Turning Thirty-Twelve

by Sandy James

This book has been updated and re-released by the author.

***

Jackie Delgado didn't want a new man in her life until a dreaded blind date turns out to be more exciting than she'd ever imagined.
When her youngest son leaves for college, Jackie is hit hard by empty nest syndrome and pours herself into her work as a teacher. Bowing to pressure from friends, Jackie agrees to a blind date. But when Mark Brennan calls, she realizes the date won't be 'blind.' He's the father of one of her students.

Widower Mark Brennan isn't looking for love. After only a few dates with Jackie, he realizes he's quickly forming deep feelings for her. Wracked with guilt that he's 'abandoning' his late wife, Mark resists the pull toward dynamic Jackie. When Mark's daughter begins to date Jackie's son, things become more complicated.

Can Jackie and Mark find the courage to leave the past behind and embrace a new love? And how will a surprise pregnancy affect all their lives?

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2008

About the author

Sandy lives in a quiet suburb of Indianapolis and is a high school psychology teacher. She is published through Grand Central Forever Yours and Carina Press as well as indie-published. An Amazon #1 Bestseller many times, she has won numerous awards, including two HOLT Medallions.

Please visit her website at http://sandyjames.com for more information or find her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/sandyjamesbooks)

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning Thirty-Twelve by Sandy James was a delightful book. What is it about Sandy’s books that appeal to me so much? Is it the humor mixed with stories that we all can relate to in one way or another? Is it the loveable characters? Probably all of the above.

Jackie Delgado doesn’t like the word “forty.” She has decided to refer to herself as thirty-twelve years old. Jackie is divorced with two grown sons. Patrick is a senior in college and Nate is just leaving to move into his dorm for his freshman year. Hello empty nest syndrome. Jackie’s husband left her for his twenty year old secretary, after getting her pregnant. Her self -esteem is non-existent. I think there is even more to that story than we are told. Jackie’s parents are mentioned a few times and I believe they also contributed to her low self-esteem. Through it all, though, Jackie is a fun, strong woman who teaches high school biology.

Jackie’s friends have tried before to fix her up unsuccessfully. But they aren’t giving up. They set her up on a blind date with a widower they are sure will be a good match, Mark Brennan. Little did they know that Jackie and Mark had already accidentally met at an Office Max and Mark was the father of one of Jackie’s freshman students.

“He could sell water to a drowning woman.”



Mark, “sigh,” is a thirty-eighteen year old police detective and sexy as heck. When I first met him in this book, I believe I actually swooned. I want to say here that I so enjoyed that this book was about middle aged, sexy characters. Mark was a widow, having lost his wife to breast cancer. He has two daughters, Kathy who is also a freshman at the same college Jackie’s boys are at, and Carly, a fourteen going on forty year old teenager. Carly stole this book. She was the sweetest thing with wisdom beyond her young years.

Jackie and Mark do instantly hit it off, the physical and also emotional attraction off the charts. But, these two are thrown more obstacles than the law allows. Mark is struggling with guilt over having these feelings for someone other than his late wife. Jackie just can’t accept that someone is actually attracted to her, that she is desirable. Not to mention her trust issues. Her humor and Mark’s ability to break down her walls help them to begin to build a relationship.



But what about bringing together their children? This is almost like a Brady Bunch situation, blending the two families. Jackie’s sons are over protective. Mark’s daughter Kathy is not receptive to a replacement mother. Carly is the only one supporting these two. But, this isn’t the only obstacle they are given.

“Mark was right. He wasn’t David, and judging Mark as the same type of man was an insult. I would never make that mistake again. Ever.”

While away at college, before they knew their parents were dating, Kathy and Nate met, and of course, became involved. Jackie’s ex-husband decides he doesn’t like his ex-wife dating. And just when I thought I knew where Sandy was taking this story, she completely surprised me and threw in a couple new obstacles.



The chemistry between Mark and Jackie is off the charts, the sexy scenes steamy and perfect. I loved that these two were far from perfect and the situations they were forced to deal with all real. But, Jackie was so much fun to get to know. Her humor and inability to filter her words hilarious. And Mark, well, he has a bit of a temper, but when this man loves, he loves with all his heart. One of my favorite things about this book was the way differences were resolved. Both between Jackie and her friends, and between Jackie and Mark. They might get angry, say a few things they maybe shouldn’t have, but the bonds stay strong and they talk it out and resolve their issues.



