Otherwise Engaged

December 1, 2018

When Molly's soon-to-be fiancé Gabe finishes his novel, it's a bit of a shock. Even more surprising is the titular character of the novel who happens to be based on his ex-girlfriend, Talia. In their relationship, Molly is always the steadfast partner willing to support Gabe in his writing. With the novel finished, their lives change drastically as Gabe quickly gets a book deal and some unexpected publicity puts the work's word-of-mouth buzz off the charts. Then it seems that Molly and Gabe are on opposite trajectories as Gabe starts to realize his wildest dreams, and Molly becomes more unhinged. When Molly finally hits rock bottom, she's faced with rebuilding parts of her life she thought were rock solid before Gabe's novel was published. VERDICT Palmer (Pretty in Ink) hits the right tone that is both funny and poignant as she documents Molly's downturn from together fiancée to crazy ex-girlfriend. Perfect for fans of Emily Giffin and Elin Hilderbrand.--Karen Core, Detroit P.L.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2018
Molly is loving life as a newly engaged woman to Gabe, who just sold his first novel. When she reads the book, however, she quickly realizes that it could be considered a retelling of his relationship with his ex, Talia. Molly goes off the deep end, stalking Talia, messing up at her job in HR, maxing out her credit cards, and running into the arms of her first love?despite her imminent wedding. Palmer's latest (after If We Lived Here, 2015) is right on time for the resurgence of the chick-lit novel (see also Hannah Orenstein and Samantha Young). Combining relationship woes and female friendship, she creates a humorous take on what happens when a woman is scorned. Secondary characters, including Molly's best friends and her sister-in-law, are well developed, and their own story lines give the novel even more depth. Molly's relationship with her Type A mother will have readers laughing, as will her inner monologues as she's reading Gabe's novel. An excellent read, best enjoyed with a good glass of wine.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)