Turning Thirty-Twelve

By: Sandy James

Narrated by: Cynthia Barrett

Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Jackie Delgado didn't want a new man in her life until a dreaded blind date turns out to be more exciting than she'd ever imagined. When her youngest son leaves for college, Jackie is hit hard by empty nest syndrome and pours herself into her work as a teacher. Bowing to pressure from friends, Jackie agrees to a blind date. But when Mark Brennan calls, she realizes the date won't be "blind". He's the father of one of her students. Widower Mark Brennan isn't looking for love. After only a few dates with Jackie, he realizes he's quickly forming deep feelings for her. Wracked with guilt that he's "abandoning" his late wife, Mark resists the pull toward dynamic Jackie. When Mark's daughter begins to date Jackie's son, things become more complicated. Can Jackie and Mark find the courage to leave the past behind and embrace a new love? And how will a surprise pregnancy affect all their lives?

©2008 Sandy James (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Everything I Remembered & More

October 2018 Review -
Rereading this book for a project with Read Bliss and I am so happy that I did. As I said in my original review this story is about self-discovery and family. Four years later and I can see how relevant, sweet, and needed the message of this book brings to the mature woman.

This specific video review will be included in the October 2018 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.

Jan 2014 Review -
Start off a little slower than I usually like but once it picked up it really grabbed on and held tight!! I am completely delighted with this sweet, funny, romantic story about a middle-aged woman. I enjoyed the simple twists and turns of Jackie finding her self-confidence and self-worth. Even though Jackie is thirty-twelve (read the book and you'll figure it out) at thirty-five I could relate and understand the struggles. Very light read, if you are looking for something to relate to and someone to champion for.

Urgh. Just Skip It!!!

Solid pass. I wanted to like it but its heroine is just unlikable and it was poorly written.
She is a 42 year old bitter, divorcee with poor self esteem, who thinks she is over the hill and definitely sounds like it.
First person narration is no picnic when the character is a chore to spend time with.
The hero isn't exactly mature as his 48 years either. Behaviour more in line with an immature 28 year old.
Oops baby Rom Coms only work if you can suspend disblief and go along for a fast paced ride. This clunks along with far too much negative exposition. Little dialogue. Rare action. And poor character work.
Having the heroine's friends declare her witty and winning doesn't make her so.
Seriously save your time and money/credits.

Tried to finish, but just couldn't

The narrator's over ennunciation was really irritating, but wouldn't have mattered as much if the story hadn't been even more irritating. The heroine's constant back and forth about her lack of self-esteem gets really old and the hero's controlling personality doesn't seem much better than the ex's - just in a different way