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Bygones
Spencer takes a compassionate look at a contemporary family undergoing painful transitions. Bess Curran, 40, is an interior designer in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, still lonely and bitter after her traumatic divorce six years earlier. Her adult daughter, Lisa, anxious for her parents to reconcile, arranges a surprise dinner meeting where she informs them that she is pregnant and about to marry. Bess and former husband Michael (he left her for another woman, who, in turn, has just left him) can barely control their mutual animosity yet must come to grips with the startling news. To exacerbate matters, their 19-year-old son, Randy, is intractably hostile toward his father and seems headed for a future of drugs and unsavory companions. Bess and Michael are attracted to each other but wary--they're suffering and groping for help.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1991
125 people are currently reading
843 people want to read
About the author
LaVyrle Spencer
105 books1,593 followersLaVyrle Spencer is an American best-selling author of contemporary and historical romance novels. She has successfully published a number of books, with several of them made into movies. Twelve of her books have been New York Times bestsellers, and Spencer was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 1988.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 8, 2015
Bought this book because Bess and Michael have my irl last name. :P
Read (9/7/15):
2 stars, because there was some really lolzy parts-- the retro, dated 80's references.
The pot smoking scene. Not the H/h, mind you, but their druggy son. LOLZ for dayz.
I did not like this book because of the fact they predominately blamed the heroine for the hero's cheating. The only person to blame for cheating is the cheater. No one "made" you cheat.
I don't mind the cheating plot-line, as long as people don't blame the person who got cheated on for the cheating, especially in modern day times. Also if you are gonna redeem the cheater at least make it believable.
Also the daughter who wants her parents to re-marry, what are you 5? (she's 21+ in this book). Your parents divorced for a reason, and it doesn't mean that they should get back together, lets be real.
Don't mind me, I'm a jaded child of divorced parents and for a time, a single mother. I'm tired of the worn out stereotypes of divorce and single motherhood. And the kids after a divorce-- don't get me started, especially when they are adults.
Read (9/7/15):
2 stars, because there was some really lolzy parts-- the retro, dated 80's references.
The pot smoking scene. Not the H/h, mind you, but their druggy son. LOLZ for dayz.
I did not like this book because of the fact they predominately blamed the heroine for the hero's cheating. The only person to blame for cheating is the cheater. No one "made" you cheat.
I don't mind the cheating plot-line, as long as people don't blame the person who got cheated on for the cheating, especially in modern day times. Also if you are gonna redeem the cheater at least make it believable.
Also the daughter who wants her parents to re-marry, what are you 5? (she's 21+ in this book). Your parents divorced for a reason, and it doesn't mean that they should get back together, lets be real.
Don't mind me, I'm a jaded child of divorced parents and for a time, a single mother. I'm tired of the worn out stereotypes of divorce and single motherhood. And the kids after a divorce-- don't get me started, especially when they are adults.
March 21, 2022
DNF at chapter 4.
So I see in my GR history that I had rated this 3-stars. Now once in awhile I decide to go back an read a book from my early days of romance that I remember vaguely liking. Some have stood the test of time surprisingly well but others -- I hang my head in shame at young me. Because some of them are just.... just...sigh.
And yup, this is one of them.
I would have said I have pretty much liked all the LaVyrle Spencer books I've read. I do remember one or two of the contemporaries being kinda problematic around the issue of infidelity seasoned with some misogyny, but I didn't remember this being one of them. But it is... oh but it is!
The main thrust of the story is Bess and Michael are a divorced couple in their 40s. He cheated and married his mistress. That was years ago and Bess is still feeling some type of way about it. Actually she is feeling all types of way about it. She iced him out and never really spoke to him again.
They have two children and teenaged son who hates his dad with the heat of a 1,000 suns and a daughter who is a bit of a daddy's girl.
As the book begins, their daughter tricks the two of them into coming to her house for dinner so she can announce that she is gonna get married and she is pregnant and she wants the two of them to walk her down the aisle together.
So a pretty benign beginning. And a little -- well a LOT -- dated because of the reference to all the 80s things. All of them. LOL. Not to mention the son is a drugged up druggie who is gonna end up a drug addict (he smokes pot, people!).
But then we get to the tone that started to bother me. Bess and Michael rehash why they hate each other. I was 100% on her side because he cheated and he seems exasperated by her anger and hurt. And he tries to blame her for his cheating because... she decided to go back to school and get a degree. She stopped cooking him dinners. And horrors she started wearing blue jeans and stopped wearing make up. Their marriage was over before he started cheating because
So yeah, I was on Bess' side. Her internal voice was 100% justified and yet... the writing started to lead one to believe that she was starting to question her conviction. An the messaging seemed to be saying she was childish for holding on to her anger.
And then chapter four happens. Bess goes to visit her mother. She rightly asks her mother why did she never loudly condemn Michael for his cheating? Even though Bess' mom and Michael has a great relationship, Bess had expected her mother to be all in on Bess' side. But then she and her mother had a conversation that sealed my fate with this book:
"When I found out Michael was having an affair I wanted so badly for you to be indignant on my behalf. And you weren't. There must have been some reason."
"Are you sure you're ready to hear it now?"
"Is it going to make me mad?"
"I don't know, it depends on how much you've grown up in six years."
"It was partly my fault is that what you are saying?"
"It always takes two honey, but when a man retaliates by having an affair, he's usually the one who gets all the blame."
"Alright, what did I do?" Bess' voice grew defensive "I went back to college to get my degree. Was that so wrong?"
"Not at all, but while you were doing it you totally forgot about your husband."
That was it. I was done. I have no idea if the book got better, if there was a reason for my previous 3-stars. I didn't want to stay in this worldview and find out.
So yeah, DNF all the way and a downgrade.
So I see in my GR history that I had rated this 3-stars. Now once in awhile I decide to go back an read a book from my early days of romance that I remember vaguely liking. Some have stood the test of time surprisingly well but others -- I hang my head in shame at young me. Because some of them are just.... just...sigh.
And yup, this is one of them.
I would have said I have pretty much liked all the LaVyrle Spencer books I've read. I do remember one or two of the contemporaries being kinda problematic around the issue of infidelity seasoned with some misogyny, but I didn't remember this being one of them. But it is... oh but it is!
The main thrust of the story is Bess and Michael are a divorced couple in their 40s. He cheated and married his mistress. That was years ago and Bess is still feeling some type of way about it. Actually she is feeling all types of way about it. She iced him out and never really spoke to him again.
They have two children and teenaged son who hates his dad with the heat of a 1,000 suns and a daughter who is a bit of a daddy's girl.
As the book begins, their daughter tricks the two of them into coming to her house for dinner so she can announce that she is gonna get married and she is pregnant and she wants the two of them to walk her down the aisle together.
So a pretty benign beginning. And a little -- well a LOT -- dated because of the reference to all the 80s things. All of them. LOL. Not to mention the son is a drugged up druggie who is gonna end up a drug addict (he smokes pot, people!).
But then we get to the tone that started to bother me. Bess and Michael rehash why they hate each other. I was 100% on her side because he cheated and he seems exasperated by her anger and hurt. And he tries to blame her for his cheating because... she decided to go back to school and get a degree. She stopped cooking him dinners. And horrors she started wearing blue jeans and stopped wearing make up. Their marriage was over before he started cheating because
So yeah, I was on Bess' side. Her internal voice was 100% justified and yet... the writing started to lead one to believe that she was starting to question her conviction. An the messaging seemed to be saying she was childish for holding on to her anger.
And then chapter four happens. Bess goes to visit her mother. She rightly asks her mother why did she never loudly condemn Michael for his cheating? Even though Bess' mom and Michael has a great relationship, Bess had expected her mother to be all in on Bess' side. But then she and her mother had a conversation that sealed my fate with this book:
"When I found out Michael was having an affair I wanted so badly for you to be indignant on my behalf. And you weren't. There must have been some reason."
"Are you sure you're ready to hear it now?"
"Is it going to make me mad?"
"I don't know, it depends on how much you've grown up in six years."
"It was partly my fault is that what you are saying?"
"It always takes two honey, but when a man retaliates by having an affair, he's usually the one who gets all the blame."
"Alright, what did I do?" Bess' voice grew defensive "I went back to college to get my degree. Was that so wrong?"
"Not at all, but while you were doing it you totally forgot about your husband."
That was it. I was done. I have no idea if the book got better, if there was a reason for my previous 3-stars. I didn't want to stay in this worldview and find out.
So yeah, DNF all the way and a downgrade.
August 19, 2021
My first thought as I started reading… oh boy, this is dated. But, it’s really a snapshot in time. A snapshot of 1990 with all the cultural references that firmly grounds the story in what now feels like a different time.
The main characters are baby boomers, just starting middle age. They’ve been divorced for 6 years, and their 21 year old daughter is forcing them back into each other’s orbit—she’s pregnant and marrying the love of her life. And her uptight mamma is not happy.
And, momma not being happy is what drives this book. The heroine is very bitter about everything having to do with her ex. His cheating and marrying the OW has left her unhappy and everyone in her realm knows this. Their daughter believes in HEA and she wants mom and dad back together. Dad’s getting divorced again and their daughter thinks her wedding will pull them back together.
Interesting concept and ultimately that’s where this book is going, but before we reach their second chance happily ever after, we get to see the breakdown of traditional gender roles in a relationship. And this is the real snapshot in time. Their marriage collapsed under the weight of her wanting more, and his inability to deal with not being her priority. So, he feels justified to cheat.
Six years later, she’s dragged their son down her bitter road, helping to ruin his relationship with his dad. And as much as I like LaVyrle Spencer’s writing and storytelling, this book is a fail, not because he cheated, but because everyone around her blames her for his cheating. She wasn’t giving him enough attention, she was too focused on school and business and being more than a traditional wife. She apologizes for her part in ruining his relationship with their son, but he never apologizes for the affair, the divorce, and the marriage to the OW, a woman he acknowledges he was never in love with, but married because they ruined two marriages to have their affair, they felt obligated to marry.
And for those that need to know she moved on… she did have a friends with benefits relationship, dated him, but was to bitter and angry too ever fall in love again.
2 star story, one star because I’m nostalgic.
The main characters are baby boomers, just starting middle age. They’ve been divorced for 6 years, and their 21 year old daughter is forcing them back into each other’s orbit—she’s pregnant and marrying the love of her life. And her uptight mamma is not happy.
And, momma not being happy is what drives this book. The heroine is very bitter about everything having to do with her ex. His cheating and marrying the OW has left her unhappy and everyone in her realm knows this. Their daughter believes in HEA and she wants mom and dad back together. Dad’s getting divorced again and their daughter thinks her wedding will pull them back together.
Interesting concept and ultimately that’s where this book is going, but before we reach their second chance happily ever after, we get to see the breakdown of traditional gender roles in a relationship. And this is the real snapshot in time. Their marriage collapsed under the weight of her wanting more, and his inability to deal with not being her priority. So, he feels justified to cheat.
Six years later, she’s dragged their son down her bitter road, helping to ruin his relationship with his dad. And as much as I like LaVyrle Spencer’s writing and storytelling, this book is a fail, not because he cheated, but because everyone around her blames her for his cheating. She wasn’t giving him enough attention, she was too focused on school and business and being more than a traditional wife. She apologizes for her part in ruining his relationship with their son, but he never apologizes for the affair, the divorce, and the marriage to the OW, a woman he acknowledges he was never in love with, but married because they ruined two marriages to have their affair, they felt obligated to marry.
And for those that need to know she moved on… she did have a friends with benefits relationship, dated him, but was to bitter and angry too ever fall in love again.
2 star story, one star because I’m nostalgic.
June 24, 2019
#RetoRita3 #RitaSpencer
(puede tener pequeños spoilers)
Es una historia de segundas oportunidades que transcurre en 1990.
Los protagonistas son Bess y Michael, de 40 y 43 años respectivamente, quienes se divorciaron hace seis años por motivos que vamos a ir conociendo a lo largo de la novela. A raíz del próximo casamiento de su hija mayor, Lisa, comienzan a encontrarse y vivir situaciones que los harán revivir el pasado y replantear sus sentimientos. Lisa hará todo lo posible para que sus padres se junten de nuevo mientras que su hermano Randy, de diecinueve años, odia terriblemente a su padre por el abandono y entra en un espiral de autodestrucción. Así que hay dos nudos importantes: el reencuentro y el sufrimiento de lo hijos ante el divorcio de sus padres.
Resulta que la causa del inicio del deterioro de la pareja fue que Bess decidió reiniciar sus estudios universitarios que había abandonado para casarse y tener a sus hijos, y eso desestabilizó la “armonía hogareña”. Michael, Un verdadero imbécil.
Luego del divorcio, Bess se concentró en desarrollar el negocio de su nueva profesión: diseño de interiores. Michael se casó de nuevo y de nuevo se divorció. El reencuentro es difícil. Pero bueno, se va dando de a poco con idas y vueltas.
El imbécil… digo Michael, hace autocrítica y se redime… dentro de sus posibilidades, digo. Bess, en cambio, asume culpas que no comparto del todo y creo que tiene que ver con el ambiente social que la rodea que fue, además del imbécil (digo Michael), lo que me molestó.
A ver, la historia de la pareja está bien. Quizá me hubieran gustado reflexiones más profundas de lo que les sucedió en el pasado para comprar el cambio y el perdón. Pero en cambio, todo lo que los rodea me pareció vomitivo: a pesar de que la historia es adulta y son problemas que le pueden pasar a cualquiera, se siente un profundo maniqueísmo en lo que debe ser. Así, vemos la representación de la felicidad total en la familia del novio de Lisa, con padres que siguen juntos, con madre con mejillas sonrosadas que prepara pasteles para todos y padre calentando el sillón, con una hija de diecisiete años, excelente estudiante que participa activamente de la iglesia y no tolera que sus pretendientes digan malas palabras, etc. En fin, todo muy rodeado de la moralina típica del medio oeste yanquee.
Excepto la historia de Randy (que para mí se robó la novela), el relato fue demasiado plano en lo sentimental y con exceso de descripciones de los lugares (los salteaba). Sino fuera por las escenas de sexo hubiera dicho que es una novela “inspiracional”.
No creo que vuelva a leer a esta autora. No es lo que busco en romántica. Como dicen por ahí, sus personajes son comunes, normales, en situaciones que le pueden pasar a cualquiera. Prefiero duques valerosos, agentes secretos sensuales, policías buenorros, incluso héroes beta divertidos y tiernos. Con heroínas a tono y sin imbéciles. Cuando quiero realidad, prefiero otros géneros.
(puede tener pequeños spoilers)
Es una historia de segundas oportunidades que transcurre en 1990.
Los protagonistas son Bess y Michael, de 40 y 43 años respectivamente, quienes se divorciaron hace seis años por motivos que vamos a ir conociendo a lo largo de la novela. A raíz del próximo casamiento de su hija mayor, Lisa, comienzan a encontrarse y vivir situaciones que los harán revivir el pasado y replantear sus sentimientos. Lisa hará todo lo posible para que sus padres se junten de nuevo mientras que su hermano Randy, de diecinueve años, odia terriblemente a su padre por el abandono y entra en un espiral de autodestrucción. Así que hay dos nudos importantes: el reencuentro y el sufrimiento de lo hijos ante el divorcio de sus padres.
Resulta que la causa del inicio del deterioro de la pareja fue que Bess decidió reiniciar sus estudios universitarios que había abandonado para casarse y tener a sus hijos, y eso desestabilizó la “armonía hogareña”. Michael, Un verdadero imbécil.
Luego del divorcio, Bess se concentró en desarrollar el negocio de su nueva profesión: diseño de interiores. Michael se casó de nuevo y de nuevo se divorció. El reencuentro es difícil. Pero bueno, se va dando de a poco con idas y vueltas.
El imbécil… digo Michael, hace autocrítica y se redime… dentro de sus posibilidades, digo. Bess, en cambio, asume culpas que no comparto del todo y creo que tiene que ver con el ambiente social que la rodea que fue, además del imbécil (digo Michael), lo que me molestó.
A ver, la historia de la pareja está bien. Quizá me hubieran gustado reflexiones más profundas de lo que les sucedió en el pasado para comprar el cambio y el perdón. Pero en cambio, todo lo que los rodea me pareció vomitivo: a pesar de que la historia es adulta y son problemas que le pueden pasar a cualquiera, se siente un profundo maniqueísmo en lo que debe ser. Así, vemos la representación de la felicidad total en la familia del novio de Lisa, con padres que siguen juntos, con madre con mejillas sonrosadas que prepara pasteles para todos y padre calentando el sillón, con una hija de diecisiete años, excelente estudiante que participa activamente de la iglesia y no tolera que sus pretendientes digan malas palabras, etc. En fin, todo muy rodeado de la moralina típica del medio oeste yanquee.
Excepto la historia de Randy (que para mí se robó la novela), el relato fue demasiado plano en lo sentimental y con exceso de descripciones de los lugares (los salteaba). Sino fuera por las escenas de sexo hubiera dicho que es una novela “inspiracional”.
No creo que vuelva a leer a esta autora. No es lo que busco en romántica. Como dicen por ahí, sus personajes son comunes, normales, en situaciones que le pueden pasar a cualquiera. Prefiero duques valerosos, agentes secretos sensuales, policías buenorros, incluso héroes beta divertidos y tiernos. Con heroínas a tono y sin imbéciles. Cuando quiero realidad, prefiero otros géneros.
June 20, 2018
This low rating doesn't mean the writing is lame. In fact, I thought it was apt for this kind of story. The author was able to reveal the world of early 90's through her writing -- the set of values, the way of life that spoke of that time, and the circumstances all allow the reader to feel a little bit nostalgic. The characters were okay but they can be really annoying.
When Bess and Michael finally shared a long overdue night of mutual passion, everything got boring and predictable. After that, Bess' problems were mostly self-inflicted –– she knows what she wants but she thinks too much, pities herself too much. In effect, she makes the people around her suffer. This is also true for Bess and Michael’s son, Randy. It’s not fun to read about characters who spend a great deal of time tormenting themselves when they know what has to be done.
As for Randy, it’s quite understandable that he’s like that when his dad had an affair and divorced his mom when he was 13. That’s probably why I don’t understand his sister Lisa's eagerness to get their parents back together like such a thing didn’t happen. I did like Bess’ mom a bit, but like Lisa, I felt she was too eager to get them back together. I think Michael got more credit than he deserved; I just saw him as the kind of man who always needs someone to look after him. When his second wife left him, no sooner did he realize he wanted Bess back in his life. The sorry excuse for a man just couldn't be neglected!
After realizing they still loved each other, there is more self-inflicted drama yet there is nothing much to hope for. You know what’s going to happen even if you stop reading.
