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These Foolish Things
Meet Elizabeth Gardner. She's given up on being anything but a single woman who plays a supporting role in the lives of those around her. Fate, however, has a different plan for her. During a softball game, handsome, successful Tyrone Hadley literally runs into her and a stealthy kiss opens a world of new possibilities to her. What might have been "happily ever after" in most stories is just the beginning. Is love strong enough to survive?
204 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2013
5 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Susan Thatcher
2 books22 followersSusan Thatcher was born in New Hampshire and raised in Vermont, graduating from the University of Vermont (including a stint in Salisbury, South Australia as an exchange student starting in January 1982. She hates winter that much). She contributed occasional articles to UVM’s newspaper, the Vermont Cynic. Susan has also contributed to Morning Edition on NPR (they read her letter on the air.), the Boca Raton News and www.dognewsteam.com, a news parody website. Susan also earned a Juris Doctor from Franklin Pierce Law Center.
She presently lives in South Florida because she hates winter more than hurricanes, alligators, and giant friggin' lubber grasshoppers (seriously, in a huge bunch, they're gross) combined.
She presently lives in South Florida because she hates winter more than hurricanes, alligators, and giant friggin' lubber grasshoppers (seriously, in a huge bunch, they're gross) combined.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 8, 2013
I really really loved this book and the characters. There were so many emotions I went through while reading Liz and Ty's story happiness, amusement, love, hate, pain, and sadness. The story has a great flow, and I enjoyed the writing style. The story is in third person so you don't get as much of the main characters personal thoughts as I would have liked ( I would have loved to get inside Ty's head). The prologue sets the layout for the whole book. I really enjoyed how the author did this, and we got to look into the past and how Liz and Ty began.
“You know, I’m looking at this collection. If an archaeologist found it a thousand years from now, he could piece together our story. Well, with a little help here and there. I’ll show you right now. Don’t worry, we have plenty of time.”
The book starts out with Ty in the hospital "unresponsive", and Liz being told they would not know anything for sure for 12 hours. Liz goes through his briefcase and finds all kinds of mementos that tell of their love story. Since she has 12 hours to wait, she recalls all of their story. Liz and Ty both work in law offices. They first meet at a Lawyers League softball game,where they literally smack right into each other. They are on opposing teams and Liz's team wins. The next run in is in court where they are opposing lawyers, and Liz wins again. However they are both threatened with a contempt of court violation from crazy Judge Mcafferty and can either serve some time or go on a date with each other. Of course, they decide to go on the date and that's where they both start to fall for one another.
Neither of the main characters had a healthy upbringing. Ty had a mother who left when he was 15 and a father who's career was his life. Liz had a critical and unhappy mother and an alcoholic father. She was also picked on by kids in school and has major self image issues. However Ty is there to show how am amazing and beautiful she is and to help her get past her demons.
"There are women who know they're beautiful because everyone tells them so" "and they expect the world to acknowledge it. You can see it in their faces." "But a woman who is unaware of her glory puts them to shame.”
Ty also has his own demons. He like his father becomes obsessed with his work and eventually turns to alcohol to cope. Now it is Liz's turn to be there for him and help him overcome his past and his mistakes. Ty and Liz have so much in common and are both hilarious and witty around each, and that is really what makes their relationship work. There were times where I both loved and Ty, but in the end he realizes what really is important. The supporting characters make the story so much better and entertaining. I loved Liz's best friend Millie the banter between the two is hilarious.
“It’s late in the game and you’re giving up more hits than a porno web site. You’re out of gas.”
Ahhh the end!!!! There was no resolution. We don't find out if Ty is ok. Is he going to wake up? Will they finally get their HEA? I NEED TO KNOW NOW. Can't wait to read At Last the Sequel to These Foolish Things!
“You know, I’m looking at this collection. If an archaeologist found it a thousand years from now, he could piece together our story. Well, with a little help here and there. I’ll show you right now. Don’t worry, we have plenty of time.”
The book starts out with Ty in the hospital "unresponsive", and Liz being told they would not know anything for sure for 12 hours. Liz goes through his briefcase and finds all kinds of mementos that tell of their love story. Since she has 12 hours to wait, she recalls all of their story. Liz and Ty both work in law offices. They first meet at a Lawyers League softball game,where they literally smack right into each other. They are on opposing teams and Liz's team wins. The next run in is in court where they are opposing lawyers, and Liz wins again. However they are both threatened with a contempt of court violation from crazy Judge Mcafferty and can either serve some time or go on a date with each other. Of course, they decide to go on the date and that's where they both start to fall for one another.
