1 of 2 copies available
A struggling Hollywood producer, Richard Baumbach is twenty-nine, hung-over, and broke. Ridiculously handsome with an innate charm and an air of invincibility, he still believes good things will come his way.
At thirty-three, Elizabeth Santiago is on track to make partner at her law firm. Known as "La Máquina" The Machine—to her colleagues, she's grown used to avoiding anything that might derail her quiet, orderly life.
Richard and Elizabeth's paths collide when they receive a proposal from a mysterious, anonymous benefactor. They'll split a million dollars if they agree to spend at least two hours together—just talking—every week for a year. Astonished and more than a little suspicious, they each nevertheless say yes. Richard needs the money and likes the adventure of it. Elizabeth embraces the challenge of shaking up her life a little more. Both agree the idea is ridiculous, but why not?
What ensues is a delightful journey full of twists, revelations, hamburgers, classic literature, poppy music, and above all love, in its multitude of forms.
"Delightful . . . a page-turning tale brimming with heart." —Booklist, starred review
"Artful and arresting." —Library Journal
"Smart and observant.." —Shelf Awareness
"A romantic tale with a heart and a brain—and a mystery that will keep you turning the pages." —W Magazine
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
November 21, 2023 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9780062391605
- File size: 590 KB
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9780062391605
- File size: 1254 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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March 14, 2016
In Donovan's hesitant first novel, an anonymous donor offers two young strangers $500,000 dollars each if they agree to meet once a week for two hours over the course of a year. Richard is a wannabe movie producer and Elizabeth is an associate on the partner track of a tony L.A. law firm. The author emphasizes their contrasts: Richard is a cool, lean film fanatic who binge drinks and Elizabeth is a smart, no-nonsense, full-figured teetotaler who would rather read a book than socialize. Donovan provides backstory of Richard's "best bud" Michaela, who secretly pines for him; Orpheus Washington, a homeless man whom Elizabeth has taken under her wing; and the eccentric anonymous benefactor. The contrived secret connection between Richard and Elizabeth, on top of a somewhat preachy side plot, results in a narrative that never fully gets off the ground. -
February 1, 2016
Richard Baumbach and Elizabeth Santiago have never met, yet a mysterious benefactor offers them each $500,000 to spend a minimum of two hours a week together for a year. Superconservative Elizabeth, known around her law firm as "La Maquina" (the Machine) for her work ethic and billable hours, is skeptical to say the least. She has issues owing to a "rough patch" years ago that she won't discuss. Ladies' man Richard sees nothing wrong with the plan; he could use the money to help launch his L.A. production company. Eventually, they are both on board but wonder how they will fill those two weekly hours over 52 weeks. Not so thrilled is Mike (Michaela) Kim, Richard's college girlfriend who broke up with him right before graduation but is now also in Los Angeles and is Richard's best bud (to her regret). And who is the secret philanthropist who set it all in motion? VERDICT Debut author Donovan takes what might have been a derivative tale and colors it with poignancy and self-discovery. Readers will likely forgive the too-easy denouement after appreciating the artful and arresting writing. For most readers of contemporary fiction. [See Prepub Alert, 10/26/15.]--Bette-Lee Fox, Library Journal
Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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