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A Reunion to Remember
Jo Adams and Rhonda Black reconnect after ten years apart. Rhonda’s twin daughters were Jo’s best friends in high school. With the significant age difference, Rhonda cannot believe Jo, twenty years her junior, will want to be with her long-term.
Jo knows what she wants, but can she convince Rhonda she’s in this relationship for the long haul?
Rhonda feels caught between a desire to explore a new opportunity for love and the daughter whose response she does not understand. Can she and Jo navigate the reactions and responses of Rhonda’s family and deal with their own fears and doubts to find a lasting love?
Jo knows what she wants, but can she convince Rhonda she’s in this relationship for the long haul?
Rhonda feels caught between a desire to explore a new opportunity for love and the daughter whose response she does not understand. Can she and Jo navigate the reactions and responses of Rhonda’s family and deal with their own fears and doubts to find a lasting love?
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2016
8 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Thomas
3 books8 followersTJ Thomas lives in western Massachusetts where she enjoys a quiet life with her college professor wyf, Elle, and their animals. An IT manager by profession, TJ's passion is writing, and she spends much of her free time in that pursuit.
TJ and Elle are equidistant from their two adult children who live in London and San Diego and they enjoy traveling to all points in between and beyond.
A Reunion to Remember is her first novel.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 3 spaces.
TJ and Elle are equidistant from their two adult children who live in London and San Diego and they enjoy traveling to all points in between and beyond.
A Reunion to Remember is her first novel.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 3 spaces.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 7, 2017
A Reunion to Remember is the debut novel by TJ Thomas. The emphasis here is on debut, because it shows in several ways. The book is a romance with a twenty years age gap -- the younger character (28 years old) is the best friend from high school of the older character's twin daughters.
Pros:
- age gap relationship -- generally I like that kind of love stories, so this is a plus for me
- age gap relationship between the main characters is believable and not off-putting
- likable main characters
- the story is easy to read
Cons:
- dialogue is often stiff, and that prevents the characters from expressing themselves properly
- story is too predictable, full of common tropes, so at key moments you know exactly what will happen next -- reactions of the children, reactions of the protagonists, etc. -- in these too-easy plot solutions you can clearly see the author's lack of experience; a romance novel has to be somewhat predictable, but too much is too much
- plot holes -- the violent father, the dog (chocolate labrador named Kona) who is here, and at the same time isn't (btw, every dog owner knows that entering the house can't go without saying hello to you dog)...
Conclusion:
- an enjoyable romance for a quick easy reading, but not re-reading material
- will read the next book by the author
- I can't not remember the similar story which is one of my favorites and is superior to this one in every way -- Arbor Vitae
- btw, the cover has very little to do with the story -- possibly only fall as the season
2.5 stars, rounded up considering it's the author's first published novel
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Pros:
- age gap relationship -- generally I like that kind of love stories, so this is a plus for me
- age gap relationship between the main characters is believable and not off-putting
- likable main characters
- the story is easy to read
Cons:
- dialogue is often stiff, and that prevents the characters from expressing themselves properly
- story is too predictable, full of common tropes, so at key moments you know exactly what will happen next -- reactions of the children, reactions of the protagonists, etc. -- in these too-easy plot solutions you can clearly see the author's lack of experience; a romance novel has to be somewhat predictable, but too much is too much
- plot holes -- the violent father, the dog (chocolate labrador named Kona) who is here, and at the same time isn't (btw, every dog owner knows that entering the house can't go without saying hello to you dog)...
