SafeHarbor has a character driven plotandpresents a diverse well-defined supporting cast with each having an integral contribution to the story. The main character, Reese, is easy to fall in love with. An extremely private person, she has everyone curious to know more about her. “She’s handsome, strong, sensitive, tender, and deeply passionate. And devoted—can’t beat that,” according to her creator Radclyffe; Reese turns more than a few heads. Comparable to a knight in shining armor, she is hard-working, decent, and honest. Reese upholds the law and takes her oath “to serve and protect” very seriously. Her boss, Sheriff Nelson Parker, and other locals are in awe of this admirable woman.

Sheriff Parker has a lot more than crime to deal with when he learns his daughter Brianna is gay. Radclyffe does a commendable job describing the anguish he feels as he works his way, hopefully, toward acceptance.

Reese meets Dr. King while out on patrol to check on a break in at the East End Health Clinic. Tory has an “unanticipated visceral reaction” (p. 21) to the precise, professional, and truly stunning sheriff. Having endured a bad breakup and an accident that dashed her Olympic hopes to bits, Tory is leery of the gorgeous, self-assured woman, and she’s unnerved to be so taken with Reese. Trying not to fall for Reese’s charm is a daunting task—especially when Reese says things like, “I saw you this morning—kayaking out on the bay. You were so much a part of the sea that you didn’t even disturb the rhythm of the waves” (p. 31). Tory endears the reader with her professional manner while adeptly healing the sick in her care. Dr. King is a respected physician who puts others’ needs before her own. In hopes of avoiding further heartache, she adamantly tries to deny love. Can she learn to trust Reese and more importantly, can she trust her own feelings?

Brianna (Bri) Parker, the sheriff’s gay daughter, is a tough, troubled, and frightened youth who becomes the target of gay bashing. Although strong, Bri is no match for her attacker. Reese helps Brianna overcome obstacles that she, and other gay teens face. Surprisingly, even the “gay Mecca” of P-town has its share of hatred. Reese helps not only Bri, but all the other gay kids in her jurisdiction in their fight against homophobia.
Tory’s sister, Cath, acts as Tory’s conscience, playing devil’s advocate as she wrestles with her heart and mind. When Tory thinks, “[Reese] has no idea what she’s doing—she hasn’t a clue to the effect she has on any lesbian with a heartbeat” (p. 111), in fact, Reese has no idea what she does to straight women and men either. Cath may be a straight, married, mother of two, but she empathizes with her sister and can fully appreciate how Tory feels about Reese.

Safe Harbor is a love story, a coming out story, and crime drama all rolled into one. When Reese was young, her mother, Kate, left home to be with her lover, Jean. She reconnects with her mother not knowing what to expect. Reese also deals with her father’s reaction to the news that she’s gay.

Caring deeply about the author’s characters, yearning to find out what happens next, feeling like you’re a part of the action, and hating for the book to end, is what great novels are all about. SafeHarbor by Radclyffe is such a novel. From the beginning, Radclyffe uses mystery and foreshadowing to keep the reader interested, and there is never a dull moment. The fabulous setting is the perfect backdrop and makes the reader long for a trip to Provincetown, with its “Mardi Gras energy” (p. 90).

A great story, memorable characters, fresh dialogue, important issues, scenic descriptions, an engaging plot, and meticulous editing makes Safe Harbor a five star novel that can be enjoyed by both a gay and straight audience. I highly recommend Safe Harbor, and anything else penned by award winning novelist Radclyffe, whose recent accolades include two 2005 Golden Crown Literary Awards for Fated Love and Justice in the Shadows.