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Karen Grace #2
Key Largo Blues
When Karen Grace turned fifty, she lost her marriage and her job. Now she’s starting over, and this time, she’s determined to do it her own way. But everybody wants something. Her family and friends want more of her time, her hometown sweetheart wants a commitment, and her fledgling business is on life support. When a young friend arrives, fleeing domestic abuse, her life gets even wilder. And love? Who has time for love?
This is the story of a middle-aged woman trying to figure out where she ends and everybody else begins. Can she finally be in charge of her own life, but still be a good friend, auntie, and lover? What are the rules now that she's older? And who gets to make them? Join Karen Grace in this upbeat, life-affirming journey of self-discovery in a romantic tropical setting sure to melt your heart.
This is the story of a middle-aged woman trying to figure out where she ends and everybody else begins. Can she finally be in charge of her own life, but still be a good friend, auntie, and lover? What are the rules now that she's older? And who gets to make them? Join Karen Grace in this upbeat, life-affirming journey of self-discovery in a romantic tropical setting sure to melt your heart.
- GenresRomance
9 pages, Audiobook
First published October 28, 2016
208 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Lynne M. Spreen
24 books224 followersLynne M. Spreen writes later-in-life romance and women’s fiction that celebrates reinvention, resilience, and the rich complexity of a woman’s second act. Her debut novel, Dakota Blues, won a literary award and launched a new chapter in her life--she's up to twelve books and counting. After waiting half her life to pursue her dream of writing, she brings hard-earned insight to every story she tells.
Lynne lives in Southern California with her husband, where she balances the demands of the author life with line dancing, gardening, and the occasional round of zombie video games with her grandkids. When not writing, she’s most likely reading, researching, or quietly cheering for anyone brave enough to begin again.
To see more, please visit http://www.SilverRomanceBooks.net
Lynne lives in Southern California with her husband, where she balances the demands of the author life with line dancing, gardening, and the occasional round of zombie video games with her grandkids. When not writing, she’s most likely reading, researching, or quietly cheering for anyone brave enough to begin again.
To see more, please visit http://www.SilverRomanceBooks.net
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 27, 2018
If you are looking for great stories featuring mature women, then definitely check out this series. I didn't read book one, but I enjoyed this second book in the series. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads.
February 27, 2017
This is storytelling at its best!! Here you get to meet a wonderfully diverse cast of characters in all their humanity--from the sublime to the absurd--and so real they'll remind you of your own neighbors, coworkers, friends and family. The story is so captivating, full of delightful twists and turns as well as adrenaline-pumping suspense, it is hard to put down. All this against the beautiful and exotic backdrop of the American Southeast and Mediterranean Spain! You can't help but root for the main characters, hoping they'll get through their crises and struggles, which are symbolic of our very own, and sympathizing with their gritty and sometimes heartbreaking decisions. But through it all, there's a clear sense of optimism, of celebration of life. To me the bit that sums it all up is an exchange between the protagonist, Karen Grace, and her young friend Jessie who asks, "When does a person ever get old enough to have everything figured out?" To which she answers, "Never, I hope. Because then where's the magic?" This is a worthy sequel to "Dakota Blues," and just a fantastic read. I hope someone would make a movie out of it.
November 30, 2023
Delightful, realistic midlife women’s challenges & joys.
Lynne M. Spreen writes romance novels that reflect older women’s actual lives rather than a romantic fantasy that we might play out as our younger selves. Her characters are complex, and have understandable pulls between financial independence, work, and love.
Lynne M. Spreen writes romance novels that reflect older women’s actual lives rather than a romantic fantasy that we might play out as our younger selves. Her characters are complex, and have understandable pulls between financial independence, work, and love.
What I loved in this book was how the author showed how deeply satisfying it is to start a new business at age 50, and how that might take precedence over starting a new relationship, even with someone one loved in the past. I could relate to that need to develop a satisfying career, but also want the love. How to balance?! Answering that question made for great tension in a book about older women developing financial independence, dating, juggling work and relationships, and forging nonconventional lives. Plus the sex scenes are hot! I was totally drawn into the subplot involving a single mother escaping domestic violence whom Karen has a connection to, and the RV posse of traveling older women who look out for them and each other and are living interesting lives themselves.
We need more stories like this of older women living complex, interesting, sexual, and rewarding lives! Thank you Lynne M. Spreen!
Lynne M. Spreen writes romance novels that reflect older women’s actual lives rather than a romantic fantasy that we might play out as our younger selves. Her characters are complex, and have understandable pulls between financial independence, work, and love.
