What do you think?
Rate this book
Two Once Removed
Callie Larson, a fifty-year old dedicated mother of three college and adult children, lives the storybook life of affluence and access married to a prominent, Washington, D.C. political consultant. Up until now, her life fulfillment came mostly through her children to the point that she barely missed her husband when he traveled extensively to campaign. But now, with their final child in college, her life has a new, unfamiliar emptiness. Her large, luxurious home has become too quiet. And her husband is not showing any signs of wanting to reduce his travel to be with her.
When a mutual friend shows Callie a Facebook post by Jason Cartwright, Callie's first love and former fiancée, that invites his friends to visit his new oceanfront cottage where he is living by himself, divorced, and retired, they joke briefly that the cottage is just a few hours' drive from her mother’s home in Williamsburg, Virginia.
When Callie's husband callously abandons her over a holiday weekend for his annual boy’s golf weekend, she takes his usual suggestion to go visit her mom. His blow off, and suggestion, gives her the needed combined anger and curiosity to make a secret daytrip to the beach. Her intention was to blow off steam by only checking Jason and his new home out from afar. But, an accidental run-in at a local gas station brings them together. And, for the first time in twenty-seven years, gives them the opportunity to finish the conversations they left open, make several unexpected confessions, and deal with all the re-emerging feelings that both can not ignore - all while dodging family interjections and judgement from both sides and from Jason’s new beach friends.
Rich with raw emotion, honesty and insight, TWO ONCE REMOVED is a character rich story that analyzes the conflicts, pain, and forces of lost love and regret as they affect the pursuit of happiness in midlife.
Re-mastered in 2021 for Kindle, paperback, and Audiobook production. Two Once Removed, and its two sequel stories, share a wonderful journey of rediscovery, struggle, love, and hope not to be missed.
When a mutual friend shows Callie a Facebook post by Jason Cartwright, Callie's first love and former fiancée, that invites his friends to visit his new oceanfront cottage where he is living by himself, divorced, and retired, they joke briefly that the cottage is just a few hours' drive from her mother’s home in Williamsburg, Virginia.
When Callie's husband callously abandons her over a holiday weekend for his annual boy’s golf weekend, she takes his usual suggestion to go visit her mom. His blow off, and suggestion, gives her the needed combined anger and curiosity to make a secret daytrip to the beach. Her intention was to blow off steam by only checking Jason and his new home out from afar. But, an accidental run-in at a local gas station brings them together. And, for the first time in twenty-seven years, gives them the opportunity to finish the conversations they left open, make several unexpected confessions, and deal with all the re-emerging feelings that both can not ignore - all while dodging family interjections and judgement from both sides and from Jason’s new beach friends.
Rich with raw emotion, honesty and insight, TWO ONCE REMOVED is a character rich story that analyzes the conflicts, pain, and forces of lost love and regret as they affect the pursuit of happiness in midlife.
Re-mastered in 2021 for Kindle, paperback, and Audiobook production. Two Once Removed, and its two sequel stories, share a wonderful journey of rediscovery, struggle, love, and hope not to be missed.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2020
191 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Milo Hays
10 books3 followersI am a fundraiser by trade. I work with many different, wonderful non-profits to help them fully understand their donor audience to better tell their stories. This type of work relies heavily on writing rich content that excites the emotions to capture financial support. I use the same approach when writing stories. I hope you like them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 23, 2021
You never forget your first love, and sometimes when you get the chance at a do-over you just have to explore the road not taken. Callie Larson finds herself feeling unneeded and listless after her final child leaves the family home and goes off to college. A chance mention of her first love, Jason Cartwright, and his new home in close proximity to her mother’s home, gives her all the excuse she needs to visit an old friend.
A nice story of refound love and nostalgia, this novel is an honest look at love that never truly dies. The characters were interesting and well-developed. The plot had a steady pace. A story focused on a middle aged couple with realistic lives was a nice change of pace from typical romance novels.
I would recommend this book to fans of Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks.
A nice story of refound love and nostalgia, this novel is an honest look at love that never truly dies. The characters were interesting and well-developed. The plot had a steady pace. A story focused on a middle aged couple with realistic lives was a nice change of pace from typical romance novels.
I would recommend this book to fans of Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks.
June 2, 2022
Enlightening!!
