Retying the Knot

The Fab Forties #1

by Liwen Y. Ho

If your marriage didn’t work out once, marry the same person again … said no couple ever.

Piper

Here’s the scoop—I married my former study partner for money’s sake. I promise you it’s not as bad as it sounds. Peter needed a wife in order to receive his dad’s inheritance … so I did what any friend would do, I said yes.

Peter

A marriage on paper—that’s all the guts I had to ask for. Of course, if Piper had wanted more, I would’ve gladly given her myself and all the puppies and chocolate in the world. Instead, I surprised her by paying off her med school bills, then took my broken heart and moved to another country.

Piper

So, here’s the part that does sound bad. I got pregnant (the details of our wedding night are a bit fuzzy). His mom hated me (still does). And we left our baby to be raised by her over-the-top grandmother when we parted ways. I told you it was bad. But now Peter’s reaching out to me and it’s making me wonder ...

Peter

Do I have regrets? Absolutely! Turning forty made me realize I can't waste a chance to make things right with the two most important women in my life. I’ve reunited with our daughter and now it’s time to win over Piper. If only she wasn’t already engaged to another man ...

The Fab Forties series was written by an over-40 author with readers of all ages in mind. This rom-com is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and help you escape reality. So, sit back, relax, and be prepared to laugh!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christian, Clean Romance, Fiction, Christian Romance, Christian Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and chef by day (AKA a stay at home mom) and a writer by night. Her strength is in creating character-driven, deep POV romance infused with faith, humor, and happy ever afters.

In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary. She loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children (AKA munchkins).

Sign up for Liwen's newsletter for news about her upcoming releases, book giveaways and more at http://liwenho.com/free-book!

Reviews

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retying the Knot by Liwen Y. Ho is a sweet, heartfelt over-forty second-chance Christian rom-com about Piper and Peter, former study partners who once married on paper so Peter could secure an inheritance, only to part ways afterward and let life take them in very different directions, including leaving their daughter with Peter’s over-the-top grandmother for years. Now, as adults in their forties, reunited through their teenage daughter’s life, they must decide whether the unfinished story between them is worth revisiting even as past hurts, old misunderstandings, and new relationships complicate every step toward forgiveness and possible love.

From the outset I felt pulled into how wonderfully human this story is, where love isn’t swift and perfect but messy, funny, and deeply rooted in shared history and real consequences. Piper’s candid narration about agreeing to this wild marriage for practical reasons made me laugh and then reflect, while Peter’s quiet yearning and readiness to make amends warmed my heart in the gentlest way.

Their teenage daughter, Mimi, adds such sweetness and grounding to the narrative, reminding me that forgiveness doesn’t arrive in tidy packages; it grows through presence, honesty, and courage.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This book charmed me with its warmth, witty dialogue, and the realistic, deeply human way it explores second chances, family bonds, and the beauty of finding your way back to someone who still matters.

A few plot decisions felt surprising at times, but overall its blend of humor, heart, and hope left me smiling and genuinely moved.

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star

Well I might’ve been born at night but I wasn’t born last night. I can 100% confirm that you do not sleep with someone just because you accidentally trip and land on their lips. So I just cannot with that entire part of the story. The immaturity of Peter and piper is unbelievable. I really did feel chemistry between the two though so I think the writing was done really well in that regard.

God bless Mimi for being way gracious and forgiving of both of her parents who left her for 15-16 years with no contact or anything. And then when Piper is trying to apologize for her lack of involvement- Mimi literally does all the work and Piper is like. Yes yes that’s exactly what I’m trying to say here. Piper acts like the child. And I’m unfortunately not as gracious as Mimi.

Which brings me to Piper. The fact that Piper - a woman in her 40s - is going to marry a man because they had some sort of silly agreement that they would if they didn’t find anyone else by that age is a complete joke. And she says she doesn’t feel like she can get out of it because she’s a Christian and needs to keep her word. Yikes. Big yikes. Then I’m supposed to believe Piper is kissing people while asleep. Like full on grabbing and pulling and kissing people..... while asleep.

And Peter. Peter has his own weird sleeping habits. He talks full sentences and tells a whole bunch of truths when he is asleep. I know sleep talking is a thing.... but I don’t think it’s like this.

Lastly- Calvin. Talks like a lawyer in a court room at all times.... in normal life.

There were things I enjoyed about this story- mostly Mimi- because she is the best teenager in the world. But the other characters involved here are just wildly immature, especially for their ages. And for those reasons- I unfortunately can’t recommend this one.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't my usual type of book (typically I'm reading about characters in their teens to their mid 20s), but I was eager to read this after reading Liwen's other book "Ten Things I Like About You". The teens in this book are the main characters in that book, so of course I had to know what happened to their parents! :D

The story is entertaining, witty and full of humour. Get ready for bad dad jokes and making light of what teenagers find trendy these days compared to people in their 40s. I appreciated the bits of Chinese culture we get, as well as the themes of family and forgiveness.

One thing I did find odd though was how long it took both parents to come back to their daughter... I mean I know WHY (because the book covers that), but I'm just wondering if it's realistic for them to have both had a barely-there relationship with their daughter for the 15 years they were mostly absent from her life, then suddenly return and want a loving, wholesome relationship with her. Like, if I were Mimi, I'd be a lot less forgiving LOL.. Nevertheless, I guess anything is possible and I'm probably too young to judge what can possibly happen when it comes to marriage and love!

(I was given an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review)

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wait is over!

This book had me smiling from the first page, laughing within the next two, and completely invested by the end of chapter one :) it honestly felt like forever, but Peter and Piper's story was so worth the wait! It was fun getting to know both of them as well as "see" flashbacks of their past together (as med students and then as a married couple). It was also nice seeing Peter a bit more comfortable in his dad role and helping Piper become used to hers. As always, the cameos were one of my favorite parts and it was really great getting to see Mimi and Nolan again 😊 as well as seeing Mimi be more of a not so perfect teenager ;).

Another thing I wanted to point out was that, even though I haven't read that many series with characters in their forties, this was the first one that actually *felt* like these people had that age! From the life experiences to the pulled muscles and everything in between, it was clear these two had been married in the past and had a beautiful daughter out of that experience (yes, there are references to the wedding night, but this is a Clean & Wholesome romance written by a Christian author, so it's all good).

Overall, a great start to the Fab Forties series, full of dad jokes, LOL situations, sweet romance, characters that *feel* they're in their forties, and Liwen's own special touch that you've come to expect from all her books. Can't wait for the rest of this series :D ~ 5 stars!

[My_every_day_chilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 3rd book from Liwen Ho and every time I'm reminded why I love reading her books. The characters are mature and they live real life situations. Not to mention the faith elements that are right up my alley.
Although this is a clean read, it's not bland at all. Linwen writes with emotion and her characters have loads of chemistry. She makes you feel so many emotions.

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was it over-the-too and ridiculous at times? Yes
Was I giggling despite that? Yes.

3.5 Stars

Clean, Christian

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always sad when a series I love ends, so I'm so happy Liwen Ho has found ways to string some of her series together. You do not need to read the other series to enjoy this book. It stands on its own, but I do enjoy seeing some of my favorite characters again. I've been anxiously waiting for Peter and Piper's story because I could not understand how two people could leave their daughter to be raised by her strict grandma. I'll admit I didn't think very highly of them and am so glad they got their own story to redeem themselves. Peter and Piper were so cute together. I love how easily they could go from an uncomfortable moment to a moment of camaraderie or friendship. The several slip up/unintentional moments between these two was funny and swoony. They are both great people and I'm so glad they retied the knot.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The humour in this book alone makes this an amazing book
What happens when you go to visit your daughter - who you have not seen since she was a toddler. What happens when your ex is still SO hot!!! But he thinks you’re engaged!!! THIS BOOK - TOTALLY amazing and I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author!!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter and Piper married years earlier to enable him to receive his inheritance - but when Piper unexpectedly fell pregnant, things gradually fell apart and they ended up divorced, with their daughter Mimi being brought up by Peter's difficult-to-get-along-with mother. Now, Peter has encouraged Piper to visit in his mother's absence, to get to know 16-year-old Mimi, and perhaps (he secretly hopes) to rekindle their relationship. But their breakup was difficult - even if they both want to reconcile, can they overcome past misunderstandings? And what will happen when Peter's mother returns?

In some ways, this is a typical 'lack of communication destroys relationship' story - except that it picks up years after said destruction and looks for a way back. And the mother-in-law is anything but typical! So it's a delightful story of second chances, complete with a matchmaking daughter. Satisfying and well written, with characters I enjoyed getting to know. I look forward to further books in the series.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, cute, adorkable - and chock-full of dad jokes. :)

Disclaimer: I loved Mimi and Nolan's story (Ten Things I Like About You), and I really wanted to read the second-chance story of Mimi's parents.

I loved both Peter and Piper, although I found them at times to be a bit frustrating. As before, in Ten Things, Nai Nai certainly was a force to be reckoned with, and I truly didn't envy Piper who struggled to get on her (ex-)mother-in-law's good side.

Another disclaimer: As I'm not a big fan of religion in the books I read for fun, I am not quite the target audience. But I am a fan of Liwen's writing, especially her rom-coms, so here we are. :)
(Plus, this time, she also brought dad jokes. Lots and lots of cringe-worthy, terrible, so-bad-they're-actually-funny-somehow dad jokes. )

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, fun story! Although it seems to have such serious discourse happening, there is just an air of lightness to this whole book. Perhaps it's because of the other books that I've read by this author - I have just come to anticipate a lighthearted, enjoyable and inspirational story. Peter and Piper and Mimi don't disappoint in this newest book and as the story progresses there are more chuckles with some very worthy sighs. A great storyline that carries seamlessly from start to finish with an interesting epilogue! Some characters that we've met before, but some intriguing new ones promise future stories in this new series. I loved this book and I would definitely recommend it, particularly if you enjoy sweet, inspirational romance with a measure of humor!

I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest, and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Liwen Ho's works, and Retying the Knot proved that to be true again. Piper and Peter and Mimi, their daughter, are all very likable characters. I was not impressed with the decisions that Piper and Peter had made before the book started, but forgiveness and reconciliation are themes that I like in my books, which requires that there is something to forgive. The faith of the characters added a depth to this rom-com.
I smiled many times as I read the book. There's lots of humor to be found in its pages.
I recommend this to clean/wholesome romance readers, Christian romance readers, and to clean rom-com readers.
I received a complimentary copy and wanted to share my opinion of this well-written romance with you.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was funny at times, especially Piper's klutzy moments and even Peter had some funny, klutzy moments.  I laughed at the names in this story too, like Peter and Piper and the jokes that followed.

I found it interesting to learn why Piper agreed to marry Peter when she was twenty-one.  I also found it interesting that she had made a pact with an old college boyfriend when they were twenty and so she is now engaged to Calvin, but still in love with Peter.

I liked trying to figure out when she would choose Peter and how she would let Calvin go.  I was surprised by what she did and what Calvin did.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Doris Bernethy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this absolutely delightful book! Peter and Piper were friends in med school. He needed a wife to claim an inheritance so Piper agrees to marry him even though they are just friends. However there is a surprise pregnancy from the wedding night. They part ways and agree to allow Peter's mother to raise their daughter. Now that the daughter is a teenager, Peter invites Piper for a visit to get to know their daughter. She goes to visit and finds there is still plenty of attraction for her ex. However, she is now engaged but Peter still has feelings for Piper and they do share a daughter. There are many light-hearted moments and it is fascinating to follow Peter and Piper's story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. The author has done an outstanding job!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of Ms. Ho’s books, including all of the Edenvale and Sparks series, and I have to say, this was my favorite of them all! I enjoyed all of the characters, except Calvin. I even began to like Nai Nai, and had a few chuckles at her falling in love with Chinese soap operas. Mimi and Nolan were so cute when they were introduced in the Edenvale series, and as they continued their sweet relationship in this book. I loved that Mimi was so forgiving of her mom and dad. She certainly could have been resentful at missing so many years with them. Piper and Peter were both very easy to like and to root for, and I loved every minute of their awkward and funny interactions and their special best friend relationship. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author (many thanks), applaud her talent, and am giving my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper who is 40 years old and a Pediatrician traveling to San Jose from New York to see her daughter Mimi who she left with her ex mother in law. Her ex-mother- in-law who is Chinese and speaks Mandian NaiNai is what she is called. Peter is her ex-husband from college years who is an eye doctor. She meets Anna who is a hairstylist traveling with her to San Jose. They start watching a C-drama and begin to talk about Piper's life and why she is going to see her daughter. Calvin is her fiance who is a lawyer in New York city. Mimi is 16 years old and has a boyfriend Nolan. Read to see how this works out when Piper fiance shows up and the history of everyone.

[Chicken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐

This was a great story. I loved seeing characters from Liwen’s YA series, the series that started me on her books. That series was amazing and I was stoked to read a series with a bit older people than the regular norm. I didn’t feel any kind of age gap and it was funny to see the parents’ thoughts on what they used to do and how their teenagers act now. It was hilarious at some parts and had its serious bits. Then there were the adorable scenes where they show their love for each other or other characters in the novel. Overall, a cutesy story and a great start to this series.

I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retying the Knot: An Over-Forty Rom-Com (The Fab Forties Book 1) by Liwen Y. Ho might seem too good to be true story but something similar happened to a family in our church so fact is often stranger than fiction.. This enjoyable story fleshy out how that could come to be.

The characters are likable so that you find yourself rooting for this family. The story is well-written with grace, wit, (bad jokes that are actually funny because they are so bad) and cultural references that I so enjoyed.

This is a new for me author but one that I will be reading more books written by in the future.

The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Ho has done a fabulous job at making it funny and real. I lived in Hong Kong for 19 years, so really enjoyed all the Chinese cultural references. She does a great job too with the contrast between teen culture back in the 1990s and now. If you want a fun, relaxing read, with hilarious plot twists, you’ll love this too.

If you haven’t read Ho’s Edenvale Arts Academy Series, you’ll want to read at least the last book, Ten Things I Like About You, as it tells Mimi and Nolan’s story, and introduces Peter and his mom.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retying the Knot is a sweet, heartwarming, friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, second chance romance. (Yep, lots of tropes. You will understand when you read it.) I love the names Piper and Peter and love their characters. Mimi is a darling. These characters and their story really made me feel like part of the family. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when Calvin and his very expensive shoes visited. Liwen Y.. Ho is a master story teller. I know when I pick up one of her books that I am in for a treat.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much enjoy Liwen Y. Ho’s books. This book just wasn’t as good. It is full of humor, clean romance, honesty, but it somehow missed the mark for me.

Why would anyone, particularly a woman, give up raising her child to her mother-in-law who lived on the opposite coast of the USA? If mom had lived nearby and occasionally saw her daughter, I might understand it better. I had difficulty getting over this.

I did enjoy the 40+ romance. It’s okay to fall in love and be in love as we age.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when families can reunite. Piper and Peter have been apart for 15 years. Mimi there daughter is bringing them together. His mom was a piece of work but she came through in the end. It seems that they are still having a problem really communicating how they actually feel. Their daughter was such a really sweet young lady with a big, forgiving heart. I liked the story then I got frustrated but then I ended up loving it. Absolutely thought the ending was perfect!!!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters and a fun ,entertaining story line. The author brings a second chance romance between Piper and Peter and delivers a great rom com with a fun dialogue and perfectly painted scenes. Loved and highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Teresa Bertolio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Second Chance Romance

Everyone deserves a my second chance. A mom who let her ex mother in law raise her daughter and her ex. A flight across the country. A reunion to be remembered. Can the daughter forgive her parents? Can they get back together? Even if it's been years? Find out in this Romantic Comedy. Happy Reading!

[Adpa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friends decide to marry in paper only--but turned out to be more intimate that that on the wedding night. They go separate ways for their jobs, grandmother raises the child, many years later, they reconnect, wanting to get to know their child more.
They both realize they love each other but are afraid to express it.
An entertaining story!

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a rom-com type book with fun interactions, sweet reunion with an estranged daughter, and some funny sleeping encounters. That being said, there's a great mother in law, Chinese culture issues, family drama, and a clean second chance romance. I enjoyed reading and look forward to more!

[Julie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hoot!
A fun, fast, FUNNY read. I’m looking forward to the rest in the series if they’re this good. I was given an ARC copy but I would totally purchase this. The author has upped her game and I’m excited to read whatever she puts out.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second chance romance of Piper and Peter. This is a different view of how to rebuild your relationship. I enjoyed this engaging, fun, sweet romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second chance romance. Piper and Peter did everything wrong the first time, now they have a chance to be there for their daughter. This story is funny and sweet and full of feelings they don't talk about.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance??

Retying the Knot is a great over 40 romance. I liked that Piper was frank and outspoken. And that Mimi is like her in that respect. I liked that Peter was willing to fight for love, but only if Piper wanted the same. Nai Nai is so traditional, it sure adds to the tension and the drama. It’s a great addition to the book. I certainly recommend this book.