Bygones

3.5 stars

Bess and Michael have been divorced for 6 years and have not spoken. When their adult daughter brings them together again with an announcement of a pregnancy and a wedding, because of the wedding planning, Bess and Michael will have to spend more time together than they would like. Their 19-year old son, Randy, lives with Bess, but isn't doing much with his life. He has held a grudge against his father ever since the divorce.

I generally don't read romance books very often, so I was actually pleasantly surprised at this. I liked it. The nice thing about this one is that there was more going on than just the romance part of it. I could have done without the entire birth scene, though. I'm not sure I'll seek out more books by show more Spencer, but I wouldn't rule them out, either. show less

Originally read in 1990's.
Reread in 2013.

Another LaVyrle Spencer that I read years ago and decided to reread. When I read this book originally back in the 90's, I was much younger and idealistic. I thought the story romantic. Now in 2013, I still enjoyed it, but mainly due to the descriptions of the early 90's decor, fashion and hairstyles! Oh...and the music! Brings back memories! Of course, I also have a soft spot for
LaVyrle Spencer's books.

My main frustration with the story is that the husband never apologized for his affair or for his part in the break-up. He acknowledge it, but never apologized. I understand that, the majority of the time, it takes both people to destroy a marriage. I do feel that he was the biggest problem in show more causing the divorce. If you are miserable, then get counseling or get a divorce. Don't cheat. There is no excuse. No matter how "neglected" you are feeling there is no excuse to cheat. It is pathetic and weak.

I found it frustrating that everybody forgave him for his affair when he never apologized to his ex-wife or children. I do understand his frustration with how she tried to involve the children and turn them against him. Regardless that he was a weak little cheating jerk, he was still their father and she should have left the kids out.

On the other hand, he should have tried harder. He is the adult after all. It is so frustrating how often the guys get off easy in fiction when they cheat. Ugh! show less

An engaging story, about a family trying to come to terms with the past. Bess and Michael Curran
divorced six years ago.
This tale is filled with great characters that really stood out for me
Bess, successfuly interior designer is determined to make daughter Lisa's wedding day to remember, despite her growing attraction to her ex husband.
Michael, property developer, newly divorced for the second time, is tired of living in an empty condo and hires Bess to help furnish it and redisovers her and himself, after the time they spent apart.
Randy, teenage son of Michael and Bess, still hurt and resentful over the breakup, cannot bring himself to speak civilly to his father and harbours a dream to be a drummer in a rock band, while holding down a show more warehouse job during the day.
Finally, there is Lisa, of whom this story is central to. Much to her parent's shock, she announces that she is pregnant by her boyfriend and plans to hold a lavish wedding of which she hopes family and friends will be there. She would dearly love to see Mum and Dad back together again, and I felt she was the most positive member in the book.
Bess's mother, Stella warrants a mention a a sassy and lively grandmother who doesn't let the grass grow under her feet, cramming her life to the full.
The wedding day scenes were vividly written and I felt I was actually there.
Lisa's long, long labour at the hospital where all the family, save Randy, waited, resulted in baby Natalie.
Concluded before the final pages, the family was reunited and reconciled and happy within themselves.
And so was this reader show less

A happily ever after story, not one of her best. After their bitter divorce, Bess and Michael haven't spoken to each other in 6 years. Son Randy has picked up his mother's bitterness toward Michael, but Lisa wants to reconcile them. Lisa is now pregnant and getting married when she throws them together at a dinner party, then at other occasions, plying on their emotions about becoming grandparents. But can they overcome their distrust of each other and fall in love again?

Re uniting a divorced family, working thru trust issues and bitterness of both parents and children. Characters are well drawn, some situations are realistic. Read in one day.