I enjoyed reading this book!
These emotional characters were filled with a great amount of depth, their background gave so much more to the development of the storyline which is solid and a consistent page turner. The story flowed easily throughout the pages. A must read!
I enjoyed reading this book!
These emotional characters were filled with a great amount of depth, their background gave so much more to the development of the storyline which is solid and a consistent page turner. The story flowed easily throughout the pages. A must read!
July 15, 2022
New to me author. I sure enjoyed a romance written from the male point of view. This book is very engaging. I liked the characters a lot. The location for their reunion was perfect. Having the Canine companions was a plus. I'm looking forward to book #2.
Read
December 31, 2025Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🍷
September 30, 2021
Twenty-seven years ago Callie and Jason’s engagement fell apart. They parted, eventually found new mates, had children, and generally lived their lives. Fast forward to the present: Jason is divorced after many unhappy years of staying together for the children, and Callie is an empty nester whose husband is mostly away, either travelling for work or off on a golf holiday with his buddies.
No “meet cute” device brings Callie and Jason together. They are both social media users, and both motivated to find one another again. Each initially tries to play it cool and pretend their meeting was a chance encounter, but that bit of gamesmanship falls away pretty quickly.
The story focuses on a long weekend in which the two become reacquainted and revisit old hurts and misunderstandings. This takes place with very little drama, and with little attempt to portray Callie and Jason as anything other than ordinary people (or, at any rate, ordinary upper-income people) with ordinary hopes and wants. Jason is granted one “hero” moment, and a lean and muscular physique. And Callie is drawn as a devoted and mother and daughter. But they don’t have hidden talents or dark secrets or horrific past traumas. Everyday interpersonal tensions are what drives the plot.
Note for dog lovers: the weekend that brings Callie and Jason together also brings their respective dogs together, and the dogs are *great*. Their joyful exuberance appears in amusing contrast with the guardedness of their humans.
While secondary characters such as Callie’s husband and Jason’s daughter remain somewhat flat, the author nevertheless devotes some time to their perspectives and avoids making them into cardboard cutouts.
Though I’ve not read The Bridges of Madison County (only saw the movie), I’d describe this story as similar to that one, but more talky and less steamy.
No “meet cute” device brings Callie and Jason together. They are both social media users, and both motivated to find one another again. Each initially tries to play it cool and pretend their meeting was a chance encounter, but that bit of gamesmanship falls away pretty quickly.
The story focuses on a long weekend in which the two become reacquainted and revisit old hurts and misunderstandings. This takes place with very little drama, and with little attempt to portray Callie and Jason as anything other than ordinary people (or, at any rate, ordinary upper-income people) with ordinary hopes and wants. Jason is granted one “hero” moment, and a lean and muscular physique. And Callie is drawn as a devoted and mother and daughter. But they don’t have hidden talents or dark secrets or horrific past traumas. Everyday interpersonal tensions are what drives the plot.
Note for dog lovers: the weekend that brings Callie and Jason together also brings their respective dogs together, and the dogs are *great*. Their joyful exuberance appears in amusing contrast with the guardedness of their humans.
While secondary characters such as Callie’s husband and Jason’s daughter remain somewhat flat, the author nevertheless devotes some time to their perspectives and avoids making them into cardboard cutouts.
Though I’ve not read The Bridges of Madison County (only saw the movie), I’d describe this story as similar to that one, but more talky and less steamy.
October 24, 2021
Fifty-five-year-old Callie Larson has begun to feel the ever absent presence of her husband, now that her three children have flown the nest. With no sign of her husband making any effort to spend time with her, Callie makes an impulsive decision. Jason Cartright, Callie's first love, is freshly divorced, with a new place. Having extended an invitation to all his friends, Callie takes the plunge and decides to investigate and find out the answers she looked for all those years ago.
Two Once Removed perfectly portrays how the decisions we make can impact our lives through the years. There is always that question of 'what if?' At times the choices we make can veer us off the path we originally chose for ourselves and haunt us with endless possibilities of what could have been. Milo Hays entwines this perspective through the book, which brings the story close to home. It's an intense read as this is something that happens all the time in real life. Because of this, the characters were brought to life on the pages. It was very easy to become immersed in the chapters. I think many readers will be able to relate to this book and enjoy it as a result.
