In any dilemma, bookshop publicist Tosca asks herself what Ginger Rogers would do—but this may have life-altering consequences where new staff member wealthy Ethan James is concerned
Tosca Tonnino oversees author events at Carter &Co. a small, independent bookshop in a tourist town. Enjoying her independence, a lively social life, and seasonal love affairs, Tosca practices the worldly insouciance embodied by Ginger Rogers, that icon of 1930s 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 is attractive, secretive, sometimes surly, occasionally witty, and fiercely competitive. Tosca finds him generally annoying until one snowy night their romance blossoms. To Tosca’s humiliation, the next morning Ethan thanks her for a one night stand. When Tosca snags a terrific coup—a reading at the store by mega-bestselling author, Lucy Lamont—her glory is cut short. Ethan announces that his old school friend, the author ofa bleak literary bestseller, wants to come on the same date, the idea of the two writers on the same stage is unthinkable. In this intolerable situation: What would Ginger Rogers do? Tosca’s response will alter the rest of her life.
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.
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.
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. -_-
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!