Lara Avery

Explores grief with humor and warmth… The concept is fresh and the voice full of heart.

Publishers Weekly

…Lighthearted and profound at the same time. I flew through this book and loved every page.

Meg Mitchell Moore, author of Vacationland and Summer Stage

…It speaks to Avery’s skill that the novel soars from this implausible beginning. While there is romance and there is humor, this is not (as it might first seem) a meet-cute rom-com. It’s a story about grief, and about finding a way to move ahead after a traumatic loss — even if ‘moving ahead’ might not mean what you think it does.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Synopsis:

Robin Lindstrom spent her first year as a young widow cocooned in the safe haven of the Minnesota farmhouse she’d once shared with Gabe, the love of her life. But her world is turned upside down when she receives an email informing her that her late husband has enrolled her in a dating service. The app subscription lasts 12 months; use it!, Gabe’s message-from-the-grave reads. I don’t like the thought of you being alone. If you won’t do it for yourself, do it as a favor to me. Please.

And so Robin tentatively takes steps to put herself out into the world once more, even if it means awkward outings at bowling alleys, club-hopping with DJs she meets online, and stammering conversations at dinner. Along the way, she’s surprised to find herself meeting new people, trying new things…and even getting to know a new version of herself. Because everyone deserves a second chance at love—and loving life.

William Morrow & Company