Neither of the main characters had a healthy upbringing. Ty had a mother who left when he was 15 and a father who's career was his life. Liz had a critical and unhappy mother and an alcoholic father. She was also picked on by kids in school and has major self image issues. However Ty is there to show how am amazing and beautiful she is and to help her get past her demons.
"There are women who know they're beautiful because everyone tells them so" "and they expect the world to acknowledge it. You can see it in their faces." "But a woman who is unaware of her glory puts them to shame.”
Ty also has his own demons. He like his father becomes obsessed with his work and eventually turns to alcohol to cope. Now it is Liz's turn to be there for him and help him overcome his past and his mistakes. Ty and Liz have so much in common and are both hilarious and witty around each, and that is really what makes their relationship work. There were times where I both loved and Ty, but in the end he realizes what really is important. The supporting characters make the story so much better and entertaining. I loved Liz's best friend Millie the banter between the two is hilarious.
“It’s late in the game and you’re giving up more hits than a porno web site. You’re out of gas.”
Ahhh the end!!!! There was no resolution. We don't find out if Ty is ok. Is he going to wake up? Will they finally get their HEA? I NEED TO KNOW NOW. Can't wait to read At Last the Sequel to These Foolish Things!
March 1, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! I marvel on how unexpectedly I sometimes come across treasures such as this one. In this case, I happened to win the sequel "At Last" to this book through a First Reads giveaway here on GoodReads. It was my first win actually! I was so excited I was like a little kid in a candy store! So of course it being a sequel I really wanted to read about how it all began....
In "These Foolish Things", Elizabeth Gardner is the surrogate daughter of a quirky but lovable Italian family, a law clerk par excellence, and the owner of a cat with personality plus!(I totally wanted to steal her cat and I'm ALLERGIC to cats lol!) Elizabeth is a breast cancer survivor and has really taken a few hard licks through the years. She's pretty much settled for being a single woman for the rest of her life until a certain handsome litigator flattens her like a pancake at a softball game.
Tyrone Hadley is all a woman could ever want in a man. He's successful, drop dead gorgeous (of course), at the top of his game, and romantically sweet to boot! The story pretty much takes us through all the ups and downs of their incredible relationship.
I really liked these characters that Susan Thatcher created immensely! They were so imperfectly perfect just like you and me! I could relate so well with Elizabeth! She is such an incredibly strong woman and has a beautiful heart and soul. I hated to see such a great guy like Tyrone hit rock bottom as hard as he did. I wanted to throttle him myself a time or two. Read the book and you'll know what I mean:) My only complaint and the reason I gave this story four stars was that I felt like things went a little too fast. I really wanted a tad bit more detail, backstory, MEAT if you will to the story. I hate feeling rushed when I'm so lost in a great read. But all in all , it really was a good story and I look forward to reading the sequel real soon! (Like right after I finish writing this review!)
In "These Foolish Things", Elizabeth Gardner is the surrogate daughter of a quirky but lovable Italian family, a law clerk par excellence, and the owner of a cat with personality plus!(I totally wanted to steal her cat and I'm ALLERGIC to cats lol!) Elizabeth is a breast cancer survivor and has really taken a few hard licks through the years. She's pretty much settled for being a single woman for the rest of her life until a certain handsome litigator flattens her like a pancake at a softball game.
Tyrone Hadley is all a woman could ever want in a man. He's successful, drop dead gorgeous (of course), at the top of his game, and romantically sweet to boot! The story pretty much takes us through all the ups and downs of their incredible relationship.
I really liked these characters that Susan Thatcher created immensely! They were so imperfectly perfect just like you and me! I could relate so well with Elizabeth! She is such an incredibly strong woman and has a beautiful heart and soul. I hated to see such a great guy like Tyrone hit rock bottom as hard as he did. I wanted to throttle him myself a time or two. Read the book and you'll know what I mean:) My only complaint and the reason I gave this story four stars was that I felt like things went a little too fast. I really wanted a tad bit more detail, backstory, MEAT if you will to the story. I hate feeling rushed when I'm so lost in a great read. But all in all , it really was a good story and I look forward to reading the sequel real soon! (Like right after I finish writing this review!)
November 5, 2013
I won a copy of "These Foolish Things" by Susan Thatcher through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest. I love a good love story...and this one didn't disappoint. This romance novel was also full of wit and humor, between the two protagonists, Elizabeth Gardner and Tyrone Hadley...a real battle between the sexes.
