First Class Farewell

First Class Novels #9

by A.J. Harmon

Just when life seems to be perfect, tragedy strikes. The Lathems lose one of their own in a senseless, violent crime and the family struggles to deal with the loss.
Spreading the ashes and saying farewell is harder than they could ever have imagined, but are reminded repeatedly that life goes on – there is still living and loving to be done.
While all together in their house in the Caribbean, they are reminded once more how fragile life can be and how they should treasure every moment shared with the most important people on earth – their family. Join the Lathem family as they say goodbye to a loved one and watch a romance blossom right in front of their eyes.

Genres: Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2013

About the author

AJ grew up in Perth, Western Australia. She is the third of six children and her first exposure to romance was her parents. Now married for almost 55 years, they have always been her example when working on her own marriage and parenting skills.
Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters and Georgette Heyer, were the writers she grew to love in adolescence and still loves now. Her list of favorite authors now has grown to include, not only historical but also contemporary authors as well. Sadly, she doesn’t have as much time to indulge in novels as much as she would like. Her family and now writing her own novels, keeps her very busy, but you will always find a book on her nightstand.
Other hobbies include cooking, one her favorite television shows is The Next Iron Chef on Food Network, and traveling, the UK and the Caribbean her favorite places to visit.
She and her husband of 28 years, reside on the west coast of the USA and have two grown children, making them empty-nesters, and recently adopted a rescued puppy, Max, from the local humane society.

Reviews

[Mateja · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5*

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a heart wrenching good bye to one of their own - and I will not tell you who - the Lathem's once again rally around each other and show that strength can be found in family. While each and every couple get their own chapter and the reader catches up on what is happening in their lives. The new sparks of hope and love and the new additions to the clan make this book go from a tear jerker to an absolute treasure.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like a long epilogue of all the previous 8 books with a little about Shelby and Adam. The first 8 or more chapters were about each of the previous couples. All I can say is I am glad it is done.
Not to spoil it but there is a tragedy and the entire family goes to the island for 2 weeks together. Nice but a little unrealistic. While there Adam and Shelby's romance blossoms.

[Mary Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. From the first line to the last, it had me hooked. Something new is always happening and the family is fantastic. No spoilers and I’m going to post the same review for all 9 books. This is the umpteenth time I have read them. I give them another read when I want to be completely immersed in the Lathem family and come out feeling great. Wonderful romances. Read them all!

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Wauktown Thumper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no words. None that you haven't heard in the last few reviews on these books. The first two were my favorite of this series.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don’t give many five stars, but when I shed tears then the book gets my five. First Class Farewell is the ninth book in the series, and was mainly about saying farewell to a well-respected family friend and employee. The story takes place in the Bahama’s at Matt and Janie’s vacation home, with the whole family present. It was great to see all the cousins playing together and to see how well everyone gets along. By the end of the book, Katy’s adoptive daughter Shelby finally gets her happy ending that she well deserved. Her childhood was such a nightmare and unthinkable horrors were done to her that seeing her actually being able to have a relationship is a miracle in itself. I love seeing the family all together and seeing such a happy ending. Wonderfully written and well established characters, made this book a great read. Thank you Harmon for introducing us to this wonderful family you brought to life in this series. I think while my five boys are still young, we will also start a weekly family tradition of our own.

[Andrea Huseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is number 9 in the First Class Series. Amazing 5 star conclusion to a
magnificent series. Suspense, continuation of storylines, emotions galore,
formation of relationships, death, babies everywhere, --- I couldn't put
it down. A very quick read. The writing style and format is so much fun.
The way each chapter is devoted to a existing love story while
intertwining the new storyline/characters. I was biting my nails and on
the edge of my seat at times. There were moments of awe! No that can't
happen! Tears! So grab some Kleenex. It was nice to see the aging of
characters and relationships. Excellent usage of descriptive words and
settings. A nice ending to a series that exceeds all expectations. Each
book is outstanding. I would suggest this series be a part of everyone's
library. AndreaAH

[Book Junky Girls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is similar to First Class Voyage in that it's an overview of all the characters we've come to know and love throughout the series.

The first half of the book shows you what everyones been up to and it shows their love. It also shows their struggles and some unfortuinate losses. Brought together by the loss of a family member they go to Janie and Matt's vacation home in the Bahamas to say goodbye. While there you see happy and sad times. And the foundations of new love.

Warning have tissues ready for this one it's allot more emotional for the family we've come to know in the series and you'll find yourself crying along with them!!!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series by AJ Harmon, I had thought I had reviewed it when I read it but come to find I hadn't and that was two years ago and I still remember this series and the characters, What an interesting family and each book is dedicated to one member, its the type of family most of wish we could belong too. These books have the whole meal deal, laugh out load moments, sadness and family gatherings that would make a good movie series. Thank you AJ for your writing and giving me so many good memories of reading, Cheers

[Suzanne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried during this book! It was touching at the beginning were I was heart broken for the family. Then love was in the air! The book did a major jump ahead, I wish the jump ahead was a different book and there was more updates on the older kids, Janie's Twins Katy's son and of course Katy's “adopted” daughter Shelby. This book should have been about the farewell and then the love in the air without such a big jump. I however LOVED the series.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried throughout much of this story. Since this is book no. 9 at this point you have come to know each character and become intertwined in their lives. I suggest reading this series in order. wonderful job AJ!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Under BookJunkyGirls

[Kayla Arno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these book..they are a must read.... the family ends in a great big happylie ever after...

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goosebumps and tears thru the whole book. I can't believe this series has ended. I want more