When Bess and Michael finally shared a long overdue night of mutual passion, everything got boring and predictable. After that, Bess' problems were mostly self-inflicted –– she knows what she wants but she thinks too much, pities herself too much. In effect, she makes the people around her suffer. This is also true for Bess and Michael’s son, Randy. It’s not fun to read about characters who spend a great deal of time tormenting themselves when they know what has to be done.
As for Randy, it’s quite understandable that he’s like that when his dad had an affair and divorced his mom when he was 13. That’s probably why I don’t understand his sister Lisa's eagerness to get their parents back together like such a thing didn’t happen. I did like Bess’ mom a bit, but like Lisa, I felt she was too eager to get them back together. I think Michael got more credit than he deserved; I just saw him as the kind of man who always needs someone to look after him. When his second wife left him, no sooner did he realize he wanted Bess back in his life. The sorry excuse for a man just couldn't be neglected!
After realizing they still loved each other, there is more self-inflicted drama yet there is nothing much to hope for. You know what’s going to happen even if you stop reading.
February 22, 2016
I will be honest on two points: this book was clearly written when I was still potty-training and I didn't actually finish the book. Oh, I flipped the pages and read one sentence per five pages and I still knew that the baby solved nearly everything, that Keith was a dead beat and that the son ends up in A&E with two parents doting over him.
What I want to know is: we're women really this repressed only 20-30 years ago? And we're ringlet mullets EVER cool? (Be honest...)
I could not read this book, it was so judgemental of the main 'protagonist' (I have issues calling her this, victim or robot might be a better description), so caught up in letting us know she is a qualified interior decorator (who cares! I'd be more interested if she had gone back to college and studied medicine) and that she is the reason her husband cheated. Did she cheat on him first, so he retaliated? Um no. So why is she blamed for his infidelity?
The writing itself was alright, nothing outstanding but not hideous like some works published today.
To much 80's-90's oppression for me.
What I want to know is: we're women really this repressed only 20-30 years ago? And we're ringlet mullets EVER cool? (Be honest...)
I could not read this book, it was so judgemental of the main 'protagonist' (I have issues calling her this, victim or robot might be a better description), so caught up in letting us know she is a qualified interior decorator (who cares! I'd be more interested if she had gone back to college and studied medicine) and that she is the reason her husband cheated. Did she cheat on him first, so he retaliated? Um no. So why is she blamed for his infidelity?
The writing itself was alright, nothing outstanding but not hideous like some works published today.
To much 80's-90's oppression for me.
August 12, 2019
Reread Aug 2019. It's a few years since I've read this one. In spite of the 1980s feel, it still holds up well. Every time I read a book by LaVyrle Spencer I am in awe of her writing skills. Her books are beautiful, emotional, with very real characters and a strong sense of time and place. And I love that she wasn't afraid to show her characters as real, sexual beings, no matter how conventional their lives might outwardly be.
This one was first published in 1991, but it has that 80s vibe. 'Women's lib' is a thing, although many men were still die-hard traditionalists who expected the little wifie to do all of the housework, and resented them wanting a career of their own. The pill was changing women's control over their fertility, even amongst good Catholic girls. And oh dear, the fashions. Eek! Didn't they call the 1980s 'the decade that fashion forgot'? Deservedly so, apparently. The heroine in this book, Bess, is an interior designer so we also see the 'latest' fashions there as well. Lots of smoked glass tabletops, shiny black furniture, grey and mauve patterned soft furnishings etc etc. Again, eek!
But it's the people who draw you in. It's a second-chance love story. Bess and Michael, both 40ish, have been divorced for about 6 years, but now as they start to work through some personal issues, they slowly fall in love again. There are also their grown-up children who have complicated lives of their own, as well as Bess's wild and saucy mom who finds her own mature romance. It's a book full of nostalgia, family love, regrets over past mistakes, and opportunities to learn and start afresh.
To enjoy this book, you have to get in the zone. Times were different then, and people had different expectations and understandings of the role of the sexes. But if you go along with the flow and get into the 80s feel of the book, it's a beautiful and quite moving love story.
This one was first published in 1991, but it has that 80s vibe. 'Women's lib' is a thing, although many men were still die-hard traditionalists who expected the little wifie to do all of the housework, and resented them wanting a career of their own. The pill was changing women's control over their fertility, even amongst good Catholic girls. And oh dear, the fashions. Eek! Didn't they call the 1980s 'the decade that fashion forgot'? Deservedly so, apparently. The heroine in this book, Bess, is an interior designer so we also see the 'latest' fashions there as well. Lots of smoked glass tabletops, shiny black furniture, grey and mauve patterned soft furnishings etc etc. Again, eek!
But it's the people who draw you in. It's a second-chance love story. Bess and Michael, both 40ish, have been divorced for about 6 years, but now as they start to work through some personal issues, they slowly fall in love again. There are also their grown-up children who have complicated lives of their own, as well as Bess's wild and saucy mom who finds her own mature romance. It's a book full of nostalgia, family love, regrets over past mistakes, and opportunities to learn and start afresh.
To enjoy this book, you have to get in the zone. Times were different then, and people had different expectations and understandings of the role of the sexes. But if you go along with the flow and get into the 80s feel of the book, it's a beautiful and quite moving love story.
September 24, 2012
once again LaVyrle Spencer capture my heart to this wonderful story of Bess and Michael.The story is about the how mean a divorce can be to a family and the regrets how a wonderful marriage ends and most important( at least for me) that in divorce both parties have their own faults.
March 20, 2019
This book was just too boring for me it was so easy to put down and hard to pick back up. I just couldn't keep reading this book and had to dnf it. I don't think I'll be reading any other books by this author.
December 14, 2023
Originally read in 1990's.
Reread in 2013.
Another LaVyrle Spencer that I read years ago and decided to reread. When I read this book originally back in the 90's, I was much younger and idealistic. I thought the story romantic. Now in 2013, I still enjoyed it, but mainly due to the descriptions of the early 90's decor, fashion and hairstyles! Oh...and the music! Brings back memories! Of course, I also have a soft spot for
LaVyrle Spencer's books.
My main frustration with the story is that the husband never apologized for his affair or for his part in the break-up. He acknowledge it, but never apologized. I understand that, the majority of the time, it takes both people to destroy a marriage. I do feel that he was the biggest problem in causing the divorce. If you are miserable, then get counseling or get a divorce. Don't cheat. There is no excuse. No matter how "neglected" you are feeling there is no excuse to cheat. It is pathetic and weak.
I found it frustrating that everybody forgave him for his affair when he never apologized to his ex-wife or children. I do understand his frustration with how she tried to involve the children and turn them against him. Regardless that he was a weak little cheating jerk, he was still their father and she should have left the kids out.
On the other hand, he should have tried harder. He is the adult after all. It is so frustrating how often the guys get off easy in fiction when they cheat. Ugh!
Reread in 2013.
Another LaVyrle Spencer that I read years ago and decided to reread. When I read this book originally back in the 90's, I was much younger and idealistic. I thought the story romantic. Now in 2013, I still enjoyed it, but mainly due to the descriptions of the early 90's decor, fashion and hairstyles! Oh...and the music! Brings back memories! Of course, I also have a soft spot for
LaVyrle Spencer's books.
My main frustration with the story is that the husband never apologized for his affair or for his part in the break-up. He acknowledge it, but never apologized. I understand that, the majority of the time, it takes both people to destroy a marriage. I do feel that he was the biggest problem in causing the divorce. If you are miserable, then get counseling or get a divorce. Don't cheat. There is no excuse. No matter how "neglected" you are feeling there is no excuse to cheat. It is pathetic and weak.
I found it frustrating that everybody forgave him for his affair when he never apologized to his ex-wife or children. I do understand his frustration with how she tried to involve the children and turn them against him. Regardless that he was a weak little cheating jerk, he was still their father and she should have left the kids out.
On the other hand, he should have tried harder. He is the adult after all. It is so frustrating how often the guys get off easy in fiction when they cheat. Ugh!
July 21, 2012
Enjoy Lavyrle Spencer! Read her books when they first came out, and I'm going back to all of them again. They hold up so well...My biggest regret is that she retired!
I first read this a few years ago and still have trouble putting it down (even on the re-reads!) I appreciate the storyline here (where the main character is married to someone else). Seeing a divorced couple get back together with encouragement from one of their children is a refreshing plotline, and the story moved along at just the right pace.
The characters in this story were all believable and likable, and the ending in this book didn't leave me feeling like I'd just read a fairy tale.
I first read this a few years ago and still have trouble putting it down (even on the re-reads!) I appreciate the storyline here (where the main character is married to someone else). Seeing a divorced couple get back together with encouragement from one of their children is a refreshing plotline, and the story moved along at just the right pace.
The characters in this story were all believable and likable, and the ending in this book didn't leave me feeling like I'd just read a fairy tale.
January 28, 2012
Divorced couple reconciles. Bess isn't likeable and Michael isn't as well-developed as her main characters normally are. Lisa is too precocious at 21 and Randy is a mess. Wish there had been more Stella!
The real star of the book is all the 80/90s decor described as completely desirable! It probably didn't help that I read this right after Family Blessings -Bess is no Lee.
The real star of the book is all the 80/90s decor described as completely desirable! It probably didn't help that I read this right after Family Blessings -Bess is no Lee.
January 14, 2019
Loved this book. I have read it over and over.
I first read it in Sept 1992 when it first came out. I kept it, of course, because it is LaVyrle Spencer. She is the best.
I re-read it in March 2009 and then again in July 2013
5 stars everytime. GREAT BOOK! Loved these characters.
Read it again in 2019, still fabulous!
I first read it in Sept 1992 when it first came out. I kept it, of course, because it is LaVyrle Spencer. She is the best.
I re-read it in March 2009 and then again in July 2013
5 stars everytime. GREAT BOOK! Loved these characters.
Read it again in 2019, still fabulous!
December 17, 2021
I could find things to complain about in this book but that would be unfair. It’s exactly as expected - the reading equivalent to a Hallmark movie. Completely predictable right through the happily ever after.
January 28, 2020
Another dysfunctional family. Between three and four. This book is too syrupy sweet. Romance. I didn't much care for the characters. Michael Curren is the best and handsomest man in the world. Maryann Padgett too saintly. After the Currans get together again, Bess keeps staring at Michael, he is so handsome, has so much class. She drooled over him. Disgusting. Michael divorced Bess after she went back to college. She had no time for him, he felt. But she tried to better herself, become an interior decorator, a home designer and was good.
Michael remaries an attractive, younger women,Darla. After six years she divorces him. He seems to want to go back to go back to Bess. She would be foolish to take him back. Maybe as a friend, but not as a husband. She was dating a man as a friend. Keith wants to marry. She did not. Her friends thought she was too good for him. So Bess and Michael are unattached. Bess's mom, a fun loving, older lady blamed Bess for the divorce. But women always get most of the blame.
Son, Randy, is bitter about the divorce. He hates his father, wants nothing to do with him. He uses drugs, drops out of school, drifts through life, lives with his mother. Undesirable friends, bad life style, his love is to play drums.
The book begins when Lisa, who is pregnant, but not married, invites Mom and Dad to a supper at her apartment. They are to meet her fiance, she is anxious to get her parents back together. Both are mad, especially Bess, when they find out what Lisa is up to.
Both of her parents are without significant others. Bess does not want to make the same mistake again. Michael wants to get back with his ex. The two are in a love and hate relationship. Son, Randy, is against marriage. When they divorced, Michael criticized Bess, she let herself go, didn't care how she looked, how she dressed. She is now doing well in life. She doesn't need him.
The book is well written, Ms Spencer describes the homes, the way the characters dress, they are both wealthy, she writes well about the Minneapolis environment. There is much passion in the book, three for the characters, four for the writing.
Good description of the wedding and the hospital scenes. I liked the book better the more I read it.
Michael remaries an attractive, younger women,Darla. After six years she divorces him. He seems to want to go back to go back to Bess. She would be foolish to take him back. Maybe as a friend, but not as a husband. She was dating a man as a friend. Keith wants to marry. She did not. Her friends thought she was too good for him. So Bess and Michael are unattached. Bess's mom, a fun loving, older lady blamed Bess for the divorce. But women always get most of the blame.
Son, Randy, is bitter about the divorce. He hates his father, wants nothing to do with him. He uses drugs, drops out of school, drifts through life, lives with his mother. Undesirable friends, bad life style, his love is to play drums.
The book begins when Lisa, who is pregnant, but not married, invites Mom and Dad to a supper at her apartment. They are to meet her fiance, she is anxious to get her parents back together. Both are mad, especially Bess, when they find out what Lisa is up to.
Both of her parents are without significant others. Bess does not want to make the same mistake again. Michael wants to get back with his ex. The two are in a love and hate relationship. Son, Randy, is against marriage. When they divorced, Michael criticized Bess, she let herself go, didn't care how she looked, how she dressed. She is now doing well in life. She doesn't need him.
The book is well written, Ms Spencer describes the homes, the way the characters dress, they are both wealthy, she writes well about the Minneapolis environment. There is much passion in the book, three for the characters, four for the writing.
Good description of the wedding and the hospital scenes. I liked the book better the more I read it.
May 15, 2020
There is a formality with this authors dialogue that is better suited to historical romance than a 90’s era.
It was an ok story but the H’s mistake was totally swept under the carpet and that never suits me. I like second chance romance trope but I wasn’t that interested in the sons side story as it detracted from a slew of issues the Hero should have been dealing with . Mainly what will stop him turning to another woman if he feels neglected again ? That to me should have been the foundational change of their fresh start.
It was an ok story but the H’s mistake was totally swept under the carpet and that never suits me. I like second chance romance trope but I wasn’t that interested in the sons side story as it detracted from a slew of issues the Hero should have been dealing with . Mainly what will stop him turning to another woman if he feels neglected again ? That to me should have been the foundational change of their fresh start.
January 24, 2022
Let bygones be bygones.
I love LaVyrle Spencer. I first read Bygones in 1993 and to say reading it again in my 40s really changes the perspective I had of the characters is a major understatement. It really does highlight how much we grow and change as people as we get older.
It's still a fun read, but definitely reads like a book written in the early '90s based in '80s and using Midwestern vernacular from the '70s. But it's a true comfort re-read for me at this point.
I love LaVyrle Spencer. I first read Bygones in 1993 and to say reading it again in my 40s really changes the perspective I had of the characters is a major understatement. It really does highlight how much we grow and change as people as we get older.
It's still a fun read, but definitely reads like a book written in the early '90s based in '80s and using Midwestern vernacular from the '70s. But it's a true comfort re-read for me at this point.
September 26, 2012
One of my absolute favorites!! Allowed me to glimpse into my own future with children growing older and becoming more independent. What's left for the parents? Can we once again find our happily ever after?
October 23, 2012
I loved this book. LaVyrle Spencer is a very believable author. I did not want to put this book down. It is about a divorced couple and their family. Spellbinding, real-life characters. Enough drama to keep you entertained. A recommended read.
December 20, 2014
Excellent
i,
ii have enjoyed reading lavylrle books for many years I read my 1st one about 20 years ago and waited for the next one to come so l could enjoy another great book. now I'm rereading them and enjoying them again
.
i,
ii have enjoyed reading lavylrle books for many years I read my 1st one about 20 years ago and waited for the next one to come so l could enjoy another great book. now I'm rereading them and enjoying them again
.
June 25, 2008
I haven't read one of her books for many years. It was predictable and very boring.
January 9, 2014
Daughter wants divorced parents to get back together before she has her baby. She succeeds.
August 31, 2015
Bess and Michael are forced to deal with each other after a bitter divorce. They face many trials and tribulations and end up falling in love again.. Nice read for the romantic reader..
April 8, 2016
I have liked every book I read by LaVyrle Spencer - her stories are all completely different from each other - hard to believe they are written by the same person. This one was no different !
October 26, 2019
If you want to be a interior decorator, you may like the book. The overall plot was extremely predictable.
July 9, 2022
This book might not be a five star rated book to everyone, but for me it is. This is my third time reading it. It holds memories for me of the first time. I’ve always liked that it involves interior design. The story feels real. It’s got a bit of magic in it, too, but for the most part it’s realistic. There are mistakes and growth, learning, and love of all kinds. This will continue to be a favorite of mine and will forever sit on my bookshelf to be read many more times in the future.
July 29, 2011
The characters are well-developed and the narration and dialogue are well-written and readable with one big problem--the story--there wasn't one. This book was just a big nothing, but well enough written to keep you reading even after you've given up all hope of the story being anything other than trite and predictable. The author tried to throw in some drama with a surly YA son, but that surly adolescent stuff got as old as fast as it does in real life. This is purely a book for someone who enjoys self-pity, tons of self-pity, 364 pages worth of self-pity--not because the female protagonist (can't call her a heroine because she is also the villain) isn't getting her way--no, but because she IS getting her way--she deliberately, with malice and forethought, creates all the misery for herself and everybody concerned and then cries about it. The passive-aggressive gamey junk drags on ad nauseum, long past the time any slightly sane person would have resolved the situation one way or the other. Finally the author ends the book in the most predictable fashion possible for every member of the family, without one drop of one surprise or originality in the conclusion. This book could be used to teach a writing course on how to create literature's least sympathetic character.
April 9, 2016
3.5 stars
Bess and Michael have been divorced for 6 years and have not spoken. When their adult daughter brings them together again with an announcement of a pregnancy and a wedding, because of the wedding planning, Bess and Michael will have to spend more time together than they would like. Their 19-year old son, Randy, lives with Bess, but isn't doing much with his life. He has held a grudge against his father ever since the divorce.
I generally don't read romance books very often, so I was actually pleasantly surprised at this. I liked it. The nice thing about this one is that there was more going on than just the romance part of it. I could have done without the entire birth scene, though. I'm not sure I'll seek out more books by Spencer, but I wouldn't rule them out, either.
Bess and Michael have been divorced for 6 years and have not spoken. When their adult daughter brings them together again with an announcement of a pregnancy and a wedding, because of the wedding planning, Bess and Michael will have to spend more time together than they would like. Their 19-year old son, Randy, lives with Bess, but isn't doing much with his life. He has held a grudge against his father ever since the divorce.
I generally don't read romance books very often, so I was actually pleasantly surprised at this. I liked it. The nice thing about this one is that there was more going on than just the romance part of it. I could have done without the entire birth scene, though. I'm not sure I'll seek out more books by Spencer, but I wouldn't rule them out, either.
January 1, 2019
Spencer’s attention to detail makes this story a knockout
It’s uncanny how her descriptive details simply MAKE this story. Like no other, LaVyrle Spencer builds characters so identifiable, you can’t help but get swept up into the tale of Stillwater and White Bear Lake. If you manage to set the book down, you won’t think of anything else til you pick it up again.
It’s uncanny how her descriptive details simply MAKE this story. Like no other, LaVyrle Spencer builds characters so identifiable, you can’t help but get swept up into the tale of Stillwater and White Bear Lake. If you manage to set the book down, you won’t think of anything else til you pick it up again.
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