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A Week at Meredith’s by Kate Brazier

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A Week at Meredith’s by Kate Brazier
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Women’s Family Fiction
Page Count – 340
<span;>‘Fooling other people is duplicity; fooling yourself is stupidity.’

<span;>In 1997, sixteen-year-old Tana Davis imagined a bright future for herself; she would finish school, become a lawyer, and generally swish her way through life being brilliant. But a chance encounter with a stranger on a Cornish beach pushed Tana’s life onto a different path.

<span;>Fast forward to 2010, and Tana awakes in a French hospital, with limited memories about what happened to put her there. Images flicker through her head: a ten-car pile-up, a terrorist attack, a brutal mugging. A train wreck or a plane crash. Anything could have happened. But what did? And where are her children?

<span;>Forced to examine her life to this point, Tana must admit some brutal truths about herself, her family and her relationships.

<span;>Based loosely on the twelve-step recovery programme, Tana’s story confronts some of the most fundamental issues that we all face – how we create meaning in our life, how perceptions influence the way we conduct ourselves, and how relationships can be tested.

~ AMAZON ~

Kate Brazier is an English teacher with a lifelong passion for Literature, and she has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing. She has lived in both the USA and Australia but is now based in London. A keen marathon runner, she enjoys taking part in races to raise money for charity. As well as this, she holds a 2nd Dan in Japanese Jujitsu and trains regularly. Kate is married and has three children.

Author Interview with Kate Brazier

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The Holey Land by Laura Koerber- Review by Heather Goodman

The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a breath of fresh air. It gives you new perspectives on things and shows you how to enjoy the simple things. It teaches you how to stop and smell the roses and enjoy the beauty around you. The main character is going on a trip by herself and she doesn’t really know why but just knows she needs to go. While there she is introduced to all kinds of unique characters and is reminded to be content in every season.

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The Holey Land by Laura Koerber- Review by Tausha Treadway

The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Holey Land by Laura Koerber. This is such a fun book. Its quite different than anything I’ve ever read. Its the story of Molly who has decided to take a solo trip to New Mexico. She’s not really sure she is going there but she just knows she has to. Molly is middle aged and in my mind she is going thru the middle age crazies. She wants to discover what is out there in this big old world. She ends up in The Holey Land, New Mexico and she meets up with three different guides who help her in different ways. There is magic, intrigue, mystery and self help all thrown in with real native philosophies. I loved that Molly was looking to reinvent herself and that she was brave enough to go out on a limb and try some new stuff even if it seems different and weird to her. This is a fun book about being middle age and trying to recreate yourself.

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Amber Howard

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a science nerd and this story registered with my soul. It’s a beautifully written slow burn romance about healing and taking a leap of faith in love. I absolutely loved all the bird facts. I loved the character development and growth. If you’re looking for a story that gives you all the warmth and feels this one (and the other in the series) will do that for you.

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to get to read the second book in this series! The author does such an amazing job of writing such memorable characters that you fall in love with as you watch them fall in love. We meet Tasha, a nurse who is struggling with a recent break up and Caleb, who is looking for a fresh start somewhere new after his divorce. The two of them are brought together by their love of birds at the local sanctuary. The characters are extremely relatable and real. These are people who you would want to hang out with in the real world, have some yummy brews at Beakers while you hear all about their lives. If you are a fan of very sweet characters who you will fall in love with, this is the perfect feel good story to check out!

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Tasha and the Biologist(A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker-Review by Heather Knalls

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tasha is a nurse in Laurel Indiana who has a love for the whooping cranes and the nature reserve close to her home. She has lived in the area her entire life and has come to love these particular birds and has named them all at some point. She had lost her way for a few weeks due to her breakup with Gabe but she is now back visiting the reserve only to find out her normal tour guide has moved to Texas to be closer to her son and her new replacement Caleb the handsome man from Wisconsin. Caleb was a biologist at a reserve in Wisconsin and things were changing so when the opportunity arose he jumped at the chance to come to Laurel. Will things work out for Tasha and Caleb or will she continue to have bad luck in her love life?