Lynne M. Spreen writes romance novels that reflect older women’s actual lives rather than a romantic fantasy that we might play out as our younger selves. Her characters are complex, and have understandable pulls between financial independence, work, and love.
What I loved in this book was how the author showed how deeply satisfying it is to start a new business at age 50, and how that might take precedence over starting a new relationship, even with someone one loved in the past. I could relate to that need to develop a satisfying career, but also want the love. How to balance?! Answering that question made for great tension in a book about older women developing financial independence, dating, juggling work and relationships, and forging nonconventional lives. Plus the sex scenes are hot! I was totally drawn into the subplot involving a single mother escaping domestic violence whom Karen has a connection to, and the RV posse of traveling older women who look out for them and each other and are living interesting lives themselves.
We need more stories like this of older women living complex, interesting, sexual, and rewarding lives! Thank you Lynne M. Spreen!
April 29, 2018
I’ve given up reading the old romance novels where all the characters are young, naive, and the plots mirror one another. While visiting Sandy’s Writing With a Texas Accent blog I saw a new possibility in romance novels — characters over the age of fifty! The author, Lynne Spreen, offered me a copy of her latest book and I accepted. The book is Key Largo Blues. Let me tell you about it.
Karen has been traveling in her RV with a group of other women “RVers” all over the country. They’ve been in Key Largo for the winter. Karen is feeling the need for a change. She’s a former Human Resource professional but she has an idea for her own business.She’s eager to start the business, but an old high school boyfriend has resurfaced in her life and it looks and feels like the real thing.
That is just the basic story. There are so many other characters surrounding Karen. They all felt like real people to me. I wanted to stretch the story out and spend more time with them. I also liked the setting of a variety of RVs. My husband and I spent so many years traveling around in our RV. We met so many interesting people and actually a group of the women similar to those in the book. However, well-developed characters is the key ingredient for me. Lynne Spreen is my kind of author and I want more of her stories.
Karen has been traveling in her RV with a group of other women “RVers” all over the country. They’ve been in Key Largo for the winter. Karen is feeling the need for a change. She’s a former Human Resource professional but she has an idea for her own business.She’s eager to start the business, but an old high school boyfriend has resurfaced in her life and it looks and feels like the real thing.
That is just the basic story. There are so many other characters surrounding Karen. They all felt like real people to me. I wanted to stretch the story out and spend more time with them. I also liked the setting of a variety of RVs. My husband and I spent so many years traveling around in our RV. We met so many interesting people and actually a group of the women similar to those in the book. However, well-developed characters is the key ingredient for me. Lynne Spreen is my kind of author and I want more of her stories.
May 8, 2017
After losing her mother, her job, and her husband but gaining a new opportunity to do whatever the heck she wanted, Karen Grace sets off across the country in an RV with women of the CRS. As a 50-year-old woman, she is determined to start her own business and be her own boss while risking a relationship with a high school sweetheart.
Karen's sense of independence is disrupted by an intrusion of the granddaughter and her baby of an old friend. Most of them retired, the CRSers also want a piece of Karen's time and don't understand her desire to work so hard.
After reading Spreen's "Dakota Blues", I wanted to read more about Karen and the feisty CRS group of women she introduced. "Key Largo Blues" fit the bill. It's a good story, well told. It's great to see a book written with strong women characters actively living the second half of their lives and enjoying the hell out of it. Thank you, Lynne.
Karen's sense of independence is disrupted by an intrusion of the granddaughter and her baby of an old friend. Most of them retired, the CRSers also want a piece of Karen's time and don't understand her desire to work so hard.
After reading Spreen's "Dakota Blues", I wanted to read more about Karen and the feisty CRS group of women she introduced. "Key Largo Blues" fit the bill. It's a good story, well told. It's great to see a book written with strong women characters actively living the second half of their lives and enjoying the hell out of it. Thank you, Lynne.
October 4, 2019
Spreen returns with this engrossing tale of female self-discovery in the second installment of Karen Grace series.
After her sudden divorce and losing the high-profile job, Karen joins women of CRS to travel across the country in an RV. Determined to start her own business, Karen is struggling to choose between a meaningful relationship and finding her own place in the world.
Though the plotline is straightforward, the reader may feel there is more to the story than meets the eye as Spreen gracefully renders the notions that it is never too late to find one’s place in the world. Spreen’s characterization is thorough: Karen is at the center of the story but it is Jessie who charms the reader as she learns to plunge horrendous waters of her difficult life.
This ably plotted and brilliantly written tale is sure to appeal to romance lovers.
After her sudden divorce and losing the high-profile job, Karen joins women of CRS to travel across the country in an RV. Determined to start her own business, Karen is struggling to choose between a meaningful relationship and finding her own place in the world.
Though the plotline is straightforward, the reader may feel there is more to the story than meets the eye as Spreen gracefully renders the notions that it is never too late to find one’s place in the world. Spreen’s characterization is thorough: Karen is at the center of the story but it is Jessie who charms the reader as she learns to plunge horrendous waters of her difficult life.
This ably plotted and brilliantly written tale is sure to appeal to romance lovers.
May 3, 2025
This by far is my favorite book in the series. I absolutely loved it! I listened to the audio version, and the narrator was fantastic. She really brought Karen Grace and all the characters to life, making the experience even more special. Karen's story is such a refreshing and heartfelt journey of starting over, filled with warmth, humor, and real-life struggles. Watching her navigate life, love, family, and independence after fifty was both inspiring and relatable. The characters felt like old friends, and the tropical setting added such a cozy, uplifting vibe. This book beautifully captures what it means to redefine yourself later in life without losing your kindness and strength. It’s a story of resilience, self-discovery, and hope. I couldn't put it down!
July 14, 2025
This isn’t just a ‘fresh start’, it’s a complete reboot—and I’m here for it. Life after divorce and corporate slavery and all that.
Took a little while to get going, as Spreen’s books do, but at some point I become utterly addicted and it all feels so real, so relatable. I love the dynamics in this one, and the self-exploration.
Very well done.
Fresh start.
Small town.
Life after divorce.
Later-in-life FMC.
Domestic vi0lence.
Found family.
Trials for all walks of life.
Overall:
I enjoyed escaping into this world and I’m glad there’s another.
4 stars.
🎧 Audio:
Decent overall. Professional production. 3/4 stars.
Took a little while to get going, as Spreen’s books do, but at some point I become utterly addicted and it all feels so real, so relatable. I love the dynamics in this one, and the self-exploration.
Very well done.
Fresh start.
Small town.
Life after divorce.
Later-in-life FMC.
Domestic vi0lence.
Found family.
Trials for all walks of life.
Overall:
I enjoyed escaping into this world and I’m glad there’s another.
4 stars.
🎧 Audio:
Decent overall. Professional production. 3/4 stars.
December 17, 2017
Finally
At first I almost didn't finish. Just another Romance novel with hunky gorgeous men and soft pornography. (I can do without explicit sex scenes.) Oh, and the women always tall, beautiful and sexy though they have to be convinced so.:)
But the fact the characters were older kept me reading. How refreshing where our culture has teenagers saving the world and being the only ones to passionately fall in love.
At first I almost didn't finish. Just another Romance novel with hunky gorgeous men and soft pornography. (I can do without explicit sex scenes.) Oh, and the women always tall, beautiful and sexy though they have to be convinced so.:)
But the fact the characters were older kept me reading. How refreshing where our culture has teenagers saving the world and being the only ones to passionately fall in love.
April 28, 2025
The second book of three in the series. Karen Grace, a 50 year old woman having to redefine her life after divorce and also losing her mother. So interesting to read. Many thought provoking moments. Wonderful characters in the rving group of women she befriends.
I was gifted an Audible version of this book from the author through Story Origin. The narration is wonderful. Lots of expression. Easy to listen to. Even her male voices are believable. 5 stars for her as well.
I was gifted an Audible version of this book from the author through Story Origin. The narration is wonderful. Lots of expression. Easy to listen to. Even her male voices are believable. 5 stars for her as well.
May 30, 2025
Key Largo Blues
This was an exciting second book full of new adventure, career changes, and life lessons. I was so sad when Frieda passed but, she's still with Karen spiritually when she needs her the most or not. The CRS ladies are full of spunk, wise advice, loyal to the end. If your looking for a fun women's fiction this would be my pick. I highly recommend you get your copy and enjoy.
This was an exciting second book full of new adventure, career changes, and life lessons. I was so sad when Frieda passed but, she's still with Karen spiritually when she needs her the most or not. The CRS ladies are full of spunk, wise advice, loyal to the end. If your looking for a fun women's fiction this would be my pick. I highly recommend you get your copy and enjoy.
June 13, 2020
Great read
Started this book right after I finished Dakota Blues. Wonderfully written! I love the story line, second chances and new beginnings are always great to read.
Another author on my favorites list!
Started this book right after I finished Dakota Blues. Wonderfully written! I love the story line, second chances and new beginnings are always great to read.
Another author on my favorites list!
December 30, 2019
Good
This book is part of a series about women who retired and trying to help each other as well as young woman with a baby who has been physical abused.
This book is part of a series about women who retired and trying to help each other as well as young woman with a baby who has been physical abused.
May 24, 2025
I really enjoy this series, however, being from North Dakota the fact that the author puts the University of North Dakota in Dickinson bothered me. 😏
June 21, 2025
Karen
More adventure more choices to make and finally deciding not to be alone. A very enjoyable saga with travel descriptions and camping adventures.
More adventure more choices to make and finally deciding not to be alone. A very enjoyable saga with travel descriptions and camping adventures.
August 29, 2025
Great story!
I loved this second book! Though I had a hard time understanding the need to work so hard at her age!
I loved this second book! Though I had a hard time understanding the need to work so hard at her age!
May 15, 2017
Enjoyable
Fairly predictable, but a pleasant and enjoyable book to read. Would recommend to anyone wanting a relaxing book to read.
Fairly predictable, but a pleasant and enjoyable book to read. Would recommend to anyone wanting a relaxing book to read.
January 11, 2019
More adventures and romance for Karen
Karen's midlife crisis just keeps getting more interesting. At 51, she is starting her own business, finding her place with the CRS ladies, and trying to find a way to love Curt without losing herself. Then there are the people she meets along the way and an unexpected consequence to knowing Freida.
Some unexpected twists, sexy scenes, and some laughs and tears before it ended quite satisfactorily. Middle age is not for the fainthearted when she decides to live fully.
It is considered women's fiction by the author, but I would classify it as road trip romance. And it is not over yet! One more book to enjoy in this series.
Karen's midlife crisis just keeps getting more interesting. At 51, she is starting her own business, finding her place with the CRS ladies, and trying to find a way to love Curt without losing herself. Then there are the people she meets along the way and an unexpected consequence to knowing Freida.
Some unexpected twists, sexy scenes, and some laughs and tears before it ended quite satisfactorily. Middle age is not for the fainthearted when she decides to live fully.
It is considered women's fiction by the author, but I would classify it as road trip romance. And it is not over yet! One more book to enjoy in this series.
January 22, 2017
While I’m not always keen on sequels, I am five-staring this one. Could not resist following the career of woman over 50 leaping fearlessly into a consulting career, as she sets up shop in a Florida trailer park. The environment could not be any further removed from her previous executive HR position. She does this after losing her job, suffering the pains of divorce and voluntarily leaving an old love to venture off and reinvent herself.
What I appreciated about the novel, beside Spreen’s writing prowess, is a tale of a Baby Boomer working it all out. I felt Karen’s pain, and kept cheering her on. What an ideal novel to lose yourself in.
As someone once said, “Everything is figure-out-able.” (I know that is a clunky sentence but I love it.) Karen kept working it until she had it all figured out. Bravo!
What I appreciated about the novel, beside Spreen’s writing prowess, is a tale of a Baby Boomer working it all out. I felt Karen’s pain, and kept cheering her on. What an ideal novel to lose yourself in.
As someone once said, “Everything is figure-out-able.” (I know that is a clunky sentence but I love it.) Karen kept working it until she had it all figured out. Bravo!
September 3, 2018
Key Largo Blues
: Lynne M. Spreen
When I started listening I didn't realize this is a sequel to Dakota Blues. It is an intriguing story of strong women banding together to help each other and pass on their knowledge to a single young mother trying to escape domestic violence. A really good story line.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Jennifer Jill Araya brings the characters to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Lynne M. Spreen
When I started listening I didn't realize this is a sequel to Dakota Blues. It is an intriguing story of strong women banding together to help each other and pass on their knowledge to a single young mother trying to escape domestic violence. A really good story line.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Jennifer Jill Araya brings the characters to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 2, 2018
Well done, Lynne Spreen! I enjoyed reading more about Karen Grace, and I'm hoping there will be a three-quel someday! After all, there's still much left for her to do!
April 10, 2017
Not my usual read. Mature men do not generally read stories about female protagonists having mid-life problems. However, this book is written by a friend and I like her and her writing. It has enough turns and twists in it to keep the reader guessing and her portrayal of the women in the story relate to women I have known with the same characteristics. It was a fun read. A bit racy but I presume middle aged women, to whom this is directed, can handle it as they have probably lived it. I'd like to talk to some women who have read this for this thoughts on the book. I've read both BLUES books now and look forward to her next one.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews