"Isn't it nice...once you've outgrown the ideas of what life should be and you just enjoy what it is?" When Lauren and Ryan’s marriage reaches the breaking point, they come up with an unconventional plan. They decide to take a year off in the hopes of finding a way to fall in love again. One year apart, and only one rule: they cannot contact each other. Aside from that, anything goes. This story is about the fading of love, seizing love, forsaking love and staying in love. To love fiercely and to finding a new path to a happy ever after. As with every book by TJR she crafted characters so well that I felt everything they did, wasn't sure about anything they pondered and was happy for them when they solved their problems. It doesn't matter if the reader is married or not for everyone can easily relate to the characters, theories and circumstances. There is a strong sense of family bonds outside the marriage plot and lessons about life and love are gently offered throughout this story, which makes it that much more relatable. The character development of all the characters, side characters included, was amazing.

I had read "After I Do" in 2015 initially, indeed liked it back then and then totally forgot about it. It has somehow popped back into my mind recently (couldn't even remember the title at first), so I guess it did make a lasting impression the first time around. Thoughts about the re-read (mostly spoiler-y): - The falling in love and then the estrangement felt so depressingly authentic, even through small scenes. Wow! - I loved how neither Lauren or Ryan were made the bad guy. It made reading about both more interesting and rooting for them so much easier. - Lauren's family had a huge impact on my enjoyment for the story. They had their own struggles, distinct personalities and added different perspectives on Lauren's situation. I'll probably add more things I loved about After I Do, but that's it for now. Loved it (again).

The story itself is nothin super new in itself, but the way T.J.R. once again manages to depicts the relationship of and dynamics between a couple, and family members … is just wow! I don’t know how she always manages to pick the exact right words, drawing pictures in our head which enable us to empathise with the protagonists‘ moods and feelings. I was crying and hoping and laughing with them - and at the end, the book left me both empty and with a full heart. 100% recommendation

After enjoying three of TJR's recent novels I wanted to read everything by her but reading After I Do was not an enjoyable experience. I haven't wanted to go back once since putting it down over six months ago and just thinking about it gives me dread. The story itself was boring and both main characters annoying and/or unlikeable. Hopefully I will enjoy TJR's other older books more.