November Surprise [Kindle Edition]

Laurel Osterkamp (Author)

Book Description

Twenty years
Six presidential elections
Two brothers
One consuming love affair

For Lucy Jones, the distinction between love and politics is hazy at best. Both can be all-consuming, and either can lead to a heart-breaking loss or an exhilarating win. Whatever the case, if you're seen as a loser, you probably are one. Lucy first learns this lesson in 1988, when she's a shy girl, battling a high school bully and rooting for Dukakis. Through the years Lucy will experience stunning victories and agonizing defeats as she makes the choices that define her. Meanwhile, she also struggles to define her relationship with Monty, who comes in and out of her life like the changes in public opinion. Is Monty simply a one-night stand, a kindred spirit, or the love of her life? And by 2008, can he offer her a change to believe in?

Over the course of twenty years and six presidential elections, Lucy grows and adjusts with the times. Filled with snarky political and pop-culture references, November Surprise is about the journey we take to believe in a candidate, in love, and in ourselves.

November Surprise is a companion piece to Campaign Promises, which is free on Amazon. They can be read in either order. 

*WARNING - the political views expressed in this book are fiercely liberal. If you're a conservative, be prepared for your blood to boil.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Well developed and spotlessly executed... Bravo to Laurel Osterkamp for yet another chick-lit title that charms the reader, and leaves us rooting for Lucy and Monty as if they were friends of our own." -Keri English for IndieReader.com

Product Details

• File Size: 357 KB
• Print Length: 179 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: PMI Books (August 5, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008TWYW0U
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,486 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Just in time for the election August 30, 2012

By star2be

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This was fun. With the upcoming election it was interesting seeing this person's life and love unfold over the past twenty years. It was a total throwback thinking of all the old presidents and the B.S. that went along with them. I remember each of their terms and races and to be thrown back into them so vividly through Lucy's eyes was a really fun story. A great idea, great characters, great story, great book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare treat of politics and romance August 30, 2012

By Brett Carter

Format:Kindle Edition

Just in time for election season, November Surprise promises you a romantic romp through the last several presidential elections. You'll enjoy the struggle as Lucy tries to hold her own in political posturing and romantic relationships.

You'll laugh and get frustrated as you remember the past six presidential elections complete with Lucy's take on the matter. Her trouble with political foes aligns at times with her dating woes. Sometimes the politics gets in the way, and other times romance gets the vote.

Take some time to have an enjoyable read in this surprising novel that makes politics both fun and romantic. Read it all the way through to an election and a romance that both have endings worth campaigning for.

I highly recommend this book. The story by itself is interesting enough, but the writing carries the day with skillful craft including the most believable dialogue, snarky humor, and real identifiable characters. I know you'll like it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars November Surprise August 26, 2012

By DaveS

Format:Kindle Edition

"November Surprise" by Laurel Osterkamp is a delightful trip through the life of Lucy from her teens to her late thirties. I found the use of the four year presidential election cycle as mile stones for her life very clever. It was a good tie in to her political activism which is definitely liberal. Since she mixes her passion for politics with her love life and friendships, it is not surprising that inevitable complications arise. Her youthful naiveté about the consistency of her friends and lovers commitment to her and the liberal causes she champions leads to a lot of disillusionment. As she matures she begins to realize that while she and her friends change and can even disagree on political ideals, human friendships and love can hold and even grow stronger. This realization allows her to grow into a more adult relationship with Monty the man she was destined to marry. The many complications the author places in Lucy's life result in a mature women with the chance for a fruitful and fulfilling life. The book is a very good read with some lessons to be learned in this highly charged, polarized political year.

DaveS

More About the Author

Lots of things influence my writing. My misadventures in my twenties were the starting point for Following My Toes, although I spiced things up A LOT in order to make it an interesting story. Getting married, having kids, teaching high school, and figuring out the sort of adult I wanted to be influenced Starring in the Movie of My Life. Whatever I write, I try not to shy away from characters making tough choices. I believe in finding truth in fiction!