Let’s Call a Truce Summary, Characters and Themes

Let’s Call a Truce by by Amy Buchanan is a heartfelt, witty, and emotionally layered contemporary romance by Amy Buchanan that explores love, loss, and second chances.

The novel centers on Juliana Ryan, a widowed mother returning to the corporate world after seven years. There, she clashes—and eventually connects—with Ben Thomas, a sharp yet guarded colleague with his own emotional baggage. What starts as office rivalry slowly transforms into a tender and passionate relationship. Through themes of grief, parenthood, healing, and blended families, Buchanan weaves a narrative rich with humor, warmth, and realistic emotional depth.

Summary

Juliana Ryan steps back into the workforce after a seven-year hiatus spent raising her two daughters and grieving the sudden death of her husband.

On her first day at the prestigious design firm KMG, she suffers a panic attack in the bathroom, overwhelmed by the enormity of returning to a demanding job while still navigating personal grief.

Her day only grows more complicated when she literally bumps into Ben Thomas, a handsome but aloof coworker.

Their awkward encounter—marked by a lipstick stain on his shirt—sets the tone for their dynamic: tense, biting, and unexpectedly magnetic.

Juliana’s first weeks are a challenge.

She’s judged not just for her professional skills but also for her years away from the field.

Ben seems especially skeptical of her, casting doubt on her capabilities and commitment.

Meanwhile, Juliana juggles work responsibilities with the relentless needs of single motherhood.

Despite her growing anxieties, she finds support in Asia Taylor, another manager at KMG.

Asia becomes a genuine friend and advocate.

Two years pass, and Juliana proves herself.

She’s now been promoted twice and leads a team of her own.

Her professional rivalry with Ben simmers into something more complex—still competitive, but charged with playful banter and unresolved tension.

As her professional confidence grows, so does the undercurrent of attraction between her and Ben.

Everything changes when Juliana discovers, during a school field trip, that Ben has a daughter—Paris—who is the same age as her own daughter Sophie.

The revelation feels like a betrayal, especially since Asia knew and never told her.

This fuels Juliana’s inner conflict: can she trust someone who’s withheld such personal truths?

Despite the friction, Ben and Juliana call a temporary “truce” at Asia’s birthday celebration.

What starts as harmless teasing and flirtation turns into deeper emotional entanglement.

They begin spending more time together outside of work, often under the pretext of shared parenting duties.

Gradually, their banter evolves into meaningful conversations, late-night texts, and shared vulnerabilities.

On a work trip to Boston, the emotional walls finally come down.

They run through the city, open up about past wounds, and eventually share a passionate night together.

For Juliana, it’s both thrilling and terrifying—her first real intimacy since losing her husband.

Ben, too, reveals the pain of his past, including the strained relationship with Paris’s mother.

Back home, the complexities of their budding relationship become more real.

Their daughters grow close, and Juliana and Ben begin blending their families with care and hesitation.

They navigate holidays, school events, and everyday chaos while trying to protect their kids from emotional fallout.

A moment of crisis arises when Ben is injured in a minor kitchen accident.

The sight of his blood triggers Juliana’s unresolved trauma from losing her husband.

Instead of pulling away, Ben offers calm and steady support.

This incident becomes a turning point, deepening their bond and reaffirming their commitment.

When Ben’s ex unexpectedly reappears during a work trip, old wounds resurface.

But instead of retreating, Ben confronts the past head-on, making it clear that his life is with Juliana now.

Professionally, Juliana continues to thrive.

She finally achieves balance between work and home, thanks in part to her newfound emotional security.

Eventually, Ben proposes in an intimate, heartfelt moment that reflects their journey.

Juliana, once closed off to the idea of love again, embraces their future with open arms.

In the epilogue, two years later, their lives have fully merged.

Paris calls Juliana “Momma,” and the once-chaotic households have found a steady rhythm.

On a romantic getaway, Ben and Juliana reflect on how love, though hard-won, gave them the second chance they never dared to hope for.

Characters

Juliana Ryan

Juliana is a woman in her late 30s who returns to work after a seven-year break, during which she focused on raising her children and grieving the sudden death of her husband, Jason. Juliana is introduced as a character who struggles with anxiety, guilt, and the challenges of balancing her work and personal life.

Her vulnerability is visible from the start, as she experiences panic attacks and feelings of inadequacy. Juliana’s character growth is central to the story.

