I picked this one up at the local library (yes, back in 2019…I have been sloooooooow on catching up on my reviews, almost there!!) after being on the waiting list for awhile. I heard great things about Ask Again, Yes and it did not disappoint!
I would simply describe this tale as a modern day Romeo & Juliet. The story starts with two rookie cops in NYPD living next door to each other. The Gleeson’s have daughters and the Stanhope’s have one son. Kate Gleeson and Peter Stanhope become fast friends as they are only 6 months apart and are pretty much inseparable…until there is some family drama.
Kate and Peter end up falling in love, much to their families protests. Eventually Peter moves away due to the instability of his mother and they lose contact. Over time they reconnect and we get to see their story play out. Keep in mind, their families NEVER approve of their relationship, will it work out?
Not only do we get the story of Kate and Peter, but we also see the marriage of the Gleeson’s and Stanhope’s. The story takes us over the course of 40 years and really tells the tale of true relationships and what goes on behind closed doors.
I really enjoyed watching the progression of relationships. Sometimes I felt heartbreak and was yelling at the characters, but in the era they were in, all was accepted and the norm. I had tears and I had smiles. What I loved most was the integrity of the characters and the ability to forgive.
5 stars. This was such a beautifully penned book, I loved every page of it. It had the right balance of heartache and love. It makes you wonder what life is like for your neighbor across the street that you think lives in this perfect bubble, things aren’t always what they seem on the outside and Ask Again, Yes is the perfect example of that. This is a must read!
Title: Ask Again, Yes
Author: Mary Beth Keane
Genre(s): Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary, Adult
Publisher: Scribner
Release Date: May 28, 2019
Find it here on Goodreads
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