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Reunion in October

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Francesca lost her first love. Emily’s teetering on her last nerve. Will they risk their hearts to gain everything they both desire?

Five years after her fiancé, Michael, left her for a job on the other side of the country, Dr. Francesca Florentino is focused on her work as an emergency room physician and has no time for a love life. That is, until Josh Candolero charms his way into her heart on the same night Michael returns, vowing to win her back.

Meanwhile, Emily Handler, a 911 dispatcher married to her high school sweetheart for the last seventeen years, can’t seem to figure out what happened to that spark she and hubby, Roy, used to share in their marriage. A life-altering heart attack was not exactly the shake-up she had in mind.

Now, both women will seize control of their lives and discover their hearts’ true happiness for always.

Welcome back to Snug Harbor, where the ocean breeze is a lover’s kiss, and the salt air always carries a hint of love.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2014

24 people are currently reading
379 people want to read

About the author

Gina Ardito

47 books442 followers
Gina Ardito is the award-winning author of more than twenty romances in contemporary, historical, and paranormal sub-genres. In 2012, she launched her freelance editing business, Excellence in Editing, and now has a stable of award-winning clients, as well.

She’s hosted workshops around the world for writing conferences, author organization chapter meetings, and library events. To her everlasting shame, despite all her accomplishments, she’ll never be more famous than her dog, who starred in commercials for 2015’s Puppy Bowl.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GinaArditoAu...

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ginaardito/

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

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5 stars
38 (55%)
4 stars
16 (23%)
3 stars
7 (10%)
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6 (8%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica (JT).
479 reviews52 followers
October 25, 2015
This book was provided to me through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to Gina Ardito, the publisher, and Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read it. This is my honest review. No compensation was given.

A predictable, cutesie read. It depicted two very busy woman finding love again in the month of October. The October setting was cute, but not a huge part of the story.

Ardito's writing style got on my nerves sometimes. In order to get the point across that the characters are busy people, she decided to give the readers a run-down of their days. It felt like reading a checklist or a boring journal entry sometimes. I got tired of hearing how busy everyone was because I'm busy too and it stressed me out and took me out of the world of the book thinking about everything that needs to be done.

Sometimes Ardito was way too descriptive for my liking as well. It felt like reading the minute-to-minute blow-by-blow of a morning. Get up, get dressed, wake the kids up, make breakfast (should I make pancakes or oatmeal? oatmeal is more healthy... but the carbs would be better with pancakes... I'll add honey to the pancakes to make them "healthy"), boring discussion with family, drive to work, etc.
This novel could have been much shorter and much easier to read if it just went through some more editing and trimmed out the mundane day-to-day activities of the characters.

The ending felt way too perfect to be believable for me too.

Overall, it was not bad, but not amazing either. I will not read any future or previous books from this series.
Profile Image for Cindy.
957 reviews33 followers
August 10, 2014
I love October and I loved this book! Instead of regular chapters, the author made each one about a particular woman in the book. It made for an excellent read.

The story line was very realistic with things that could happen in every day life. All of the women were down to earth people that could be your neighbors. The author made them characters you would want to be friends with. Umm, except maybe the mother-in-law of Emily!

Because the book takes place in October, the author adds in some autumn atmosphere with pumpkins, Halloween, raking leaves and to me, as a Floridian, it made me think of my childhood and my favorite season of the year.

I really like the authors style of telling a story and have plans to go back and read September's book. Like life, things don't always go as planned but this book makes you hope for the best.

If you are looking for a book that will be hard to put down, this is an excellent one that I would highly recommend!
Profile Image for  ~Teresa.
159 reviews32 followers
October 18, 2016
I loved this book! This book follows the lives of two very different woman. One a single doctor living alone and the other a married mom with four kids and a job. They are both busy women with life changing events heading their way.

Frankie, the doctor, had a fiancé and was planning her wedding until he took a job on the other side of the country without so much as consulting her. This happened five years ago. She has not dated much since Michael left.

Emily married her high school sweetheart 17 years ago and has four kids. Her oldest is 16 and her youngest is 18 months. She is a 911 operator and works 12 hour shifts. She and her husband Roy have grown apart with jobs, kids, and financial problems.

This book is about how these two strong, intelligent women remake their lives and obtain the happiness they have been seeking. One makes the decision to begin dating an amazing guy and the other has a life threatening incident make the decision for her. They both embrace their lives with some fear but eventually with open hearts.

I enjoyed the way the author wrote about each woman and the happenings in each life in every chapter. I liked the details of their world's. Although each was at a different place in her life it was interesting to read of their struggles side by side.

I will definitely read more books by this author and will definitely recommend this author to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sandra.
Author 22 books34 followers
September 4, 2014
This is really two romances for the price of one. Reunion in October tells the stories of Emily and Francesca in alternate chapters, using the technique to portray the lives of two women whose circumstances are different, but who are both searching for that delicate balance between total commitment and retaining a sense of self. She captures the essence of the modern woman and, perhaps, women of every age, as she portrays the daily lives of these two women, one an under-appreciated housewife and mother, the other an independent-minded professional. Ardito's writing is deft, sure and nuanced. Her skill at finding exactly the right detail to convey her characters' inner conflicts can't be beat. I really liked the technique of alternating the viewpoints and enjoyed watching the two stories unfold. Each was captivating in its own way.
Profile Image for Jerri Drennen.
Author 29 books27 followers
September 21, 2014
You could say this was 2 stories in 1 book. I loved it. Such an emotional read. Emily's story really resonated with me. Being a working mother and how your needs always seem to come last. I could relate to that.
4,374 reviews28 followers
August 31, 2014
Good

the Emily this book is how a mother can be overwhelmed and stress can cause illness and this can brewing back a marriage.
Profile Image for Nola.
171 reviews
September 3, 2014
Great little story if you want something different ..
Profile Image for Judy.
294 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2014
What a fun read! Life is difficult. Life is challenging. This is depicted with humor and wonder.

Pick up a copy today!
1,703 reviews15 followers
October 30, 2022
I enjoyed this book number two of the Calendar girl Series. This the story of love almost lost but was found through personal trauma. Then there is love that comes from broken engagement and the other person realizing that was the best thing that happened to her. Emily and Rory got married because she got pregnant in high school and he decided that he loved her enough to marry her and she had to drop out in the 11th grade. She and Rory drift apart as the children have become teenagers and both feel like they were not supported by the other person. So this part of the two plots that are going on in the town of Snag Harbor on Long Island New York. They have four children and Emily the wife feels like she is doing everything, taking care of the children and working but expected to take care of the household as if she was a stay at home mom. They eventually start working on their relationship after she has a heart attack. This is their journey to rediscovering what they love about one another. Then there is the story of Joshua and Dr. Francesca Florentino who had been engaged to Michael her finance when she was in college. She has five brothers and sisters but was the oldest of her siblings and had become her mother's life line when her father died of a heart attack when she was 13. She was oldest so the responsibility to take care of her mother and her siblings fell on her. Joshua was six years younger than her, she even babysat him when he was younger. This is how her letting herself being taken care of loved like she took care of others and the journey that Francesca aka "Frannie" let their selves be open to love no matter the age.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,221 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2022
This is an older book from the author, but I hadn't read it. There are two separate romances going on. Francesca's former fiance shows up, just as she begins to date Josh. I hated that she was hung up on their (not-so-huge) age difference. Josh is adorable, and perfect for her. Emily and Roy have no spark in their marriage after 17 years and 4 kids. She's feeling stretched to the breaking point. When she has a heart attack at 34, it's a wake-up call for the entire family. Roy is a complete surprise. Both Francesca and Emily have to make decisions that will hopefully lead them to the love they seek. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.8k reviews125 followers
November 2, 2022
I've read several books written by Gina Ardito; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Calendar Girls Series; it is a stand-alone book. It is two stories one is about Francesca, Michael & Josh; the other is about Emily. Francesca & Michael were engaged until he left town five years ago for a job; the same night Josh finally gets through to her Michael shows up wanting another chance. Emily is married to her high school sweetheart and what the spark back in their marriage.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
9,376 reviews140 followers
October 31, 2022
The author weaves a combined story of two women , Emily and Francesca's relationships and the issues they are dealing with. She alternates chapters as she takes you through their life's journey. She brings tons of emotions to each storyline and delivers heartfelt stories filled with drama, humor, romance and love. I enjoyed reading their stories.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
3,353 reviews19 followers
November 1, 2022
What a well written story of 2 women each dealing with different issues in their love life. The story pulls you from page one and keeps you turning the pages. The characters are easy to get to know and you feel like you've known them for a lifetime. A great weekend read when you want to curl up on the couch with a good book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,012 reviews34 followers
October 27, 2022
Reunion in October by Gina Ardito is a good, and enjoyable sweet small town
friends to lovers second chance romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alex T.
396 reviews2 followers
October 31, 2022
The book contains 2 beautiful romance stories.The plot line was refreshing and enjoyable to read.I loved the story, emotions drama happening between the pages of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,157 reviews30 followers
November 2, 2022
Two stories.

Part of the calendar girl series, this is for the month of October and features two ladies. Francesca and Emily. Each faces dilemmas.

Purchased.
1,264 reviews28 followers
October 21, 2023
Another great

This was another great read from this author. Filled with beautiful relationships and won't leave you disappointed when you finish it.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,225 reviews19 followers
March 13, 2015
Let me just say this is the first book that I have read by Gina Ardito. I have to tell you I hope it won’t be my last. This author has such a natural ability of using humor and angst to get to the heart of the matter in her characters relationships. This was one of those books that I was reading passages to my hubby because I was laughing so hard that he was so invested too I that when I would read what I had just read he would want to hear more.
This book is about two relationships one that is 17 years in and on shaky ground. This would be Emily and Roy Handler. They met in high school when Em was a freshman. When she was 16 and Roy 17 and getting ready to graduate they became pregnant. Roy never hesitated a minute by saying let’s get married and build a family. Now they have Mellie 16, Corey 14, Gabby 6, and Luke 8 months.
They have weathered many storms. Yet, the last several months have been rough Roy works at the hospital as a janitor from 8-5. Em has been used to doing it all buy after Luke came she is exhausted all the time to the point of passing out. Roy seems to take it as a slide that she is short tempered, quiet, and they are always arguing. Something has to give.
Then there is the second couple. Dr. Francesca Florentino and Joshua Candolero. Where the other couple was extremely tense almost the whole story this couple was not. I love the character of Josh. He is what every girl looks for in a guy-someone that can make her laugh and is sexy as hell.
At first Frannie as Josh calls her is leery of him. Yet, what actually makes her step back from him at first is that he is 6 years younger than him and she used to babysit him. What endears him to her is that he’s so willing to do anything to make her laugh, he’s sexy as hell when he smiles, he has wash board abs, and that’s the short list.
The funny thing is she finds out he has been injuring himself on purpose to get a date with her. So, there would be an excuse to go into the ER. When she finds out she wants to be mad but her co-workers are on his side saying how much forethought it took. She agrees to the date. The way the date went she is totally impressed with it. She even kisses him good night and is looking forward to their date in a couple of days. When she lets herself into her home she gets the surprise of her life.
You see 5 years ago she was pretty much left at the altar by her longtime boyfriend and then fiancé, Michael. Here she was just getting started at the local hospital and she was loving it and behind her back Michael starts looking for jobs out of state. He ends up getting one in Oregon and really expected that she would just drop her job and follow him. When they live and grew up in Long Island. She was not happy and said she was not going so 10 days before the wedding he packed up and left. Never to be heard of again so she thought.
Until she sees him standing in her living room and greeting her as she comes home from her date with a kiss. Her life flashes before her and it is not a happy flashback of the last 5 years of pain and depression that HE had put her through. Now he thought he could just walk right back into her home. She calms down and says her life has moved on and he is no longer a part of it. He says that’s not what you mom says we talk regularly. I knew I made a mistake leaving so have been trying to get back to you ever since. Basically.
Life in this small town is greatly in need of you doing some reading about it. You can’t miss this one. I laughed, cried a tear or two, and held my heart. I give this 5 stars plus.
Provided by Net Galley.
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Profile Image for Sarah Reads "Reading in Sarah's Corner".
415 reviews35 followers
November 11, 2014
From the moment, I started reading this book I was captivated. It rotates between two women’s lives throughout the month of October. Both women are struggling to discover who they are now that life has dealt them an unexpected hand. Neither woman has a bad life it just isn’t the life they thought they would be leaving when they were younger.

Author Gina Ardito characters are relatable to anyone who has a busy life and sometimes feels like life just isn’t fair. I related to both women numerous times throughout this novel. And yes, I nodded my head in agreement with both women on multiple occasions. If I could have said “Amen sista!” to them, I would have.

Five years ago, Francesca Florentino’s fiancé left her to move out west. Michael did not understand that she could not just up and leave during her residency. He just assumed she would follow him anywhere. Since he left, she has become a workaholic and practically lives in the Emergency Room. She notices that Josh Candelero a boy she once babysat has started making more and more trip to the ER.

Josh a now every hot man has always had his eyes on Francesca ‘Frannie’. He wants her to see him for the man he is today. Not the boy she once watched. I laughed aloud at how he would push her buttons and slowly won over her heart. Josh won over my heart quickly with his patience and love for his Frannie.

Then we have Emily Handler, she is a wife, mom of four adorable children, and a 911 operator. Emily does everything for everyone and feels like no one cares or realizes she is running on empty. Everyone is too busy with their lives to notice that Emily has become emotionally and physically drained until she has a heartache while at the library with her youngest.

Roy Handler is oblivious to what his wife has been going through. She handles everything for him and the children. He even had the audacity to wonder when she would be out because he needed help. He loves her more than anything he just isn’t so great at showing her right now. Emily realizes that maybe she and Roy need to separate. Their emotion journey through October stole my heart.

And if that wasn’t enough Author Gina Ardito adds in many more characters to keep us enthralled. Some you learn to love and some you just want to smack.

I absolutely loved watching both couples discover who they had become and what matter most to them.

This book will have you laughing, clutching your heart, and wanting to hug both women as they discover who they are during the month of October.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,367 reviews570 followers
February 26, 2015
Thank you to Fido Publishing and Net Galley for giving me a review copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Reunion in October is really 2 books in one. We learn both Emily and Francesca's stories.

Emily Handler is a 911 dispatcher at the end of her tether with her home life. Mother to 4 children, and married to Roy, finances are tight, and when their beloved dog becomes ill, relationships are strained. Emily is incredibly stressed by everything in her life, and then she has a heart attack that forces her to re-evaluate everything.

Francesca is an E.R. doctor, that 5 years ago had her heart broken when Michael, her fiancé takes a job in Oregon and moves away. In those 5 years she hasn't even thought about dating let alone falling in love, until Josh ends up in her emergency room. But will she let him in at all.

These are two lovely romances, told alternatively, throughout the book. I love Gina Ardito's writing style and how she tends to write feel good books, with fantastic female leads.

This is a quick and easy book to read, perfect for when you don't want anything too heavy.
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews641 followers
May 19, 2015
Eu não conhecia esta autora e achei este livro no meu Kindle e gostei do resumo dele. Foi uma grata surpresa! Adorei a história e os personagens são maravilhosos e muito reais. Recomendo! Vou ficar de olho nesta autora.
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I didn't know this author and I found this book on my Kindle and I decided to start reading. It was a pleasant surprise! I loved the story and the characters are wonderful and very real. Recommend! I'm going to keep my eye on this author.
Profile Image for Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review.
2,371 reviews31 followers
July 24, 2016
Amazing book!! At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. But once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. True-to-life stories about realistic situations, so different from the "typical" romance stories. Real-life struggles. I can't say enough about this book! I laughed, I cried, I saw myself and some family members in some of the characters. I can't wait to read the next one in the series! An enthusiastic 2 thumbs up and 5 star rating with a huge recommendation to read this book!
Profile Image for Kerri Prince-Phillips.
4 reviews
February 3, 2015
This book was provided for me by a good reads giveaway.
reunion in October is a brilliant book. I lost an evening because I got so caught up in the stories. I say stories, I felt like I got 2 books in one. emily's and francesca's stories run side by side with some slight cross overs but are 2 very different tales. I am definitely going to be getting other books by Gina ardito
Profile Image for Zarith dol.
221 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2015
A great book with full story about the lives of two women in their journey to find love, friendship and happiness. Thumbs up to the author. The story is deep and gut-wrenching and I feel for both women. 5stars

ARC given by netgalley for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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