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The Plan
As the dark days of the Dust Bowl came to an end, the midsection of the United States tried to rebuild and revitalize. In the small, dusty farming town of, Brooke View, Colorado, teenager, Eleanor Landry and her mother were dealing with her father, a self-appointment fire and brimstone preacher to his congregation of two. A plan to survive. As the dark era of the robber baron comes to an end, giants of industry and innovation emerged with fabulous fortunes manifested in the mansions that dotted the landscape across the country. Lysette Landon, the teen daughter of the wealthiest family in Brooke View, was everything a good, proper girl of privilege should be. Only problem was, she wasn’t dreaming of finding a young man to raise a family with. A plan to be free. One look, one touch, all plans are off. Secrets deeper and darker than the grave would bring Eleanor and Lysette together, their families connected by a web of lies and broken promises. A plan to escape. Be careful because, life has other plans…
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2019
12 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Kim Pritekel
74 books153 followersKim Pritekel is a published author living in Denver, Colorado. She is also a very popular online author of many novels, novellas and short stories. She is the Royal Academy of Bards 2005 Hall of Fame Author.
Her love of writing began at age 9, and she wrote her first novel at age 12, wishing to follow in the footsteps of childhood idol, S.E. Hinton. She was published for the first time at age 24 with her novel, First.
Kim has followed her dreams right into the film industry, writing screenplays for production companies in Los Angeles, as well as for her own production company, Asp Films with business partner, Kelly Neal. Their first feature film, Self Portrait – written, directed and co-produced by Kim – premiered in Denver in June of 2013.
She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her beloved cats. She is always adding to her ever-growing collection of swords and historic memorabilia. She is a huge fan of music, including musical theater. The "musical" love of her life is Sarah Brightman, who she tosses a mention of in every book she can.
Kim is a writing machine, so come back often to see what she's working on next!
Her love of writing began at age 9, and she wrote her first novel at age 12, wishing to follow in the footsteps of childhood idol, S.E. Hinton. She was published for the first time at age 24 with her novel, First.
Kim has followed her dreams right into the film industry, writing screenplays for production companies in Los Angeles, as well as for her own production company, Asp Films with business partner, Kelly Neal. Their first feature film, Self Portrait – written, directed and co-produced by Kim – premiered in Denver in June of 2013.
She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her beloved cats. She is always adding to her ever-growing collection of swords and historic memorabilia. She is a huge fan of music, including musical theater. The "musical" love of her life is Sarah Brightman, who she tosses a mention of in every book she can.
Kim is a writing machine, so come back often to see what she's working on next!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 10, 2019
4.25 Stars. This was really good. I have not read a ton of Kim’s books but this is definitely the best one I have read. I also would not be surprised if this ends up being the best historic-fiction book I read in 2019.
This was actually quite different than I expected. It is a historic romance but it is also a drama and even part YA. It switches between the 1930’s, when the two mains are 15-16, and when the characters are adults in the late 50’s. I am the first to admit I am not a fan of flashbacks, but this was slightly different. It is almost like taking a full YA story and a full adult drama and blending them. So while the story goes from the 30’s to 50’s to back to the 30’s again, both stories are on a linear path. I hope I’m making sense, the flashbacks are not random they are a consistent story. It made it so that both storylines were equally compelling to read about. The only small negative is sometimes you are not quite sure if the jump back or forward has happened or not. While there are always breaks in the story before a jump, it does take a minute to realize what time period you are in.
I do have to warn that this book does tackle some tough subjects. The main one is physical abuse which is a big part of the story. There is also an attempted sexual assault, racism and homophobia. It rips your heart out but it wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t read it. It didn’t feel like it was just thrown into the book for shock value it was thrown in unfortunately for realism.
Besides the tough subjects there is also strength, hope, and a very sweet romance. Actually, it’s a very sweet YA romance that turns the heat up more in the adult portion. The main characters are wonderful and you just hope against all odds they can find their way to a HEA.
The writing was excellent. It’s the kind of book you find yourself holding your breath a lot because the book is affecting you so much. Even though it is not always easy to read, it’s a book I would recommend whole heartedly.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
This was actually quite different than I expected. It is a historic romance but it is also a drama and even part YA. It switches between the 1930’s, when the two mains are 15-16, and when the characters are adults in the late 50’s. I am the first to admit I am not a fan of flashbacks, but this was slightly different. It is almost like taking a full YA story and a full adult drama and blending them. So while the story goes from the 30’s to 50’s to back to the 30’s again, both stories are on a linear path. I hope I’m making sense, the flashbacks are not random they are a consistent story. It made it so that both storylines were equally compelling to read about. The only small negative is sometimes you are not quite sure if the jump back or forward has happened or not. While there are always breaks in the story before a jump, it does take a minute to realize what time period you are in.
