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Having It All #1
Reconcilable Differences
Kate is a survivor.
Fifteen years after her breakdown, Kate has built a successful career as a family mediator, specializing in couple's reconciliation. In fact, she's about to receive a prestigious award for her accomplishments.
Her latest mediation brings together a young couple on the brink of divorce, and only Kate's expertise and sensitivity can save them. It also, unexpectedly, reconnects her with former lover Simon Sharpe, who represents the high and the low points of her life, uncomfortably forcing her to revisit her difficult and painful past.
Still haunted by her unrequited love, Simon's reemergence in Kate's life exhumes memories of trauma and heartbreak, along with unwanted feelings of insecurity and self-doubt she believed were long resolved. As Simon and Kate steer their feuding, secretive clients towards reconciliation and navigate their confusing past, their own relationship reignites and takes them on an unexpected path.
Can Kate trust Simon? And can she trust herself?
Fifteen years after her breakdown, Kate has built a successful career as a family mediator, specializing in couple's reconciliation. In fact, she's about to receive a prestigious award for her accomplishments.
Her latest mediation brings together a young couple on the brink of divorce, and only Kate's expertise and sensitivity can save them. It also, unexpectedly, reconnects her with former lover Simon Sharpe, who represents the high and the low points of her life, uncomfortably forcing her to revisit her difficult and painful past.
Still haunted by her unrequited love, Simon's reemergence in Kate's life exhumes memories of trauma and heartbreak, along with unwanted feelings of insecurity and self-doubt she believed were long resolved. As Simon and Kate steer their feuding, secretive clients towards reconciliation and navigate their confusing past, their own relationship reignites and takes them on an unexpected path.
Can Kate trust Simon? And can she trust herself?
342 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2016
115 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 23, 2016
The setting is 1997 and truth be told, this story actually read like it was written in the 90s. From the movie references to the ways of thinking, it felt like I was in a time warp.
Kate was a successful mediator. She worked with couples who are contemplating or have filed for divorce. The story also centers around the couple she was currently working on, D'arcy and Eli. D'arcy's lawyer was a formidable shrew named Sharon, who at some point added the drama to this story. The "shock" was that Eli's lawyer was none other than Kate's greatest love, Simon. During it all, Kate and Simon renew their acquaintance and eventually fall in love (or in Kate's case, kept on loving).
As wonderfully written as this story was, I did have a huge problem with Kate. She was crazy. Like needs a therapist or two or five kinda crazy. She was literally all over the place and as the story was told entirely from her POV, there were many times that I had to put this book down to save my own sanity. I honestly felt like I was the one going nuts. She was 34 and completely delusional, irrational, immature and naive. She absolutely reeked of desperation and the way she acted at times was a bit pathetic. I kept waiting for someone to call her out on her nonsense. The one time her BFF did confront her (with passive-aggressiveness), Kate brushed it off because said friend's love life was nothing to write home about. But I was wondering where her family was? Why was her family allowing her to run wild with her lunacy? She convinced herself of so many things that weren't even reality! Anyway, she lacked any real support, which sucked.
All in all, a good 3.5 star read and a cute HFN.
Copy given in exchange for my honest review
Kate was a successful mediator. She worked with couples who are contemplating or have filed for divorce. The story also centers around the couple she was currently working on, D'arcy and Eli. D'arcy's lawyer was a formidable shrew named Sharon, who at some point added the drama to this story. The "shock" was that Eli's lawyer was none other than Kate's greatest love, Simon. During it all, Kate and Simon renew their acquaintance and eventually fall in love (or in Kate's case, kept on loving).
As wonderfully written as this story was, I did have a huge problem with Kate. She was crazy. Like needs a therapist or two or five kinda crazy. She was literally all over the place and as the story was told entirely from her POV, there were many times that I had to put this book down to save my own sanity. I honestly felt like I was the one going nuts. She was 34 and completely delusional, irrational, immature and naive. She absolutely reeked of desperation and the way she acted at times was a bit pathetic. I kept waiting for someone to call her out on her nonsense. The one time her BFF did confront her (with passive-aggressiveness), Kate brushed it off because said friend's love life was nothing to write home about. But I was wondering where her family was? Why was her family allowing her to run wild with her lunacy? She convinced herself of so many things that weren't even reality! Anyway, she lacked any real support, which sucked.
All in all, a good 3.5 star read and a cute HFN.
Copy given in exchange for my honest review
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October 25, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/25/2020)! 🎁
August 22, 2016
This is a highly engaging story about a mediator who finds herself unwittingly - and unwillingly - working alongside an ex-lover as she tries to help a young married couple avoid divorce. The character's are interesting, and the scenes and emotions are so well-described I found myself hyperventilating along with the main character at times! Women's fiction at its best. Glad to see this is the first book in a series! (I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review).
September 19, 2016
Fate has a way of showing up unexpectedly for individuals to give them a second chance at having the HEA they’ve desired for so long.
One such person happens to Kate O’Day, who once had a beautiful HEA relationship with her college day’s lover, Simon Sharpe, which ended fifteen years ago when he thought Rachel was the woman he should marry and not Kate. But you know the way college kids are when they’re in love; especially the ones in romance novels. They’re usually rushing into things, especially when marriage is concerned. Naturally, Simon is not only separated from Rachel, he’s got their daughter who has to take care of without the influence of a mother around.
Kate didn’t let this traumatic incident in her life stop her moving on with her life, while still carrying the memories and baggage from her time with Simon. Instead, she found solace in putting all her efforts as a successful divorce mediator. In this capacity she rejoiced, knowing she might be the one who’s saving other couples’ HEA by getting them to realize that if they’re willing to iron out their differences, they’ll be able to save theirs.
Everything is fine regarding the divorce case she’s currently handling, that is until a change in the attorneys involved, and Simon shows up to complicate matters.
How can Kate proceed with this case, with all the memories she once had with Simon, and all the thoughts of what her life might be like now if she’d been able to marry him so many years, clouding her mind? Is there a spark still existing which might be able to rekindle the relationship they once had with each other? Can Kate hide all the emotions she’s feeling so they don’t interfere with what she needs to do to mediate this case so it doesn’t end in a divorce?
M. A. Clarke Scott has a marvelous job in making her story feel real that her readers can’t help but feel the emotions the female protagonist is feeling. The only problem I’ve got concerning the storyline is that in real life, both Simon and Kate should have excused themselves from being involved in this divorce case, given the emotional ties they’ve got for each other. But since this story is a romantic fictional novel, I’ll overlook this matter, because if it wasn’t for this faux pas, there would have been no story for us to read. So for having given her readers a second chance HEA, I’m giving this book 5 STARS.
One such person happens to Kate O’Day, who once had a beautiful HEA relationship with her college day’s lover, Simon Sharpe, which ended fifteen years ago when he thought Rachel was the woman he should marry and not Kate. But you know the way college kids are when they’re in love; especially the ones in romance novels. They’re usually rushing into things, especially when marriage is concerned. Naturally, Simon is not only separated from Rachel, he’s got their daughter who has to take care of without the influence of a mother around.
Kate didn’t let this traumatic incident in her life stop her moving on with her life, while still carrying the memories and baggage from her time with Simon. Instead, she found solace in putting all her efforts as a successful divorce mediator. In this capacity she rejoiced, knowing she might be the one who’s saving other couples’ HEA by getting them to realize that if they’re willing to iron out their differences, they’ll be able to save theirs.
Everything is fine regarding the divorce case she’s currently handling, that is until a change in the attorneys involved, and Simon shows up to complicate matters.
How can Kate proceed with this case, with all the memories she once had with Simon, and all the thoughts of what her life might be like now if she’d been able to marry him so many years, clouding her mind? Is there a spark still existing which might be able to rekindle the relationship they once had with each other? Can Kate hide all the emotions she’s feeling so they don’t interfere with what she needs to do to mediate this case so it doesn’t end in a divorce?
M. A. Clarke Scott has a marvelous job in making her story feel real that her readers can’t help but feel the emotions the female protagonist is feeling. The only problem I’ve got concerning the storyline is that in real life, both Simon and Kate should have excused themselves from being involved in this divorce case, given the emotional ties they’ve got for each other. But since this story is a romantic fictional novel, I’ll overlook this matter, because if it wasn’t for this faux pas, there would have been no story for us to read. So for having given her readers a second chance HEA, I’m giving this book 5 STARS.
April 25, 2016
Clarke Scott manages to give us a modern day career woman who is talented, capable and strong, yet allows her to explore the wounds of her past and all the emotions and insecurity that these bring up. It's wonderful to watch this heroine blossom as she pushes herself to confront the skeletons in the closet in order to grow and heal a little more, and move closer to the love that she deserves.
