Item: Certain Sensibilities
Author: Gina

#BookReview | Certain Sensibilities by Sondra Rice Newman | Age Difference #Romance | $25 Gift Card Available

A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.

Book Details

#BookReview | Certain Sensibilities by Sondra Rice Newman | Age Difference #Romance | $25 Gift Card Available

Certain Sensibilities by Sondra Rice Newman
Published by Acorn Publishing on September 12, 2024
Genres: Fiction, Romance
Format: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 286

Retired librarian Elizabeth is resigned to spending her remaining days in a nursing home. Not long after her arrival, her passions and emotions are awakened by Cary, a young attendant.

Despite their age difference, they begin a remarkable relationship. Their uncommon liaison elevates Cary and Elizabeth to new heights of self-knowledge, enabling their bond to develop into a deep, intense devotion.

Haunted by memories of a domineering, class-conscious mother who forced her into a loveless marriage, Elizabeth is conflicted. Though eager to follow her heart, she must overcome hurtful gossip and deep insecurities about how to spend her twilight years.

Cary, reared by a single mom, is also challenged by numerous pitfalls, including an ultimatum that could endanger his union with Elizabeth.

Certain Sensibilities is a timeless love story about choosing a soulmate over adherence to social norms and what happens when two kindred spirits are granted only a brief time together.

Source: Goddess Fish Promotions

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Excerpt from Certain Sensibilities

Cary returned with dinner in tow and a small surprise. He found that the table had already been set. An ample green napkin lay beside each white plate.

There was room on the table for the single, long-stemmed red rose that he had brought home for Elizabeth. Removing a narrow, tall vase from the cupboard, he placed the rose in the vase and set it in front of Elizabeth’s place setting.

It was then that Cary noticed that a small green cream pitcher in the center of the table was filled with cilantro. Lit votive candles in green glass holders added to the gracious and relaxing atmosphere. He paused in the middle of the kitchen for a moment, taking it all in.

Elizabeth wheeled herself into the kitchen.

“Wow! This is beautiful, Elizabeth. My only complaint is that you’re supposed to have the night off.”

“I do have the night off, dear, but I also try to maintain certain standards.”

Cary grinned. “I have noticed that, Elizabeth.”

“One simply must, Cary. If one begins eating food from plastic containers—or worse yet—from Styrofoam . . . ” She shuddered at the thought. “Then what’s next?”

Cary frowned to show Elizabeth that he was thinking hard, trying to find the right answer to her rhetorical question. “Let me guess—the downfall of Western civilization?”

“Something like that,” Elizabeth replied, smiling in spite of herself.

Cary proceeded to uncork a dry Vouvray that Elizabeth had chosen. He poured wine into each of the stemmed glasses, carefully placed the bottle on the table so that the label faced Elizabeth, and then sat down to join her.

When Cary was about to pick up his knife and fork, Elizabeth reached across the table and placed her hand on his. “Cary, I adore the rose. Thank you.”

Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.

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Purchase Links for Certain Sensibilities

Certain Sensibilities

Amazon Kindle Edition
Newman, Sondra Rice (Author)
English (Publication Language)
287 Pages - 09/12/2024 (Publication Date)

If the above link does not take you to your country’s Amazon page, please let me know, and I’ll gladly get a link for you.

Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share. Every penny helps to support this blog.

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My Thoughts on Certain Sensibilities

“Certain Sensibilities” by Sondra Rice Newman tells the moving story of an unexpected romance between Elizabeth, a retired librarian, and Cary, a young nursing home attendant. Their relationship defies societal expectations, exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and the courage to follow one’s heart despite age and expectations.

Elizabeth’s emotional journey forms the core of the novel. Burdened by a past filled with a domineering mother and a loveless marriage, she initially resigns herself to a quiet existence for what remains of her life.

But Cary’s presence revives her sense of purpose, allowing her to rediscover her identity and challenge society’s constraints. Cary, shaped by his own challenges, provides a youthful balance to Elizabeth’s guarded demeanor, adding depth to their dynamic.

The novel beautifully captures the idea that love transcends age, as Elizabeth and Cary confront gossip and external pressures with courage. Their bond, built on vulnerability and trust, is both delicate and transformative.

With its emotional depth and bittersweet tone, “Certain Sensibilities” is a timeless love story. Newman crafts a powerful narrative about the complexities of love, loss, and personal growth, offering a reflective read for those who embrace unconventional relationships and question society’s constrictions.

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.