The writing throughout is good. There are moments where the conversation felt repetitive, but these were not often and did not impact the overall read. The story moved at a steady pace and held a natural progression to events. The characters themselves are well written with their own weaknesses, which added realistic tendencies to them.
Altogether, Two Once Removed is an immersive yet light read with intense parts and lighthearted moments. I think readers will see themselves in the characters, and perhaps themselves think back on their past and think, what if?
Two Once Removed perfectly portrays how the decisions we make can impact our lives through the years. There is always that question of 'what if?' At times the choices we make can veer us off the path we originally chose for ourselves and haunt us with endless possibilities of what could have been. Milo Hays entwines this perspective through the book, which brings the story close to home. It's an intense read as this is something that happens all the time in real life. Because of this, the characters were brought to life on the pages. It was very easy to become immersed in the chapters. I think many readers will be able to relate to this book and enjoy it as a result.
The writing throughout is good. There are moments where the conversation felt repetitive, but these were not often and did not impact the overall read. The story moved at a steady pace and held a natural progression to events. The characters themselves are well written with their own weaknesses, which added realistic tendencies to them.
Altogether, Two Once Removed is an immersive yet light read with intense parts and lighthearted moments. I think readers will see themselves in the characters, and perhaps themselves think back on their past and think, what if?
September 24, 2021
It is often seen that stagnant and empty marriages lead to couples crossing the line and move out to find the love they have lost, and when the search reconnects to your long-lost love, heavy emotions drain in. Life obligations, family responsibilities, and personal happiness demand all clash to lead to a final choice about if what they have today is what they want for the rest of their lives. TWO ONCE REMOVED is a character-driven narrative that examines the tensions, sorrow, and forces of failed relationships and remorse as they impact the quest for happiness after the age of 50.
This story covers the mid-life marriage crisis of Callie Larson, a dedicated 50-year-old mother and wife who till now focussed on bringing up her children with her husband being busy with his political campaigns. Now when her children are all into colleges and away from home, she expects her husband to reduce his political consultancy and focus more on their married life. But things don't go as expected and her husband showing no signs of settling in, she crosses paths with her former fiance and her first love Jason Cartwright. Picking up the conversation left off 27 years ago, they embark upon a journey of re-ignition of feelings, while dodging perceptions from both sides.
Many people will relate this book to their current lives and situations. An intense read, this book is a perfect read for romance lovers.
October 4, 2021
Stuck and empty relationships frequently lead to couples stepping over the line and moving out in quest of the love they've lost. "Two Once Removed" is tailored along a similar plot that revolves around a lengthy weekend spent getting to know each other again and revisiting previous hurts and disappointments. It occurs with minimal drama and no effort to represent Callie and Jason as anything other than regular people (or, at the very least, average upper-class people) with average aspirations and desires. Jason is given one "hero" moment as well as a sleek and strong body. Callie is depicted as a loving mom and child. They don't, however, have any hidden abilities, family secrets, or horrible past experiences. The narrative is driven by everyday interpersonal conflicts.
The author has also added two adorable side characters to make the story even better - the protagonists' dogs. Their canines' beautiful love and joyous enthusiasm contrast amusingly with their humans' cautiousness.
A cliche plot narrated in a not-so-cliche way, Two Once Removed makes for a great one-time read. And who knows, you might as well be reminded of a forgotten affair.
The author has also added two adorable side characters to make the story even better - the protagonists' dogs. Their canines' beautiful love and joyous enthusiasm contrast amusingly with their humans' cautiousness.
A cliche plot narrated in a not-so-cliche way, Two Once Removed makes for a great one-time read. And who knows, you might as well be reminded of a forgotten affair.
October 12, 2021
It can often be that you think something is not right for you at a certain time in your life and later find out that it's exactly what you need. Whereas other moments may make you fight for something that was never meant for you in the first place. This story captures these feelings beautifully with fighting, yet tired, hearts and those relaxing back into old ways that reignite something that wasn't right once upon a time, but now perhaps is.
However, with it, it also portrays the judgement, the navigating of families and partners, and the juggling of emotions. What could you be giving up? What if you meet the same fate as the first time around? What if misery is painting an old misery as something brighter than it is?
The journey is intense, but the truth the characters face along the way is so realistic and removes all the fluffy good stuff that many romance novels bring with it, which is a nice approach and a gritty change than many romance readers may welcome, but takes away some of the enjoyment of relaxing with a good book for me as it brings some gripping tensions and situations throughout.
However, with it, it also portrays the judgement, the navigating of families and partners, and the juggling of emotions. What could you be giving up? What if you meet the same fate as the first time around? What if misery is painting an old misery as something brighter than it is?
The journey is intense, but the truth the characters face along the way is so realistic and removes all the fluffy good stuff that many romance novels bring with it, which is a nice approach and a gritty change than many romance readers may welcome, but takes away some of the enjoyment of relaxing with a good book for me as it brings some gripping tensions and situations throughout.
October 16, 2021
In this engrossing and emotive yarn, Jason Cartwright and Callie cross paths again after twenty-seven years and look back at the questions that were left unanswered, emotions that had been buried deep, and doors that were left open after their broken engagement in an attempt to get closure.
The book's narration alternates between Callie's life and Jason's but primarily focuses on Callie's through flashbacks as it explores the deep-seated conflicts, loss, and confusion that follow broken relationships. Milo Hay's writing is brilliant and poised and pulls the reader in from the onset. Further, the intriguing dialogue between the two main characters is the major draw in the book as it flows between different thoughts, perspectives, and timelines with grace.
"Two Once Removed" is a beautiful voyeuristic exploration of the rhythm of life, sacrifices, and self-reflection. I was pleasantly surprised by the author's understanding of human nature and the complexities that come with the mid-life age group. Though a work of fiction, the characters are well-crafted and relatable. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the rest of the books in this sequel.
The book's narration alternates between Callie's life and Jason's but primarily focuses on Callie's through flashbacks as it explores the deep-seated conflicts, loss, and confusion that follow broken relationships. Milo Hay's writing is brilliant and poised and pulls the reader in from the onset. Further, the intriguing dialogue between the two main characters is the major draw in the book as it flows between different thoughts, perspectives, and timelines with grace.
"Two Once Removed" is a beautiful voyeuristic exploration of the rhythm of life, sacrifices, and self-reflection. I was pleasantly surprised by the author's understanding of human nature and the complexities that come with the mid-life age group. Though a work of fiction, the characters are well-crafted and relatable. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the rest of the books in this sequel.
October 19, 2021
Though some may find ordinary hopes and desires and dreams not strong enough to drive a plot from page one to the final word, I found myself relating to the mid-life characters and their stories (back story to current day). Hays is prolific at drawing on ordinary occurrences and making them emotionally raw. Jason and Callie are "real" life people. This is a story most mid-lifers can read and relate to (though I'm sure younger readers will "feel" what the characters are feeling, too), while suspending belief that ordinary people live the high-income lifestyle. This story has so much going for it: strong, well-drawn characters, a plot that is as simplistic as it is complicated and it's number one strength which is causing the reader to "feel" the highs and lows of each relationship and what life has doled out over the years. Despite some grammatical errors, I felt this story moved me as much as any Danielle Steele novel -- just great storytelling. Personally, I can't wait to read books 2 and 3. Well done!
October 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and read it from start to finish in one sitting.
Callie is left alone for a long, holiday weekend when her workaholic husband chooses his annual golf trip with his buddies over spending the time with his wife. Her friend finds a Facebook post from Callie’s ex-fiancé (from 27 years ago) where he offered an open invitation to anyone reading the post to “come visit him” at his beach cottage. Callie is still hurt and angry over everything that went down all those years ago, but her curiosity gets the better of her.
This is such a relatable story. How many of us don’t have at least one person from the past that we would love to run into again and see what they have done with their lives? Just for curiosity’s sake, to clear the air, or maybe to take a chance on love once again?
Callie is left alone for a long, holiday weekend when her workaholic husband chooses his annual golf trip with his buddies over spending the time with his wife. Her friend finds a Facebook post from Callie’s ex-fiancé (from 27 years ago) where he offered an open invitation to anyone reading the post to “come visit him” at his beach cottage. Callie is still hurt and angry over everything that went down all those years ago, but her curiosity gets the better of her.
This is such a relatable story. How many of us don’t have at least one person from the past that we would love to run into again and see what they have done with their lives? Just for curiosity’s sake, to clear the air, or maybe to take a chance on love once again?
November 13, 2021
What a conflicting book. I didn't mind reading it - the characters and premise are interesting. But not a lot happens. Except talking. A lot of talking. Basically, Callie gets mad at her husband Chase who decides a boys weekend is more important than her. So she tracks down her former fiancé Jason and spends the weekend in the Outer Banks. The next three days are spent having the same two or three conversations over and over again. The ending leaves it open for the rest of the series, which I'm assuming is a pathway for Callie to be united with the man she's supposed to be with (trying not to spoil it too much). It's conflicting because I really wanted to like it, but sadly just couldn't fully appreciate it and don't care to finish out the series. 3/5 stars
October 17, 2021
Ever wondered about the belief that “The first love is the deepest”? This book is an interesting exploration of that theme as two people who were engaged to be married 27 years earlier re-unite for a weekend. The author enjoys going in-depth on their current and past emotions as each re-discovers the other and how different…or the same…they are so many years later. This makes for a rather slow read with more time given to reflections and conversations than action. Prompts reader reflections all the way through.
Viga Boland
http://www.vigaboland.com
Viga Boland
http://www.vigaboland.com
July 1, 2022
“The one that got away.” I think this book was right on point. I’m sure that many real life characters would have done the same things Callie and Jason did. I’m reminded of the 60’s song, “Love the One You’re With”, relating to the original Callie & Jason. I enjoyed reading this, I was very comfortable with the characters, and (in looking forward to the next one in the series) I hope they both end up with “one”.
January 26, 2023
The background for this story caught my eye as the details and geographical locations were similar to my past and present. It lacked some excitement but I was captured by "will they or won't they?" The wholesome dialog and well mannered traits of the characters was also boring at times. With all that being said, I am looking forward to reading the 2nd book in the trilogy ... curious on how it will complete the story of Callie and Jason.
September 2, 2023
A cute story that has you follow Callie as she struggles to come to terms with being an empty nester and a husband who choose to spend a holiday weekend with the guys golfing than with her. On a whim she decides to go visit her Mom. Once there, she decides to drive to the beach and see an ex fiancé. This story touches on some deep soul searching over marriage, companship, love,and family responsibilities.
March 3, 2021
Great read!
I did not realize that there was a sequel to this novel but I am so happy there is. Can’t wait to read it as this is such a believable saga of life.
I did not realize that there was a sequel to this novel but I am so happy there is. Can’t wait to read it as this is such a believable saga of life.
November 9, 2021
An ok read. The only character I really liked was Jason. Imthi8ght both Callie and Chase were selfish. I really didn’t care for the ending. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the copy.
July 16, 2022
Good, just not my genre any more.
March 3, 2023
Great second chance romance
For anyone who’s wondered about the one who got cold feet and got away this is a great story. Had some surprising twists and turns right up to the end
For anyone who’s wondered about the one who got cold feet and got away this is a great story. Had some surprising twists and turns right up to the end
January 10, 2026
Milo Hays's Two Once Removed didn't just entertain me; it truly hit home in a way few books ever have.
I recently went through my own empty-nest phase and, subsequently, a divorce, and found myself standing in the same quiet, echoing spaces as Callie. The book captured that startling feeling when you realize the life you built with others is suddenly just... yours again, and you have to figure out who "you" are now and for the future.
Reading about Callie and Jason's journey and their questions of "what if" and their brave attempts to redefine their futures was less about escaping my reality and more about finding a thoughtful guide within it. The story serves as a powerful reminder that while the past is always a part of us, the most important chapters are the ones we're writing now. It truly made me rethink and re-envision this whole new phase of my life and the role that second chances can play.
I recently went through my own empty-nest phase and, subsequently, a divorce, and found myself standing in the same quiet, echoing spaces as Callie. The book captured that startling feeling when you realize the life you built with others is suddenly just... yours again, and you have to figure out who "you" are now and for the future.
Reading about Callie and Jason's journey and their questions of "what if" and their brave attempts to redefine their futures was less about escaping my reality and more about finding a thoughtful guide within it. The story serves as a powerful reminder that while the past is always a part of us, the most important chapters are the ones we're writing now. It truly made me rethink and re-envision this whole new phase of my life and the role that second chances can play.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews