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Times Like These
Best-selling author Lily Hammond writing contemporary romance as Ana McKenzie!
Merren Hardy is delighted when her thirst for new experiences turns into a holiday job for an attractive older woman. She's more than happy to be muse, model, assistant, and lover - especially lover - for brilliant and successful Bianca Graves. After all, Merren's smart with a big-picture view of the world and a practical streak wide enough to deal with Bianca's difficulties. She's a problem-solver. Except there's one problem Merren's never had to solve before - what happens when you fall in love with a woman who can't see you properly?
Bianca's an artist losing her sight, desperate to find a way to continue painting and keep her career and sense of identity. She needs more than a muse, more than a young woman to model for her. She needs someone to reach out and touch her when everything's going dark - and help her find the way back to her life. Which surely means Merren's too young, too different, worlds apart in experience. Bianca knows a summer fling at such a difficult time is one thing - but it can't go any further.
As it turns out, however - there's more than one way to be blind.
Merren Hardy is delighted when her thirst for new experiences turns into a holiday job for an attractive older woman. She's more than happy to be muse, model, assistant, and lover - especially lover - for brilliant and successful Bianca Graves. After all, Merren's smart with a big-picture view of the world and a practical streak wide enough to deal with Bianca's difficulties. She's a problem-solver. Except there's one problem Merren's never had to solve before - what happens when you fall in love with a woman who can't see you properly?
Bianca's an artist losing her sight, desperate to find a way to continue painting and keep her career and sense of identity. She needs more than a muse, more than a young woman to model for her. She needs someone to reach out and touch her when everything's going dark - and help her find the way back to her life. Which surely means Merren's too young, too different, worlds apart in experience. Bianca knows a summer fling at such a difficult time is one thing - but it can't go any further.
As it turns out, however - there's more than one way to be blind.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2018
104 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Ana McKenzie
2 books16 followersAna McKenzie is the contemporary romance penname of Kate Genet, a New Zealand writer passionate about stories of strong women who love other women. She lives with her wife Valerie and also writes historical romances under the name Lily Hammond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 9, 2019
So far I’m doing a pretty spectacular job in choosing books that suit me in 2019.
Ana McKenzie (aka Kate Ganet aka Lily Hammond) is obviously no stranger to lesfic. I am curious about all the pen names, though. I’ve read a few of her books under Ganet and, in particular, enjoyed her works as Hammond (historical romance, so of course). This author seems to be getting better with each new facet that she explores.
In ‘Times Like These’ we’re introduced to Merren, a 24-year-old amateur artist’s model who is so much more than she seems, and Bianca, a 40-year-old artist who is losing her sight. When Merren shows up to model for Bianca, sparks fly between the two, as Merren is captivated by the artist’s presence (most notably, her bare feet) and Bianca is memorized by her model’s voice.
This is a rocky journey, but not overly dramatic, thankfully. When considering an artist whose life’s work has been oil painting and is now facing the devastating realities of macular degeneration, this is pretty low key in the drama department. I loved Bianca and can definitely understand why Merren was smitten, as well. She has faced so much loss in life, but is still confident and poised...and isn’t always so independent that she’s afraid to ask Merren for help. I found the mix of confidence and willingness to admit personal limits quite endearing.
It’s also nice to read an age-gap romance where the difference wasn’t an issue for either of the characters actually involved in the relationship. I’m kind of over the whole ‘you’re too young for me’ trope that gets carried out to string the reader along. Luckily, that wasn’t the case here.
I suppose my only complaint was in regards to Bianca’s lack of knowledge about technology. It’s one thing to never have used something (Apple Watch) and a completely different thing to never have even heard of them. The woman is only 40 and has only been going blind for the past year or so, she’s not dead or living on Mars. Up until this point, it seems as if she lived a very active life and she claims to have always been an extrovert. I felt like this bit, her aversion to technology, read as if she was a hermit living under a rock.
Overall, that is really a minor negative in the scheme of things. ‘Times Like These’ was a great read with minor grammatical issues and it’s available on KU. Recommend to romance fans.
Ana McKenzie (aka Kate Ganet aka Lily Hammond) is obviously no stranger to lesfic. I am curious about all the pen names, though. I’ve read a few of her books under Ganet and, in particular, enjoyed her works as Hammond (historical romance, so of course). This author seems to be getting better with each new facet that she explores.