Conclusion:
- an enjoyable romance for a quick easy reading, but not re-reading material
- will read the next book by the author
- I can't not remember the similar story which is one of my favorites and is superior to this one in every way -- Arbor Vitae
- btw, the cover has very little to do with the story -- possibly only fall as the season
2.5 stars, rounded up considering it's the author's first published novel
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
April 5, 2019
'ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review'
Much better than what i expected: excellent writing,very indepth in dealing with the family drama and not much on the age/mature thing but both the Love and admiration was on point. The author did a good job creating and twisting the storyline in every way -- it was much on 'who trusted who more' and had more time for each to be able to hold out in talking about their true feelings. Just was so fascinated by this book because of how Ms.Thomas dive into all the different layers of each character -- first, one of the leads had to grow into herself quickly because of her life and even going through her issues then seeing her own mom being violently abuse (DV) this just an add on to her many predicaments, then there was the other MC who had to deal with herself never being with a woman: all the stuff with her children plus her never ending emotional state of mind. Enjoyable storyline depth with all involve. A risky topic but well done with a fantastic ending -- highly recommended!
Much better than what i expected: excellent writing,very indepth in dealing with the family drama and not much on the age/mature thing but both the Love and admiration was on point. The author did a good job creating and twisting the storyline in every way -- it was much on 'who trusted who more' and had more time for each to be able to hold out in talking about their true feelings. Just was so fascinated by this book because of how Ms.Thomas dive into all the different layers of each character -- first, one of the leads had to grow into herself quickly because of her life and even going through her issues then seeing her own mom being violently abuse (DV) this just an add on to her many predicaments, then there was the other MC who had to deal with herself never being with a woman: all the stuff with her children plus her never ending emotional state of mind. Enjoyable storyline depth with all involve. A risky topic but well done with a fantastic ending -- highly recommended!
May 21, 2016
A must read for romance fan.
Jo had a rough time growing up with a father with a drinking problem and a bad temper. With the support of friends and their lovely family, the future for Jo looks bright again. She has managed her own anger and frustrations and she became a kind, patient, honest and strong woman. When Jo returns to the town she grew up, everything changed in a good way. This is a sizzling romance with affable characters. I loved watching the development of their relationship and how they faces all the demons, the obstacles on their path and how they came out stronger. It's all very heartwarming and the end came much too soon. I can heartily recommend it to anyone.
Jo had a rough time growing up with a father with a drinking problem and a bad temper. With the support of friends and their lovely family, the future for Jo looks bright again. She has managed her own anger and frustrations and she became a kind, patient, honest and strong woman. When Jo returns to the town she grew up, everything changed in a good way. This is a sizzling romance with affable characters. I loved watching the development of their relationship and how they faces all the demons, the obstacles on their path and how they came out stronger. It's all very heartwarming and the end came much too soon. I can heartily recommend it to anyone.
December 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I wavered between 4 and 5 stars, and finally came down on the 4 stars because I did fall-out of the book a few times while reading it. But I also loved it so much it's going on my comfort read list. It's a pure romance, and you can really feel the heat between the main characters.
March 28, 2016
A Reunion to Remember is a May-December romance centred on Jo Adams and Rhonda Black.
Jo grew up in Massachusetts before going off to college in San Diego. Jo’s best friends in high school were Christie and Julie Black, Rhonda’s twin daughters.
Jo, now 28, returns to her hometown in Massachusetts for the wedding of her college best friend, Amy and her partner Randi. 10 years away seems a long time and she had lost touch with Christie, Julie and the rest of the Black family.
Jo and Rhonda, 48, meet up again at the wedding and a mutual attraction can be felt between the two although Rhonda has her doubts due to the 20 year age difference. Will Jo get the woman she had a teenage crush on or will Rhonda’s uncertainty about the age difference keep them apart?
The story was well written and all characters were likeable. I did wonder what happened to Rhonda’s husband, Bill, as he was featured in the prologue yet there was no mention of him again until the 69% mark of the book (according to my Kindle). I thought this should’ve been discussed earlier in the book. Rhonda’s constant doubt was a little trying at times and the family drama with Rhonda’s kids was rather cliché.
Having said that, A Reunion to Remember had it all – love, drama, discovery, apprehension, happiness, tears and an abundance, and I do mean abundance, of ‘loving’ – there was no ‘debut author reserve’ with these smokin’ scenes.
Overall, this was a nice debut novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to reading the author’s future work.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Jo grew up in Massachusetts before going off to college in San Diego. Jo’s best friends in high school were Christie and Julie Black, Rhonda’s twin daughters.
Jo, now 28, returns to her hometown in Massachusetts for the wedding of her college best friend, Amy and her partner Randi. 10 years away seems a long time and she had lost touch with Christie, Julie and the rest of the Black family.
Jo and Rhonda, 48, meet up again at the wedding and a mutual attraction can be felt between the two although Rhonda has her doubts due to the 20 year age difference. Will Jo get the woman she had a teenage crush on or will Rhonda’s uncertainty about the age difference keep them apart?
The story was well written and all characters were likeable. I did wonder what happened to Rhonda’s husband, Bill, as he was featured in the prologue yet there was no mention of him again until the 69% mark of the book (according to my Kindle). I thought this should’ve been discussed earlier in the book. Rhonda’s constant doubt was a little trying at times and the family drama with Rhonda’s kids was rather cliché.
Having said that, A Reunion to Remember had it all – love, drama, discovery, apprehension, happiness, tears and an abundance, and I do mean abundance, of ‘loving’ – there was no ‘debut author reserve’ with these smokin’ scenes.
Overall, this was a nice debut novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to reading the author’s future work.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
April 5, 2016
I feel bad about abandoning my second Netgalley offering in as many days, but I can't get over the writing.
It's clunky and awkward and doesn't find a flow. Some things are over explained (the dialogue makes things clear, but a descriptive passage is added to really drive the point home), sometimes minute details are described, other things are left in the dark completely. I don't know if some of them (where did the husband go?) will be explained later, but I already found myself not caring.
In addition, I just don't see the attraction between the two. The author tells me repeatedly it's there, but it seemed to come out of nowhere and was instant.
I was looking forward to this as I generally like May-December romances.
It's clunky and awkward and doesn't find a flow. Some things are over explained (the dialogue makes things clear, but a descriptive passage is added to really drive the point home), sometimes minute details are described, other things are left in the dark completely. I don't know if some of them (where did the husband go?) will be explained later, but I already found myself not caring.
In addition, I just don't see the attraction between the two. The author tells me repeatedly it's there, but it seemed to come out of nowhere and was instant.
I was looking forward to this as I generally like May-December romances.
March 6, 2016
This was a sweet romance that really hit the mark for me in every way. Everything just seemed to work for me and I loved every minute of the read. The characters Jo and Rhonda were fantastic, lovable and perfect for each other. You not only could feel the chemistry between the two but they were that typical couple that you can just tell they are perfect for each other in every way which made them so enjoyable to read about. For me a good romance novel has the chemistry and love not only in the words but the actions and through the writing and I found that TJ Thomas was able to do this perfectly.
The pace was perfect in my mind. You never spent too much time in one scene which helped move the story along quickly. I am someone that normally finds it annoying if you find half the book filled with sex scenes as I find it can seem very repetitive. We did have a decent amount of sex in this book but I found it to not drag on and that it didn't over take the story.
The one thing for me I would have liked as a reader is in the prologue Rhonda has a husband. However we don't find out what really happened to him till about 50% into the book. It might just be me but I kept wanting to know what happened to him and where he was in the picture.
If you are looking for a book with lots of angst you won't find it here, there is some but at the end of the day this is just a very sweet romance and I enjoyed every minute. Great job from a new author and I look forward to her future work.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
The pace was perfect in my mind. You never spent too much time in one scene which helped move the story along quickly. I am someone that normally finds it annoying if you find half the book filled with sex scenes as I find it can seem very repetitive. We did have a decent amount of sex in this book but I found it to not drag on and that it didn't over take the story.
The one thing for me I would have liked as a reader is in the prologue Rhonda has a husband. However we don't find out what really happened to him till about 50% into the book. It might just be me but I kept wanting to know what happened to him and where he was in the picture.
If you are looking for a book with lots of angst you won't find it here, there is some but at the end of the day this is just a very sweet romance and I enjoyed every minute. Great job from a new author and I look forward to her future work.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
October 28, 2016
Good story, dialog was didn't flow all the time. Kept feeling something is missing, but not sure what it is. Good debut novel, will read author again.
April 7, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book although it made me realize that I'm a hypocrite. The reason? I'm in a bit of a May-December relationship myself. I'm the May part of the relationship; my partners have always been older than I. When I read the story and put myself in Jo's position, this is a wonderful love story. When I put myself in Rhonda's position, I become uncomfortable. Hypocritical to the extreme. Thanks, TJ, for making me realize that I need to work on myself. Anyway, like I said, this is a wonderful love story, from their initial attraction to each other that they both try to ignore, to both deciding that they have to explore their feelings, to developing deeper feelings, and even to having to deal with the reactions of family and friends. There is a double standard in society that says when an older man is involved with a younger woman, it is proof that he is still virile, that he still has what it takes. However, society frowns on a woman getting involved with a younger partner, and I don't think there's much difference even when it involves two women. The scene at one of the grandkid's basketball game where Rhonda is given the inquisition about her younger companion is proof of that; Rhonda scandalizes the gossips at the game when she doesn't deny that they're together. Sometimes stories point out our prejudices almost as an aside. But at the heart of things, this story is about Jo and Rhonda, and how they find happiness and home in one another. And that's what romance is all about.
I really enjoyed this book although it made me realize that I'm a hypocrite. The reason? I'm in a bit of a May-December relationship myself. I'm the May part of the relationship; my partners have always been older than I. When I read the story and put myself in Jo's position, this is a wonderful love story. When I put myself in Rhonda's position, I become uncomfortable. Hypocritical to the extreme. Thanks, TJ, for making me realize that I need to work on myself. Anyway, like I said, this is a wonderful love story, from their initial attraction to each other that they both try to ignore, to both deciding that they have to explore their feelings, to developing deeper feelings, and even to having to deal with the reactions of family and friends. There is a double standard in society that says when an older man is involved with a younger woman, it is proof that he is still virile, that he still has what it takes. However, society frowns on a woman getting involved with a younger partner, and I don't think there's much difference even when it involves two women. The scene at one of the grandkid's basketball game where Rhonda is given the inquisition about her younger companion is proof of that; Rhonda scandalizes the gossips at the game when she doesn't deny that they're together. Sometimes stories point out our prejudices almost as an aside. But at the heart of things, this story is about Jo and Rhonda, and how they find happiness and home in one another. And that's what romance is all about.
April 4, 2016
This is the first novel by T.J. Thomas, and I feel like it was a really good first novel. The entire time I kept thinking about how this novel has everything a good romance needs. It has likeable characters, the writing is solid, it has the ups and downs needed to keep a reader interested….. why was it not amazing? Something about this novel was a bit flat. Perhaps the character development or maybe the dialogue, the truth is I am not entirely sure of the issue. I finished this book several days ago, and did not immediately write a review because I really wanted to think about what to say. I am giving this book 4 starts but I feel like it should be 5. For some reason it just wasn’t that effortless love of a book. Sometimes you read a book and you end it and go wow that book was so good, and then you continue to think about the book for days after. I actually thought about this book days after, only it was an attempt to pinpoint why the book wasn’t excellent. I will read future books by this author, and think it was a great first novel. Maybe this jump from good to great improves with time and experience. I honestly have no idea. I think everyone should read the book, and make your own opinion. I did enjoy it, and I love a good romance with an age gap romance.
~copy provided by NeGalley for honest review~
~copy provided by NeGalley for honest review~
April 15, 2016
This book is a May-December romance and my experience with these kind of stories is that they mostly have some interesting element to the romance. But not this book, it was cliche after cliche. The characters fell in love arbitrarily, then decided to stay apart arbitrarily, then they reunite after one of them is injured. Also there were so many plot holes that I got lost quite a bit while reading, I couldn't understand why or how a lot of things happened. An irritating example of this is: We're introduced to Rhonda's husband at the beginning and throughout the story he's mentioned but we don't know why he's not present or what happened with his relationship with Rhonda. All these elements made for a boring, unmemorable book.
