ISBN: 9780758294357
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: 3/31/2015
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 4 Stars
“Sweet, surprising…will be relatable to anyone who has ever taken a chance on love—with all its complications.” --Sarah Pekkanen, international bestselling author
Razor-sharp and thought-provoking, Lindsey J. Palmer’s incisive new novel both celebrates and skewers modern relationships and their milestones, offering a witty and wise look at what it takes to commit—to love, to a home, and to the life that’s right for you.
After three years of dating and trading nights at their respective New York City apartments, Emma Feit and Nick O’Hare are moving in together. Or they will be, as soon as they find the right place. For two happily-in-love professionals—Nick’s a teacher, Emma tutors college-bound teens—with good credit and stellar references, how hard can it be? As it turns out, very—in ways that are completely unexpected.
Suddenly Emma is filled with questions about cohabiting, about giving up her freedom—not to mention about who’s going to clean the toilet. And while her best friend plans a dream wedding to her wealthy fiancé, and her older brother settles into suburban bliss, Emma must figure out what home means to her—and how on earth to get there.
My Review
A special thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
IF WE LIVED HERE, by Lindsay J. Palmer, is a witty, sharp, contemporary portrayal of friendship and love –a thirty something couple diving into the complications and trials of living together in New York.
Emma 30, and Nicholas 34 set out with cautious optimism to find their first joint domicile. After three years of dating, they decide it may be wise to pull together and get one apartment. As Emma begins fantasizing about the perfect home on a budget, possibly maybe a small studio— she never dreamed of two walk in closets, a dishwasher, ample counter space, and a killer view. Possibly, a brownstone in Brooklyn? It thrilled and frightened her at the same time.
Nick is a teacher and Emma tutors high school students through their college application process. They have good credit and references surely they can find the perfect spot to start their life together, after all they are in a committed relationship.Are they ready to move in together?
Would the pros of cohabitation outweigh the cons of forfeiting their freedom? What about spending all the time together and how it would affect their sex life? If they broke up, who would sleep on the sofa until they rode out the lease and who would clean the toilet? What about storms of nature and life? Is their relationship strong enough to handle what comes next?
“Just how you imagined our shacking up together right? Exactly, you know we could get some cats and a few creepy knickknacks and open and bed-and-breakfast. We already have the musty smell and the rotting furniture."
Emma and Nick’s Ramshackle Paradise
Emma and Nick’s Storm-Ravaged Haven
Emma and Nick’s Waterfront Wasteland
Emma and Nick’s Happy Home
A witty, fun, and entertaining chick-lit- a realistic approach at modern day relationships. The drama continues as Emma’s best friend plans her dram wedding and her older brother settles into suburban life, while Nick and Emma is faced with the issues of a real and grown up world. If you enjoy Sarah Pekkanen, and Jennifer Weiner, you are assured to fall in love with Lindsay J. Palmer’s style and IF WE LIVED HERE –whether moving in together, or marriage, an inside look at what it means to SHARE.
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About the Author
Lindsey J. Palmer has worked as a magazine writer and editor at Self, Redbook, and Glamour. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she earned a Master of Arts in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and now teaches A.P. Literature and Creative Writing at NEST+m in Manhattan. Lindsey lives in Brooklyn.
Her first novel, PRETTY IN INK, is a sharp, fun satire of the world of women’s magazines. Lindsey's second novel, IF WE LIVED HERE, upcoming on March 31, 2015. Website Twitter @lindseyjpalmer
