Seasoned by Jayme H. Mansfield is what I’m reading this week. It’s not your average romance since it deals with a couple in their later years. I hope you’ll give it a chance because it’s a delightful book!
But first the photo and scripture. When I read Psalm 62 this week, I immediately thought of this photo I took when I was in Israel. This psalm was thought to have been written during a time of trouble for King David. The rocks here near En Gedi would be a firm foundation.
Seasoned by Jayme Mansfield back cover copy and cover:
Two years after the death of her husband, Essie White continues to battle loneliness. Her romance-writing daughter suggests that her mother try online dating. Essie pushes back. True, soul-level love, only comes along once. Still, some male companionship would help pass the days.
Widower Lou Rizzo isn’t seeking love, either. He’s seen the horrors of war and the heartbreak of loss that follows when death rips apart a relationship. Once in a lifetime is enough. Still, a little companionship would help pass the days. Using an alias to safeguard his identity, he reluctantly accepts his friend’s dare and posts his profile on the dating site.
Essie and Lou meet, and their initial attraction soon develops into a friendship neither wants to lose. Lou, however, must confess his part in a decades-old incident that he feels Essie will not understand or be able to forgive. She, too, harbors secrets that may jeopardize their future together.
As the relationship grows, each must decide whether to reveal the truth about their past mistakes. Will fears and regrets ruin their chance to love again? Seasoned is a timeless love for the ages.
My Take:
When I first started this book, I wasn’t sure I would be interested in a gentle romance about an older couple. Boy, am I glad I didn’t let that stop me!
I loved this story of redemption and love. And the characters–oh! my! Mansfield did such a good job creating them. She created backstories that didn’t get in the way of the current story but added so much.
Essie had never gotten over the death of her son, and in some ways felt responsible for it. Before she can give her heart to Lou, she has to work through her guilt.
Lou dealt with the guilt of feeling responsible for the death of Essie’s brother, guilt that had hung over him for over sixty years. When he and Essie meet many years later, he has no idea who she is until after they fell in love. He feared once she knew, it would be the end of their relationship.
A very satisfying story of hope.
I’m glad Essie and Lou took a chance on love again, and not only those two, but other characters in the story as well. Lou’s housekeeper almost steals the show! And the cover–salt and pepper shakers is perfect!
You can purchase Seasoned here.
At the beginning of the review, I made a comment that I wasn’t sure I would be interested in the story, but in the end, loved the book. Leave a comment telling if this has ever happened to you.
Seasoned by Jayme Mansfield is such a good read! Check out my review on my blog and then leave a comment and you'll be entered in a drawing for a book from my library! Share on X
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Comments 30
It’s cool that the protagonist is older. That doesn’t happen often. The painterly cover is awesome. To answer your question, yes, I have started a book I wouldn’t think I’d like and then ended up liking it. I love it when that happens.:-) Good review!
Author
Priscilla, I love it too when the author surprises me. I thought the cover went so well with the story–title, too. Thanks so much for stopping by!
God is indeed our rock and fortress. Good match of photo and scripture, Pat.
Some of us are seasoned, but we all need seasoning. I remember in middle school, a friend gave me a book of science fiction call “The Forgotten Star” by Joseph Greene. I wasn’t too enthusiastic about starting it, but I’m sure glad I did. It also started me on a long love of that genre.
Author
I remember reading science fiction back in the day, too! Now I rarely ever read it. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by, Tim!
It was a well-written excellent read. I enjoyed it much more than expected.
Author
I agree, Delores. So glad to see you here today!
I enjoy reading about seasoned couples as love can find us at any age. With Winter’s First Frost by Kelly Irvin is one of my favorites.
Author
I must find Kelly’s book, Lucy! Thanks so much for stopping by!
I have read books that turned out better than I expected. That is always a special surprise.
Author
Gloria, it is a special surprise. 🙂 thanks for stopping by!
I started to comment that I was sure I had encountered books that didn’t seem appealing but I really gained interest as I read; however, nothing specific came to mind. Before I could finish the thought, I recalled a book I received to proofread four or five years ago. It definitely did not fall into any of the genres I normally read. As I started proofreading, the book grew on me. By the time I finished, I was asking the publisher to send me the other books in the series to proofread when they were ready. I still don’t find myself heading to that section of the library to look for more in that genre, but I would not be averse to reading them if I came across one.
I like that picture and verse. Well done!
Author
Edward, for me it all boils down to the writing and characters. If the author makes me care about his characters I’ll read almost any genre. 🙂 So glad you like the picture and verse. And sorry I was late answering everyone–I had two appointments that took longer than I expected.
I’ve read a number of books that it takes to about halfway thru for me to really start enjoying them which makes me glad I didn’t give up on the book.
Author
Kudos to you, Lynn! I rarely read to the halfway point if I’m not really into a book. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by.
I love second chances, and this book sounds like a great read. Thank you for sharing about it. Have a great weekend and stay safe.
Author
That’s what this is, Alicia! A book about second chances and forgiveness! I think you’d really enjoy Seasoned. Thanks for stopping by.
Love the scripture and photo! Yes, I’ve read books that didn’t begin well but finished great.
Thanks for sharing! Yes, I have started books that I didn’t think I would enjoy reading to the end, but then was thankful that I continued reading until the end!
I like gentle romances about older people 🙂 They are actually my favorite kind!
And yes, I’ve had books surprise me the same way before Patricia!
Author
Hi Trixi! I think you’d really enjoy this book. I want to read all of Jayme’s books. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
This sounds like a really good book! There have been a few books where I either wasn’t interested by the description but read it anyway, or where I started it and it just didn’t grab me right away. For the most part though, I end up being glad I read those books.
Author
Me, too, Megan. Once I start caring for the characters, I’ll keep reading. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Happens to me often!
Author
Hi Shelia! Good to ‘see’ you here and I’m glad to know I’m not the only one it happens to. 🙂
I just read a book, Relentless Love, by Heather Greer that I did not expect to like but ended up loving! It deals with a couple of tough problems including a parent with alzheimers.
Author
Sounds like an interesting book, Joan! Thanks for stopping by.
It sounds like an interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
It is, Diana! I think you would enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by.
This sounds like a really good book!
Author
It was one that really drew me in, Patricia. So glad you stopped by.