March 21, 2016
I loved Rhonda and Jo relationship even with the 20 year age gap it seems they just fit well together. The only thing I didn't get was how when Jo got hurt everyone one showed up except no one reached out to Jo's Mom. They still had a great relationship mother and daughter but she was not there and Kona was rarely mention as a dog owner my dog is always in my thoughts.
Arc given my NetGalley for a honest review
Arc given my NetGalley for a honest review
April 28, 2019
Sweet story
This was a very sweet story. Once I realized this was the author’s first novel I was very impressed. The plot development was nice and tight,nether characters were believable. The chemistry between Jo and Rhonda was off the charts. The age gap between them was something I’ve seen in real life. In other words, a very well done story.
This was a very sweet story. Once I realized this was the author’s first novel I was very impressed. The plot development was nice and tight,nether characters were believable. The chemistry between Jo and Rhonda was off the charts. The age gap between them was something I’ve seen in real life. In other words, a very well done story.
July 11, 2019
Slow Burn
This is a re read,I purchased this book way back in 2016 and if never fails to put a smile on my face. It a May September romance with many family complications,it’s a beautiful slow burn romance well worth a read
This is a re read,I purchased this book way back in 2016 and if never fails to put a smile on my face. It a May September romance with many family complications,it’s a beautiful slow burn romance well worth a read
November 19, 2021
This book is like read weather report, it's boring but you'd really like to know about the weather so you stayed till the end.
It was not entirely awful but its barely 3star book which means really low on my list of good books.
It was not entirely awful but its barely 3star book which means really low on my list of good books.
June 26, 2018
The review arrive soon
October 6, 2019
Age-gap romance. Lead returns home after years away - for friend's wedding - ends up falling for high-school besties' mum.
Pretty predictable, but good read.
Pretty predictable, but good read.
April 4, 2016
A Reunion to Remember is a beautiful story about finding love and happiness and what one risks to stay with those that make you happiest.
In this story we meet a young Jo, who spends most of her teenage years living with her best friends due to situations at her own home. After leaving for college on the west coast, she stays on there and only comes back to her hometown for a friend's wedding.
While there her schoolgirl crush on her high school best friends' mom, Rhonda, reaches a boiling point and after a discussion with Rhonda, they decide to explore the feelings between them while Jo is in the area to complete a 3-month contract. Things begin to get serious, but what will the family say?
I enjoyed this beautiful story. It told a wonderful love story and I love both Jo and Rhonda! Jo was so strong and knew exactly what she wanted. I commend Rhonda for not dwelling on the fact that she was so attracted to a woman; she was more concerned about the age difference, which makes perfect sense.
I wished that we would have learned what happened to Rhonda's previous husband, Bill, earlier in the book. It left me wondering through most of the book and it was over 60% through before we learn what happened. However, I still enjoyed the story and loved getting to know Jo and Rhonda.
I received an unedited copy of this book and my review assumes that the errors will be corrected prior to publication. I received the book from Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
In this story we meet a young Jo, who spends most of her teenage years living with her best friends due to situations at her own home. After leaving for college on the west coast, she stays on there and only comes back to her hometown for a friend's wedding.
While there her schoolgirl crush on her high school best friends' mom, Rhonda, reaches a boiling point and after a discussion with Rhonda, they decide to explore the feelings between them while Jo is in the area to complete a 3-month contract. Things begin to get serious, but what will the family say?
I enjoyed this beautiful story. It told a wonderful love story and I love both Jo and Rhonda! Jo was so strong and knew exactly what she wanted. I commend Rhonda for not dwelling on the fact that she was so attracted to a woman; she was more concerned about the age difference, which makes perfect sense.
I wished that we would have learned what happened to Rhonda's previous husband, Bill, earlier in the book. It left me wondering through most of the book and it was over 60% through before we learn what happened. However, I still enjoyed the story and loved getting to know Jo and Rhonda.
