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 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.
I’d love a copy! This is a new author to me 🙂
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The Romance genre is, I find, something to be taken in small doses, but The First Warm Evening of the Year sounds interesting.
I’d love to sit back with a glass of iced tea and this book!
Thanks for the chance.
Sounds like there might be trouble brewing in this romance novel, being their both already in relationship’s.
This novel sounds captivating. Thanks.
An enjoyable book which interests me greatly.
Sounds like we have the same opinion of most romance stories. I think I would enjoy this one.
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
Sounds like a good read for summer.
This one sounds really spicy.
I love books that keep you guessing about how things will end up.
This one sounds really good. Not just your usual romance, but something literary for summer. Count me in.
I want to read this to find out if they end up together!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Character-driven storyline? Yes, please!
Oooo everything about it seems steamy. I want one.
You won this book! Please respond to this comment via email with your address.
not one for romances, but this one sounds good
I’d like to win this book.
Getting the novel will make my day and if there is any way to get it am ready…
My wife would like this one.
My mom and I love a good character-driven story (and she wants to read this one first). = )
A romance novel is what my wife would like to read.
I’m a fan of any romance novel 🙂
Another one for my girlfriend to read.
I’ll pass this one on to my girlfriend too.
I would love to read this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Sounds like a winner to me.
Wife say’s she want’s to read this one.
Sounds good. Thanks for the giveaway
Sounds like an interesting romance. I would love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
thanks for the chance to read this beautiful story 😉
my wife would like to read this
Would love to win! Thanks for the giveaway!
accoupons at gmail dot com