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Until There Was You
Macie Colon spent the last twenty-nine years building a thriving business and raising her daughter, Emma. She made herself one promise. When Emma flew from the nest, Macie would take the adventures she put on hold. It would be her chance to make time for whatever piqued her curiosity. She might take up sailing, travel the world, or get her pilot’s license. Macie never considered falling in love with a woman three years older than her daughter.
For five years, Ryan Lynch planned extravagant weddings and corporate events. No one expected her to leave a lucrative business to become a high school English teacher. But that’s exactly what she did. Ryan is reluctant to agree when her cousin Brendan asks her to help plan his wedding. Until she glimpses the bride’s mother. Something about Macie Colon captivates Ryan. A spirited conversation with Macie convinces Ryan to accept her cousin’s offer. Macie is about to become her constant companion.
Macie and Ryan’s friendship blossoms as they traverse New England to find the perfect romantic wedding venue. Something else is building between the pair that Macie is determined to resist. Attraction. The leaves are not the only thing to about to change. Can Ryan convince Macie some risks are worth taking? Maybe it isn’t Emma and Brendan’s Happily Ever After they’ve been looking to create. To find their way together, Macie must admit the truth to Ryan. Life was going according to plan. “Until there was you.”
For five years, Ryan Lynch planned extravagant weddings and corporate events. No one expected her to leave a lucrative business to become a high school English teacher. But that’s exactly what she did. Ryan is reluctant to agree when her cousin Brendan asks her to help plan his wedding. Until she glimpses the bride’s mother. Something about Macie Colon captivates Ryan. A spirited conversation with Macie convinces Ryan to accept her cousin’s offer. Macie is about to become her constant companion.
Macie and Ryan’s friendship blossoms as they traverse New England to find the perfect romantic wedding venue. Something else is building between the pair that Macie is determined to resist. Attraction. The leaves are not the only thing to about to change. Can Ryan convince Macie some risks are worth taking? Maybe it isn’t Emma and Brendan’s Happily Ever After they’ve been looking to create. To find their way together, Macie must admit the truth to Ryan. Life was going according to plan. “Until there was you.”
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2022
158 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Ann Healy
14 books290 followersNancy Ann Healy is a woman of many talents and interests. She has worked as everything from a bookstore manager to a standup comedian, and she enjoys movies, theater, and karaoke in her free time. Healy is happily married to her wife, Melissa. Together they have a son, Chris, and two dogs, Maggie and Sydney Bristow. The family currently lives in Connecticut, where Healy is completing her studies in social justice through Arizona State University and working on her second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 19, 2022
Feel good romance. Low on the angst and lovely main and secondary characters.
October 3, 2022
This is a very unusual romance novel and that already drew me in from the start. First of all it is character driven, what I love, and it is also dialogue driven and to top it the dialogues are quirky, serious or funny depending on who is talking. The whole dynamics here are so incredibly well worked and the plot is absolutely fabulous.
For once there is only one trope that could be classed as, slow moving age gap romance, and that develops in a straight line without any serious drawbacks other than the characters hesitation due to overthinking. But, and that is the greatest plus of this novel, there is always one of the involved characters, who sees through the others and gives valuable and helpful advice.
The whole story is really sweet and straightforward, an unusual family dynamic between Macie, Emma, Hayley and finally Ryan as Macie’s love interest and ends with happiness for all involved without a black moment. Fantastic and I think very courageous of Nancy Ann Healy to break the, I am tempted to say pretty much obligatory, wlw romance mould.
So, taking all that into consideration this for me is much better than five stars and I highly recommend reading it.
For once there is only one trope that could be classed as, slow moving age gap romance, and that develops in a straight line without any serious drawbacks other than the characters hesitation due to overthinking. But, and that is the greatest plus of this novel, there is always one of the involved characters, who sees through the others and gives valuable and helpful advice.
The whole story is really sweet and straightforward, an unusual family dynamic between Macie, Emma, Hayley and finally Ryan as Macie’s love interest and ends with happiness for all involved without a black moment. Fantastic and I think very courageous of Nancy Ann Healy to break the, I am tempted to say pretty much obligatory, wlw romance mould.
