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Published by She Writes Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
Thirty-six-year-old Gabriella Stevens is living a quiet and content fairy tale as a devoted housewife to Simon—just as her traditional Filipino mother has always told her to do—when, after sixteen years of marriage and twenty years together, he tells he wants a divorce.
Simon has been Gabby’s everything since they were kids; without him, her world implodes. But as she navigates her way through the wreckage of the marriage she thought would last forever, she becomes determined to make a life on her own. With New York City as her backdrop, Gabby—single for the first time since she was a teenager—goes back to school, gets her first real job, and faces unfamiliar reality with determination.
Gabby’s life takes another turn when she falls in love with her mysterious but utterly beautiful creative writing professor, Colt. Being with Colt is exhilarating for her—something new, something exciting and beyond understanding. He is almost seven years her junior, and a literary genius. But he is also battling demons of his own: a tragic past that may have made him incapable of love.
Is Gabby destined for another heartbreak—or will her connection with Colt be what unbreaks her?
Simon has been Gabby’s everything since they were kids; without him, her world implodes. But as she navigates her way through the wreckage of the marriage she thought would last forever, she becomes determined to make a life on her own. With New York City as her backdrop, Gabby—single for the first time since she was a teenager—goes back to school, gets her first real job, and faces unfamiliar reality with determination.
Gabby’s life takes another turn when she falls in love with her mysterious but utterly beautiful creative writing professor, Colt. Being with Colt is exhilarating for her—something new, something exciting and beyond understanding. He is almost seven years her junior, and a literary genius. But he is also battling demons of his own: a tragic past that may have made him incapable of love.
Is Gabby destined for another heartbreak—or will her connection with Colt be what unbreaks her?
Product Details
- Publisher: She Writes Press (October 4, 2021)
- Length: 304 pages
- ISBN13: 9781647422042
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Raves and Reviews
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“A woman starts over after the end of her marriage in Gabriel’s debut contemporary romance novel . . . the author’s narrative voice is engaging, and readers will root for Gabby and Colt to find happiness. A sexy and often compelling love story . . . ”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A heartfelt debut, After Perfect depicts a woman’s healing after divorce with grace and empathy. Maan Gabriel is an author to watch in contemporary women’s fiction.”
—Tif Marcelo, USA Today best-selling author of The Key to Happily Ever After
“Maan Gabriel's After Perfect is the story of a marriage and a divorce and the complexities of both. Gabriel explores how cultural expectations may not only inform decision-making but determine it. In clear prose and through vivid scenes, Maan Gabriel shows us this irony—often through relationships, we come to know ourselves.”
—Corie Adjmi, award-winning author of Life and Other Shortcomings
“At once relatable and unexpected, After Perfect is the story of one woman’s quest to learn to live—and love—on her own terms after heartbreak. Maan Gabriel is a refreshing new voice in women’s fiction.”
—Camille Pagán, bestselling author of Don’t Make Me Turn This Life Around
“Maan Gabriel doesn’t shy away from difficult topics in her debut novel. The bravery of her writing shows through in her characters.”
—Harlequin Ever After blog
“I loved the writing in After Perfect! The story is about Gabrielle, who most women will find relatable who is forced to change her life when her husband leaves her. I loved watching Gabrielle's journey with finding herself and looking for love. I think the author showed us something about Filipino culture which was fascinating. This is well written and you will want to keep reading it all night, just to find out how Gabrielle's story ends. Definitely 5 Stars!”
—Leslie Rasmussen, author of After Happily Ever After
“The book is fun, sometimes sexy reading. I loved the cast of diverse, well-drawn characters, the glimpses into Filipino culture and food, the comfort of friendships and family, and the scenes of New York City life. To quote the heroine, ‘Love is someone’s magic,’ and so is this book.”
—Margaret Rodenberg, author of Finding Napoleon
“Gabby has to start over. Insecure and scared, she has to redefine life. When she meets a man who is as unpredictable as he is handsome, it challenges her to find her own strength. A relatable protagonist in a sweet story of second chances.”
—Kerry Chaput, author of My Boring Life and Daughter of the King
“Heartfelt and evocative.”
—Maida Malby, author of Boracay Vows
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- Book Cover Image (jpg): After Perfect eBook 9781647422042