I do have to warn that this book does tackle some tough subjects. The main one is physical abuse which is a big part of the story. There is also an attempted sexual assault, racism and homophobia. It rips your heart out but it wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t read it. It didn’t feel like it was just thrown into the book for shock value it was thrown in unfortunately for realism.
Besides the tough subjects there is also strength, hope, and a very sweet romance. Actually, it’s a very sweet YA romance that turns the heat up more in the adult portion. The main characters are wonderful and you just hope against all odds they can find their way to a HEA.
The writing was excellent. It’s the kind of book you find yourself holding your breath a lot because the book is affecting you so much. Even though it is not always easy to read, it’s a book I would recommend whole heartedly.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
March 1, 2019
Well! I knew the poetic, lyrical blurb that caught my attention in the first place would give me something really intriguing to read about. But I never thought it would be THIS BLOODY FANTASTIC!! Unforgettable! Kim Pritekel's, "The Plan," was beyond my wildest imagination and expectation about historical fiction considering the story was set in the depressing era of the 30's and the baby-booming one of the 50's, both utterly unkind to women, let alone homosexuals!
But this historical fiction about a long-lost but an unbreakable bond wrapped in a love for the ages between two women so powerful that it could survive the most impossible circumstances, the harshest environments and situations, written and weaved in the most intricately intoxicating manner truly transcends every other historical fiction I ever read! It's Pritekel's true masterpiece, to date, as far as I'm concerned! The most incredible thing I realised? It's that I never expected it to turn out to be so much MORE than I could ever wish for in a lesbian romance, historical or otherwise! And that is saying a lot considering historical fiction is a tricky genre in my reading experience. Especially when it comes to this particular timeframe in America. But Pritekel changed all that for me in this brilliant piece of love story she wrote. For me, it was perfection! Simply divine!
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
But this historical fiction about a long-lost but an unbreakable bond wrapped in a love for the ages between two women so powerful that it could survive the most impossible circumstances, the harshest environments and situations, written and weaved in the most intricately intoxicating manner truly transcends every other historical fiction I ever read! It's Pritekel's true masterpiece, to date, as far as I'm concerned! The most incredible thing I realised? It's that I never expected it to turn out to be so much MORE than I could ever wish for in a lesbian romance, historical or otherwise! And that is saying a lot considering historical fiction is a tricky genre in my reading experience. Especially when it comes to this particular timeframe in America. But Pritekel changed all that for me in this brilliant piece of love story she wrote. For me, it was perfection! Simply divine!
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
February 21, 2019
This is an excellent book. Very well written. I'm a big fan of Kim Pritekel since the good ol' days of lesbian fanfic at the athenaeum and the academy of bards, so of course I could be biased.
In this book we are told the love story of Eleanor and Lysettte, back in the 30s and the 50s. It was a hard time to be a lesbian. Heck, it was a hard time to be a woman!
In this book we are told the love story of Eleanor and Lysettte, back in the 30s and the 50s. It was a hard time to be a lesbian. Heck, it was a hard time to be a woman!
March 12, 2022
Audiobook narrated by Leslie McDonel
My first read/listen to a book by Kim Pritekel. This historical romance spans two time periods and highlights the struggles women and the LGBT community as a whole faced in their desire to live their authentic lives. Teenagers in the '30s, Eleanor and Lysette have very different home lives yet find ways to meet and fall in love. Juxtaposed with their earnest first “practice (kissing) sessions” the story flips to the present day 1950’s when Eleanor discovers she is the teacher of Lysette’s teenage son.
This is an emotional read and I was pulled into the lives of these two families, their hardships and success stories. Domestic and racial violence and general intolerance of a woman’s rights and freedoms are explored but not sensationalized. The flashbacks to the past set up the strength of character in the present. I found this to be a memorable and accurate portrayal of the eras portrayed. I did feel like this was an older book as the word “smirked” came up too many times and annoyed me every time but that is just me.
Great historical read/listen.
4.5 stars
My first read/listen to a book by Kim Pritekel. This historical romance spans two time periods and highlights the struggles women and the LGBT community as a whole faced in their desire to live their authentic lives. Teenagers in the '30s, Eleanor and Lysette have very different home lives yet find ways to meet and fall in love. Juxtaposed with their earnest first “practice (kissing) sessions” the story flips to the present day 1950’s when Eleanor discovers she is the teacher of Lysette’s teenage son.
This is an emotional read and I was pulled into the lives of these two families, their hardships and success stories. Domestic and racial violence and general intolerance of a woman’s rights and freedoms are explored but not sensationalized. The flashbacks to the past set up the strength of character in the present. I found this to be a memorable and accurate portrayal of the eras portrayed. I did feel like this was an older book as the word “smirked” came up too many times and annoyed me every time but that is just me.
Great historical read/listen.
4.5 stars
March 4, 2019
With very few exceptions I always enjoy Pritikel's novels. Although 'enjoy' might not be an appropriate descriptor. This one is kinda like a car crash you can't help but watch. A lot of this book is bouncing back and forth between time lines. A descriptor at the head of the chapter would have helped me particularly, knowing that it's the youngan's or the grown up versions of Lysette and Eleanor. But that's just nit picking really.
I could go into how I feel most of the men in this (considering the time line) were right bastards but I'm not sure what good it would do. Just about every period piece you read is going to have similar themes no matter what. I'd like to think gender equality has made huge strides, and in a way it has. But seriously I still feel there's a long way to go. I think that was one of my biggest take aways from this. Lysette's interactions with her husband left me going, 'mmhmm you tell 'em sister'... lol
Anyway. For me (obviously) it was a thought provoker with a fair dose of the feels. The 'against all odds' trope comes to mind but I didn't mind. All in all a really solid read.
I could go into how I feel most of the men in this (considering the time line) were right bastards but I'm not sure what good it would do. Just about every period piece you read is going to have similar themes no matter what. I'd like to think gender equality has made huge strides, and in a way it has. But seriously I still feel there's a long way to go. I think that was one of my biggest take aways from this. Lysette's interactions with her husband left me going, 'mmhmm you tell 'em sister'... lol
Anyway. For me (obviously) it was a thought provoker with a fair dose of the feels. The 'against all odds' trope comes to mind but I didn't mind. All in all a really solid read.
February 2, 2021
It didn’t take me long to realize that this book is special. By the time I hit 50% I knew it was going to be a favorite. This book is a little bit of a mixed bag, you get some serious drama, young adult portions, and a HEA romance. However, it was a roller coaster of emotions for me. I found myself smiling at moments, being heartbroken, and even thinking several times how far we have come and how proud I am of those who paved the way. Portions of this book are difficult to read. The book deals with various issues including homophobia, child abuse, racism, domestic violence and more. Just be aware, and know your triggers going in.
The book uses flashbacks (between the 1930s, and 1950s/ 16/17 years old and 36/37 years old) to tell the history between the two main characters. Using flashbacks successfully is difficult. Pritekel has done such a fantastic job of weaving the two periods together I can’t imagine the book any other way. It was absolutely perfect. The main characters were great and I loved them both. Both Eleanor and Lysette were such strong characters, and the two fit so perfectly. The secondary characters added a lot to the book, and you even get a bonus romance between two of them. I love historical fiction, and I am placing this one in my top 3 all-time historical fiction books. This is one of the best books I have read in the last 12 months. It is well written, flows better than most books I have read, and tells an amazing story. Pick this one up. This is only my second book by this author but I loved them both. I am making it a priority to pick up some of her older books.
The book uses flashbacks (between the 1930s, and 1950s/ 16/17 years old and 36/37 years old) to tell the history between the two main characters. Using flashbacks successfully is difficult. Pritekel has done such a fantastic job of weaving the two periods together I can’t imagine the book any other way. It was absolutely perfect. The main characters were great and I loved them both. Both Eleanor and Lysette were such strong characters, and the two fit so perfectly. The secondary characters added a lot to the book, and you even get a bonus romance between two of them. I love historical fiction, and I am placing this one in my top 3 all-time historical fiction books. This is one of the best books I have read in the last 12 months. It is well written, flows better than most books I have read, and tells an amazing story. Pick this one up. This is only my second book by this author but I loved them both. I am making it a priority to pick up some of her older books.
February 16, 2019
It’s always amazing to read a Kim Pritekel book. As usual, this was an incredibly well written story. Eleanor and Lysette’s love was beyond beautiful and one that will no doubt read again in the future.
