Author:       Tess Callahan

Publisher:    Grand Central Publishing/Hachette

ISBN:          978-0-446-54059-9

Website:      http://tesscallahan.com/

Type:         Fiction

Pages:        336 Hardcover

Release:      June 3, 2009

Purchase:    $16.31 @ Amazon.com (HERE)

The Story

“Best friends since childhood, the sexual tension between April and Oliver has always been palpable. Years after being completely inseparable, they become strangers, but the wildly different paths of their lives cross once again with the sudden death of April’s brother. Oliver, the responsible, newly engaged law student finds himself drawn more than ever to the reckless, mystifying April – and cracks begin to appear in his carefully constructed life. Even as Oliver attempts to “save” his childhood friend from her grief, her menacing boyfriend and herself, it soon becomes apparent that Oliver has some secrets of his own–secrets he hasn’t shared with anyone, even his fiancé. But April knows, and her reappearance in his life derails him. Is it really April’s life that is unraveling, or is it his own? The answer awaits at the end of a downward spiral…towards salvation.”

(Above excerpt is from the www.hachette.com)

The Review

How a mother of twins had time to write this novel is BEYOND ME!  This book came recommended based upon my reaction to Follow Me.  This novel is similar in the way that there is a sadness that shadows its main characters and you realize that it is only within their grasp for them to move out of the shadows and into the light.  Both April and Oliver need a transformation.  They need to accept their truths.  But, sometimes the “broken” take a much longer road to finding self-acceptance or self-love.  April and Oliver cannot deny the truths within them just as they cannot deny the air they breathe.  Everybody can see them, but they just can’t see to see themselves.

I found myself completely engrossed in this read.  The character development was excellent and the storyline kept me engaged the entire time.  I can relate to characters like April and Oliver.  The way they think makes sense to me and I can feel for them in such a way that their hardship is part of their beauty.  Callahan did a fantastic job with the surrounding characters Al, Nana, Bernadette, and T.J.   Each of them I see in my mind’s eye as clear as day.   

The book is being released on June 3rd.  For the price of $16.31 for a hardcover edition of this book, I highly recommend that you pre-order this book from Amazon.com.  This book will be on my “Best of 2009″ List for many reasons.  The story is sad, yet hopeful and it ended just the way that it should have. 

You have the opportunity to win this book.  THREE lucky winners will receive a copy of April & Oliver!   For the contest, here are the rules:

 

First, this contest will run for TWO WEEKS!  It starts on May 14th and will conclude on May 28th.  Second, there are lots of ways that you can earn “EXTRA ENTRIES” on this contest as follows: 

•  ONE ENTRY: Leave me a comment below.
• TWO ENTRIES: Post on your blog about the giveaway. Please leave me a comment letting me know you’ve posted.
• ADDITIONAL TWO ENTRIES:  In your comment, tell us something about your true love.  Is your true love your first love?  Are you still together or have you parted ways?  
• ADDITIONAL ENTRY:  Subscribe to A Novel Menagerie – leave in your comment.
• ADDITIONAL ENTRY:  “Tweet” about this contest on Twitter – advise me of the “Tweet”
• ADDITIONAL ENTRY:  Share this contest with one of your friends.  When your friend enters, just have him/her mention your name as the one who referred the contest when they enter.
• ADDITIONAL ENTRY:   Add A Novel Menagerie to your BlogRoll on your sidebar – let me know about it in your comment.

 

I’ve learned a lot lately about how absolutely subjective reading is.  Two people will read this book and not walk away with the same impression of it.  Words of a well written book truly are art.  When an author is able to tell a story in such a way that you feel connected to the characters and you find yourself caring about their outcome, then the author has done his/her job.  Callahan did her job well with April & Oliver.  For me, a GREAT LOVER OF FICTION, there is nothing greater for me than a story that sweeps me away into another world.  April & Oliver has done that for me. 

In my opinion, Tess Callahan wrote a poignant, heartbreaking tale of redemption that I will rate, in the genre: Fiction, a 10 OUT OF 10.   I highly recommend this novel to book clubs as it will promote A GREAT BOOK CLUB discussion.

My heartfelt thanks to Miriam and Hachette for this amazing read. 

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