is it a GREAT story, but it’s GREAT writing. Jericho is the complete package: engaging plot, compelling three-dimensional characters (layers upon layers, like yummy 7-layer bean dip), and smart dialogue. The banter between Maddie and Syd is witty, playful, and intellectually flirtatious. Their chemistry is really off the pages.
The romance develops slower than most lesbian novels and that helps it feel more organic and authentic. You’re at the edge of your seat (or edge of your bed, depending on where you’re reading) eagerly anticipating Maddie or Syd to grow some ovaries and profess their love and affection for each other. When they FINALLY come together, it’s like the feeling you get when you’re listening to a long progressive house song and the bass drops. Oh, the feels!
If you enjoy reading books that include any of the following: small-town living, hot doctors, sexy librarians, Katharine Hepburn, Adirondack chairs, classical music, wine, strong coffee, Cheetos� READ JERICHO! Even if you don’t, read it any way. Especially, if you’re planning on relaxing in a cabin during the winter season, and you’re longing to curl up with a good book that will make your insides feel like Christmas.
This book earned a lot of awards and recognition, and for damn good reason. It’s one helluva novel. Not only is it a GREAT story, but it’s GREAT writing. Jericho is the complete package: engaging plot, compelling three-dimensional characters (layers upon layers, like yummy 7-layer bean dip), and smart dialogue. The banter between Maddie and Syd is witty, playful, and intellectually flirtatious. Their chemistry is really off the pages.
The romance develops slower than most lesbian novels and that helps it feel more organic and authentic. You’re at the edge of your seat (or edge of your bed, depending on where you’re reading) eagerly anticipating Maddie or Syd to grow some ovaries and profess their love and affection for each other. When they FINALLY come together, it’s like the feeling you get when you’re listening to a long progressive house song and the bass drops. Oh, the feels!
If you enjoy reading books that include any of the following: small-town living, hot doctors, sexy librarians, Katharine Hepburn, Adirondack chairs, classical music, wine, strong coffee, Cheetos� READ JERICHO! Even if you don’t, read it any way. Especially, if you’re planning on relaxing in a cabin during the winter season, and you’re longing to curl up with a good book that will make your insides feel like Christmas.
August 30, 2013
I DON'T KNOW HOW TO RATE THIS because I loved the early part of the book: the characters meeting and the development of their friendship and early relationship. I initially liked Maddie a lot (although she started to irritate me over time because she was amazing at everything and everyone in town was in love with her, also I suspect this is a Xena fanfiction with the numbers filed off and after a while it got distracting because I kept thinking "is that Xena?". I mean, I like Xena, but I don't want to read a novel about her). I thought Syd was kind of underdeveloped, but pleasant enough. I liked discovering the town with her. But the writing all kind of fell apart into mushy romance/weird random plot inclusions (the reason Celine and Maddie lost touch, wtf; the hastily-included stalker dude who very thoughtfully died of a drug overdose after being shot by his mother after attacking someone not-very-important-to-the-story (despite the fact that he was actually stalking Maddie and Syd? I guess?)/the centrifuge explosion (I am not making this up)/the inevitable adopting a kid after they'd been together for like two weeks).
Lesbian romances, I want to love you. I just want good characterization that doesn't get completely steamrolled by sugary sweet truuuuee loooovee and bizarro out-of-left-field plot developments.
Lesbian romances, I want to love you. I just want good characterization that doesn't get completely steamrolled by sugary sweet truuuuee loooovee and bizarro out-of-left-field plot developments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2017
6 stars. One of my favorite books of all time. 3rd time through this over the years, this one was on audio book. This one comes in at over 21 hours of audio. Love this book. Like seriously. The audio version in my opinion was absolutely flawless.
January 14, 2020
A nice and really long read. Thoroughly enjoyed the witty dialogues & banters between the characters; namely Maddie, Syd and David. You get to read how the characters developed/evolved over time; how Maddie and Syd became friends and eventual lovers.
A solid 4 for me
A solid 4 for me
April 23, 2022
This series is awesome. I listened to them all back to back. It was a recommendation from this group that made me get them and I’m sooooo glad I did. Syd and Maddie are so beautiful and perfect for each other 😍. Their witty intelligent banter was funny and sexy. The way they got to know each other and fall in love was so gentle and gorgeous, I had the permanent warm and fuzzies. There relationship is steady and free of pointless drama, any drama that does occur in these books they face together and work through it. It’s as close to perfect as a couple can be. David and Micheal are laugh out loud funny, Henry is sweet and loveable, Roma-jean is so clueless and clumsy and funny to begin with, but develops through the books in to a fabulous young woman. I wanted to wrap Dorothy in as much love an warmth as she could take and I fell head over heals in love with Celine.( move over sherif, she’s mine). The main storyline in each book is great and keeps you wanting to read and the world of Jericho builds in each book. It’s just great. I loved it. My only tiny critique is that the narration was a little slow, but I sped it up on the audible app and it was no longer a problem.
February 27, 2019
Oh my God what a trip !This book is great !
The pace is very very very slow and there is a lot of meat on the bones of the story
That made the story so much believable, you could feel the characters changing, growing into something else, and ... fiuu, I feel so happy that I have a silly grin plastered on my face right now.
And I should be ashamed to have spend my all day reading it but hey, I'm sick so I have the right to read on the couch all day, especially with such an enticing treat !
Back to the book. I can't believe it's a first book for the writer !
I am so adding her to my writer-to-follow list !
Edited 01/08/18
Still awesome. The first chapters were a bit harder to get into, but I got addicted pretty soon after we got to Jericho.
Edited 27/02/18
I finally listened to the audio version.
The first chapters are still a bit harder to get into so that didn't changed.
On the plus side, the sense of humor is much more obvious than when I read it.
But I really didn't like the narrator choices of voices for the character, and sometimes couldn't tell them apart. And at the end, it kept irking me and pulling me out of the story. :'(
The pace is very very very slow and there is a lot of meat on the bones of the story
That made the story so much believable, you could feel the characters changing, growing into something else, and ... fiuu, I feel so happy that I have a silly grin plastered on my face right now.
And I should be ashamed to have spend my all day reading it but hey, I'm sick so I have the right to read on the couch all day, especially with such an enticing treat !
Back to the book. I can't believe it's a first book for the writer !
I am so adding her to my writer-to-follow list !
Edited 01/08/18
Still awesome. The first chapters were a bit harder to get into, but I got addicted pretty soon after we got to Jericho.
Edited 27/02/18
I finally listened to the audio version.
The first chapters are still a bit harder to get into so that didn't changed.
On the plus side, the sense of humor is much more obvious than when I read it.
But I really didn't like the narrator choices of voices for the character, and sometimes couldn't tell them apart. And at the end, it kept irking me and pulling me out of the story. :'(
March 23, 2017
Fate -- what a beautiful word when you become engrossed in an engaging and funny read with characters and writing that have you laughing and cheering. I listened to this story while taking a road trip and it was an excellent selection because it was long yet kept me wanting more. Stopping to refuel was torture because I could not wait to get back in the vehicle and continue to glide along with Maddie Stevenson and Syd Murphy. The main characters remind me of people I would like to have in my life because they are so caring and nurturing about each other as well as others. A doctor and a librarian, sweet. As others have stated the supporting characters make the story memorable and entertaining. I also think the description of the town is well presented to such an extent that I could visualize in my mind's eye. I do plan to read/listen to the next book in the series.
November 13, 2013
I read a lot of lesbian fiction and Jericho by Ann McMan is really high on my list that I would recommend for a really well written lesbian romance with awesome dialogue. I really enjoyed how it does not follow the typical arch of lesbian romance where girl meets girl, there is some conflict, then they fall madly in love and have mind blowing sex. This is different and has a complimentary cast of characters which for the most part really add to the entire story. What is a true standout is the dialogue. It is smart and funny with a razor sharpness that is quite creative. I do not think anyone who reads this book will be disappointed with it.
April 25, 2020
I feel like I'm just mush right now, all my bones and organs have melted like butter. A super sweet, slow-burn romance between Maddie, a doctor who just broke off a 2-year toxic relationship plus burdened with family issues, and Syd, the town librarian, and future divorcee of an asshole of a husband. My favourite part of the whole thing is definitely how they talk to each other. The dialogue itself, the banter. Ahhh, I had a grin on my face for almost the entire read.
I also like that it's not as cheesy as some, no looking at the sunset and saying it's beautiful while looking at each other. Not much of those teasings where they had to stop themselves afraid of going too far. They're friends first, which is so nice to see.
After they FINALLY start the relationship, everything progressed REALLY quick though. The I love yous and moving-in, I somewhat understand, but that last part though, with the helping people out to that extent. Maybe because it's something I can never do myself, maybe I can't make sense of how you can trust someone you met ONCE but enough to give that "part" of yourself away. I don't know, feels a bit surreal. And since it happens at the end of a long, pure romance book, I kinda just skimmed that whole part.
Overall, great writing, great conversations. A+ characters. Syd, Maddie, and all the side characters are lovely. Even their families too. So open, nurturing, and loving - I mean, what I'd give. A note to Celine though... because of my love for older, cold but silently wonderful human beings, I volunteer to make you happy again. A++ to Celine.
4.25 stars.
I also like that it's not as cheesy as some, no looking at the sunset and saying it's beautiful while looking at each other. Not much of those teasings where they had to stop themselves afraid of going too far. They're friends first, which is so nice to see.
After they FINALLY start the relationship, everything progressed REALLY quick though. The I love yous and moving-in, I somewhat understand, but that last part though, with the helping people out to that extent. Maybe because it's something I can never do myself, maybe I can't make sense of how you can trust someone you met ONCE but enough to give that "part" of yourself away. I don't know, feels a bit surreal. And since it happens at the end of a long, pure romance book, I kinda just skimmed that whole part.
Overall, great writing, great conversations. A+ characters. Syd, Maddie, and all the side characters are lovely. Even their families too. So open, nurturing, and loving - I mean, what I'd give. A note to Celine though... because of my love for older, cold but silently wonderful human beings, I volunteer to make you happy again. A++ to Celine.
4.25 stars.
December 24, 2019
Gave this a reread. Still fantastic.
July 25, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ would’ve been 4 but I didn’t really enjoy the narration - especially Maddy’s voice. :(
January 2, 2018
There are a lot of superlative reviews for this book and while it is a good story that's enjoyable to read, it's not quite as fantastic as it's made out to be here. The love story between Maddie and Syd is cute and well paced (they actually become friends first and the emergence of their feelings for each other feels organic rather than contrived). The supporting characters, Maddie's best friends, Syd's family and the townies are also very engaging and lend a lot to the story. The subplot of Maddie and her mother is also quite sweet. But I could have done with out the over-use of italics, a little bit of emphasis goes a long way. All in all, this is a good story that comes undone towards the end, when the story should be heading to a close.
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