It should come as no surprise that I am a reader who likes a book with a happy ending. (You did read my post last month titled, “The Need for Romance Novels,” didn’t you? If you missed it, click here to check it out.)
So it really should come as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed reading Annabel Monaghan’s novel Nora Goes Off Script. Yes, it’s a romance. But it’s also more than a romance. I just couldn’t help but root for Nora, and I couldn’t help but see bits of myself in her — she has a weekly meal plan (Tuesday Tacos, Friday Pasta) and so do I (Tostada Tuesday, Pasta Thursday).
Here are just a few of my favorite bits:
“Pink ribbons, then orange creep up behind the wide-armed oak tree at the end of my lawn. The sun rises behind it differently every day. Some days it’s a solid bar of sherbet that rolls up like movie credits and fills the sky. Some days the light dapples through the leaves in a muted gray.”
“You live for your kids, and they live for you. There’s something almost sacred about what you have.”
“It’s possible that growing up watching the fantasy of this marriage is what makes writing romance movies so easy. My parents make me believe that some people really are made for each other and that a joyful, easy marriage is possible. Two people who love each other and are looking in the same direction can build a wonderful life.”
Also: this book was super popular last year. This year, the talk is about Ms. Monaghan’s most recent novel Same Time Next Summer. I have added it to my ever-growing want-to-read list.
Please note: I am including a link to buy the book that I’m highlighting this week. If you use my link, I do make a small commission on your purchase at no additional cost to you. I am working with Bookshop.org which also sends a portion of the profit to support local, independent bookstores.