Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
I am combining CWW with Books From the Backlog hosted by Carole at Carole's Random Life in Books. This will allow me to feature some newly "rediscovered" books, which I plan on reading, alongside a new release.
This week I can't wait for
Published by Blackstone Publishing on October 24, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne—and her real life husband and high school sweetheart, Anthony LeDonne—comes a new holiday romcom that is sure to warm even the coldest heart.
Katherine, an ambitious NYC attorney, gets diagnosed with a concussion and must be monitored for 48 hours to make sure it doesn’t get worse. Unfortunately, she forgot to update her emergency contact so the person they call is her ex-husband, Tom. Unable to be left alone, Katherine reluctantly agrees to travel to Chicago with Tom for the holidays. But thanks to a blizzard, what should have been a quick plane ride turns into an antagonistic overnight misadventure that stirs up old feelings even as Tom prepares to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve.
A delightful meet-cute between The Proposal and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Emergency Contact is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne.
I recently did the Romance Reader Book Tag, and one of the questions was about favorite authors. Obviously, Lauren Layne made my favorites list, but she was also one of my most read with 33 books on my read shelf. I am a fan of her stories as they are always packed with humor, warmth, friendship, and strong found family vibes. After her last release, Layne made a comment on her website (or in her newsletter?) which made me fear I would not get any new books, so I breathe a huge sigh of relief when I heard about this one.
The premise for Emergency Contact sounds really fun and also hints at a second chance for this couple. I am excited to see how this plays out, but also to experience a co-write from Layne. I have high hopes.
Published by Gallery Books on January 6, 2015
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction
Goodreads
A heart-wrenching debut novel in the bestselling tradition of P.S. I Love You about a young woman with breast cancer who undertakes a mission to find a new wife for her husband before she passes away.
Twenty-seven-year-old Daisy already beat breast cancer three years ago. How can this be happening to her again?
On the eve of what was supposed to be a triumphant “Cancerversary” with her husband Jack to celebrate three years of being cancer-free, Daisy suffers a devastating blow: her doctor tells her that the cancer is back, but this time it’s an aggressive stage four diagnosis. She may have as few as four months left to live. Death is a frightening prospect—but not because she’s afraid for herself. She’s terrified of what will happen to her brilliant but otherwise charmingly helpless husband when she’s no longer there to take care of him. It’s this fear that keeps her up at night, until she stumbles on the solution: she has to find him another wife.
With a singular determination, Daisy scouts local parks and coffee shops and online dating sites looking for Jack’s perfect match. But the further she gets on her quest, the more she questions the sanity of her plan. As the thought of her husband with another woman becomes all too real, Daisy’s forced to decide what’s more important in the short amount of time she has left: her husband’s happiness—or her own?
I have been slowly working my way though Oakley's backlist after being wowed by The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise. This is Oakley's debut. I have no idea what to expect as I have found such variety among her novels, but I see the word "heartwarming", and I am in. I feel like there will be tears given that this is about a wife with breast cancer trying to find her husband's next wife. 😭 I mean, we all know I am a soft touch, but this is emotional for most. Sounds like something I will definitely enjoy.
Let us know in the comments!
I haven't read Lauren Layne for awhile, but this sounds like a good one!
ReplyDeleteI have been adoring all her recent books. Her last release was probably one of my favorites. She always a good read for me
DeleteInteresting that LL co-wrote this one with her husband! He's pretty funny. Years ago he had a YouTube channel and would cook meals or mix cocktails. I enjoyed those. I think he quit his IT job to go into stand-up comedy (If I remember right).
ReplyDeleteI don't know who her husband is, but it's sweet they wrote a romance together. Wow! I had not idea Mr. LL was out there in that way. Look at that
DeleteJust looking at the cover I wouldn't have guessed this is from Layne. I'm curious especially since this is co-written with her husband.
ReplyDeleteLoved Tanner & Louise! Hope you enjoy her debut, too. Looking forward to your thoughts on both stories.
Very different for her. There are usually people on her covers. I ugly cried readying Oakley's book. There was no escaping it
DeleteLauren Layne is definitely enjoyable to read at times. Glad she works so well for you!
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan
DeleteBefore I Go sounds like such a hard read, but I know you love those tear jerkers. Hope it provides plenty of joy, too!!
ReplyDeleteIt was heartbreaking. So. Many. Tears. I did love it
DeleteI read an ARC of LL's book already and LOVED it! I was worried since it's co-written by her husband, but I didn't even notice. I hope you love it.
ReplyDeleteGood to know. Glad you liked it
DeleteEmergency Contact does sound fun.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great concept, and I can't wait to see this couple reunite
DeleteI'm excited for the the Lauren Layne book too. I read somewhere that she cowrote it with her husband so that has me very curious.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea her husband was a writer, so look at that. Kind of sweet that they wrote a romance together
DeleteDamn Before I Go would have me bawling like a baby!
ReplyDeleteSo many tears, and it was rollercoaster I think I was meant to ride with the main character as she came to terms with her impending death.
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