Forty Love - a heartwarming story about rediscovering joy.

Jules Lawrence, in her late forties, has been a widow for five years. She works as a buyer for a lifestyle retailer specializing in fashion and housewares and is the mother of Frankie, who is about to head off to college. Although she is casually seeing a nice man, Jules finds it difficult to truly move on, often reflecting on her happy memories. Her home in Manchester, England, is next to Roebury Tennis Club. That's where she runs into her school crush Sam Delaney, now divorced and a doctor. Despite not having played tennis for many years, Jules is encouraged to return to the sport by a group of league players at the club whose passion for tennis surpasses their skill level. Sam could turn out to be a perfect match for Jules, if she can open up her heart again. 

Forty Love by Jane Costello is a delightful book full of humor and heart. Jules is a relatable character who has stayed emotionally loyal to her late husband and isn't sure if she can love again. Sam appears to be someone who could change her mind, but other factors in her life might make that impossible. The true stars of the book are the women she meets at the club, offering Jules new friendships and renewing her love of tennis. As someone who has made so many great friends through tennis, the camaraderie portrayed here is irresistible. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of rediscovering joy and getting a second shot at love. 

Rated 4 out of 5 stars.

Contemporary Fiction.

Publication Date: May 19, 2026.

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