Amazon Editors' favorite summer reads
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$5.99 with 54 percent savings
Print List Price: $12.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $17.46

Save: $9.97 (57%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Mae Wood
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

This Time Is Different Kindle Edition

by Mae Wood (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 853 ratings
Life can change in a flash.

Marriage and a baby wasn’t Amy Forsythe’s college plan. After a shotgun marriage glued together by her son, she’s convinced that love isn’t meant for her. Now nearing forty and single for the first time since her senior prom, her friends are pushing her to date. Her teenage son isn’t thrilled by the idea and neither is Amy.

Silver fox Thomas Popov isn’t looking for The One. He found her decades ago. And fell apart when she died. At fifty-three with a new job, a new city, and an empty nest, he’s focused on climbing the corporate ladder.

When a softball accident lands Thomas in Amy’s dental chair, sparks fly.


Lightning doesn’t strike twice. But love might.
This time is different.

This Time Is Different is a standalone novel and part of Mae Wood's larger universe that includes Plus One , Crush, Risking Ruin, and Borrowing Trouble. Once you've enjoyed This Time Is Different, you can enjoy Amy's ex-husband Bert finding his own second time around HEA in Plus One or any other book in the universe.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    232 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    October 12, 2017
  4. File size
    1.7 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Editorial Reviews

Review

I love Amy and Thomas's story! Their HEA is the kind we all want! - Lucy Score, Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon best selling author
I want you to read this book. - Kate Canterbary, USA Today bestseller and author of The Walsh series
Very honestly, I am in love with this book -Laurie Oh, The Literary Gossip
I absolutely adored this book. I recall a few times saying out loud "man, I love this story!" - Sarah, Dragonfly Reads

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0768QCVBT
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 12, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 853 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Mae Wood

Mae Wood

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Professional sassypants and novelist, Mae Wood has been a bookworm her entire life.

She loves cheeses, complicated crafts that she'll start but never complete, and puns.

A while ago Mae decided that she needed to give up the fear that she couldn't write "great literature" and write what she wants to read.

And she wants romance. And laughter. And real life.

She wants heroines who are brave. Brave enough to be themselves and brave enough to fall in love. She wants men who are strong and kind.

Mae is married, and has two darling children and an old dog who naps at her feet while she writes.

Keep in touch with Mae and find bonus content at her website -- www.maewood.com

Author page: https://www.facebook.com/authormaewood/

Reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pigandbarley/

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
853 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this romance book engaging and well-written, describing it as a grown-up love story with lots of heart, particularly appealing to older readers. The characters and experiences are portrayed as real, and the story deals with normal life issues without excessive drama. Customers appreciate the book's steamy content and humor, with one review noting how the author skillfully combines these elements.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

59 customers mention "Readability"59 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable, with one describing it as utterly addictive.

"...Definitely worth your time to read!" Read more

"...In my opinion, this is a perfectly lovely read that is genuinely warm and through-and-through feel-good. There’s no angst and no downs to speak of...." Read more

"...It’s mature and brilliant and utterly addictive—I was 50% through before I knew it, and though I tried to slow down and savor it, I couldn’t stop..." Read more

"...Nothing to add much grip to the story. It was good to read about a couple not in their 20s. It was also nice to see a normal woman...." Read more

46 customers mention "Romance"46 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a grown-up love story with lots of heart and a lovely second chance romance, particularly appealing to older readers.

"...The author has done an amazing job of telling a love story that is sweet and simple, but gives the reader glimpses into real life experiences...." Read more

"This Time Is Different is a cozy, low-key romance. It’s about a second chance at love and about navigating the unfamiliar waters of dating as a more..." Read more

"...It’s life after kids and second chances at happily ever after. It’s messy relationships and uncertain beginnings—and endings...." Read more

"...I absolutely adored this book. This Time Is Different is the contemporary romance I didn't know I needed in my life!..." Read more

39 customers mention "Character development"39 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters and experiences feel authentic and relatable.

"...The story that unfolds between these two characters is real, because both are treading lightly into the relationship, both not quite certain what to..." Read more

"...I wanna shiver all over just thinking about him—about his kind, happy personality, which has enough hallmarks of alphaness to be downright hot..." Read more

"...all of Mae Wood's books, you will find intelligent writing, realistic characters with authentic dialogue that is not forced or contrived for their..." Read more

"...It was sophisticated without being pretentious. The characters were realistic and had real life experiences...." Read more

22 customers mention "Drama level"19 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the drama level of the book, with one customer noting it deals with real life problems and features normal people with authentic issues.

"...The author has captured second chance love stories with heart and emotion that is true and real. Definitely worth your time to read!" Read more

"...There’s no angst and no downs to speak of...." Read more

"'Happy and bittersweet. This is what it feels like and I’d never had it before. Soul-consuming and utterly transcendent.'..." Read more

"...Real people, in realistic situations, with real problems addressing them in realistic ways...." Read more

21 customers mention "Writing quality"21 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with one customer noting the realistic portrayal of children and another highlighting the clever dialogue.

"...The outcome from these actions makes for a quick and easy read and you will enjoy the journey these characters take toward their new reality...." Read more

"...though I really liked this read, and even though it’s so very, very well written, I didn’t love it...." Read more

"It was fine. The writing was decent enough and not really any errors in editing to complain about. Having said that, it was BORING...." Read more

"...Each story is easy to read, and I enjoyed every word." Read more

18 customers mention "Steamy content"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steamy content of the book, describing it as sweet and warm.

"...The author has done an amazing job of telling a love story that is sweet and simple, but gives the reader glimpses into real life experiences...." Read more

"...In my opinion, this is a perfectly lovely read that is genuinely warm and through-and-through feel-good. There’s no angst and no downs to speak of...." Read more

"...The fact that Thomas Popov is smoking hot and amazingly sweet doesn't hurt either... Amy Forsythe is on the cusp of 40...." Read more

"...This Time Is Different is a sweet and fun romance featuring slightly “mature” main characters (he’s 53 and she’s 39)...." Read more

16 customers mention "Humor"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning how it's laced with heat.

"...Mae Wood brought her A+++ game to this story, lacing humor with heat and real life with romance...." Read more

"...It is sweet, funny and a heart warming love story. Amy has been married before and isn't looking to go down that path again...." Read more

"...This story was beautiful, sweet, angsty, funny, and most of all, very, very real. I feel like Amy and Thomas are friends of mine...." Read more

"Loved this book. It has everything any reader could want. It is sexy, funny, heartwarming and real! I loved all the characters...." Read more

11 customers mention "Success"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book successful and wonderful, with one customer describing it as utterly transcendent.

"...It’s mature and brilliant and utterly addictive—I was 50% through before I knew it, and though I tried to slow down and savor it, I couldn’t stop..." Read more

"It was fine. The writing was decent enough and not really any errors in editing to complain about. Having said that, it was BORING...." Read more

"...It's a complete standalone, and works well if you haven't read the previous books in the Pig and Barley series...." Read more

"...with the 23 year old fresh out of college but super smart and super good at her job. 🙄..." Read more

A sweet and fun romance with “mature” main characters
4 out of 5 stars
A sweet and fun romance with “mature” main characters
3.75 stars rounded up for This Time Is Different by Mae Woods Divorced orthodontist Amy Forsythe met widowed hospital COO Thomas Popav after he was struck in the face by a bat during softball warmup. His teeth were fine, but his heart felt a few sizes too big as he found himself falling for her beautiful smile. In the time it would take me to floss, they’d already enjoyed a handful of dates and were wondering how their kids would get along. This Time Is Different is a sweet and fun romance featuring slightly “mature” main characters (he’s 53 and she’s 39). It reads a little slow during long, getting-to-know-you conversations, but overall it’s well-paced as Amy and Thomas fall in love and start thinking of a future together. The ending felt a bit rushed but was happy, so I can live with that.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • JBBreier
    5.0 out of 5 stars This.Book.IS.Different - and worth your time to read!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A lovely second chance romance with real characters. The author has done an amazing job of telling a love story that is sweet and simple, but gives the reader glimpses into real life experiences. Both Amy and Thomas have lived life - with four adult (or almost) children to show for it. Amy Forsythe divorced her husband four years ago and she co-parents their 17-year old son Grady with her ex-husband. Amy wanted the divorce — and her rationale for putting her life on hold until Grady goes off to school is a trope that I have heard from my friends over the years — so reality hit me hard when I read this book. Amy doubts that she will ever find love or if she truly deserves love -- and is cautious when it comes to taking a chance on love with anyone.

    Thomas Popov has been living silently since his wife’s death eight years ago. He had the ideal marriage, a wife he adored, three good kids. Now his children are off to schools across the country and his nest is empty. So his life now consists of work as a hospital administrator, with rowing and gardening as hobbies to keep himself centered, and even does yoga on occasion. His quiet existence is disrupted on that fateful day when he met his doctor/dentist/angel during a softball game that puts Amy and Thomas together.

    The story that unfolds between these two characters is real, because both are treading lightly into the relationship, both not quite certain what to do, what to expect and how to proceed. The outcome from these actions makes for a quick and easy read and you will enjoy the journey these characters take toward their new reality. The fourth book from this author that I have read and certainly one of my favorites. You get a bit more into why Amy and Bert divorced, how she handles co-parenting with Bert but also how she sees herself interacting with Thomas’ adult children. The author has captured second chance love stories with heart and emotion that is true and real. Definitely worth your time to read!
    10 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Bubblegum
    4.0 out of 5 stars Low-key, low-angst romance that's low on passion
    Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This Time Is Different is a cozy, low-key romance. It’s about a second chance at love and about navigating the unfamiliar waters of dating as a more mature adult.

    There was so much I liked about this read. I liked the whole ambience of the book. The homey picture Wood painted of Amy’s and Thomas’ lives. The portrayal of their relationships with their (almost) adult children that couldn’t have been more on point. But most of all, I liked how Wood managed to describe that precarious balancing act of being a parent while also acknowledging your own wants and needs. That part was simply brilliant.

    But even though I really liked this read, and even though it’s so very, very well written, I didn’t love it. Maybe it was the more subdued style of the love-story that had me not overly invested in the characters. Maybe I need to have more passion and grand gestures in order to fall in love with a romance-read. And, maybe, it would have been good if I thought the leading lady ended up with the right guy. Because, yes, I thought Amy’s ex Bert was much more intriguing than Thomas. In every aspect. And even if that was an obvious set-up for the sequel – Bert’s story – I’d say Wood did too good a job of it when the ex outshines the actual love-interest. My feelings towards Thomas’ character were of the luke-warm variety I’m afraid.

    In my opinion, this is a perfectly lovely read that is genuinely warm and through-and-through feel-good. There’s no angst and no downs to speak of. The highs aren’t particularly high either, but you’ll walk away feeling quite content after finishing This Time Is Different. In conclusion, it’s the perfect comfort read.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Beth ~ Panda & Boodle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Different and wonderful and a MUST read.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    'Happy and bittersweet. This is what it feels like and I’d never had it before. Soul-consuming and utterly transcendent.'

    It’s not just this time that’s different—this book is different too. In a needed, wonderful way.

    It’s life after kids and second chances at happily ever after. It’s messy relationships and uncertain beginnings—and endings. It’s real life in all its imperfect glory, and it’s perfect because of that.

    This Time Is Different takes smart, sexy characters—Gen Xers—and proves that the dreaded 4-0 doesn’t mean that romance is dead. Not when there’s a silver fox waiting to charm you.

    You guys, THOMAS. I wanna shiver all over just thinking about him—about his kind, happy personality, which has enough hallmarks of alphaness to be downright hot without ever getting into OTT territory.

    And that’s the way of this entire book. Mae Wood brought her A+++ game to this story, lacing humor with heat and real life with romance. It’s mature and brilliant and utterly addictive—I was 50% through before I knew it, and though I tried to slow down and savor it, I couldn’t stop myself from reading, devouring each and every word.

    My only gripe? It’s over. I’m finished. This Time Is Different has an ending that fulfills and satisfies and rewards, but I have no shame in my greed. I want more. I want six epilogues, two novellas, and a short story. Please and thank you.

    But until then, I’ll take more books like this one—smart, sexy and imperfectly perfect. (And written by Ms. Wood.)

    'And it wasn’t just fire in his eyes but an uncontrolled and uncontrollable chemical reaction, burning bright and hot and white like magnesium.'

    ~ FIVE Silver Fox STARS ~
    16 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lori Webber
    5.0 out of 5 stars Real swoony steamy second chance love
    Reviewed in Canada on July 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    For anyone who is looking for a contemporary romance that is real, and swoony, look no further. Anyone else tired of 21 year old heroines finding forever love with billionaire? Me too. And here is Mae Wood giving us the perfect antidote via Thomas and Amy. We were introduced to Amy in her ex-husband's book Plus One. Now is it Amy's turn to find real and lasting love. Thomas is one of the most romantic and swooniest of heroines I have encountered. Mae Wood's writing is perfect to tell the story of later in life love. Amy and her ex Bert had married in college after finding out she had gotten pregnant. They were not in a serious relationship. Their marriage was not born out of love, but rather pregnancy and commitment. Amy moved on after her divorce, a successful business woman and orthodontist who met Thomas after a baseball injury put him in her dentist chair. Thomas, a widow, was ready to take another leap into love, with Amy. Amy wasn't so sure love was a state that was lasting or strong enough to withstand time. Thomas was ready to prove her wrong. Boy did that man know how to woo. Lovely story that will leave you clutching this book to your chest wanting to believe that there can be real happy endings for those of us who are ready for mature, steamy love.
    Report
  • Louise
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully crafted
    Reviewed in Australia on October 14, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Love It! Beautifully crafted 2nd time around story. These characters are real and sweet and generous with each other while not shying away from the complex realities of blending families. I was already a big fan of Mae Wood, and this book exceeded my expectations.
    Report
  • Chrissy’s Book Shelf
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle, Warm and Sweet
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.

    This is a really lovely book. It’s real, warm, painful and funny. It’s not filled with vast excitement or hot and steamy passion, but it’s filled with tenderness, delight, Dad jokes and negotiating the minefield that is dating with grown up children.

    Amy is a dentist. She’s 38, has a 17 year old son and has been divorced for 3 years. She has a slightly awkward relationship with her ex-husband but there is still genuine affection between them and the navigate co-parenting well.

    Thomas is a COO at the local hospital. He’s 52 and was widowed 8 years previous. His children are all in college and are starting to move onto living their own lives without him. He’s very focused on his career after his kids have achieved independence.

    Amy and Thomas meet when Thomas gets hit in the face with a softball bat at a work function. He gets hopped on pain meds and is awkward and adorable. That doesn’t change the fact that he is captivated by the wide smile of his Doctor Dentist Angel.

    This story is fairly straight forward, there are no ups and downs, dramatic splits and passionate make up sex. It’s about liking each other, making each other laugh and wanting to spend time together both in bed and out of it. It’s about making time for each other and understanding that kids come first and careers are important. It’s about a very grown up relationship and all the joys that they can bring.

    This book is beautifully written and perfect for when you are in the mood for gentle, sweet and warm narratives. It’s perfect for having characters you’d like to spend time with and be friends with because though they’ve had the normal difficulties in life they are not ‘broken’. It’s about watching two nice and interesting people find each other and make space for each other in their own world’s even when it’s a little uncomfortable doing so. It’s a perfect portrait of having a second big relationship in their lives and doing it differently this time, even if the first time round was wonderful.
    Report
  • Kelly
    4.0 out of 5 stars Finding love......again.
    Reviewed in Australia on November 16, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This Time is Different is the first book I've read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. A very sweet love story about a more mature aged couple, Amy who is 39 and divorced, and Thomas who is 53 and widowed. Very low on angst and drama, with the focus being on falling in love again after loss and managing the expectations of family.
    Report
  • LH
    5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED IT!
    Reviewed in Australia on October 26, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This was such a breath of fresh air. Such a well crafted story. Having read Plus One it was good to get to know Amy. But OMG Thomas is to die for!!!!
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report