You Again

by Amanda Waters

The summer before her senior year of high school, Rosalee fell in love with George. By the next summer, George had broken her heart, and Rosalee was sure she'd never see him again. Forty years and a lifetime later, Rosalee's quiet, predictable life is turned upside down when she runs into George at a restaurant and discovers he's moved to town. George wants to reconnect, and while Rosalee's head isn't so sure that's a good idea, her heart is saying something different. It's a story about first love and second chances, family, friendship, and living life to the fullest.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Fiction

294 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2019

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of Amanda Waters before but I am sure glad I took a chance and picked up YOU AGAIN. Ms. Waters instantly hooked me and pulled me right in from the very first page and never let me go. Hang on tight! It is going to be a very crazy and bumpy ride! Amanda Waters’ debut novel gave me all the feels and I enjoyed every minute of it. It has just the right amount of romance, mystery, and historical fiction. Rosalee and George are going to feel like the reader’s friends before the middle of this amazing story.

YOU AGAIN shows how when we turn ourselves over to God anything is possible. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy clean reads with true to life characters. George broke Rosalee’s heart forty years ago when she was a senior in high school. He was in college at the time and got into some trouble that made him leave Rosalee behind. After a chance meeting many years later, Rosalee starts to feel all those same feelings for George once again. Can she forgive him for they way he broke her heart all those years ago? Can she ever trust him again? She’s 63 years old now and wonders if she has learned anything from her past. I really loved the way the story flipped from the present to the past with each chapter.

All the characters in YOU AGAIN are very relatable and not perfect at all. You can’t help but feel each emotion that they are dealing with. When one of them was happy, I was happy. When Rosalee was crying, I was crying too. I love when an author does that to their readers. I truly was an emotional mess after reading this heart tugging story. Now that I have read YOU AGAIN and discovered Amanda Waters , I’m excited to read more of this new to me, auto buy from now on author. If you are looking for a heart tugging read that is filled with troubling times, but still fills you with hope, please take a chance and read YOU AGAIN. It is so real that you need to keep the tissues close by because your emotions are going to be on one crazy roller coaster ride. Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that you are either going to love a lot or just have an okay love to it. I am in the latter of these emotions. This is a dual time line which I absolutely love to read so that was a plus for me right away. It did move kind of slow and I found myself making myself read it and sticking with it which obviously not a fun thing for a reader. In this story we meet Rosalee and George and we see how they are as a couple when younger, break-up and later we see how they come together once again as older adults. So their story sort of comes full circle.

I could not relate to Rosalee and perhaps that's why it was hard for me to get comfortable with the book. I also thought that George was sort of a jerk. He was constantly persuading her to go a bit further and she stands by her beliefs which I applaud her for. Present day Rosalee I felt sympathy for. She has lost her husband, feels alone and frankly has not known who she is as a woman for a long time. When she sees George again it's a shocking experience for both. I won't divulge much more as it would give the story away.

I think the author did a great job in her writing and the generational relationships that she was trying to convey definitely were on point. She however lost me as a reader when the mild cussing was written in. I'm not a prude but I just don't think its necessary. I am not sure if this was considered a Christian book but it had no elements of faith whatsoever.

I received a copy of this book through Just Read Tours. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Again by Amanda Waters is a late-in-life, second time around romance that is uplifting and filled with warmth and hope.

Rosalee is lonely. Sure, she spends time with her family (children and grandchildren), but when she goes home it’s just her and the dog. When opportunities arise for Rosalee to shake up her routine, she grabs hold of them—renewing old and forming new friendships, planning events with her neighbors and more. But when the man who broke her heart when she was a teenager enters her life, will she take that opportunity as well?

Waters separates the teenage Rosalee with the elder version of her by changing the points of view. Rosalee as a young woman is told in first person while modern-day Rosalee is told in third person. This was a great way to separate the two timelines throughout the book.

This book is a gentle reminder that just because one season of life ends, it doesn’t mean we have to stop doing the things we love or experiencing new things. A satisfied life is a fulfilled life.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Author of "You Again", Amanda Waters, is a new to me author. I was intrigued to read this book because the Book Cover and Synopsis "spoke to me". Rosalee and George were High School sweethearts but George broke her heart after a year of a relationship. Rosalee went on with her life and then a chance encounter 40yrs later bought the 2 together again. George still has feelings for Rosalee, but she is unsure of what she wants at this point in life.

I really enjoyed this book. The author did a fantastic job at alternating between the 2 timelines of the past and present. I really enjoy books about "Second Chance Romance" and love later in life. "You Again" was a page turner and a wonderful storyline. The book is a story of forgiveness and Second Chances and I LOVED this book! FABULOUS book!

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Rosalee's story! I like how the book goes back and forth between that summer when Rosalee was in high school and fell in love with George and present day, when she is dealing with settling into life as a widow and empty nester. I don't read a lot of stories where the characters are older like this, but I need to branch out more, since I enjoyed the depth that it added to the story! Amanda Waters has a lovely way of bringing the characters to life, as well as the dual timeline flowing nicely. This is a delightful book to pick up and enjoy!

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

[Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read these kind of books, but I gave this one a shot, and it was a pleasant read. I liked the way timelines jumped back and forth, and as one was going down the other was going up. It had a satisfying conclusion, and was worth the read. I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

[Susan Nossaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosalee's story made me think about the difference between trust and forgiveness. How it's okay to have one without the other. I enjoyed the struggles she had with a late-in-life romance and dealing with adult children.

[Kim Stambaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written and very easy to read. The story seemed very real and the characters were well developed and I truly cared for them! I would definitely recommend it!

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The kiss was almost tentative. A first kiss. But it made her smile, and when she didn't pull back, George slid an arm around her waist and kissed her again. This kiss was warmer, deeper. It was a kiss between lips that had met before. It was hello again.'

I think we've all heard of high school sweethearts who are reunited after spending years apart, but can this relationship really work? Author Amanda Waters explores this scenario in an intriguing story that alternates between 1973 and 2018. Rosalee is a high school senior who believes that she's found the man of her dreams, but instead faces heartache when he marries someone else. Fast forward forty years, and their chance meeting rekindles some long buried feelings. Rosalee and George are both free to explore what might have been, but can they accept the changes that have occurred over the years?

This is an intriguing look at second chance love, and Waters paints a powerful picture of the hurdles that Rosalee and George face. They've enjoyed marriage with their respective spouses, they each have adult children, and they both have a lifetime of memories that don't include the other. The biggest obstacle, however, is the question of trust. Rosalee may be able to forgive George, but can she truly believe that he won't hurt her again?

This enjoyable look at love the second time around is an encouraging reminder that love and romance are possible at any age. You Again shows us that life events may alter our plans, but they don't have to steal our joy. Middle-aged love can be both sweet and fulfilling!

I voluntarily accepted a digital copy of this book. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[Rosalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is quite frequent that I allow myself to be swayed into reading a book by looking at it's cover. This book is not one of those. In fact, if I would have taken a good look at the cover, I probably wouldn't have agreed to do a review. (it's just not one that appeals to me)

The story, however, was intriguing. An older couple, and a more mature love story. The older I get, the more I enjoy these. Because it is a new to me author, I wasn't quite sure just what to expect.

In spite of my misgivings, I enjoyed it.

Rosalee was a character that I could relate to. My heart hurt for her as I read her back story, saw her history with George.
And then, they meet again, and get reacquainted. I wasn't sure what to think.
This is a story of loving again, of forgiveness, and second chances.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255




[Kimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Amanda Waters and I really enjoyed it!
I have not read very many (maybe one?) books that deals with an older age group. So, for me it was a uniquely refreshing storyline with the characters having different mentalities and characteristics than most stories I read.
I thought that the time jump was done well with the author switching point of views, which helped separate the two more in my mind. I do think it was interesting how Amanda Waters showed that just because one season of our life may change it is just an opportunity.
Overall, I thought this was a very well-done book and I enjoyed this different point of view.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've realized now that I'm "older" that I really enjoy stories that have characters who are "older" too. That being said, I think this story would be liked by any age group.

I liked that this was a time split so we could get to know Rosalee, George, and Tommy back in the day as well as know how their lives turned out "now". The story in 1973 felt very true to the time. I could picture it all unfolding as we got to see Rosalee and their blooming romance. Also, what I'd consider true to how hard it is to stick to your convictions as well as struggling with desires.

I definitely connected with Rosalee in the present time. There was so much I could relate to it was a bit uncanny. Trying to figure out who you are after life changes can be difficult and I appreciate how the author showed that through Rosalee. It was also interesting watching her kids and grandkids react to the changes she's making.

While it was difficult reading about George, I liked that we got to know Tommy a bit better later in the story. It was easy to understand why Rosalee had a struggle with her feelings with George showing up at this point in her life. I liked how the author worked through that with the characters.

The only negative in this book was a couple of swear words that I just didn't think were necessary. Those are always a turn off for me. But, that's personal preference as this is clean fiction.

*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.

[Doris Manes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I got actually started I didn't put it down until I finished. I really loved the ease with which she went back and forth from senior in high school to senior in life. Not all do a good job with that. In the story itself I felt that what kept it from being too light and fluffy was Rosalee's having to deal with her daughter's reactions to changes in Mom's life, Rosalee's becoming her own self, and her struggle to realization of George's ability to be faithful. The book had to have the struggles.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don’t read romance, but this was such a nice change of pace. Waters made the characters seem so real and their struggles relatable. I even found myself reading a few passages to my husband that I thought were so insightful and beautifully written.

If you’re in need of a light-hearted, clean romance, you can’t go wrong with this one!

[Dawn Klinge · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Again is a late-in-life romance that is incredibly sweet, while also feeling very real. I loved the character of Rosalee. The story goes back and forth between the past and the present in a way that's very well done. This story was like a warm hug. I highly recommend it.

[Tammy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent story of finding a new you after loss. The characters are very easy to identify with.

[Lisa's Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This contemporary romance is written so that each chapter goes between the present age and 1973-4. The story is about the high school romance of Rosalee and George. The summer before her senior year, Rosalee is pursued by a college boy named George. Rosalee is a small town girl from an old-fashioned family, whereas George goes to campus parties. He smokes cigarettes (has tried weed), drinks, and is a player.

George and Rosalee kiss a lot, but she doesn’t let him go any farther with her. Much time is spent with him trying to get her to give in to him. Her naivety is obvious and she continues the relationship even though they aren’t on the same page.

The book starts out very slow but is more interesting when the reader can see the past vs the present. Rosalee is now past when her husband Tommy dies of cancer. She begins to realize how lonely she has become. She was Tommy’s caretaker for a long time and didn’t realize how accustomed she became to feeling alone. When she starts to want to do things with her friends again, her perfectionistic daughter is uncomfortable.

Rosalee begins to start enjoying visiting with her neighbors and eating out with her fellow librarians after work. She experiences many of the emotions people have when they grieve. She has self-doubt at first, but then seems to feel very comfortable with enjoying life again.

One night when she goes out with friends, she runs into George. They are both shocked to see each other, because they haven’t seen each other since their terrible break-up. I won’t tell you exactly what happened, because it gives away too much of the rest of the book.

The book covers how the author views generational relationships and how different people deal with lifelong love and other issues. Although there was some mention of church, there was some mild cursing, and it wasn’t a Christian book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Amanda Waters' novel You Again. (Honestly, she'd captured me in the first few chapters when her characters were eating several of my favorite foods. I won't tell you which ones, but yum!) This dual-timeline book tells the stories--then and now--of Rosalee, as a teen in the throes of her first love, and later, as a widow following the long illness and death of her husband. We get to know her as a vibrant young girl who's not afraid to stand up for herself; and as an older woman who's raised several children and who has been left alone to pick up the pieces of her life. At first, she doesn't even realize that she has become so isolated. Then, one evening at dinner with her co-workers, a voice from the past calls her name.

I really loved seeing Rosalee's journeys, both as a young woman and as a mature woman who's, in some ways, coming back to life again herself. She's so delightful and honest as a teen, but she has lost sight of who she is after a long season of caregiving for her deeply loved husband. Her exploration not only of whether she should reconnect with the old flame, but also for her basic questions of what her existence could be, was genuine and interesting. I totally wanted all to be well for Rosalee and her family--and it was fun seeing her grow and expand! Fun book; and Amanda Waters has a wonderful voice. (She also has a great sense of humor and made me laugh out loud!). Great book for women of any age.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Again
By Amanda Waters

Rosalee McDonnell is stuck in rut and she is feeling older than her 62 years, 6 of which she's lived as a widow. Her husband, Tommy had been there for her when she most needed him just as she had been for him through his last days as cancer took him.

But Tommy McDonnell wasn't her first love. Her first love was in 1973, as a 17 year-old-girl, Rosalee fell in love with George Barnes. But when he broke her heart she never saw him again, nor did she expect to. But a last-minute invitation leads to a surprise meeting and a second chance at love.

You Again is told in both the present and through Rosalee's remembrances of the past. The first couple chapters seemed slow but as the story progressed so to did the pacing. It is interesting to compare past George and Rosalee to their present selves. Overall I'd say this was a pretty good book. If you are looking for something new that is a standalone read and falls into the gentle, clean (a few kisses) read category you will want to give this one a try.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's just something about a second chance romance that never fails to draw me in every single time... and You Again was absolutely no exception. It was a bit different from the romances I typically read though, as it focused on a later in life romance... I've read a few of these, but they tend to be rare. This story jumped back and forth between Rosalee's life as a teenager and her life as an adult. Books like this can sometimes be a little hard to follow, but the author did a great job of keeping both timelines easy to follow so it didn't get too confusing. I did find it started a bit slow for me, but once I got into the story, I found it to be an entertaining and emotional read that I couldn't help but enjoy. If you enjoy an inspirational romance, this is definitely one worth checking out!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Jennia · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter your age or circumstances, it is never too late for love. Skipping back and forth between a modern-day perspective and Rosalee’s teenage years, we’re introduced to the two main loves of her life: Tommy, the man she married, and George, the man who broke her heart years ago. However, the focus isn’t solely on her love life. She regularly interacts with her children and grandchildren, her sweet and lovable next-door neighbors, and her relaxed and easy-going dog. Rosalee is the perfect example of you’re only as old as you feel, never using her age as an excuse to skip out on life, including romance. This is a sweet and feel-good story wonderful for all ages and the perfect antidote for those in need of a heartwarming pick me up.
Thank you to Just Read Tours for a complimentary copy. This did not affect my review.

[Pam Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Again is a very engaging story of a second chance at love later in life. The characters are so enjoyable to get to know as they each fit into their varied roles.

The author creatively develops a story across the decades by alternating chapters between Rosalee’s teen-age years and her past-60 years. The first-person voice of the “back-then” chapters provides a nice contrast as the backstory grows and fills in important information. The pace is very comfortable, which makes the details flow smoothly and appear believable. While the love story is very much the star of the show, there are many other relationships and instances of growth for everyone involved in the story.

All in all, a very nice clean read.

Thanks to JustRead Publicity for providing a copy of the book. I am glad to share my own thoughts in this review.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the way this book was written. The dual time line really added interest to a plot that I didn't find very captivating. The chapters alternate back and forth between 2018-19 and 1974-75, with Rosalee as the main character in each. As a young girl in the 1970s, she fell in love with George and had her heart broken. In 2018, after her husband and George's wife both died, she met up with him again. This time, she had to deal with her daughter's skepticism and figure out what she wanted to do with her life now. To me, the story felt fairly flat. It's ok, but not great, in my opinion. I also didn't appreciate the frequent kisses and the use of words like darn.
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

[Angie Blocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done! I felt so much for Rosalee! When her heart broke, my heart broke! I love a book that makes me feel enough to bring me to tears!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars from me! If second chance romance is your trope, you better get this book!!!

[Ochegba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful blooming story. I enjoy getting to know the different sides of Rosalee, watch her grow and bloom throughout the story. Getting to know the different parts of who she was and how she wasn't afraid to love again despite questioning the logic of it all.
A great read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine

[Charity Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance! Such descriptive writing you can see the places, smell the smells. Enjoyable to read

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚You Again
✍🏻Amanda Waters
Blurb:
The summer before her senior year of high school, Rosalee fell in love with George. By the next summer, George had broken her heart, and Rosalee was sure she'd never see him again. Forty years and a lifetime later, Rosalee's quiet, predictable life is turned upside down when she runs into George at a restaurant and discovers he's moved to town. George wants to reconnect, and while Rosalee's head isn't so sure that's a good idea, her heart is saying something different. It's a story about first love and second chances, family, friendship, and living life to the fullest.
My Thoughts:
Rosalee McDonnell is stuck in rut and she is feeling older than her 62 years, 6 of which she's lived as a widow. Her husband, Tommy had been there for her when she most needed him just as she had been for him through his last days as cancer took him. Tommy McDonnell wasn't her first love. Her first love was in 1973, as a 17 year-old-girl, Rosalee fell in love with George Barnes. But when he broke her heart she never saw him again, nor did she expect to. But a last-minute invitation leads to a surprise meeting and a second chance at love. When she sees George again it's a shocking experience for both. I won't divulge much more as it would give the story away. I would recommend this to those that enjoy reading lighthearted, second chance love, romance add this to your TBR list.
Thanks NetGalley, Black Rose Writing and Author Amanda Waters for the complimentary copy of "You Again" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation>
#NetGalley
#BlackRoseWriting
#AmandaWaters
#YouAgain
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Julie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. A relatable struggle of young heartbreak and forgiveness but also of time. I liked that the story begins with an older character who gets a second chance with lost love but it also means that she gets to have all the feelings that go with it too. Happiness, Uncertainty, fear, trust of herself and also of him after a lifetime apart. Great read for all ages.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"They said their goodbyes, and Rosalee wiped tears from her cheeks. That was one thing she was learning about grief: you didn’t say goodbye just once. And even when the goodbye got less painful, you still felt it. Not always in sadness. Sometimes it was just an ache, or the memory of pain. Grief wasn’t getting over the goodbye, but learning how to live with it."

[Carrie Guthrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet read. Rosalee is widowed and has fallen into a routine. She starts to build friendships and runs into a former love (George). The story is about their relationship but also her self exploration and finding herself in the next phase of her life.