Countdown to Love

Silver Night Romance Collection #1

by Allyson R. Abbott

A Valentine Romance with a difference.
A 'Read In One Sitting' short story.
When Project Manager, fifty-nine year old Marie, realises that it's been way too long since having any kind of sexual relationship with any other than her magic wand, she knows action is needed.
Using her professional training and project management skills she sets about a new project: Countdown to Love, using the forthcoming Valentine’s Day as her deadline. As an empathiser of being lonely, she also includes her gay neighbour Richard into her project to help give his boring and quiet life a boost. Little does she know that fifty-one year old Richard also has his own project on the boards and she blithely ignores his world while focusing on her mission to find them both dates/sex/love before the deadline.

A mature woman's romance.

“This short story was a great little humorous read, with a big difference. It dispelled the normal love, lust and romance theory when looking for a relationship as Marie, the narrator decides at 59yrs old, she needs sex and fast. Being a professional project manager, Marie tries to use the same skills of preparation, selection, and organising that she uses on a daily basis in a no nonsense way; which contrasts well given her age and stature. She includes her single neighbour Richard into her project to help find his soulmate with promises of love and sex by Valentine’s Day. He plays along albeit unwillingly only because he has his own agenda. Humorously and contrary to her own beliefs, she has no or little people skills and Richard bears the brunt of her outspokenness and plans. Some very funny parts and easy to visualise scenes. I enjoyed the different approach and the typical English upper class characterisations of Marie”. Erin. W (UK) Book provided for review purposes.
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Genres: Romance

170 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2015

About the author

I 'm very lucky to have the indulgence of time and space to enable me to write. I took a sabbatical from work to accompany my partner on his bucket list travels and adventures, and never went back. I really thought I would struggle with all the free time, so decided to write to keep myself occupied. Now writing has consumed my time and I am never sure where we will be or when, hence my novels could be classed 'international' as they may have been written across a few countries. We are still travelling, although we do pop back to the UK for a few months every now and again.

I love the fact that no matter what our age we can use new technology to connect to the rest of the world and enhance our lives. Back in the UK I have my friends and family and with emails, phones, skype or face-time, we are never out of touch for long. Even my mother at eighty-six uses face-time to catch up with me. I have the world at my fingertips and only twenty-four hours away from anywhere.

Being a 'mature aging gracefully' woman, I feel akin to the problems of aging and relationships. I spent many years on my own before finding my truly remarkable and very patient partner who I happily gave up my whole world for. My stories are about mature relationships with mature people. People who have character and humour, who have a history; people just like us.

I like to call it Hen Lit, not Chick Lit, but it is not just about falling in love. They are about real relationships.

I hope you enjoy my stories. Please check my web page or social media pages if you would like to contact me. I love emails and try to answer every one as soon as possible.

http://www.allysonrabbott.com

http://AllysonRAbbott.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Coco.V]

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[Heather Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short romantic story from A Silver Night Romance. It is the perfect story to read around Valentine’s Day or is you are looking for a nice short read. This is the first story I have read from this talented author and I loved every minute of it. The storyline hooks you right away and keeps you wanting more. I loved this story so much I read it in only one sitting. This story had me laughing and swooning all the way through.

Marie is a fifty-nine year old senior project manager. Her career makes her a very busy woman. Marie finally realizes it has been way too long to not have a male companion. She decides to make a project out of finding herself a date. Marie also gets her neighbor Richard into her plan. They both want a person to come home too. Marie and Richard start to take action finding themselves dates. Richard also has a plan of his own that could complicate things. Will these two find love on Valentine’s Day or will they both end up alone again?

