How in the world have I never read anything by Barbara Delinsky before??
Apparently, she’s written twenty one bestsellers, which makes me very happy since I finished her new novel, Blueprints, in one weekend and now want more.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Caroline MacAfee is a skilled carpenter, her daughter Jamie, a talented architect. Together they are the faces of Gut It!, a home renovation series on local public television. Caroline takes pride in her work, and in the way she connects with the show’s audience. But when she is told the network wants her daughter to replace her as host — the day after Caroline’s fifty-sixth birthday — she is devastated. The fallout couldn’t come at a worse time.
For Jamie, life changes overnight when, soon after learning of the host shift, her father and his new wife die in a car accident that orphans their two-year-old son. Accustomed to organization and planning, she is now grappling with a toddler who misses his parents, a fiancé who doesn’t want the child, a staggering new attraction, and a work challenge that, if botched, could undermine the future of both MacAfee Homes and Gut It!
For Caroline, hosting Gut It! is part of her identity. Facing its loss, she feels betrayed by her daughter and old in the eyes of the world. Her ex-husband’s death thrusts her into the role of caregiver to his aging father. And then there’s Dean, a long-time friend, whose efforts to seduce her awaken desires that have been dormant for so long that she feels foreign to herself.
Who am I? Both women ask, as the blueprints they’ve built their lives around suddenly need revising. While loyalties shift, decisions hover, and new relationships tempt, their challenge comes not only in remaking themselves, but in rebuilding their relationship with each other.
As a 56-year-old woman myself, I found it fascinating to get into Caroline’s head and watch how she dealt with her own fears and desires. I was just as caught up in Jamie’s story, and felt as motherly toward her as Caroline.
Because this is the kind of book you curl up with on the couch, St. Martin’s Press is providing me with a Cuddle In prize package to give to a Midlife at the Oasis subscriber. One lucky winner will receive a copy of Blueprints, a cozy blanket and a popcorn bowl.
For a chance to win, simply leave a comment below. For a second chance, Tweet this:
[Tweet “Win #Blueprints by @BarbaraDelinsky plus a blanket and popcorn bowl! #books #midlife #giveaway”]
Contest ends on June 28 at midnight Pacific time. Winner will be notified by return email, and prizes can only be sent to a U.S. mailing address.
How would you redesign your life?
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Sounds like a perfect beach read to me. I would love to check this book out.
Lesley says
Sounds like a good prize package to win. I wish I had more time for a good book like this.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I have trouble finding time to read, too! It’s hard with little ones.
Maureen says
Looks like a great summer read on the beach. Will check it out.
Tiffany Collins (@Naturalycracked) says
I love reading and was just wondering which books to buy for this summer. Lets be honest nothing is better then a book giveaway with popcorn bowl and blanket? Man I would be set for a couple days:)
Tamara says
Ooh! I’ve read one of her books before and I liked it. Nice to hear about a summer read from her.
Cathy Chester says
This sounds right up my alley and a good summer read. I’m a slow reader but it doesn’t matter. It sounds so delicious slow or fast! Thanks again, Lois, for a wonderful review.
Ellen Dolgen says
Sound like a fabulous book. I shall add it to my summer reading list!
Christine Luken says
This sounds like a great summer read! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Jeanine says
This sounds like a book worth looking in to! I would redesign my life by getting rid of toxic people sooner. No need for them in my life!
Heather says
I have trouble sticking with a book. This looks like a good one!
carol cassara says
I want this book! I need another one so want to win!
Cheryl Nicholl says
Right up my alley! Thanks for the heads-up!
Carpool Goddess says
I haven’t read anything by her either. Thanks for the recommendation. It’s on my list!
Lorane says
I’m already intrigued! This sounds like a great read … I’m interested to know how Jamie juggles her new life and if Caroline will come to terms with everything
Michelle says
That sounds awesome!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Sounds like a great read. One I would have a hard time putting down!
Carolann says
I would love to read this book right now. I think I need to be taken away by it! thanks much it sounds enticing!
Shauna says
You know a book is good if you finish it in a weekend. I could use a book like that about now. I will be sure to check it out. Thanks so much
Priscilla - the wheelchair mommy says
I love discovering new authors. This one sounds great.
Janie Emaus says
This book sounds just like something I’d love!
DEBIJOT says
I don’t think I would redesign my life – I love my life.
DEBIJOT says
https://twitter.com/DEBIJOT/status/611007585639112704
Laura funk says
Looks like a great book and 21 bestsellers!
Carol Bryant says
Ooooh I’d love to read this. I am spending part of July just relaxing and getting caught up on some reading. I’d love to discover this book.
Donna says
This is definitely a book that I would love to read.
Emerald Lavender says
I’m an avid reader and I would love to win this book! 🙂 I like the cover design as well!
Sky says
Sounds like a great read!
Sherry Roth says
I want it! Seems like my perfect summer beach read book.
Laurie Wright says
Love her books–great beach reading! Have not read this one! Thanks for sharing, Lois! xo
Stefany says
I have been looking for a good read this summer. I am going to check out this one!
Julia says
Sounds like a great book! I’d love to check it out!
Jessica To says
I have read most of Barbara Delinsky’s books and love them. I can’t wait to read this one.
Angela says
I haven’t read anything from this author before either. It sounds like something I need to add to my summer reading list. Thanks for the recommendation.
April G says
I’m working to redesign my life right now, trying to be more present, more active and more profitable. LOL. This book sounds good. Adding to my to-do list, if I don’t win.
Krystal says
I could use a new book to read while I lounge poolside! I’m entering! This one sounds good.
Linda says
I’ve never read any of her books before but this definitely looks like a great read!
Amanda Love says
Sounds like a great book and what an awesome prize giveaway as well.
Censie Sawyer says
Always looking for new reads. Added this one to my must read list.
prasert says
i think this looks like a great book!
Stephanie Phelps says
I really need to get this book I am almost done with the book I have in my bag and I know this one sounds amazing!
Stephanie Phelps says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/612261939457183744
fran pillersdorf says
I have loved all her books she is a woderful author!!!
Haven’t read this one yet
Richard Burchard says
This book looks really interesting! Would love to have it. Thanks
DarcyO says
This sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance!
DarcyO says
I tweeted:
https://twitter.com/darcy1956/status/612317417021251584
Maryann Drapkin says
This book sounds like one that I would love to read over the summer and I would enjoy the blanket and bowl also. I would have to think about it for a while as to how I would like to redesign my life!
Maryann Drapkin says
tweet
https://twitter.com/macdrap50/status/612319510775738368
Nancy says
Barbara Delinsky writes beautifully and I have enjoyed several of her books! Would love to win a copy of the latest. thank you!
Ellie Wright says
This sounds like a great book and I’d love to read it.
Ellie Wright says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/612378822202146816
Tabathia says
It has been a few years since I read Delinsky
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/612694081815355392
Julie says
awesome giveaway!
Julie says
https://twitter.com/flippingdancer/status/612794587317465088
Sarah Hall says
This a great giveaway…….a book to read, a bowl for a snack and a blanket to cuddle under…….perfect.