From Publishers Weekly
Every now and then, the story behind a book's publication is more interesting than the novel itself. This one was the grand prize winner of a contest held by Morrow, Redbook magazine and women.com for "The Greatest Love Story Never Told," in which contestants were urged to write about their own heartwarming experiences. The La Garennes' prize-winning story was turned into this novel written by Upcher (Falling for Mr. Wrong). It opens in the 22nd year of Nanci and Jimmy's marriage, with the couple sleeping in separate bedrooms and on the brink of breaking up. It is the Christmas season, and as the couple contemplates filing divorce papers, they begin to review their shared history: their early attraction in Brooklyn, shotgun wedding, two children, love and dreams, and the trials that led to the decline in their relationship. In fact, most of the book involves past history, clich‚s clinking all over the place ("He played her like she was a musical instrument, tuning her body until she was rising and falling in rhythm to his every touch"). Short sentences demand nothing from the reader and an overall treacly sweetness makes this an ideal candidate for the '50s magazine column "Can This Marriage Be Saved?" However, the presence of a few contemporary problems including drug abuse may make this tale more timely for readers looking for happy-ever-after endings. (Sept. 18)Forecast: Savvy marketing should bring this uplifting weeper to the attention of romance readers. The combined audience on HarperCollins', Redbook's and women.com Web sites will get sales rolling. That James La Garenne and his wife both entered the contest unbeknownst to each other, and the husband's version won, adds an O. Henry twist to a story made for media exploitation.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Caroline Upcher has worked in film, publishing, and journalism. She is the author of
Falling for Mr. Wrong, The Visitor's Book, and
Grace and Favor. She wrote two novels pseudonymously as Carly McIntyre (
Next of Kin and
Saskia) as well as Naomi Campbell's novel,
Swan. Formerly of London, she now lives in Amagansett, New York.
