Thursdays in The Park by Hilary Boyd – Book Review
When I was first asked to review this book, I was told that it is about a later in age romance. It is not the romance novel that we normally see now with the 20 something’s falling head over heels for a gorgeous guy – not that there is anything wrong with that! But I had to think about it before I said yes to reviewing this book. I tend to think of the older generation as someone in their 70’s or older, especially since my sister is turning 60 in a several months. Yikes! I am very pleased to have said yes to this book because I know it is one that you are going to love!
THURSDAYS IN THE PARK
BY HILARY BOYD
ISBN: 978-1-62365-096-4
Pub Date: October 1, 2013
U.K. bestseller Thursdays in the Park, by Hilary Boyd, has been selected by the independent bookseller marketing cooperative IndieBound for the October 2013 Indie Next List! Last year, Thursdays in the Park was a publishing sensation in Europe, selling 530,000 copies in the U.K. alone! It’s now arriving in the U.S. and Canada this October when its publisher, Quercus, launches in North America. This book has quickly became a grassroots word-of-mouth sensation. It’s warm, poignant and life-affirming message – that you’re never too old to fall in love – resonated not only with baby boomers but with people of all ages.
In THURSDAYS IN THE PARK, Hilary Boyd weaves an emotional story about a woman who’s out to prove that life isn’t over after 60. In fact, for her, it’s just beginning.
For 59-year-old Jeanie, life has lost its luster. Her husband George is domineering and a bit dull, and ever since he stopped sharing their marital bed with her 10 years ago, their relationship has stagnated. With no passion to speak of, their co-existence is more like that of roommates than lovers. The bright spot in Jeanie’s life is Thursdays when she takes her two-year-old granddaughter to the park.
When she meets a widower named Ray one afternoon in the park while babysitting her granddaughter, Jeanie is immediately drawn to his openness and vulnerability. The two begin meeting up every Thursday, Jeanie with her granddaughter, Ellie, and Ray with his grandson, Dylan. Jeanie finds Ray easy to talk to, and one day (to her horror) finds herself confessing her marital problems. Divulging the truth about her sexless marriage brings the pair closer, creating an intimacy that neither of them can deny.
Jeanie begins to relish her time spent with Ray in the park. Only he seems to understand that she still feels young and energetic—hardly past her prime. She can’t help but feel attracted to this sexy man with his kind eyes, and lean build, and quickly begins falling in love with him. She feels like a teenager again, sneaking around to be with him, her heart quickening every time they meet.
Soon Jeanie knows she must make a choice. Should she leave the man she’s been devoted to for 30 years, tearing the family apart? Or follow her heart and risk everything for a second chance at love? Passion, romance, family drama, secrets, and lies all weave their way through this thought-provoking and heart-warming novel.
My thoughts:
Like I had mentioned earlier, I hesitated when it came to reviewing this novel because I was thinking of our readers. But then I realized our readers Are within the age group of this book and so am I! I have been so thrilled to read many novels by new writers that were great and this one is just that. The story line is true to life. I can relate to many things in this book and so can several women that I know.
There comes a time in our lives when one sometimes questions their decisions in life. Did I marry the right man? If I chose someone else, what would have been different in my life? What If…. For someone like Jeanie, she only ever had one man; her husband. So when she begins to resent the way he treats her for the past 10 years and starts to question their strange relationship, I can understand that.
I think that all people and women especially, want to have that one true love. Many people are lucky to find it and many more go through life without ever finding it or they question whether the one they are with is the right one. The author explores this concept with an emotional story that is beautifully written and will suck you right into the story. The characters are like your sister or best friend. You can relate to them and feel everything just like you are right there in the story. I love it when an author is talented enough to completely wrap you in.
This book is a must read for women of any age. The story is written with grace and a nod to “older” women and their romantic struggles that we can all relate to. This is one book that you will enjoy with a lovely cup of tea on a weekend afternoon. You will not want to put it down!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.