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Afterglow
India Othmar isn’t having a great year. Her husband of thirty-one years has left her for their son’s ex-girlfriend. Her grown children have moved home. Her best friend Eva seems determined to set her up with every oddball in their small Massachusetts town. And her most significant relationship these days is with Cherry Garcia.
But India is more resilient than she thinks. And though it will take a broken arm, a lawn littered with engine parts, some creative uses for shoes, and a scandalous love affair of her own, she learns, much to her surprise, that her life hasn’t ended with her marriage.
But India is more resilient than she thinks. And though it will take a broken arm, a lawn littered with engine parts, some creative uses for shoes, and a scandalous love affair of her own, she learns, much to her surprise, that her life hasn’t ended with her marriage.
- GenresWomens Fiction
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2013
75 people want to read
About the author
Ute Carbone
17 books107 followersAward winning author Ute Carbone pronounces her first name Oohtah, but doesn't spell it that way. She lives with her husband in Southern NH, where she spends her days drinking coffee, eating chocolate, walking in the woods, and dreaming up stories.
There's been a long list of things I've wanted to be. Some of them were fanciful- ballerina, trapeze artist, world class ski racer. Some more serious-doctor, oceanographer, bookstore owner. Some I've actually accomplished- teacher, mother, workshop leader.
I've always loved to read books but for most of my life I never would have imagined myself writing them. Oh, I scribbled. I wrote songs for my guitar when I was a teen. I kept a journal in college. When my children were small, I began to write poetry. I joined a poetry group. I got a few things published. Then, in a writing workshop, I began writing fiction A seed got planted. The stories I wrote got longer and longer until one day I found myself writing a novel. I finished the novel in fits and starts and wrote another one. Then another. Each time, I learned a little more about the art and craft. of storytelling.
Each time, I got to enter a brand new world. Through my characters, I've gotten to be a lot of things, from a shark researcher to an 1850's heiress to a ski patrol woman. Who knows what's next? Writer, it's the perfect job for the girl who wanted to be everything.
PS If you're looking for my romantic comedy, check out Annie Hoff. All my romantic comedy, both the old favorites and some new titles, are now under my new name,.
There's been a long list of things I've wanted to be. Some of them were fanciful- ballerina, trapeze artist, world class ski racer. Some more serious-doctor, oceanographer, bookstore owner. Some I've actually accomplished- teacher, mother, workshop leader.
I've always loved to read books but for most of my life I never would have imagined myself writing them. Oh, I scribbled. I wrote songs for my guitar when I was a teen. I kept a journal in college. When my children were small, I began to write poetry. I joined a poetry group. I got a few things published. Then, in a writing workshop, I began writing fiction A seed got planted. The stories I wrote got longer and longer until one day I found myself writing a novel. I finished the novel in fits and starts and wrote another one. Then another. Each time, I learned a little more about the art and craft. of storytelling.
Each time, I got to enter a brand new world. Through my characters, I've gotten to be a lot of things, from a shark researcher to an 1850's heiress to a ski patrol woman. Who knows what's next? Writer, it's the perfect job for the girl who wanted to be everything.
PS If you're looking for my romantic comedy, check out Annie Hoff. All my romantic comedy, both the old favorites and some new titles, are now under my new name,.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 25, 2013
I loved this story. If you find yourself at more baby showers than divorce parties, this might not be your thing. Lucky for me...it's totally my thing. I love that this author writes about real people with possible stories, but disguises them with humor and intuition. I found myself again thinking, "I totally know these people!" I can't wait for her future offerings! This and Blueberry Truth have two of my favorites in the last 6 months.
August 16, 2014
With three parts humor, one part romance and one part drama, “Afterglow” is as delicious as India’s beloved Cherry Garcia!
Full review in March 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Full review in March 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 20, 2019
Funny and at times hilarious I was thoroughly entertained during the read of this well written romance story. Fast paced the author introduced you to India Othmar, kindergarten teacher and her friend Eva, next door neighbor, business woman and lover of all men. Eva always ready with advice even if it was out of tune, but she made India blush, laugh and enjoy life. Refusing to let her wallow in ice cream and PJ's. Together the two enjoyed life even if India faced a wary time with a cheating husband, and meddling mother-in-law going through the process of divorce, finding a lawyer. Who once was madly in love with her and facing the grown up children Patch and Allie with the truth. Each with their own set of issues creating a enjoyable book you could relax and read in a day.
Patch and Allie both grown ups at the age of 30 and 25 still hanging around the house while India's life dramatically changed. Accepting each other's choices and partners as they struggle through ordinary days.
But when we are introduced to Doctor Mitch Tinker, thirty years old, handsome with beautiful light brown eyes and friend of Patch smitten with the fifty one year old woman. You can prepare yourself for an interesting read. Convincing her he was the best thing that will ever happen to her again. Adoring her, being a very good friend and some times partner in crime.
We meet Red Lansing a pilot who was madly in love with the same woman and you know you have a good story. Mixed with shoes for planters, granite as a romantic gift, kindergarten children and you know you have a winner.
Tom her no good husband who could not make up his mind. Then he wants her back but have no problem getting in bed with his son's ex-girlfriend. The man is simply relentless but at the end India made choices that makes her happy.
The reason for the name of the book. Afterglow. Fitting too this delightful novel I enjoyed immensely.
I really loved all the characters in the book as they became alive. Realistic, feeling I know them and has empathy for India as she faced all the problems, from one night stands to being charge with possession of weed.
A book I can recommend to all Romance lovers with a touch of comedy to keep the book entertaining to the end. With friends like India's you knew she would eventually make the right choices and believe that she too can have another chance at love.
Thanks Ute Carbone for a wonderful story.
Merged review:
Funny and at times hilarious I was thoroughly entertained during the reading of this well-written romance story. Fast-paced the author introduced you to India Othmar, a kindergarten teacher and her friend Eva, next-door neighbor, businesswoman, and lover of all men. Eva always ready with advice even if it was out of tune, but she made India blush, laugh and enjoy life. Refusing to let her wallow in ice cream and PJ's. Together the two enjoyed life even if India faced a wary time with a cheating husband, and meddling mother-in-law going through the process of divorce, finding a lawyer. Who once was madly in love with her and facing the grown-up children Patch and Allie with the truth. Each with their own set of issues creating an enjoyable book you could relax and read in a day.
Patch and Allie both grown-ups at the age of 30 and 25 still hanging around the house while India's life dramatically changed. Accepting each other's choices and partners as they struggle through ordinary days.
But when we are introduced to Doctor Mitch Tinker, thirty years old, handsome with beautiful light brown eyes and friend of Patch smitten with the fifty one-year-old woman. You can prepare yourself for an interesting read. Convincing her he was the best thing that will ever happen to her again. Adoring her, being a very good friend and some times partner in crime.
We meet Red Lansing a pilot who was madly in love with the same woman and you know you have a good story. Mixed with shoes for planters, granite as a romantic gift, kindergarten children and you know you have a winner.
Tom her no-good husband who could not make up his mind. Then he wants her back but has no problem getting in bed with his son's ex-girlfriend. The man is simply relentless but at the end, India made choices that make her happy.
The reason for the name of the book. Afterglow. Fitting to this delightful novel I enjoyed immensely.
I really loved all the characters in the book as they became alive. Realistic, feeling I know them and has empathy for India as she faced all the problems, from one night stands to be charged with possession of weed.
A book I can recommend to all Romance lovers with a touch of comedy to keep the book entertaining to the end. With friends like India's you knew she would eventually make the right choices and believe that she too can have another chance at love.
Thanks, Ute Carbone for a wonderful story.
Patch and Allie both grown ups at the age of 30 and 25 still hanging around the house while India's life dramatically changed. Accepting each other's choices and partners as they struggle through ordinary days.
But when we are introduced to Doctor Mitch Tinker, thirty years old, handsome with beautiful light brown eyes and friend of Patch smitten with the fifty one year old woman. You can prepare yourself for an interesting read. Convincing her he was the best thing that will ever happen to her again. Adoring her, being a very good friend and some times partner in crime.
We meet Red Lansing a pilot who was madly in love with the same woman and you know you have a good story. Mixed with shoes for planters, granite as a romantic gift, kindergarten children and you know you have a winner.
Tom her no good husband who could not make up his mind. Then he wants her back but have no problem getting in bed with his son's ex-girlfriend. The man is simply relentless but at the end India made choices that makes her happy.
The reason for the name of the book. Afterglow. Fitting too this delightful novel I enjoyed immensely.
I really loved all the characters in the book as they became alive. Realistic, feeling I know them and has empathy for India as she faced all the problems, from one night stands to being charge with possession of weed.
A book I can recommend to all Romance lovers with a touch of comedy to keep the book entertaining to the end. With friends like India's you knew she would eventually make the right choices and believe that she too can have another chance at love.
Thanks Ute Carbone for a wonderful story.
Merged review:
Funny and at times hilarious I was thoroughly entertained during the reading of this well-written romance story. Fast-paced the author introduced you to India Othmar, a kindergarten teacher and her friend Eva, next-door neighbor, businesswoman, and lover of all men. Eva always ready with advice even if it was out of tune, but she made India blush, laugh and enjoy life. Refusing to let her wallow in ice cream and PJ's. Together the two enjoyed life even if India faced a wary time with a cheating husband, and meddling mother-in-law going through the process of divorce, finding a lawyer. Who once was madly in love with her and facing the grown-up children Patch and Allie with the truth. Each with their own set of issues creating an enjoyable book you could relax and read in a day.
Patch and Allie both grown-ups at the age of 30 and 25 still hanging around the house while India's life dramatically changed. Accepting each other's choices and partners as they struggle through ordinary days.
But when we are introduced to Doctor Mitch Tinker, thirty years old, handsome with beautiful light brown eyes and friend of Patch smitten with the fifty one-year-old woman. You can prepare yourself for an interesting read. Convincing her he was the best thing that will ever happen to her again. Adoring her, being a very good friend and some times partner in crime.
We meet Red Lansing a pilot who was madly in love with the same woman and you know you have a good story. Mixed with shoes for planters, granite as a romantic gift, kindergarten children and you know you have a winner.
Tom her no-good husband who could not make up his mind. Then he wants her back but has no problem getting in bed with his son's ex-girlfriend. The man is simply relentless but at the end, India made choices that make her happy.
The reason for the name of the book. Afterglow. Fitting to this delightful novel I enjoyed immensely.
I really loved all the characters in the book as they became alive. Realistic, feeling I know them and has empathy for India as she faced all the problems, from one night stands to be charged with possession of weed.
A book I can recommend to all Romance lovers with a touch of comedy to keep the book entertaining to the end. With friends like India's you knew she would eventually make the right choices and believe that she too can have another chance at love.
Thanks, Ute Carbone for a wonderful story.
Read
March 15, 2014Why not write a romantic comedy about a woman of a certain age? Being an (ahem) woman of a certain age myself, the question came to me as a challenge. Most romantic comedies deal with fresh faced young ingenues, but love, romance, and laughter don't end at fifty. Into my imagination waltzed India, a fifty-something kindergarten teacher, who decided she could no longer live with her philandering husband and needed to start over.
Originally, I wanted to write a 'buddy-book', where India's best friend Eva--and who can't use a friend who'll throw a shoe at you if you wallow for too long?--sets her up on a bunch of terrible dates until India, surprise of surprises, manages to find a new romance all on her own.
What I hadn't counted on was Mitch, funny charming Mitch, twenty years younger than India, who walked onto the scene and told me he wanted to be that new guy. "You?" I asked incredulous. "Yup" Clearly, he would not take no for an answer. And so came the rest of the story.
Originally, I wanted to write a 'buddy-book', where India's best friend Eva--and who can't use a friend who'll throw a shoe at you if you wallow for too long?--sets her up on a bunch of terrible dates until India, surprise of surprises, manages to find a new romance all on her own.
What I hadn't counted on was Mitch, funny charming Mitch, twenty years younger than India, who walked onto the scene and told me he wanted to be that new guy. "You?" I asked incredulous. "Yup" Clearly, he would not take no for an answer. And so came the rest of the story.
March 11, 2013
At times funny, at times touching, and always real. We, as the readers, witness India's descent into an ice cream filled depression after her marriage of 30 years comes to an end and then her struggle to find herself in her newfound singleness, and her discovery that maybe life and love doesn't end at 52. The characters in Afterglow are all clearly defined; each with their own sets of strengths and flaws. The story is fast-paced and fun. I couldn't help but be drawn in; silently cheering India on through one adventure (or misadventure?) to the next.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review.
September 14, 2016
I've been looking for lighthearted, fun women's fiction, basically "chick lit" with an older protagonist, and here's a delightful example. India's head and heart are reeling from her impending divorce--the classic scenario of hubby having left her for a younger woman, except this younger woman used to be their son's long-term sweetheart. But now India finds that sparks are flying between herself and her son's friend. This romp through the twists and turns of multi-generational romance is a tasty literary bon-bon, just right for a relaxing weekend read.
May 1, 2017
India's long-suffering marriage is over but is her life? Afterglow by Ute Carbone is a delightful romantic comedy about loving yourself, moving on after divorce and embracing all of life's ups and downs. I loved the character India and her love affair with shoes made me giggle (woman after my own heart). A heartfelt mature romance that had me stitches. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews