What do you think?
Rate this book
A Rendezvous to Remember: A Memoir of Joy and Heartache at the Dawn of the Sixties
International Book Awards, Best Cover Design Non-Fiction Finalist
A provocative true story of an idealistic young woman, her two lovers, and the fateful decision that would forever change the course of their lives
Frustrated with the dating scene, Ann Garretson decided she couldn’t leave love to chance. So she set her sights on “The One”: her pen pal, Lieutenant Jack Sigg, a tank commander on the German-Czech border. In 1964, she skipped her college commencement to tour Europe with him, hoping to return as his fiancée. But a month into their rendezvous, her best friend, Terry, proposed marriage—by mail—throwing all their lives into turmoil. Jack offered the military life Ann had grown up with. Terry, a conscientious objector, would leave for the Peace Corps at summer’s end, unless the draft board intervened and sent him to jail. Her she loved them both. Ann had to make an agonizing choice—a choice made all that much harder by her meddling parents, Terry’s passionate pleas, and Jack’s irresistible charm. A Rendezvous to Remember is an intimate portrayal of relationships in the early sixties, written by a young woman finding her way in a tumultuous, changing world and by the man she ultimately married. Beautifully written and delightfully uncensored, this coming-of-age memoir is a tribute to the enduring power of love and family.
“An extended road trip, a rollicking adventure, and, above all, a love story you'll never forget."—Hope Edelman, #1 New York Times best-selling author
A provocative true story of an idealistic young woman, her two lovers, and the fateful decision that would forever change the course of their lives
Frustrated with the dating scene, Ann Garretson decided she couldn’t leave love to chance. So she set her sights on “The One”: her pen pal, Lieutenant Jack Sigg, a tank commander on the German-Czech border. In 1964, she skipped her college commencement to tour Europe with him, hoping to return as his fiancée. But a month into their rendezvous, her best friend, Terry, proposed marriage—by mail—throwing all their lives into turmoil. Jack offered the military life Ann had grown up with. Terry, a conscientious objector, would leave for the Peace Corps at summer’s end, unless the draft board intervened and sent him to jail. Her she loved them both. Ann had to make an agonizing choice—a choice made all that much harder by her meddling parents, Terry’s passionate pleas, and Jack’s irresistible charm. A Rendezvous to Remember is an intimate portrayal of relationships in the early sixties, written by a young woman finding her way in a tumultuous, changing world and by the man she ultimately married. Beautifully written and delightfully uncensored, this coming-of-age memoir is a tribute to the enduring power of love and family.
“An extended road trip, a rollicking adventure, and, above all, a love story you'll never forget."—Hope Edelman, #1 New York Times best-selling author
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
374 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2021
8 people are currently reading
1239 people want to read
About the author
Terry Marshall
1 book25 followersTerry Marshall and Ann Garretson Marshall are the coauthors of the poignant, coming-of-age memoir A Rendezvous to Remember. After getting married, they taught English in the Philippines as Peace Corps volunteers and later served as Peace Corps country codirectors in the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Tuvalu. Back in the States, they worked side by side as community organizers and activists in Colorado.
Terry went on to write fiction and nonfiction works on discrimination, poverty, rural development, and intercultural conflict. Ann has thirty years of experience as a writer, editor, and community-government go-between for issues related to nuclear and hazardous waste cleanup.
Always seeking adventure, Terry and Ann have traveled to forty-three countries. They live in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Terry went on to write fiction and nonfiction works on discrimination, poverty, rural development, and intercultural conflict. Ann has thirty years of experience as a writer, editor, and community-government go-between for issues related to nuclear and hazardous waste cleanup.
Always seeking adventure, Terry and Ann have traveled to forty-three countries. They live in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 17, 2020
Garretson and Marshall reach right into the heart in this beautifully written memoir, pulling on every emotion. This is a story about what it means to be human–to struggle with love and what we truly want out of life – especially when being pulled in two different directions. Humorous and heartfelt, the dueling narrative is stunning, surprising, and inspiring. I sobbed at the end, knowing the right choices were made and I applaud the authors for their honesty. An extraordinary love story that spans decades.
