Review and Free Giveaway: After You
By Kristen on Nov 18, 2009 in Reviews
Release date: 2009 / 336 pages
Synopsis (from front cover): It happened on a tree-lined street in Notting Hill to a woman who seemed to have the 
perfect life. Ellie Lerner’s best friend, Lucy, was murdered in front of her young daughter. And, as best friends do, Ellie dropped everything — her marriage, her job, her life in the Boston suburbs — to travel to London and pick up the pieces of Lucy’s life…
First line: “Let’s pretend that things are different.”
Review: Ooooh! I just loved this book and am so excited to pass it along to another lucky reader… The week I read this, I had to force myself to read my allotted number of pages Monday – Tuesday to get through Three Junes. Then, I picked this up and had to STOP myself simply to honor the daily duties of living! I finished this novel wanting a sequel… A sign of a satisfying read!
When I received this novel a month or so ago, free from Buxbaum and her publisher, I was strangely apprehensive and did what should never be done by any seasoned reader, I judged it by the cover and title. The cover seemed a little too “Nicolas Sparks” and the title was so very unforgettable. True to form, I had not read any sort of synopsis and didn’t realize how sad the premise was.
In the first few pages, we meet Ellie, a 35 year old woman, still grieving a miscarriage that has distanced her from her husband, loses her best friend in a horrible crime and flies across the ocean to support her 8 year old goddaughter.
Honestly, if I had read this before beginning the novel, I still would not have expected just how well we get to know Ellie and Sophie (her goddaughter) or how compelling and perfectly-paced the story would be. I loved how blessedly unpredictable the storyline was at times and how much I enjoyed Ellie, even at her worst. Sophie is simply a gem, as are the supporting characters of Ellie’s parents, brother, husband, and Sophie’s dad.
In the past year I have been lucky to become a godmother myself — twice — and certainly felt the depth of grief and responsibility Ellie felt toward and for Sophie. While I would not have made a few of her decisions, I certainly empathized and rooted for her the entire novel. I also loved the London setting — after spending 6 months in Cambridge (England), I think part of myself is still roaming the cobblestone streets…
So, if you are in the mood for an engrossing, character-driven read with a great sense of place, drop me a comment and cross your fingers!
Welcome back!
I would love to be entered in your draw. My fingers are crossed. Thanks!
Wanda | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
I would love to be entered as well. The book sounds fabulous!
Robbie | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for your review! This book sounds excellent. Please throw my name in the hat
fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com
A Bookshelf Monstrosity | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
I would definitely love to be entered.
sharon54220@gmail.com
Sharon Walling | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
Sounds intriguing! Count me in, please!
Kearsten | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
love reminders not to judge a book by its cover…maybe I’ll get lucky and win it!!
Sidney | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
Oh, wow your review makes me want to go and buy this book right away. I’ll cross my fingers and hope I win. I haven’t won a challenge yet!
Mrs.Q: Book Addict | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
This sounds like my kind of book. I’d love to try it !
Deb | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
Please put me in for the free book. I would love to read this! And thanks again for all you do.
Theresa
Theresa | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
This book sound great! I LOVE anything set in England. Great review-makes me want to read this one for sure!
Heather | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
please put my name in the hattoo! looking for a good read for my trip to london over christmas!! thanks kristen!
cathy | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
Great review. Now one has the “perfect” life…
Margot | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
Please enter me in the draw! Thanks, Kelly
Kelly Fordon | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
My fingers are crossed! My fingers are crossed! Please pick me – I’ve been wanting to read this book!
Take care,
Renee
Renee | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
I would love to read this book! Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!
Barbara Smail | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
Please enter my name in the draw too…books sounds like something I’d like to read.
Marilyn | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
I’d love to try for this book! Sounds great!
Lisa | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
I would love to read this book! Please enter me.
Carol M | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
Your review makes this book sound enticing–please enter me into the giveaway this week! Thank you.
Linda | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
My fingers and toes are crossed! Please enter me in the drawing! It sounds absolutely wonderful.
Kimberly Loomis | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
Thanks so much for the lovely and thoughtful review. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed AFTER YOU, and really appreciate you spreading the word about the book!
All the best,
Julie Buxbaum
Julie Buxbaum | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
I would love to read this book! Please enter me in your drawing!!
Lynne | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for entering me!
melanie | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
That’s quite a glowing review – I would love to win a copy of this book!
Sue | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
crossing my fingers
christa | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
Oooh! I’m so glad that so many of you are interested!! My enthusiasm must have come through loud and strong!
Thank you, again, Julie for introducing me to your fiction. I’m so glad I can do the same myself!
Kristen | Nov 20, 2009 | Reply
This sounds terrific – I’d love to win a copy!
Debbie Byford | Nov 23, 2009 | Reply
You seem to make most books that you review sound enticing! Please enter my name into this week’s drawing. BTW, I loved “Looking After Pigeon;” what a plucky little girl with such great insight!
Linda | Nov 23, 2009 | Reply
I would LOVE to win this book!!
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Nancye Davis | Dec 1, 2009 | Reply
I’d love to read this and then donate it to our little library.
Lieura | Dec 2, 2009 | Reply
Please enter me in the free giveway. Thanks, Sagil
Sherrie Gil | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Please put my name in the drawing. Sounds great.
Sherrie Gil | Jan 14, 2010 | Reply