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m so enjoying the cover art and what’s in between the pages has been such a treat 📕❣️

So when I first started this book I found myself googling the birds so I could the full experience and at a stage I thought cripes there’s not going to be a real story and let me tell you I was soooooo off base 🤣🥰🙈 this really has been one of my favourite reads for the year 🤩

There were so many highlights for me and memories I’ll walk away with will be treasured and the laughs I had and the new sayings I learnt were memorable.

At the end of the day we all want someone that sees us for who we are and make us feel we matter and that’s exactly what Tash and Caleb want and find in each other and both are on a self healing self discovery journey but they just do it better together and Barnaby just owns my heart 🐾❣️

I love their honesty , they’re just so real and relatable and you can’t help but love them . I must be honest I was a little jealous of their owl walk 🥹and all the delicious brews they get to enjoy at Beakers 😉

Caleb is so good with kids and how he relates to people when talking about the birds and conservation, you can’t help but like this guy . He’s just perfect for Tash 🥰

When I started my review I ended up re reading the whole book so that should tell you how much I loved it 😉🥰📕

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Carrie Cross

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy Q. Barker’s “Tasha and the Biologist” is a charming tale that blends romance with a deep appreciation for the natural world. The story follows Tasha, a nurse who finds solace in birdwatching, and Caleb, a renowned biologist who comes to town for a research project. Their paths cross unexpectedly, leading to a heartwarming connection fueled by their shared passion for birds.

Barker’s writing is both lyrical and engaging, painting vivid pictures of the small-town setting and the diverse avian species that inhabit it. The novel delves into themes of loss, healing, and the importance of human connection, all woven together through the lens of birdwatching.

“Tasha and the Biologist” is a delightful read for those seeking a heartwarming romance with a touch of environmental awareness. It’s a celebration of nature’s beauty and the power of love to mend broken hearts.

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Stephanie Runyon

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tasha Moore was tired of being a doormat in all of her relationships. Inspired by a television show, Tasha decided she would stop hiding her feelings. Brutal honesty became her mantra. Her best friend, Ella, agreed it would be a new way of handling any new relationships she entered. Ella begged Tasha to join her at Winter fest because Ella’s mother-in-law was visiting. Liam and Ella had been going to a fertility doctor; however, his mother was persistent with her insistence for grandchildren. Tasha agrees, hoping to see the new tour guide from Granger Pond. She had met him as he led their group to see the whooping cranes. Despite going on the tour multiple times for years, Tasha is excited to see Daisy, a crane she had seen there for years.

Caleb was immediately smitten with Tasha when he had taken her and a couple to see the cranes. Her familiarity with the area and the flock captivated him completely. At the Winter Festival, Caleb sees her with Ella and they decide to meet later at the local bar, Beakers. The evening goes well and a drunken Ella sets Tasha and Caleb up on their first date. Neither of them can wait for the date, engaging in text phone calls for the following days. Then Tasha stops communicating with Caleb. She arrives at his cabin on Friday evening and he is instantly relieved. After revealing why he had moved to Indiana, the couple shared kisses. The next afternoon, Tasha invites Caleb to join her and her friends at Beakers for karaoke. Tasha’s past is about to make a scene, and it’s not the only thing she hasn’t told Caleb about.

Tasha and the Biologist is a romance story that unites two people who are recovering from their painful pasts. The tension as each one tells their past secrets is palpable. The unpredictable plot adds even more suspense when Tasha and Caleb are separated for several weeks. Will a brand new loving spark flicker out? I found the story fascinating, and the wildlife information was provided in an easy to understand way. This is a 5-star story with excellent character development.Barnaby, a wiggly French bulldog, was even involved in the story, which provided a light despite the dramatic nature of the human revelations.

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Audrie Harrington

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a sweet story – I loved Tasha and Caleb. Tasha is a nurse who loves birds but has a dark past and bad history with men. Caleb is a biologist and the new IFC at the wildlife refuge that Tasha often tours and is recently divorced. There are sparks from the beginning, when Tahsa meets Caleb on a Wednesday tour of the whooping cranes. I love the silly bird banter. I loved the setting and would love to visit just to hear the birds and watch them take flight. I loved the connection and love story. I loved how they shared thoughts and feelings, including all the dark things from the past. They were meant to find each other so they could help each other overcome the darkness. I also really liked the side story of Tahsa’s friends who are struggling to get pregnant. I can’t wait for more of this series to come out.

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Jenni Bishop

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Tasha and the Biologist is the second book and another lovely tale in this heartfelt women’s fiction romance series A Better Man. Even though it is part of a series it could be read as a standalone.
Amy writes characters that are flawed, raw, realistic, and relatable. Tasha and Caleb were so easy to like and connect to. Neither are looking for love but they knew they had a connection from the very start, but both are still dealing with pain from their previous relationships and that may keep them apart.
Amy sets this slow burn romantic tale in a small town with a beautiful Wildlife Preserve which is easily imagined and the perfect place for bird enthusiasts and setting for falling in love.
There is vulnerability, courage, strength and beauty in this heartwarming tale.
Is love worth falling for no matter the timing? You will have to read this book to find out.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Tausha Treadway

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker. I love this series and while this is the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone. This is the story of Tasha who is a nurse and a bird enthusiast. Caleb is a biologist and also a bird enthusiast and recently divorced. He has told himself he will never marry again so when he meets Tasha and finds her to be totally his type and she even has the same interests as he does, he tries not to let feelings get involved. Tasha was having her own thoughts about Caleb, he’s very smart, loves birds just like she does so why in the world is he here with her. Tasha is sweet and caring and would love to find a good man but the time doesn’t seem to be the right time. As they begin to spend more and more time together they come to realize they can fight it all they want but they are inevitably going to be in a relationship. This is such a sweet love story and I love this author so much!

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man Series Book #2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Angela Hayes

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Tasha and the Biologist is the second book in A Better Man series by Amy Q. Barker. Having loved her previous books, I happily one-clicked a copy, and set off to explore the Granger Pond Wildlife Preserve with Tasha and Caleb.
Tasha and Caleb are perfect together- not realising at the beginning that they were exactly what the other needed to be ‘whole and help them heal the pain of the past. I loved the small town setting, and the wetlands/nature preserve aspect of the story= as well as all the ‘birding’/nature facts (about Whooping Cranes etc), the real life issues (which gave the story a realistic and believable feel), family, friendship, emotion, the slow-burn romance, taking a chance on love/finding love unexpectedly, the healing power of love, hope, and new beginnings.
It is another heart-warming women’s fiction story that had all the warmth and emotion I was expecting from one of Ms. Barker’s stories.
I am definitely looking forward to Book #3.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Amy Q. Barker!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amy Barker absolutely knows how men are supposed to treat women, it was heartfelt, cozy, and enjoyable. The characters are wholesome and even after experiencing heartbreak they both found they were ready to love again after all. The character development was strong throughout Tasha and The Biologist and the story flowed naturally. I was a little worried I wouldn’t like it due to the birding aspect, but it definitely surprised me. I’m glad to have picked it up.

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Shannen Kern

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book I have read by this author and it was marvelously heartfelt! The characters are by far some of my most favorite that I’ve read this year. The strength of this story definitely lies in its character development. Tasha, a bird enthusiast and a nurse, finds herself drawn to Caleb, a biologist with a captivating knowledge of whooping cranes. She is deeply caring while he is charming and vulnerable. I was fully invested in both of these characters almost immediately as the author pulls at your heartstrings. The flow of the story is magnificent as everything unfolds naturally. If you are looking for a touching love story filled with charm and depth, this one should be your next purchase! It is sure to leave you with a renewed appreciate for the beautify of the natural world as well as the fragility of relationships. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Kerry Baker

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tasha and the Biologist is a lovely romance about two characters who weren’t sure if they were ready to love someone again, but couldn’t deny their connection. I thought this was such a nice story and I easily found myself rooting for the characters to overcome their past and find a way to be together. I became invested in them and really wanting their HEA.
This author is one I found myself reading every now and again and, when I do, I always wonder why I haven’t read more. Her work is always enjoyable, with great characters and an interesting story. This book is exactly the same and is one I can say I have thoroughly enjoyed.

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker

〰️ 🌹 💕 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 💕 🌹 〰️
Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Women’s Fiction, Romance
Page Count – 262
Cover Designer – BespokeBookCovers
Tasha
He was handsome, confident, nice, smart – a good guy.
How did he end up here in the middle of Indiana?
And how did he know so much about whooping cranes?
I’d never met someone as passionate about birds as I was.
Was it too soon for me to be thinking about love again?
Caleb
She was sweet, kind, caring – a nurse and a birder.
I really liked her. Maybe more than liked.
And I’d only spent two hours – three, tops – with her.
Yet, I’d promised myself I wouldn’t get involved with anyone for at least a year after my divorce.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker

Amy Q. Barker is a #1 Amazon best-selling author of women’s fiction as well as a nature lover. She writes books about extraordinary women who inconveniently fall in love during a major life crisis. Amy was raised in a small town in Western New York and now lives miles from anywhere on a lake in Indiana with her husband.

Author Interview with Amy Q. Barker

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Robin Rankin

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Time Around

I was so excited to see Ms. Packard had released another book and then I read the synopsis and I was even more excited.

While I’m a few years older than Josie, I’m still a Gen Xer and could relate to so much and I found myself getting nostalgic as I read.

Josie ends up in a reverse 13 going on 30 situation by going back 30 years to right before her Senior year of high school which I know I wouldn’t be able to survive again, but at the same time there are definitely some things I would do differently. But I would still want the kids I ended up with even knowing what I know now.

There are so many little things from our past that have a huge impact on who we end up. Change just one of those things and it has a ripple effect.

Absolutely loved this book and read it instead of fully paying attention to the Olympics which I hope Ms. Packard realizes is a huge deal for me.

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Jennifer Ramos

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just reading the plot of this story made me very eager to give this selection a try. Just like a few familiar past books and movies, adult Josie has hit hard times. Her life in shambles after husband threatened to take away from her children in the midst a divorce and her hard work and time consuming work in jeopardy, this all launches into a panic attack and leads her to somewhere familiar unexpectedly. She is back in the past in her senior year of high school where many pivotal life changes occur but now with a second chance, Josie contemplates whether she should risk it all to end up changing the present. These stories where the character goes back in time and gets a second chance to make changes really makes you question your own circumstances to see if you would do the same. Great flashbacks moments in this read and reconnecting to the past!

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Kelli Harper

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After a shocking notice from her ex, Josie has some kind of transition back to her senior year in high school. Not only that but she remembers everything from her “present” . This book takes me back to my own days in high school. Being of a similar age to Josie the nostalgia I experienced was awesome. But this book will definitely make you wonder what would you do if you had a chance to do things over again?
Really enjoyed this book. Wasn’t the ending I was hoping for but it is still a fantastic ending.

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Shannen Kern

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not even ashamed to say that I picked up this book just for the cover alone, but I was pleased to find that the story inside was just as incredible. It starts out in Austin, Texas which is a place that is very close to my heart so I had hoped it would do that lovely town justice. This was a new author to me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but they did an amazing job crafting a gripping, emotionally charged novel. Josie is one of the most relatable characters I have met in quite a while with raising kids and a love life that is far from perfect. It gives off ’13 Going On 30’ movie vibes and I loved every second of it. As soon as I finish this review, I am off to pick up more from this author because everything from the characters to the entertaining time-traveling story was perfect. I highly recommend this book to pretty much everyone!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Gillian Fawell

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How often do we all wonder what if? What if we could change the past and do something differently? However, it must also be remembered what would happen to our current lives if we did. Josie, when suffering difficulties in her current life becomes overwhelmed and goes back to the age of seventeen. With the benefit of hindsight she sees things differently but will she change anything and potentially alter her future forever?! Read and find out! It’s definitely worth your while!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Lucinda Morton-Phillips

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Josie Gardiner’s life revolves around her 2 children and the business that she built from the ground up. On one of the worst days of her life, her ex-husband wants to take her children away and her business is on the verge of failing, she collapses and wakes to find herself in her teenage bedroom, 30 years in the past.
Josie realises that she has a chance to have a do-over and maybe fix some of the mistakes she made in the past, including telling the boy she always believed was the love of her life that she loves him. But all decisions have consequences and whilst she might end up with the love of her life, she could lose the children she already has. Is it worth it?
I loved this book. The characters were so well-written and full of heart. you could really empathise with Josie and the choices she had to make to try to get back to her future. It was thought provoking and I thought the ending was perfect.

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Jessie Hopkins

Like every Freaky Friday movie ever, I loved this book.
I can definitely say it’s relatable to think of the things you would have changed or done differently in your youth, but knowing if you would have done things differently you wouldn’t be the person you are today.
Jo gets that chance when she wakes up thirty years in the past, right at the beginning of her senior year. The struggles of what she knows will be coming during the year and in the future, what she wishes she had the answers to in her adulthood. She can get those answers or completely change her future now. Which of those events will she try to change and how can she do those things without changing everything in the future. What things happen differently, even without her trying.
This book is a great binge read

This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Christie Mitchum

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Time Around is not only one of my favorite reads of the year but also an all-time favorite. It’s definitely a 5-star read for me!

How often have you thought you would like to return to your teenage years? That is precisely the predicament Josie Gardner has found herself in after a panic attack sends her back to the beginning of her senior year in high school, a year full of pain for her. She endured her parent’s divorce, closing her father out of her life, a friendship that doesn’t stand the test of time, and breaking the heart of the boy she was in love with.

She is still 47 but in an 18-year-old’s body. She has no aches and pains, and her body hasn’t endured the changes that come with having children and aging. I loved that she viewed her return with the wisdom of a mature woman. She tried to right some wrongs that occurred. I loved how she looked at her parents’ divorce; the time she spent with her parents was so endearing and heart-warming.

Josie was incredibly relatable. While she enjoyed her time with her family and friends, she desperately wanted to return to her children. While her heart ached as she remembered holding her children for the first time, I found myself doing the same. You think that time of no sleep and wiping runny noses will last forever, but it’s gone in the blink of an eye.

While she has a chance to make things right with Daniel, she has to ask herself how that affects her current life. Will she choose the unknown road with Daniel or the path she knows is fraught with joy and sadness (her impending divorce from her husband)? She has to do some soul-searching and ask herself some fundamental questions.

“That’s the thing about life. It’s the sum total of the choices, the mistakes, the right calls, that we make up until that moment. If you change one of those–turn left instead of right, go out with Mr. Football instead of the geeky guy in your class, or choose a different college–it completely changes who you are. Who you become.”

There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. I loved some of the new relationships Josie built outside of her usual group of friends. In addition, it took me back to a simpler time before the internet exploded…a time when you had to go to a library and use the card catalog to look up information…a time when you talked face-to-face with people instead of over a screen.

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Christie Mitchum

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Time Around is not only one of my favorite reads of the year but also an all-time favorite. It’s definitely a 5-star read for me!

How often have you thought you would like to return to your teenage years? That is precisely the predicament Josie Gardner has found herself in after a panic attack sends her back to the beginning of her senior year in high school, a year full of pain for her. She endured her parent’s divorce, closing her father out of her life, a friendship that doesn’t stand the test of time, and breaking the heart of the boy she was in love with.

She is still 47 but in an 18-year-old’s body. She has no aches and pains, and her body hasn’t endured the changes that come with having children and aging. I loved that she viewed her return with the wisdom of a mature woman. She tried to right some wrongs that occurred. I loved how she looked at her parents’ divorce; the time she spent with her parents was so endearing and heart-warming.

Josie was incredibly relatable. While she enjoyed her time with her family and friends, she desperately wanted to return to her children. While her heart ached as she remembered holding her children for the first time, I found myself doing the same. You think that time of no sleep and wiping runny noses will last forever, but it’s gone in the blink of an eye.

While she has a chance to make things right with Daniel, she has to ask herself how that affects her current life. Will she choose the unknown road with Daniel or the path she knows is fraught with joy and sadness (her impending divorce from her husband)? She has to do some soul-searching and ask herself some fundamental questions.

“That’s the thing about life. It’s the sum total of the choices, the mistakes, the right calls, that we make up until that moment. If you change one of those–turn left instead of right, go out with Mr. Football instead of the geeky guy in your class, or choose a different college–it completely changes who you are. Who you become.”

There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. I loved some of the new relationships Josie built outside of her usual group of friends. In addition, it took me back to a simpler time before the internet exploded…a time when you had to go to a library and use the card catalog to look up information…a time when you talked face-to-face with people instead of over a screen.

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was instantly drawn to This Time Around based on the cover art. I’ve read others by this author, but they were more intense. This was a fun, light hearted book about second chances. Josie is a middle age mother, running her own business. She is having a rough time, with her work and her relationship, when her husband hits her with wanting a divorce and primary custody. To say she is shocked would be an understatement. But, when she wakes up in her 17 year old body, in her parents house, that is even more of a shock. She doesn’t know how she got there, or how to get back to present day. This book was fun and so realistic to high school feelings, and having a teenager, I could relate to both sides of her life. I really loved it!

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

This Time Around by Kimberly Packard

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever had a “what if I could go back in time” moment? Or what if you were forced to relive a year in your past? This is exactly what happens to the main character Josie in This Time Around by Kimberly Packard.

Josie’s life was turned upside down when her husband threatens to take her kids in their divorce, and the business she’s put most of her passion, time and money into building is at risk of failing. This leads to a reality shattering panic attack that causes Josie to wake up in her teenage home 30 years in the past, and now she is forced to relive her emotional senior year.

What an endearing story. I was pulled in immediately and didn’t want to stop turning the pages. This story is fast-paced, fun, and impactful with so many well-developed, intriguing, and interesting characters and with an ending that will make you laugh out loud and possibly shed a tear.

There is more to this story than just redoing a year of her life. There are choices to be made, memories to delight in, friendships to save, and deciding what she truly wants her future to look like.

I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Happy Reading!

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Kerry Carr

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very interesting read with a unique twist. It is a story of romance, lost love, fate, rediscovering yourself, and learning about consequences of your decisions. My heart went out to our main character Josie has to comes face to face with problems from her past but while she has the ability to make these right how will changing past events effect her future.

Josie is a mother and business woman. When her life feels like it’s falling apart, her husband is wanting a divorce and custody of the kids and the big deal for her business falls through she ends up having a panic attack.
When she wakes up she finds herself back in time to her teenage self.
Suddenly realising she now has the opportunity to change things about her past, make things right and finally be with the man she truly loves Josie plans to do just that. However having the knowledge and experience of an older woman will she make the sensible decisions she knows she should make or will she follow her heart.
And what will happen to her future self if she makes those changes. Will she still end up married to Peter with her kids that she loves and adores or will she end up losing the one thing she loves more than anything in the world?
I really enjoyed this story and I loved the trip down memory Lane with a return to the 90s. I could really relate to Josie and I felt how hard things were for her having a choice between the person she always loved and her kids who are her world. This was a captivating read that I couldn’t put down.

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by La Toya Lewis

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Josie Gardner is a mom in her forties going through a divorce and finds herself in a position that more than a few of us have dreamt about. She wakes up in her senior year of high school. Will this be a chance for a do-over? Josie is a highly relatable character. She feels like her life is falling apart. Her husband wants to take primary custody of their children and her business just suffered a terrible blow. The part of the plot in the nineties is a fun blast from the past. The friendships with Emily and Sofia were sweet and felt nostalgic. I also enjoyed the scenes with Josie and her parents. You could especially feel the longing for her dad. It was fun guessing how Josie’s actions would impact the future. This was fun to read. If you enjoy time travel plots, this is highly suggested.

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