There are 2 story lines here, and I enjoyed both. The main character is a mediator, focused on helping couples reconcile when they are on the verge of divorce. Her clients relationship mirrors and contrasts with her own struggles and she is forced to face her past.
There's real heavy content and themes in here, such as: rape recovery, suppressed memories, panic attacks, and anxiety. But this is not a story about trauma and violence, it's a story about healing and empowerment. Somehow, we get to ride along on this harrowing journey without getting too beat up along the way. I think the key here is that our gal is not lost and waiting for rescue. She's done the work of counselling and rebuilding on her own and with her friend. She's made a life for herself, it's just a protected life that she's now outgrown.
Watching her struggle free of her safety net is wonderful and inspiring. I'm glad to see an author willing to take on deeper issues and explore the complexities of love and attachment. I think so many readers like me are sick of seeing female protagonists who are a) the victim or b) the perfect Barbie. We're ready for characters with mixed emotions and experiences.
I also love the distinctions that Clarke Scott makes between healthy love and dependency. The difference is your own love of yourself, your sense of worth, and so many romance novels gloss right over that. Loving the same man, once with the old you and once with the new you... that's a powerful story!
There are 2 story lines here, and I enjoyed both. The main character is a mediator, focused on helping couples reconcile when they are on the verge of divorce. Her clients relationship mirrors and contrasts with her own struggles and she is forced to face her past.
There's real heavy content and themes in here, such as: rape recovery, suppressed memories, panic attacks, and anxiety. But this is not a story about trauma and violence, it's a story about healing and empowerment. Somehow, we get to ride along on this harrowing journey without getting too beat up along the way. I think the key here is that our gal is not lost and waiting for rescue. She's done the work of counselling and rebuilding on her own and with her friend. She's made a life for herself, it's just a protected life that she's now outgrown.
Watching her struggle free of her safety net is wonderful and inspiring. I'm glad to see an author willing to take on deeper issues and explore the complexities of love and attachment. I think so many readers like me are sick of seeing female protagonists who are a) the victim or b) the perfect Barbie. We're ready for characters with mixed emotions and experiences.
I also love the distinctions that Clarke Scott makes between healthy love and dependency. The difference is your own love of yourself, your sense of worth, and so many romance novels gloss right over that. Loving the same man, once with the old you and once with the new you... that's a powerful story!
August 22, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Kate has some serious relationship issues. Is it the fact that she cannot commit or that she gave her heart to someone a long time ago? When a college relationship ended badly, Kate put her heart into her work as a divorce mediator. Her job was to get couples to realize that they can stay together if they are willing to work things through. When a change in attorneys on a case puts her back in front of her college beau, Simon, Kate begins to rethink her relationships. Simon married Rachel - a girl from college who he thought was “the woman he should marry.” Simon, now separated and taking care of their little girl, walks into the mediation and faces Kate, the girl from college. Sparks fly again but can Kate face her hidden fears and can Simon be the man Kate with whom she thought she was in love. Years have passed – can Kate and Simon be what Kate thought they could have been? Ms. Scott Clarke writes about a situation that can happen in life. Of course there are bumps in the road when Kate and Simon begin to reacquaint themselves but does one give up easy or build the strength to fight? Kate has to decide if things were worth fighting for or taking a chance. Can Simon prove that he is better than he was in college? Nicely written book that will take the reader on a journey.
August 20, 2021
I haven't read romance for quite a while, especially a contemporary one. MaryAnn Clarke's story of Kate, a mediator, who's bent on helping a young couple resolve their differences was very well done. She's also dealing with trauma from a number of events in the past, one of which is a love affair that went sour.
When Simon, the ex-lover who she never got over, shows up unexpectedly at the mediation session, her work suddenly becomes much more complicated. There's a lot at stake both professionally and personally. The author did a great job showing Kate's struggles to resolve the fears that were standing in the way of her happiness. She was also masterful in portraying the work of a mediator. Marital conflict is not easy to show on the page and the author does this with aplomb.
When Simon, the ex-lover who she never got over, shows up unexpectedly at the mediation session, her work suddenly becomes much more complicated. There's a lot at stake both professionally and personally. The author did a great job showing Kate's struggles to resolve the fears that were standing in the way of her happiness. She was also masterful in portraying the work of a mediator. Marital conflict is not easy to show on the page and the author does this with aplomb.
October 11, 2017
I really thought going into this book that it was going to be your typical chic lit book but I was pleasantly surprised! I really loved this book. The characters were well rounded and developed through out the book nicely. I will definitely be reading more of this author's work.
November 9, 2020
4 Stars
4 stars for Be Mine This Time. This was a complex tale of feelings, past hurts and learning to let them go to find the happy ending.
4 stars for Be Mine This Time. This was a complex tale of feelings, past hurts and learning to let them go to find the happy ending.
May 29, 2022
Cute second chance
Kate and Simon have a history from ages ago in college one was serious the other enjoying college life. Fast forward and the meet again. But chemistry still runs high and new obstacles form.
Kate and Simon have a history from ages ago in college one was serious the other enjoying college life. Fast forward and the meet again. But chemistry still runs high and new obstacles form.
March 25, 2021
A deeply compelling yet enchanting novel, I almost didn’t read because of the cover. I know one shouldn’t judge etc; and all that. But I would have missed an emotional rollercoaster of a beautifully written story. True Romance at its best.
October 18, 2017
A big thanks to author Mary Ann Clarke Scott/M. A. Clarke Scott for providing me with a copy of her novel "Reconcilable Differences" to read in exchange for my honest review. This is the first book in her "Having it All" series about professional women in Vancouver, Canada struggling to balance careers, live, identity, family and home. Her descriptions of Vancouver are so charming... it's now on my list of places I need to visit! It took me several pages at the beginning to figure out what was going on but Kate is a professional mediator who helps couples reconcile through her facilitated discussions as a last effort before filing for divorce. She's settling into her first session with D'Arcy and Eli when their respective divorce attorneys arrive and she realizes Eli's attorney is her old love Simon from her university days. Kate's breakup with Simon was devastating because of some underlying emotional issues she has that are revealed later in the book and she recalls those years of therapy to get her feet back on solid ground. Even though Kate is in a relationship and Simon is married (but separated), the chemistry between them is still there. Kate struggles throughout the book with whether she's really in love with Simon or is she just reliving those strong feelings from when she was 19. And ironically, though Kate's job is to get to the bottom of the problem by listening to her clients and opening the avenues of communication, it takes Kate awhile to self analyze and realize she's not fully disclosing or communicating with Simon. A side story is whether Kate is creating an ethical violation in her mediation by not disclosing her relationship with Simon. Originally written in the 90s, some reviews stated it felt dated. Not realizing this when I read it, I took the quirks to be things unique to Vancouver. Clarke Scott paints with a descriptive pen and Simon's love for Thai food arose throughout the book making me hungry every time. The idyllic setting of Vancouver was picture perfect even when it rained for days on end. A good read if you're in the mood for a romance.
March 24, 2021
Compelling!
An deeply compelling yet enchanting novel, I almost didn’t read because of the cover. I know one shouldn’t judge etc; and all that. But I would have missed an emotional rollercoaster of a beautifully written story. True Romance at its best.
An deeply compelling yet enchanting novel, I almost didn’t read because of the cover. I know one shouldn’t judge etc; and all that. But I would have missed an emotional rollercoaster of a beautifully written story. True Romance at its best.
November 12, 2018
Due to my recent newfound interest in chick-lit I have read some of the bestsellers in past few months. The premise in Reconcilable Differences is the same, A single 35 year old woman who is career oriented and wish to settle in a married life, But scared to commit to any stable relationship due to her fear of rejection.
"She did want children, after all. To admit it felt like a betrayal of all that she’d fought for, all that was dear to her, but it was still true. She was manifestly one of a generation of women caught between two conflicting value systems, two very different dreams that sometimes seemed virtually incompatible. She rang the bell and stood up, trying to ignore a small voice in her head that warned: Your stubborn independence is just a mask to hide your fear of rejection."(Reconcilable Differences (Kindle Edition) - Location 2534)
Kate O Day is a family mediator who specializes in couple's mediation, After 15 years of her first rejection by her boyfriend Simon Sharpe, She meets him in one of her work assignment. The story starts off with this meeting and we travel along with Kate's renewed feelings for Simon, her fears and insecurities.
I have always seen a sudden happy ending in chick-lit genre which suddenly closes the story. Unlike here
A nicely written romance!!!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for honest review.
