I enjoy a romance every now and then, but there are things that are common to this genre that make them a less than ideal read for me. The First Warm Evening of the Year is a romance, yet one with a more literary feel, without explicit details that I don’t wish to read, and with a more character driven approach to telling the story (which I like, but if you like a plot-driven story, this type of book will frustrate you).
Geoffrey is pulled away from his NYC bachelor’s life as a voice-over actor when an old college friend dies. He hasn’t seen or talked to Laura since she moved to Paris after college — 20 years ago — and yet, she’s left word that she’d like him to act as executor of his estate.
When he goes out to the small town of Shady Grove, New York, he begins to think about his and Laura’s friendship, and what she meant to him, and why they lost touch. Laura’s good friend Marion is waiting there to meet him, and from the moment Geoffrey sees her, he can’t stop thinking about her. But he’s involved; she’s involved; and to be honest, neither of them are really looking for a soulmate.
The theme of unrequieted love is a fairly common one, yet Jamie Saul tells the story in such a perfect way that as a reader, I was pulled through the story in suspense. At first, I was convinced that they’d get together — of course they would — and then I wasn’t so sure that I’d get that happy ending (and what I firmly believed would be best for Marion and Geoffrey), and then I’d flip back to the other side of things, unsure if they’d be together, but certain that they’d probably be okay either way.
Of course I’m not going to tell you how it turns out, but I will say that if you enjoy character-driven novels, I can recommend this one highly.
The giveaway is closed.
The publisher has offered up a copy, so leave a comment if you’d like to win (U.S. addresses only). We’ll announce the winner in our giveaway column on May 2.
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Jennifer blogs at Snapshot when she’s not getting lost in a book.
Bethany says
I’d love a copy! This is a new author to me 🙂
[email protected]
Liz says
The Romance genre is, I find, something to be taken in small doses, but The First Warm Evening of the Year sounds interesting.
Kayo says
I’d love to sit back with a glass of iced tea and this book!
Thanks for the chance.
Angela E. says
Sounds like there might be trouble brewing in this romance novel, being their both already in relationship’s.
Ellie says
This novel sounds captivating. Thanks.
Anne says
An enjoyable book which interests me greatly.
Sandra K321 says
Sounds like we have the same opinion of most romance stories. I think I would enjoy this one.
Cindi says
I am just reconnecting with a man that hasn’t
been in my life for 30 years!
This books sounds like a nice, delightful
one to read…
Many thanks, Cindi
Amy says
Sounds like a good read for summer.
Lori says
This one sounds really spicy.
Staci A says
I love books that keep you guessing about how things will end up.
Jean Lewis says
This one sounds really good. Not just your usual romance, but something literary for summer. Count me in.
Beth C says
I want to read this to find out if they end up together!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Barb: 1SentenceDiary says
Character-driven storyline? Yes, please!
MeMetu says
Oooo everything about it seems steamy. I want one.
Jennifer says
You won this book! Please respond to this comment via email with your address.
samanthaw says
not one for romances, but this one sounds good
Natalia says
I’d like to win this book.
kenyanjobs says
Getting the novel will make my day and if there is any way to get it am ready…
Chuck says
My wife would like this one.
Chris says
My mom and I love a good character-driven story (and she wants to read this one first). = )
Jeff says
A romance novel is what my wife would like to read.
Stephanie says
I’m a fan of any romance novel 🙂
Garrett says
Another one for my girlfriend to read.
Van says
I’ll pass this one on to my girlfriend too.
Linda Kish says
I would love to read this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
June says
Sounds like a winner to me.
Don says
Wife say’s she want’s to read this one.
Dianne says
Sounds good. Thanks for the giveaway
Anita Yancey says
Sounds like an interesting romance. I would love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
karenk says
thanks for the chance to read this beautiful story 😉
bobby says
my wife would like to read this
Angela Calvert says
Would love to win! Thanks for the giveaway!
accoupons at gmail dot com