Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway: VINTAGE by Susan Gloss

I've been hanging around the online writing community for almost five years now, and one of my favorite things being involved in this community is being able to follow a book's journey from the query to the bookshelf. I first learned about Susan Gloss's VINTAGE, then titled GENTLY USED, when she entered it in a round of "An Agent's Inbox" several years ago. A few months later, she had an agent and, a few months after that, a book deal. I can't believe it's been two years (though I'm sure Ms. Gloss can), so when her marketing coordinator wanted to know if I'd be interested in reviewing VINTAGE, I couldn't say yes fast enough:)

VINTAGE follows three women--Violet, April, and Amithi--whose paths cross at Hourglass Vintage, a vintage clothing store. Violet is the headstrong owner who's finally figuring out what she wants from life, April is the high school senior who also happens to be pregnant, and Amithi is the stalwart housewife who's spent the last four decades putting her family's needs above her own. But these three intrepid women are more than what they seem, and as they navigate the ups and downs of small-town business ownership and failed and fledgling relationships, they discover just how strong they are--and how much stronger they can be together.

The first chapter drew me in, and the rest of the book delivered on the promise of that first chapter. Violet, April, and Amithi develop a sisterhood that transcends generations and their very different upbringings. When I was a teenager, I read women's fiction almost exclusively, and VINTAGE reminded me of all the things I love about the genre: multifaceted female leads, true-to-life challenges, and sparkling hints of romance.

If you like interesting characters and happy endings, definitely give VINTAGE a read. And to facilitate your reading, the folks at HarperCollins have graciously offered to send a copy to one random winner. To enter, tell me in the comments what your favorite outfit is (or, you know, just tell me that you want to win). Contest closes next Monday, March 31, at 11:59 p.m. EDT (or 8:59 p.m. PDT). I'll select the winner the next day!


In the interest of full disclosure, I did receive a free copy of VINTAGE in connection with this review, but that didn't stop me from giving you my honest opinion about the book.

13 comments:

Susan said...

Krista, I remember the agent contest on this blog. Mother Write Repeat was such a great resource for me when I was querying. Thanks for featuring VINTAGE!

Stephsco said...

I love seeing a book go through its journey; I'm starting to see books I heard about several years ago getting to the published stage. Beautiful cover, too.

Unknown said...

I have a little red dress I wore in my engagement photos - best outfit ever. And I'd love a copy of Vintage. :-)

Unknown said...

I'd love a copy of Vintage, too! And my favorite outfit would have to be my wedding dress, because I inherited it from my mom, and it reminds me of one of the happiest days of my life!

Myrna Foster said...

VINTAGE sounds lovely.

My favorite outfit is more comfortable than stylish. I have a t-shirt with Frankenstein and Scarlett reading GONE WITH THE WIND and FRANKENSTEIN that I wear with blue jeans. I love that the shirt makes people laugh.

Sigal Tzoore said...

Favorite outfit: I always dress as though I'm going out for a hike. Of course, that usually is what I'm going to do. But even for Friday night dinner at my mom's, a family birthday, or a night out at the opera, hiking pants, a wind vest over a light shirt, and my hiking shoes seem to be the preferred uniform. I still enjoy reading about women who like to dress, though. :)

Megan Reyes said...

Ooh, it sounds like a good book for the soul! I'd love to read it. My favorite outfit... Hmm. I'm a basic, jeans and a tshirt girl. Then I'd throw on a cardigan too because I'm a teacher (and ALL teachers wear cardigans, right?), so it only seems fitting.

Hah. Fitting--See what I did there? ;)

HeatherCRaglin said...

My favorite outfit is more comfy than classy. Jeans and a 3/4-sleeve shirt works for hanging out at home or running errands. Oh! And I'd like to win too. Thanks!

Kaizen Fashion Project said...

My favorite outfit is a tank top, blazer and jeans!
heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

Jenilyn Collings said...

I'd like to win! Personally, I am a fan of sweats/pajamas when I'm at home, but when I have to go out, I am a fan of cardigans and jeans. :)

Jennifer Huelsebusch said...

I love vintage clothing but don't wear it. I would love to win!! Thanks for the chance!!
Jhuelsebusch@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

I love anything in black. It looks good on everyone!

Suzy
SuzyQ4PR(at)aol(dot)com

Krista Van Dolzer said...

And that's it! I'll announce the winner tomorrow.