The Lambs Review Near to You by Caitlinlaurie

Near to You by Caitlinlaurie

AU. Years after Edward left in New Moon, Bella has moved on with her life, now living in a small town. But when her path crosses someone from Forks, Bella must choose between the life she has made for herself and the one she is destined for. Bella/Carlisle. Rated M.

IdreamofEddy

I'm doing my review of this story a little differently. The reason why is because there are quite a few glowing reviews down below of the story in general. I read them, and I wanted to hit on something that's important in every fic.

Characterization.

Caitlinlaurie does not disappoint in either her characterizations or her plot, or in the progress of her fic. Near to You is simply a well-rounded and very thought-provoking Carlisle and Bella story. The pace is great and her descriptive process is POWERFUL.

There's quite a bit of character self-reflection in this story, and it's present in every chapter. That can work both ways - it can be beneficial to a story and it can also hold it back. But that's the thing about characterization, self-reflection is needed to create well-rounded and likable characters. It's as simple as that. Some might like it, and some might not. For this story, it works with the flow of every chapter.

Caitlinlaurie accomplishes the impossible - she makes me truly appreciate the Bella in this story. She fell apart after Edward left, we all know that, but it is so refreshing to see her pull herself back together. And it is even more refreshing to see Renee, someone who is often portrayed as heartless, idiotic, and always 'out there', portrayed in a way that reflects just what she was - Bella's mother. Good mothers always hold their daughters in the worst of times, and Renee helped Bella discover her heart again. Bella herself put it back together. She moved on. 'She lived'.

Carlisle. Well, let me put it like this - sometimes he just seems like too much in this story, but that's what's so unique about this story at the same time. I haven't yet read a story with a Carlisle who didn't seem to hold a single imperfection - he's always portrayed like the GOD that he is. (And he is.) In this story, we see so much more of the man, and this is where Caitlinlaurie really puts a lot of effort into her characterization of Carlisle. He still personifies perfection, but through his self-reflection we see that he is flawed. And flawed is what he needs to be in order to be with our Bella. The incredible detail and the past that Caitlinlaurie constructs for Carlisle is just amazing. Carlisle himself is a brooder, but it's not like he doesn't have reason not to be.

This fic is simply incredible. It is so very thought-provoking! And you know, Caitlinlaurie addresses the issue of the pairing in her very first author's note on the first chapter: 'If you don't like the pairing, turn back now.' Well, you know what? I dare any hardcore canonite to read this story and NOT love it for what it is, and what it will be - one of the best Carlisle/Bella stories out there.

JaspersBella

I have to say that I love the idea of a Carlisle/Bella pairing so long as Bella is older. I'm not sure who sent this fabulous story my way - maybe Donna - but all I can say is, "Thank you."

Just reading the summary from the beginning of Chapter One caught my eye:

'Years after Edward left Forks in New Moon, Bella has moved on with her life. Now living in a small town, Bella has tried to live as quietly as possible. But when someone from her old life returns, Bella must choose between the life she has made for herself and the life she is destined for.'

Ok, so I was instantly intrigued by this. But then Caitlinlaurie has in her warnings/notes, 'If you don't like the pairing, turn back now.' Good, this girl has some balls. I'll read on.

Chapter One does not disappoint at all, and all the chapters just get better and better. Bella starts off reflecting on fairy tales and real life happy endings. She gives us her story of what happened when Edward left and how she overcame it. Renee *rolls eyes* of all people finally helped Bella to see that she needed a new beginning and that she is still alive. Bella went to college and experienced life - except for life with someone. I cheered when Bella stated that she grew up. Further in the chapter we see Carlisle reflecting on his life as well. We also see that the Cullen family has fallen apart without Bella in their lives. Time passes, and Bella and Carlisle end up in the same small town in Maine. Carlisle is working at the hospital, while Bella is a school teacher. With a nice turn of events, it's one of Bella's students who ends up in the ER, and not Bella. After a small amount of miscommunication, Bella and Carlisle decide to meet up later to talk. We start to see the beginning of a friendship bloom.

I absolutely love grown up and mature Bella. She isn't thinking, "Whoa is me, I've lost first love and I still can't get over it." And even though Carlisle hasn't changed, he doesn't have the weight of the family on his shoulders. He can actually be a young man instead of the father and/or head of a family.

Caitlinlaurie does a wonderful job of developing the characters and the story. Once I started reading, I just couldn't stop, and I found that I wanted more and more. Bella and Carlisle's conversations flow, and to me there isn't this awkward phase for them. Yes, they are both lonely, but that's not why they stick with each other. They have formed their own bond without the family around.

One of my favorite things that Bella says is, 'Everything felt that way. My entire body was tense, filled with anticipation. Fire spread through my veins, but it was a different fire than the one that had caused such pain in my dream. No, this was a fire as old as time itself. Something indescribable, but recognizable to all those who had felt it. This was the feeling that caused Antony to chase Cleopatra, which made Guinevere risk everything for Lancelot, which forced Henry the Eighth to rip apart his kingdom for Anne Boleyn, and the one that helped Paris destroy a civilization for Helen.'

I can't wait for the next chapter and all the chapters after that. If you haven't read any Carlisle/Bella stories, read this one first. And even though it's only 7 chapters long right now, it will definitely make you fall in love with them.

JaspersDestiny

Sorry, I'm just kind of giggling here because this is the first time I have ever seen the Lambs write their recs for a Group Fic Pic this early before posting. I have a huge smile on my face because this is what makes this Group Fic Pic so much fun - the potential for excitement. Sure, we may each see something different or agree or disagree on certain elements on ANY story we choose for the final story of the month, but c'mon - it's just incredible when we come together so early in the game to write out how we feel about a certain story.

Also, this is the first Group Fic Pic where we all 'blind voted' almost unanimously for the same story. I had never heard of this story, to be honest, but that's probably because I don't seek out Carlisle fics as a general habit in my own spare time. Well, thanks to this story, this will soon change. Mmmm, okay, at the very least I will be watching for updates on THIS story.

I'm not going to go into specifics here about plot points or character structure - mainly because I'm pressed for time as I'm due to go on vacation quite shortly, but I will attempt to at the very least appeal to the Jasper reader because I think they'll understand me the most.

Do you remember that first Jasper fic that TRULY turned your world on its axis and made you abandon Edward? For me, it was When Darkness Turns to Light. This story is the absolute equivalent to Janna's for the Carlisle-verse, hands down. If I was an Edward fan and accidentally clicked on this fic, my shipping preferences would never be the same again. And it is a story like this that I am constantly searching for in the alternate non-canon universe - something that makes you stop in your tracks and re-evaluate everything you once held dear. Now, don't get me wrong, I am a Whitlock girl through and through, but holy freakin' Hannah does this story rule. It's only 7 chapters along, and I'm left empty not knowing when it will update again.

This story just pulls you in. And I think I've found the secret to the true success of alternate pairings - give the characters a few years. That's what Janna did in her story, it's what Lucy did with The Last Mile, and it's what Kay did with The Orbiting Meteor. Only a true handful have been an absolute success with 'immediately after the event' stories - and for me, Kay's is the winner with Colliding Meteors. The secret formula, my friends, is when you have characters who have had the chance to actually GROW and LEARN from previous experiences. And even Colliding Meteors gives its characters room to breathe, despite its 'just months after Edward's New Moon goodbye' romance.

I can't tell you how excited I am about future Near to You updates. It's stories like this one (and the ones I mentioned above) that light a fire within your Twi-self and never let you go - memorable stories; stories worth reading; stories that have substance and are realistic in nature. These are the stories you talk about amongst your Twi-friends.

It's all about that FIRE. And I can't help but quote from Near to You now because this quote is, despite its possible benign aspect within the story itself, just so symbolic of where Bella and Carlisle are at this point in the story, and it's just so symbolic of how a reader feels when they hit upon that SPECIAL fic that changes their views about a Twilight character:

Pulling wood from the hearth, Carlisle put it into the grate. He added a little more kindling, and in no time there was a blaze burning.

"First fire in this house," I murmured, smiling at him gratefully. "Thank you for doing that."

First fire in this house, indeed. It was that special fire I personally felt when reading When Darkness Turns to Light that made me change my pairing preference, and I felt this same fire again with The Orbiting Meteor and Peter's character, and I now can say that I truly love the idea of Carlisle as a leading man.

Thank you, Caitlinlaurie, for writing this story. Thank you.

Maelyn

So I just finished the most recent chapter of this and the word that comes to mind is “Wow”. There is so much I love about this story that I don’t know where to start. Hmm…

First, the pairing. I do enjoy Carlisle but I’m not big on reading him as the love interest. It’s been hard for me to find fics this month because of that. But I did my best and found some good candidates. This, however, I’m very glad I read.

Writing style. Ohhh, I love it. It’s heavy, don’t get me wrong. The author goes into a lot of detail in some cases and in some ways it’s hard to read. I sometimes skim through heavy descriptions and such like that, but here…uh uh. You don’t want to. While it may seem like filler for some, there really is a point to it, every time, if you look for it. Sometimes it’s to add imagery to the scenes, but most times it’s to help the reader get even more in touch with the character by letting them know their innermost thoughts. The author really pulls you in with her style.

In some ways it reminds me of Kay’s style - where you are given so much detail that you can almost literally ‘see’ the story unfold, not only like a movie in your head but as if you were the characters themselves. It is a wonderful talent to have as a writer.

The first chapter immediately captivates you with her amazing – AMAZING – telling of Bella’s recovery after Edward left her. She changes things up a bit but still stays true to the story, and she really gives you the idea of how Bella learned from what happened and how she grew up because of it. And she doesn’t make it perfect either. Yes, Bella in this fic is a stronger woman and still very independent, but even more so. She is no longer the clumsy idiot from the books, but a mature, independent woman with hints of vulnerability.

She also shows you, starting with that first chapter, what happens to Carlisle. You learn so much about Carlisle’s past that it helps you understand him so much better in his present – why he is the way he is – and how much losing his family the way he did has nearly destroyed him. The author really breaks him down in this fic and shows you just how lonely a sole vampire’s existence can be, which only makes you ache more for what Carlisle has gone through - from his human years to the present. She really fleshes out the character and gives him so much more substance than the father figure to the Cullens.

I also love that it isn’t a quick thing, their relationship. For one thing, they each go through a few years on their own before rediscovering each other, so they’ve each recovered as much as possible from their previous relationships. Also, they don’t jump in each others' pants as soon as they meet either. There is attraction and plenty of UST (unresolved sexual tension), but they become friends first and that is the important part of their relationship. Even when they do feel that flash of attraction/desire, they dismiss it for various reasons, neither wishing to lose the other as a friend when they are both so in need.

Both characters, strong and thriving, are still nursing the pain of their past relationships, or just their past in general. The author delves into this with gusto and really shows their progression as friends, where they help each other to put that final point of closure on their pasts. Not that it is to be forgotten, or that they love any less, just that it is over and they need to move on.

Now, before I gush anymore, I will stop. But, if you have any interest in a Carlisle/Bella fic, then you should check this out. Hell, even if you don’t, you should just try reading the first chapter, really. If it doesn’t hook you, at least you will get to read a portion of a great author's writing and one of the best Bella recovery explanations I’ve seen.

Merina

I stumbled across this fic while browsing for a new story back in April and I was SO glad I did. I enjoy Carlisle/Bella pairings, especially those that involve canon characters, but it's a tricky one to write. Getting past that whole Father/Daughter thing...well, that can be a difficult thing to do. So usually a good Carlisle/Bella fic, especially set in Steph's universe, is REALLY tough to find.

Caitlinlaurie manages it in spades. She gives us a mature Bella. In her universe, Bella DOES go home with Renee after Edward leaves her instead of having a screaming meltdown at Charlie's house. And, over time, she heals – with the help of Renee. Hard to believe, I know, but it works. It really does. Bella heals and grows and comes into her own, beautifully.

And Carlisle....things didn't go so well for the Cullens during this time period. The family falls apart - not spectacularly, but realistically. And, in the end, Carlisle finds himself alone - alone, and not quite sure how it happened, and maybe a bit surprised that it did happen. He just sounds so real and my heart hurts for him. So, he's back to being alone and he's trying to remember just how exactly he managed it for all those centuries.

Both Carlisle and Bella are in very similar situations. Bella may have come into her own, and she may have grown into a beautiful woman, but she knows she faces a life alone - because she has a secret and she doesn't believe relationships should harbor secrets. Carlisle faces eternity alone because there are very few vampires in the world, and even fewer that follow his lifestyle, and he has decided not to create any more.

Both of them have retreated to a setting they feel sure will have no reminders of those secrets – but how wrong they both are! And after the initial surprise of meeting – again – in the ER fades, they are both very happy about it. For now, at least, they can have a friend - a friend who knows them, knows their secrets, and with whom they can truly just be themselves. Of course, friendship leads to both of them wanting more, and, of course, neither one thinks the other would possibly be interested.

I love Caitlinlaurie's writing style – it is very descriptive and a joy to read. Sometimes too much description is not a good thing, but in this fic it is wonderful. I felt like I really knew these characters, and because they have grown (and changed!) so much since we last saw them in SM's New Moon, there is a lot to learn about the people they've become. The slow build she's got going between the two of them is, just, ungh. I can't wait to see it play out.

MissMaj

Honestly, I wasn't really keen on reading a Carlisle/Bella fic, but JaspersDestiny and JaspersBella reassured me that this was worth the read, and hearing that from people who are very much into Jasper-related fics (their fanfic names say it all) made me certain that this story wouldn't disappoint. They compared it with Janna Banana's When Darkness Turns to Light and IdreamofEddy's Colliding Metors, and for anyone who's a devoted Jasper/Bella reader, that is the best compliment you could ever receive.

And I'm glad I gave it a chance. Right away I loved how Bella interpreted her failed relationship with Edward with Sleeping Beauty. Quite far-fetched, but she made it work. The transition for both Bella and Carlisle and how they became what they are today is one of the best versions I have ever read.

There was a lot of uncertainty from the group when it came to recommending this fic. Normally we would prefer to have enough chapters in the fic for it to 'qualify' as a suitable recommendation, but that rule went out the window when it came to this fic. It's only seven chapters in, but there is enough character development for me to enjoy it. It's pretty slow-paced, but it's preferable that way. It's beautifully written and rich in detail, and it really captures your imagination.