In ‘Times Like These’ we’re introduced to Merren, a 24-year-old amateur artist’s model who is so much more than she seems, and Bianca, a 40-year-old artist who is losing her sight. When Merren shows up to model for Bianca, sparks fly between the two, as Merren is captivated by the artist’s presence (most notably, her bare feet) and Bianca is memorized by her model’s voice.
This is a rocky journey, but not overly dramatic, thankfully. When considering an artist whose life’s work has been oil painting and is now facing the devastating realities of macular degeneration, this is pretty low key in the drama department. I loved Bianca and can definitely understand why Merren was smitten, as well. She has faced so much loss in life, but is still confident and poised...and isn’t always so independent that she’s afraid to ask Merren for help. I found the mix of confidence and willingness to admit personal limits quite endearing.
It’s also nice to read an age-gap romance where the difference wasn’t an issue for either of the characters actually involved in the relationship. I’m kind of over the whole ‘you’re too young for me’ trope that gets carried out to string the reader along. Luckily, that wasn’t the case here.
I suppose my only complaint was in regards to Bianca’s lack of knowledge about technology. It’s one thing to never have used something (Apple Watch) and a completely different thing to never have even heard of them. The woman is only 40 and has only been going blind for the past year or so, she’s not dead or living on Mars. Up until this point, it seems as if she lived a very active life and she claims to have always been an extrovert. I felt like this bit, her aversion to technology, read as if she was a hermit living under a rock.
Overall, that is really a minor negative in the scheme of things. ‘Times Like These’ was a great read with minor grammatical issues and it’s available on KU. Recommend to romance fans.
January 6, 2019
What a great way to kick off a new year of reading. I really enjoyed this age-gap contemporary romance by Ana McKenzie/Kate Genet. Merren’s curiosity, interest in helping others and overall nice personality contrasts with Bianca, an artist coming to terms with macular degeneration.
While both women are attracted to one another almost from the moment they meet, the pleasure in this read is watching their relationship develop. I loved how Merren kept plugging away at Bianca’s insecurities. Bianca’s reluctance to embrace the tech available to aid those with disabilities makes her seem far older than she is and that emphasis highlights the couples age difference. It also helps to point out that connection and chemistry can overcome any obstacles. Lots of chemistry with these two.
Terrific read. Well done.
While both women are attracted to one another almost from the moment they meet, the pleasure in this read is watching their relationship develop. I loved how Merren kept plugging away at Bianca’s insecurities. Bianca’s reluctance to embrace the tech available to aid those with disabilities makes her seem far older than she is and that emphasis highlights the couples age difference. It also helps to point out that connection and chemistry can overcome any obstacles. Lots of chemistry with these two.
Terrific read. Well done.
February 23, 2023
I give all the credit for finding this book to a 2-for-1 Audible sale. Beyond reading the blurb I knew nothing about it and hadn't really known what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was a unique, beautifully written and performed work.
Merren Hardy is a graduate student wanting to open herself up to new experiences. So she signs herself up to be a nude model for art classes to not only push the boundaries of her comfort zone, but to truly know what doing something like that would feel like. After doing it once, she is approached to fill in for a professional artist's usual model who is recovering from a broken leg. When Merren is greeted at the door by Bianca Graves, Merren is immediately entranced by her. She's initially a bit nervous, wondering how different it might feel to be a model for just one artist - especially one as stunningly beautiful as Bianca. But just like Merren, there is more to Bianca than meets the eye. She is suffering from progressive blindness and is desperate to find a way to continue to paint, which is not only her livelihood, but who she is. So she will need much more from Merren than modeling - but also help in figuring out how to re-learn to practice her craft and feel like she can truly live again.
The narration by Isabelle Gordon, a new narrator to me, was solid. As an American I can't vouch for the accents, but she certainly captured the torment and desperation of Bianca and the loving kindness of Merren.
After I finished the book I read that Ana McKenzie also writes as Lilly Hammond. Her book All I See is You is gorgeous. While these are the only two works I've experienced of hers so far, both have the thread of women facing - and overcoming - incredible challenges. I love a meatier romance and will certainly look out for more by this writer. Really impressive!