This book was so much fun to read. It maybe short but when you are finished it will feel complete. You will fall in love with these characters immediately. Marie is a go getter that will not stop until she gets what she wants. She also has a strong personality that I loved. Marie maybe in her fifties but she is young at heart. Richard is very sweet and caring. He is the perfect gentleman and any woman is lucky to have him. I loved that this story was about older adults that still can have romance. I usually read romance with younger couples that grow together. It is nice to see that the older generation can also have hot romance. I would love to read more about these two characters in the future. I can not wait and see what this author will write about next.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

When they say countdown to love they mean it. I didn't realize that mature main character meant very mature in age. She's over 40 but that's all I'll say I dont wanna give anything away even the age. The countdown to finding love for our heroine is Valentine's Day... again that's all I'll say because too much info becomes spoilers and we don't like spoilers.
I normally don't read too many novellas centered around men or women of certain ages but I'm glad I took the time to read this story because I had some time to pass while putting my kids down for nap. This was a quick read at least for me most stories are. The author kept the stories short and sweet and made her point of finding love on a deadline in a very witty way. I wasn't annoyed by how this was done unlike most authors this one actually uses written words to draw you in and help you relate not just to the characters but to the story itself. I really enjoyed this novella and look forward to seeing more stories by her.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

NEVER TO OLD FOR TRUE LOVE!

Countdown to Love: A Silver Night Romance by Allyson R. Abbott is a short easy and extremely enjoyable read!
Marie has decided it is time to find love again before she is to old. At fifty nine she is looking at sixty and worrying that if she doesn’t use her sex appeal to catch a man now, it could very well be too late and she is not ready for that. Marie is a highly skilled planner and has a very high energy level. Setting a good plan into action is going to be easy for her but having this plan completed by Valentine’s Day maybe a stretch. Will the outcome be what she wants? Marie learns office romances are not so good. She has enlisted the help of her gay neighbor, Richard.
Richard has had his eye on Marie for a long time. When she enlists him to help her with her plan to have a partner for each of them by Valentine’s day he decided this is the perfect time for a plan of his own. Richard goes along with Marie to help end the boring lives she thinks they lead.
What will happen when Marie finds out all about Richard and his plotting and planning? How will she feel when she learns who Richard really is and how he feels about her? You will have to read this to find out!
I totally enjoyed this fun and exciting read. I found the Allyson R. Abbott’s humor spot on. I loved the characters Marie and Richard have a good story! I for one want more and can’t wait to see if we get more.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown to Love: A Silver Night Romance by Allison R. Abbott is a short story that will leave you laughing through most of the book. This is not my first story by this author and I think her stories get better and better with every one I read. I enjoy her writing style and creation of characters, they are great and add much to her stories. This story is about a woman who is older and has come to realize that there just may be more to life then what she has lived. This is the story of Marie. She has decided that she has been without a man for too long. So, she decides to put a project together to find a man by Valentines Day. Not only has she decided this for herself but she has also decided to find romance for her neighbor, Richard, too. They go along with Marie's plan and Richard gets his own ideas in there as well. Marie is a take charge type of woman and wants things done. She has a strong personality that can be good and bad. She is determined that they make the project work and the things they do will just leave you laughing. Will they succeed and find romance in time for Valentines Day? These characters will keep you reading until the very end. This is a fast reading story and I read it in one sitting. I highly recommend this story as it is a cute short story about life as an older woman who still has some life in her and left to live. I can't wait to see what stories this author will have for us next!

[Jean Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by Allyson R. Abbott. I truly loved Countdown to Love. Ms. Abbott’s novelettes are thoroughly enjoyable. She has an uncanny ability to take a few short pages and craft an amazing story from them.
What a wonderful concept. I can absolutely see this situation arising. Countdown to Love is a study in communication, or rather, lack of communication. Well meaning friends often stop listening, or hear only what they want to hear. Ms. Abbott has taken full advantage of this fact.
Ms. Abbott has crafted this story so well that I could really see and understand the motivation of her characters. They are full, complete and described so well, I feel that I know them. Marie and Richard are like old friends by the end of the book. The other characters play so well with Marie and richard, it’s not hard to get to know them at all.
The concept is unique and the characters have maturity and depth. I will be recommending this book to my family and friends as well. Another very read worthy book by Allyson R. Abbott. Bravo, Ms. Abbott!!

[Sammi Fetterhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated “Countdown to Love” by Allyson Abbott four out of five stars due to the fact that the flow of the book was something I had not encountered before. The first half of the book seems a little choppy while the second half flows continuously. For me, the second half is able to grab hold of the reader's attention until the end. Though the flow was not the greatest, the plot was amazing. It kept me intrigued as to how everything was going to play out in the end. Because of this, the outcome of the book was something that I had not expected to see. It makes me interested in reading some of the other books that the author has written.
I ended up fully enjoying it. I loved each and every character that the author placed into the story. I was able to visualize all of the characters as the author slide them into the story. The author’s use of words and sentence structure helped provide great detail for me to visualize the story. Because of this, I felt that the author connected with her audience at a high level. The characters seemed very relatable to modern life. Though many of the characters are older in age than myself, I felt like I could find them relatable to different things that I have dealt with in my life. The different relationships that the author included in this book can be seen in the lives we live today. The author did an excellent job conveying this fact. An excellent book written by an excellent author.

[Gail Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown to Love by Allyson Abbott

Four Stars

Countdown to Love was a very different read for me. I’ve never took notice of the age of the characters unless it was pointed out in the book. Our female lead is very serious about finding love or a hot night for valentine’s day. It’s crazy how we look for love and it could be in our face but we still over look it. It was sad that at 59 she realized something was missing. I laughed at some parts because even I noticed what she didn’t from the beginning. The author did a great job pointing out that age isn’t a limit on when you find love. That even at 59 you can find someone who loves you with all your extra wrinkles. I liked how sneaky our male lead was and how he kept going back even though she didn’t notice him.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countdown to Love
A Silver Night Romance
By Allyson R. Abbott
☆☆☆☆☆
A Novella on mature romance for the over 50.

Marie is 59 years old, a project manager who lives for her charts. She writes everything down and follows protocol. Everything is documented, with follow through. She has picked an end date and has set about to make this work. She also has talked her neighbor into working with her. Will find him a date too?

Richard 51 years old, a quiet neighbor of Marie’s. He has been worked into her plan. As Marie is determined to find him a romance as well. He has many secrets about his life. Secrets he shares with nobody. Will he open up to Marie?

Allyson R. Abbott has written a fun story. It was a fast read, well thought out and ending with
Everybody happy. Many twists and turns and things that were unexpected. Sometimes things are not as we expected, expect the unexpected.

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown to Love is a short story featuring 59-year-old project manager Marie who has decided she has been without a man for long enough. And the best way to find a suitable candidate? Effective, no-nonsense project management, of course! The plan is to find romance and hopefully have sex by Valentine's Day. Being the kind-hearted and pro-active woman she is, Marie decides to include her 52-year-old neighbor Richard into her quest for romance. In Mary's opinion, Richard is a shy kind of guy and obviously gay, so she is convinced he is in dire need of her project management expertise. But, of course, not everything goes according to plan, and Marie discovers that love can be found in the unlikeliest of places.
Countdown to Love was a sweet, clean and funny romance that can easily be read in one sitting. Told in first person narrative from Marie's point of view, Allyson R. Abbott has created quite a quirky, slightly bossy but ultimately likable protagonist in Marie.
Her personality is shown efficiently through her sometimes hilarious monologues and entertaining dialogues. All the characters felt very authentic. I particularly enjoyed that Countdown to Love was a romance about mature, but active and fun characters, which Abbott refers to as hen-lit. This was my first book by Allyson R. Abbott, but I look forward to reading more of her Silver Years and Silver Night Romances. I would recommend Countdown to Love to fans of clean romances who like grown-up characters with real life experience.

[Laura Leyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not usually read books on people over forty, but I actually enjoyed this book. I am so glad I took a chance on this book and tried to read things out of my comfort zone. This is a short but sweet novella.

Ageing sucks. But if you own it I suppose it works in your favour. Marie does that perfectly. Even when she’s nearly sixty.

'At fifty nine I may not have many more years of relatively good looks left to find a man who appreciates maturity rather than short skirts and smooth skin. Having a good complexion helps, but there's no point in kissing myself; my face and body have many more wrinkles and crinkles than there used to be.'

Although, when you are meeting sixty you want to settle down a bit. Or find a suitable person. Marie lets her gay friend Richard into her mission and they both agree to do it. After all Valentine’s Day is not that far away.

'The mission is for both of us to find a suitable partner, fall in love and have *** by Valentine's day.'


Overall I genuinely enjoyed this short book. It was different but it was a good different and it shows that you are never too old to find love.

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countdown to Love: A Silver Night Romance
By: Allyson R. Abbott
5 out of 5 stars

The story Countdown to Love: A Silver Night Romance by Allyson R. Abbott is a short story that had me smiling and laughing when reading. It is the story of Marie who has decided that she has been without a man for long enough and puts together a project to have one by Valentine’s Day. Marie is a woman who is a person of action. She has a strong personality and has a take-charge attitude. While the methods that she uses for her project work for her job I wondered how they were going to work in order to find a man. Marie has included her neighbor Richard in her project. She is determined that he find love as well. Richard goes along with Marie’s plans and also from time to time has a few of his own ideas to add. Will these two find love for Valentine’s Day? This is a fun story to read. I read it all in one sitting. These are two characters that I wouldn’t mind reading more about. I have read other books by this author and look forward to reading more of her stories. She creates stories and characters that are wonderful.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Countdown to love is a really fun novella by Allyson Abbott. It’s a mature woman’s romance- with a sweet, clean and charming story. It has a fast pace and is a very quick, easy read.
Marie is a fifty-nine-year-old project manager who decides that it’s time to find herself a man- because it’s been way too long. She sets about putting together a plan in her very efficient and organised way. She decides to include her single, shy, gay neighbour Richard in her plan- to try and find him love as well. She sets a time line in which she wants to accomplish her plans- to find romance by Valentine’s day.
Well as you can imagine, not everything goes quite according to her plan- sometimes love is found in the most unexpected way.
What ensues is a hilarious, fun and interesting story that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens.
Well done.

Thank you, Ms. Abbott!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown to Love
By Allyson R Abbott
4 stars

I really enjoyed this story! Allyson has such an engaging writing style that I can’t help but become drawn into her stories straight away. I have read a few by her now and she never fails to entertain me with her comedy and likeable characters. There were a few moments in this book that made me smile – particularly about the M&S food – I totally agree you cannot beat Marks and Spencer food!
Marie really did make me laugh with the things she went through to set herself and her neighbour Richard up on dates by Valentine’s Day. I did find myself getting a little frustrated with her at times when she kept interrupting Richard but I think that was just her way. As always the characters in the story were likeable and relatable. Allyson’s stories always feel like I’m reading about real people.
A really enjoyable read again from this talented author and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown to Love by Allyson R. Abbott
Four Stars

Countdown to Love: A Silver Night Romance by Allyson R Abbott is a short story about aging without feeling old. Marie is a straightforward take charge lady who has decided she has been without sex for too long, so she makes a plan to get a dat by Valentine's Day. She decides to drags her single neighbor, Richard, into the project and between the two of them they come up with some wild ideas. This book had me laughing out loud throughout the whole book. I love these stories by Ms. Abbott about the more mature adults, as a woman over fifty they are a good add to the mix with the twenty something romances. I’ve lost count of the number of books I have read by Allyson, but I love them all. She writes in many genres and most of her books include great humor. I highly recommend this book,and author. I can’t wait to read what she has coming out next.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Countdown to Love
Author: Allyson R. Abbott
Four Stars
This book is a short story about a soon to be 60 year old professional woman who sees her days of being able to find a man are coming to an end. She is beautiful and professional and has herself together but finds she is spending too much time at work and not enough time trying to do things for herself.
The hilarous things about this book are her continuous misconceptions about her neighbor and her male coworkers. The way she has them figured out in her mind and boom, not at all what she thought or assumed. The plan she has for finding a lover/man is ingenious though.
This was a very quick read and if you can deal with her bossy, assertive mannerisms you will find it is a sweet love story and Richard is not at all what Marie thought he was.
Kelli Harper

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star
Countdown to Love : A Sliver Night Romance By Allyson R.Abbott
Countdown to Love : A Sliver Night Romance By Allyson R.Abbott is short story,that I couldn't put down once I started reading. I truly enjoyed this book I loved that this is about an older women and her Project. This had me laughing at times and gushing oh mys at others.I thought it was a sweet little story about older people finding love..Her idea is to have a man by Valentines Day.I love her personality and she has the best attitude. Marie decides to get Richard her neighbor on the Project Countdown to Love bandwagon. Find out how the Project turns out,I recommend you read this book. This was my first book by this author and I absolutely look forward to reading more from her.

[Joann Herley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countdown to Love - A Silver Night Romance by Allyson R. Abbott is a quick read with lots of humor. It was nice to read a story about an older woman (Marie) with some spunk. A man has been absent from her life, and she is set to put together a plan that will alleviate the problem by Valentine’s Day. She has also brought her neighbor (Richard) into her plan. It is hilarious how she presents a detailed step by step detailed process for succeeding in a short timeframe. Richard cannot contribute much for he can’t get a word in edgewise, but he goes along with her plan. Will the plan work? Either way, it should be an interesting Valentine’s Day. This story is clever and so fun. Ms. Abbott is a new author to me, and I look forward to reading more of her stories.

[Lynn Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown to Love
A Silver Night Romance
by: Allyson R. Abbott
4 Stars
This is a short romance book about being middle age and looking for love. The author is new to me, but being middle age myself, I love that she tackled this topic. I wish that it was in dual points of view so you knew what Richard was thinking. I really enjoyed the story, it was fun and hilarious all through the book.
Marie is fifty-nine and determined to find herself a man. She worries that if she does not find someone she will loose her sex appeal and be alone. She is bossy but determined to find her a date by Valentines day and she enlists the help of her neighbor to find him a date also. But you know what they say about best laid plans, they sometimes but you in the butt.

[Robin Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown to Love is a cute little novella by Allyson R. Abbott. I liked Richard from the very beginning of the story by I did not like Marie at all. I think it was her strong and sometimes overbearing personality that didn't do it for me, but that didn't stop me from hoping she finds her happiness. Richard being so shy was kind of endearing and made me feel for him.

At fifty nine and divorced Marie is feeling lonely and in need of some male companionship. She looked everywhere but right in front of her and it takes a while for her to finally see it.

It was nice to read about a more mature couple though a bit older than me, they were closer to the twenty somethings I tend to read about. If your looking for a quirky, quick read give this a try.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown to Love

4 Stars!

This is such a sweet and short romance story!

I enjoyed the whole project planning for Marie and Richard to find dates by Valentine’s.

I figured Marie’s mistake since the beginning since she’s always cutting Richard short and not letting him speak.

The ending was sweet and very romantic.

My only issue was it felt very fast pace. I mean it is a short story but the way Marie speaks and her day felt like I needed to catch my breath while reading because everything was moving so fast.

If you’re looking for a short romantic story, this is a very good one and I highly recommend it!

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countdown to Love by Allyson Abbott was such a refreshing read. The characters were both middle aged and looking for love after life had lead them on different paths. Marie and Richard come from completely different walks of life, and how they approach the romantic predicament they find themselves in, and yet somehow their differences make this such a funny comedic romantic read. Abbott is a new to me author and this will definitely not be my last read from her. I was leery of getting into a middle aged romance as those are not always successful but this book proved me wrong. This is a definite reread anytime that I am looking from some good laughs

[LZW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown to Love: A Silver Night Romance by Allyson R. Abbott is a romantic short story that was short & sweet. It is written in 1st person POV by the main character, Marie. This is the first book I've read with an older heroine, so I was unsure if I would connect with the character. The writing was amazing, so witty, so realistic-I had no issues connecting with Marie. The story is engaging from start to finish! Marie seems a bit "Type A' which I can relate too, lol. She turns her man drought into a full blown project, and the results are both hilarious and heartwarming. Would totally read more by this author in the future!

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown To Love is a super quick novella about a plan to be in a relationship for Valentine's Day.

I really enjoyed that this story involves more mature people. Marie bugged the crap out of me with her constant not listening and not paying attention to social cues. Actually she reminded me of a few dear friends of mine. She was endearing and well meaning.

This story actually had me chuckling pretty often and I loved how she described why the timing had to be now to begin her pursuit.

Richard is a good friend allowing Marie to pull him out of his shell.

I really enjoy the way Allyson Abbott tells a story and will continue to read her stories.

[Heather Mize · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countdown to Love by Allyson Abbott was such a fun Novella to read. You have Marie who is a little older who is a project manager. The problem is she is dateless and sexless. The funny part is she tries to remedy this by making her love life a project she needs to work. She enlists her neighbor Richard who she mistakenly thinks is something he is not to help her with her project. She definitely goes through some toads before she starts seeing what she really needs and wants. I laughed many many times reading this book. I give this book 5 stars!

[Heather Lovelace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is a fun and easy read. You will find yourself intrigued by the narrator. She is direct and funny and knows what she wants and how she wants to get it. I appreciated that our heroine was not what you come to expect - instead of lonely 20/30 something gal we have a lady in her 50s, successful, headstrong. I enjoyed seeing the personality traits I generally want to read placed on an older figure. Fun isn’t just for your 20s! This book is fast paced and fun. Definitely an enjoyable read.

[Stacey Schneller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countdown to Love is a short novella. It was a cute read and I enjoyed it. It did go as a fast paced though.

I enjoyed reading about Marie. She is a older lady that hasent dated. Once she finds out what she wants in life she sees it a whole new way.

A cute story that will have you laughing and falling in love. If you like short stories and love romance this is a book for you

[Cornelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened my project management app on my phone and created a new project. I titled it Countdown to Love and started to make a points of action list.
 Investigate Networks for future events and meetings etc.
 Research for candidate
 Prepare for action
 Arrange interviews, create a short list and then 
selection
 Research venues
 Arrange launch. 


And so Marie’s plan of action to find a man begins. She ropes her neighbor Richard into her plans to find them both dates. He’s gay, he must be as Marie remembers the handsome man Richard use to live with. She’d see him in the hallway all the time at their apartment building.
As Marie’s a professional project manager, meeting her Valentine deadline for Countdown to Love should be no problem. But even with the best planning things don’t always turn out as expected.

Author Allyson R Abbott has written a gem of a comedy romance with Countdown To Love. She writes baby boomer romance books with smart, active, fun heroines who happen to be fully grown or as some might say mature. Ms. Abbot refers to her books as Hen Lit not Chick lit. Countdown to love is one of her Silver Night Romance Collection novellas —short romance stories for older, more rounded women.
Be assured, women of all ages will love Countdown to Love. It’s hard for professional or working women of any age to squeeze dating into their busy lives. And all woman can relate to Marie and her quest for love and companionship …and also for sex. It’s a sweet romance as well.

I honestly laughed out loud on pretty much every page of this novella. This a adorable an hilarious comedy of errors. I enjoyed this story so much and look forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend Count Down to Love.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story about middle-aged people trying to find love. Marie is a 59 year old Project Manager. Richard is an architect and almost 52. They live in the same apartment building.

Marie creates a Project Plan to find romance (and have sex) by Valentine's Day. She feels Richard needs romance, too, so she invites him to be part of the project. End result, romance isn't always found where you expect it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A romance story with leading characters I could actually relate to is a rarity. Marie is a bit overbearing (if you have ever seen Keeping Up Appearances--she reminds me of Hyacinth) but is a good, kind-hearted woman. Richard is more of a mystery until the end but that works very well in this story.

I highly recommend this book. This is the debut book by this author. I certainly intend to read more as they become available. Especially since her books deal with baby boomers.

[Mik Hetu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a relatively short (novella?) romance story for older women who, after having “completed” a marriage and child-raising, wonder if they’ve let themselves become overly occupied with work and are maybe missing out in other areas of life.

The heroine Marie clearly has an extremely goal-oriented personality, and the author does a fine job of showing the character through dialogue, both external and internal. Told in first-person, the pace of the sentences and the story reflect the character’s personality.

The author balances a fair share of real-life, real-person experiences and feelings with a dose of romantic daydream-type thinking, which is most probably the reality most of us share, at all ages. This story will prompt you to think about older women’s expectations of relationships and their skill at establishing them.