The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

Welcome to the blog tour for Susan May Warren’s latest novel, The Shadow of Your Smile. I’m thrilled we get to go back to Deep Haven for this one. Love that series! Read on for contest info.

First, the summary:

A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage. After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember? Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future?

And now, my review:

One of the things I love about Susan’s writing is how varied it is. She writes historicals, thrillers, and contemporaries. But you’ll find a variety of characters, settings, and plots. It’s as if she brainstorms with each book and tries to figure out a new way to avoid climbing into any literary boxes. The Shadow of Your Smile was no exception. Filled with a cast of characters at different points in their lives, this story kept me engaged throughout. It’s not just Susan’s plots that hook me. It’s her prose and her romance. This book had plenty of romance, and not just formulaicly so. We followed a middle-aged couple through a very rough patch, bringing hope back into their pain-filled relationship. We also tracked a young couple reunited after their high school years.

Hope is a theme in that aforementioned relationship, but it’s also evident in Noelle’s life as she comes to terms with an unusual take on a midlife reevaluation. Her memory’s patchy, but she recalls always wanting to be a painter. So, what happened? And how did she end up in this older woman’s (larger) body? She has to come to terms with what derailed her, and decide if it’s too late to pursue her dreams. And then there’s the stranger calling her his wife, which plot element Susan handled very believably. Loved being in Eli’s point of view. Very realistic and layered. And just in case middle-aged heroes and heroines aren’t relatable for younger readers, the musician and her high school crush are very well written as well. Loved all the musical jargon. It was fun to find out Susan borrowed from her talented daughter.

Another great read from Susan, and definitely outside the mold, not that this author has one.

Highly recommended.

And now, the contest information:

Come Back to Deep Haven and Win a $200 Visa Card from @SusanMayWarren!

Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand alone story.

Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)

• The entire set of Deep Haven Books 

The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.