August 7, 2024
This author is totally binge-worthy. I've tagged three books of hers as faves in succession the past few weeks now, and this is another one of them. What I like about this is the absence of internalized homophobia between the two leads, which is spectacular to me given the period which this book is set (in the 20's-50's). The angst is not centered on them loving a woman at the time, and for the most part the MCs are surrounded by progressive characters (except for the antagonists, obviously). I also like how the timelines (past and present) were interwoven smoothly, the transition from one to the other makes sense and not at all annoying and momentum-breaking. This was absolutely a great read and I will now binge on to another one of this author's works (luckilly there's many of them!).
March 11, 2019
I was completely hooked by Ms. Pritekel's storyline and descriptions. Simply put, I read non-stop to the end. Enough said, read the book you won't be disappointed!!
Highly recommend with 5 stars.
I rec'd an ARC from Sapphire Books for an honest review.
Highly recommend with 5 stars.
I rec'd an ARC from Sapphire Books for an honest review.
April 7, 2021
What a great read to start the year! <3
October 28, 2019
Esse livro com certeza foi uma das melhores surpresas que já li esse ano. A história se passa primeiramente na década 1930 e depois, quando as personagens estão adultas, na década 1950.
Eleanor é uma adolescente pobre, e que junto com a mãe, sofre com a maldade e agressão do pai, o senhor Ed. Ela conhece Lysette quando os alunos da escola têm que tirar uma foto. Daí elas ficam inseparáveis e começa a surgir uma amizade muito linda que depois se transforma em amor.
O livro aborta assuntos bem pesados, como estupro, assassinato, e violência num modo geral. Lysette e Eleanor planejam ficar juntas e fugir da maldade de Ed, mas os planos não saem como deveriam e cada uma vão viver as suas vidas separadamente por mais de duas décadas.
Agora adultas, elas vão ter que lidar com o que elas sentem uma pela outra. Eu não quero dar ainda mais spoilers, então só quero dizer que realmente amei esse livro e a jornada que as duas tiveram que passar. Tirando a parte feia do livro, toda a maldade e etc, eu achei a história muito cativante e brilhante. A autora fez um ótimo trabalho em desenvolver as personagens e o caminho que elas trilharam. Com certeza eu lerei esse livro de novo. Tive que adicionar aos meus favoritos.
Eleanor é uma adolescente pobre, e que junto com a mãe, sofre com a maldade e agressão do pai, o senhor Ed. Ela conhece Lysette quando os alunos da escola têm que tirar uma foto. Daí elas ficam inseparáveis e começa a surgir uma amizade muito linda que depois se transforma em amor.
O livro aborta assuntos bem pesados, como estupro, assassinato, e violência num modo geral. Lysette e Eleanor planejam ficar juntas e fugir da maldade de Ed, mas os planos não saem como deveriam e cada uma vão viver as suas vidas separadamente por mais de duas décadas.
Agora adultas, elas vão ter que lidar com o que elas sentem uma pela outra. Eu não quero dar ainda mais spoilers, então só quero dizer que realmente amei esse livro e a jornada que as duas tiveram que passar. Tirando a parte feia do livro, toda a maldade e etc, eu achei a história muito cativante e brilhante. A autora fez um ótimo trabalho em desenvolver as personagens e o caminho que elas trilharam. Com certeza eu lerei esse livro de novo. Tive que adicionar aos meus favoritos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2020
Highly recommend this book. I’m a BIG fan of Pritekel’s works. The Plan, is one of my top fives of her current works, and it only gets better each time I read it.
It’s tragic, yet beautiful, and heartwarming tale. It makes me cry, the wit makes me laugh, and by the end my heart is so full of love and happiness. There are so many struggles and hardships that all the characters face and go through, not just the MC, but the supporting characters as well. Like Emma and Aunt Josie, they’ve been in love since teenagers. Only now in their mid 50s to early 60s, do they get to truly love and be together! I love them almost as much as I love the MCs Lynette and Ellie. Like the generation before them they also fell in love as teenagers, only to unfairly be ripped apart. But, finally in their late 30s have found each other again, and after talking out the tragedy of their past, they realize they still love and need one another to be complete. I even like Jim. He’s really a good guy, but he’d have to be if Lynette married him.
It’s tragic, yet beautiful, and heartwarming tale. It makes me cry, the wit makes me laugh, and by the end my heart is so full of love and happiness. There are so many struggles and hardships that all the characters face and go through, not just the MC, but the supporting characters as well. Like Emma and Aunt Josie, they’ve been in love since teenagers. Only now in their mid 50s to early 60s, do they get to truly love and be together! I love them almost as much as I love the MCs Lynette and Ellie. Like the generation before them they also fell in love as teenagers, only to unfairly be ripped apart. But, finally in their late 30s have found each other again, and after talking out the tragedy of their past, they realize they still love and need one another to be complete. I even like Jim. He’s really a good guy, but he’d have to be if Lynette married him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2022
I knew this would tick a few of my buttons, overly religious parent, child labor for free, no respect for female child,expectations only to have children. Tough listening. The story gets into the heart of how difficult it was growing up in 50s and 60s in small towns.
July 26, 2019
Great book. Pritekel is a gem of an author. I liked the homage Easter egg she included for one of the characters from her first book. Pretty smart.
March 3, 2025
The Plan is a captivating story that gripped me from the very first page. The seamless weaving of past and present in this historical romance left me in awe. The narrative intricately unfolds the complete story of Lysette and Eleanor, spanning nearly twenty-two years. Their history is filled with tension and uncertainty, particularly the harrowing experiences Eleanor and her mother, Emma, endure at the hands of Eleanor’s father. While the story explores heavy themes, it is beautifully balanced with a coming-of-age romance and the development of strong relationships between both main and supporting characters. One of the most compelling aspects was the unpredictability—I was constantly on edge, never knowing what would happen next, and each new revelation deepened my love for this book. It is a powerful story of hurt and healing, trust, vulnerability, and resilience. This is a tale that will stay with me for a long time.
April 24, 2023
Wow
It took me a while to start reading this book I don't know why but once I did I was so glad that I did this book Put out so many emotions in me That I just had to put it down and stop reading it because I had tears in my eyes I heven't read a book like this and a very long time that actually had me put it down So I can get myself together Great characters great story I recommend some people
It took me a while to start reading this book I don't know why but once I did I was so glad that I did this book Put out so many emotions in me That I just had to put it down and stop reading it because I had tears in my eyes I heven't read a book like this and a very long time that actually had me put it down So I can get myself together Great characters great story I recommend some people
October 26, 2023
Kim Pritekel's story is a slow-burning tale of friends who evolve into soulmates. Set against a historical backdrop, it's essential for readers to grasp that the emotions and struggles of the characters are deeply rooted in that era.
Eleanor Landry and Lysette Landon were destined for one another, but what truly makes this love story remarkable is the journey they embark on. The challenges faced by Eleanor and her mother are heart-wrenching and resonate strongly. Kudos to the author for ensuring that her mother's story also reaches a satisfying resolution.
The portrayal of the struggles faced by homosexual individuals during that period is handled with great empathy and accuracy. The main characters, including El, her mother, Lysette, and her Aunt, are all depicted as resolute and well-developed individuals.
In terms of pacing, I found the narrative to be a bit on the slower side. It could be intentional on the author's part as she simultaneously paint two distinct pictures for the readers.
Eleanor Landry and Lysette Landon were destined for one another, but what truly makes this love story remarkable is the journey they embark on. The challenges faced by Eleanor and her mother are heart-wrenching and resonate strongly. Kudos to the author for ensuring that her mother's story also reaches a satisfying resolution.
The portrayal of the struggles faced by homosexual individuals during that period is handled with great empathy and accuracy. The main characters, including El, her mother, Lysette, and her Aunt, are all depicted as resolute and well-developed individuals.
In terms of pacing, I found the narrative to be a bit on the slower side. It could be intentional on the author's part as she simultaneously paint two distinct pictures for the readers.
Read
December 31, 2019only criticism, is the continuous use of the phrase, 'burst out laughing'. Oh, and the inconsistency of the language style, sometimes it felt like they were speaking in 2019 not 1959 or 1933. The girls at 16 spoke like 40 year old women sometimes.
Apart from that, this is an excellent book. Kept you guessing, pulled on the heart strings. perfectly executed. I recommend this :)
Apart from that, this is an excellent book. Kept you guessing, pulled on the heart strings. perfectly executed. I recommend this :)
October 4, 2019
4.5 This was so well written. Switches with flashbacks but does so really well. There were parts that were hard for me to read, not because of the writing or even the tough subject but because the author has written it so well I can feel the pain.
June 8, 2020
Absolutely delightful.
August 4, 2022
This is an excellent book despite some tough subjects.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
September 5, 2022
This was an amazing read! I loved it!
December 17, 2022
Well written and true to the time period. Characters are well rounded and believable, even the secondary characters add to the narrative and enrich the story. There are some triggers for abusive relationships, however they are handled well in respect to the story as a whole.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews