Hearts and Flowers Border is a reunion story, which I tend to enjoy. And I did enjoy this one. It tells the tale of Laura Stewart and Emma Jenkins, as told from Laura’s point of view. The first part of the story takes place during the end of high school and the college days of the two characters and describes how they became close friends. There’s plenty of confusion and mixed messages but the story is touching and funny and Fingersmith does a great job of getting the reader invested in the story. Then, suddenly, something happens and our two friends are separated.
The reunion part of the story comes ten years later. There are more touching and funny bits and we get to be happy for our girls. There’s a bit of sadness and hurt feelings and such but that’s what you’d expect, isn’t it. I found myself seeing Emma as someone who could use some therapy at a few points. I don’t remember if I felt that way the first two times I read this story, but I certainly did this time. There’s loads of sex in this one. So much so that toward the end of the story, I started skimming through.
I do recommend this one. There’s a good plot and it was very easy to connect with the narrator and become invested in her story. Emma’s character seemed less developed but since it’s told from Laura’s point of view, that may have had something to do with it. Fingersmith has a great sense of humor and that comes through – along with a heavy dose of swearing. And I like both of those things.
Hearts and Flowers Border has also been published by PD Publishing under the name L. T. Smith. If you’ve read the published version, post some comments if you noticed major differences. I’m always happy to purchase a book that’s made the transition from fan fiction – as long as there’s enough of a difference to make it worthwhile.