So, taking all that into consideration this for me is much better than five stars and I highly recommend reading it.
dnf
September 9, 2023DNF @28% - just not clicking for me so moving on
September 27, 2022
I never expected to enjoy this book as much as I did. First, angst-free. You do get to see the development of a relationship (from zero to all). And it’s an age-gap!
This book follows Macie Colon and Ryan Lynch. Macie is a photographer with a grown-up daughter, and she also (basically) raised another grown-up friend (similar age to her daughter) both relationships are very healthy and open, even Macie considers she has a good life, she is very careful about how far in a relationship she is willing to go, or she just avoids everything. Ryan in the other hand had a very lucrative job but she left it for something more rewarding, to be a teacher, in Ryan’s case she hasn’t been lucky regarding relationships and love.
Macie’s daughter and Ryan’s cousin are married, and they asked them a favor, this unique request brings them together.
The are many good things to explore in this book. For example, the dynamic between Macie-Emma-Hayley was amazing, basically they are so close to each other that there are no secrets, they help each other to find a unique comfort and what made it even better was the trust in each other. Something special about this relationship was the fact that it felt, since the beginning, that Macie was the mother of both, Emma and Hayley and they felt Macie as her mother, although biologically and legally it wasn’t like that for one of them, but it was just a bond that time, trust and love made real for all and the exploration of this side was really nice.
Regarding Macie and Ryan, the build-up of their relationship felt so natural, you see how time goes by and feelings start to change. I’m not saying that if a relationship is fast it is not real but let’s say that’s not common. This relationship took time and didn’t feel pressured. You’ll find great dialogues and openness between them.
Around them are many good realistic scenarios. For example, the words of Brenda to Ryan when she says that she’ll admit that she thought her (Ryan) to fall for someone close to her age than hers. The age difference was not an issue, but it was not like it didn’t exist. Also, when “the past” (Gina) shows up there’s no drama, there’s no problems, there’s no doubt it seems that was just a part of someone’s life years ago. The closeness and development of the support characters was great specially Emma, Hayley, Brendan, and Brenda.
I wished we had a follow-up between Macie & Hayley plus Hayley & Carmella.
This book follows Macie Colon and Ryan Lynch. Macie is a photographer with a grown-up daughter, and she also (basically) raised another grown-up friend (similar age to her daughter) both relationships are very healthy and open, even Macie considers she has a good life, she is very careful about how far in a relationship she is willing to go, or she just avoids everything. Ryan in the other hand had a very lucrative job but she left it for something more rewarding, to be a teacher, in Ryan’s case she hasn’t been lucky regarding relationships and love.
Macie’s daughter and Ryan’s cousin are married, and they asked them a favor, this unique request brings them together.
The are many good things to explore in this book. For example, the dynamic between Macie-Emma-Hayley was amazing, basically they are so close to each other that there are no secrets, they help each other to find a unique comfort and what made it even better was the trust in each other. Something special about this relationship was the fact that it felt, since the beginning, that Macie was the mother of both, Emma and Hayley and they felt Macie as her mother, although biologically and legally it wasn’t like that for one of them, but it was just a bond that time, trust and love made real for all and the exploration of this side was really nice.
Regarding Macie and Ryan, the build-up of their relationship felt so natural, you see how time goes by and feelings start to change. I’m not saying that if a relationship is fast it is not real but let’s say that’s not common. This relationship took time and didn’t feel pressured. You’ll find great dialogues and openness between them.
Around them are many good realistic scenarios. For example, the words of Brenda to Ryan when she says that she’ll admit that she thought her (Ryan) to fall for someone close to her age than hers. The age difference was not an issue, but it was not like it didn’t exist. Also, when “the past” (Gina) shows up there’s no drama, there’s no problems, there’s no doubt it seems that was just a part of someone’s life years ago. The closeness and development of the support characters was great specially Emma, Hayley, Brendan, and Brenda.
I wished we had a follow-up between Macie & Hayley plus Hayley & Carmella.
August 31, 2023
so much alcohol. my gosh.
January 17, 2024
3 Stars
Positives:
•Realistic worries of age-gap
•Realistic family worries from both sides of characters
Neg:
•Everything was too positive
•Sickeningly sweet
•Paragraph-long dialogues
Positives:
•Realistic worries of age-gap
•Realistic family worries from both sides of characters
Neg:
•Everything was too positive
•Sickeningly sweet
•Paragraph-long dialogues
November 25, 2022
Well, that was...weird. So first, it was very hard to get to know the characters. I felt like things moved quickly, with little backstory, and I wasn't connecting with anyone. It didn't help that dialogue was very stilted. Awkward sentences, or run-on sentences, or sentences that seemed to be missing words, and even sentences that probably should have been connected, but weren't! And don't even get me started on how easily and sometimes suddenly the subject seemed to change. Then of course, you get into the POV change. A chapter starts off with Macie's thought, and ends with Ryan's, and that just led to a lot of confusion as to who was saying, thinking, and doing what. Hell, there were even random one-off's, like that single POV entry from Ryan's mom, or the one from Carmella, who we DON'T EVEN KNOW as a character?? Yeah, she had only been mentioned, up to that point. It was just weird! Either give me clear POV's that only change with the chapters, not on your whim, or give me more clear identifiers. ....Preferably the former.
Also, way too many analogies. Trying to be clever, but overdone. I love a good ocean analogy, but there were quite a few related to the ocean or water, as well as lots of other analogies.
I only even got to two stars because I liked the overall concept. Just not the execution.
Also, way too many analogies. Trying to be clever, but overdone. I love a good ocean analogy, but there were quite a few related to the ocean or water, as well as lots of other analogies.
I only even got to two stars because I liked the overall concept. Just not the execution.
October 25, 2022
Until There Was You
Nancy Ann Healy is an excellent writer. I love the emotional rollercoaster she brings in &er books without all the unnecessary angst. Her books flow through me and uplift me. I greatly enjoyed reading this one. I couldn't put it down once I started. I look forward to more of her books in the future.
Nancy Ann Healy is an excellent writer. I love the emotional rollercoaster she brings in &er books without all the unnecessary angst. Her books flow through me and uplift me. I greatly enjoyed reading this one. I couldn't put it down once I started. I look forward to more of her books in the future.
November 10, 2022
HEARTWARMING AND HILARIOUS
Leave it to Nancy Ann Healy to bring a wonderful love story with heaps of love, laughter and sound advice on relationships. I loved every minute of it.
The happy and best book cover was a marvelous bonus. The redhead doing a belly laugh must undoubtedly be Ryan.
Leave it to Nancy Ann Healy to bring a wonderful love story with heaps of love, laughter and sound advice on relationships. I loved every minute of it.
The happy and best book cover was a marvelous bonus. The redhead doing a belly laugh must undoubtedly be Ryan.
September 11, 2022
Another Fabulous Book.
Fantastic age gap romance that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside an ideal book for a cold winter night in front of a fire with a glass of something nice even if i did start to read in the week we had the hottest temperatures recorded in the U.K,
Fantastic age gap romance that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside an ideal book for a cold winter night in front of a fire with a glass of something nice even if i did start to read in the week we had the hottest temperatures recorded in the U.K,
April 8, 2024
Interesting story about how the two main characters get together. Beautifully written with characters you can't help but root for.
June 1, 2024
Absolute fulfillment!
This story is loving, kind and patient. Macie built a thriving photography business while raising daughter Emma on her own. Now that daughter wants her to find a venue for her wedding to Brendan. Meanwhile, Brendan asks his cousin Ryan, a former wedding planner, yet current teacher, to go check out the sites with Macie. Although there's almost a twenty year age difference, they really hit it off and discover a trip of a lifetime that blossoms into a joyful and fun journey of love.
Nancy really knows how to craft stories about intertwining families and gives each of the characters his/her own voice filled with emotion, introspection, joy and humor dipped in a special sauce known as the "Nancy Ann Healy Effect!" She writes like no one else I've ever read and I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it!
This story is loving, kind and patient. Macie built a thriving photography business while raising daughter Emma on her own. Now that daughter wants her to find a venue for her wedding to Brendan. Meanwhile, Brendan asks his cousin Ryan, a former wedding planner, yet current teacher, to go check out the sites with Macie. Although there's almost a twenty year age difference, they really hit it off and discover a trip of a lifetime that blossoms into a joyful and fun journey of love.
Nancy really knows how to craft stories about intertwining families and gives each of the characters his/her own voice filled with emotion, introspection, joy and humor dipped in a special sauce known as the "Nancy Ann Healy Effect!" She writes like no one else I've ever read and I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it!
December 31, 2022
Plot: This book starts with Macie’s daughter Emma getting engaged. Emma asks Ryan, her fiancé’s cousin to accompany Macie as she vets a list of possible wedding venues. On the various trips Ryan and Macie fall in love. The rest of the book is them slowly moving through various milestones in their relationship.
Characterization: None of the characters in this book are overly developed.
Macie starts the book as a single mother who adores her daughter. She tends to put everyone else’s needs before her own.
Ryan has almost no character other than being really into Macie and overly clingy at times.
Writing: The writing in this book is terrible. The plot is boring and drags on from one plot point to the next with no rising action other than one character or another whining.
Characterization: None of the characters in this book are overly developed.
Macie starts the book as a single mother who adores her daughter. She tends to put everyone else’s needs before her own.
Ryan has almost no character other than being really into Macie and overly clingy at times.
Writing: The writing in this book is terrible. The plot is boring and drags on from one plot point to the next with no rising action other than one character or another whining.
September 19, 2022
If you are in the mood for some feels- ya don't have to look any further. These two MC's share all their emotions, the good and the ugly, with each other and their respective families. There's a 20yr age gap, but the dynamics are well written and feel real. You'll find some steamy scenes to heat the windows, and lots of laughs- the dialogue is great.
I will say, this is a lot of feelings shared. A lot, a lot, a lot. When the MC's have a heart-to-heart it's almost as if it's a therapy session led by the Hallmark Channel. There are some wonderful quotes in here, but you need to be in the mood for love, a lot a lot of love. :)
I will say, this is a lot of feelings shared. A lot, a lot, a lot. When the MC's have a heart-to-heart it's almost as if it's a therapy session led by the Hallmark Channel. There are some wonderful quotes in here, but you need to be in the mood for love, a lot a lot of love. :)
August 21, 2022
A lovely age gap romance. Macie Colon is a photographer and the mother of a grown daughter. She has been along for a number of years and contented. Ryan Lynch is a teacher, having changed her profession after becoming dissatisfied. Macie is 53 and Ryan is about 33. They are asked to find the perfect venue for Macie's daughter's wedding. Finding love doesn't mean all is easy or not frightening. I loved the story and it is a HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 25, 2022Way too dialogue heavy. I got tired of the non stop chatter. I wish the character development was done via POVs. Having said that, it’s clear the author is very gifted and talented, I just wish she would pursue a different avenue when it comes to character development than non stop blah blah blah. All the talking de-sensualized the relationship. I did finish the book and it was formidable in a few ways.
January 22, 2023
Out of the over dozen books I have read in the last few weeks, this one became my favorite. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the whole book. Even at times of angst.
I startled my wife a few times with my laughter. I wanted to be sitting and sharing a glass of wine with the .ain characters a times.
Some of the conversations had advice we could all use in life. There was even a part that got me to see my own .om in a different light and work on some changes.
I startled my wife a few times with my laughter. I wanted to be sitting and sharing a glass of wine with the .ain characters a times.
Some of the conversations had advice we could all use in life. There was even a part that got me to see my own .om in a different light and work on some changes.
September 29, 2022
This basic age-gap romance centers around two relatable women and their extended families. There are a few interpersonal issues to resolve within their respective clans, but the characters generally talk their issues through rather than stewing about them in private. The angst level is consistent with the plot. Overall, a pleasant read with a satisfying conclusion.
October 16, 2022
3.5 ⭐ rounded up to 4 ⭐.
This is an age gap romance that is angst free. The book is character driven and allows us to see the relationship development at a nice pace. There were a couple areas that felt unnecessary for the overall story. And I did notice a couple "catch phrases" that this author uses a lot in a series she wrote under a pen name. Otherwise, it was a nice romance.
This is an age gap romance that is angst free. The book is character driven and allows us to see the relationship development at a nice pace. There were a couple areas that felt unnecessary for the overall story. And I did notice a couple "catch phrases" that this author uses a lot in a series she wrote under a pen name. Otherwise, it was a nice romance.
October 17, 2022
It takes a village …
Beautifully written age-gap story of Ryan and Macie. Their journey was full of love and adventure. The secondary characters were profoundly powerful in their lives. A huge, loving family grew out of Ryan and Macie’s union. A very good read. I heartily and enthusiastically recommend this and any other works by Nancy Ann Healy. Thank you Peace
Beautifully written age-gap story of Ryan and Macie. Their journey was full of love and adventure. The secondary characters were profoundly powerful in their lives. A huge, loving family grew out of Ryan and Macie’s union. A very good read. I heartily and enthusiastically recommend this and any other works by Nancy Ann Healy. Thank you Peace
May 12, 2023
I don't know why this didn't land for me. On paper (ha-ha), a low-angst age gap romance sounded right up my alley. But something about the writing just felt... off to me? Like everything was moving too fast, without enough time being spent on developing the characters. I don't know. Maybe it's just me.
May 27, 2023
Beautifully Wonderful story
A beautifully written story, well described characters, realistic dialogues, plenty of feelings and emotions. Plus questions and doubts that are making sense as are out of the real world. Fully enjoyed it
A beautifully written story, well described characters, realistic dialogues, plenty of feelings and emotions. Plus questions and doubts that are making sense as are out of the real world. Fully enjoyed it
July 9, 2023
The fastest U-Haul I've ever read, but still a great read with an amazing cast of side characters and compelling leads. The romance may have been quick, but it was believable, and brought to mind the saying, "If you know, you know."
August 6, 2023
Another Great One!!
Beautiful May-December romance. Loved the characters. Story not rushed. Great family bonding ❤️. Another addition to have in your library from Ms Healy. Definitely recommend; you won't be disappointed.
Beautiful May-December romance. Loved the characters. Story not rushed. Great family bonding ❤️. Another addition to have in your library from Ms Healy. Definitely recommend; you won't be disappointed.
January 25, 2024
Marriage is comedy
Okay we'll start with characters I had laughed so much through out this book. The scenes are very intimate. Keep doing what you do. Thanks for the great read and laughs.
Okay we'll start with characters I had laughed so much through out this book. The scenes are very intimate. Keep doing what you do. Thanks for the great read and laughs.
September 12, 2022
Rocket
If you think Uhaul jokes are accurate and approve of moving in that fast, this book makes Uhaul downright pokey.
If you think Uhaul jokes are accurate and approve of moving in that fast, this book makes Uhaul downright pokey.
September 22, 2022
Awesome book!
Nancy I love your books! I loved the plant, it was so funny the way you wrote it that I couldn't stop laughing. You are such a talented writer. Keep the books coming!
Nancy I love your books! I loved the plant, it was so funny the way you wrote it that I couldn't stop laughing. You are such a talented writer. Keep the books coming!
September 28, 2022
Love is amazing
Love this book family is everything and age isn’t nothing put a number when true loves knocks on your door be prepare to let it in and embrace its full potential.
Love this book family is everything and age isn’t nothing put a number when true loves knocks on your door be prepare to let it in and embrace its full potential.
September 28, 2022
Another Great Book From Nancy
I have always loved Nancy’s book and this is no exception.
Brilliantly written, with lots of romance, laughter and fun along the way.
I have always loved Nancy’s book and this is no exception.
Brilliantly written, with lots of romance, laughter and fun along the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews