Jo Ann Simon

Rose Colored Glasses is a tender love story about a couple who endure the painful and debilitating illness of Lyme Disease and ALS from a tick bite in the husband, Tom or TK . What struck me the most about this story was the ability of the author to maintain a positive attitude in the face of such overwhelming odds. Hence, the book’s title is an appropriate descriptor of the courage and passion of the author to overcome every obstacle that comes in her way. In doing so, she provides Tom with an endless source of optimism and hope in his battle to survive. This optimism nurtures their spirit of adventure as they continue to travel as long as Tom is able, participating in activities that bring them joy; living their lives to the fullest.

She chronicle their grueling journey through the health care system and includes love notes written by Tom to her and letters written to Tom by her, making the reader feel the couple’s closeness and love for one another.

Sadly, Tom eventually succumbs to his illness and the author continues her healing journey through grief and loss, reflecting on the many special memories they shared.

This memoir can serve as a template for living life to the fullest and healing after a devastating loss.… (more)

This is the sequel to Love Once in Passing which I read and loved. Unfortunately this was a disappointment. I found much of this book depressing and angsty and mostly frustrating for me. Jessica and Christopher are separated for the first half, then after reuniting again after two years, they go through a series of trials and tribulations due to Christopher's fiancee, who he nearly married and then takes up with again as his mistress! Jessica, who is originally from the twentieth century has a hard time adjusting to life as a wife in the 19th century, yet Christopher is used to it, but forgets what he loved initially in his 20th century woman. It seemed to take me forever to finish this book, although I did like the feel of of early 19th century NYC and Connecticut. 3.5/5… (more)

I loved this book. Early '80's time travel romance that was a real treat! I'm wary of '80's romances, but this was a winner. Contemporary heroine, Jessica Lund has a Regency lord pop into her car while driving home one night.in Connecticut. He just shows up all of a sudden with no warning He's just as perplexed as she is! The two of them must deal with his unexpected time travel and it's repercussions as they fall in love while trying to determine if he can disappear just as easily as he appeared in the first place. To complicate matters, she loses her memory as they travel to London so he can research what happened to him 160 years earlier. Not your typical scenario, she has trouble remembering him and doesn't fall for him again which naturally creates a rift between them. I had a hard time putting this one down and the cliffhanger is a killer! Must. Read. Next. Book.… (more)