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Lemongrass Hope
A time-bending and unconventional love story about the choices we make and the love that finds us anyway.
"Lemongrass Hope is that fine and fresh thing - a truly new story ... Amy Impellizzeri is a bold and tender writer, who makes the impossible feel not only real, but strangely familiar."
-Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times #1 Best-selling Author, ‘The Deep End of the Ocean'
“A layered, bittersweet romance that questions consequences and explores second chances.”
-Kirkus Reviews
“What a GREAT story … [Amy Impellizzeri] really honed in on a primal longing in this modern-day world that I think is deep within many of us.”
-Amanda Mininger, Author, Touch
“Amy Impellizzeri has crafted a heartbreaking story of choices. Compelling, thought-provoking, and filled with enchantment, Lemongrass Hope takes you through magical waters, and leaves you wondering about your own second chances.”
-Karen Brown, Author, The Longings of Wayward Girls
“Wow. You have to read this book.”
-The Book Club Blog
"Lemongrass Hope is that fine and fresh thing - a truly new story ... Amy Impellizzeri is a bold and tender writer, who makes the impossible feel not only real, but strangely familiar."
-Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times #1 Best-selling Author, ‘The Deep End of the Ocean'
“A layered, bittersweet romance that questions consequences and explores second chances.”
-Kirkus Reviews
“What a GREAT story … [Amy Impellizzeri] really honed in on a primal longing in this modern-day world that I think is deep within many of us.”
-Amanda Mininger, Author, Touch
“Amy Impellizzeri has crafted a heartbreaking story of choices. Compelling, thought-provoking, and filled with enchantment, Lemongrass Hope takes you through magical waters, and leaves you wondering about your own second chances.”
-Karen Brown, Author, The Longings of Wayward Girls
“Wow. You have to read this book.”
-The Book Club Blog
283 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2014
152 people are currently reading
1038 people want to read
About the author
Amy Impellizzeri
10 books267 followersAfter 13 years in the cutthroat world of corporate law, including a decade at the top Manhattan law firm, Skadden Arps, Amy left in 2009 to advocate for working women, eventually landing at a VC-backed start-up company, Hybrid Her (named by Forbes Woman as a top website for women in 2010 and 2011), while writing her first novel, Lemongrass Hope (Wyatt-MacKenzie, 10/8/14), and her first non-fiction book, Lawyer Interrupted, published by the American Bar Association in 2015.
Today Amy is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction, a podcast host, and a frequently invited speaker in writing and transitioning lawyer circles. Her essays and articles have appeared in The Huffington Post, ABA’s Law Practice today, Writer's Digest, Scary Mommy, Grown & Flown, & Drunk Monkeys among more. She is a Tall Poppy Writer, a faculty member in Drexel University's MFA Program, and a past President of the Women's Fiction Writers Association.
For events and news, subscribe to www.amyimpellizzeri.com.
Today Amy is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction, a podcast host, and a frequently invited speaker in writing and transitioning lawyer circles. Her essays and articles have appeared in The Huffington Post, ABA’s Law Practice today, Writer's Digest, Scary Mommy, Grown & Flown, & Drunk Monkeys among more. She is a Tall Poppy Writer, a faculty member in Drexel University's MFA Program, and a past President of the Women's Fiction Writers Association.
For events and news, subscribe to www.amyimpellizzeri.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
October 23, 2024
Lemongrass is the color of optimism.
And hope, is exactly that – something to hope for, believe in.
And this book, gives you all of that – in a very reflective way.
What if you had the opportunity to change your life? Be with that one love – that one person you were meant to be with – or fix the one relationship you are with?
Is time travel real?
Is this really what is happening?
This is what I love about the genre magical realism – it gives you a sense of “what ifs” and “is it possible?”
Yet, as the reader, even we aren’t sure which decision is the best one we want our main character Kate to make.
This book may be about relationships. But, is it romantic memory or reality that tugs at the heartstrings?
As readers, we follow her on her healing journey, and hope that she does what is right for her in the end.
The question is, will her decision be right for everyone else, as well? As well as herself.
But…the true question is… will we be satisfied at the end of this reading journey?
And hope, is exactly that – something to hope for, believe in.
And this book, gives you all of that – in a very reflective way.
What if you had the opportunity to change your life? Be with that one love – that one person you were meant to be with – or fix the one relationship you are with?
Is time travel real?
Is this really what is happening?
This is what I love about the genre magical realism – it gives you a sense of “what ifs” and “is it possible?”
Yet, as the reader, even we aren’t sure which decision is the best one we want our main character Kate to make.
This book may be about relationships. But, is it romantic memory or reality that tugs at the heartstrings?
As readers, we follow her on her healing journey, and hope that she does what is right for her in the end.
The question is, will her decision be right for everyone else, as well? As well as herself.
But…the true question is… will we be satisfied at the end of this reading journey?
December 11, 2014
I feel out in the cold here that I'm the only one that didn't love this book. There really wasn't anything particularly likable about Kate and ultimately Ian was mind-bogglingly selfish. It was also predictable. But I did read it all in one sitting, so that might say something. (It might say I'm procrastinating working on Christmas gift projects. But it might not.)
October 1, 2015
Love, love, love, loved this book! A beautiful love story on so many levels with a hint of magical realism. I'm usually not a huge fan of magical realism but it was so incredibly well done that I think I've changed my mind. The characters were incredibly well developed, the plot perfect and the writing wonderful. I've recommended this book to everyone I know! I will read everything this author writes in the future.
June 3, 2014
This book was absolutely incredible. It was captivating, it was beautifully written, and it was downright extraordinary. I fell in love instantly and as soon as it was over I wanted more. It is a must-read, definitely five stars.
July 22, 2019
I read this book in nearly one sitting. I have become a big fan of magical realism, and though its presence wasn't immediately apparent, the ending packed a surprising punch that left me wondering what I would do in the character's place. Compelling, heartwarming, and unique, it's my second book from this author and won't be my last.
August 28, 2014
Once you pick it up, you cannot put it down. The character exploration and thought-provoking story line pull you through this novel. Beautifully written and an extremely well-told story of love and choices and consequences. A must read for anyone who wonders, "What if?!"
November 8, 2014
Wow. Just a stunning debut from a wonderful writer. LEMONGRASS HOPE is truly a fresh slant on a timeless classic love story that taps into the universal question: did I make the right choice(s)?
You'll meet Kate who immediately I take a shine to--she's a mother juggling two very busy little boys, plus she just happens to share a name with my own daughter--but she's also questioning the direction her life has taken her.
Then there's a myraid of other characters from Kate's past that filter through, along with beautifully drawn rendentions of the sand and sea, so much that you can feel the warmth of the individual grains on the bottom of your feet, the rushing waves. You'll find that each character is authinically and genuinely drawn. They could be YOUR ex-boyfriend, your sister, your husband.
The ending left me a bit perplexed--pleasantly so--in which I have gone back to carefully read the begining. This may indeed be a compliment or complaint, depending on who you talk to. But, in my case--it's a compliment.
If you liked THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE (Audrey Niggenniffer) or WHAT ALICE FORGOT, THE HUSBAND'S SECRET (Laine Moriarty), then this book is so for you. (See my interview of the author at www.leslielindsay.com)
You'll meet Kate who immediately I take a shine to--she's a mother juggling two very busy little boys, plus she just happens to share a name with my own daughter--but she's also questioning the direction her life has taken her.
Then there's a myraid of other characters from Kate's past that filter through, along with beautifully drawn rendentions of the sand and sea, so much that you can feel the warmth of the individual grains on the bottom of your feet, the rushing waves. You'll find that each character is authinically and genuinely drawn. They could be YOUR ex-boyfriend, your sister, your husband.
The ending left me a bit perplexed--pleasantly so--in which I have gone back to carefully read the begining. This may indeed be a compliment or complaint, depending on who you talk to. But, in my case--it's a compliment.
If you liked THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE (Audrey Niggenniffer) or WHAT ALICE FORGOT, THE HUSBAND'S SECRET (Laine Moriarty), then this book is so for you. (See my interview of the author at www.leslielindsay.com)
July 19, 2015
Ok 3 1/2 stars. Can't decide if I liked this book or hated it. Started out as a typical star crossed lovers book but with a whacky twisted ending.
September 8, 2022
This book is a whirlwind and sparks so many different emotions. I absolutely adored it. I loved Kate. this book left me with tears in my eyes but a smile on my face.
August 17, 2015
Lemongrass Hope by Amy Impellizzeri
Is a poignant story of a woman who reflects on her life, marriage, her future and all the what ifs… The main character Kate could be just as easily you, me or your neighbor, There’s something in Kate that will resonate with every female reader. Impellizzeri's writing is excellent and the story unfolds in such a unique way that you find yourself being drawn deeper and deeper into Kate’s character without realizing it.
Some readers didn’t like the ending to LEMONGRASS HOPE—I liked it! I thought it was a bold move by the author. This a unique book-one I’d read again.!
Is a poignant story of a woman who reflects on her life, marriage, her future and all the what ifs… The main character Kate could be just as easily you, me or your neighbor, There’s something in Kate that will resonate with every female reader. Impellizzeri's writing is excellent and the story unfolds in such a unique way that you find yourself being drawn deeper and deeper into Kate’s character without realizing it.
Some readers didn’t like the ending to LEMONGRASS HOPE—I liked it! I thought it was a bold move by the author. This a unique book-one I’d read again.!
August 1, 2016
So many of us feel the tug of romantic memory as we forge through the real-life demands of imperfect marriages, families, and careers. If you've ever yearned for the one that got away to the detriment of your current relationships, read Impellizzeri's impactful story. LEMONGRASS HOPE will seduce you with the kind of romantic tension that makes for a quick read, spin a great yarn as only fiction can, and offer up a climactic twist that will give book clubs plenty to discuss and leave you with much to think about as to the true nature of love and choice.
June 12, 2014
You will love these characters right from the beginning, and you won't be able to put the book down. As you travel through this journey with Kate, her family, and her friends, you will feel the power of fate, destiny, second chances...but most of all...hope.
April 9, 2018
Wow. I could have easily read this in one day if time/life allowed. It was hard to believe this was the author's first work of fiction. The plot was inventive, creative and the writing flowed perfectly...not once do I remember getting bored. I was always eager to find out what happens next. Love-story, engulfed with choices, re-awakenings, connections, love, loss, apprehensions and most importantly, hope. "Life is filled with loss. One choice very often does exclude another.... " and "....Because sometimes you really do have to choose. Clearly. Definitively." As a mother, a wife, a previous working mom, now-stay-at-home mom, the choices we make..."committed to making this life work" I could often relate to Kate. Then there is the Rob vs. Ian debate and all that transpired in those relationships- you just have to read to find out. I really enjoyed this book and could easily recommend it to any of my friends. Makes you think, wonder, appreciate and then...there's that color Lemongrass. I will most certainly think of it differently after reading this.
June 14, 2017
Plan to read this book in one setting. I had started it when my life was too busy, reading a few pages at a time was confusing to me. The other day, I started over and it all fell into place.
We have Kate, a woman questioning whether she should stay in her marriage, questioning if she missed out on the love of her life, (Ian), and questioning what choices she should make with her career. At the heart of it all, are her two sons.
With a time travel twist, the author brings us inside Kate's heart, and the difficult choices she has to make. And the ending? It will rip your heart out!
We have Kate, a woman questioning whether she should stay in her marriage, questioning if she missed out on the love of her life, (Ian), and questioning what choices she should make with her career. At the heart of it all, are her two sons.
With a time travel twist, the author brings us inside Kate's heart, and the difficult choices she has to make. And the ending? It will rip your heart out!
March 30, 2018
Devoured this read in preparation for Ms. Impellizzeri's visit to my library in 2 weeks...and because it is a brilliant literary piece. Kate is so relatable. The love story is compelling & crushing at the same time. The writing flows lyrically. The real draw of this is the magical realism as it is teased, slowly revealed, and then at the right moment pervasive. Kate mentions Life of Pi as a favorite work (one I love as well). Impellizzeri's work is redolent of Martel's work mixed with a verve of The Time Traveler's Wife.
I couldn't put this down! And, I cried because of the searing beauty of the story line. Destiny, choice, loss - yes, all in this & all thought-provoking.
I couldn't put this down! And, I cried because of the searing beauty of the story line. Destiny, choice, loss - yes, all in this & all thought-provoking.
April 3, 2018
WOW! That ending! I felt like I could hear drums, like in the Robin Williams' Jumanji movie at the end, when there is mystery and almost horror in a supernatural, uncontrollable way. Kind of creepy, amazingly unexpected! Before Part III, would have given 3 stars, but the ending is incredible.
August 19, 2015
A book about love, relationships and choices... with a magical twist. The author skillfully weaves this story, in which every decision counts and makes a difference in the protagonist's life. But is each decision definitive? Can we, or in this case, the protagonist, have a second chance? The messages in this novel -- and the book's conclusion -- will remain in the reader's mind for a long time to come. A beautiful, thought-provoking novel.
January 15, 2017
Kate, in a less than satisfying marriage, finds herself with the opportunity to reconnect with an old love. Lemongrass Hope is an unusual time travel love story with twists you won't see coming. Readers won't be able to stop reading as Kate has to make very difficult choices and how fate and destiny play out in her life. My favorite quote is, "love is not ruled entirely by the choices we make, no matter how much we pretend it is so."
April 18, 2016
I wanted to like this book, but once past Part One, written in third person, Part Two and Part Three, written in first person, from the female protagonist's POV, didn't work for me. I did not find Kate an especially sympathetic character, and she became less sympathetic as the story progressed from her POV. I finished the book, and I liked the little twist at the end, but overall, what promised to be an intriguing story would have benefited from tighter, more polished writing.
July 18, 2014
This book is amazing! It's engaging from the beginning. It draws you in and takes you down the path of life - past, present and future. You won't be disappointed. Amy Impellizzeri has a knack for writing about the human condition and I can't wait for this book to be released for everyone to read. Congrats Amy on a wonderful book!
August 28, 2014
This book will immediately take hold and grab you. It will then pick you up, spin you around and around and gently drop you, leaving you feeling utterly enchanted and unable to do anything but wonder, "What would I do?" Lemongrass Hope is one of those rare finds that will stay with you well after you have finished the last page.
June 7, 2014
Wow! A twisty bit you don't see coming which really does make you think… I loved this book, in the beginning I was enjoying it, and then all of a sudden, it was like Woah, engrossed.
September 14, 2014
That damn dress. . .
Lemongrass hope makes you think about that pivotal time in your own life. Choices, decisions and life changing moments. Wow!
Lemongrass hope makes you think about that pivotal time in your own life. Choices, decisions and life changing moments. Wow!
September 10, 2014
A great, original story with loveable characters! Loved it from beginning to end. Highly recommend it!
December 13, 2019
Underwhelmed with this one.
October 17, 2014
I received a copy of this novel from the author, in return for an honest review...
Kate has been married to Rob for ten years and the couple have two beautiful little boys. A lecturer in history, Kate has supported Rob on his journey to become partner in one of America's finest law practices. Cracks, however, are beginning to show in their relationship and while they seem like a perfect family to the outside world, Kate is beginning to doubt decisions she made back in the 1990s.
Sifting through the sands of time, the reader is taken on a journey through love, loss and hope, while all the while standing at Kate's side. Past friends re-surface, new ones become more meaningful than expected and fate has its part to play. Kate questions her role in life and how she can mold her future.
This debut novel from Amy Impellizzeri is full of substance. Subtle changes take on a stronger meaning and things are not what they seem. Rob is the man she chose all those years ago, but was he the right choice? Can Kate settle with her decision and can she forget the past?
I can't give too much of the plot away without spoiling the enjoyment, but I can, with hand on heart, say this is a book to buy.
The writing in this novel is just stunning. Simple, clear and yet powerful at the same time. The characters are beautifully crafted and the tale lingers for days afterwards. Reminiscent of The Time Traveler's Wife and The Notebook, I can honestly say it took me by surprise. I knew nothing of the story, or its author and was not expecting to become engrossed in Kate's life so easily. A novel that make me care about its characters is always a delight and can be hard to find. This moving debut ticks all the boxes for me. Beautifully written, fantastic story, memories intermingled with present time and characters that I wish I could add as friends. I am one impressed reader!
Kate has been married to Rob for ten years and the couple have two beautiful little boys. A lecturer in history, Kate has supported Rob on his journey to become partner in one of America's finest law practices. Cracks, however, are beginning to show in their relationship and while they seem like a perfect family to the outside world, Kate is beginning to doubt decisions she made back in the 1990s.
Sifting through the sands of time, the reader is taken on a journey through love, loss and hope, while all the while standing at Kate's side. Past friends re-surface, new ones become more meaningful than expected and fate has its part to play. Kate questions her role in life and how she can mold her future.
This debut novel from Amy Impellizzeri is full of substance. Subtle changes take on a stronger meaning and things are not what they seem. Rob is the man she chose all those years ago, but was he the right choice? Can Kate settle with her decision and can she forget the past?
I can't give too much of the plot away without spoiling the enjoyment, but I can, with hand on heart, say this is a book to buy.
The writing in this novel is just stunning. Simple, clear and yet powerful at the same time. The characters are beautifully crafted and the tale lingers for days afterwards. Reminiscent of The Time Traveler's Wife and The Notebook, I can honestly say it took me by surprise. I knew nothing of the story, or its author and was not expecting to become engrossed in Kate's life so easily. A novel that make me care about its characters is always a delight and can be hard to find. This moving debut ticks all the boxes for me. Beautifully written, fantastic story, memories intermingled with present time and characters that I wish I could add as friends. I am one impressed reader!
October 26, 2015
Wish I could give this 3 1/2 stars because I think it deserves more than 3 but not quite 4.
I did enjoy the book. It is definitely more about relationships and choices than it is about time travel so don't let that aspect of the story put you off. The main character Kate is having trouble in her marriage. The author does a good job of giving us insight to Kate's life and thoughts. I am sure anyone who has been married for some time has had some of the feelings Kate has had and can relate to her situation on some level.
Through an unusual set of events (hence the time travel aspect), Kate is given a second chance, a do-over if you like. Her choice and its consequences are not as obvious as one would think, leading to an interesting ending.
I must admit that the time travel part had me somewhat confused. However, I was lucky enough to go to a book club where Amy Impellizzeri was there and answered my questions. It was interesting hearing how she came to write the book and her vision of the characters.
I did enjoy the book. It is definitely more about relationships and choices than it is about time travel so don't let that aspect of the story put you off. The main character Kate is having trouble in her marriage. The author does a good job of giving us insight to Kate's life and thoughts. I am sure anyone who has been married for some time has had some of the feelings Kate has had and can relate to her situation on some level.
Through an unusual set of events (hence the time travel aspect), Kate is given a second chance, a do-over if you like. Her choice and its consequences are not as obvious as one would think, leading to an interesting ending.
I must admit that the time travel part had me somewhat confused. However, I was lucky enough to go to a book club where Amy Impellizzeri was there and answered my questions. It was interesting hearing how she came to write the book and her vision of the characters.
November 12, 2014
Yes, I now covet the fictional dress with its hue of lemongrass so exquisite in my mind's eye. This novel is a captivating page-turner. The characters are so realistic they could have walked out of my life onto the page and been woven into this fabulous tapestry which Impellizzeri expertly weaves through a time warping. The finished piece will leave you wrapped up in its iridescent, ephemeral weft with threads of both romance and fantasy. But what makes the fabric truly rich is the sharp accent of realism often absent in a genre of whimsy. The final answer to the universal "what if" as spun through Impellizzeri's fingers, is the profound realization that fantasy never holds its form without the miracle of reality. Enjoy!
August 26, 2015
When I read the last page of this novel, I was truly stunned. It was more than I expected and I loved every bit of it. It has been a few days and I am still thinking about the imaginative way that Amy Impellizzeri told this story. The novel puts forth many questions that probably all of us can identify with about love, romance, time, and even the limitations and wild joys of motherhood. The book doesn't necessarily answer these questions, but the authors deep examination of them will tug on the heartstrings of readers who have ever wondered how life might have turned out if they made one different choice or if they had a second chance to live out a different life. I absolutely loved this novel.
September 17, 2014
Most books move me deeply. I am usually able to make an arbitrary connection to the most mundane character. However I felt this book was written about me, my experiences, the places I've been and, most of all, the emotions I've encountered in my adult life. Reflecting upon it, I think Amy Impellizzeri conveys what, probably, most women go through as we traverse our careers, love lives, friendships, marriages and motherhood. Additionally the imagery is visually stunning, the sand can be felt under your feet, the wine tasted, and your heart will be clenched as you journey through this book. This is truly an all around beautiful, and beautifully written, novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews