“As these neighboring families blend, the authors do a good job exploring the common ground between African American and Jewish experiences: the characters feel like real people with racial and religious identities that inform their world views, but don’t define them…It’s an impressive feat sure to move romance fans and women’s fiction readers alike.” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
“A sparkling story of unlikely friendship. Marjette is Black and Noa is Jewish, but they find commonalities between their two cultures while also learning about their differences. Marjette’s light and funny voice carries the book in this complex yet sunny read…a must-buy.” – Booklist
From the authors of Tiny Imperfections comes a riotously funny, emotionally real look at race and religion, love and heartache, and the realities of parenting through it all.
Self-appointed fixer of other people’s woes Marjette Lewis is uncharacteristically determined to keep to her side of the driveway when it comes to her flawless neighbor Noa Abrams. Professionally, Marjette has her hands full as she prepares for a new class of kindergarteners and her first year of teaching without her best friend, Judy, as campus “Black-up.” And at home, her son’s budding manhood challenges her expectations, and her vexing ex-husband continues to be a thorn in her side.
But when tragedy strikes Marjette’s street, and an unexpected child shows up on the first day of school with an uncle who has all the class moms aflutter, Marjette is forced to contend with both her neighbor and her own heartache over losing the life she once thought was guaranteed. Through laughter, tears, and the gift of found family, Marjette and Noa navigate the rituals of loss together and discover the strength to remake their lives—whether they meant to or not.
NEVER MEANT TO MEET YOU is a lively, perceptive read that explores race, religion, privilege, education, love and parenting with humor, joy and grace. Best of all, it will remind you of how healing an unexpected magical friendship can be.
We have a marvelous schedule of bloggers who will share features, post reviews and offer giveaways throughout the month October. Follow along to learn more about the book and perhaps to win a free copy!
Saturday, October 1 – SUZY APPROVED BOOK REVIEWS
Monday, October 3 – THE BOOKISH MOM
Tuesday, October 4 – STACY 40 PAGES
Wednesday, October 5 – DANISH MUSTARD READS
Thursday, October 6 – ANDREA C. LOWRY READS
Friday, October 7 – MRS. BOOM READS
Saturday, October 8 – PURRFECT PAGES
Monday, October 10 – NOVEL GOSSIP
Monday, October 10 – THE READING BLACK GIRLS
Tuesday, October 11 – BRIANA’S BEST READS
Wednesday, October 12 – BOOKAPOTAMUS
Thursday, October 13 – SUE THE BOOKIE
Friday, October 14 – MOMMA LEIGH ELLEN’S BOOK NOOK
Saturday, October 15 – TEE’S BOOK JOURNEY
Monday, October 17 – AIMEE DARS READS
Tuesday, October 18 – LEX WITH THE TEXT
Wednesday, October 19 – OH THE BOOKS SHE WILL READ
Thursday, October 20 – TINA MAY READS
Friday, October 21 – THE BOOK LOVER BOOK CLUB
Monday, October 24 – THE BOOK CLUB MOM
Tuesday, October 25 – EXTROVERTED FOR BOOKS
Tuesday, October 25 – READING FOR THE SEASONS
Wednesday, October 26 – SARAH’S BOOKSTACK
Thursday, October 27 – ANGIE OVER BOOKED
Thursday, October 27 – JESS N BOOKS
Friday, October 28 – BOOKIN IT WITH AHTIYA