January 20, 2021
With all due respect to Tolstoy, Terry Marshall and Ann Garretson Marshall prove that all happy families are not alike after all. In a delightful confluence of lives well-lived and a story well-told, “A Rendezvous to Remember” embeds us deep in the sights, sounds and spirit of the summer of 1964, bringing the “Sixties before the Sixties” into sharp focus. This is a time when hair was still short, The Beatles were still new and, for idealists like the authors, peace and justice seemed achievable goals. A Rendezvous to Remember is a story of swiftly changing times on two continents, from the American military bases in Cold War West Germany to the mountain switchbacks of Colorado. But most of all, it is a love story—better yet, two of them—told with sly humor, crackling dialogue, and deep humanity.
– Greg Blake Miller, director of Olympian Creative and author of “Decemberlands”
– Greg Blake Miller, director of Olympian Creative and author of “Decemberlands”
February 9, 2021
Interesting and romantic
A wonderful story. I loved the people, the story and the fact that it is true. Beautifully descriptive. Exciting and romantic.
A wonderful story. I loved the people, the story and the fact that it is true. Beautifully descriptive. Exciting and romantic.
January 6, 2021
You’ll be drawn in! A Rendezvous to Remember has that “special something” that makes you deeply involved with the characters, even in a real-life story. The authors’ reflections and choices as they navigate coming of age during an era of cultural shifts and political polarity is both thought provoking and relatable. I could really feel the internal conflict that Ann faces as she loves two vastly different men who amplify the two “sides” of her personality and also juggles meeting her own code of morals and the expectations of her family and society. I recommend this book!
February 21, 2021
I love this book!! So so good!!! I need more!! What a great read!
February 17, 2021
A Rendezvous to Remember transports us back in time. Their story catches us immediately and takes us on a ride of ups and downs, of laughter and sorrow, of unvarnished truth of discovery - and all too soon it’s over – leaving us wanting more. Because This was just “the beginning”.
In this autobiographical romp, Ann and Terry lay their hearts and souls bare to us in a beautiful story of coming of age in the turbulent and rebellious 60’s. As Terry describes Annie as a –“burst of daring flirtation with the free spirited sixties, followed by a quick retreat to the comfort of the Victorian fifties,” we feel the push and pull of that juxtaposition as Ann and Terry are living it.
There is so much to say about this delightful book – but ultimately it is a love affair for the written word. Ostensibly because of the expense of long distance phone calls, letters were the communication of choice. Consequently those written words are planted more deeply in our brain, retrieved as needed throughout a lifetime, not merely gone with the breeze that was blowing when you said or heard them. Easily molded, twisted, and evolved as circumstances change and your heart song changes.
Because Ann and Terry understood the importance of those written words, they were able to take us on this wonderful ride with them without glossing over the difficult bits that may have been hard to remember after the full and incredible lives that they continued to live. I highly recommend this book!
In this autobiographical romp, Ann and Terry lay their hearts and souls bare to us in a beautiful story of coming of age in the turbulent and rebellious 60’s. As Terry describes Annie as a –“burst of daring flirtation with the free spirited sixties, followed by a quick retreat to the comfort of the Victorian fifties,” we feel the push and pull of that juxtaposition as Ann and Terry are living it.
There is so much to say about this delightful book – but ultimately it is a love affair for the written word. Ostensibly because of the expense of long distance phone calls, letters were the communication of choice. Consequently those written words are planted more deeply in our brain, retrieved as needed throughout a lifetime, not merely gone with the breeze that was blowing when you said or heard them. Easily molded, twisted, and evolved as circumstances change and your heart song changes.
Because Ann and Terry understood the importance of those written words, they were able to take us on this wonderful ride with them without glossing over the difficult bits that may have been hard to remember after the full and incredible lives that they continued to live. I highly recommend this book!
February 12, 2021
Hearing both sides of a love story as it happened from two very distinct voices is just one of the many pleasures of Ann and Terry’s memoir. They draw not just from their prolific correspondence, but audio tape that lay unheard for decades and innumerable details that capture the allure of travel around Europe (also the setting for several hilarious and excruciating predicaments!). This memoir vividly draws you into what it was like to be close to so much of the turmoil of the early 60s and how social and political change was embedded into every decision of a young person’s life. I’m so glad that Ann and Terry worked over several years to craft their story into this finely tuned memoir and I hope it inspires more people to capture their own journeys of the heart.
January 20, 2021
A very interesting memoir about an interesting time and the people who lived it. I liked how the narrative bounced back and forth between the two authors. Well written and very honest.
February 17, 2021
This most human story takes place in the Sixties. Terry and Ann Marshall write so that we feel deeply what that era meant, as they say, in joy and heartache for those living through it. Life can seem to us as a series of decision problems, some large and some small. Often we labor over each decision as if we are fully in control. Yet typically happenstance drives the opportunities we have, opening new ones, and closing current ones. In this book Terry and Ann alternately and brilliantly describe the circumstances, many complicated and mostly unforeseen, that in the context of Ann's love for two most appealing men, both of whom love her, lead through struggles to a choice. With amazing detail and honesty they show us the reality of the multitude of events--mail deliveries, an ill-chosen word, work demands and possibilities, a touch--that so strongly influence the decisions they make. And, too, the book must show us the haphazard way we, also, make decisions. Yet, Terry and Ann are not adrift on the raft of life. Their feelings power that raft, not making it a high-powered speedboat breaking through every wave, but a least a row boat with two pairs of oars strongly pulled. Likely that is the best we, too, can do in this complex world.
April 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. It reads like fiction but it’s actually a true story, told by two of the three main characters. I was completely drawn into the saga, so well documented, a love story in every sense of the word. I saw someone else describe this as “what it means to be human” and I think that’s so accurate. Every emotion is rendered on the pages and as a reader you get to weigh up every thought and event. Of course, you do get to wondering what you would do in Ann’s shoes. Delightfully candid - human relationships laid bare. Highly recommended.
February 19, 2021
A Rendezvous to Remember is a book/story I shall always remember.
Terry Marshall and Ann Garretson Marshall's unique approach to their love story / duel memoir / European travel adventure / and historical snapshot of the early part of the 1960s explores, (for starters), the budding non-violent peace movement juxtaposed with one's patriotic involvement in the Vietnam War; each side of this coin represents the quintessence of Terry and Jack, the male champions of this tale.
This narrative seems the stuff seasoned screenwriters might dream up in a brainstorming session, but in reality the story, (which plumbs the depth of the human heart, complicated choices, complex family dynamics, and the ability to love more than one person at once), is the true life tale of the married Marshalls who beguile their audience through their passionate and pragmatic writing.
Down to earth Ann grew up in a military family with traditional, conservative mid-American values. In college she befriends peacenik journalist Terry Marshall, who has his sights set on working for the Peace Core.
Terry is deluged with life challenges as he fights for Ann's heart, commits to his humanitarian path, and asks the government to classify him as a conscientious objector "on moral grounds, not religious ones." Cutting edge objector status for the times.
In high school, well before he met Ann, Terry dated Angela Archuleta, an intelligent, popular girl, daughter of a farm worker, who hailed from a sixteen-block Chicano barrio that fronted the railroad tracks. Terry's involvement with Angela opened a window into a world he had been blind to.
Years into their friendship, Ann and Terry realize they have romantic feelings for each other. Ann, whose background and upbringing differ from rebel rouser Terry's, struggles to figure out what her life would look like if she were to embrace a lifelong relationship with outspoken, brazen, politically idealist Terry.
To complicate matters, Lieutenant Jack Sigg, a debonair soldier with integrity to spare, brother-in-arms of Ann's older brother fighting the cold war in Germany, enters Stage Right. Jack and Ann fell in love through a pen pal relationship (just before the Ann-Terry relationship took a deeper turn), culminating in an invitation by Jack for Ann to spend a summer with him touring Europe in his Sting Ray.
For much of the book, readers are the flies-on-the-wall along the ride of this historic Sting Ray Summer. We follow step-by-step as Ann is faced with a predicament of life and love. Her part of the biography leaps with humor and astute and loving observations penned in a lyrical hand by a woman in touch with her own voice and the courage to listen to it.
"Loving one in no way diminished my love for the other." ~ Ann
"How do you measure love? In drops, like honey? In bunches, like flowers?" ~ Ann
"Marriage means the loss of freedom only to those who do not know how to live." ~ Terry
This is a ride I'm glad I took. This wonderful book is honest, vulnerable, wise, and refreshing; it is time well spent with people of quality. I laughed and sobbed. I give it a strong five stars and recommend this rendezvous wholeheartedly.
Terry Marshall and Ann Garretson Marshall's unique approach to their love story / duel memoir / European travel adventure / and historical snapshot of the early part of the 1960s explores, (for starters), the budding non-violent peace movement juxtaposed with one's patriotic involvement in the Vietnam War; each side of this coin represents the quintessence of Terry and Jack, the male champions of this tale.
This narrative seems the stuff seasoned screenwriters might dream up in a brainstorming session, but in reality the story, (which plumbs the depth of the human heart, complicated choices, complex family dynamics, and the ability to love more than one person at once), is the true life tale of the married Marshalls who beguile their audience through their passionate and pragmatic writing.
Down to earth Ann grew up in a military family with traditional, conservative mid-American values. In college she befriends peacenik journalist Terry Marshall, who has his sights set on working for the Peace Core.
Terry is deluged with life challenges as he fights for Ann's heart, commits to his humanitarian path, and asks the government to classify him as a conscientious objector "on moral grounds, not religious ones." Cutting edge objector status for the times.
In high school, well before he met Ann, Terry dated Angela Archuleta, an intelligent, popular girl, daughter of a farm worker, who hailed from a sixteen-block Chicano barrio that fronted the railroad tracks. Terry's involvement with Angela opened a window into a world he had been blind to.
Years into their friendship, Ann and Terry realize they have romantic feelings for each other. Ann, whose background and upbringing differ from rebel rouser Terry's, struggles to figure out what her life would look like if she were to embrace a lifelong relationship with outspoken, brazen, politically idealist Terry.
To complicate matters, Lieutenant Jack Sigg, a debonair soldier with integrity to spare, brother-in-arms of Ann's older brother fighting the cold war in Germany, enters Stage Right. Jack and Ann fell in love through a pen pal relationship (just before the Ann-Terry relationship took a deeper turn), culminating in an invitation by Jack for Ann to spend a summer with him touring Europe in his Sting Ray.
For much of the book, readers are the flies-on-the-wall along the ride of this historic Sting Ray Summer. We follow step-by-step as Ann is faced with a predicament of life and love. Her part of the biography leaps with humor and astute and loving observations penned in a lyrical hand by a woman in touch with her own voice and the courage to listen to it.
"Loving one in no way diminished my love for the other." ~ Ann
"How do you measure love? In drops, like honey? In bunches, like flowers?" ~ Ann
"Marriage means the loss of freedom only to those who do not know how to live." ~ Terry
This is a ride I'm glad I took. This wonderful book is honest, vulnerable, wise, and refreshing; it is time well spent with people of quality. I laughed and sobbed. I give it a strong five stars and recommend this rendezvous wholeheartedly.
June 1, 2021
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
A beautifully written memoir that pulls on your heart.
Wow! The reader is pulled in with the characters. You experence their life decisions and feel their every life choices. Their ups and downs! Their laughter! Their sorrows! Their truths! Their discoveries! And their joy! Wow! You know these people! Excellent writing! Brilliant! Read and enjoy!
A beautifully written memoir that pulls on your heart.
Wow! The reader is pulled in with the characters. You experence their life decisions and feel their every life choices. Their ups and downs! Their laughter! Their sorrows! Their truths! Their discoveries! And their joy! Wow! You know these people! Excellent writing! Brilliant! Read and enjoy!
March 3, 2021
A real life memoir of a complicated love triangle involving Ann, Terry and Jack. A documentation of what it was like to love two men and be torn between them, and how it feels to be one of the men who is desperate to win her heart. It’s a very honest and open account of the lead up to Ann making the very tough decision of who to choose.