Liz was a junior attorney, and team captain and catcher for their company softball team called the Liti-Gators. Ty Hadley was an attorney and shortstop for the opposing softball team, the Barristers'. There was a collision at home plate during the closely contested softball game, where the Liti-Gators won the league championship because Liz prevented Ty from scoring...but it came with a cost...Liz got a huge shiner.
One of the partners, Dan Dennis, came to Liz's desk at work the next day, to offer gratitude for her part in the win, and to advise her that she is to scheduled to argue a motion in court that morning, in his place. She would be making her courtroom debut against...Tyrone Hadley! She had to do it with a black swollen eye and little preparation. Dan wanted to avoid the reigning judge McCafferty, a lunatic.
When the Judge charges Ty with contempt citation in court, the judge orders Hadley to take Liz out for dinner on a date, Saturday night, for the shiner Ty had inflicted...or a night in the slammer! He chooses the date!
The date showed they had a lot in common. Liz is smart, funny with a quick sense of humor. But she is used to being on her own, living with her cat, "Beanie", and is no longer searching for "Mr. Right".Ty thought she would make a good litigator.
What started out as friendship, quickly grew...but Liz was reluctant to commit so quickly, and possibly set herself up hurt.
So is this one for Keeps? She can run, but she can't hide from him.
Liz was a junior attorney, and team captain and catcher for their company softball team called the Liti-Gators. Ty Hadley was an attorney and shortstop for the opposing softball team, the Barristers'. There was a collision at home plate during the closely contested softball game, where the Liti-Gators won the league championship because Liz prevented Ty from scoring...but it came with a cost...Liz got a huge shiner.
One of the partners, Dan Dennis, came to Liz's desk at work the next day, to offer gratitude for her part in the win, and to advise her that she is to scheduled to argue a motion in court that morning, in his place. She would be making her courtroom debut against...Tyrone Hadley! She had to do it with a black swollen eye and little preparation. Dan wanted to avoid the reigning judge McCafferty, a lunatic.
When the Judge charges Ty with contempt citation in court, the judge orders Hadley to take Liz out for dinner on a date, Saturday night, for the shiner Ty had inflicted...or a night in the slammer! He chooses the date!
The date showed they had a lot in common. Liz is smart, funny with a quick sense of humor. But she is used to being on her own, living with her cat, "Beanie", and is no longer searching for "Mr. Right".Ty thought she would make a good litigator.
What started out as friendship, quickly grew...but Liz was reluctant to commit so quickly, and possibly set herself up hurt.
So is this one for Keeps? She can run, but she can't hide from him.
August 23, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review...
These Foolish Things is a sweet contemporary romance novel. The main character, Elizabeth Gardner is not the typical romance character. She is a middle aged woman that has been through many things. She is a lawyer that is over worked and under paid, but does her job well.
Liz is part of a baseball team called Liti-Gators. They were a team called that was named after their firm.
While playing Liz notices a handsome man named Tyrone Hadley. While they were playing baseball, Ty crashes into Liz and ends up giving her a black eye.
From there, something just starts between them even though neither of them know it.
Liz ends up facing Ty during a trial. During the court proceedings the judge notices Liz's black eye and finds out that Ty was the one that accidentally gave it to her. The judge threatens to put Ty in jail for the black eye, but insteads orders him to take Liz out.
This book does have some places where it does drag, but for the most part the book is beautifully written. I love how the main characters aren't the perfect typical 20 somethings that many authors put in their stories. And Liz is not that perfect woman. Ty also has his battles that he deals with.
I really did enjoy this book. It is definitely worth the read. Susan Thatcher describes all the characters very well and since she has a law background, she was able to correctly write about the scenes in the courtroom.
These Foolish Things is a sweet contemporary romance novel. The main character, Elizabeth Gardner is not the typical romance character. She is a middle aged woman that has been through many things. She is a lawyer that is over worked and under paid, but does her job well.
Liz is part of a baseball team called Liti-Gators. They were a team called that was named after their firm.
While playing Liz notices a handsome man named Tyrone Hadley. While they were playing baseball, Ty crashes into Liz and ends up giving her a black eye.
From there, something just starts between them even though neither of them know it.
Liz ends up facing Ty during a trial. During the court proceedings the judge notices Liz's black eye and finds out that Ty was the one that accidentally gave it to her. The judge threatens to put Ty in jail for the black eye, but insteads orders him to take Liz out.
This book does have some places where it does drag, but for the most part the book is beautifully written. I love how the main characters aren't the perfect typical 20 somethings that many authors put in their stories. And Liz is not that perfect woman. Ty also has his battles that he deals with.
I really did enjoy this book. It is definitely worth the read. Susan Thatcher describes all the characters very well and since she has a law background, she was able to correctly write about the scenes in the courtroom.
