I just finished April and Oliver by Tess Callahan. This is Tess' first novel and she created a beautifully woven tale about family and friends (and friends who are like family). This story begins with the death of April's brother Buddy. I felt it was important to mention his name here because, while we is gone after the first two pages, he is a big part of the story and the reason April and Oliver meet up again.
April and Oliver are childhood friends who never crossed the line into a relationship. They are blatantly different and that is what makes this story so compelling.
Tess created real characters that make sense. We love our friends, we hate our friends. We respect our friends, we tell our friends the truth and are sometimes so brutally honest, that it hurts. We admire our friends and we disagree with them sometimes. These are all the things that make April and Oliver so real and interesting.
Oliver is engaged. April is in an unhealthy relationship. Oliver is a good guy and April is always looking for the next adrenaline rush.
Tess has a wonder future as a storyteller. She writes with such depth and focus that the character come to life. Even the secondary characters are likable and important to the story. Everything happens for a reason should be the sub heading of this book.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars!
To purchase the book head over to Amazon and buy April & Oliver: A Novel
for $16.31 (a savings of $7.68 from the cover price)I have one to give away courtesy of Hachette Book Group.
Giveaway Instructions
To Enter The Giveaway: You must be a subscriber or a follower! Is there someone from your past that you wish you could get in touch with again? (If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified). (US Only! 18+ Years Only!)
Deadline: July 18, 2009 (midnight)
Do You Want More Entries?
1 Extra - Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment).
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