Merren Hardy is a graduate student wanting to open herself up to new experiences. So she signs herself up to be a nude model for art classes to not only push the boundaries of her comfort zone, but to truly know what doing something like that would feel like. After doing it once, she is approached to fill in for a professional artist's usual model who is recovering from a broken leg. When Merren is greeted at the door by Bianca Graves, Merren is immediately entranced by her. She's initially a bit nervous, wondering how different it might feel to be a model for just one artist - especially one as stunningly beautiful as Bianca. But just like Merren, there is more to Bianca than meets the eye. She is suffering from progressive blindness and is desperate to find a way to continue to paint, which is not only her livelihood, but who she is. So she will need much more from Merren than modeling - but also help in figuring out how to re-learn to practice her craft and feel like she can truly live again.
The narration by Isabelle Gordon, a new narrator to me, was solid. As an American I can't vouch for the accents, but she certainly captured the torment and desperation of Bianca and the loving kindness of Merren.
After I finished the book I read that Ana McKenzie also writes as Lilly Hammond. Her book All I See is You is gorgeous. While these are the only two works I've experienced of hers so far, both have the thread of women facing - and overcoming - incredible challenges. I love a meatier romance and will certainly look out for more by this writer. Really impressive!
May 22, 2022
Pleasure had colour, she discovered, and drank the knowledge in, watching it swirl in great sweeps of blue and pink.
This was such a lovely, quiet little book. It seems so unassuming, in its premise and the soft subtle way it's written, but it ended up being a wonderful romance that really pulled at my heart. Merren tries out nude modelling for the first time, as a new experience, and on her second job, ends up modelling for Bianca, an older artist who's rapidly losing her eyesight. It's a very sweet age gap romance. The gap does seem larger than it is, because Bianca, even though she's only 40, has always been fully immersed in her painting, and is very resistant to all sorts of technology. Even more so now that it looks like she might need it. The book, which takes place in the South Island of New Zealand, follows them getting to know each other, and Merren assisting Bianca as she tries to find new ways to paint (something that she REALLY struggles with) and just learning more about each other and uncovering all their hidden parts. I don't know how to explain why this worked for me so much, but it really did. It had this mellow feeling to it, but it was SO romantic, I was swooning nonstop. I felt super deeply for Bianca, with this huge upheaval that she's experiencing, and getting used to living with a disability. I also really loved Merren, who was so lovely and selfless and earnest, and so patient even when Bianca misunderstood her.
I was really really put off by the cryptocurrency aspect lol. Left a hugely bad taste in my mouth. But this was written 4 years ago, and I don't think crypto had the same reputation then as it has now. Also, even though I do like how the latter half of the book turned out, the character who grovelled needed to grovel juuuuust a bit more, imo. And she should have done it on page. What can I say; I love a good grovel, and I wanted more.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Isabelle Gordon, which was truly lovely. She really helped lend to that quiet, contemplative atmosphere. It was an interesting listening experience, since Gordon is American, and read all the prose in an American accent, but used a New Zealand accent for all the dialogue. It was interesting! Super enjoyable all in all; definitely going to try Mckenzie's other contemporary romance, and maybe read more of the historicals that she's written under Hammond.
Content warnings:
Being clearly seen didn’t always require being looked at.
August 6, 2020
An interesting age gap love story about art and sight loss and also truly seeing people for whom they are, and how we can be blind to others, and ourselves.
Bianca is a 40 year old successful artist who is going blind. She's lost most of her sight already. It hurts her that she cannot paint anymore. Let alone do a lot of basic things in life as she used to. She's become quite secluded.
Merren is a 24 year old University student with a lot of success behind her too. But she loves new experiences so decided to try naked life modelling for painters.
She becomes a private model for Bianca and quickly realises the artists problems and seeks to help her fix them. Their attraction is immediate and sizzling.
Merren has a heart of gold and so much empathy and care for the older woman's vulnerabilities. Bianca appreciates the zest for life and new experiences Merren brings to her otherwise lonely life. But still finds herself second guessing motives and not truly seeing or knowing Merren for much of the book, which makes her a frustrating but realistic character who becomes absorbed in her own issues and pain.
Merren's family is supportive, especially her grandmother. Which was heartwarming to see.
