What do you think?
Rate this book
Leaving L.A.
Movie star Tessa Flanagan has retired from the Hollywood grind with a string of popular and critical successes behind her. Now her days revolve around spending time with her daughter Laya and launching a new career in philanthropy. She doesn't expect a brief encounter with Eleanor Chapin, Laya's new kindergarten teacher, to make a lasting impression. As the end of the school year nears, however, Tessa realizes that her daughter's beloved Miss Chapin may be the perfect nanny for the summer. Natural and direct, Eleanor already understands Laya's need for life out of the public eye. Even though it means inviting a stranger into their household, Tessa is certain her own carefully guarded secrets will not be at risk.For Eleanor, L.A. is merely a stop between Boston and a long-awaited Ph.D. program. But the job offer from Tessa Flanagan is so lucrative she is tempted to put her plans on hold. The idea of working closely with Tessa is equally enticing, but the job is about Laya. There's no reason not to take it--after all, she'll be leaving L.A. soon.Kate Christie explores the distance from Chicago's South Side to the Hollywood Hills, from bucolic New England to lush Kauai through the passionate connection between two women looking for home.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2011
About the author
Kate Christie
28 books248 followersKate Christie, author of In the Company of Women, Gay Pride & Prejudice, and the Girls of Summer series, was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI. A graduate of Smith College, she lives near Seattle with her wife, their three daughters, and the family dogs.
To join her mailing list and receive email notifications of new releases, giveaways, and other news, visit https://katejchristie.com/mailing-list/.
To join her mailing list and receive email notifications of new releases, giveaways, and other news, visit https://katejchristie.com/mailing-list/.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 27, 2017
There are very few authors who I've read everything they've published - at least if you don't start 'counting' until an author has published four or more works, otherwise there are a ton of authors I've read their one and only book (I suppose I could raise it to two or even three books published but still, seems low to be all excited about having read everything an author has published - 'I've read everything the author has published! I love them! What? Oh, they've published two books.') I mention this because this specific book was the last one that I had not yet read by this specific author.
Imagine my surprise, then, when I spotted people excitedly talking about a different book they'd read . . . and it is this author but under a different name - writing fanfiction. mmphs. Sooo . . . I haven't read everything by this author. bah. I don't care. mmphs. (should be noted I hurriedly grabbed a copy of that other book when I learned of it before someone gets the wrong idea).
So, this book. It's somewhat different than what I'd come to expect from Kate Christie. Her books seemed to be set in the relatively recent past (other than the Pride & Prejudice one; and the one set in WWII time), involve young and/or new adults and in some way involve athletes - likely ones who play soccer. One of the characters is athletic (always running) and is a college student but . . . they are also 34 (something like 33 to 34 over the course of this book). Also, this book is not set in the early 2000s or the 1980s. No, it's set roughly around when it was published (2011). People are using technology of the time (phones, computers, video-chatting, etc. etc.) and there's mention of both President Bush, and President Obama. Hmm. I should have just said 'Christie does not normally write contemporary romances involving adults, but this one is a contemporary romance involving adults'.
Well, as noted, one of the characters is around 33 to 34. She's a kindergarten teacher from Vermont. She had planned to go directly from college to grad school, but got interrupted by her mother getting then trying to beat, over five or so years, breast cancer. As the book starts, Eleanor Chapin, is in the process of receiving word from various grad schools on whether they have accepted her or not. In the mean time she is still working as a teacher, as already noted. Which is how she came into contact with the other main character in this book.
Tessa Flanagan's daughter, Layla, is in Eleanor's class. And really really loves her. And wants her mother to meet her teacher. So, she does. Tessa Flanagan is a mixed race woman, is important!, half-Irish descent and half-Filipino. She admits to that, but has otherwise mostly obscured her Chicago past for reasons that unfold in this book. As far as the reader needs to know going in - she's an A list actress who has recently (within the past year) retired from acting to spend time raising her daughter and setting up and then running a charity. I'd have said 'the relatively young age of 30-something' but many actresses find themselves 'replaced' and 'too old' when they reach their 30s so I can't say 'young age of' here.
I rather enjoyed this book. My main concern didn't really impact me as much as I figured it would when it came time for the two women to fall into a relationship. That concern being that Tessa had been paying Eleanor a massive amount of money, weekly, to be her child's nanny, when they both fell into bed together. I figured I'd feel icky about it - in a 'has Tessa accidentally turned Eleanor into a prostitute?'. But, didn't seem to be a problem to me, them, or in the story (I could have easily seen this come up as a plot point, a point of conflict - media learns of the amount of money being paid, and that the two are sleeping together - easily turned into huge scandal story - didn't happen).
sex Graphic. And I specifically recall liking one of the events described. Especially how it was written - both the joking nature, then pushing past that joking nature.
Rating: 4.78
August 26 2017
Imagine my surprise, then, when I spotted people excitedly talking about a different book they'd read . . . and it is this author but under a different name - writing fanfiction. mmphs. Sooo . . . I haven't read everything by this author. bah. I don't care. mmphs. (should be noted I hurriedly grabbed a copy of that other book when I learned of it before someone gets the wrong idea).
So, this book. It's somewhat different than what I'd come to expect from Kate Christie. Her books seemed to be set in the relatively recent past (other than the Pride & Prejudice one; and the one set in WWII time), involve young and/or new adults and in some way involve athletes - likely ones who play soccer. One of the characters is athletic (always running) and is a college student but . . . they are also 34 (something like 33 to 34 over the course of this book). Also, this book is not set in the early 2000s or the 1980s. No, it's set roughly around when it was published (2011). People are using technology of the time (phones, computers, video-chatting, etc. etc.) and there's mention of both President Bush, and President Obama. Hmm. I should have just said 'Christie does not normally write contemporary romances involving adults, but this one is a contemporary romance involving adults'.
Well, as noted, one of the characters is around 33 to 34. She's a kindergarten teacher from Vermont. She had planned to go directly from college to grad school, but got interrupted by her mother getting then trying to beat, over five or so years, breast cancer. As the book starts, Eleanor Chapin, is in the process of receiving word from various grad schools on whether they have accepted her or not. In the mean time she is still working as a teacher, as already noted. Which is how she came into contact with the other main character in this book.
Tessa Flanagan's daughter, Layla, is in Eleanor's class. And really really loves her. And wants her mother to meet her teacher. So, she does. Tessa Flanagan is a mixed race woman, is important!, half-Irish descent and half-Filipino. She admits to that, but has otherwise mostly obscured her Chicago past for reasons that unfold in this book. As far as the reader needs to know going in - she's an A list actress who has recently (within the past year) retired from acting to spend time raising her daughter and setting up and then running a charity. I'd have said 'the relatively young age of 30-something' but many actresses find themselves 'replaced' and 'too old' when they reach their 30s so I can't say 'young age of' here.
I rather enjoyed this book. My main concern didn't really impact me as much as I figured it would when it came time for the two women to fall into a relationship. That concern being that Tessa had been paying Eleanor a massive amount of money, weekly, to be her child's nanny, when they both fell into bed together. I figured I'd feel icky about it - in a 'has Tessa accidentally turned Eleanor into a prostitute?'. But, didn't seem to be a problem to me, them, or in the story (I could have easily seen this come up as a plot point, a point of conflict - media learns of the amount of money being paid, and that the two are sleeping together - easily turned into huge scandal story - didn't happen).
sex Graphic. And I specifically recall liking one of the events described. Especially how it was written - both the joking nature, then pushing past that joking nature.
Rating: 4.78
August 26 2017
March 7, 2018
2.5 stars. What a frustrating read. Both leads are INCREDIBLY insecure all the damn time. That is when they actually interact with each other, a lot of the book is just info dumping about things not directly related to their relationship.
September 2, 2017
I liked elements of this story but the overall execution made it just an okay read for me.
The good: All characters are distinct, the chemistry between the two leads is good, the kid is cute, the evolution of the relationship was slowburn enough with no instalove, Tessa is mixed race (Irish / Filipino), the settings of LA and Hawaii were really well done.
The not so good: It felt like 80% of the book was told rather than shown. Instead of seeing interactions between the characters we're constantly in the mind of either Tessa or Eleanor's POV to hear their histories, thoughts, or what they did. I didn't like that style at all. I kept wanting them to get out of their heads and see scenes between each other.
Eleanor, what the hell? The leads hit a bump in the road and Eleanor reacts in a completely cowardly and selfish way. Reasons were given in the book to cushion the blow but still. Her character and the book took a big nose dive there.
The story also ended abruptly and could've benefited from an epilogue.
I really enjoyed another story of Kate Christie's just not this one so much. I'll try something else of hers in the future.
The good: All characters are distinct, the chemistry between the two leads is good, the kid is cute, the evolution of the relationship was slowburn enough with no instalove, Tessa is mixed race (Irish / Filipino), the settings of LA and Hawaii were really well done.
The not so good: It felt like 80% of the book was told rather than shown. Instead of seeing interactions between the characters we're constantly in the mind of either Tessa or Eleanor's POV to hear their histories, thoughts, or what they did. I didn't like that style at all. I kept wanting them to get out of their heads and see scenes between each other.
Eleanor, what the hell? The leads hit a bump in the road and Eleanor reacts in a completely cowardly and selfish way. Reasons were given in the book to cushion the blow but still. Her character and the book took a big nose dive there.
The story also ended abruptly and could've benefited from an epilogue.
I really enjoyed another story of Kate Christie's just not this one so much. I'll try something else of hers in the future.
May 24, 2019
Well, I’m a sucker for Hollywood romance. So that would have me giving 1 star away, even before I read the 1st chapter! 😊 Story was ok, nicely paced. Story is about a closeted retired actress, Tessa, and Eleanor, temporary kindergarten teacher who is finding reprieve in LA after the death of her Mother whom she helped to care for while at the same time putting her life on hold. I liked reading the build-up to the big-bang, the shy glances, the uncertainty, the flirting. After the big-bang, plot was kinda flat for me. Nothing much happening except the mundane, lazing around, the sleepover, etc. When we get to the mandatory angst, it gets a little more interesting to read.
Overall - a pleasant read.
Overall - a pleasant read.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
October 30, 2016I read this years ago and I remembered it was OK, so I decided to do a re-read. It wasn't badly written it just didn't appeal to me and I couldn't finish it the second time around.
April 8, 2017
This is still one of my favourite books.
December 16, 2019
I'm a pretty huge Christie fan, especially her girls of summer series, but this book just didn't do it for me like her other books.
Maybe also because I just read K J's "Coming Home" a few weeks ago, and the stories are extremely similar, but I enjoyed KJ's take more.
In fact, I enjoyed it a whole lot. There was a connection between the leads, I loved the dynamic between Sam and the daughter, and there was a heart tugging feel solidly interwoven beneath the words, which made it hard to step away from.
All those things, I felt missing in this book. I couldn't find a connection between the leads, the daughter was just... That intrinsic warmth seemed to be missing in the interactions - in fact, I was kind of wondering why the daughter was even wanting Elle around so badly, there really didn't seem to be any scenes to suggest that sort of warmth or intimacy.
So yeah, not my favourite by christie, but I still love her works, and every should read the girls of summer series, especially if you're a sports fan.
Maybe also because I just read K J's "Coming Home" a few weeks ago, and the stories are extremely similar, but I enjoyed KJ's take more.
In fact, I enjoyed it a whole lot. There was a connection between the leads, I loved the dynamic between Sam and the daughter, and there was a heart tugging feel solidly interwoven beneath the words, which made it hard to step away from.
All those things, I felt missing in this book. I couldn't find a connection between the leads, the daughter was just... That intrinsic warmth seemed to be missing in the interactions - in fact, I was kind of wondering why the daughter was even wanting Elle around so badly, there really didn't seem to be any scenes to suggest that sort of warmth or intimacy.
So yeah, not my favourite by christie, but I still love her works, and every should read the girls of summer series, especially if you're a sports fan.
June 18, 2020
Loved it, happy on my Kindle, nearing the end, still 7 minutes to go... and it ended. What? I love the end bits, that's the point of the book! So I deducted a star as I was cross - but that seems a bit petty! Can I do 4.5*s? - always leave them wanting more, I suppose - but hey, give me my fix! :) Move on. Re-read - feel a bit harsh so 5* now.
July 26, 2023
6/10
It was a nice layered story and i liked it but somehow it felt incomplete and honestly it kinda felt like the characters had these feelings for each other way too quickly
also too many mentions of ellen de generes and the l word imo (side eye)
It was a nice layered story and i liked it but somehow it felt incomplete and honestly it kinda felt like the characters had these feelings for each other way too quickly
also too many mentions of ellen de generes and the l word imo (side eye)
January 16, 2018
This is a good read book. I actually dont know what to say about this book after i just finished it. I also actually started reading it (put it to currently-reading) but idk if its because of the book or just my mood wasnt there, i just stop and put it back to (to-read) (let just blame my mood). And now here i am finished the book. Hehe..
I enjoyed this book quite alot. I also understand the insecure that Tessa had about trusting someone and i also understand why Ellenor did what she did, i would also be agree along with her friends for the decision she made. Well cant blame anyone.
The description(?) about their past: while they were doing something (in their currently time), and then they started to talk about their past or about something is quite long i think. I actually forgot what they were doing when that description finished. Probably because of my poor memory.
All in all i enjoy this book.
I enjoyed this book quite alot. I also understand the insecure that Tessa had about trusting someone and i also understand why Ellenor did what she did, i would also be agree along with her friends for the decision she made. Well cant blame anyone.
The description(?) about their past: while they were doing something (in their currently time), and then they started to talk about their past or about something is quite long i think. I actually forgot what they were doing when that description finished. Probably because of my poor memory.
All in all i enjoy this book.
