THE WIND’S ECHOING EMBRACE by Erin Pirani–Featured New Release

THE WIND’S ECHOING EMBRACE

Erin Pirani

Erin

SYNOPSIS

The secrets of his past may hinder the future…

A year has passed since the attempt on Ali Raza’s life. He has managed to put everything behind him and live anew in wedded bliss with his wife, Charmaine Radcliff. Unfortunately, the peace in their lives is derailed when Ali is summoned to India to solve the assassination attempt of a respected official. Ali agrees that Charmaine accompany him, with the exception that she remains undercover. When alarming details from his past emerge, they are both at risk.

Lies, betrayal, and dangerous games…

When the intrepid seamstress Charmaine embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with her husband, her enthusiasm attracts the interest of a high-ranking British officer and her marriage is placed in jeopardy. Ali and Charmaine face a multitude of challenges, from interfering family members and dangerous attractions to an unidentified villain. Can their love see them through these betrayals,or will fears from the past endanger them both?

From the charming grandeur of England to untamed India, The Wind’s Echoing Embrace is a whirlwind journey of devotion and the power of love.

Purchase Links: 

Universal          Amazon          Barnes & Noble


EXCERPT

The food, spices, and incense whirled around her. It gave Charmaine some comfort. And little by little, she pulled her handkerchief away from her nose and tucked it into the suit’s breast pocket.

The men who were not bartering stopped and greeted her with an odd stare. Women draped in bright full-length clothing murmured behind their hands.

The activity pulled her in so many different directions that she could not think straight. She turned to speak to her husband but found him in a much-contrasted demeanor from his usual self. Since receiving the telegram from his superior, Ali’s behavior had altered. He now appeared guarded.

To the people around her, she must have seemed as if she were a foreign creature. Yet Ali still walked alongside her as any dutiful gentleman would. On the other hand, Charmaine saw him in another light. Stern, straight-laced—the conduct typical of a military officer. So different, so unlike the man she had grown to love over the last year. An uneasy feeling sprouted in the pit of her stomach. Now she was the stranger in a strange land.


ABOUT ERIN

Goodhairday

Erin Pirani is an up and coming author who writes historical romances set in the Edwardian, Victorian, Medieval, and Fantasy Eras.  She likes to sprinkle humor into her stories to alleviate the tension. Erin finally had her dream come true in the fall of 2017 her debut novella Carried by the Eastern Wind was published by a small press. She has then taken the self-publishing route with the release of her latest title The Wind’s Echoing Embrace.

Her love of reading stemmed from a journalist father while her creative abilities were fostered by her artist mother from her childhood in Northwestern Minnesota.

She currently lives with an adventurous husband and two rambunctious daughters in North Carolina.  Their constant moves fuel the inspiration for Erin’s stories.

BEYOND REPAIR by Catherine Stein – Featured New Release

Beyond Repair Now Available

BEYOND REPAIR

Sass and Steam #4

Catherine Stein


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Beyond Repair cover

When life is a broken wreck, it takes a special kind of doctor to put the pieces back together.

Owen Cassidy’s life is in a shambles. His business is plagued by catastrophic malfunctions, a near-fatal attack has left him with a shoulder full of gears and wires, and the lady doctor who saved his life insists on bedrest over action. To make matters worse, she’s perpetually cheerful, utterly gorgeous, and entirely uninterested in him.

Dr. Eleanor Taylor has no intention of letting an obstinate, uncooperative tycoon ruin her hard work. Nora’s never been swayed by a handsome face, so desire is the last thing she expects to complicate the situation. But when she and Owen begin to bond, amorous feelings she’s rarely experienced—and doesn’t know how to handle—spark to life.

As Nora and Owen find themselves lost in a tangle of friendship and blazing passion, their enemy’s schemes become wilder and more dangerous. To escape with their lives and hearts intact, they’ll need all their wits, all their skills, and a relationship built on the deepest trust.

Beyond Repair is the fourth full-length novel in the Sass and Steam series. Sunshine demisexual doctor, grumpy businessman, and plenty of steampunk hijinks!

Buy Links:

Universal          Amazon          B&N          Kobo          Google Play           Apple          Indiebound

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ABOUT CATHERINE

Catherine Stein

Award-winning author Catherine Stein believes that everyone deserves love and that Happily Ever After has the power to help, to heal, and to comfort. She writes sassy, sexy romance set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Her books are full of action, adventure, magic, and fantastic technologies.

Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.

Connect with Catherine:

Website          Facebook          Twitter          Instagram          Bookbub          Amazon

NOT ANOTHER FAKE MARRIAGE by R.L. Kenderson–Featured New Release

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NOT ANOTHER FAKE MARRIAGE

R. L. Kenderson


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not another fake marriage

When she helps her ex’s brother and gets her revenge, he’ll show her that love can be better than vengeance.

After my husband and I split, he ignored our divorce decree and hasn’t paid me a single dime owed to me. But when my former brother-in-law tells me he needs a fake wife to get his inheritance and save the family business from my ex’s hands, I can’t volunteer fast enough.

Getting even is the only motive I need, but Trevor also offers to help me get my money, and it’s almost too good to be real. I can finally pay off my bills and move on with my life.

But when it comes time for us to get our own divorce, Trevor decides he’s not going to let me go as easily as his brother did.

💍Kindle: https://smarturl.it/NotAnotherMarriageAm
💍Apple: https://smarturl.it/NotAnotherMarriageAp
💍Nook: https://smarturl.it/NotAnotherMarriageBN
💍Kobo: https://smarturl.it/NotAnotherMarriageKo
💍Google Play: https://smarturl.it/NotAnotherMarriageGP


ABOUT R.L. KENDERSON

R.L Kenderson Logo

R.L. Kenderson is two best friends writing under one name.

Renae has always loved reading, and in third grade, she wrote her first poem where she learned she might have a knack for this writing thing. Lara remembers sneaking her grandmother’s Harlequin novels when she was probably too young to be reading them, and since then, she knew she wanted to write her own.

When they met in college, they bonded over their love of reading and the TV show Charmed. What really spiced up their friendship was when Lara introduced Renae to romance novels. When they discovered their first vampire romance, they knew there would always be a special place in their hearts for paranormal romance. After being unable to find certain storylines and characteristics they wanted to read about in the hundreds of books they consumed, they decided to write their own.

One lives in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and the other in the Kansas City area where they’re a sonographer/stay-at-home mom/wife and pharmacist/mother by day, and together they’re a sexy author by night. They communicate through phone, email, and whole lot of messaging.

Website: http://www.rlkenderson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rlkenderson
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rlkendersonreaderlounge/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rlkendersonauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlkenderson/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/rlkenderson
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7375708.R_L_Kenderson
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-l-kenderson

AN EARL UNMASKED by Rachel Ann Smith – Featured New Release

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AN EARL UNMASKED

by

Rachel Ann Smith


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AEU cover

Lady Diana Malbury is known for her charm and intelligence, why else would she rather solve another one of the late Earl of Chestwick’s word puzzles than entertain potential suitors for the Season?
 
The old earl presents her with the highest-stake challenge yet…
 
If she remains unwed for the Season, she can return to his estate next summer and solve the latest puzzle by way of his extensive library, her favorite place in England…
 
But Randal Wilson, the new Earl of Chestwick, has returned from the war a decorated hero but also wounded and angry. His estate is off-limits to everyone. Why would the Beast of Chestwick allow the mindless fools of society to infiltrate his private world when he has greater things to worry about, like getting back to the war front.
 
But Diana doesn’t give up easily, and when she meets the earl after trespassing on his land—the two share a brief but soul-awakening kiss.
 
Suddenly Diana and Randal are forced to rethink their solitary ambitions…love is a riddle that only two hearts can solve together.
 
Kindle Unlimited subscribers read for free!
 
Ladies of Risk
An Earl Unmasked
The Duke of Aces
King Takes Queen
 
 
Retailer link:

 

Rachel Ann Smith writes steamy historical romances with a twist. Her debut series, Agents of the Home Office, features female protagonists that defy convention.

When Rachel isn’t writing, she loves to read and spend time with her family. She is frequently found with her Kindle by the pool during the summer, the soccer field in the spring and fall, or curled up on the couch during the winter months.

She currently lives in Texas with her extremely understanding husband and their two very supportive children.

Follow Rachel Ann here: 

WebsiteAmazonFacebookInstagramTwitter

THE KRONIC by Kenya Goree-Bell–Featured New Release

I will always want to get lost in you. Always, Miracle.

THE KRONIC

Kenya Goree-Bell


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Kronic

What happens when the Biggest Star in the world falls for a carefree Autistic Girl? 
 
Miracle
🦄 Carefree
🦋 Neurodiverse
🦄Sensory Seeking
🦋Loves Green 
 
Kris
☄️Biggest Star in the world
🐺Alpha but not a A-hole
☄️DGAF
🐺Cuddle bear 
 
 
“I will always want to get lost in you. Always, Miracle. “
 
Kris, The Kronic Kyrikos has everything — but her, his best friend Miracle Howard. The Box Office Bully has his work set out for him when he finds himself wanting more from his bestie than movie nights, picnics and walks on the beach. 
 
Miracle Howard has always defied other people’s expectations. But now her bestie, Kris is expecting kisses. Kisses she very much wants to return. Dare she? He’s the biggest star in the world but he’s looking at her like she holds the universe. 
 
The Kronic is fourth story in the bestselling Mogul Series. Journey with Kris and Miracle as they discover what happens when walks on the beach and movie nights end with endless kisses and sleepovers where sheets and bodies end up tangled. 

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KGB

Kenya Goree-Bell lives in Alabama with her former warrior husband and three kids. She is the author of the Harem Diaries Series and the bestselling Mogul Series. When not writing she is a romance novel influencer, lifelong bibliophile and can be seen weekly on Instagram and Facebook Live interviewing other authors on her IGTV Channel; TheKGB– The K’s Grown and Sexy Book Club. She believes that Happy Ever After belongs to everyone and writes about worlds where everyone has a chance at love.  

Kenya@kenyagoreebell.com
www.Kenyagoreebell.com


SECRET KISSES by Aurora Paige – Featured New Release

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SECRET KISSES

Midnight Kisses Series

Aurora Paige

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Secret Kisses

Stella
 
Did that just happen? Did Jaxson Mitchell really kiss me with his girlfriend in the other room?
 
I’d crushed hard on Jaxson for as long as I could remember. But my older brother had made it perfectly clear his best friend was off limits. 
 
Childhood crushes were just a phase…or so I thought until that New Year’s Eve kiss. Now all of those familiar feelings were back.
 
Jaxson
 
I knew Stella was untouchable, but I made my move all the same. 
 
It was risky, knowing friendships could be lost, and a family bond might be broken. Yet, kissing her was all I thought about from the minute I laid eyes on her at that party. 
 
So, when the clock struck midnight, I knew it was my chance. 
 
It was a new year, and I had a resolution I planned to keep. I just hoped Stella felt the same.
 
 
 
 
Midnight Kisses Series
 
This year, make the ultimate resolution to fall in love with the sexiest book boyfriends around. 
 
Midnight kisses, parties in the city, cozy cabins, and all the taboo sexiness you can handle. 
 
Strap on your slippers, and get cozy, cause these men are coming to you.
 
 


 

ABOUT AURORA

Aurora Paige
Aurora Paige is a healthcare professional by day and a Filipina-American writer of steamy contemporary romance with sassy heroines and sexy heroes at night. Each Aurora Paige story delivers a variety of Curvy Heroines, Multicultural relationships, Alpha Heroes, Steamy Heat, and a Guaranteed Happily Ever After.
 
 

THE YES DARE by Kathleen Y’Barbo – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

THE YES DARE

A Pies, Books
& Jesus Club Novel
by
KATHLEEN Y’BARBO
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Date of Publication: July 15, 2021
Number of Pages: 246 pages 
Scroll down for Giveaway!

Have you ever wished for a second chance to fix something you’ve messed up or for the courage to say yes to something that just may change your life? Sometimes saying yes to the last thing you want can mean saying yes to exactly what you need.

Ryan “The Rocket” Sutton’s winning streak is legendary makes him the undisputed best quarterback in the NFL. However, thanks to one dumb mistake, he’s a failure as a husband to Coco, the only woman he’s ever loved. When a judge’s mistake in divorce paperwork means Coco is still his wife, Ryan makes up his mind to fix what he ruined. Ryan’s game plan doesn’t count on an internationally famous movie director’s camera crew following him as he competes for Coco’s love.

After spending most of her adult life as a football wife and mother to twin sons, fashionista Coco Sutton is learning how to be single and fabulous. Emphasis on Fabulous. The sports trophies, memorabilia, and heavy masculine wood furniture in the home she used to share with Ryan have been banished to the attic, and her home is now a cozy haven of plush candle-scented comfort. She’s got big plans that include owning a boutique or maybe an art gallery, but she never planned to take on the biggest challenge of her life: staying single. Then her best friend gives her a copy of a book called The Yes Dare, and all her plans are turned upside down.

From a Hollywood movie to the local spring event formerly known as the Cow Chip Toss Festival and a country crooner with a crush on Coco, will Ryan dodge the obstacles to win back the only woman he ever loved?
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Stories like The Yes Dare are why I love to read Romance. Normally, I’d never touch a book if there’s even a slight hint of the kind of betrayal that broke up the main characters’ marriage in this story. Knowing the guarantee of a happy-ever-after ending in my favorite genre is what had me taking a chance on reviewing Ms. Y’Barbo’s latest title despite not having read any of her work before. I’m glad that trust was justified and the author delivered spectacularly on the resolution of the conflict that’s keeping Coco and Ryan apart.
You have no idea how many opportunities you’ve got to change your life until you start watching for them.”
Lighthearted and well-paced, The Yes Dare tells the entertaining story of Ryan’s campaign to win back Coco’s heart after finding out the invalidity of their divorce a year later. With the help of their sons, their friends, the people of their small town of Sugar Pine, Texas, the governor himself, and a book from which the story’s title came from, Rocket succeeds in getting Coco to say Yes to him once more.
I liked many things about this book. Now in my late-40’s, I prefer stories with protagonists close to my age so the fact that Coco and Ryan are almost forty made them more relatable to me. Ryan’s putting words into action and Coco’s competence in managing a large-scale event demonstrated their maturity in a way that’s very appealing. Also noteworthy is the subtle integration of faith in their words and deeds.
The sheer Texas-ness of Sugar Pine and its residents is really delightful. The members of Coco and Ryan’s community not only meddle, express their opinions loudly, but they also give their support wholeheartedly.
The low level of angst is something I highly appreciate. It’s obvious from the start that the estranged couple still loved each other and excessive push and pull would not have suited the story. I respect Ms. Y’Barbo for setting the right tone and flow that made this book an easy and enjoyable read.
Having said that, I’d have liked more setup for the climactic scene and perhaps an epilogue instead of the abrupt ending. I also would have appreciated more inclusiveness and wider representation to reflect the society we live in today.
Huge thanks to Lone Star Lit and the author for giving me the opportunity to review the book. I’ll be visiting Sugar Pine again in the future to get to know more about their residents, especially Sessa and Trey.
4 out of 5 stars

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Students, Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Sisters in Crime, Faith Hope and Love Christian Writers, and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.
Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north of Houston, Texas, and are the parents, grandparents, and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and a trio of adorable Londoners.

THE SPINSTER’S SWINDLE by Catherine Stein – Featured New Release

1st line now

THE SPINSTER’S SWINDLE

Arcane Tales #2

Catherine Stein


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The Spinster's Swindle cover

Revenge is in her future. But falling for her enemy’s son is one fate this spiritualist could never have envisioned.

Playwright Maxwell Millerson would rather spend his days dreaming up stories than cleaning up his father’s messes. But a trendy renovation has the family’s gaming club on the brink of ruin, and not even Max’s imagination can conjure a way out. Desperate, he turns to the multi-talented—and alluringly audacious—Madame Xyla to help him spin gold from straw.

Lydia Weaver, professionally known as spiritualist Madame Xyla, has long sought revenge on the man responsible for her cousin’s imprisonment. When her enemy’s son visits her seance room seeking advice, Lydia leaps at the opportunity for vengeance—until Max’s easy charm and poetic words threaten to turn her plans upside-down.

As their friendship grows and they give way to their mutual attraction, Lydia and Max must weigh family duty with their hearts’ desires. And only when they confront old wounds and new feelings can a happy ending be in the cards.

 

Buy Links:

Universal          Amazon          B&N          Kobo          Google Play           Apple          Indiebound

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REVIEW

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I’ve been reading Ms. Stein’s books since her debut and I love witnessing her tremendous growth as a storyteller. The world she created with her words is filled with multifaceted characters, tightly woven relationships, richly drawn backdrops, and beautiful prose.

At a time when I needed a diversion from my worries, escaping into the romance between Lydia and Max meant a great deal to me.

5 stars


ABOUT CATHERINE

Catherine Stein

Award-winning author Catherine Stein believes that everyone deserves love and that Happily Ever After has the power to help, to heal, and to comfort. She writes sassy, sexy romance set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Her books are full of action, adventure, magic, and fantastic technologies.

Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.

 

Connect with Catherine:

Website          Facebook          Twitter          Instagram          Bookbub          Amazon

SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE by Tari Faris – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

 

SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE
Restoring Heritage Series, #3
by
Tari Faris
 
Genre: Fiction / Christian / Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Revell
Date of Publication: September 7, 2021
Number of Pages: 336 pages
 
 
Scroll down for giveaway!
 

 
 
 

With her vision and his know-how, this thing just might work . . .

Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah’s past difficult, but he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.

In order to avoid forcing a buyout of Leah’s building, Jon will have to strike a compromise. Can the two of them work together? Or will their troubled past set the tone for their future?

 
 
CLICK TO PURCHASE!
 
 

 
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With its uplifting theme of second chances–in love and in faith–Since You’ve Been Gone is one inspiring read. While tackling deep issues of childhood scars and fear of being hurt, grieving the loss of loved ones, and trying to succeed in business, Ms. Faris still managed to achieve a tone of lightness and hope that made reading this third book in her Restoring Heritage series easy and comforting.   
 
This is the first book by Tari Faris that I’ve read and I’m impressed with her ability to seamlessly weave two wonderfully sweet love stories in one novel. I especially appreciate the strong sense of family and community that shone throughout the book. All the charms of the small town setting were highlighted so well. The bit about Otis, the moving brass hippo, was particularly cute and heartwarming. I truly hope Heritage, Michigan exists because I want to go there for a visit. 
 
Love is letting someone in and trusting them even though they have the potential to break your heart.”
 
Leah and Jon’s rocky romance is both endearing and frustrating. It’s sweetened by swoon-worthy gestures yet soured by all the misunderstandings. Jon’s courtship of Leah, who he loved since high school, is complicated by his struggles with his sister, his conflict with his uncle regarding the running of the business, and his own insecurities about his readiness to lead the company his father built. Leah’s fear of getting hurt warred with her desire to be loved for who she is, quirks and all. Past familial drama did a number on her and caused her to be wary of love. Thankfully, supportive siblings and friends helped bring the two together for their much-deserved happily ever after. 
 
I love you and every broken piece about you and the fact you’re letting God heal that brokenness. And I hope you can grow to love every broken pieces about me.”
 
I liked Leah and Jon’s story but it was Madison and Colby’s romance that really captivated me. Of the two, the latter is more faith-centric. Damaged by abuse and finding affirmation in the wrong places, Madison took a self-destructive path in her youth. Her reluctant return to the town where she thought herself unwelcome and her rediscovery of her faith with the help of Colby and some unexpected new friends make a compelling story. The music she and Colby created was beautiful and profound. If it’s a real recorded song, I’ll buy it. 
 

Thanks to Revell, Tari Faris, and Lone Star Lit for providing me a copy of Since You’ve Been Gone for this review. I enjoyed this book, especially its earworm of a title, and will seek out the first two in the series. 

 
 
4 out of 5 stars
 

 
 
Tari Faris is the author of You Belong with Me and Until I Met You. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy, she is the projects manager for My Book Therapy, writes for learnhowtowriteanovel.com, and is a 2017 Genesis Award winner. She has an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary and lives in the Phoenix, Arizona, area with her husband and their three children. Although she lives in the Southwest now, she lived in a small town in Michigan for 25 years.
 
WEBSITEFACEBOOKTWITTER
AMAZONGOODREADS
INSTAGRAM BOOKBUB
 
 

 
 
—————————————
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
ONE WINNER:
A copy of the whole Restoring Heritage series,
a $10 Starbucks gift card,
and a bookish sticker pack!
(US only. Ends 10/22/21.)
 

AFTER PERFECT by Maan Gabriel – Featured New Release

After Perfect graphic

AFTER PERFECT

Maan Gabriel

 

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9781647422035_fcThirty-six-year-old Gabriella Stevens is living quietly and contently as a devoted housewife to Simon—just as her traditional Filipino mother has always told her to do—when, after sixteen years of marriage and twenty years together, he tells he wants a divorce.

With New York City as her backdrop, Gabby—single for the first time since she was a teenager—goes back to school, gets her first real job, and faces unfamiliar reality with determination. But when she unexpectedly falls in love with her mysterious but utterly beautiful creative writing professor, Colt, she learns he is battling demons of his own: a tragic past that may have made him incapable of love. Is Gabby destined for another heartbreak—or will her connection with Colt be what unbreaks her?

 

Buy Links:

Amazon          Barnes & Noble          One More Page

 

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Advance Praise:

  • “A heartfelt debut, After Perfect depicts a woman’s healing after divorce with grace and empathy. Maan Gabriel is an author to watch in contemporary women’s fiction.” ―Tif Marcelo, USA Today best-selling author of In a Book Club Far Away and The Key to Happily Ever After
  • “At once relatable and unexpected, AFTER PERFECT is the story of one woman’s quest to learn to live—and love—on her own terms after heartbreak. Maan Gabriel is a refreshing new voice in women’s fiction.” —Camille Pagán, bestselling author of Don’t Make Me Turn This Life Around
  • “Maan Gabriel’s After Perfectis the story of a marriage and a divorce and the complexities of both. Gabriel explores how cultural expectations may not only inform decision-making but determine it. In clear prose and through vivid scenes, Maan Gabriel shows us this irony―often through relationships, we come to know ourselves.” ―Corie Adjmi, author of Life and Other Shortcomings

ABOUT MAAN

MaanMaan Gabriel is a mom, wife, dreamer, writer, and advocate for women’s stories in literature. She earned her BA in communications from St. Scholastica’s College in Manila and MPS in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University. She has lived in Manila, Brussels, Dakar, and Mexico City. During the day, she works in strategic communications. Gabriel, along with her husband and son, currently calls suburban Washington DC home. After Perfect is her first novel.

 

Learn more at www.maangabriel.com


REVIEW

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From its pain-filled opening scene to the sigh-worthy hopeful ending, After Perfect is one highly evocative read. Maan Gabriel’s wonderfully polished debut involves the reader in newly-divorced Gabby Stevens’ journey to self-discovery amidst heartbreak and uncertainties.

After being cosseted most of her life, Gabby resolves to start over, go back to school, get a job, move into a small place, open herself up to new experiences, and stand on her own. Along the way, she maintains the support of her parents and best friend while creating meaningful relationships with new people. 

I like how Ms. Gabriel made Gabby so real and relatable by giving her balance in both long-held insecurities and newfound strengths. I love how she made Gabby’s Filipino heritage integral to her identity. I admire the way she drew her characters with dimensions, with light and shade. Thomas is, of course, a favorite as well as Gabby’s parents and her best friend Felicity. They provide the humor necessary to counter the angst in the storyline. As for Simon and Colt, I can see the attraction and approve of the final choice. They’re both important but this book is all about Gabby.

Other things I love: 

  • The inclusiveness and diversity of the characters reflect the society we live in today.
  • The great sense of place in both New York City and Washington DC locations
  • Everything that has to do with books (Thomas’s bookshop!!!), the writing and reading of them 
  • All the food

Some of my favorite quotes:

The thing about writing … It defines who you are as a person. It evolves and revolves around you, around how you feel, or around how you perceive life.”

If I become light, then darkness cannot overpower me. You can’t extinguish the light from the sun.”

When you have a book, you have been everywhere.”

Love is nobody’s fault. Love is someone’s magic. And no one should feel guilty for loving.”

Content notes: adultery, on-page miscarriage, deaths (narrated), body image issues

4 Four-half-stars