I’m so glad they decided to share this story, It definitely deserved to be told. I was invested from very early on. They are both such lovely guys and complete opposites that you can really understand how difficult it must have been to be in Ann’s shoes!
A really interesting and well written read, not only because of the love triangle, I really enjoyed reading about how life was back then and comparing it to now.
I’m so glad they decided to share this story, It definitely deserved to be told. I was invested from very early on. They are both such lovely guys and complete opposites that you can really understand how difficult it must have been to be in Ann’s shoes!
A really interesting and well written read, not only because of the love triangle, I really enjoyed reading about how life was back then and comparing it to now.
March 4, 2021
An interesting window with a spectacular view
The take on the mid sixties from a young adult perspective. The breadth of firmly held beliefs that still echo here and now. It was interesting to me, what each man said that endeared me or offended. I, like Ann went back and forth, preferring one then the other. I felt her choice was right; and appreciated that she was allowed to continue to love them both. I did want to punch “Bonner”. What an ass, and I was (and maybe still am) angry that Ann allowed him to “get away with it”. I have a “surprise” sister and brother-in-law; so if a reunion is what you want, consider the DNA route.
The take on the mid sixties from a young adult perspective. The breadth of firmly held beliefs that still echo here and now. It was interesting to me, what each man said that endeared me or offended. I, like Ann went back and forth, preferring one then the other. I felt her choice was right; and appreciated that she was allowed to continue to love them both. I did want to punch “Bonner”. What an ass, and I was (and maybe still am) angry that Ann allowed him to “get away with it”. I have a “surprise” sister and brother-in-law; so if a reunion is what you want, consider the DNA route.
March 6, 2021
A truly honest memoir and account of how life can be complicated with love, a love triangle between two men and a woman. The way the book is written is beautiful, you can fully picture places and scenes easily. Following the story of these characters i was drawn in from the beginning. The fact that this is true made you feel like you knew them.
March 16, 2021
A True Gem. A Book To Remember Whilst Being Raw And Emotionally Told .
Terry Marshall and Ann Garretson Marshall's story A Rendezvous to Remember is a beautifully written love story which takes you through friendship, complex family dynamics, the ability to love more than one person at once, and the complicated choices you must make when you decide who your true love is.
The story starts with a down to earth Ann who grew up in a military family with traditional, conservative mid-American values. In college she befriends a journalist called Terry Marshall, who has his sights set on working for the Peace Core. Terry is commits to his humanitarian path and asks the government to classify him as a conscientious objector on moral grounds, not religious ones.
Then after years of friendship, both Ann and Terry realize they have more than just friendship together as their romantic feelings for each other develop.
There is just one problem to complicate matters Ann has a pen pal relationship before the Ann-Terry relationship took a deeper turn, this culminating in an invitation by Jack for Ann to spend a summer with him touring Europe in his Sting Ray. Ann falls in love with Lieutenant Jack Sigg who is a soldier and friend of Ann's older brother fighting in the cold war in Germany.
For much of the book, readers are drawn into the story as we follow step-by-step the ride of this historic Summer of Ann. Terry, and Jack. You will read how Ann is faced with a predicament of life and love. Who will get the girl Terry or Jack?
This book is a beautifully written love story that kept me in suspense throughout the book: It is a truly hidden Gem with raw emotions, vulnerability, and honesty. I found I smiled, laughed, and cried as I read their heartfelt feeling for each other. I give this book five stars and recommend A Rendezvous to Remember wholeheartedly to any book club and anyone who wishes to read a true humorously and emotionally touching story.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Terry Marshall and Ann Garretson Marshall's story A Rendezvous to Remember is a beautifully written love story which takes you through friendship, complex family dynamics, the ability to love more than one person at once, and the complicated choices you must make when you decide who your true love is.
The story starts with a down to earth Ann who grew up in a military family with traditional, conservative mid-American values. In college she befriends a journalist called Terry Marshall, who has his sights set on working for the Peace Core. Terry is commits to his humanitarian path and asks the government to classify him as a conscientious objector on moral grounds, not religious ones.
Then after years of friendship, both Ann and Terry realize they have more than just friendship together as their romantic feelings for each other develop.
There is just one problem to complicate matters Ann has a pen pal relationship before the Ann-Terry relationship took a deeper turn, this culminating in an invitation by Jack for Ann to spend a summer with him touring Europe in his Sting Ray. Ann falls in love with Lieutenant Jack Sigg who is a soldier and friend of Ann's older brother fighting in the cold war in Germany.
For much of the book, readers are drawn into the story as we follow step-by-step the ride of this historic Summer of Ann. Terry, and Jack. You will read how Ann is faced with a predicament of life and love. Who will get the girl Terry or Jack?
This book is a beautifully written love story that kept me in suspense throughout the book: It is a truly hidden Gem with raw emotions, vulnerability, and honesty. I found I smiled, laughed, and cried as I read their heartfelt feeling for each other. I give this book five stars and recommend A Rendezvous to Remember wholeheartedly to any book club and anyone who wishes to read a true humorously and emotionally touching story.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 15, 2021
A fabulous look-back on a romance story that had me wanting to learn more about the Peace corps, the civil rights movement of the sixties and the Vietnam War.
Terry and Ann had to face a lot of problems, not least that Ann was also in love with someone else! The fact they managed to deal with it all, and come out the other side is a true testament to their love and friendship.
This book was gifted in exchange for an honest review.
Terry and Ann had to face a lot of problems, not least that Ann was also in love with someone else! The fact they managed to deal with it all, and come out the other side is a true testament to their love and friendship.
This book was gifted in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2021
Spoiler Alert! There is a spoiler in this review so reader beware. However, I will state that I did find this spoiler to be unsurprising as I predicted it from near the beginning of the book. Just wanted to make you aware before you read this review in its entirety.
A Rendezvous to Remember: A Memoir of Joy and Heartache at the Dawn of the Sixties by Terry Marshall and Ann Garretson Marshall fell flat for me. I was looking forward to reading about enduring love and the human heart set in one of the most tumultuous decades - the Sixties. What I read is certainly a love story. In fact, it is a love triangle, but it is not what I had hoped for when I began reading.
But before I get into that, what do I like about A Rendezvous to Remember? The authors, Terry Marshall and Ann Garretson Marshall, are very talented writers. It is evident that they are well educated and have vast experience in writing and doing it effectively. Their writing style and use of descriptive language draws you into the feelings and the moments described within the pages of the book. I appreciated the exploration of many human emotions that we all feel and can relate to deeply. Love and heartbreak, joy and sadness, elation and remorse are articulated deeply. I can feel the emotions right alongside the characters of this memoir. My favorite part of the book is actually the epilogue which, as I read it, seemed to try to honor war hero Lieutenant Jack Sigg. There is never a bad time to honor those who serve our country and serve it bravely, especially those like Lieutenant Sigg who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I thought it was nice that the authors seemed to feel like honoring him was well worth the effort.
One item I was really looking forward to reading about was the crazy decade of the 1960s. A love story in one of the most divisive and tumultuous decades in our nation’s history is the perfect backdrop for an excellent book. However, there was not quite the depth of exploration of this decade and all that it held to really take A Rendezvous to Remember to another level. It just brushed upon the events rather than dive deeply into them. I was hoping for some references to the music of the time and how it was influenced by the Vietnam War, the civil rights movements, the assassination of JFK, among others and the feelings behind the music as it related to the lives of the characters.. The book, however, was simply about a woman who was sought after by two men, one a conscientious objector and the other a heroic Army soldier, and a series of memories and events involving her relationships with both while she decided who she wanted to marry. I could not relate to her handling of these two relationships with two very different men and perhaps that is one reason why this book did not do it for me.
Also, I struggle with characters that refuse their patriotic duty. Yes, there are legitimate exceptions. There are legitimate reasons to consciously object from serving in the military, however they are far and few. The book did not convince me that Terry’s reason for conscientious objection was anything more than cowardice. So I did not find the character relatable.