I received an unedited copy of this book and my review assumes that the errors will be corrected prior to publication. I received the book from Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2016
I purchased the book along with a few others, to be honest it was to get me over the dollar amount to get a discount. I'm soo very glad I i needed one more book!! I would have bought it at some point I read a lot, but I can't believe just how much I LOVED this story.
I've read a few of the reviews and agree there were some questions that could have been answered sooner and others that were not answered. Like the 2nd item at the jewelry store, what was it?? However, thought the dialogue between Rhonda and Jo, give Jo's history statements like, Im going to need you to spell it out, I thought were perfect and in line with her personality.
Every once in awhile a story and characters just grab hold and don't let go, this is one of those books for me. I don't know why, I suppose we all have our teenage crushes and they rarely play out with such a happy ending! I also enjoyed the way they couldn't take their hands off each other. A lot of stories there is 90% build up to 1 sex scene and then its I love you the end. This story was more real with the new relationship where you just can't keep your hands off each other. My favorite was the green dress scene, well done and very hot.
I am already looking forward to the next book by this author.
I've read a few of the reviews and agree there were some questions that could have been answered sooner and others that were not answered. Like the 2nd item at the jewelry store, what was it?? However, thought the dialogue between Rhonda and Jo, give Jo's history statements like, Im going to need you to spell it out, I thought were perfect and in line with her personality.
Every once in awhile a story and characters just grab hold and don't let go, this is one of those books for me. I don't know why, I suppose we all have our teenage crushes and they rarely play out with such a happy ending! I also enjoyed the way they couldn't take their hands off each other. A lot of stories there is 90% build up to 1 sex scene and then its I love you the end. This story was more real with the new relationship where you just can't keep your hands off each other. My favorite was the green dress scene, well done and very hot.
I am already looking forward to the next book by this author.
May 6, 2016
I was sent this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
A beautifully written passionate romance. Some novels are romantic, this is an exquisitely written love story. It is full of ardour, devotion and affection following the journey between two very fervent woman who have both arrived at a critical and defining time in their lives.
I thought the premise of this novel was also different and made for a worthy and dramatic storyline.
The ending was a delicious and satisfying conclusion to a fascinating and inspiring romance.
Ms Thomas has shown how well she can portray her characters, giving them life, emotions and believability. Her narrative and her weaving of the plot is admirable my only question would be is she striving for the adventure, realism and authentic or the erotic? Which audience is she aiming for?This novel just about managed to span both audiences.
If this is Ms Thomas's first novel I will certainly be looking out for more in the future.
A beautifully written passionate romance. Some novels are romantic, this is an exquisitely written love story. It is full of ardour, devotion and affection following the journey between two very fervent woman who have both arrived at a critical and defining time in their lives.
I thought the premise of this novel was also different and made for a worthy and dramatic storyline.
The ending was a delicious and satisfying conclusion to a fascinating and inspiring romance.
Ms Thomas has shown how well she can portray her characters, giving them life, emotions and believability. Her narrative and her weaving of the plot is admirable my only question would be is she striving for the adventure, realism and authentic or the erotic? Which audience is she aiming for?This novel just about managed to span both audiences.
If this is Ms Thomas's first novel I will certainly be looking out for more in the future.
April 5, 2016
I received this book fromNet Galley for a honest and fair review. The book was not bad, characters were strong and were also well written. As I started the story, there seemed to be loose ends in the story. I kept wondering what happened to Rhonda's husband and Jo's mother.
The language between the two lovers sometimes felt like a Regency romance book landed in the middle of this one.
Like all good lesbian romance novels it cam together for our heroines at the end.
The language between the two lovers sometimes felt like a Regency romance book landed in the middle of this one.
Like all good lesbian romance novels it cam together for our heroines at the end.
April 24, 2016
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I am conflicted about this book, it was a quick nice read, and I loved the premise. The chemistry between the characters was real, and the twenty year age difference was a factor in the book, but when it was just the two characters you didn't even realize it. This is a fast romantic read if you want something new and promising.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews