Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 stars)
Clara Ziegler is trying to come up with a new color combination for her custom yarn dyes that she sells. When she pasts by a local gallery hosting wildlife painting by Danielle Solomon, inspiration strikes. But what Clara expect is how captivating Danielle is as well, with similar interests and passions as her. But can Clara find the courage to ask Danielle out?
In an adorable slice of life story, Shira Glassman takes us through a moment of time we’ve all experienced: a crush blossoming out of nowhere, and a girl trying her best to either hide it or take the next step. The story is straight forward, adorable, and realistic. It’s not like Danielle knocked Clara off her feet: these are two LGBTQ women who find themselves drawn to one and other by similar interests as well as looks. Their similar interest: color.
As a Jewish Girl based in Florida, with a knitting hobby, I saw myself in part of this story. I am not a Lesbian like Clara, but it doesn’t mean it wasn’t relatable. The jokes about Jewish food, as well as the mind numbing element of garter stitches, left me giggling. And even without being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, Clara and Danielle’s early romance was adorable and relatable.
Yet, as with any short story, something is left to be desired. While the romance meandered at just the right pace, giving the reader a chance to get to know Clara and Danielle, part of me would have loved to really get to know their background and family more. But that is what happens often with a short story; some things have to be left out.
The story was absolutely adorable though. It isn’t common to see a cute romance about two Jewish women, which made it all the better.
So, if you have 45 minutes, definitely check it out! It’s worth it.
What’s it about?
Small-batch independent yarn dyer Clara Ziegler is eager to brainstorm new color combinations–if only she could come up with ideas she likes as much as last time! When she sees Danielle Solomon’s paintings of Florida wildlife by chance at a neighborhood gallery, she finds her source of inspiration. Outspoken, passionate, and complicated, Danielle herself soon proves even more captivating than her artwork…
Fluffy Jewish f/f contemporary set in the author’s childhood home of South Florida.
E.S. Barrison 