September 11, 2016
it was a real struggle to finish this book. i had to skip A LOT of the blurb. it's a shame too because the characters were likeable but there was just too much writing involved with not enough story. only my opinion though
April 16, 2011
Liked the story and it seemed to flow well but certain concepts just seemed unrealistic.
June 11, 2023
I really loved the characters, truly. The amount of dialogue hindered that part a lot. Especially in the beginning there were moments where pages of not necessarily prudent background information was given before the next conversation happened. did enjoy it tho
June 1, 2017
this is the second book i read from this author and i enjoy it as much as you can enjoy fluff with a little bit drama. But so far i realized two things in both books: the characters love the indigo girls (maybe i might be to young to know who they are because i have no idea, gonna go check them out) and in both books so far the death of a relative was the catalyst for the characters to move away which is the reason i only gave this 3 instead of 4 starts because it is pretty much the same backstory as the other book (solstice).
November 8, 2013
I loved these characters. But I was disappointed. I felt the first 2/3 of the book was well written and developed. The last third seemed so out of sync and disjointed with the progression of the book. Also, abrupt, cliched ending.
February 29, 2016
2.75 stars
Oh well just another Hollywood lesbian story, which I realized I don't have any memory of it left to review a month after I finished reading. But I recall that there was nothing I particularly hate (more like indifferent), so I will just keep the rating.
Oh well just another Hollywood lesbian story, which I realized I don't have any memory of it left to review a month after I finished reading. But I recall that there was nothing I particularly hate (more like indifferent), so I will just keep the rating.
November 11, 2011
One thing Christie does that I like is creating well-rounded, likeable characters in believable situations. I can fall into her stories on page one.
Nice quick read.
Nice quick read.
January 7, 2017
Quite nice read, but if it was shorter I would appreciate it more.
December 30, 2017
Cute story with emphasis on celebrity paranoia.
October 20, 2020
This is a celebrity romance done right. The book is a love story between a closeted Hollywood Star of Philippino descent (yay for women of color leads) and her nanny- an aspiring grad student. The sexual tension and build up is superb and their relationship is actually REALISTIC. I hate celebrity romances when the meet cute and the relationship just isn’t believable. In this case both characters have a lot to overcome in order to act on their growing attraction.
Celebrity romance, coming out, workplace romance- all done well. This book is charming and feel good- and I revisit it time and again.
Celebrity romance, coming out, workplace romance- all done well. This book is charming and feel good- and I revisit it time and again.
March 14, 2021
I really enjoy romances that feature celebrities and this was no exception. The way their vacation is described is amazing, I could picture everything and it made me so jealous! I want to go to Hawaii too... Anyway, the romance was pretty great too, there was quite a bit of pining and angst, but that just made it more enjoyable. Kate Christie has just become an auto-buy author for me.
February 1, 2019
4.5 stars
July 10, 2022
…. Skipped a lot of the blurb and still couldn’t manage to read after chapter 13
May 20, 2018
It's story about Hollywood retired actress and a teacher. And I scream so hard when I knew the premise because that all is my liking. A Hollywood actress. A teacher. A kid. That three words give you some warm vibe doesn't it. Damn, all of that is my favorite element
But totally this books is not live up the expectation. I can't really stand so much description and this books is info dump. I hate it too that instead of describe it over the character action and feeling that shown the books choose to go into character POV and their internal monologue to tell the love story. That's not how it works!!!
And I got so annoying when both of mc stay to long on their struggle. This have a good element but the direction it takes is wrong.
But totally this books is not live up the expectation. I can't really stand so much description and this books is info dump. I hate it too that instead of describe it over the character action and feeling that shown the books choose to go into character POV and their internal monologue to tell the love story. That's not how it works!!!
And I got so annoying when both of mc stay to long on their struggle. This have a good element but the direction it takes is wrong.
January 26, 2013
All in all a solid and satisfying romance. It was interesting to read it after Jodie Foster's speech at the Golden Globes, though I am pretty sure that she never got involved with her nanny (nor was she half-Filipino). I enjoyed the read, it kept me pretty satisfied, though the pop culture references which were very specific were a little jarring -- reference to Sarah Water's latest book, about straight people, pegged the time frame very specifically, which took me out of the story for a moment. Other than those slight twinges, I was in there rooting for them. Definitely worth a read for fans of lesbian fiction
June 20, 2013
I really liked it, for many reasons. It's very well written, the characters, especially little Laya, are great, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the book discussions and references! And although the end was "predictable", there are many serious issues which the author treats with great respect1
This was my first Kate Christie novel, but most likely not the last!
This was my first Kate Christie novel, but most likely not the last!
May 7, 2012
I really enjoyed the book, well written, characters are well developed.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews