What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?
Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City.
Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.
When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of an elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate? This new novel from award-winning author Lisa Mangum explores what happens after hello.
I originally heard about After Hello when Lisa Mangum attended my November 2011 writers retreat. As writers, we all shared a short blurb about our current work-in-progress. When Lisa first pitched the story, she said, "What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?" I was immediately intrigued. My mind going in all sorts of directions. So many What If's popping up and driving me nuts. How often do we meet someone briefly in our lives who has a big impact on our thoughts, feelings, or choices? Have you ever really thought about it?
I was thrilled when Lisa gave me an ARC of After Hello during the LDStorymakers Writers Conference. I couldn't wait to see how she pulled this novel together - weaving together two lives in just one day. Can I just say Wow! When I think of a one day time limit novel, I usually think suspense/thriller. You have 24 hours to meet our demands or we'll kill the kid. But After Hello is more along the lines of the movie One Fine Day with Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney - only in an interesting YA version.
I loved Sam and Sara and watching their tentative friendship develop into a kindred spirits type relationship. They each have a sad, difficult past that they're trying to work through. During this one day together, they eventually trust each other enough to share some of their deepest feelings. Because after all, they won't see each other again, so what could it hurt if they each unload a bit of the weight on their shoulders? Through conversations, adventures, and a quest to fulfill a rich brat's wants - Sam and Sara grow both in friendship, but also in their own personal journey for peace. After Hello is an emotional novel with unexpected twisty turns. My only question is will there be a sequel where we'll get to learn more about Sam & Sara's journey?
After Hello comes out in September 2012. Sadly, I couldn't find any pre-order links to include, but be sure to mark it in your GoodReads "to-read" file!
