What Would Ginger Rogers Do

by Caitlin Raynes

Tosca Tonnino oversees Author Events at Carter &Co. a small, independent bookshop in a tourist town. Tosca enjoys her independence, a lively social life, and seasonal love affairs. She practices the worldly insouciance embodied by Ginger Rogers, that icon of Thirties’ cinema. In any social or romantic dilemma, Tosca asks herself: What would Ginger Rogers do?

A new hire comes to the bookshop under mysterious circumstances. Ethan James, an East Coast import from a wealthy family, is attractive, secretive, sometimes surly, often blunt, occasionally witty, and fiercely competitive. Tosca finds him generally annoying until one snowy night when, thrown unexpectedly together, their romance blossoms. To Tosca’s humiliation, the next morning Ethan thanks her for a one night stand.

Tosca’s personal life that winter tumbles from bad to worse, but professionally she snags a terrific coup. Lucy Lamont—author of the mega-bestselling series of saccharine Shannonville novels—invites herself to do a reading at Carter &Co, June 12th. Tosca’s boss and colleagues are thrilled, but her glory is cut short. Ethan announces that his old school friend, Win Jefferies, author of Body Electric, a bleak literary bestseller, a novel of addiction, rehab and suicide wants to come there too. June 12th.

These two towering egotistical writers on the same stage? Unthinkable! But the elderly, eccentric owner of Carter &Co thinks they will be wonderful. Appalled, Tosca protests to prevent this disaster; she lies, cries, swallows her pride, all to no avail. The day of reckoning approaches.

In this intolerable situation: What would Ginger Rogers do? Tosca’s response will alter the rest of her life.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2015

Reviews

[David Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful read. My first impression on finishing was that the synopsis hadn't told all, that there was so much more, but... no, it is all there but just hinted at. This is a second coming of age tale, a taking stock of a life that had already been through this reflection before. Lovely characters, even the baddies, and some delightful twists. Oh, and a first... chick-lit that had me reading too late into the night... I must know what happens next!

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I have to disclose that I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel mixed about this book. There were parts I enjoyed, and parts that jarred. I enjoyed the relationship between Tosca and Ethan - rather typical chic-lit fare. And the sense of place in the Pacific North West was good. But the whole ' What would Ginger Rogers do?' theme felt gimmicky and forced. Also, the rather random Tosca/Carmen storyline felt like it had been parachuted in from another book. It didn't add anything to the rest of the story and it concluded very quickly.

All in all, a promising story but could have been edited better.

[Dramatica Darmody · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a great title for such a classless book.
None of the characters are even a little bit likable, nor relatable.
The name Tosca is not a pleasant name to have to hear over and over again, and the word "flinget" was just plain irritating.
I found the story mildly interesting, though the extended bits about the Toninno family were unnecessary and the last 4 chapters really drag on.
Some of the phrasing was a bit off to me, it seemed almost British.
And do NOT listen to the audiobook, the narrator doesn't know how to read. -_-

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If u want a light, uncomplicated, well written book this is the one for you! Couldn’t put it down 😊

[Tiina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had an interesting set-up and the story developed nicely. The main character was not stupid, and I enjoyed learning what Ginger Rogers would have done in the various situations!

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, summer escape-type read. Nicely written.