Wining and Dining with Sarah Pekkanen...plus a book giveaway

We are thrilled to have Sarah Pekkanen here during our blogoversary month, as she was the first author to reach out to us five years ago to review her debut novel, The Opposite of Me. Since that time, we can't get enough of her. We've read all her books and met her in person. She's funny, easy to talk with, and treats her readers like gold. Since her novels have been given accolades by well-known authors, she has paid it forward by endorsing new authors and even helped us find some great reads as a result. No wonder she was our International Chick Lit Month Hall of Fame choice for 2014!

Sarah's latest novel, Things You Won't Say, takes on a heavier subject matter that is currently relevant, but handles it in a sensitive and unbiased fashion. All three of the women who take turns narrating are easy to relate to and are each sympathetic in their own ways. While I always love Sarah's writing, Things You Won't Say is definitely one of my favorites of hers, next to her debut.

Today, Sarah is throwing a party for her main character, Jamie, who is a harried mom of four (including her "bonus" stepson) and wife of a police officer. Thanks to Atria Books, one lucky party guest from the US will be taking home a copy of this novel. (They'll have to wait until after the party to get it because they won't want to socialize once they get drawn in to the story.) You could also win this book from Goodreads (also US only) and Confessions of a Bookaholic /@jenny_oregan (open worldwide, ends 5/28).

Visit Sarah at her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Who will be there?
Cannie from GOOD IN BED, who is also a mom, who loves food and loves to laugh.
Madeline from BIG LITTLE LIES, because she's a lot of fun and she doesn't hesitate to say exactly what she thinks.
Myron Bolitar from Harlan Coben's series, because he's tall, sensitive, has a great sense of humor, and frankly, these women deserve a little eye candy.

Comfort over couture:
Jamie will probably be in haute Old Navy with some sort of stain on the hem. It's not about the clothes… it's about the conversation and fun!

Straight from Chuck E. Cheese's (since they serve both):
Oh, let's be real. Probably pizza and wine. Busy moms need all the help they can get!

This song will stay in your head all night:
Coldplay's "A Sky Full of Stars" to remind these women how wonderful they really are, warts and all.

What are we celebrating?
Moms night out!

Who needs to go to a spa?!?
Let's treat these hard working moms and hire a manicurist and a massage therapist to come help everyone relax. And of course, a bottle of two or wine will provide some entertainment!

Thanks to Sarah for a relaxing time and to Atria for sharing her book with our readers.

~Introduction by Melissa Amster

Visit the ICLM blog to celebrate International Chick Lit Month some more over there and see who is visiting!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


US only. Giveaway ends May 31st at midnight EST.