As I outlined above, there are some really good aspects of this book. Unfortunately, for me, they are not enough to overcome the downfalls. I wanted to like it, but I did not. I do hope though that the authors write more books as their writing style is enjoyable and refined.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Rendezvous to Remember: A Memoir of Joy and Heartache at the Dawn of the Sixties by Terry Marshall and Ann Garretson Marshall fell flat for me. I was looking forward to reading about enduring love and the human heart set in one of the most tumultuous decades - the Sixties. What I read is certainly a love story. In fact, it is a love triangle, but it is not what I had hoped for when I began reading.
But before I get into that, what do I like about A Rendezvous to Remember? The authors, Terry Marshall and Ann Garretson Marshall, are very talented writers. It is evident that they are well educated and have vast experience in writing and doing it effectively. Their writing style and use of descriptive language draws you into the feelings and the moments described within the pages of the book. I appreciated the exploration of many human emotions that we all feel and can relate to deeply. Love and heartbreak, joy and sadness, elation and remorse are articulated deeply. I can feel the emotions right alongside the characters of this memoir. My favorite part of the book is actually the epilogue which, as I read it, seemed to try to honor war hero Lieutenant Jack Sigg. There is never a bad time to honor those who serve our country and serve it bravely, especially those like Lieutenant Sigg who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I thought it was nice that the authors seemed to feel like honoring him was well worth the effort.
One item I was really looking forward to reading about was the crazy decade of the 1960s. A love story in one of the most divisive and tumultuous decades in our nation’s history is the perfect backdrop for an excellent book. However, there was not quite the depth of exploration of this decade and all that it held to really take A Rendezvous to Remember to another level. It just brushed upon the events rather than dive deeply into them. I was hoping for some references to the music of the time and how it was influenced by the Vietnam War, the civil rights movements, the assassination of JFK, among others and the feelings behind the music as it related to the lives of the characters.. The book, however, was simply about a woman who was sought after by two men, one a conscientious objector and the other a heroic Army soldier, and a series of memories and events involving her relationships with both while she decided who she wanted to marry. I could not relate to her handling of these two relationships with two very different men and perhaps that is one reason why this book did not do it for me.
Also, I struggle with characters that refuse their patriotic duty. Yes, there are legitimate exceptions. There are legitimate reasons to consciously object from serving in the military, however they are far and few. The book did not convince me that Terry’s reason for conscientious objection was anything more than cowardice. So I did not find the character relatable.
As I outlined above, there are some really good aspects of this book. Unfortunately, for me, they are not enough to overcome the downfalls. I wanted to like it, but I did not. I do hope though that the authors write more books as their writing style is enjoyable and refined.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2022
This book is such a roller-coaster ride of emotions, I'm having a hard time penning down my thoughts accurately - proving how apt the title of the book is!
All I want to leave here is, I am genuinely glad I stumbled across this gem. The characters were amazingly developed. And, I genuinely felt their emotions throughout - they've become my imaginary pals now.
Ann was damn relatable; with these amazing guys as 'options', I'd be legit confused too - for my entire life. All of the characters/people in this book feel like really good people in real life - makes me want to meet them in person and have long conversations with them (even after having spent so much time with them through this book).
It was a long ride, but it was worth every minute I spent on it. Wrapped up perfectly well by the end, I was completely overwhelmed by the time I reached the last page.
Overall, it is much recommended for romance and history lovers!
ps: I'm so glad to have received the ARC for this one. Became their fans, irl!
All I want to leave here is, I am genuinely glad I stumbled across this gem. The characters were amazingly developed. And, I genuinely felt their emotions throughout - they've become my imaginary pals now.
Ann was damn relatable; with these amazing guys as 'options', I'd be legit confused too - for my entire life. All of the characters/people in this book feel like really good people in real life - makes me want to meet them in person and have long conversations with them (even after having spent so much time with them through this book).
It was a long ride, but it was worth every minute I spent on it. Wrapped up perfectly well by the end, I was completely overwhelmed by the time I reached the last page.
Overall, it is much recommended for romance and history lovers!
ps: I'm so glad to have received the ARC for this one. Became their fans, irl!
April 18, 2021
I won this book through Goodreads giveaways.
I had a really hard time getting into this book. It was over a month and a half before I even read half of it. It picked up closer to the end so I read that part quickly. I'm not sure if it was because you know the outcome of the story starting out or if it was just a hard book to get into that took me so long to get into it.
I enjoyed Ann's telling more than Terry's for some reason. Not sure if it was because of the perspective or her writing or just more relatable. I wanted to know her decision and her adventures more.
Although it was hard to start I wanted to know more by the end. I all of sudden felt like it was rushed and I wanted that detail that was at the start back.
It is worth a read because of the time period and the insight into military life.
I had a really hard time getting into this book. It was over a month and a half before I even read half of it. It picked up closer to the end so I read that part quickly. I'm not sure if it was because you know the outcome of the story starting out or if it was just a hard book to get into that took me so long to get into it.
I enjoyed Ann's telling more than Terry's for some reason. Not sure if it was because of the perspective or her writing or just more relatable. I wanted to know her decision and her adventures more.
Although it was hard to start I wanted to know more by the end. I all of sudden felt like it was rushed and I wanted that detail that was at the start back.
It is worth a read because of the time period and the insight into military life.
April 20, 2022
The authors did a wonderful job of describing the incredible landscapes they traversed, from the Rocky Mountains to the French Riviera.
However, I had some issues with this one:
1. Most of the plot was Ann choosing between two suitors; a few hundred pages of her inner turmoil was a bit much.
2. The work has 2 co-authors, so it's pretty clear, very quickly, how Ann's debate ends!
However, I had some issues with this one:
1. Most of the plot was Ann choosing between two suitors; a few hundred pages of her inner turmoil was a bit much.
2. The work has 2 co-authors, so it's pretty clear, very quickly, how Ann's debate ends!
July 30, 2021
A Rendezvous to Remember is a memoir to remember.
Terry and Ann Marshall gifted the world when they chronicled their lives and love in this evocative memoir. Only up-and-coming authors could recall such vivid details of their early twenties, spent as best friends growing closer through school, travels, trial romances, political turbulence, and war-time concerns.
Readers will be compelled by Ann and Terry’s narration, epistolary passages, and building tension as Ann makes difficult decisions rooted in feminism, faith, familial duty, and love.
A dichotomous tale of love and loss, war and peace, duty and free will, A Rendezvous to Remember explores gray areas at a gray era in American history. This is the first memoir that literally made my jaw drop. It reads like historical fiction or a best-selling romance novel. I cannot stop thinking about this incredible story! It is almost too wholesome to be true.
I received an advance review e-copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I plan to purchase this memoir for my personal library! I have already recommended A Rendezvous to Remember to several friends.
Terry and Ann Marshall gifted the world when they chronicled their lives and love in this evocative memoir. Only up-and-coming authors could recall such vivid details of their early twenties, spent as best friends growing closer through school, travels, trial romances, political turbulence, and war-time concerns.
Readers will be compelled by Ann and Terry’s narration, epistolary passages, and building tension as Ann makes difficult decisions rooted in feminism, faith, familial duty, and love.
A dichotomous tale of love and loss, war and peace, duty and free will, A Rendezvous to Remember explores gray areas at a gray era in American history. This is the first memoir that literally made my jaw drop. It reads like historical fiction or a best-selling romance novel. I cannot stop thinking about this incredible story! It is almost too wholesome to be true.
I received an advance review e-copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I plan to purchase this memoir for my personal library! I have already recommended A Rendezvous to Remember to several friends.
March 11, 2021
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC of this book.
I was disappointed. I suppose I was expecting less romance and more 1960’s. I’m glad I read it, but it was not what I expected.
I was disappointed. I suppose I was expecting less romance and more 1960’s. I’m glad I read it, but it was not what I expected.
March 22, 2021
Interesting until
like the "Smothers Brothers" , it got political and got boring and I gave it up. Not my cup of tea, whether I agreed with his position or not
like the "Smothers Brothers" , it got political and got boring and I gave it up. Not my cup of tea, whether I agreed with his position or not
February 2, 2022
Passion and compassion intertwined within the pages of this coming of age memoir. Sit back and enjoy the stroll through the ever-evolving sixties.
September 5, 2022
Superb 📚, Anne and Terry takes you with them throughout memory lane. This is a story full of love, courage and hope.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews