Thursday, March 1, 2012

Pekkanen Until You Puke Month #1: Love, Accidentally - Sarah Pekkanen

I became a fan of Sarah Pekkanen before I ever read any of her books.  You will find her hanging out on Twitter, being friendly and witty.  My trusted blogger friends love her books.  So at the end of 2011, I made a resolution to have a Pekkanen Binge in 2012, and I purchased both "Opposite of Me" and "Skipping a Beat" on 12/31 in time for the TBR Dare.  I made some comment to that effect on Booking Mama's blog, Sarah saw it, and sent me an e-mail, offering to send me an Amazon gift card so I could buy her short story "Love Accidentally". (For the record, this does not count against the TBR Dare because it was a gift!)


OK, now let's be honest.  Who does this?  How totally cool is this?  No wonder Eleanor Brown (author of The Weird Sisters) calls her Sugar Dumplin or some such thing. 


But there is more to the story.  We started a little e-mail dialogue.  I told her that anyone who writes books while sitting at Chuck E. Cheese (true story) gets my vote and forever admiration and loyalty.  That place is my worst nightmare.  She told me she would send me her newest upcoming book "These Girls", so (and I quote) "then can you can binge on Pekkanen until you throw up! And that just may be my new tag line for my books - All the Pekkanen you can read without puking!".  I swear, I laughed for 20 minutes over that one, until my stomach hurt.  I couldn't resist telling you that story.  God love her.


So here is my Pekkanen appetizer.  "Love, Accidentally" is a short story that will give you a sampler of what this fine lady is capable of, and leave you wanting more.  


Synopsis:  Love finds you when you least expect it.  Ilsa Brown never thought she would meet The One while walking through the park, but there he was, with an injured dog, and she a veterinarian.  Romance sparked immediately, and soon Ilsa and Grif are engaged.  On a trip to meet Grif's parents, though, Ilsa discovers that she has stepped into the role of fiancé on the heels of another woman. Is she rebound material or is this the real thing?  She knows she must find out before she walks down the aisle.


My thoughts:  This was a pleasant, heart-warming story.  Nobody dies.  Love isn't swept aside due to misunderstandings.  Sometimes good people find each other and make a future together.  Sometimes it is worth it to take a chance on happiness.  


Pekkanen's writing is warm and familiar, and incredibly easy to read.  It was the perfect warm-up for what is to come.  I will be reviewing my other two December 31st Pekkanen purchases for the next two Thursdays, so stay tuned.


Do I really think I could get too much Pekkanen?  Do I think I could get too much chocolate?  Uh, I think not.


4 out of 5 stars



22 comments:

bermudaonion said...

I really liked this too. I'm hoping Sarah will publish a collection of short stories.

By the way, I've met Sarah and she is a doll!!

Beth F said...

I liked this too (must write up review). Sarah is the best -- you'll love your March reading.

Unknown said...

I love Sarah too. We've been onlime friends for a while I love her books!

Kritters Ramblings said...

I am a huge Sarah Pekkanen fan, I have her new book too and can not wait to read it!! I will be doing a Sarah Pekkanen week in April!

Jenny said...

Haha, I love the title to this month. =) I haven't read any of her books but have been meaning to!

rhapsodyinbooks said...

She sounds like a very fun person in real life!

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

WAIT! You didn't read ALL IS BRIGHT first??? You should have read ALL IS BRIGHT first!! You did the barfing first without the gagging! Hahahah. ALL IS BRIGHT is the preface to LOVE, ACCIDENTALLY, but you'll get them both. Great stories, with same characters. I'm interested in hearing how someone reacts to these novellas when reading them backwards! And fun, fun, fun that you and Sarah met up this way! : )

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

WAIT! You didn't read ALL IS BRIGHT first??? You should have read ALL IS BRIGHT first!! You did the barfing first without the gagging! Hahahah. ALL IS BRIGHT is the preface to LOVE, ACCIDENTALLY, but you'll get them both. Great stories, with same characters. I'm interested in hearing how someone reacts to these novellas when reading them backwards! And fun, fun, fun that you and Sarah met up this way! : )

susieqlaw said...

I recommend reading Sarah's bio on her website. Her bio is the best one I have ever read! You will not puke! However, you might laugh until your stomach hurts.

Ti said...

Is she insane? Writing anything at Chuck E. Cheese is unheard of!

But... that was real nice of her to offer that gift card. I love when authors interact with bloggers.

BTW...the title of this post cracks me up.

Amy said...

LOL the title of this post.

And IA Sarah is totally lovely.

Gina said...

Loving the post title and seriously laughing at the story shared. ^_^ It's nice when the author is accessable, makes getting to know their work THAT much more personal. As for the book, sounds interesting....sometimes a happily-ever-after without the wicked witches and such is just what the reading doctor ordered. Great post...thanks for sharing! Happy reading....

Serena said...

I just adore this post. LOVE IT. Sarah has got to be sweet...I know she'll be at Gaithersburg Book Festival, at least I think so, which I will attend...with or without the hubby and kiddo.

I hope you enjoy your sarah/chocolate and share some with us.

Nise' said...

I read Skipping a Beat and quickly became a fan of Sarahs. I am doubly impressed that she wrote at Chuck E. Cheese. Whoever invented those places....are rolling in it I imagine.

Julie P. said...

Sarah is truly a special woman! I'm so glad that you've finally taken the plunge!

Zibilee said...

I just got a copy of These Girls in the mail the other day, and was so excited, because I have heard such great things about Pekkenen. Not only is she apparently a talented author, but a very nice person as well. She sounds like a tremendously generous person, and I am so thrilled that you liked the book!

Jenners said...

OK … she sounds like the most amazing and wonderful author ever!!!

caite said...

I am feeling a little queasy ..lol

Heidenkind said...

No one dying is always good... ;)

Darlene said...

I picked this one up and hope to read it soon. I have Skipping a Beat as well. I really need some extra reading time! Lol.

JoAnn said...

Love this post! Why haven't I heard of this author???

Kathleen said...

I like the sound of this one. I can use a feel good book like this one from time to time. I read so much dark stuff!