So, yes, I loved this book. It was fun, sweet and just wonderful. So, Sandy, you’ve done it for me again and left me with a warm heart and a smile on my face.

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jackie Delgado, a thirty-twelve teacher meets Mark Brennan, a thirty-eighteen cop, and romance happens.

The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
-The premise: this came highly recommended and I really love reading about older heroes/heroines. The life experience is different, it’s certainly something I can relate to, being a thirty-teen myself, and the outline for this was right up my alley. Plus, the heroine is Latina, and being Puerto Rican, I like seeing Latino heroes/heroines represented in romance novels.

-The humor: and Jackie’s very self-deprecating humor was funny at times, and there are humorous moments throughout that livened things up well, because….

-Soapy aka melodramatic plot: Jackie can bring the drama herself and there’s alot of convenient coincidences that drive the plot. In this case, the drama is further complicated by her son’s romance with Mark’s daughter. I don’t mind soapy drama, but that’s not everyone’s cuppa.

-Frustrating heroine: the biggest hindrance to my enjoyment of the story was how negative Jackie is. Now, going in, I had an idea that she had some self-esteem issues, but I didn’t fully grasp the extent of her insecurity. Her constant negative internal monologue was hard to read, and she even admitted it. Which leads me to...

-First person POV is a hindrance in this case: The entire story is told from Jackie’s POV, and the way she always put herself down made it difficult to see her great qualities, the very qualities that people around her loved her for. Had it been told in third person, perhaps I would have gotten a clearer glimpse of who Jackie really was, instead of the intense, almost crippling insecurity that she lives with. She had brief moments of clarity, but for the most part, even towards the end, she struggled with no self-esteem.

The Bottom Line
There’s a good story in there, as long as you like a bit of drama and don’t mind a frustrating heroine.

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

October 2018 Review -
Rereading this book for a project with Read Bliss and I am so happy that I did. As I said in my original review this story is about self-discovery and family. Four years later and I can see how relevant, sweet, and needed the message of this book brings to the mature woman.

This specific video review will be included in the October 2018 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.

Jan 2014 Review -
Start off a little slower than I usually like but once it picked up it really grabbed on and held tight!! I am completely delighted with this sweet, funny, romantic story about a middle-aged woman. I enjoyed the simple twists and turns of Jackie finding her self-confidence and self-worth. Even though Jackie is thirty-twelve (read the book and you'll figure it out) at thirty-five I could relate and understand the struggles. Very light read, if you are looking for something to relate to and someone to champion for.

[Francoise Crowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book because of the title and description. I am approaching a milestone birthday and was wrestling with many of the things the main character goes through.

This book was a little slower than I typically like but a good read. The author does a good job of developing the main character and providing the reader realistic insight into the main character's behavior and thought life. The other characters and laughable moments paint a realistic picture that makes you want to find out more. Fun read that takes you on a journey many women will face in similar fashion.

[Kris Mcconville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Turning Thirty-Twelve”. Sandy James writes with a classy wit that is refreshing. As someone who in real life is turning the big 4-0 or ‘Thirty-Ten’ as Sandy would say, I could really relate to the story. Comments like “those twin sisters are most definitely middle-aged and falling faster than the thermometer in a Minnesota winter,” kept me chuckling throughout the book.
Jackie Delgado is a high-school biology teacher who is turning forty-two. Or as her and her girl-friends have decided is the twelfth anniversary of her thirtieth birthday. She is a divorced, single mom of two boys, Patrick and Nate, a senior and freshman in college, respectively. She vows that this year will be a year of self-discovery and she will not be a clichéd middle-aged woman. After her husband David, left her two years ago for his twenty-year old secretary he’d knocked up, Jackie has some self-esteem issues.
I loved Jackie’s character because she is so ‘real’. Throughout the book, she’s constantly worried about her appearance and how anyone could/would find her attractive.
Detective Mark Brennan is a forty-eight year old widow, father of two girls Kathy and Carly, who are freshman in college, and a freshman in high school, respectively. He has just started dating again, two years after his wife Elaine, died of breast cancer.
Mark and Jackie are brought together by a mutual friend on a blind date. When they mean, the first word that comes to Jackie’s mind to describe Mark is ‘yummy’. She balks because she can’t fathom how a gorgeous man like Mark Brennan would want to spend time with her?
As they start to date, each feels strong desire, chemistry between them. Then suddenly, Mark doesn’t call her for six weeks. She’s convinced he’s just discarded her like her husband had.
The plot thickens up when on Parents’ Day, Jackie discovers her son Nate is dating Mark’s daughter Kathy. Where do they go from here? On one fast roller coaster ride that involves all six of them. The ride will keep you on the each of your seat as some dangerous curves are thrown their way. Overcoming these obstacles will change their lives forever, for better or worse.
‘Turning Thirty-Twelve’ will be a quick favorite for any woman in her ‘forties’ because it shows all the insecurity that women feel at that time in their life. For example, women can relate to Jackie’s anxiety when Mark sees her naked for the first time, in day light, or God forbid, without makeup. This is a fun, witty, charming love story that will make a nice easy read book to take with you to the beach this summer.
Turning Thirty-Twelve gets 5+ teacups and a heat rating of 2.

This is my review of the book that I did for "Happily Ever After Reviews" which can be found at http://www.hea-reviews.blogspot.com

[LynnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris’ Review

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Turning Thirty-Twelve”. Sandy James writes with a classy wit that is refreshing. As someone who in real life is turning the big 4-0 or ‘Thirty-Ten’ as Sandy would say, I could really relate to the story. Comments like “those twin sisters are most definitely middle-aged and falling faster than the thermometer in a Minnesota winter,” kept me chuckling throughout the book.

Jackie Delgado is a high-school biology teacher who is turning forty-two. Or as her and her girl-friends have decided is the twelfth anniversary of her thirtieth birthday. She is a divorced, single mom of two boys, Patrick and Nate, a senior and freshman in college, respectively. She vows that this year will be a year of self-discovery and she will not be a clichéd middle-aged woman. After her husband David, left her two years ago for his twenty-year old secretary he’d knocked up, Jackie has some self-esteem issues.

I loved Jackie’s character because she is so ‘real’. Throughout the book, she’s constantly worried about her appearance and how anyone could/would find her attractive.

Detective Mark Brennan is a forty-eight year old widow, father of two girls Kathy and Carly, who are freshman in college, and a freshman in high school, respectively. He has just started dating again, two years after his wife Elaine, died of breast cancer.

Mark and Jackie are brought together by a mutual friend on a blind date. When they mean, the first word that comes to Jackie’s mind to describe Mark is ‘yummy’. She balks because she can’t fathom how a gorgeous man like Mark Brennan would want to spend time with her?

As they start to date, each feels strong desire, chemistry between them. Then suddenly, Mark doesn’t call her for six weeks. She’s convinced he’s just discarded her like her husband had.

The plot thickens up when on Parents’ Day, Jackie discovers her son Nate is dating Mark’s daughter Kathy. Where do they go from here? On one fast roller coaster ride that involves all six of them. The ride will keep you on the each of your seat as some dangerous curves are thrown their way. Overcoming these obstacles will change their lives forever, for better or worse.

‘Turning Thirty-Twelve’ will be a quick favorite for any woman in her ‘forties’ because it shows all the insecurities that women feel at that time in their life. For example, women can relate to Jackie’s anxiety when Mark sees her naked for the first time, in day light, or God forbid, without makeup. This is a fun, witty, charming love story that will make a nice easy read book to take with you to the beach this summer.

5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning Thirty-Twelve works on so many levels that it's difficult to pen a short review without breaking it down into its composite parts and ruining the beauty of the integrated whole.

The cover (of the Siren-BookStrand edition) and the first few pages lead the reader to expect a witty and cozy contemporary romance. Jackie, a 42-year-old divorcee with two grown-up sons and Mark, a widower with two daughters, are both convinced they'll never marry again. Fate, however, brings them together and instant attraction results. Fate also brings along the romantic couple's offspring, all of whom exhibit different reactions to their parents' relationship. Fate also adds to the equation the emotional legacy of Jackie and Mark's former marriages.

Behind the couple's satisfying sexual relationship (hence the 'steamy' rating) lie some serious issues that face middle-aged people who fear their lives have peaked and are all downhill. Jackie is a well-balanced and cheerful high school teacher who still harbours deep pain and regret from her failed marriage. Mark, on the other hand, finds it hard to forget the years of contented marriage with the love of his life, suddenly taken from him by cancer.

As Jackie and Mark try to work their way through these issues, they run into further complications when Jackie's younger son falls in love with Mark's older daughter. Meanwhile, the only person unreservedly supportive of Jackie and Mark's relationship seems to be Carly, Mark's younger daughter.

And so the complications continue, new ones coming along just as old ones are resolved.

On a personal note, I was captivated by Turning Thirty-Twelve because it afforded an insight into some of the psychological and emotional difficulties experienced by single parents attempting to rebuild their lives after crossing the Big Forty.

Just as Jackie and Mark are about to ride off into the sunset to the sound of wedding bells, two disasters strike their newly united family. Describing either of these disasters would be a spoiler, so I'll limit myself to noting that the first of the two seemed natural and authentic whilst the second introduced a whiff of melodrama. Fortunately Ms James' description of the aftermath of these two disasters more than compensated for the slight bump in the narrative, leaving the reader contented, satisfied and, perhaps, a little wiser.

An elegant and thoughtful story of a mature romance.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

REVIEW: TURNING THIRTY-TWELVE is a stand alone contemporary romance storyline focusing on two-forty something adults who have both suffered through love and loss. Jackie Delgado is a high school science teacher, divorced mother of two who struggles with self esteem issues about her body and her sexuality in the wake of her ex-husband's infidelity: Mark is a detective, widowed father of two daughters who never expected to ever find love again. But the moment these two meet, their attraction is immediate and palpable and it will take the action of a fourteen year old girl to show Mark and Jackie they are perfect for each other.

It is refreshing to read a storyline where the characters are not cut out perfect caricatures akin to runway models. Mark and Jackie are grown adults who have experienced life and family; raising children and falling in love who have both passed forty years of age and looking to the future. Tragedy and loss are at the forefront of their minds and starting over is a daunting reality when the heart falls in love before the mind.

The relationship between Mark and Jackie is sensual; trepidatious; and understandably anxious. They struggle with issues of family and children who want nothing to do with their parent's relationship; the memory of past experiences; and judgemental but well meaning friends and family who see nothing but heartache on the horizon.

Like all families, blended or otherwise, there will be complications and issues that need to be addressed; and at times a lack of trust will become the ultimate weapon of pain and sorrow, but in the end, their love will survive another loss and perceived betrayal; a dangerous situation and a threat against their love.

TURNING THIRTY TWELVE is a predictable storyline with a happily ever after but it is a welcome change from the twenty something beauty and her twenty something hard bodied love who are the epitome of a Victoria's Secret and D&G model. Our leading couple have flaws, both physical and emotional, and the reality of the situation will hit close to home for many readers of romance storylines and series. Some of the storyline premise is questionable and had me shaking my head , but overall, Sandy James has written a wonderful storyline for those of us who have turned or passed thirty twelve. ;)

Copy supplied by the author

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackie Delgado, a high school teacher, is a divorced mom dealing with her children leaving the nest. Her youngest son is off to live in a college dorm, so she's not sure what to do with her life now. Before school starts Jackie decides to get a jump start on buying school supplies for her Science classroom by going to the office supply store. She gives a few helpful tips to two girls and winds up meeting their hunky father. I had a hunch this guy was going to be the love interest and my hunch was firmly set in place when the younger girl turns out to be one of Jackie's students.

So since they didn't exchange numbers or information I was wondering how the two would wind up chatting again. Jackie's friend sets her up on a blind date, only for Jackie to realize that it's the hunky widower from the office supply store. The two get along well, but aren't picture perfect. Both have their hang ups, which the other has to tolerate and work through. Jackie has self esteem issues, and who wouldn't considering her husband left her because he knocked up his extremely younger secretary. Mark on the other hand has issues with letting go of his past wife. Oh and I forgot to mention Mark, the sexy widower, is a police officer. I do love a man in uniform, though he does have a bit of a temper which shows in the book a few times. Nothing crazy, but gives Turning Thirty-Twelve a bit more of a realistic touch as we know men aren't the most level headed beings.

I cannot recommend Sandy James's books enough. Her writing style is perfect for me, her characters are detailed and have characteristics that you can easily find yourself relating to. It doesn't stop there though, the friends, love interests, etc aren't picture perfect beings. Sandy makes them work for their relationships, and while the friendships are easy going they do have disagreements occasionally. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a contemporary where the female is looking for another chance at love.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Sandy James writing. I can't help it. I am a sucker for witty dialogue and true to life characters - and every one of her books has been chock full of both. This book was quickly added to my TBR pile when I found out that one of the characters from this book will be the love interest in Fringe Benefits, the next book in her Ladies that Lunch Series. I was super lucky enough that when I expressed an interest, Ms. James sent me a copy to review. Since I finally found an afternoon that I could just set and read with no interruptions and no deadlines looming, I dived in. 2 word - Loved It.

As I get older, I find that I just can't read most books about teens or young 20 somethings, especially in contemporary romances. Most just don't have the maturity level for me to connect with. That is not the case with Ms. James books. Let's take Jackie Delgado. She has just celebrated the twelfth anniversary of her thirtieth birthday. As I am currently staring the same age in the face, I can commiserate with many of the things that she is experiencing. I too have hated admitting to forty. Add in that she is a teacher, a member of the working class and she could be a friend or co-worker. Watching as she deals with the realities of things like Empty Nest, Midlife Crisis', and life after divorce, I can totally identify with her and the issues she is dealing with. There are no uber-sexy billionaire biker/rock stars here. Just hard working people, dealing with everyday problems. Completely relatable in every way.

You can see yourself in Ms. James romances. Because after all, I'm not really looking for an billionaire alpha male stud to come, sweep me off my feet and whisk me away. That's just a fantasy. But a solid dependable guy who will stand beside me day in and day out? That's a reality I think we are all looking for. This book made me snicker and cry, sometimes at the same time. An awesome 5 star read.

[Jane Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ½ stars. Above average, pleasant reading. The heroine puts herself down a bit too much, but it’s still a good story.

STORY BRIEF:
Jackie and David have two college age boys. David had an affair with his secretary and divorced Jackie a year ago. Jackie teaches high school biology. She feels rejected and undesirable. Her friends set her up on a date with Mark, a police detective. Mark’s wife Elaine died of cancer. He is raising their two daughters. His youngest daughter Carly (age 14) is in Jackie’s biology class. Mark and Jackie hit it off, but he doesn’t call her afterwards. Jackie accidentally runs into Mark six weeks later.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
This is real life drama about dating again after 40. I loved the character Carly. She had great judgment, knew what was best for everyone, and took good action. Mark was a neat character. Mark and Jackie were both wounded in different ways. Jackie had low self esteem and too often put herself down. At one point, I was tired of her put downs. Just after her wedding ceremony she is thinking “Now that he’s got you he doesn’t have to try anymore. He’ll get bored and discard you just like David.” Self-doubt before the wedding I understand, but after the wedding? They both knew they loved each other. It just rubbed me wrong. Other than that I did like the story.

DATA:
Story length: 195 pages. Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 4. Total number of sex scene pages: around 8. Setting: current day Evansville and Bloomington, Indiana. Copyright: 2009. Genre: contemporary romance.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

I loved this story!!! Being a Thirty-Fifteen woman myself, I could clearly relate to most of what happened to Jackie in this story.

This book had humor, heartache, deception and most of all romance!

One thing that could have bumped it up to 5 stars, would have been if it had a multi POV. There were many times that I wanted to see Mark's POV. It would have made this book complete.

Mark lost his wife two years ago to cancer. Jackie divorced her husband of 21 years after he cheated on her with his 20 year old secretary and got her pregnant. Needless to say, Jackie wonders what is wrong with her, that she couldn't keep her husband at home. What she doesn't realize, is that this is the best thing that could have happened to her.

This story takes us on the journey of self preservation, self reliance, and learning to open her heart again, risking it all for her true HEA.

I loved all the characters in this book. They were well written and their dialogue flowed really well.

I read this book as part of the Hometown Heros bundle and so glad that I did. I had not heard of this author before then and I am now looking forward to reading more of her work.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through the GoodReads giveaway program. I am glad I got a chance to read another great book!
This was a quick and easy read. It is nice to have those short, enjoyable reads in between the longer ones. :)
Anywho....I was intrigued about this book since the main character Jackie was a teacher. Even though I know that it would be rather hard (and unprofessional) for a teacher to have a romantic relationship with a students father, I still enjoyed the book.
I was glad to see that Jackie was able to get past her unsecurities from her past to fall in love again.
Mark is every woman's dream, which was hard to believe he was real, as I found myself questioning his reasons to be with Jackie. His anger towards Jackie concerning his daughter's secret made me feel he was more of a true character. I was glad that he truly did love Jackie, (even though I knew this, I too doubted him at times, like Jackie).
I was relieved that the difficult decision Kat would have to face would not involve an abortion. Although saddeded by the miscarriage.
Overall I enjoyed the book, and will share it with my reading friends.

[Josette Reuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as part of the Hometown Heroes box set.

This story was a surprisingly entertaining and addictive read. As an older reader I am used to reading stories about younger women who are just starting out in life, this story is quite different. Loved seeing the second chance love story for this divorced woman and widowed man in their 40's with teenaged and college aged children. Totally enjoyed the journey as they meshed their lives and made a family together.

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not feel like the reviews for this book were authentic. Laugh out loud was mentioned more than once. I thought great a fun book.
What I found was an understandably insecure women who got into a marriage too quickly. He ghosted her right away and after when they got together I felt like he rushed them into getting married. He over reacted and was verbally abusive when they had a disagreement. If someone threw my son up against a wall in anger I'd be done with that person.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the quirkiness of Jackie's inner dialogue. She's a bundle of insecurities and has slowly come to the realization in her life that she can move forward with her life and leave behind her past in the past. I like her group of friends helping her, I like Carly the teen wiser than her years, and her strength at the end of the book. A very good story!

[Texas Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! This is a book that I won and decided to listen to while I drove but ended up wanting to keep reading when I got to my destination. It's nice that the "heroine" isn't a twenty something rock hard body for a change.

[Amy Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! I love how real Jackie is and loved Mark. I sometimes wished there was more said from Mark when I got so upset about his daughter but I loved how their relationship being so strong. I loved how she stood up to her ex. Shoes life doesn't end after 40.

[KarenLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be reading more by this author!

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the most predictable books I have ever read. Very cliched.

[Francene Carroll]

This was a quick, fun read for the weekend I turned thirty-ten! The family dynamics add an interesting twist to this romantic tale.

[Janell]

I love this title!!

[Peni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Read in one sitting the pages just flew by. This was my first Sandy James Story but it won't be my last. So happy I found another A list author.

[Barbara Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Such a talented writer. This is a very good book. I was captured and couldn't stop reading until I knew how it ended.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story.

[Paula]

Sassy and fun

There were quite a few laugh out loud scenes. The Characters were strong and very real . Enjoyed it !!

[Julie A Ladd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It’s a great romance with an older couple and all the complications that come with blended families. The angst and uncertainties of a divorced woman are perfectly described.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one because it is rare that a romance features a more mature heroine and I would love to see more 35+ characters kicking ass and getting the guy. I tried hard but eight chapters in need to tirade about this character. I'll likely end up quitting the book because I find her so annoying.
Jackie, a 42 year old high school teacher, and recently divorced empty nester is incredibly hard to like. She goes on, and on about how ancient and dried up she is at 42.She is a complete victim. Her husband left her for his younger secretary, who he had a baby with.
I get where that would be an ego slam but I choose romantic comedies with the expectation of an empowered heroine and escapist fiction. The author has the characters friends describe her as being funny and out going but nearly half way through no word, thought, or deed has shown that.
I have friends who have been in similar situations. But they actually showed character and gumption and actively went out and rebuilt their lives with no apologies. Where as I found Jackie so grating in her self pity and negativity I would actively avoid her if she was a real person in my sphere. Every other sentence is about how decrepit she is or how pathetic she feels. It gets old really fast.
The hero may be a decent guy but the lost his perfect high school sweetheart of a wife to cancer plot line is too much exposition along with the divorce stuff for an oops baby story line. The editor has at least as much to answer for as the author on this one. The pacing doesn't work. It relies on the thoughts and feelings of the heroine with little action or dialogue. Maybe that wouldn't be a chore if she was entertaining instead of emotionally draining.
I was listening to the Audible version so I am not sure how much was the voice of the author and how much was the voice of the narrator but she came across as considerably older. 50s at least.
If you like your romance light and fast paced, and your heroines positive and young at heart give this one a hard pass.

[Stacy McKitrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a hard time calling something a “romance” when it’s in first person, so I'd rank it more like women's fiction (which isn't something I'll purposely read). I bought the book from the author after she gave a class at a RWA chapter meeting (years ago) and finally decided to read it. Surprise, surprise! I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was told so well in the way I enjoy first person. And it had humor. I love humor.

When I can read a book and NOT want to put it down, I'll give it 5 stars. Especially when it's in a genre I don't normally read. So if I'm that picky and still loved it, imagine what a fan of the genre would do?