The wise neighbour kid, Rita was also precocious and fun in her teenaged honesty.
The pair work well despite their age gap, because Bianca's issues, vulnerabilities and her essentially starting again makes her seem younger than her 40 years. While Merren's wisdom and care is that of someone so much more mature with more life experience. So it matches up very well!
A Highly recommended kindle unlimited read.
Bianca is a 40 year old successful artist who is going blind. She's lost most of her sight already. It hurts her that she cannot paint anymore. Let alone do a lot of basic things in life as she used to. She's become quite secluded.
Merren is a 24 year old University student with a lot of success behind her too. But she loves new experiences so decided to try naked life modelling for painters.
She becomes a private model for Bianca and quickly realises the artists problems and seeks to help her fix them. Their attraction is immediate and sizzling.
Merren has a heart of gold and so much empathy and care for the older woman's vulnerabilities. Bianca appreciates the zest for life and new experiences Merren brings to her otherwise lonely life. But still finds herself second guessing motives and not truly seeing or knowing Merren for much of the book, which makes her a frustrating but realistic character who becomes absorbed in her own issues and pain.
Merren's family is supportive, especially her grandmother. Which was heartwarming to see.
The wise neighbour kid, Rita was also precocious and fun in her teenaged honesty.
The pair work well despite their age gap, because Bianca's issues, vulnerabilities and her essentially starting again makes her seem younger than her 40 years. While Merren's wisdom and care is that of someone so much more mature with more life experience. So it matches up very well!
A Highly recommended kindle unlimited read.
August 10, 2023
The pull for me from chapter to chapter was the author’s ability to make a seeing person experience how it‘s like to be vision impaired. How everyday mundane things such as sunlight, flowers, even dust had a new lease of life in a newly blind person’s brain, other senses trying to compensate and comprehend information. The author made it possible to see as a blind person by feel and smell. Everything around so poetic, so sublime in words and colour.
From the beginning a niggling feeling at the back of my head was an imbalance in their relationship. I didn’t realise it was a foreshadowing since the author actually capitalised on this imbalance and made it a point of contention three quarters into the story. It was subtle but significant in the end.
It’s a beautiful story. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all poetry and beauty when one loses their senses, obviously. The reality of it is also highlighted and it’s not always pretty. Basically, Times Like These is an immersive experience of the senses for the reader.
From the beginning a niggling feeling at the back of my head was an imbalance in their relationship. I didn’t realise it was a foreshadowing since the author actually capitalised on this imbalance and made it a point of contention three quarters into the story. It was subtle but significant in the end.
It’s a beautiful story. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all poetry and beauty when one loses their senses, obviously. The reality of it is also highlighted and it’s not always pretty. Basically, Times Like These is an immersive experience of the senses for the reader.
Read
March 3, 2021It was a compelling plot but didn't do well as an audiobook. DNFing this for now. But if I ever find this as a physical book I'll read it then
April 3, 2020
This is a sweet read. The charater Merren is like my dream woman in very many ways but mostly for the patience that she showed. I was like, wow, can someone see her wings because this woman is an angel. The side characters: Grandma and mom are gold. That is what made the book for me. The rest, I could do without. Including the other MC lol.
January 1, 2022
I read this during Christmas week and our non-typical snowstorm event so I may have been distracted somewhat. This took me longer than my average time reading a book. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it. Quite the opposite, but—yes there’s a but—I found myself skipping over bits here and there and had to go back and re-read sections of the narration. I haven’t a concrete reason as to why, other than sometimes I just didn’t feel it.
The characters were developed well, which is what I really want in a book. And the dialogue as well. I definitely preferred the character of Merren. She intrigued me much more than Bianca and I felt like I wanted to know more of her character. And I often find that I enjoy side characters as much or more than the MCs in stories and that makes a story well balanced. I loved the young girl, Rita and the grandma, Naomi—just sayin’ and I don’t do spoilers, so nothing more than that.
The characters were developed well, which is what I really want in a book. And the dialogue as well. I definitely preferred the character of Merren. She intrigued me much more than Bianca and I felt like I wanted to know more of her character. And I often find that I enjoy side characters as much or more than the MCs in stories and that makes a story well balanced. I loved the young girl, Rita and the grandma, Naomi—just sayin’ and I don’t do spoilers, so nothing more than that.
January 22, 2019
I liked the idea of this romance more than the actual story. An artist who's facing blindness? What a great hook. Merren's family (mom and grandma) are likewise great. Merren would have been more believable if she was 5-10 years older and if she was tired of her career. No, she's happy with her job, it's just that she likes new experiences, which is how she meets Bianca.
Bianca, for her part, has moments of true terror in that she's an artist losing her vision. McKenzie writes several wonderful passages where the reader can experience Bianca's fears. Unfortunately, Bianca is going through so much, she's completely emotionally absent in the relationship that only Merren seems desirous of building between them. Had Bianca had an occasion or two where she was truly present with Merren or seemed truly capable of being Merren's emotional equal, this book would have been so much better. Unfortunately, Bianca is so tied up in what's going on in her life that she's a poor partner for Merren. Too little, too late, she comes to realize this. And since it's a romance, her very late understanding of this is ultimately unsatisfying to a reader--at least to this reader.
I'm rounding up to 3 stars because I did like the concept a lot.
Bianca, for her part, has moments of true terror in that she's an artist losing her vision. McKenzie writes several wonderful passages where the reader can experience Bianca's fears. Unfortunately, Bianca is going through so much, she's completely emotionally absent in the relationship that only Merren seems desirous of building between them. Had Bianca had an occasion or two where she was truly present with Merren or seemed truly capable of being Merren's emotional equal, this book would have been so much better. Unfortunately, Bianca is so tied up in what's going on in her life that she's a poor partner for Merren. Too little, too late, she comes to realize this. And since it's a romance, her very late understanding of this is ultimately unsatisfying to a reader--at least to this reader.
I'm rounding up to 3 stars because I did like the concept a lot.
September 18, 2019
This book did a fabulous job of activating all of my senses. Beautifully written. The words flow effortlessly across the page. I loved Merren...she was such a wonderful character and so easy to fall in love with.
April 9, 2019
3.5 ⭐
September 25, 2024
This was really lovely. I hadn’t read the blurb, and to be honest this was free with audible I selected it and just went with it as I couldn’t decide what to go for next.
Merren is a student looking for some new experiences and signs up to become an artists model, what transpires is that Bianca is a renowned artist who has lost her wife and is now losing her sight, she has so far yet to trust anyone but the little girl next door with this revelation. The pair embark on a beautiful romance, but not without some bumps in the road. The age gap between the two is the very bottom of the list of issues they face. Merren is falling over herself to improve Bianca’s life, Bianca is so stunned by everything life has thrown at her that she’s reluctant to accept the help, none the less their fledgling relationship is flourishing, Merren is succeeding in bringing Bianca back to life, with the help own very switched on mother and grandmother.
Currently included with audible 🎧
As a side note. I hope nobody minds a little plug, whilst the book is set in New Zealand (I’m sure similar services are available there) here in the U.K. you can download an app called Be my eyes where u can receive calls from visually impaired people and assist with a range of tasks, you can add the things that you’re happy to help with. Hugely valuable.
Merren is a student looking for some new experiences and signs up to become an artists model, what transpires is that Bianca is a renowned artist who has lost her wife and is now losing her sight, she has so far yet to trust anyone but the little girl next door with this revelation. The pair embark on a beautiful romance, but not without some bumps in the road. The age gap between the two is the very bottom of the list of issues they face. Merren is falling over herself to improve Bianca’s life, Bianca is so stunned by everything life has thrown at her that she’s reluctant to accept the help, none the less their fledgling relationship is flourishing, Merren is succeeding in bringing Bianca back to life, with the help own very switched on mother and grandmother.
Currently included with audible 🎧
As a side note. I hope nobody minds a little plug, whilst the book is set in New Zealand (I’m sure similar services are available there) here in the U.K. you can download an app called Be my eyes where u can receive calls from visually impaired people and assist with a range of tasks, you can add the things that you’re happy to help with. Hugely valuable.
October 25, 2020
An intriguing age gap romance story about passion for what makes you happy and sight loss and also truly seeing people for who they are.
This novel is so well told. I flew through it.
4 star read.
This novel is so well told. I flew through it.
4 star read.
April 26, 2020
This book was not really up to Kate Genet/Lily Hammond standards. I just found myself looking forward to the story ending so I could move on to something else.
January 9, 2022
Really good story. The characters have rral struggle going on, but it's a light read.
I love some of the secondary, especially Naomie and Rita !
I love some of the secondary, especially Naomie and Rita !
May 20, 2024
I DNFd this just before finishing it bc I wasn’t born to suffer and I wanted to take my power back. It’s not really a story going anywhere. But it’s an average story about two white lesbians. In a different state of mind I may have more patience for it. Some spice in it as well depending on what you consider mature content.
September 28, 2020
.
I'm unsure how I feel about this book. It was very well written, had some sweet moments and an artist dealing with loss of sight was certainly an interesting plot but I also really hated the characters, all of them. Not necessarily in a, they are terrible people or they are terribly written, way but more so because I know I would find them very annoying in real life. Also i found the relationship very unbalanced when it comes to what each person gives and takes from it and that really put me off.
But the worst offence of all? The author decided to repeatedly talk about how this 12year old had large breasts and then had her commenting on the main characters' sex life and they didn't shut it down at all. Yikes
I'm unsure how I feel about this book. It was very well written, had some sweet moments and an artist dealing with loss of sight was certainly an interesting plot but I also really hated the characters, all of them. Not necessarily in a, they are terrible people or they are terribly written, way but more so because I know I would find them very annoying in real life. Also i found the relationship very unbalanced when it comes to what each person gives and takes from it and that really put me off.
But the worst offence of all? The author decided to repeatedly talk about how this 12year old had large breasts and then had her commenting on the main characters' sex life and they didn't shut it down at all. Yikes
April 6, 2024
If it tastes like honeysuckle, she should see a doctor.
January 4, 2019
This is my first book by this author & I thoroughly enjoyed it, I am always a sucker for age gap & disability romances. For some reason the depth of descriptions used to paint a picture is far better when a character senses are impaired; I find that the authors really digs deep to get you to connect by tugging at your heartstrings & shows the power of human connection. I was frustrated at some points for the lack of communication between Merren & Bianca on a personal level but I understand why once I finished reading it the author decided to walk that fine line. Overall I am a happy camper & would recommend this to all you fabulous humans!
February 24, 2021
Never judge a book by its cover!
Things are not always what they seem and neither are people. This is a beautiful story of humility, adapting and overcoming life's challenges, and love all rolled up in one. Bianca was dealt one blow when her wife died in a car accident and now five years later, she's losing her vision. Art is her life and she's not giving it up anytime soon, she's just needs a muse/model to help her to adjust her craft. That's where we have Merren, a college student looking for a temporary job during the holidays, something different from her already forward progressing endeavors. However, Merren isn't your typical college student and there's more to her than Bianca realizes because she's so frantic with having to adjust to a different way of living and painting. Merren will prove to be more than just a muse for Bianca's craft, she'll help open her up in other ways as well.
Things are not always what they seem and neither are people. This is a beautiful story of humility, adapting and overcoming life's challenges, and love all rolled up in one. Bianca was dealt one blow when her wife died in a car accident and now five years later, she's losing her vision. Art is her life and she's not giving it up anytime soon, she's just needs a muse/model to help her to adjust her craft. That's where we have Merren, a college student looking for a temporary job during the holidays, something different from her already forward progressing endeavors. However, Merren isn't your typical college student and there's more to her than Bianca realizes because she's so frantic with having to adjust to a different way of living and painting. Merren will prove to be more than just a muse for Bianca's craft, she'll help open her up in other ways as well.
February 22, 2025
I'm sad to say this book didn't live up to my expectations. Halfway through the book, I realized Bianca was just too self-centered, and I told myself that given the position she was in, it made perfect sense, but as the book progressed, I was hoping she could just start coming out of her "bubble" and start seeing Merren for who she truly is, but then we got the thing about her wanting to prove if Merren was with her for her fame and being angry with her because Merren didn't tell her about herself, the audacity! I don't know... For me love is a two way street, and I guess I just felt Bianca was pretty much selfish throughout the whole book until the end (way too late for me) when she finally snapped and realized how immersed she was in her own world...
June 1, 2019
Beautiful story of compassion & love
‘You know before you start out that it’s not going to be as good as you want it to be – ever. You’re never going to capture it properly, whatever it is.’
‘You do it because you can’t see any other way to live your life, and you do it on faith. Always on faith.’
“Nothing’s easy, but nothing is near as difficult as you think it will be.”
+ • + • + • +
Absolutely beautiful!!! OMG, this story TOTALLY rocked & then some!! There's nothing like finally finding the love you want & need to make you feel complete!
Wonderfully written, wonderfully developed, wonderfully told, wonderfully enjoyed.
‘You know before you start out that it’s not going to be as good as you want it to be – ever. You’re never going to capture it properly, whatever it is.’
‘You do it because you can’t see any other way to live your life, and you do it on faith. Always on faith.’
“Nothing’s easy, but nothing is near as difficult as you think it will be.”
+ • + • + • +
Absolutely beautiful!!! OMG, this story TOTALLY rocked & then some!! There's nothing like finally finding the love you want & need to make you feel complete!
Wonderfully written, wonderfully developed, wonderfully told, wonderfully enjoyed.
January 8, 2020
I have to say, this is the very first time I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading a book set in the very city that I live. It made picturing the setting so easy for me that I couldn’t help but love the story as well. But the characters are what truly made me live this book. Merren is almost too good to be true, but I could understand Bianca & her motivation quite easily. Maybe it’s because we’re a similar age, or because we’ve both had our lives shifted so erroneously off course. Either way, loved the book, good read, solid 4.5 stars for me.
February 24, 2023
I loved this audiobook like I’ve loved few. Ana McKenzie’s writing is a masterclass on descriptive prose. I found myself so taken with her writing that I often backed up the audiobook to re-listen to passages just so I could take in the words again. This was my first time listening to an Isabellel Gordon narration, and she did a wonderful job pouring out McKenzie’s moving story. I wished her voice for the older MC had sounded a little younger as she was only 40, but that is the only thing I wished had been different. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
January 4, 2019
On you have to read this book.
This is a really great book. The story capture.s you from the very start No spoiler. This is the first book I have read from this author I hope she has lots more. I read this in one sitting my eyes are burning. The characters are great there is a warmth to the story that just leaps off the page's. I know I will read this again. So read and enjoy a really brilliant book. Thank you very much to the author . I am off to see if you have other books.
This is a really great book. The story capture.s you from the very start No spoiler. This is the first book I have read from this author I hope she has lots more. I read this in one sitting my eyes are burning. The characters are great there is a warmth to the story that just leaps off the page's. I know I will read this again. So read and enjoy a really brilliant book. Thank you very much to the author . I am off to see if you have other books.
August 31, 2019
The Best!
This book stole my heart from its very first chapter. The characters were so real, I felt like they were friends of mine. The story is believable and engaging. Merren’s mother and grandmother were two ladies I would like to know. And, Macy, that agent, well, I will let you formulate your own opinion! I love reading these stories about “mature” women who have had real-life experiences, like loss, heartbreak, and love - they are so relatable!
This book stole my heart from its very first chapter. The characters were so real, I felt like they were friends of mine. The story is believable and engaging. Merren’s mother and grandmother were two ladies I would like to know. And, Macy, that agent, well, I will let you formulate your own opinion! I love reading these stories about “mature” women who have had real-life experiences, like loss, heartbreak, and love - they are so relatable!
September 5, 2019
Awesome
I hoped this book would be good. It is so much more than that and on so many levels.
I loved how it made me think, explore ideas, and yes "feel" more than any other recent read. I didn't want it to end; the story won't leave me for a long time, if ever. What an example of how we rarely really listen to each other! How marvelous it is when we do.
Thank You for the gift of your talent shared.
I hoped this book would be good. It is so much more than that and on so many levels.
I loved how it made me think, explore ideas, and yes "feel" more than any other recent read. I didn't want it to end; the story won't leave me for a long time, if ever. What an example of how we rarely really listen to each other! How marvelous it is when we do.
Thank You for the gift of your talent shared.
September 17, 2021
As someone who lives and married a blind woman this just kept making me think about her. Eyesight is a very important part of our human experience. Along with independence. I think they do a good job of showing how that independence and losing it effects someone self esteem. Also thank you for the representation of a disability. My wife will be listening to this next. Hope she likes it as much as I did.
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