Today I am excited to share with you my review of a new novel AND my very first giveaway!!
Yes, that's right! I will be giving away TWO copies Aidan Donnelly Rowley's rookie novel, Life After Yes!
I started reading Aidan's blog, Ivy League Insecurities, back in the beginning of 2010, and quickly discovered that her first novel was coming out in a few months. In addition to reading her entertaining and thought-provoking posts about her life as a young mother and writer, I thoroughly enjoyed getting a backstage peek of the publishing process from a first-time author's point of view.
I pre-ordered my copy and was so so excited to read it when it first came out in May. And I was not disappointed!
First of all, despite the dreamy, ethereal look of the cover (which, by the way, is gorgeous, is it not? I love the swirly dress and the red ribbon), this is not a fairy tale. It is not a story of how a girl meets her prince charming, and how they finally figure out that they're meant for each other. Rather, as the title suggests, this book is about all the stuff that happens after all of that. After she says "yes!"
"She" is Quinn O'Malley, a young NYC lawyer who is engaged to a seemingly perfect beau. Quinn has a successful career, the great guy-her life is idyllic, right? But of course, things are never that simple. Now that Quinn has what she thought she wanted...what she was supposed to have wanted...things aren't so clear. She has a troubling dream the night after the engagement, and starts having doubts about her life's path. All the while, she is dealing with the inner turmoil of grief in the wake of a national tragedy. Quinn's beloved father was killed on September 11, mere months before her boyfriend proposed.
I really enjoyed Aidan's book. After so much anticipation, I was afraid I had built it up too much--I so wanted to like it. And I did! It's a charming and engaging story, that's not too hard to read, but that also has hidden depth. Beautiful themes weave throughout the storyline, and in the end, it left me thinking about quite a few issues very carefully. For me, this book is what reading should be: entertaining and thought-provoking.
And now for the truly exciting part! Aidan has graciously provided me with copies of Life After Yes to pass along to TWO of you lovely readers.
Just leave a comment on this post by Friday, September 3, 12n Central Time. I will randomly select two of you that afternoon and announce the winners!
Restrictions: Only one entry per e-mail address. Will only ship to the U.S.
This is my first giveaway, so I'm excited and nervous and can't wait to share this lovely book with 2 of you! Good luck!!
The author, Aidan Donnelley Rowley, provided me with the copies to giveaway, but I purchased my own copy originally, and my opinions are entirely my own.
Image from the author's website.
Posts
5 comments:
Ohhhh how exciting! I've seen this book positively reviewed in several places, so I'd love to read it. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
I want! I want!
I am currently "before the yes" but would love to read about others who are "after" it. :-)
yey for your first giveaway caitlin! this is so exciting.. i remember hearing about her blog a few months ago - read a couple posts found it was really interesting & relateable. would love to read a good memoir. haven't really read one since i read eat, pray love a few yrs back.
Post a Comment