• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
Women's Fiction Writers Banner
  • Home
  • About Amy Sue Nathan
  • About WFW
  • Amy’s Books
    • The Glass Wives
    • The Good Neighbor
    • Left To Chance
  • Amy the Writing Coach & Editor
You are here: Home / Book Review / What More Could You Wish For Than An Author-Friend Who Wrote Fabulous Women's Fiction? Irony And A Book Review!

What More Could You Wish For Than An Author-Friend Who Wrote Fabulous Women's Fiction? Irony And A Book Review!

July 3, 2012 13 Comments

One of the best parts of being an author is knowing, and in some cases being friends with, the people who are actually writing books that are being published.  I would also say that one of the strangest things about being an author is knowing, and sometimes being friends with, the people who are actually writing books that are being published.

I can go crazy trying to decide which books to read.  While I make it a point to read my closest author-friend’s books, I can’t read every book of every author I’ve connected with or even know in real life.  I do buy most of the books, and share the information I know, and add each one to my growing TBR list and pile.

But when your friend sends you an ARC (Advance Reading Copy, sometimes known as a Galley), and you know you’re going to feature her on Women’s Fiction Writers on her launch day (August 7th) — you cross your fingers while you crack the spine and simply pray you like it.

And my prayers were answered when I read WHAT MORE COULD YOU WISH FOR by Samantha Hoffman — fellow Chicagoan, St. Martin’s author, and Brenda Copeland-ite.

I met Samantha Hoffman because we share a publisher and an editor and then learned also share a love of Chicago, good wine, and good food (do not take these similarities for granted).  And lucky for me – and everyone else – these are some of the things showcased in her soon-to-be-released novel. And while I’m not in the habit of reviewing books per se, I just couldn’t wait to type the praises of Samantha’s book.

I didn’t know what to expect.  When I get a book – and I apologize to everyone who has ever written jacket or backcover copy (eh hem, me, and my editor, last week, eh hem) I rarely read it.  I pick up a book or I download the sample and I dive in. I usually have no clue what it’s about and have taken the word of a friend or been lured by delicate, whimsical or striking cover art.  Crafy titles can grab me as well.  And WMCYWF has it all.

I’d say that Sam’s book falls neatly into a category I made up myself. (Ah, the wonders of having your own blog, y’know?)  It’s women’s fiction with heart, soul, and a romantic tint.  Romantic? Absolutely. More than a romance? Absolutely!  Get ready for eloquent turns of phrase.  Well-crafted insights.  Laugher. Tears. Resolution.  Wonder. I related to and adored Libby Carson, the main character, even though she spends a modicum of time and energy choosing between two men.  Sometimes that would make me roll my eyes.  Ok, most of the time. But Samantha tells this intricate love story with such deference to the realities of Libby’s life — which isn’t all fabulous — that I was empathetic toward Libby immediately, and felt she was very relatable.

Before I read the book I told Sam I thought the cover represented an important birthday – I had read Sam’s back cover and knew that her protagonist, Libby, turned 50 at the beginning of the story. Halle-freaking-luyah!  Nothing against the 30-something or even the 40-something crowds but being closer to 50 than I am to any age other than 49, I do enjoy a book about someone who is already checking off a new box on surveys and getting obviously misdirected AARP mail – as am I.

I don’t read a book based on any age-bias – but this just made the book different from many I’ve read.  And just as I relate wholely to many books with protags of all ages, you needn’t be anywhere near 50 — above or below — to enjoy this book.

And when I finished the book (in less than two days) I knew exactly what the cover meant. It meant that Libby’s life was overloaded.  That she was overwhelmed.  Thinking too much.  Doing too much.  And just like a cupcake loaded with burning candles – if something isn’t done about that soon, whether it’s blowing them out and eating the cupcake or dousing the whole thing and throwing it into the garbage (what a waste) – there needs to be action or there is going to be a big metaphorical fire.

Hmmm.  Feel the tension?  Me too!!

And, how many of us haven’t felt overwhelmed or overcooked or under appreciated?

WHAT MORE COULD YOU WISH FOR is the perfect book to take on a trip (take Kleenex too) because 1) time will fly and 2) you’ll accomplish reading the whole thing, and 3) it’s a feel-good book.  It’s also a smart book with a protagonist making difficult choices in both common and uncommon situations – and I’m partial to books like that because they make me think.  What would I do?

When I finished the book I pre-ordered three copies to give as gifts – and because I’ll see Samantha, I’ll have them signed.  Another perk of having author friends, indeed.

I’m only sorry you have to wait until August 7th to read WMCYWF but Samantha will be back to talk about her experience writing her novel and having it published (wait until you hear that story!) and talk about (or maybe even show us) the sights around Chicago featured in her book.  For me, that may include walking shoes and a cab ride or two – for you, that is sure to include amazing insights and fun and more about Samantha Hoffman’s book.

Truly, what more could you wish for?

Amy xo

To learn more about Sam and her book, check out her website by clicking here.

To pre-order a copy, which is a fabulous way to know you’ll have the book asap: check out your favorite independent bookseller, BN, or Amazon.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Filed Under: Book Review, Brenda Copeland, Samantha Hoffman, St. Martin's Press, What More Could You Wish For Tagged With: Amy Sue Nathan, Women's Fiction, Women's Fiction Author

Previous Post: « Guest Post: The Importance Of Place In Women's Fiction by Kathy Lynn Harris
Next Post: Guest Post: HER SISTER'S SHADOW Author Katharine Britton Talks About Her Journey To Publication, And Reminds Aspiring Authors Not To Give Up »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karen Wojcik Berner says

    July 3, 2012 at 8:39 am

    Sounds great. Looking forward to hearing more about it.

    Reply
    • Samantha Hoffman says

      July 3, 2012 at 5:37 pm

      Hi Karen. I’m very excited! Only 34 more days until publication. This is my dream come true, and Amy’s a great supporter.

      Reply
  2. Melissa Crytzer Fry (@CrytzerFry) says

    July 3, 2012 at 8:47 am

    Thanks, Amy, for another great intro to a debut author. I find that I, too, am gravitating toward fiction with protagonists who are closer to my age. I just hit the big 4-0 mile marker, so reading about a woman in her fifties is right up my alley (look at her wisdom!).

    Reply
    • Samantha Hoffman says

      July 3, 2012 at 5:41 pm

      And Libby is very smart (if I do say so myself!). I enjoy books about older women as well. Have you read Elizabeth Berg’s Pull Of The Moon? Berg is one of my favorites.

      Reply
  3. Densie Webb says

    July 3, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    Amy, you have to stop—stop introducing me to books that I want to read. My TBR list is out of control! Sounds like it’s now going to be one book longer. Look forward to hearing Samantha’s publishing story. Happy 4th!

    Reply
    • Samantha Hoffman says

      July 3, 2012 at 5:45 pm

      Thanks, Densie. I hope you’ll read What More Could You Wish For. I’ll be talking about my publishing story on WGN Radio with Bill Moller on August 11th at 12:30p Central time. You can listen live if you’re not in the Chicago area with this link: http://www.wgnradio.com/about/listen/
      Happy 4th to you!

      Reply
  4. Lori Nelson Spielman says

    July 4, 2012 at 7:03 am

    Can’t wait to read, Samantha. Congrats! And Amy, thanks for the great review.

    Reply
    • Samantha Hoffman says

      July 4, 2012 at 10:33 am

      Thanks so much, Lori.

      Reply
  5. Mary Metcalfe says

    July 4, 2012 at 10:19 am

    Sounds like exactly the kind of book I want to read and, hopefully have written. Mine comes out shortly, with a heroine in her 50s. Sam, really looking forward to yours.

    Reply
    • Samantha Hoffman says

      July 4, 2012 at 10:35 am

      Great, Mary! Keep me posted on yours.

      Reply
  6. Brock says

    April 27, 2016 at 8:37 pm

    Using attack as a defense is a way of avoiding the lesson. One can observe a steady demand for such
    consumer reports for various product categories on websites and publications.
    Some people are brilliant at making their own personalised cards and if you’re interested in trying your hand at it, go for it.

    Branded companies will ask for the customer’s personal details when one buys the company’s product.

    Mailordermommy sells personalized party favors
    for children.

    Reply
  7. e-Business consultant says

    October 17, 2016 at 5:51 am

    Many thanks everyone for participating this post. It makes
    it pretty much interesting and easier to get.
    I wish all the online sources would display as Incredible information.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. What Happens When Authors Attempt A Vlog? Bloopers! « women's fiction writers says:
    July 20, 2012 at 8:54 am

    […] read my review of Sam’s book, click here. But don’t just take my word for it! “Everything old is new again – especially in matters […]

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Get Updates by Email

Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts by email.

Award-winning 2015-2018

Search for a post

Posts by Topic

Secondary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

My Novels





Copyright © 2021 · Women's Fiction Writers Blog

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.