September 8, 2014
Let me start by saying, I read a LOT of books, so you can imagine how you can get a lot of the 'sameness' throughout certain genres right?
I love a good romance sometimes to break up the books I read, ones that I don't have to put my mind set in gear and just read with my eyes and enjoy.
So I picked up this one!
I was hoping it wasn't going to be [what I call] a soppy romance. It wasn't.
I hoped that it had some ups and downs in it [and not just in the bedroom!] It didn't.
I hoped that there was going to be a storyline to it unlike some romances that can get quite irritating at times [if you know what I mean] It didn't.
I really hoped this was not going to be the "perfect Alpha Male" type read that is all so popular at the moment. It wasn't!
This couple were flawed, they were imperfect, it was GREAT. There were all kinds of emotions in this book. I really liked it, yes it was a romance, but a lovely romance.
I would have to change the cover though
I love a good romance sometimes to break up the books I read, ones that I don't have to put my mind set in gear and just read with my eyes and enjoy.
So I picked up this one!
I was hoping it wasn't going to be [what I call] a soppy romance. It wasn't.
I hoped that it had some ups and downs in it [and not just in the bedroom!] It didn't.
I hoped that there was going to be a storyline to it unlike some romances that can get quite irritating at times [if you know what I mean] It didn't.
I really hoped this was not going to be the "perfect Alpha Male" type read that is all so popular at the moment. It wasn't!
This couple were flawed, they were imperfect, it was GREAT. There were all kinds of emotions in this book. I really liked it, yes it was a romance, but a lovely romance.
I would have to change the cover though
November 18, 2013
Liz Gardner and Tyrone Hadley met on a baseball field when their two law firms were battling it out for the championship. Liz's team won. Shortly after, Liz and Tyrone were face to face in a courtroom and once again, Liz was successful. Although Tyrone tried desperately to get closer to Liz, he felt some resistance. Liz's past was one of heartache at home and bullying throughout her school age years. When she learned she had breast cancer, her insurance would not cover for the plastic surgery to hide her scars. This caused more than one painful rejection from past relationships. Her trust issues were deep-rooted. But as Tyrone tried and tried to be patient with Liz, his persistence finally paid off and they became a couple. But could Tyrone keep his promise to Liz and try the test of time??
Wonderful story of heartache, faith, betrayal, and true love.
Wonderful story of heartache, faith, betrayal, and true love.
July 8, 2013
I read ALOT...and I have a handful of books I consider keepers...and this is going to be one of them. I haven't downloaded and read the prologue yet as I went looking for more from this author and found the prologue. Sounds like there will be at least one more book with Ty and Liz. Has me a little worried for their outcome, but am hoping for another keeper. What I loved about this book is the age of the characters, they aren't gazillionaires, how our early experiences and parents do shape our lives. When I find myself listening to the music from the book I know I'm going to love it. Even though they may be at times uncomfortable with each other, they get each other. I am looking forward to what comes for these characters.
PS...I know what I would be naming the next book. *smiles*
PS...I know what I would be naming the next book. *smiles*
August 29, 2013
This was a wonderful lover story. I found myself captured by Tyrone and Elizabeth. I will admit I was a little confused in the beginning. I’m accustomed to the name Tyrone being used more frequently in the black community so at first I thought this was a multiracial story, so that really grabbed my attention. But the dynamics and drama of the story held me interest to the very end. I still have some questions about the end of the story, but I think I can see myself reading the story again. This will be part of my “Forever Library”
September 13, 2016
I really enjoyed this one. It was kind of different from what I have been reading and it was a nice change. I had been reading about the millionaires who have their women that they "save" or whatever and life is perfect and all happy. This was not like that. It was well written and had my attention from the start and didn't let go at all. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book and I am so glad that I already have it waiting for me to read because I'm not sure I could handle not knowing.
March 1, 2016
This is truly a love story from beginning to end. This story has everything a true love story is about. I loved this story.
It tells a story of how two people fall in love from beginning to end. The trials a couple may go through. Ones that especially lawyers may have deal with. If two people likes characters seem to love each other love will be the cure to help through the trouble times.
Till next time ~ Sweets Books
(written by Lisa - Sweets Books After Hours)
It tells a story of how two people fall in love from beginning to end. The trials a couple may go through. Ones that especially lawyers may have deal with. If two people likes characters seem to love each other love will be the cure to help through the trouble times.
Till next time ~ Sweets Books
(written by Lisa - Sweets Books After Hours)
January 7, 2014
A really good story, it took a long time for the main characters to come together but it was worth the trip. Shame about what happened to Beanie the cat but Norton and Dodger sound like good replacements. This is the first book I've read by this author and I intend to read more of her books.
June 28, 2013
I really enjoyed the story. A few missed words/spelling error's, but thing that would make you stop reading the book.
October 14, 2013
Please see my review at http://dirtydramas.blogspot.com/2013/...
April 12, 2014
I really enjoyed this story... it was very different from the other romance books I have been reading. so much emotion that's what got me hooked you could feel the emotions of the character's.
March 14, 2014
Love the quirky come backs,and the attitudes of each character. Even the cats had character. Great read and lots of fun
January 14, 2018
An Enjoyable Story of Love, Lost and Found!
This is the first book I have read by this author. I enjoyed the easy flow of her storyline and the well defined characters.
The main character, Liz, doesn’t believe that she is lovable or beautiful until she finds Ty. Sparks fly but then die down when their love is smothered by alcohol and neglect. Will they ever get back together and heal the wounds and love again?
An enjoyable read that was hard to put down. I look forward to more books from this talented author.
This is the first book I have read by this author. I enjoyed the easy flow of her storyline and the well defined characters.
The main character, Liz, doesn’t believe that she is lovable or beautiful until she finds Ty. Sparks fly but then die down when their love is smothered by alcohol and neglect. Will they ever get back together and heal the wounds and love again?
An enjoyable read that was hard to put down. I look forward to more books from this talented author.
May 31, 2018
Original heartfelt romance
This is the first time I've read Susan Thatcher and I'm so glad I've discovered her work. I absolutely loved how the prologue gave the clues to the story that followed.
Liz and Ty were mature interesting realistic people who had lived their lives without finding true love, until fate threw them in each other's path... repeatedly. While each of them had their own baggage that had to be worked through and the road got bumpy they got their HEA.
This is the first time I've read Susan Thatcher and I'm so glad I've discovered her work. I absolutely loved how the prologue gave the clues to the story that followed.
Liz and Ty were mature interesting realistic people who had lived their lives without finding true love, until fate threw them in each other's path... repeatedly. While each of them had their own baggage that had to be worked through and the road got bumpy they got their HEA.
January 20, 2018
These Foolish Things will make you feel all the things. If you don't at least 2-3 strong emotions during and/or after reading it.... you might have misplaced your heart. The author tells this story from the heart... and everything that comes with it.
November 4, 2014
I bought and read this book after meeting the author on FaceBook. You know how it is, you start chatting with folks and get friendly, and then you find out they're an author . . . and you sorta kinda havta to buy their book?
So, yeah, I admit it. This was a "guilt buy."
But, boy, it was a good buy!
Elizabeth Gardner is an ordinary middle-aged woman, with ordinary middle-aged woman problems - a job she hates, a body she's insecure about (I'm tempted to give a spoiler, here, but I won't!), and no one to keep her company but her cat. And has a nasty habit of running out the door whenever the opportunity arises for him to do so.
But then Elizabeth bumps into drop-dead gorgeous attorney Tyrone Hadley at a softball game -- literally -- and sparks begin to fly.
The fact that he's known as a playboy, and Elizabeth is intimidated by the beauty of his lovers, doesn't bode well for a relationship between the two of them . . .
But who knows?
I'm glad I do.
Because I read the book.
You should, too!
October 9, 2013
Received this free. Read it in very short time because it kept me interested. Pleased the love passages were tasteful done--not over the top. One criticism is true for most of these kind of love stories. The author seems to need to draw out the relationship by have the couple misunderstand or refuse to discuss issues. That gets very tiresome to read and seems unrealistic after a while. Also the gentlemen was so perfect that at times he was unbelievable. I guess authors feels that is what women want in a romance novel since so many of the men are just toooooo perfect in most romance novel. It was fun to read. I would try another by this author just to see if this is her style!
April 7, 2017
Its a good book and after reading it I initially gave it 4 but I kept thinking about the big issues with it and it really didn't deserve that high of a rating. As a stand alone it would have rated high just add an ending and it would be a solid 4 easily but since its a part of a trilogy I couldn't understand or forgive the fast pace. Liz and Ty go from 0 to 100 in days. I get the love at first sight soulmates aspect but it could have benefited from slow and steady, in less than 3 months they go from meeting to I love you, with only seeing one another a grand total of 4 times, way to fast. Then there is the issue of not ever resolving any of their issues they just say I love you and boom happy again. That's not real life and it could have used realism on top of a sweet love story. I do want to know what happens with Ty but the rest of the story needs more substance.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews