An epoxy adhesive composition of an epoxy resin, an epoxy terminated liquid rubber, filler, and an amine curing package for said epoxy resin is disclosed. Advantageously, a short chain diol will be incorporated into the adhesive in order to enhance reactivity and strength build. Advantageously, a mixture of amines will be used in the curative including multifunctional aliphatic amines that improve adhesion and strength build; tertiary amines which are used to enhance adhesion and strength build, polyamides which can be used to provide flexibility; and amine-terminated rubbers (ATBN) which can improve toughness and impact resistance to the cured system. The preferred short chain diol is glycerin. Surfaces of adherends are joined with the dried residue of the epoxy adhesive composition by applying the epoxy resin composition to one or both surfaces, joining the surfaces, and applying pressure, optionally with heating.