The Two Ruths told the story of a lesbian couple trying to survive in 1950s rural upstate New York. Ruthie appears to be doing as her society dictates for a single farm woman: She’s running her family’s dairy farm after her father’s death and caring for her ailing mother. But a big spotlight is about to be turned on Ruthie’s truth. That light comes in the form of a woman named Ruth, who applies for the caretaker position Ruthie advertises. Over six months, the women fall in love and plunge into intimacy.

In this sequel to The Two Ruths, we observe how this closeted lesbian couple moves through the 1960s and more tolerant 1970s, although for employment purposes, they must remain closeted. Their relationship grows and deepens as they face some very difficult times, still knowing they were meant to be together. With humor, courage, and this belief their relationship was destined to be, their life together is something to admire, whether gay or straight.

An ordained minister, lawyer, and judge who was herself raised in rural New York and who came out as gay when she was an adult, Martha Emily Bellinger has crafted a lesbian love story like no other. Its focus on the progressive spiritual aspects of being brought to your beloved by God’s plan will speak not only to baby boomer lesbians but younger LGBTQ persons seeking to better understand those who paved the way.