Blog Tour: November Surprise by Laurel Osterkamp

November Surprise
written by Laurel Osterkamp          
published by PMI Books

find it here: Amazon, Goodreads

Why did I pick this book: I am a stop on the blog tour hosted by CLP Blog Tours. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)

Did I enjoy this book: November Surprise was an enjoyable read. It was not overly political. I could not see a definite agenda from the author…the character had a definite liberal slant but it wasn’t a beat-you-over-the-head-with-the-author’s-ideals type of slant. I liked that.

The characters were rather diverse. Lucy seemed to lack self-confidence and she was very closed off in her personal life. However, where politics were concerned, she was quite outspoken and passionate. Jack, Lucy’s first boyfriend then best friend, seems laid back and at ease. He looks to Lucy for advice and friendship. Monty, Jack’s older and much more popular brother, is seemingly perfect. He is an attorney, he worked in Africa, and he  has fallen for Lucy. 

There were some funny moments. Some moments that make you happy. Some moments you just want to shake your head at. All-in-all a good read. The end did seem a bit open-ended. Perhaps there will be another book that will continue this story. 

Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book if you enjoy chick lit and politics.

Will I read it again: I will not. However, I will check out her other books.

About the book – from Goodreads: For Lucy Jones, the distinction between love and politics is hazy at best. Both can be all-consuming, and either can lead to a heart-breaking loss or an exhilarating win. Whatever the case, if you’re seen as a loser, you probably are one. Lucy first learns this lesson in 1988, when she’s a shy girl, battling a high school bully and rooting for Dukakis. Through the years Lucy will experience stunning victories and agonizing defeats as she makes the choices that define her. Meanwhile, she also struggles to define her relationship with Monty, who comes in and out of her life like the changes in public opinion. Is Monty simply a one-night stand, a kindred spirit, or the love of her life? And by 2008, can he offer her a change to believe in?

Over the course of twenty years and six presidential elections, Lucy grows and adjusts with the times. Filled with snarky political and pop-culture references, November Surprise is about the journey we take to believe in a candidate, in love, and in ourselves.

November Surprise is a companion piece to Campaign Promises, which is free on Amazon. They can be read in either order. Both have a liberal slant.