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This Time Is Different 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.

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
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • 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

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Mae Wood
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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

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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.

59 customers mention "Readability"59 positive0 negative

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

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

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

"...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

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.

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

"...For those who enjoy romances with older couples, I recommend this book...." Read more

"...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

"...Mae Wood is a superbly talented writer, who has an absolute gift for writing down to earth stories that will have you wishing your life could be one..." 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 think the best thing about this book is its realness. Real people, in realistic situations, with real problems addressing them in realistic ways...." Read more

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

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.

"...This book has ups and downs but the author gives us an emotional and engaging story which I enjoyed reading...." Read more

"...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

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

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

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

"...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

"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

"...Mae Wood is a superbly talented writer, who has an absolute gift for writing down to earth stories that will have you wishing your life could be one..." 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

"...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

"...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

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

"...Mae Wood wrote Thomas to not only be older, intelligent and successful, but he was damn sexy. A true silver fox! ;)..." 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

"...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.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I happened upon Mae Wood's Pig and Barley series after my sweet friend Beth of Panda & Boodle reached out, asking if I wanted to review Plus One. I adored Bert's story. When I found out that his ex-wife Amy would be getting her own book, I absolutely jumped at the chance to read it and I'm so glad I did!

    This Time is Different starts before Plus One and works it's way into the same timeline. It's a complete standalone, and works well if you haven't read the previous books in the Pig and Barley series.

    Amy and Thomas meet during a dental emergency - why does that sound so funny? Thomas gets whacked with a softball bat and needs emergent care, Amy is the only local doctor around. She helps him even though she's an orthodontist. Even when Thomas is under the influence of anesthetic, he is completely drawn to Amy and wants to know more about his Doctor Dentist Angel. Thomas goes out of his way to send her tokens of appreciation and thanks and decides to ask her out on a date.

    Amy is completely set in her ways. She's got a great schedule at her dental office, her son is about to graduate high school, and she's cordial with her ex-husband. She's not looking for any sort of relationship, but is drawn to Thomas. The two have a nice age gap going on, and Thomas' #SilverFox status doesn't hurt one bit.

    I absolutely adored this book. This Time Is Different is the contemporary romance I didn't know I needed in my life! I recall a few times saying out loud "man, I love this story!" There's something special about an older couple. In this romance world, so many books we read are about twenty-somethings, or people who don't have their lives together. It's nice to read a story where the couple is established singularly, and then we get to experience them blend their lives together. I loved that about this entire series, really. As I stated previously, I started Pig and Barley with Plus One, then This Time is Different. Immediately after finishing Amy and Thomas' story, I started from the beginning with Trip and Marisa. Each story is easy to read, and I enjoyed every word.
    16 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    4 Stars to This Time Is Different by Mae Wood.

    This Time Is Different was a swee,t heartwarming story. This is also my first Mae Wood book. I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to reading more by this author. This book flowed nicely with talent and tension. Yes there is some angst and tension brought on not only by the main H/h but their grown children.

    Thomas and Amy.......

    Both Thomas and Amy have been married before. Amy has a son who just graduated high school while Thomas' three kids are older. His son is in medical school and his twin daughters are in college. For the most part the kids are hesitant and not happy to see their parents in a new relationship. Thomas is a widower while Amy is a divorcee. Neither is looking for something permanent.

    For different reasons on each's behalf, Thomas and Amy are not looking for anything more than casual. But slowly their feelings for each other develop into something stronger, something solid. Can they get over their own fears of committing? Will they have the approval of their grown children to move forward? This book has ups and downs but the author gives us an emotional and engaging story which I enjoyed reading.

    Another thing I would like to add towards my enjoyment of this book was that the H/h were older. Not often do I read and enjoy romances with older characters. Mae Wood wrote Thomas to not only be older, intelligent and successful, but he was damn sexy. A true silver fox! ;) For those who enjoy romances with older couples, I recommend this book. And if you are not a fan of an older H/h recommend it still.

    This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified 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
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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
    Format: KindleVerified 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.
  • Louise
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully crafted
    Reviewed in Australia on October 14, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified 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.
  • Chrissy’s Book Shelf
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle, Warm and Sweet
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 17, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified 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.
  • Kelly
    4.0 out of 5 stars Finding love......again.
    Reviewed in Australia on November 16, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified 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.
  • LH
    5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED IT!
    Reviewed in Australia on October 26, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified 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!!!!

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