"She did want children, after all. To admit it felt like a betrayal of all that she’d fought for, all that was dear to her, but it was still true. She was manifestly one of a generation of women caught between two conflicting value systems, two very different dreams that sometimes seemed virtually incompatible. She rang the bell and stood up, trying to ignore a small voice in her head that warned: Your stubborn independence is just a mask to hide your fear of rejection."(Reconcilable Differences (Kindle Edition) - Location 2534)
Kate O Day is a family mediator who specializes in couple's mediation, After 15 years of her first rejection by her boyfriend Simon Sharpe, She meets him in one of her work assignment. The story starts off with this meeting and we travel along with Kate's renewed feelings for Simon, her fears and insecurities.
I have always seen a sudden happy ending in chick-lit genre which suddenly closes the story. Unlike here
A nicely written romance!!!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for honest review.
December 21, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the story about a professional woman in Canada who is struggling to find balance in her life. As she's preparing to mediate with a couple their attorneys come in and one them is her old love Simon. His presence throws her because their breakup was a hard one.
This book was interesting. Lots of description of Vancouver, but because of when it was originally written the dialogue was dated.
I wouldn't recommend to young people to read but older people I definitely would recommend it to.
This is the story about a professional woman in Canada who is struggling to find balance in her life. As she's preparing to mediate with a couple their attorneys come in and one them is her old love Simon. His presence throws her because their breakup was a hard one.
This book was interesting. Lots of description of Vancouver, but because of when it was originally written the dialogue was dated.
I wouldn't recommend to young people to read but older people I definitely would recommend it to.
January 13, 2018
35, never married, very successful in her career and serious issues with relationships which is probably why Kate has never married. Well written details of what goes on in Kate's mind in her role as a well respected mediator for a couple wishing to reconcile. Simon, the attorney for one of the parties, shows up at the first mediation session, and sets the stage for an emotional roller coaster ride.
December 20, 2017
This is mainly Kate's story but Simon is part of the past she thought she had gotten over but with him coming back into her life things are going to change. Well written story and I am looking forward to reading more of this series.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I did not realize I had also bought this book.
November 15, 2016
Not the kind of book I usually read. If you like books that are strictly about the romance without any other story line you would possibly like this book
December 14, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great book!!! Enjoyable read. The storyline was fantastic and entertaining.
Great book!!! Enjoyable read. The storyline was fantastic and entertaining.
May 6, 2017
Reconcilable Differences was a lovely read, with many emotional ups and downs. I liked being immersed in the 90s, and the story line of past lovers meeting again was definitely fun. Kudos to M.A. Clarke Scott!
September 5, 2024
DNF @ 25%. Kate has to be the most pathetic, embarrassing and delusional FMC I've ever come across. Also the marriage counseling is taking up too much plot.
October 10, 2025
I enjoyed the vulnerability, strength, and courage that the couples embraced to work through their individual & shared baggage. It was also interesting to have a mediators perspective. Don't skip the epilogue or you'll miss some insightful points about humans.
June 3, 2024
Hmm. 3.5 stars, rounded up:
- 3 stars for general writing.
- plus 1/2 for the treatment of the potentially devastating psychological trauma of rape.
- plus 1/2 for setting it in Vancouver, which I have a soft spot for.
- minus 1/2 for some hard to credit plot elements:
More generally, it would have been nice to see things from the hero's point of view. This absence makes the story less engaging and less credible than it could have been.
- 3 stars for general writing.
- plus 1/2 for the treatment of the potentially devastating psychological trauma of rape.
- plus 1/2 for setting it in Vancouver, which I have a soft spot for.
- minus 1/2 for some hard to credit plot elements:
More generally, it would have been nice to see things from the hero's point of view. This absence makes the story less engaging and less credible than it could have been.
January 1, 2017
Not sure what it was but this book couldn't hold my attention, I kept stopping and coming back. Finally, I just sat and finished it. Part of my trouble with it was that it was set in the 90's but it's a newly written book - why not bring it into more current time as the plot didn't require it to be set in the 90's?
One problem was that she referred to the one character as D'Arcy one minute and the next it was D'Arcee - this was an ARC so maybe that will be fixed.
One problem was that she referred to the one character as D'Arcy one minute and the next it was D'Arcee - this was an ARC so maybe that will be fixed.
November 8, 2018
This book was alright. I couldn't consistently stay interested in it though. I kept stopping and coming back, regularly reading other books in the interim. There also was slightly dated dialogue on occasion, so older readers would probably enjoy it more than younger readers.
*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*
*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews