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Holiday Man

Page 20

by Marilyn Brant


  Jane's wise and witty advice guides Ellie through the trauma of adolescence and beyond, serving as the voice she trusts, usually more than her own. Years and boyfriends come and go, but Jane's counsel is constant, and on the subject of Sam, quite insistent. Stay away, Jane demands. He is your Mr. Wickham.

  Still, everyone has something to learn about love--perhaps even Jane herself. And lately, the voice in Ellie's head is being drowned out by another, urging her to look beyond all she thought she knew and seek out her very own, very unexpected, happy ending...

  PRAISE:

  “A warm, witty and charmingly original story.” -- Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author

  “A charming book.” -- Family Circle Magazine

  “Brant infuses her sweetly romantic and delightfully clever tale with just the right dash of Austen-esque wit.” -- Chicago Tribune

  “What an unexpected, uplifting, and urbane debut novel! …Subtly powerful and amusingly acerbic, you will be gently reproved into agreeing in the power of love to transform us all.” -- Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose and editor of Jane Austen Made Me Do It

  “Fresh, original, and lots of fun.” -- Barnes & Noble Review

  FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE

  Every woman remembers her firsts: Her first kiss. Her first lover. And her first time contemplating an affair...

  Each Friday morning at the Indigo Moon Café, Jennifer, Bridget and Tamara meet to swap stories about marriage, kids and work. But one day, spurred by recent e-mails from her college ex, Jennifer poses questions they've never faced before. What if they all married the wrong man? What if they're living the wrong life? And what would happen if, just once, they gave in to temptation...

  Soon each woman is second-guessing the choices she's made -- and the ones she can unmake -- as she becomes aware of new opportunities around every corner, from attentive colleagues and sexy neighbors to flirtatious past lovers. And as fantasies blur with real life, Jennifer, Bridget and Tamara begin to realize how little they know about each other, their marriages and themselves, and how much there is to gain--and lose--when you step outside the rules.

  PRAISE:

  “Marilyn Brant’s sophomore effort is a brilliant character study of three very different women each asking the question we all wonder about sooner or later: did we make the right choices during our journey and if not, what steps do we need to take in order to live our best life?” -- Manchester Books Examiner

  “Emotionally packed, it’s hard to put down… What intrigued me most was this book was as much about friendship as it was about what goes on behind the closed doors of marriage. Does anyone really know someone? Do we even know ourselves? Will we have the courage to go after what we want when presented with the options? …A highly recommended women’s fiction read.” -- Kelly Moran, award-winning author and reviewer

  “Marilyn Brant masterfully writes on the intricacy of female friendship in a carefully crafted, entertaining and yet philosophical look at love, marriage and family…Fans of women's fiction shouldn't miss this novel full of wonderful insights into our friendship and family, people and topics always at the forefront of our minds. I was so pleased with the way this one turned out and highly recommend it and Brant's debut novel, ACCORDING TO JANE.” -- Megan Snider, Write Meg reviewer

  “Readers will sympathize with women who feel stuck in their lives and don’t know what to do next…” -- Romantic Times BOOKreviews

  A SUMMER IN EUROPE

  Brant transports readers across the pond on a grand journey of self-awakening amidst the classic architecture and stunning vistas of Europe.

  On her 30th birthday, Gwendolyn Reese receives and unexpected present from her widowed Aunt Bea: a grand tour of Europe in the company of Bea's Sudoku and Mahjongg Club. The prospect isn't entirely appealing. But when the gift she is expecting -- an engagement ring from her boyfriend -- doesn't materialize, Gwen decides to go.

  At first, Gwen approaches the trip as if it's the math homework she assigns her students, diligently checking monuments off her must-see list. But amid the bougainvillea and beauty of southern Italy, something changes. Gwen begins to live in the moment -- skipping down stone staircases in Capri, running her fingers over a glacier in view of the Matterhorn, racing through the Louvre and taste-testing pastries, wine and gelato. Reveling in every new experience -- especially her attraction to a charismatic British physics professor -- Gwen discovers that the ancient wonders around her are nothing compared to the renaissance unfolding within...

  PRAISE:

  “How I wish I were on this European tour with Marilyn Brant's winsome, wonderful characters. I loved every minute of this delightful novel, from the breathtaking sights to the deliciously described food to the thrilling new experiences.” -- Melissa Senate, bestselling author of The Love Goddess’ Cooking School and See Jane Date

  “A SUMMER IN EUROPE is Brant's best book yet. A thinking woman's love story, it swept me away to breathtaking places with a cast of endearing characters I won't soon forget. Bravissima!” -- Susan McBride, author of Little Black Dress and The Cougar Club

  “Reading a Marilyn Brant book is like eating a piece of rich chocolate -- it gets you excited, it’s deliciously satisfying, and it leaves a smile on your face after you’ve finished it!” -- Simone Elkeles, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of the Perfect Chemistry series

  “Brant’s charming and engaging tale will allow readers to immerse themselves in the magic and beauty of Europe along with the characters. Although the descriptions of the scenery are amazing, the development of the characters and their unique personalities are what really make this novel shine. What an enjoyable escape!” -- Romantic Times BOOKreviews

  “Brant’s newest...distinguishes itself with a charismatic leading man and very funny supporting cast, especially the wonderful elderly characters with their resonant message about living life to the fullest.” -- Publishers Weekly

  Connect with Marilyn Online:

  Website: www.marilynbrant.com

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/marilyn.brant

  Twitter: twitter.com/marilynbrant

  Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/Marilyn-Brant/e/B003B2BGBG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1306899328&sr=1-2-ent

 

 

 


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