Over time, she becomes more self-assured, learning to navigate her complex emotions about motherhood, grief, and her career. She is empathetic, and her connections with others, particularly her growing relationship with Ben, serve as a reflection of her inner healing.

However, she is also prone to moments of self-doubt, especially as she juggles the expectations placed on her by both her professional and family lives.

Ben Thomas

Ben is the enigmatic and sometimes aloof character introduced as a hiring manager at KMG, who initially comes across as skeptical of Juliana’s ability to return to work after her hiatus. He seems almost abrasive, particularly when it comes to Juliana’s qualifications, which causes a tense dynamic between them.

However, as the story progresses, Ben’s vulnerabilities begin to surface. His connection with Juliana grows, and it becomes clear that beneath his gruff exterior, Ben is a man dealing with his own past traumas.

His daughter, Paris, plays a significant role in his life, and his struggles with his ex-wife, Stephanie, highlight the complexity of his character. Ben is emotionally reserved at the beginning of the story, but through his interactions with Juliana, he learns to open up.

His relationship with her develops slowly, with moments of tenderness and passion that ultimately shape him into a more emotionally available partner.

Asia Taylor

Asia is one of the key supporting characters who stands out for her warmth and empathy. She plays a pivotal role in Juliana’s life, offering support during her return to work and acting as a sounding board for her struggles.

Asia is the opposite of Ben in terms of her emotional openness, and her encouragement helps Juliana feel less isolated in her journey back to the workplace. Their friendship serves as an anchor for Juliana, particularly in moments of self-doubt.

Asia’s role in the story also provides a contrast to Juliana’s complex emotions—her consistent optimism and willingness to help reflect the importance of strong female friendships.

Sophie and Clara Ryan

Juliana’s two daughters, Sophie and Clara, are integral to her emotional journey. Sophie, the younger of the two, is a source of stress and joy for Juliana. Her behavior at school and the challenges she presents as a mother highlight Juliana’s internal struggle between being a present parent and a successful professional.

Clara, on the other hand, is portrayed as more independent, and her relationship with Juliana is characterized by a quieter understanding. Both girls, particularly Sophie, play a significant role in Juliana’s decision-making, and their growing bond with Ben’s daughter, Paris, adds layers to the evolving family dynamic.

Paris Thomas

Paris, Ben’s daughter, serves as a catalyst for change in Juliana’s life. Initially, the revelation that Ben has a child her age shocks Juliana, as she feels betrayed by Asia for not revealing this fact earlier.

However, as the story progresses, Paris becomes a symbol of healing and the blending of families. Her friendship with Sophie helps bridge the gap between Juliana and Ben, allowing their relationship to evolve.

Paris’s role in the story is not just as Ben’s daughter but also as a reflection of the next generation’s ability to forgive, grow, and form new family bonds.

Stephanie

Stephanie, Ben’s ex-wife, appears unexpectedly during a work trip and creates tension in Ben and Juliana’s relationship. Her presence is a reminder of the emotional scars from the past, particularly for Ben, who must confront unresolved issues with her.

Stephanie’s role serves as a necessary complication for Ben and Juliana’s relationship. While her appearance brings initial discomfort, it ultimately helps Ben gain closure and move forward with Juliana.

Themes

The Theme of Grief, Healing, and Emotional Vulnerability

One of the central themes of Let’s Call a Truce is the emotional journey of grief and healing, particularly through the lens of Juliana’s trauma after the sudden death of her husband. This theme evolves throughout the story as Juliana struggles with the scars left by her past.

The narrative delicately explores how grief can manifest in different ways—whether through anxiety, emotional withdrawal, or difficulty in moving on—and shows Juliana’s gradual path toward healing. The presence of Ben in her life challenges her to confront her fears and past trauma, particularly when a seemingly minor event, like a kitchen accident, reopens old wounds.

Yet, Ben’s compassionate response in these moments helps Juliana realize that healing is not just about moving on from the past but also about being vulnerable and allowing someone in. This journey of emotional vulnerability becomes crucial as both Juliana and Ben, through shared experiences of grief and healing, learn to navigate the complexities of blending their lives together.

The theme demonstrates that true healing comes when individuals allow themselves to open up, make emotional connections, and trust again.

The Struggle Between Professional Ambitions and Family Responsibilities

Another significant theme in the book is the tension between Juliana’s professional ambitions and her responsibilities as a mother. Throughout the story, Juliana is confronted with the dual pressure of excelling in her career while ensuring she doesn’t neglect her family.

The narrative poignantly depicts the guilt and conflict that arises when Juliana is unable to fulfill both roles to the degree she desires. Her feelings of inadequacy become apparent, especially when she misses important moments for her children, like school events, due to work commitments.

However, the story also sheds light on how Juliana finds moments of clarity, where she learns to accept the chaos of balancing both spheres of life. The theme addresses the harsh realities of modern motherhood, particularly for women who are trying to build careers while raising children.

Ultimately, Juliana’s growth as a professional and a mother shows that success is not about perfect balance, but about accepting imperfection and adapting to the unpredictable nature of both career and family life.

The Complexities of Romantic Relationships in the Wake of Past Hurts

The evolving dynamic between Juliana and Ben provides a profound exploration of the complexities of romantic relationships in the aftermath of personal loss. Initially, their relationship is defined by antagonism and tension, often rooted in professional rivalry, but over time, it shifts into something deeper, founded on mutual respect, attraction, and shared emotional vulnerabilities.

As both characters have experienced profound losses—Juliana losing her husband and Ben dealing with the fallout of his past relationship—the theme of navigating love after trauma is thoroughly examined. The story suggests that healing and love are not linear processes. The couple’s attraction and subsequent relationship develop in fits and starts, often clouded by their respective fears of attachment.

Their struggles with emotional intimacy, including their hesitance to fully commit, highlight the complexities of moving on after loss. However, the narrative also emphasizes the transformative power of a healthy, supportive relationship in helping individuals rebuild trust and open their hearts once more.

Juliana and Ben’s connection exemplifies how love, when nurtured with understanding and patience, can be a force of healing.

The Challenges and Rewards of Blended Families

Blending families after experiencing loss or separation is another key theme in the novel. As Juliana and Ben begin to build their relationship, they must also navigate the challenges of merging their two separate family units.

The children, particularly Juliana’s daughters and Ben’s daughter Paris, become central figures in this dynamic. The book portrays the complexity of establishing relationships with stepchildren, especially when there is pre-existing tension or emotional baggage.

Juliana’s journey of becoming a mother figure to Paris is filled with challenges, including dealing with her own insecurities about filling the space left by Ben’s ex. The evolving relationship between Juliana and her stepdaughter, as well as the developing bond between the children, is a testament to the fact that creating a blended family is not about instant harmony but about patience, time, and mutual understanding.

The story highlights that while the blending process is often fraught with difficulties, it also brings great rewards, as it offers the opportunity for emotional growth, connection, and the creation of new familial bonds.

Personal Growth and Redefining Self-Worth

The theme of personal growth is evident throughout the book, particularly in how Juliana redefines her sense of self-worth after being out of the workforce for several years. Initially, Juliana’s return to work is marked by self-doubt, anxiety, and the pressure to prove herself.

Her struggles with balancing her career and family obligations make her question her abilities and value. However, over time, she grows into her role as a leader at work, gradually gaining confidence in her professional skills.

This theme is also linked to the broader narrative of Juliana’s internal growth. As she learns to overcome her personal insecurities, confront her fears, and accept her imperfections, Juliana begins to understand that her worth is not defined by her ability to meet external expectations but by her own self-acceptance and resilience.

Her journey underscores the importance of embracing personal evolution and the idea that it is never too late to redefine one’s identity and purpose, especially in the face of adversity.

The Healing Power of Relationships and Shared Experiences

Finally, the theme of relationships as a healing force is woven throughout the narrative, particularly in Juliana’s evolving connection with Ben. Both characters, having experienced significant losses, come to realize that their relationship offers a safe space for emotional healing and growth.

The process of building trust and intimacy with Ben allows Juliana to confront her fears, reframe her experiences, and, ultimately, embrace a future filled with hope. This theme is reinforced by the development of friendships, especially the bond between Juliana and Asia, which provides Juliana with much-needed support and encouragement.

The healing power of relationships in the book is not just about romantic love but also about platonic friendships and familial connections that provide comfort, guidance, and solidarity in times of emotional struggle. The narrative demonstrates that healing is often a communal process, where shared experiences, empathy, and support systems can facilitate recovery from past traumas.